Guyana Times Daily - September 6, 2015

Berbice Bridge Company sustains

1.5B in accumulated losses

– Govt introduces “water taxis” even though dialogue continuing with company – NEW GPC INC and QAII’s Directors on BBCI Board resign

Govt undermining parliamentary democracy – PPP

As out-of-control crime spirals

Govt briefed on petroleum sector management

Govt justifies firing REOs

One dead, three injured during shootout in Albouystown $20M heist allegedly committed outside Princess Casino Gunmen invade Town Clerk’s home Vendor hospitalised after collision with private car

60-yearold man remanded for attempted murder

US$300,000 deal inked to construct wastewater treatment plant

Oil deal with T&T will not replace PetroCaribe agreement Strike at Uitvlugt Estate… Parties agree to end strike, revised payments still to be set

saturday, september 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, september 5, 2015 |

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: September 5 – 09:30h-11:00h and Sunday, September 6 – 10:55h-12:25h.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 5 – 10:30h and Sunday, September 6 – 12:00h-13:30h. Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily.

FERRY SCHEDULE

WEATHER TODAY

High

Berbice Bridge Company sustains $1.5B

in

accumulated losses at 2014

– NEW GPC INC and QAII’s Directors on BBCI Board resign

espite suffering accumulated losses of G$1.5 billion in 2014, the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) has neither accepted nor rejected the subsidy proposed by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to cover the loss to the company from lower tolls.

According to a release from the BBCI, it is under threat of insolvency unless it can restructure its financing and to date, it has never declared or paid any dividends to any of its ordinary shareholders. Guyana Times was told that the company must either reduce its cost or increase its income to remain feasible. Presently, the income is its bridge tolls and its main cost is interest on debts.

Government and the BBCI recently began clashing over prices for the bridge tolls, with the Administration trying to fulfil its campaign promise of ensuring there are lower tolls for commuters utilising the Berbice River Bridge and the BBCI trying to ‘stay alive’.

To date, no agreement has been made between the two and although the Government had announced publicly that from September 1 lower tolls would take effect, this is yet to be realised.

In the subsidy proposition by the APNU+AFC coalition to cover the loss the company would incur if it were to lower bridge tolls, the BBCI is contending that its financial dilemma requires a long-term arrangement that would enable a refinancing of its debt with creditors.

“BBCI cannot restructure its financing unless it can present to its creditors and investors, a stable and profitable projection of the company’s financial position over many years to come… We have always recognised that an increase of tolls would be burdensome on the bridge commuters and therefore proposed an alternative to the Guyana Government in May 2014, and made a supporting presentation to Cabinet in June 2014. The alternative proposed by the BBCI was to

increase the concession period from 21 years to 50 years thus smoothing out cash flows over a longer period,” the Bridge Company stated.

This would allow creditors and investors alike to benefit from the added security in BBCI’s projected profitability and improved cash flow position under the extended period. Such a move would result in the BBCI having the opportunity to restructure its financing and lower its costs thus restoring viability.

It was further explained that the lower costs would result in lower tolls without Government subvention.

However, the country went to polls before this matter was resolved and when this initiative to extend the Concession Period failed, the BBCI, in order to maintain its viability had no other option by to apply for increased tolls as per the toll formula and Concession Agreement.

“BBCI did so reluctantly in March 2015, some 10 months after it notified the Government of Guyana of the issues facing the Company (May 2014). Under the Concession Agreement, the Guyana Government has no authority to lower the tolls without the consent of the BBCI…”

The company’s release went on to say that it penned a letter to President David Granger on May 18, 2015, stating that it had taken note of his party’s campaign promises to lower the tolls and that the

BBCI was availing itself to have discussions with the Administration.

Public Infrastructure

Minister David Patterson, on June 11 wrote the Company stating that his Government had retained the services of Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants to examine the financial position of the BBCI and to propose modalities and mechanisms provided in the law and various agreements to reduce its tolls.

According to the BBCI, it responded affirming that it was willing to work with the Administration to achieve any goal which may be of benefit to Guyanese.

Subsequently, the BBCI furnished Ram and McRae with all of the information he requested, which it could legally provide.

Guyana Times understands that the Bridge Company did not hear from the Government until August when it was invited to a meeting with Finance Minister Winston Jordan. The meeting was to be held on August 12.

“By then, the Government had already made several public pronouncements and had unilaterally announced new tolls, inclusive of an implementation date of September 1, 2015. BBCI had prior to this meeting, only heard and read of these new tolls and their implementation date via the media. It was never officially informed of the proposed new tolls prior to the meeting with the Honourable

Minister of Finance,” the BBCI release explained. At the meeting between the BBCI and the Administration, Finance Minister Jordan then apprised the Company of the Government’s already announced public position.

This newspaper was told that the Company then reminded Minister Jordan of its financial predicament, the toll formula provisions of the Concession Agreement, the application for increased tolls as a result of the aforementioned circumstances, and of the proposed alternative of increasing the Concession Period.

However, on August 13, Ram and McRae wrote BBCI proposing a simple subsidy applied to the existing tolls but this subsidy did not address, postpone or solve the problem of the threatening insolvency of the company.

“In the letter, the Government’s representative acknowledged BBCI’s request for discussions to take place on the proposed extension of the Concession Period… The proposal did not address the fact that the toll formula dictated an increase in the toll, to ensure the solvency of the bridge company… BBCI therefore counter-proposed to Government its earlier position that instead of paying subventions at taxpayers’ expense the concession period could be extended from 21 to 50 years,” the Berbice Bridge Company noted.

Editor(ag): Michael Younge

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

How credible is this social cohesion plan?

When a Government engages the people in a five year plan to promote social cohesion, it is expected that the necessary preparations and groundwork would have already been done to muster the much needed support and trust from the population. This however, is not the case of the Government of Guyana which set out in the very first days of its mandate on what has been described as a "witch hunt" which continues to date, with the firing and replacement of State employees and contracted workers due to their claimed political affiliations. Ethnic and gender bias, whether consciously or not, define the composition of State institutions and Government positions. Those who suffer from losing their jobs are principally Amerindians and Indo Guyanese. Men dominate the political power positions.

The launch of the arbitrarilynamed Social Cohesion Roundtable at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, saw in attendance members of the civilian society, the diplomatic community, as well as international organisations and Government. There were small cultural groups of Amerindians, Afro Guyanese, Chinese and East Indians, all evidently hand picked. However, these groups, despite representing our cultural diversity, do not necessarily represent the interest of the constituencies on the ground.

The composition of the roundtable, comprised as it was, of members of the diplomatic community who are perceived by the representatives of some 49 per cent of the electorate to have been biased in their rejection of a recount of the May 11 Election ballots was also not felicitous . The role of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a donor member is also questionable considering the silence in face of several accounts of violation of FPIC under this Government and the halt of the Amerindian Land Titling Project to which it is a partner entity. Some also question the ethics involved in the recruitment process of the UNDP which sees most of its staff hired as not representative of Guyana's ethnic diversity.

One cannot expect that a social cohesion plan be successfully implemented and accomplished by actors who are insensitive to the diversity and particularities of the Guyanese society, as well as to the sociopolitical context of the country and its historical background. This Government however, has chosen through its first policies to ignore these particularities and our ethnic diversity, before leading the population into a programme which while facially laudable , was ineluctably undermined.

Such a plan means nothing if the pillars of social cohesion are not upheld, including social mobility and capital, where the State increases accessibility to fundamental socioeconomic rights, including employment, gender equality, social welfare or sustainable fiscal policies, such as viable tax reforms and green initiatives. However, in the space of three months, this Government has negatively impacted each of the aforementioned. Over two thousand were laid off from the public sector, the future of the LCDS remains undetermined, women are marginalised in State institutions and social benefits are being cut, such as cash grants to parents and Amerindians as well as subsidies to pensioners.

A forum where all segments of the population cannot participate freely and openly does not help in advancement of national social cohesion, which in Guyana, cannot be disjunctured from the factor of ethnicity. The Government’s social cohesion plan must afford Guyanese in every region, and from all social, political and economic background, to have a voice. Yet, the facially discriminatory policies of the Government might lead one to believe that it has little regard for the voice of Guyanese and the image it promulgates. Paradoxicalły, this Government has overlooked one of the basic principles of social cohesion, which is as Alexis de Toqueville qualified it, social connectedness.

Announcing that ethnic discrimination in Guyana is not practiced would not cause it to end; on the contrary, it will widen the existing cleavages in our society. Asserting that firing 1972 Amerindian Community Support Officers is not discriminatory doesn’t mean that the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent was not violated. Electing only one Indo - Guyanese woman to head a Ministry among three female Ministers and six junior Ministers is not cognizant of the goal of social cohesion.

Subsequently, before this Government unrolls its social cohesion plan, it should demonstrate to Guyanese its sincerity in wanting to attain national unity though its actions not just words.

Celebrating our first peoples

Wither Consultation in APNU/AFC Govt

Dear Editor,

At page 12 of their manifesto, the APNU/AFC committed to “… building inclusive, responsive and accountable governance … restrict or regulate Government intervention in political, economic and moral matters affecting the citizenry”. Similarly and long before their joint manifesto, these two (2) political parties, while in Opposition, championed the cause of consultation, advancing at every convenient opportunity, the virtual truism that a consultative democracy is an indispensible cog in the wheel of economic and social progress in any society. Article 13 of the Constitution was a popular hymn in their song book, as they propagandistically sang the mantra of consultation. It provides:

Article 13 “The principal objective of the political systems of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organizations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being”.

In Government, the political sophistry has continued. In his Budget speech, the Minister of Finance, under the heading “Governance” at page 55, commits that his Government will govern “… in a transparent; efficient; inclusive and decisive manner; paying due regard to respecting and upholding the rule of law and the rights of all the citizens of Guyana”. However, the reality is

quite different and the absence of consultation and inclusivity in Government is most pronounced. Several ministries were renamed and new ones created without a word of consultation; the Guyana Convention Centre was renamed, again, there was no consultation; ceremonial independence activities and the hoisting of our National Flag which took place at the National Park for the last forty-eight (48) years, were moved to other venues without a murmur of consultation; fifty-seven (57) national award were conferred without any consultation whatsoever; regional budgets were prepared by central government with no consultation with or input from the regional authorities; a Registrar and Deputy Registrar of Lands were appointed but there was no consultation or input from the Guyana Bar Association, Guyana Women’s Lawyer Association or Berbice Bar Association; a Constitution Reform Committee was established, again, there was no consultation with the aforementioned lawyer associations or indeed anyone else; move is a foot to regulate the media without any consultation whatsoever with the Guyana Press Association or anyone else; flags have been selected for each administrative region without any consultation, nationally or even with the regional authorities; persons have been appointed to state boards without any consultation whatsoever; indeed, the persons themselves were not consulted. So, Adrian Anamayah MP, read in the newspapers that

he was appointed as a member of GUYSUCO Board of Directors. No one spoke to him about it hitherto. Three (3) persons were appointed to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) as representatives of the Rice Producers Association (RPA), as is required by the GRDB Act, but neither the RPA nor these persons were consulted. Two (2) persons were appointed to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority Board as representatives of the RPA. These persons ought to have been nominated by the RPA, in accordance with the Drainage and Irrigation Act. Neither these persons, nor the RPA was consulted and they were certainly not nominated by the RPA, as the law requires. Policy and programmatic changes vital to the very existence of the Amerindian village economy were made but not a word of consultation was held with the Amerindians or their representative organizations.

The above recitation, though exhausting, is by no means exhaustive. However, it presents irrefutable evidence that this administration has demonstrably displayed a shocking proclivity to govern, not consultatively as promised, but in accordance with their idiosyncrasies, whims, fancy and political caprice. Perhaps, the posture adopted by the Prime Minister during the business of the recently concluded Committee of Supply best exemplifies the position of this administration in respect of consultation.

In relation to budgetary allocations for the newly es-

tablished constitutional reform outfit which he has established, I asked the Prime Minister whether he held consultations before he established this outfit. He said yes. I then specifically asked if he consulted with the Guyana Bar Association, the Guyana Women’s Lawyer Association and the Berbice Bar Association or any civil society organization. He said no. Puzzled, I then asked, with whom he consulted. The Prime Minister sheepishly said that he consulted with his cabinet colleagues!

It is evident that this Government considers consulting with and by themselves as an acceptable form of consultation when every rational mind understands consultation to connote an engagement with a person, body or organization that is extrinsic and not intrinsic. I recall as a child, listening on the radio to Prime Minister Forbes Burnham answering questions about his decision to launch the doctrine of party paramountcy on the Guyanese nation. Mr. Burnham resolutely maintained that he held consultations. The question was specifically asked, with whom he consulted; Mr. Burnham promptly answered “I held long consultations with the leader of the PNC”. He was both. Forty (40) years have passed. The PNC is back in Government under a changed name, but their concept of consultation remains unchanged.

Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law

There

will always be

cries of marginalisation in Guyana

Dear Editor, I refer to Freddie Kissoons article, “What about a Black Guyanese Entrepreneurial class?” and Ravi Dev’s piece, “We cannot avoid a discussion on marginalization in Guyana”.

The evolution of the Indian business class has its genesis in the sugar plantations of British Guiana. My business has taken over 177 years to reach where it is today and it still is a work in progress. It was started on the sweat sacrifices, discipline and vision of my fore parents 177 years ago and is today being sustained on the very same sweat, sacrifices, discipline and vision on my part.

In our society, marginalization is more a matter of perception than a reality – maliciously used by political parties to appeal to their ethnic support bases. If however, marginalization is more real than perceived then surely it can be measured. What then are the yardsticks used when measuring marginalization? Are the terms “ethnic balance” and “marginalization” the same? Certainly not in the Guyana Police Force of which I was a member. I know of no restrictions which existed then nor of any now designed to prevent Indians from enlisting to serve in the force. Nor are there any in the business serving to discourage or hindering Afro Guyanese from owning businesses. Therefore, once nothing is being done intentionally and deliberately, as an act of Economic sabotage against the Afro Guyanese driven by political or ethnic motives, then their cries of marginalization is akin to putting up smokescreens to mask their inabilities to grasp the opportunities which abound on a playing field which by all means and intent, has been and still is pretty level.

Careful analysis would show that the ethnic imbalance in the Guyana Police force and in the Business sector has been in existence long before the PPP/C Government took office in 1992. Twenty-three years after Afro Guyanese still outnumbered Indians in the force. What is the desired end result of wanting or having an ethnically balanced police force? The question is, Ravi, why not a police force which is founded on professionalism and integrity regardless of its ethnic configuration? Or are we prepared to sacrifice professionalism and integrity in our quest for ethnic balancing?

Which brings me to Freddie’s take on the need for black entrepreneurial class. In a country such as ours, a very thin line separates affirmative actions, from racial discrimination when tackling marginalization, whether perceived or real. Can this be achieved without the resultant cries of racial discrimination from the five other races? Why should we do this? Any attempt at affirmative actions, as well intentioned as they may be, must be carefully considered. Put another way, we must not in our quest to “beef” up the “pork” industry, “fish” up the “chicken” industry.

However, if affirmative actions have to be taken to strengthen the presence of Afro Guyanese in the field of business, how do we accomplish this? Do we just take

from those who now have and give to those who we feel should have more? Do we operate like a modern day Robin Hood or do as Idi Amin did in Uganda, or Robert Mugabe did in Zimbabwe? Or do we institute policies which are designed to discourage Indian Investments whilst Afro Guyanese businesses are encouraged and helped? Will whatever action taken lead to sustained economic development of Afro Guyanese as a collective or just to the enrichment of a selected few? Where does this leave our Amerindian brothers and sisters and persons of mixed ethnicities? Do we deliberately marginalize one group the other races in order to demarginalize another?

In a free market economy as ours, there is only so much that any government should be allowed to have control over, or at least have a say in ethnic balancing in awarding of government contracts, ministerial and state boards appointments and the appointment of REO’s to name a few. Also, no Government should be able to determine that equal numbers of Indo and Afro Guyanese children must be in the top ten at the NGSA, etc. This can only be determined by the degree of hard work and the amount of sacrifices that individuals are prepared to put in and make.

In a racially polarized country as ours, claims of racial discrimination and ethnic favoring may only be avoided if any action aimed at alleviating the suffering of the blacks or the ethnic balancing of Afro Guyanese, is initiated by an Indian President (and only from) a party which derives the majority of its support from the Indian population and vice versa. It is my belief that there will always be cries of marginalization in Guyana, determined by the color of the party in Government, due to the ethnic composition of our country, and the ethnic voting at national elections.

Reginald Sookram

Sri Krishna janam-ashthami: celebrating the Avatara Krishna

Dear Editor, Sri Krishna Janamashthami celebrates the ‘birth’ or better put, the incarnation of the Spirit Divine in the human embodiment of Sri Krishna, the Avatara.

In Hinduism, apart from the conception of God as the unmanifested, changeless, attribute-less Being (Brahman), and its conception of Divinity being adored through innumerable nomenclatures and possessing human attributes, yet not human in nature (Eeshwarah), holds a third conception of the Divine called the Avatara, that is the decent of the Spirit Divine into the human garb being fully conscious of its Divinity. The Avatara descends into humanity in order that man may ascend to, or discover the latent divinity within. Time after time, the Avatara comes for the protection of righteousness and annihilation of unrighteousness. Sri Krishna is one such Avatara.

The history of Krishna, his

sojourn on earth in the human garb, his works, teachings and his very life can be summed up and examined from three major perspectives: his life in the Srimad Bhagavatam, his role in Mahabharata and his landmark philosophy to life and spirituality, composed in the form of the Bhagavad Geeta.

The Srimad Bhagavatam while providing a semi historical background of Krishna’s birth and boyhood, is presented with rich mythology and captivating allegories which nurture the growth and spread of the ‘love path’ (Bhakti Yoga) towards the Divine of which Krishna is the highest embodiment. It describes the selfless love of God’s devotees and presents a plot of the prerequisites for spirituality which were all demonstrated in the lives of the devotees as primarily purity and non-attachment.

Second, we study Sri Krishna from the Mahabharata in which he delivered the Bhagavad Geeta.

His role and ultimate goal in these texts are to ensure righteousness triumphs and that justice is meted out. Here he is seen as the supreme exemplar of good conduct and righteousness, and becomes active as not only Arjuna’s mentor but as universal teacher, Lord and Saviour. He is Adarsha Purusha, the great exemplar of his own teachings in the context of various complex life situations, he is Parama Purusha, Supreme Being, who provides the inspiration and refuge for all.

Swami Vivekananda observes, “He (Krishna) was the most wonderful Sannyasin and the most wonderful householder in one; He had the most wonderful among the Rajas, power and was at the same time living in the midst of the most wonderful renunciation. Krishna, the preacher of the Geeta was all His life the embodiment of the Geeta; He was the great illustration of non-attachment; a great landmark in

the history of religion, the ideal of love for love’s sake, work for work’s sake, duty for duty’s sake, and it is for the first time fell from His lips of the greatest Incarnation, Krishna, and for the first time in the history of humanity, on the soil of India. He was the first heart large enough to see truth in all. In Krishna we find two ideas supreme; the first is the harmony of different ideas, and the second is non-attachment. He does not need anything; He does not want anything. He works for work’s sake. He is the most rounded man I know of, wonderfully developed equally in brain and heart and hand. Every moment of His is alive with activity. Five thousand years have passed and He has influenced millions and millions. My regard for Him is for His perfect sanity. No cobwebs in His brain, no superstition. He knows the use of everything”.

Sincerely,

Pt. Charranlall Nandalall

Crossing of Floor Act Unconstitutional

Dear Editor, Chief Justice Ian Chang recently ruled that the 2001 parliamentary amendments to the Burnham constitution are unconstitutional unless approved in a referendum. It follows logically that any subsequent amendment to the constitution, unless approved in a referendum, is unconstitutional. In 2007, both the PNC and PPP “amended the constitution” disallowing the crossing of the floor. The AFC M.Ps opposed the bill and made a compelling case why it should not have been approved.

The amendment bill was tabled and approved in 2007 as a result of the crossing of the floor by Raphael Trotman (PNC), Khemraj Ramjattan (PPP) and Sheila Holder (WPA) around 2005, leading to the formation of the AFC

The Government’s empty promises

Dear Editor,

The ruling APNU/AFC coalition campaigned throughout the election period and made a whole host of promises to the people of Guyana which they promised to deliver within 100 days. 100 days has passed by and most of the promises they made to us Guyanese were not fulfilled.

The APNU/AFC claims that Guyana is currently bankrupt and yet we have a whopping $221 billion budget.

The ruling party is only trying to put a shield over the eyes of the innocent people by attempting to make us all believe that we live in a poor lowgraded bankrupted country. But that’s not true. Guyana is a developing third world country which has the ability of becoming the Singapore of the South America, but no under this administration.

If Guyana is bankrupt, then where did Mr David Granger get millions of dollars to spend on his grand in-

auguration celebrations held at the National Stadium? Guyana is not bankrupt. Why would the Granger administration make such a declaration? What will foreign investors think when they hear the President of Guyana announce that Guyana is bankrupt and has no money in its treasury? Investments will stop and then Guyana will indeed go bankrupt.

Also, they gave us a meager salary increase, which will make no difference in our lives.

Also, under the David Granger Administration, Guyana has seen a whopping increase of crime by over 10 per cent. Is this the good life Mr Granger has promised Guyanese?

Guyana is a country that can be the richest of all but it all depends on the intentions of its ruler.

Yours truly, Rayan Sattaur

that contested the 2006 elections. The two major parties collaborated to prevent such floor crossing. Ramjattan and Trotman did not follow their party whip. The WPA was also not pleased that Holder was leaving her party to form the AFC.

I was in the Assembly for the eloquent debate put up by Ramjattan, Trotman and Holder. No one from the PPP and PNC budged on the issue although several of them told me privately they opposed it. Even my friend Moses Nagamootoo was silent on the matter despite that he privately opposed the bill. He voted for the PPP/PNC bill that essentially disallows a

“’conscience” vote on any issue. The bill is dictatorial in nature. It promotes absolute dictatorship. If a Member of Parliament votes against a bill, he or she can be automatically replaced by the leader of the party. Since Ramjattan, Trotman, and Nagamootoo were against the crossing of the floor act in 2007, I expect them to introduce a bill now to repeal that amendment to the fraudulent constitution that was imposed on the population without a free and fair referendum.

Alternatively, voters can go to court as they did challenging the term limit law, to oppose the legality of the bill. And since Justice Chang has

ruled that amendments to the constitution are null and void unless approved by the voters in a referendum, then the crossing of the floor act is “unconstitutional”. Furthermore, since the learned Chief Justice has ruled that a referendum must be held to “legalize” the constitution or any amendments to it, and since no legitimate referendum was held to approve the Burnham constitution, then voters should challenge its constitutionality. It follows logically that the Burnham constitution should be null and void.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

Schoolgirl of Indian origin takes IQ test and scores higher than Stephen Hawking and Einstein

A smart fire safety plan

A12-year-old schoolgirl has achieved the maximum score possible in a Mensa IQ test, a feat achieved by only one per cent of those who sit the society’s entry paper. Lydia Sebastian completed the Cattell III B paper supervised by Mensa, the society for people with high IQs, with minutes to spare at the sitting at Birkbeck College, London.

Her determination paid off, with Lydia scoring 162 – the maximum possible result on the test paper, which primarily measures verbal reasoning ability.

Sebastian, from

Langham in Essex, said: “At first, I was really nervous but once I started, it was much easier than I expected it to be and then I relaxed.

Sebastian had asked her parents for an entire year to let her take the test paper, eventually sitting the exam during her school holidays.

“I gave it my best shot really,” Lydia said, who is to start her second year at Colchester County High School for girls. She said the paper challenged her language skills, including analogies and definitions,

and her sense of logic.

Her father, Arun Sebastian, a Radiologist at Colchester General Hospital, said his daughter “had looked at the websites for the IQ tests herself and had shown an interest in them and talked to my wife about them, so she said: ‘Why don’t you go ahead with them?’

“She was talking about it for over a year. When I heard she had the maximum possible mark, I was overwhelmed, and so was my wife.”

The schoolgirl has read all seven of the Harry Potter books in the series three times. Lydia, an only child, is talented in other areas and has been playing the violin since aged four. She starting talking at the age of just six months, her parents said.

“At the time I was a trainee doctor and my wife was studying Chemistry and I was away at the weekends. She used to say a few words to me on the phone,” her father said.

Although rare, with only one per cent of people who take the Mensa test achieving the highest score, Sebastian joins Nicole Barr, a 12-yearold from Harlow, Essex, as well as Aahil Jouher, a 10-year-old from Blackburn, in achieving perfect scores this year.

If you're like most parents, you don't have any plan at all. This guide will help prepare your family and give you some peace of mind.

BY RACHEL AYDT

For nearly a decade, my husband, nineyear-old son, and I have lived on the top floor of a five-story apartment building in Manhattan.

ly developed and practiced a home-fire escape plan, according to the National Fire Protection Association. And in 2010, roughly 370,000 home fires were reported, resulting in 13,350 injuries and 2640 deaths.

them so that manufacturers can notify you about recalls of faulty products, which are common flame starters. And report your own safety incidents or concerns with appliances or other consumer products to the US

However, until I recently chaperoned a field trip with my son's third-grade class to the New York City Fire Museum, I'd never seriously considered what we would do if a fire broke out.

During the trip, we saw many of the most common hazards in a typical home, the children crawled through a simulated blaze in a mock apartment filled with artificial "smoke," and we watched an eye-opening video on fire prevention. By the time it was over, I felt humbled by the thought of how unprepared my family was. Turns out, I'm not alone. Only about a quarter of households have actual-

The guide who led our trip that day, retired Captain Bob Picard, of the Fire Department of New York, showed us how many fire hazards could be eliminated in just one sweep around a home. Think of this story as your own safety tour.

In the kitchen

Treat your appliances right. Keep them clean and use them according to the manufacturer's instructions. If a toaster or a microwave doesn't work properly, don't use it – get it fixed or replace it. Make sure you register your appliances as soon as you buy

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at saferproducts.gov.

Never leave while you're cooking. Most kitchen fires start after someone's left the room, says the CPSC. "In less than a minute, a skillet holding cooking oil can go from having inch-high flames to ones that lap across the ceiling," explains Jack Sanderson, a fire investigator at Fire Findings, in Benton Harbour, Michigan. Keep everything away from the stove

As Captain Picard led us around a kitchen filled with hazards, he explained that there should be no loose items within three feet of your stove. This includes pot holders, dish towels, and curtains.

Watch for problems Appliances like coffeemakers and dishwashers can be dangerous if there are internal water leaks. "That water can create an unintended pathway for the electrical current and cause a fire," explains Sanderson. I was surprised to learn that soapy water (in dishwashers, for example) is far more electrically conductive than ordinary tap water and poses a bigger problem if it leaks onto electrical components. To spot leaks, look for stains (or water) around the appliance; the minerals in the water tend to discolor the surrounding area. Get a fire extinguisher. But don't use it until you have to. Otherwise you may reduce the pressure of the extinguisher, rendering it useless in an emergency. Study the operating instructions so you'll know what to do if the time comes. And then use it only for small, contained fires. If you have a fire, get out of the house and stay out. (Parents.com)

saturday, september 5, 2015 |

La Rocque overwhelmed by PSC’s donations to Dominica

Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Erwin La Rocque has expressed his appreciation to the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for its “overwhelming” donations to member state Dominica, which was recently hit by Tropical Storm Erika.

Ambassador La Rocque on Wednesday received a number of items donated by members of the PSC to aid the Caribbean country in its recovery from the natural disaster that claimed over 30 lives. The hand over was made at the Caricom Secretariat in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Among the items donated were medical and pharmaceutical supplies, cleaning items, generators and an undisclosed quantity of cash.

During the handing over ceremony, the Caricom Secretary General said that he is overwhelmed by the response of Guyana’s Private Sector, noting this shows that the Caribbean is in fact a “community”. He thanked their quick response to the needs of the devastated member state.

“It (donation) will be, trust me, very well received knowing the condition of the country, especially the stuff that you bought, it’s exactly what they need,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the PSC, Retired Major General Norman McLean,

outlined that the members were eager to make a meaningful contribution to the bring relief to the people of Dominica.

“We are our brothers’ keepers so this is what is expected of us and I am satisfied. We are working assiduously to ensure a very meaningful contribution (is made),” McLean remarked. He went onto say that this is just a “humble” beginning and with the support of the entire Private Sector, which spreads across Guyana, more assistance should be expected.

Some of the donors includes New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company Inc (NEW GPC INC), Gaico Construction and General Services Inc, International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA), National Hardware Limited, Demerara Tobacco Company (DEMTOCO) and CAMEX Ltd.

In brief remarks, Marketing Manager of the NEW GPC INC, Trevor Bassoo, expressed condolences to the people of Dominica, especially those who would have lost their loved ones. He further expressed the hope that those persons who are still missing are found soon and that relief is brought to those in remote locations.

“We at NEW GPC are always willing to lend assistance to those in desperate need, as done back when

Haiti was in need and when our very own Guyanese were affected the floods, just to name two large scale incidents. GPC is here to collaborate with the Private Sector Commission, in an effort to provide aid to the people of Dominica, by providing medical and pharmaceuticals supplies and to also encourage other entities to provide any little assistance they can for our fellow Caribbean people,” Bassoo said.

Arrangements are currently being made to transport the items to Dominica soon. Meanwhile, Ambassador La Rocque departed Guyana on Thursday to visit the member state country.

Dominica is in recovery mode following last Thursday’s passage by Tropical Storm Erika which left more than 30 persons dead and extensive damage to the island’s infrastructure. The Government has declared nine special disaster areas.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caricom Institution leading the regional response on the ground in Dominica, has reported that 52 houses were destroyed and 89 damaged and that more than 500 person remain homeless. It said major damage to roadways and bridges has made it difficult to reach several communities.

Gunmen invade Town Clerk’s home

With crime spiralling out of control, the Town Clerk has become the latest victim. In the wee hours of Friday morning, three armed men invaded the home of Mayor and City Council Town Clerk Royston King, carting off a quantity of cash and valuable items. The incident occurred at about 02:30h.

Based on information received, the three men gained entry into the Lot 3279 Canal Place, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown home while King and his family were asleep. The gunmen reportedly woke the official and his wife, held them at gunpoint and demanded cash and jewellery.

While information remains sketchy, Guyana Times understands that three persons were subsequently arrested and are assisting Police with their investigation. One of the men was reportedly in possession of a phone similar to one that was taken during the

robbery.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum when contacted told this publication that based on Police investigations, the perpetrators gained entry into King’s premises via a window in the lower flat of the house. As they men entered, they reportedly went to King’s bedroom where they woke the official and his wife and demanded money. He also stated that the men held both King and his

wife at gunpoint. King initially refused to cooperate with the gunmen, resulting in him being assaulted. The men then threatened to shoot but the man instantly handed over an undisclosed sum of money to the gunmen.

Not satisfied they reported collected a number of items before making good their escape. Crime Chief Blanhum disclosed that after the incident was reported, three men who were seen in the area when the Police conducted their patrols were arrested. He added that the Police will continue their investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, when contacted, the Town Clerk on Friday said that he was heading into a short meeting and would return the call. After some time elapsed, several additional calls were made to the Town Clerk but they were unanswered. Police are continuing their investigation into the robbery.

$20M heist allegedly committed outside Princess Casino

Moments after collecting $20 million from a relative at Princess Hotel, an elderly man was allegedly robbed while he was making his way to the parking lot on Thursday afternoon. The robbery reportedly occurred at about 14:45h.

walking to the parking lot when he was confronted by a group of men in a motorcar who relieved him of the bag and made good their escape.

However, Guyana Times understands that the money was not a part of the man’s winnings. While informa-

from the alleged victims. He stated that upon heading about the robbery, ranks visited the area but could not divulge any further information.

Information reaching Guyana Times suggested that the man who handed over the money to his un-

According to reports received, the elderly man collected the bag containing the money from a known character that was at the time gabling at the Princess Casino, Providence, East Bank Demerara, and was

tion remains sketchy about the robbery, a staff attached to the Princess Hotel confirmed that the robbery did occur but according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, the Guyana Police Force is yet to receive an official report

cle is a known Water Street businessman. However, due to the lack of Police evidence, the man was released and rode off on his CBR motorcycle from the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

saturday, september 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man opts for jail time after pleading guilty to stealing father’s brush cutter

A23-year-old man was on Friday fined $50,000 after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with stealing his father’s brush cutter, among other items.

Wazim Pereira, a grass cutter of Lot 111, North Sophia, Greater Georgetown pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge which read that between Monday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 1 at North Sophia, he broke into the dwelling house of the Virtual Complainant (VC) Raymond Pereira he stole one brush cutter valued $99,000 and other household items valued $28,000, all to a total value of $127,000 property of the said Raymond Pereira.

According to the facts presented by Police

nied breaking into his father’s house but stated that he was given the key to take out the brush cutter. The defendant stated that his father had bought the brush cutter for him to use as a means of earning income to support his family.

He stated that on the day in question he went to his father to borrow money but he did not have any to lend him, and as such he gave him the keys to the house to take the item so that he could work and earn some money.

Palliatives...

...and sores

Closing off the day-long discussion in which "fifty groups" proffered their suggestions on building "social cohesion", PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo was asked to make the concluding remarks. Interestingly - referring to what had gone before - he said, "I believe that these are themselves some of the palliatives that may prevent us from going over the precipice."

Now a man of Nagamootoo's erudition does not use words lightly: this is a wordsmith who's written a novel telling the definitive tale of his people. A fella who's a veritable walking dictionary if you go by the "big words" and allusions he drops in even his everyday speech. Every word is weighed meticulously for its effect and affect. You, dear reader, would surely remember his terms of endearment to his grandson he shared with the rest of his "Honourable" colleagues in Parliament: "Shut yuh suh and suh mouth!!"

Aman was on Friday placed on $75,000 bail after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court

Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with breaking and entering and larceny.

Owen Kelvin, 57, of 49 Front Road, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Saturday, August 29, at Layne Avenue, Georgetown, he broke into the dwelling house of the Virtual Complainant (VC) Ayana Monroe and stole

Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones, the VC and defendant are known to each other as they are father and son. On the day in question the VC secured his home and left his keys with another son. When he returned the following day, he discovered that his house was broken into and the articles were missing. He confronted the defendant, who is known to be a cocaine addict, and he admitted to taking the items.

In court during the proceedings, the accused de-

He then stated that after seeing his father with his wife in a compromising situation, he took the brush cutter and sold it. After listening to the facts, Magistrate McLennan sentenced the man to a fine of $50,000 or a default of eight weeks in prison. He opted to serve the prison sentence instead.

Labourer on bail for break and enter charge

57-year-old

one Samsung television valued at $545,000,two PlayStation game consoles valued at $100,000, eight gaming discs valued at $45,000, five gaming console controllers valued at $30,000 and a keyboard valued at $5000, all to the total value of $755,000 property of the said Ayana Monroe.

According to Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, some of the articles were recovered on Kelvin’s veranda. The defendant’s Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat stated that his client has no previous con-

victions and that the items were left on his veranda by an individual identified as “Popcorn”.

The defendant also stated that his poor health would render him incapable of committing such an act and fetching the quantity of items listed. An application for reasonable bail was submitted and the Prosecutor made no objections.

Bail was granted in the sum of $75,000 and the matter was transferred to Court 11. The defendant will return to court on September 9.

A "palliative", Nagamootoo knows, is something that deals with symptoms of a problem but doesn't go to its cause. As such the problem will still be there to "fester like a sore", in the words of Langston Hughes, and "explode" when you least expect it. Now some may say that while Nagamootoo might know the meaning of "palliative", most likely, he slipped up. The fella is getting into his seventies, no? Senility does sneak up like a thief in the night.

But this Eyewitness thinks otherwise: Nagamootoo did slip up, but it's a ""Freudian" slip. That's when your subconscious makes you blurt out the truth when you're prevaricating. Nagamotoo knows fully well that his Government's mamaguing the nation about this "social cohesion" spiel. They're just uttering what they know to be "politically correct".

Which Guyanese wouldn't want "all awe a waan" to be our reality? The lion to lie down with the lamb and all that. But in these and all other matters that have to do with relations between our people, we all know that it's not what politicians "say" that's important - it's what they DO. And what Nagamootoo let slip out is that even he knows that from what his Government's doing - there ain't going to be no social cohesion.

And one doesn't have to bring up all the PPP's claims of "ethnic cleaning" and so on. The Government accepted that class, gender and ethnic divisions are some of the lines along which "exclusion" plays out. So what has been the Government's actions on class? Giving the PRIME Minister a $200,000 raise in salary, while Public Servants get $5000? And only 8% Cabinet Ministers are women? Or 2000 Amerindians CSO's fired?

The Conference offered "palliatives" all right!!

...on the Syrian tragedy

Suddenly the world's woken up to a "European Refugee Crisis". The picture of a dead baby lying with his face in the water, after he and his family drowned fleeing Syria, has stirred outraged calls for Europeans to accept more refugees. Germany's taken in 800,000, Hungary has erected razor wire fences and Britain had grudgingly taken in 216. After the dead baby's pic on social media, they claim they'll now take in 4000! Because it's a "European" crisis.

But even with Europe taking in 1 million of the 11 million refugees that's poured out of Syria in three years, shouldn't folks be talking about the CAUSE of the human exodus? And that everything - including "resettlement"will be just "palliatives" until that's addressed? So what's the cause? And we go back to late 2011, when the westernfostered "Arab Spring" was ushered into Syria.

And until we can get those who encouraged that change in the climate to broker a peace in Syria, the palliative will ensure that the "Syrian Crisis" kills another 200,000 poor souls.

But who's counting that? It's a "European Crisis",

...for

sugar workers

Most Guyanese hear that sugar's doing badly, and so why are cane cutters making trouble about "working conditions".

Tell that to a fella who has to hack away at liana vines to get to the cane!

Govt to introduce “river taxis” for school children, elderly

– as talks continue with BBCI on lower tolls

By Alexis Rodney

Government on Friday announced that it will be implementing the use of river taxis between the West and East Coast of Berbice, as it continues discussions with the Berbice River Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) in order to effect reduced tolls.

After failing in its attempt to reach an agreement with the Directors of the Bridge Company to see a small reduction of the toll, Government announced that it will now introduce a more feasible system, which will see residents, particularly students and the elderly relieved of the financial burden.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Friday told Journalists that even with this move; Government is hoping that the Bridge Company will accede to its request, as it remains in a consultative mode with the Bridge Company.

“This primarily is to allow for the students and the elderly who are affected in large measure, by the refusal of the Berbice Bridge Inc to accept a proposal for the lowering of the toll”.

A day after announcing in the National Assembly that it was reducing the Berbice Bridge toll by some $300 for minibuses and cars, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had met with the Bridge Company, with the aim of reaching a favourable agreement. However, this has not yet happened, as the Company said it needed to

consult with its many shareholders and debt holders. This process is still ongoing.

Govt to review contractual agreement

Minister Harmon said Government remains committed to holding consultations with the Company. However, with the way things currently mare, Government will also be reviewing the contractual agreement signed between the company and the previous Administration.

“The agreement with the Berbice Bridge Company is one that we will be looking at totally. Government still does not want to send a signal to any other investors that if they invest in something, Government will step in and take it over. Government is still trying to explain to the Company that the loss of money that it will have as a result of the fare will be subsidised”.

The Company has repeatedly pointed out that it

has lost some $1.5 billion cumulatively since the Bridge was opened and faces larger losses now that the principal on the first tranche of bonds have become due. Later this year the BBCI will have to find $500 million to service this component of its debt alone.

On the issue of the water taxi initiative, Harmon said that Government will be providing the infrastructure and regulatory framework. He said this move is the first

Berbice Bridge Company sustains...

It was also pointed out to government that the unfortunate alternative would be to have the tolls raised at a minimum as per the Concession Agreement for the company to remain viable irrespective of the simple subsidy proposed by the APNU/AFC Administration.

The BBCI Board has also determined that in accordance with its fiduciary duty, the contractual arrangements with its creditors and investors, guided by the provisions of the Companies Act, and given the far-reaching consequences of any decision in this regard as it affects the BBCI stakeholder, the correct approach would be to raise the matter with all of its stakeholders including its creditors.

Guyana Times was also told that the BBCI will pronounce on this matter after these consultations and that the government has also been advised of this.

NEW GPC INC/QAII’s Board Directors resign

Meanwhile, NEW GPC INC and QAII announced on Friday that they have with-

drawn the representation of their two Directors on the Board of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc which was tendered earlier this week.

The two Directors represented the equity investment by the two companies as common stock shareholders, on which they have never received any dividends over the past eight years.

“The virulent attacks against the two companies that sought to personalise and politicise what is ultimately a discussion on the adherence to the terms

of a binding contract and agreement between the Government of Guyana (GoG) and BBCI cannot go unnoticed”, the Company explained.

step to relieving the financial burden caused by the bridge. According to him, there will be a pilot project including at least two covered launches, and depending on the outcome of that project, Government will seek to give further guidance on that matter to have a large number of vessels to be privately operated.

A committee, comprising representatives from the Ministries of Public Infrastructure, Education, Social Protection and Public Security will look at the issue over the weekend and will put the necessary arrangement in place, keeping in mind, the security of all travellers.

He said Cabinet has also mandated that the Finance Minister continue to engage the Bridge Company until the reduction of the toll takes place. “We are of the firm belief that very soon, the Bridge Company will see the light and have the toll reduced”, he said.

Asked if the move is a step towards the reintroduction of the ferry service, Harmon said there is still a contractual agreement which prohibits the use of vessels crossing with vehicles. It does not however say anything about vessels crossing with passengers.

Step in the right direction

“Our focus will be to ensure that the children and elderly who cannot afford are given this subsidy by the State”. He said this is a step in that direction.

The release said that the substance of the attacks questioned the integrity of the position defended by the Directors, who have a fiduciary responsibility to represent the best interests of BBCI, and which, in their estimation would not be served if the tolls are reduced without the contractual toll adjustments are not applied.

saturday, september 5, 2015 |

Taymonth Manor Public Road accident…

Vendor hospitalised after collision with private car

Avendor of Golden Fleece Estate, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) is presently hospitalised after a private car collided with his minibus on the Taymonth Manor Public Road. Seriously injured is Madho Persaud, age 55, who was returning from the Anna Regina Market at the time of the accident.

The driver of the private car bearing registration number PLL 1683 is reportedly a Police Officer attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Anna Regina Police Station.

The driver and four other CID Police Officers were in the car at the time of the accident. The driver of the private car was not injured, however his colleague, Constable Ramkumar Samaroo suffered injuries. The officers were returning to Anna Regina from Police training at the Richard Faikhall Police training college in Suddie.

According to information, Persaud, who was the driver of the minibus bearing registration number GGG3578, was proceeding South when private car PLL 1683 was proceeding North.

“NEW GPC INC and QAII hope that a resolution to the impasse would be arrived at soon between the remaining Directors, who constitute a quorum, and the GoG [Government of Guyana]”, the company explained.

A truck driver who was behind of the vendor’s minibus said he saw the private car overtaking a vehicle near a turn, without noticing the oncoming minibus. “The car was speeding and it knock the bus… then the driver of the bus started to scream,” the truck driver said.

According to residents in the Taymonth Manor area, they heard the loud impact around 14:20h on Friday and quickly went to the scene to assist the injured.

According to residents, when they went to the vendor’s aid, he was pinned. “We had to pulled him out... his right leg, it was pinned down… he was shouting for help,” one resident related.

Meanwhile, Persaud ‘s wife, Shirley Persaud said she received the call from a family friend who was also at the back of her husband’s vehicle. She said she then went to the Suddie Public Hospital where she saw her husband grimacing in pain. “His right foot smashed, my husband does drive very slow. I can’t imagine how that accident happened,” the woman said.

The father of three is scheduled to undergo emergency surgery shortly.

A Police Officer from the traffic department visited the scene and pulled the vehicles off the road. But before Police could have visited the scene, residents came out with their paint and marked the road, contending that the driver of the private car was wrong.

Traffic on the public road was chaotic for almost half of an hour due to the accident. It is unsure if the driver of the private car was taken into Police custody. Police are conducting their investigations into the matter.

Chronicle forces long-serving employee into early retirement

“I was embarrassed, treated with disrespect” — former Editor

By Kristen MacKlingaM

An employee who dedicated 14 years at the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper was forced to tender his resignation with immediate effect on September 1, upon his return to the company after his medical leave came to an end.

Chamanlall Naipaul, who was the acting Sunday Newspaper Editor, in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Friday stated that he felt compelled to resign after having discussions with senior officials at the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper where he was ‘indirectly threatened’ about his job.

This newspaper was told that Naipaul is a diabetic and in March, he injured his foot resulting in him being hospitalised. He was unable to work and according to company policy and regulations, he submitted a medical document which stated that he would be on medical leave.

This period was for six months. Naipaul explained

that the duration of the medical leave expired at the end of August and when he returned to his office on September 1, he was shocked at the proceedings which followed.

“I spoke with the General Manager there, Michael Gordon, who told me that the company was offering to pay me a $1.3 million early retirement package and the way he put it forward was as if I had no say in the matter. So I asked him if I had no choice in this and he said

'yes I did,' hence I told him that it would not be feasible for me to go into early retirement and that I would prefer to work. He agreed but when I spoke with the Editor-InChief, Nigel Williams, he was much more frank” said the distraught man.

He noted that his office had been occupied by another staff and when he enquired as to where he could sit he was told that he could sit with the reporters temporarily.

According to the former Chronicle Newspaper staffer, Williams told him pointedly that he (Williams) did not think that Naipaul should continue working with the company due to his ‘condition.’

“I didn’t know Mr Williams was a doctor… He told me that someday I may get sick and have to come to work and would not be able to give 100 per cent to the company. He, along with Mr Gordon, told me that under the new dispensation, they don’t know how they can fit me in at Chronicle.,” Naipaul lamented.

“While I did send this to them on September 1 accepting what they were offering I did not want to but it would be worse for them to dismiss me. However, as it relates to the $1.3 million they said

they cannot pay me all of the money in one installment. They said this is because they have cash flow problems presently,” Naipaul told Guyana Times

He further explained that they reassured him that they would make the payment to him in three installments but that the publishing company has failed to notify him as to the arrangements pertaining to this.

his publication was told that the seniors at the Chronicle Newspaper have not told Naipaul when he will be able to receive his first installment. He is yet to be notified as to when the other two installments would be paid as well.

Naipaul added that when he was employed at the Chronicle Newspaper he was

being paid close to $150,000 per month inclusive of allowances.

Attempts by this publication to contact Gordon and Williams on Friday afternoon proved futile.

Govt briefed on petroleum sector management

Minister of Governance and Patrimony

Raphael Trotman, has briefed Cabinet on the strategic, legislative, regulatory and institutional arrangements for the management of upstream activities in the petroleum sector.

This disclosure was made by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who briefed the media on Friday on the deliberations of the

last meeting of Cabinet.

According to Harmon, the policy as explained by Minister Trotman, is geared towards attracting and securing investments in upstream operations activity in the oil and gas sector in Guyana. It relates specifically to activities involving petroleum production, storage, refining, and marketing of these products.

The overall objective of this initiative is to place

significant emphasis on ensuring that all the necessary arrangements be put in place for the effective and efficient development of the sector.

Minister Harmon further advised that the Commonwealth Secretariat had already provided some assistance in this regard and assistance will be coming from other international agencies. “It is a matter for us to now agree on an updating on that policy, the UNDP [United Nations Development Programme] has also offered technical cooperation and assistance, by providing us with some experts who are likely to come to Guyana in October to assist us in this work,” Harmon said.

Earlier this week, a team from ExxonMobil met with Minister Trotman and provided their continued commitment to proceed from the point of exploration to production of oil and natural gas. Trotman holds ministerial responsibility for natural resources. (Excerpt from GINA)

Wash bay attendant granted $100,000 bail for wounding charge

Ayoung man was on Friday granted bail by Magistrate Ann McLennan after he appeared before her in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with unlawful and malicious wounding.

Genie Ramgobin, 24, a wash bay attendant of 74 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, appeared before the Magistrate for the first time on Friday and pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Sunday, August 23 at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Dominic Bissoon.

The details regarding the charge were not disclosed in court. The defendant was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 and he will return to court on September 28.

Govt justifies firing REOs

With another batch of Regional Executive Officers (REOs) sacked by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Friday said any political unit in office has the right to make such decisions for its own convenience.

Government recently sent home four more REO’s – Nigel Fisher of Region One (Barima-Waini), Ashford Ambedkar of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Paul Ramrattan of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Yolanda Hiliman of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

“In the areas where those persons who were acting in the position of REO, if it was perceived that their performance was not up to standard which was expected by us, that we would have to make changes.

It is important that the Government’s work neither is not stymied. That there is no blockage in providing the quality of service that as a Government we have committed to giving the people of this country,” Harmon said.

Defending this earlier today, Minister Harmon said the position of the Regional Executive Officer, is always “quasi political”, and that every Administration has the right to ensure that the council is well represented in this regard.

In this instance, he said Government usually gives the direction. He said since the new Administration took office, Government has been looking closely at the performance of the REO’s.

The question was posed in light of the recent appointment of former AFC Chairman, Dr Veersammy Ramayya, who replaced Paul Ramrattan of Region Six. He said he was appointed to serve, because of his commitment to the residents of Region six.

According to Harmon, because of the large sums of money Government will be spending in the region over the remaining months of the year, Government wanted to ensure that there was a person in place to that will not affect the flow of resources to the residents.

“As a Government, we wanted to ensure that we have the right people in the right places to provide the quality service that we expect of them.

He said residents could look forward to changes under the Administration, as they will be held to a higher standard of performance and personal conduct in the offices.

He explained that the REO’s are contracted employees with the Government of Guyana. He said the contract provides that either party could terminate their service, by giving one month’s notice or one month’s pay in lieu of leave. Said since the new Government came into office, it has been looking at the performance of the REO’s.

“All of these REO’s have been looked at. And in some cases, you will find changes that are not just in some of the communities that have been won by the PPP, but also in areas that have been won by the APNU/AFC. What we are looking for is a quality of service at that level that

is standard all around. That we could be guaranteed that when resources are placed at the level of the RDC’s that they do not make decisions that are contrary to those made by the executive council,” Harmon related.

Prior to the dismissal of the new batch of REO’s, the Communities Ministry was already advertising for persons desirous of filling the posts of REOs. Their applications were to be submitted no later than July 31. Government had already dismissed the REOs for Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Donald Gagraj; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Deolall Rooplall; Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) Ronald Harsaywack and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Claire Singh.

The Administration had sought to defend this action by claiming that it needed more qualified persons to fill the posts, “given the complexity of managing five sectors within the region”.

Former Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Ministry, Collin Croal, during his maiden Budget presentation speech in Parliament on August 20, lambasted the Government for its “duplicity” to the Guyanese public and once again exposed the Administration for backpedalling on its word.

GDF presents 28 with bursaries for 2015

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Friday presented 28 students with bursary awards valued $25,000 each after they successfully completed their studies and performed exceptionally.

Amba Skeete, Faith Albert, and Tyrese Fortune were the top three awardees of the Guyana Defence Force 2015 Bursaries.

In a statement to the media, the GDF said the bursaries are presented annually to the children of officers, other ranks and civilian employees of the Defence Force who successfully complete the National Grade Six Assessment examinations and gain places at top secondary schools.

The GDF began awarding bursaries in 1974 and this group of awardees brings the number of recipients over the years to 842.

Deputy Chief-of-Staff, Colonel Kemraj Persaud, congratulated the awardees and their parents for the hard work and dedication which has resulted in success.

“As products of families associated with the military, your success at this level is a demonstration that you are taking advantage of the opportunities available to you. These awards are meant to assist with your continued academic development. Your continued association with us will, most likely result in the inculcation of quali-

ties such as loyalty, honesty, the determination to give of your best, being professional in your approach to what you undertake, and the embrace of excellence.

The GDF is proud to be able to be involved in your development as young people and we anticipate your continued growth throughout your sojourn at secondary school,” he said.

Top awardee, Amba Skeete moved the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees. “We are thankful to God who has made this all possible; to our parents who continue to love, care for and support us and to the GDF for presenting us with these bursaries,” she said.

Deportee sentenced to 7 months in prison for uttering forged passport

Thirty-two-year-old Mahase Baichand was on Friday sentenced to seven months in prison after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with uttering a forged passport. The Carpenter who hails from 83 Public Road, Patentia, West Bank Demerara, pleaded guilty to the charge which read that on Thursday, September 3 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) with the in-

tent to defraud, he uttered one Republic of Canada passport to Devon Aubrey Bell at the Suriname Airways boarding station knowing same to be forged.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones informed the court that on the day in question, the defendant was an outgoing passenger at the CJIA and was using a Republic of Canada passport in the name of Rovin Mahase. The passport bore the photograph and identification details of the defendant; however, certain inconsistencies were noted. The man was then arrested and taken into custody.

Attorney Paul Fung-AFat stated that his client was deported from the United States of America in 2012 and was denied a US visa to go visit his wife and eightyear-old child. As such, he took the desperate measure in an attempt to see them. He requested that his client not be given a custodial sentence. However, after reviewing the details of the offence, the Magistrate denied this request and sentenced Baichand to seven months in prison.

saturday, september 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

One dead, three injured during shootout in Albouystown

One man was in the wee hours of Friday morning gunned down in Albouystown, Georgetown while three others are nursing gunshot injuries during a shootout in the area.

Senassie Lewis, 22, of Vlissengen Place, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was shot at least nine times by two men who appeared in front of the Ghetto Flex Bar, James and Albouys Street, Albouystown, Georgetown.

Those injured are 20-year-old Jonathan De Freitas, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara; Kurt Francis, 16, of Lot 32 Princes Street, Georgetown and Jamal Bascom, 23, of Independence Boulevard, Georgetown.

De Freitas was reportedly shot once to the hip while Francis was shot to the leg and Bascom to the groin. They are currently patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to information received, Lewis was among a group of people at the Albouystown Bar when the car drove in front of the night spot and two men exited. The men then opened fire indiscriminately, hitting the four men.

From all indications, Lewis was the target. His body was riddled with bullets. The two gunmen then calmly walked back to the car and left the scene. The injured men were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were admitted. The Police have launched an investigation into the shooting incident.

Brothers sought Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that the Police are looking for the two suspects and a close friend of the dead man who was with him when he was shot.

He said that based on investigations, Lewis was in the company of another man when the two suspects who are brothers turned up at the bar resulting in an exchange of gunfire when he was fatally shot. His friend, Blanhum dis-

acter to the Police. He stated that the Police are currently doing background checks on his prior offences.

However, a relative of the dead man on Friday morning who asked to remain anonymous told Guyana Times that he was at home when he received a telephone call at about 33:15h informing him that Lewis was shot and killed.

He explained that without hesitation, he drove to the scene but by the time he arrived, the undertakers were already removing the body and he only manage to see his face.

The relative further stated that Lewis was at his girlfriend’s place earlier in the evening but went to the bar for the normal Thursday evening lime. He could not relate what exactly occurred but was told that Lewis was a patron of the club when the two gunmen turned up

would have had issues with the law before but was not sure what might have triggered the shooting.

Further, he stated that Lewis was a very helpful person thus recalling fond memories of the now dead young man. He was the only child for his mother. Lewis was seen late on Thursday evening riding around in the village on his motorcycle before later attending the dance in Albouystown.

In addition, a brother of Bascom told Guyana Times that it was a big party at the Bar on Thursday evening which went into the wee hours of the following morning. As they were partying and having a good time, he recalled hearing gunshots, followed by persons scampering for cover.

Some people ran as far as a corner away from the Bar to find safety, the young man stated. After the com-

closed, escaped while the two suspects reportedly collected the firearm that Lewis was carrying. The two suspects then fled the scene. Blanhum also confirmed that Lewis is a known char-

and opened fire.

He too believes that Lewis was the intended target since he was the only one who received the most gunshot injuries. The young man also stated that Lewis

Govt to embark on “Smart City” Project

Government will be embarking on a “Smart City” Project with the aim of regulating crime and traffic activities in and around Georgetown.

This was disclosed by Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times According to the Police Commissioner, the proposal for this project was included in the Guyana Police Force’s Budget this year. He explained that one component of the “Smart City” entails bringing all the emergency services including Police, ambulance and fire under one centralised location. Persaud said that these services will be operating in one room, using one emergency line.

age to prosecute. So crime and traffic, evidence captured by the cameras will help us and those footage are live and we can prevent a whole lot of other crimes from happening,” he outlined.

motion, he realised that his brother was shot and injured. As they went back to the Bar, they saw Lewis lying on the ground, motionless.

He confirmed that his brother and the other two men were just patrons at the dance and were not necessarily with Lewis at the time of the shooting. The older Bascom stated that his brother was in a stable condition.

On the other hand, mother of Jonathan De Freitas when contacted stated that she does not know much about the shooting but knew that her son left home , saying that he was going out.

She noted that during the wee hours of Friday morning, she received a call informing her that her son was shot. She claimed that she did not speak with him to get a clear indication of what took place. She however refused to comment further on the incident, assuring that her son is recuperating.

Meanwhile, Police ranks have retrieved several spent shells from the scene which they are presently analysing.

The Top Cop added that the Street Camera Programme was also expanded and the footage will be fed to a centre locating at the same facility. This project is being led by, and staffed with, civilians but monitored by senior operatives from the health sector, fire department and Police, the Commissioner said.

“(They) will take action on any emergency situation that will arise through calls, social media or something observed on the camera. So it’s headed by a civil coordinator and at his coordination meetings, the various agencies will report on what actions they take,” he noted.

According to the Police Commissioner, this project should be funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). He pointed out that this is a huge leap as it relates to dealing with the crime and traffic situations in the city.

Persaud went on to highlight that there are a few cameras around Georgetown that drivers have been protesting against, because of the number of charges made out against them for breaching several traffic laws that were picked up by equipment. “Once you breach, the camera picks it up and we use the foot-

However, the Commissioner stated that this project will not be operational until next year. He explained that there is a progress to go through when the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is engaged in a project. Persaud noted that the Bank will have to send consultants to look at the feasibility of the project, and if shown feasible, then it will advertise an international public tender. The winner of the tender process will then have to write an inception report on how they plan to go about implementing the project, he added.

According to the Commissioner, when that proposal is accepted, the process is moves on to a phased release of the funds. The Top Cop further explained that Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had approached the IDB for funding the “Smart City” project, which will be intertwined with existing initiatives under the IDB’s Citizens Security Programme.

He also mentioned that this new project is an additionally activity under the programme, which had commenced prior to the change of Administration.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the initial Second of the Citizens Security Programme, the Police Commissioner stated that discussions are ongoing between the new Government and the IDB. Persaud detailed that some of main projects listed under the second phase of the programme that the Police will be benefiting from are Information Technology (IT) infrastructural works to enhance present capacity and training for members.

Other security agencies will also be benefiting from the programme, such as Guyana Prison Services and the Public Security Ministry.

Govt undermining parliamentary democracy – PPP

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition has raised concerns over the fact that several Government Ministers were nominated to sit on the various committees

of the National Assembly.

This issue was brought to the forefront by PPP/C Executive Members, Dr Roger Luncheon and Juan Edghill during a media briefing on Friday. Edghill was part of the PPP team that attended the Business SubCommittee meeting where they discussed nominations for the various parliamentary committees.

According to Dr Luncheon, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration is seeking to further cement its control over these committees, and ultimately Parliament, by altering the composition of the

group. He noted that in announcing this, Government’s Chief Whip Amna Ally, essentially overturned decades of parliamentary tradition, the Law of Guyana, and the Standing Orders of Parliament.

Adbandoning decades long practices

“In making the nominations to these committees, the Chief Whip of the APNU/ AFC Government departed wontedly from the decades long practices addressing the composition of Standing and Sectoral Committees of the National Assembly,” he stated.

Dr Luncheon went on to say that these alterations were done to provide the control that is fetish by the David Granger-led Administration. He contended that Government should not be allowed to have their Ministers on the Committees, especially the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) where the members are required to probe the Government’s Ministries.

“(It is) outlawed for all intents and purposes to have Ministers involved in these Sectoral Committees that are overseeing the work of the Ministries. That’s fundamentally the principle that was adopted when Sectoral Committees came into existence after the Constitutional Reforms in 2001-2003 and it continued,” Dr Luncheon outlined.

On the other hand, PPP/C Executive Member, Juan Edghill, said they were informed by Government’s Chief Whip that for the first

Govt appoints four media boards

As Government continues its review of State Boards, Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Friday announced the names of three new faces who will take up the posts as head of three important publication boards.

However, the appointments will become official after the names are published in the official Gazette.

At his post Cabinet media briefing on Friday, Harmon announced that The Guyana National Newspapers Limited (Guyana Chronicle) will now be headed by Jean La Rose,

time in the decades-old tradition of the Parliament of Guyana, that a sitting Minister will be a member of the PAC. He too highlighted that this is in contravention to the very spirit and practice of parliamentary norms and convention.

According to Edghill, he raised these objections with the Chairman of the SubCommittee, stating that this move by Government is a violation of Article 119 (b) of the Constitution of Guyana and Standing Order 86: SubSection 5. He went on to underscore that this decision is also reflective of the APNU/ AFC’s move to restore their numerical majority on parliamentary committees.

Furthermore, the PPP/C Executive also placed on the record that a member of Executive has never sat as a member of the PAC, which has always been chaired by the parliamentary Opposition. “To now have a Minister of Government, whose Ministry will come under scrutiny by the very Committee, sitting on that Committee is truly a depar-

60-year-old man remanded for attempted murder

An elderly man was on Friday remanded to prison after being refused bail by Magistrate Ann McLennan for attempted murder. Ernest Couchman, 60, a Lumberjack of Mackenzie, Linden, appeared before Magistrate McLennan for the first time on Friday and was not required to plead to the charge which read that on Monday, August 31, at Mackenzie, Linden, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded the Virtual Complainant (VC), Victor Lustall with the intention

Ernest Couchman was remanded to prison on an attempted murder charge

of murdering him. The details regarding the charge were not disclosed in court.

However, Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that the VC is still hospitalised from the wounds that he received during the incident. The defendant told the court that he works in the interior. Magistrate McLennan, after reviewing the charge remanded the defendant and transferred the matter to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for September 9.

Govt to introduce “river taxis”...

The Bridge Company earlier this week, had asked that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration adhere to the legally binding Concession Agreement between the Government of Guyana and the BBCI which outlines the Toll

Formula in which the fees for commuters crossings should be adjusted periodically.

The Company simply advised that any agreement to subsidise the BBCI without honouring the toll adjustment formula set out in the Concession Agreement will result in it defaulting

ture from everything as it relates to accountability and transparency,” he stated.

Moreover, Edghill outlined that this scenario is a clear indication of the fact that the President Granger was not properly advised on his appointment of the 26 Ministers – that it would result in there being a limited number of Members of Parliament to sit in the Committees. “That is a problem of their own making,” the Opposition second bencher declared.

He added that he suggested at the meeting that to go ahead with the nominations for those committees that do not have any conflicts and have further dialogue on the appointment

of PAC members. However, this proposal was shutdown by the Government’s side.

In addition to the PAC, the other committees being considered were: Parliamentary Management Committee; Constitutional Reform Committee; Committee of Appointments; Parliamentary Oversight Committee – Security; Parliamentary Sectoral Committee – 4; Standing Orders Committee; Assembly Committee; Committee of Privileges; and the Statutory Instrument Committee.

Some of the Committees with Government Members present are: PAC, Parliamentary Sectoral Committees of Economic Reform, Social Services,

Foreign Relations and National Resources.

Edghill disclosed that Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence is sitting on the PAC as well as on the Foreign Relations Committee, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma, Junior Social Protect Minister Semona Broomes, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and the alternate member is Jennifer Wade. Pic saved as: PPP presser Caption: Dr Roger Luncheon and Bishop Juan Edghill at the press conference on Friday

FROM PAGE 9

on its obligation to repay debt in 2015 and result in possible insolvency.

Since it began its operations, reports indicate that the common shareholders of the Berbice Bridge have never received a single dollar in dividend on their $400 million investment over the past eight years.

Rate of new HIV infections on the decline in Barbados

Health Minister John Boyce says the annual rate of new HIV cases in Barbados had started to decline.

And he has attributed that development to the expanded use of anti-retroviral therapy in the HIV treatment programme, adding that steps were being taken to decentralise HIV services and offer diagnostic and treatment services outside of the HIV programme.

Boyce made the comments as he addressed a Caribbean Regional Health Policy Project workshop with the theme Stigma Reduction – Moving from Understanding to Outcomes, but gave no statistics.

Funded by the

United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Health Policy Project focused on reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination in health care facilities in the Caribbean.

Boyce welcomed the outcomes of the project which he said provided a countryspecific road map for a coordinated response to the challenge of stigma and discrimination in health care facilities.

“While medical and technological innovations such an anti-retroviral treatment can help to prolong life for persons living with HIV, there are aspects of the response which cannot be addressed in this way. Our attitudes are personal, they

influence our behaviour and interactions with each other, either consciously or unconsciously,” he said.

Boyce said it was therefore necessary to have in place programmes for constant training and retraining to help health care work-

ers to understand their own belief systems and attitudes that might influence their response to clients. In addition, the minister said, appropriate policies and legislation needed to be enacted to force change where necessary. (Excerpt from

Legal luminary wants only one item on CCJ referendum

The Attorney General of St Kitts and Nevis on Thursday expressed Opposition to items other than the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) being placed on the pending referendum.

Antigua and Barbuda Constitution requires a twothirds majority in a referendum before delinking from the London-based Privy Council as the region’s final Court of Appeal, but United Progressive Party (UPP) Leader Harold Lovell has called for other items, like replacing the queen as Head of State, to be placed on the referendum.

Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean states are locked in discussions on how to grow their economies at the fourth edition of the International Monetary Fund’s Caribbean Forum in St Kitts and Nevis. Before officials got down to business for the next two days, they paused for a photo opportunity

The Rastafarian community has called for the issue of decriminalising marijuana to also find its way on the ballot. But Vincent Byron, whose Government supports the move to the CCJ, told Observer media that changing a court of last resort is too important to be mixed up with other matters.

“I think it is a very distinct decision. This is a very important decision for our people and I think we need to see it as a separate issue,” Byron said, adding that, “those other things can go on an election ballot.”

US$300,000 deal inked to construct wastewater treatment plant

The Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund (GWRF) has now officially engaged its First Generation Project with Ashmins Fun Park and Resorts (Splashmins and Madewini Villas) being the first Private Sector company to access financing to construct a wastewater treatment plant. The agreement signed between the Communities Ministry and Ashmins Fun Park and Resorts values US$300,000.

This project will see 100 per cent of wastewater generated by the company being treated to acceptable standards as outlined in the provisions of the Concerning Pollution from Land-based Sources and Activities (LBS Protocol) before being discharged into the environment. The wastewater treatment plant will be constructed to treat 139,000 litres of wastewater daily. The plant will be used to divert and treat all wastewater generated on both the Splashmins Fun Park and Resort and Madewini Villas. Treated wastewater will be reused for irrigation in vital operation across the sites.

At Friday’s signing ceremony held at the Communities Ministry’s Boardroom, Kingston, Georgetown, subject Minister Ronald Bulkan congratulated Lennox John, Chief Executive Officer of Ashmins Fun Park and Resort, for his pioneering vision of leading the way for best practices in the Private Sector, particularly the tourism industry.

improve the standard of his operations and help the environment.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will be assisting with the implementation of this project. Leslie Ann Edwards, IDB Representative said that the Bank is proud with its partnership with the Government and hopes the project achieves its expected outcomes.

The Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund is one of four such pilot financing mechanisms (the others are in Belize, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago) and has had measured success in facilitating policy discussions, dialogue, and knowledge exchange regarding wastewater management with key stakeholders in the sector.

In 2010, Guyana committed to prevent the further environmental deterioration of its terrestrial and coastal waters through the signing of the Cartagena Convention and the ratification of its associated protocols.

With assistance from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the GOG entered into an agreement through the Caribbean Regional Fund for Waste Management (CReW) project to tackle its unique wastewater issues.

Attorney General Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin has given his Government

St Kitts and Nevis does not require a referendum to join the court in its appellate jurisdiction but Byron said he won’t support that move in Antigua, given the level of public education the move to the CCJ requires.

a timeline of eight months to complete the process of adopting the CCJ as the country’s court of last resort. Byron said he thinks Antigua and Barbuda has taken the right decision to join the CCJ and noted that his government will soon follow. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

‘I am Caricom’ drive launched to raise money for storm-hit Dominica

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) have launched a twomonth ‘I am Caricom’ drive to raise money for storm-affected Dominica.

“This drive has been named ‘I am Caricom’ as we declare as one single Caribbean Community to be each other’s keeper,” the CYA said in a release.

“The pain and suffering caused by the occurrence of this natural disaster continues to ache the hearts of the members of our Caribbean Community. The role of this community is to help our sister island restore her brokenness and to give her a sense of hope in such trying times,”

it added.

Tropical Storm Erika hit Dominica last week, leaving more than 24 dead and causing widespread damage to the country’s infrastructure. The government has declared nine special disaster areas.

Through the drive, the CYAs will seek monetary contributions from respective country district youth councils, schools, community groups and churches of the member states where Youth Ambassadors are present and make those funds available to the two Youth Ambassadors in Dominica to assist young people there in need.

As Guyana promotes tourism as part of its economic development the implementation of international best practices with respect to the protection of the environment must be realised to attract and meet the demands of international tourists, Minister Bulkan indicated.

Therefore, even though Guyana has an abundant supply of water, unlike some countries, this precious resource must be used with care. The Minister is of the view that there needs to be a new thinking of water being an important commodity. Currently, very little attention is paid in this area although water is a scarce resource. He pointed out that wastewater when treated could be reused for many purposes including agriculture.

The Global Environment Facility in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has set up CReW dedicated to testing pilot financing mechanisms that can be used to provide sustainable financing for environmentally sound and cost-effective wastewater management.

Through the CReW intervention, the Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund valued at US$3 million was created, with an additional US$560,000 committed in counterpart funding from the Government of Guyana (GoG), geared at supporting the efforts of the GoG in improving wastewater management, with specific focus on public-private partnerships.

“The Caricom Youth Development Action Plan (2012-2017) outlines six major goal statements of which Protection, Safety and Security, and Health and Wellbeing are highlighted.

The effort officially began on Wednesday and ends on October 31.

It is not always easy to protect a nation from natural disasters but, as a Caribbean unit, the mandate is to ensure that security is restored when it has been broken down and that the health and wellness of its people are take care of,” the CYAs said.

(Excerpt

While this project advances Government’s policy of an integrated sustainable waste management, which captures both wastewater and solid waste, it has helped John to achieve one of his dreams of assisting his country.

John related that he wants to be an example for other Private Sector companies to follow. He is of the view that this project would

Over the long term, this project will assist Guyana to honour the commitments of the LBS Protocol and in the short-term raise an awareness of the issues surrounding wastewater management in Guyana. Eventually, from promoting the first generation projects, and operationalising the revolving fund, it is hoped that the impetus thus created will propel the sector towards an integrated wastewater management approach.

Around the world

Migrant crisis: Hungary migrants start walk to border

Agroup of about 1000 migrants stuck at a Budapest railway station for days have set off on foot, saying they intend to walk to the Austrian border.

Hungarian authorities are trying to contain thousands of people desperate to reach western Europe. Meanwhile, European Union states are struggling to agree a common strategy to deal with the crisis.

The Hungarian, Czech, Slovakian and Polish Prime Ministers have rejected quotas for EU nations. In a statement the leaders rejected “any proposal leading to introduction of mandatory and permanent quota for solidarity measures”.

The chaotic scenes in Hungary – a main transit country for those seeking to claim asylum in Germany and other countries in north-

ern and western Europe –have continued for another day.

Bangkok bomb: Police say man arrested unlikely to be main suspect

Aforeign suspect arrested at Thailand’s border near Cambodia is unlikely to be the man in a yellow shirt accused of planting the bomb at a Bangkok shrine nearly three weeks ago, Police have said.

National Police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri said DNA samples taken from the suspect did not match the DNA found on the banknote that the bomber is believed to have left behind in a motorcycle taxi he took after leaving the pipe bomb under a bench at the open-air shrine when it was packed with worshippers.

Some of the migrants who had been waiting days at Budapest’s Keleti station grew frustrated with the lack of international trains, and decided to walk to Austria – a distance of 180km (110 miles).

Sierra Leone village in quarantine after Ebola death

Nearly 1000 people in Sierra Leone have been put under quarantine following the death of a 67-year-old woman who tested positive for Ebola. It comes five days into a six-week countdown for the country to be officially declared Ebola-free. The quarantine will last for three weeks, provided no new cases are recorded.

More than 11,000 people have died since the start of the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.

The BBC’s Umaru Fofana in the capital, Freetown, says the authorities had been optimistic after a long period

without any new Ebola cases and this caught them offguard.

Our correspondent says the quarantine is stricter than previous ones. It includes a curfew in which people will not be allowed to move from one house to another. Soldiers and police have been deployed to keep the quarantine in Sellakaffta, a village in Kambia on the northern border with Guinea.

The World Health Organisation and Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry are planning a vaccination programme for those who could have come into contact with the woman. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Hungarian Police seem to be escorting but not stopping them. The BBC’s Matthew Price, on a motorway about 20km outside of

the edge of Budapest, says large numbers of people, some pushing wheelchairs and buggies, are walking down the hard shoulder of the main motorway from the Hungarian capital to Vienna. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The definitive ruling out of the suspect – identified as Mieraili Yusufu or Yusufu Meerailee, thought to be from Xinjiang, a region in North-west China – suggests that the person who bombed the Erawan shrine in Bangkok on 17 August remains at large despite two arrests and naming of seven other suspects in recent days.

The blast left 20 people dead and more than 120 injured in one of the most devastating acts of violence that the Thai capital had seen in decades.

“Now we don’t have any evidence to say that he is the yellow-shirted man... from the investigation maybe he is not (the yellow-shirted man),” Prawut told reporters. “However, he is definitely involved with the bombing,.”

Prawut said Police were certain of this because his DNA was found in the two apartments on the outskirts of Bangkok where bombmaking materials were also found. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Father buries drowned boys, wife in Syria’s Kobane

The father of a threeyear-old boy whose drowning off Turkey shocked the world buried his son, another child and his wife in an emotional funeral Friday in Syria’s Kobane, a witness said.

“Aylan Shenu, his brother, and his mother were buried today [Friday] in Kobane in front of a large crowd. Everyone was very sad and crying,” said local Journalist Mustefa Ebdi, who attended the funeral service.

According to Ebdi, the three Syrian Kurds, who had tried to reach Greece by boat from Turkey, were buried in Kobane’s Martyrs Cemetery.

Three-year-old Aylan,

King Salman and Obama to discuss US-Saudi partnership

When Saudi King Salman meets US President Barack Obama at the White House, the two leaders will be seeking a renewal of an historic American-Saudi strategic partnership that has frayed recently amid a rising set of challenges in the Middle East.

The conflict in Yemen, civil war in Syria, nuclear deal with Iran and recent collapse in global oil prices will all be points of discussion for the two leaders.

The new Saudi king’s first visit to Washington since ascending to the throne comes at an auspicious time for Obama as the President nears a political victory in the US Congress over opponents of an Iran nuclear deal.

High on King Salman’s agenda will be winning increased US support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen

Saudi Arabia has deep concerns about the recent US-led diplomatic opening with Tehran that grants Iran more than US$120 billion in multilateral sanctions relief in exchange for giving up its alleged nuclear weapons ambitions.

The king’s visit to the

White House gives Obama the appearance of acquiescence from a key leader in the region. “What’s much more concerning to the Saudis are Iranians’ policies in the region at-large,” said Aaron David Miller, a Middle East analyst at the Wilson Centre in Washington. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

four-year-old Ghaleb and their mother Rihana drowned off the Turkish coast on Wednesday while trying to reach Europe across the Aegean Sea.

The father, Abdullah Kurdi, survived, and “looked broken and numb” as he addressed a gathering of hundreds, Ebdi said. “I don’t blame anyone else for this. I just blame myself,” Abdullah told the mourners.

“I will have to pay the price for this the rest of my life,” said the devastated father. He said his children were only a few of the many victims of Syria’s four-year conflict and pleaded for a “solution to the tragedies” gripping his country. Ebdi said he told Abdullah “the world is standing with you” but the grief-stricken father said there he had nothing left in the world to live for. (Excerpt from France24)

Oil deal with T&T will not replace PetroCaribe agreement

The oil and gas arrange-

ment with Trinidad and Tobago, will in no way replace the PetroCaribe deal Guyana has with neighbouring Venezuela, but is instead being used as an alternative to cushion the effect of untimely delivery from Venezuela.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon confirmed that fuel was purchased from the twin-island republic, noting that Government needed to have an alternative in place to ensure that there is never a shortage of petrol in Guyana. He related that only a few weeks ago, the vessel sent to Venezuela for fuel encountered some difficulties in getting the fuel on time.

“We do not feel that this arranangement will put in jeopardy the users of petrol in the country, in fact it is the Government’s commitment to ensure that there is a regular and reliable supply of fuel to drive the industry in Guyana,” Harmon said.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon confirmed that fuel was purchased from the twin-island republic, noting that Government needed to have an alternative in place

Harmon further related that Government will do all that is necessary to ensure that the wheels of industry continue to turn. Guyana, through the PetroCaribe arrangement, has been receiving oil from neighbouring Venezuela in exchange for rice. While the arrangement between Guyana and the Spanish-speaking nation will still continue, Harmon said the Trinidad and Tobago is the standby arrangement.

He said the arrangement with Trinidad is feasible and the terms favourable, noting that Trinidad is very much aware of Guyana’s commitment to the PetroCaribe deal out of Venezuela. He noted too that the financial arrangement in the deal is no less favourable than that of Venezuela.

Government, in July had begun pursuing a commitment made by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to assist Guyana in the oil and gas sector.

Governance Minster Raphael Trotman had said the offer would be explored

at two levels – one was the supply of oil and lubricants to Guyana to see if there could be favourable terms and concession from the twin-island republic for the supply; and the other is for the actual assistance in the development of the oil sector itself, in terms of exploration, agreements and being able to interface with the investors who come.

Prime Minister PersadBissessar made the promise to Guyana’s President in July, when she met with him on the sidelines of the 36th (Caribbean Community) Caricom Heads of Government meeting in Barbados.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the Caribbean and is also the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas. Oil and gas account for about 40 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product and 80 per cent of exports. It has transitioned from an oil-based economy to a natural gas-based economy. In 2007, natural gas production averaged four billion cubic feet per day. Should Guyana receive the promised support from the twin-island republic, it could closely follow behind as oil has been found in Guyana’s waters.

Region 6 passes motion regarding Govt firings –

The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has moved a motion regarding the unfair dismissal of senior public servants by Government who are perceived to be members of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

The motion was not objected to by appointed members of the coalition in Berbice when it was put to the floor for a vote. Eight of the nine coalition members abstained and refused to make their opinions known as the media were present.

A coalition member voted against the motion while 14 members of the PPP/C voted in favour of the motion. This was after Government’s dismissal of senior public servants – who are perceived to be supporters of the main Opposition PPP/C – became the focus of a heated debate on Thursday when former Alliance For Change member (AFC) and now PPP/C Regional Councillor Haseef Yusuf moved a motion against the Government at the RDC’s statutory meeting.

Councillors abstain

Yusuf said what Government has been doing to senior public servants who are perceived to have a close relationship with the former Administration was contrary to what President David Granger said when he was Opposition Leader and on the campaign trail in the lead up to the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

“He said that he would extend the olive branch to public servants and that he was willing to work with those public servants who are professionals. “To my dismay and disappointment, not long afterwards there was a spate of dismissals...”

Ethnic cleansing and witchhunting

Yusuf referred to the doings as ‘ethnic cleansing’ and ‘witchhunting’ on the part of the Government. “Ethnic cleansing and witchhunting is taking place in this very house here in the form of Mr Paul Ramrattan.” Ramrattan, the Regional Executive Office (REO) of Region Six was on his penultimate day at work. He

and eight other REOs were recently given dismissal letters from Government.

Yusuf called on the RDC to condemn what he called witchhunting and ethnic cleansing. In supporting the motion, Dr Grayson Halley said that the practice the new Government has adopted was unfair to professionals.

Meanwhile, Samuel Fraser, an A Partnership for National Unity Councillor in rebutting Yusuf argued that President Granger did say that he was willing to work with professionals but that was only if they acted in a professional manner.

The coalition-lead Councillor Jevaughn Stephens said he could not support the motion in its current state and asked for it to be reworded. Stephens said he is also against the dismissals of both junior and senior officers.

“I will challenge my Government but I am certain that all those who were dismissed, there were proper grounds for their dismissals. I believe that this side of the house is of the view that no public servant

Strike at Uitvlugt Estate… Parties agree to end strike, revised payments still to be set

Following a meeting on Friday morning among union, workers’ representatives and management of the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, on the West Coast of Demerara, an agreement was reached to put an end to the strike action while discussions are still ongoing to revise the “abnormal” payments.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, during the meeting on Friday, the parties agreed that the workers would return to work today.

Officials from the Estate and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) along with representatives of the workers were in the discussions as they attempted once again to come to a compromise. The workers’ representative was asked to get the workers to end the strike action. However, it is unclear whether the cane harvesters have agreed to this new arrangement.

Meanwhile, union representatives, management of the Estate and a team from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will be visiting the cane fields to assess the conditions on ground before agreeing to a revised payment sum.

General Secretary of GAWU, Seepaul Narine, told this newspaper they will have one “final try at resolving the issue”.

This compromise was met after nearly a week of strike action by cane harvesters and stalemate discussions between the workers and management of the estate. Over 500 cane harvesters attached to the Uitvlugt Estate downed their tools on Monday after management refused to revise what the workers call “inadequate” abnormal or extra wages. The additional payment is usually made to workers when they have to work in field conditions that are not normal. The amount payable varies depending on several factors, including the length of time it takes to get the work done inclusive of waiting time and the quantity of work, among others.

Offer inadequate

However, the offer put forward by management was found to be “inadequate” by the workers who were demanding double the amount, this newspaper was told. After management’s refusal to increase the payments, the workers took the decision not to return to work until a reasonable agreement is made.

The following day the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) got involved.

General Secretary of the union, Seepaul Narine, met with the officials of the Estate, however no compromise was met.

was dismissed wrongfully. As it relates to our goodly REO, I remember two weeks the PPP side of the house bombarded him saying that he can’t prepare a proper budget. I spoke with the REO and I know the way forward and myself and [the] REO agreed on a way forward.”

Regional Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop weighing in on the issue at Thursday’s debate, said that none of the senior public servants who have been dismissed by the current Administration have been given a chance to justify why they should not be dismissed.

“I am upset with the various human rights organisations because they have not come out and said anything. What we find here is they are denying a person the opportunity to work and what they are doing is not transferring persons to another entity but sending them to pasture,” the Vice Chairman said, while adding that many of the country’s professionals are leaving as part of the brain drain. “Many of those who have decided to stay are now being sent home.”

President concerned over frequent collapse of mining pits

President David Granger has expressed his concerns over the frequent collapse of mining pits within Guyana’s mining community.

Very often, these have resulted in the loss of lives of miners. The latest collapse earlier this week, resulted in the death of a young miner from Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

The President’s concerns were related on Friday morning to members of the media, when Minister of State Joseph Harmon addressed his weekly media briefing.

Minister Harmon explained that this is a matter over which the President expressed grave concerns, particularly on the frequency at which these mining pit collapses were taking place.

The Inquiry was launched because of mounting concerns over accidents at mining pits, which pointed to the lack of effective safety precautions and measures being taken by owners and operators in the mining sector.

The report is expected to make recommendations for ensuring effective compliance and implementation of safety and other working regulations.

(Excerpt from GINA)

The Minister referred to the Commission of Inquiry launched earlier in the year, to address similar concerns in the mining sector. In this regard, Minister Harmon advised that a draft report, which has been completed, will be presented to Cabinet shortly. This will be done by Minister Raphael Trotman, who has ministerial responsibilities for the sector.

Seized vehicles removed from CID Headquarters

Scores of vehicles that were parked for years in the compound of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary, Georgetown, are being removed and taken a secure location on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who revealed that the vehicles will be placed on low bed trucks and transported to the Soedyke/Linden Highway.

When Guyana Times visited CID headquarters on Friday afternoon, several cars were being towed out of the compound and placed on the trucks that were parked on the road.

According to information received, some of the vehicles were held pending investigations into several offences including murders, trafficking in narcotics, kidnapping, armed robberies, fake number

plates and more prevalent, smuggling.

Guyana Times also understands that some of the owners for the vehicles parked in the compound are now deceased.

However, the Crime Chief did admit that the vehicles that were parked there for several years were an soar; not just to the public but more so the CID headquarters. Hence,

a decision was taken to have them removed. He noted that it will definitely take some time to remove all of the vehicles but he is ecstatic that the process has begun

Mosque, residents at odds over Uivlugt Pasture lands

Members of the Uivlugt Pasture Jamaat are disturbed over recent claims made by residents to lands that were awarded decades ago for the construction of the Mosque.

Speaking to Guyana Times, the current Imam of the Mosque, Azim Khan, explained that the entire block is marked as “Muslim Cemetery” in the Plan that is in the possession of the Regional Office; however a portion of the land, measuring 200 feet by 300 feet, was given to the religious body by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for the construction of the Mosque over 40 years ago.

He added at that time, a section of the land was made available for a street to be constructed that would lead to another cemetery. Then later on, Government had requested another piece of land to construct a kindergarten school and that land was made available but, like the access road, nothing was built on the land. Several years after, persons began taking up residence on the land without any objections raised by the religious body.

Recently, the Jamaat raised money to do some rehabilitation works on the building and decided to repair the fence around the compound, which was deteriorating. However, the residents intervened claiming that the Mosque is infringing on their lands, which they say is reserve lands.

However, the Imam maintained that the residents have no legal claim

over land. “All these houses were built without permission. They are claiming this is a piece of reserve but the Plan has no reserve… They are claiming we are taking over the land, which-in, the new fence is in line with the old fence,” he stated. Khan explained that they are trying to prevent animals lurking in the area from entering the compound, by erecting a proper fence, noting that instead of being thankful that a new fence is being erected, residents are fighting with them, raising the issue of race. Nevertheless, the Imam is adamant that they will not play into the hands of the residents and engage in any fight over the land.

Meanwhile, another member of the Mosque, Imteaz Abdool, has dis-

closed that they began constructing the concrete foundation for the new fence but on Friday, persons went and constructed wooden frame about 10 feet away from the fence but on the property of the Mosque. He pointed to a portion of the old fence that is still standing at the back of the land and is in line with the concrete structure.

Additionally, the member highlighted that the persons even planted several palm trees in the space between the two fences. “We as Muslims don’t want to get into any conflict and or anything so we just leave it as it is. They are building a fence for us and we are building a fence for them,” he stated.

Abdool went on to say that this dispute is be-

IN THE COURTS

ABrazilian national was on Friday placed on $100,000 bail after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court

Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Ramon Xavier Moriera, 32, a self-proclaimed businessman, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on Monday, August 31 at Georgetown, she stole $60,000, property of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones related that the defendant travelled to Guyana through the Lethem route on vacation and he is not a holder of any bank account.

The Prosecutor stated that he was caught on camera on the day that he withdrew the cash and when he returned on the second occasion to make another transaction he was arrested and taken into custody.

The Prosecutor further revealed that the defendant’s name was on the VISA Card but the pin number was not registered to him.

ing pushed by a man, who they claim is a member of the Police Criminal Investigation Department. He noted that the man does not live in the area but has reportedly inherited a property there. “He doesn’t live here but he is instigating the people around her… the people who build the (wooden) fence are not even from here. They are claiming that the (old) fence was never there and that is a total lie,” the man related. Moreover, the members stated that the matter was reported to the Regional Office; however, it has not gained the urgency needed given the fact that they are incurring losses as the works are delayed. The members added that they have taken legal actions to have the matter resolved.

With the assistance of an interpreter, the defendant told the court that he travels from the United States of America

to Guyana and conducts trading of clothes and perfumes. He stated that thus far, it has been six days since he has been in Guyana and is currently staying at Hotel Kanais. Moriera further stated that his bank has a contract with other banks where he can withdraw money. He added that, he used the card and made withdrawals in the United States and never encountered such issues.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-a-Fat who told the court that, it is unclear what the offence committed is as his client did not break the law. He submitted an application for reasonable bail which was objected to by Prosecutor Jones who stated that the defendant is not a local and has no ties to this country and he may not return for his trial.

The Prosecution’s objection was overruled and the defendant was ordered to lodge his passport and report daily to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Moriera was left in custody of the Brazilian Embassy and the matter was adjourned to September 9.

Man charged for receiving stolen brush cutter

A54-year-old man was on Friday placed before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court

Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with receiving stolen property.

Robert Jagdir, a grass cutter of 54 Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Tuesday, September 1, at Kitty, Georgetown he received from Wazim Pereira one Stihl brush cutter valued at $99,000 property of Raymond Pereira; know-

ing same to be stolen or unlawfully obtained.

The court heard that the VC’s son stole the brush cutter and in turn sold it to the accused who had no knowledge that the item was stolen. The VC stated that he did not wish to offer evidence against the accused as he has chosen to take his own course of action, wherein his brush cutter is returned to him and the matter is forgotten. After listening to the facts, Magistrate McLennan dismissed the case.

Jamzone Summer Break this year has seen a great improvement from last year as HJ Water World was fully operational. Though some say the festival needed a headlining artiste, the crowds still flocked the venue as Guyanese artistes performed and kept the crowd rocking to their music.

Many would agree that this year,

the family fun factor was the highlight of the Beach Jam. The anticipation was building and HJ Water World certainly did not fail to deliver a good time for all patrons.

The beach and pool were flooded with persons enjoying the rides, boats and water slides, among other games. With the venue just a mere 10 minutes out of the capital city, HJ believes this played a huge role in the 7000 plus patrons who brought their entire family out for a day of wholesome fun.

It was an amazing site to see so many faces beaming with happiness and so many families all having fun together, the organisers said.

The beauty of the Beach Jam is without a doubt the $500,000 in cash prizes which can be won in the gaming segment, with games provided for both adults and children.

The newly added water games were an episode of “Wipe out,” but participants didn’t lose site of the cash to be won and battled it out to the end. The signature Jamzone games such as the kissing game for couples, beer drinking competition, lime and spoon race and dance off for the ladies all had competitive patrons participating.

Living up to its reputation of always being a fun family oriented good time, all involved were in high spirits and displayed excellent sportsmanship.

As the evening approached the crowd got even bigger. The concert saw a great line-up of Guyanese artistes including Timeka Marshall, Jackie Hanover and reigning Carib Soca Monarch Jumo Primo.

The entertainers took the stage by storm and all gave an energy packed

performance that left the audience wanting for more. The Boom DJs juggled all night long and kept the party vibes going. Jamzone Summer Break 2015 was

Rock party lovers have the ideal place to hang this weekend when Majestic Entertainment presents the biggest rock show and metal-head bash this Saturday at the Girls’ Guide Pavilion, Brickdam, Georgetown.

The event is called “Headbanger’s Journey” and will feature “Feed the Flames” Rock Band, Rock United Musicians and Deejay Fyah. As a side attraction, the entertainment group will be giving away three Samsung Galaxy S5 cellular phones.

Comedy lovers on the East Bank of Demerara are in for a treat this Saturday evening as the popular theatrical show titled “Laff till yu fraff” is held at the Diamond Tarmac, Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara. With the cast slated to perform, those who plan to attend the show are advised to proceed with caution, as

The event is expected to be held on an annual basis and will see rock bands from around the world providing that hype and energetic performances.

However, Majestic Entertainment will be providing events for the alternative crowd, favourites such as rock, electronic dance music, and reggae. Tickets for “Headbanger’s Journey” cost $1000 in advance and $1500 at the door.

Advance tickets can be purchased at locations across the city including

they are expected to “laugh till yu can’t laugh no mo”. If you are suffering from any heart ailments, it is advisable that you stay at home.

Heating up the tarmac on Saturday will be the Promoter Rajan Tiwari, also known as “Katahar”; Chris Gopaul; Michael Ignatius, known as “Credit”; Lisa Singh, also known as “Parika Gal”; Sonia Yarde; Mark Kazim and Lyndon

Seeta’s Bar, Station Street, Kitty; Butcher’s Bar, Middleton Street, Kitty; G-Spot Bar & Lounge, Sandy Babb Street; Eclipse Barbershop, opposite Kitty Police Station; MobileTech, Ground Floor, City Mall; Vinu’s Shoe Box, Third Floor, City Mall and GRA Café, third Floor, GRA, Camp Street. The event is sponsored by Unitech Awning, Tony’s Auto Spares, Zoon Shipping, Vinu’s Shoe Box, and Giftland OfficeMax.

“Jumbie” Jones. There will also be performances by the Sheleta Dance Troupe that is bound to add some flavour to the already hyped show. Music will be provided by Wild Things Family.

The event is sponsored by Banks DIH, Payless Variety Store, Mahendra Cambio, Smart Choice Variety Store and Amanda’s Bridal and Costume

Admission to the event costs $500 for adults and $300 for children. There will also be VIP seating available at $700. Make sure to be early so that you will not miss any of the fun. There will be other attractions including a well-stocked bar.

It’s “Laff till yu fraff” at the Diamond Tarmac this Saturday.

Showtime is 20:00h.

The first run of “Ultimate Cockfight” uncensored was held on August 16 at the National Cultural Centre and drew a wide audience, but this time around, the producer has censored the show to accommodate all ages.

The show is set for Sunday, September 6.

This bold and hilarious satire explores stereotyping of both ‘straight and gay” relationships, and the inevitable clash of types as they crossover or attempt to crossover. The very thought alone should get you tickled.

The hilarious plot tells the story of a young man cocksure of his sexuality, who leaves his male partner and bumps into a lonely, yet attractive older divorcee. She gets caught up in renewed hope of finding lasting love and marriage, even with a gay man.

Scared and confused by his feelings for the woman, he returns to his partner who is unwilling to forgive him. The cheating young man, who now thinks he is a victim, spins a web of lies which provokes the “Ultimate Cockfight”.

The riotous journey in search of a resolution, is filled with such side splitting laughter, that’s it is downright

outrageous. Tasked with keeping straight faces through all this are Guyana’s best. They are Chris Gopaul, Michael Ignatius, Sonia Yarde and Godfrey Naughton who is also the Director.

Chris is the Protagonist in his most challenging role to date. It is far more difficult than The Prince in “Cinderella” and the ubiquitous George in “Old Storytime”.

He brilliantly plays the part of a victim while being oblivious to the mayhem he is causing. His first encounter with a woman is a scene –with Sonia Yarde – that with all certainty will go down in Guyanese Theatre folklore.

Sonia Yarde plays a slightly off centred divorcee, desperate for a good man, any man, even a gay one, though she will not admit it. Michael Ignatius is the wealthy young stockbroker, gay and “bitchy”, but is played delightfully, and will be a huge hit with the crowd.

This never before seen type of play is on at the National Cultural Centre from 20:00h. Tickets cost $2000, $1500 and $1000 and are sold at Nigel’s Supermarket and the Box Office at the National Cultural Centre.

Federer express rushes to third round appointment

Roger Federer kept up his sprint through the early rounds of the U.S. Open on Thursday, steamrolling Steve Darcis of Belgium 6-1 6-2 6-1 to reach the third round of the year’s final grand slam.

Federer took just 80 minutes to dispatch the 66thranked Darcis under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium and has lost just nine games in his first two matches.

In an ominous warning to his rivals, Federer said his early form points to a successful fortnight at Flushing Meadows, one of his favorite haunts.

“Very often I start this tournament quite strong,” said the 34-year-old.

“It’s always gone quite well for me. I’ve always enjoyed conditions here - the balls, the speed of the court,

the atmosphere in the arena.

“I think this is another good year.”

Federer won five U.S. Open titles in a row from 2004 to 2008 but has not made it to the final in New York since finishing runner-up in 2009.

The evergreen Swiss is feeling confident this time after a strong season and impressive build-up to the event. He was a finalist at Wimbledon in July and has captured five ATP titles this year, including last month’s

Cincinnati Masters, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final.

Playing with free-flowing aggression, Federer fired 11 aces and a total of 46 winners past Darcis while committing 25 errors.

Comfortable in the New York spotlight, he matched Serena Williams for the most U.S. Open wins at night, improving his record to 29-1.

“I’ve enjoyed myself so many times, so many years,” he said in an on-court interview.

“It’s wonderful that I can still experience it and play this well. It’s great.

“I hope this is not my last one, of course.”

Federer’s next opponent is Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber, a straightsets winner over Czech Lukas Rosol. (Reuters)

Halep, Wawrinka beat the heat while Sock wilts

Simona Halep and Stan Wawrinka beat the heat with straight-sets wins to reach the third round of a sweltering U.S. Open on Thursday while American hope Jack Sock wilted under the punishing conditions, collapsing on court.

After the sun set on Flushing Meadows, fourth seed Caroline Wozniacki played in cooler conditions but was unable to repel a red-hot Petra Cetkovska, the 149th ranked Czech repeating her 2013 Wimbledon upset of the Dane with a 6-4 5-7 7-6(1) win.

Cetkovska had looked to be cruising to victory when she led 4-1 in the second set but the injury-prone 30-yearold lost her way and then saved four match points in the decider before she was ultimately rewarded for being aggressive on vital points.

Leading off the night session, second seed Roger Federer was neither troubled by the weather nor his opponent as the Swiss maestro easily dispatched Steve Darcis of Belgium 6-1 6-2 6-1 in just 80 minutes to stay on course for a sixth U.S. Open crown.

While Federer barely broke a sweat, players spent most a sizzling day session with ice packs draped over their shoulders, chugging on water bottles and searching for shade.

British hopes Andy Murray and Johanna Konta, however, enjoyed a productive

day in the sun as both went the distance to score second round victories.

Third seed Murray appeared frozen to the spot on a broiling afternoon but caught fire when he needed to and rallied for a 5-7 4-6 6-1 6-3 6-1 win over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.

Konta, meanwhile, provided the early upset, toiling for three hours and 27 minutes to see off ninth-seeded Spaniard and Wimbledon finalist Garbine Muguruza 7-6(4) 6-7(4) 6-2 in what was the longest women’s match ever at the U.S. Open.

“I noticed after the first set -- it was incredibly long, but then after I had a couple glances on the clock, I’m like, ‘Oh, okay. We have been here for a while.’ But we deal with it as best we can,” said Konta. “It was the same for her and the same for a lot of players playing out there at this time.”

As courtside temperatures pushed past 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Romanian second seed Halep wasted little time finishing off Ukraine qualifier Kateryna Bondarenko 6-3 6-4 in 76 minutes before escaping to the air-conditioned comfort of the players’ lounge.

Fifth-seeded Swiss Wawrinka outslugged promising South Korean teenager Chung Hyeon, but still needed three tiebreaks to sweat out a 7-6(2) 7-6(4) 7-6(6) second round decision.

“Today was a really tough day with the conditions,” Wawrinka said. “I know that I’m ready physically to battle for long hours in that condition. Today was hot, was humid, but still we play three hours and I’m feeling OK.”

Next up for the French Open champion is Ruben Bemelmans of Belgium, who advanced when Sock retired due to cramping while leading 6-4 6-4 3-6 1-2. Sock had looked in control of the match but began to show signs of distress in the third set, then sent shockwaves through the crowd when he began to cramp and dropped to the court as medical staff rushed to his aid.

A wheelchair was brought out but after several minutes, Sock was helped to his feet and, assisted by a trainer under each arm, limped off the court.

Australian Sam Stosur, the 2011 U.S. Open champion and last player to beat world number one Serena Williams at Flushing Meadows four years ago, looked ready to make another run at the title as she crushed Russian qualifier Evgeniya Rodina 6-1 6-1.

But it was the end of the road for 2001 champion Lleyton Hewitt, the tenacious Australian dragged kicking and screaming to the Flushing Meadows exit by countryman Bernard Tomic in what was his final U.S. Open.

A player who constructed a career around a relentless fighting spirit that became his calling card, Hewitt was never going to leave the U.S. Open without a struggle and went down swinging until the very end, falling 6-3 6-2 3-6 5-7 7-5 (Reuters)

FIFA

reform committee strong on platitudes, short on detail

FIFA’s latest reform committee produced plenty of platitudes and precious little concrete detail after completing its first meeting in the Swiss capital on Thursday.

Chairman Francois Carrard said the committee had enjoyed two days of “intense and fruitful” discussions but failed to provide any insight as to what proposals had been discussed.

The meeting added to the sense that the whole process to clean up football’s governing body has become bogged down in a plethora of committees and task forces and that reform fatigue is starting to creep in.

“We are not at the stage of the proposals, we have covered, studied, reviewed and exchanged opinions on all areas,” Carrard, a former director general of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), told reporters.

“The specific proposals will be on the table at the next meeting which will be in October.”

FIFA is facing unprecedented pressure to reform following the May indictment by U.S. authorities of nine current and former football officials on briberyrelated charges. Many had served on FIFA’s executive committee or other FIFA committees.

Swiss public prosecutors are also investigating the decision to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 tournament to Qatar, both taken at a vote in Zurich in December 2010.

The pressure prompted president Sepp Blatter to lay down his mandate on June 2, only four days after being elected for a fifth mandate.

His replacement will be elected on Feb. 26. by an ex-

traordinary Congress which is also expected to implement meaningful reforms.

FIFA already has an audit and compliance committee headed by Domenico Scala, who had drawn up his own nine-point reform programme which he presented to the executive committee in July 20.

This included term limits for leading officials, publication of their salaries and a reduction of in the power of the continental confederations, which are not FIFA members.

Instead of discussing Scala’s reforms themselves, however, the executive committee decided to set up the new reform committee.

In a further twist, this consists of 12 members elected by the continental confederations which Scala had targeted.

Carrard, who will also appoint his own five-man advisory board, denied suggestions that his committee would have vested in interests when it discussed Scala’s proposals.

“I have no feeling of any fight at all; the members of the committee have, without exception, discussed every area in the most open and constructive way,” he said.

“We had some fabulous input, very independent; there was no particular comment as to Mr Scala’s presentation, which was excellent.”

Carrard said he was still deliberating on who to choose for his own committee, which could include representatives from FIFA sponsors.

“I have ongoing consultations with representatives of main official partners and sponsors. I’ll have further meetings this month, this is a process which is going on for another couple of weeks.” (Reuters)

Wade, bowlers put Australia 1-0 up

Aseventh-wicket partnership of 112 in 13 overs between Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh proved the difference between the sides in the first ODI of the series between England and Australia in Southampton.

When the pair came together Australia were precariously placed on 193 for 6 and had just lost three wickets for 15 runs. But Wade, timing the ball as well as anyone, produced his highest ODI score since August 2012 - and his highest ever against a Full Member nation - as Australia added 93

from the final 10 overs.

That took Australia’s total above 300 and, while the game has changed up to a point, the fact remains that England have only three times successfully chased a target of that magnitude. Only once have they successfully chased a target higher than the one they were set here.

There was talk, at the halfway stage of the game, that the Australia total was little better than par. And it is true that, in the context of the run-drenched ODI series against New Zealand earlier this season, a score of 305

seemed pretty modest.

But maybe in time we will come to see that series - played on perfect batting pitches and with playing regulations that favoured batsmen to an extreme extent - as somewhat aberrational. This was the first ODI in England played under the new playing regulations which allow the fielding captain more scope to defend. It is too early to say for sure what the effects will be, but it seems reasonable to presume they will rein in totals just a little.

England’s openers set off well enough but eventually,

against a disciplined attack, the pressure of sustaining such a run chase began to tell. And, once their innings lost momentum, wickets followed.

This was a performance that represented a fine return from Wade. He missed out on World Cup selection after Brad Haddin’s superior keeping and extra experience - and his own failure to nail down a place in the 47 ODIs he had played up to that point - was favoured.

Until that point, Wade was averaging in the mid20s and, after a decent start to his ODI career (he made three half-centuries in his first nine innings), had contributed just one half-century in 22 innings.

He didn’t enjoy a good start here, either. Attempting to get off the mark, he pushed a delivery straight to the cover fielder - Ben Stokes of all people - and set off for an almost

impossible run that left his partner, the unfortunate Shane Watson, yards short of his ground.

But after that moment of madness, he demonstrated a fine range of strokes, a selflessness and an ability to improvise - one sweep off Stokes was especially eyecatching - to suggest that, aged 27, he has the ability, the time and now the maturity to make a success of his second chance in international cricket. He also kept athletically and claimed three catches.

Certainly Australia were grateful for his contribution.

While David Warner and Joe Burns ensured a bright enough start, Australia lost their way in mid-innings due to the introduction of England’s spinners and some self-inflicted errors.

First Burns hit a full toss straight back at the bowler, before Steven Smith slogged another straight to the fielder on the deep midwicket boundary. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Australia innings (50 overs maximum)

JA Burns c & b Rashid 44

DA Warner c Woakes

b Rashid 59

SPD Smith* c Stokes b Rashid 44

GJ Bailey lbw b Rashid 23

GJ Maxwell c †Buttler

b Wood 15

SR Watson run out

(Stokes/†Buttler) 6

MS Wade† not out 71

MR Marsh not out 40

Extras (lb 1, w 2) 3

Total (6 wickets; 50 overs) 305

Did not bat: MA Starc, NM Coulter-Nile, PJ Cummins

Fall of wickets: 1-76, 2-133, 3-164, 4-178, 5-192, 6-193 Bowling: ST Finn 7-0-410, MA Wood 10-0-72-1, CR Woakes 9-0-57-0, AU Rashid 10-0-59-4, MM Ali 8-0-370, BA Stokes 6-0-38-0.

England innings (target: 306 runs from 50 overs)

JJ Roy c Warner b Maxwell 67 AD Hales c Watson b Marsh 22 JWA Taylor b Watson 49 EJG Morgan* c †Wade b Watson 38 BA Stokes c Burns b Starc 13

JC Buttler† c Marsh b Coulter-Nile 4

MM Ali c Marsh b Cummins 17 CR Woakes c †Wade b Coulter-Nile 0 AU Rashid c †Wade b Starc 11 MA Wood not out 10 View dismissal ST Finn b Cummins 10

Extras (lb 1, w 4) 5

Total (all out; 45.3 overs) 246 Fall of wickets: 1-70, 2-112, 3-152, 4-172, 5-194, 6-194, 7-194, 8-220, 9-232, 10-246 Bowling: MA Starc 10-0-552, NM Coulter-Nile 8-1-39-2, PJ Cummins 9.3-1-48-2, MR Marsh 4-1-35-1, SR Watson 8-039-2, GJ Maxwell 6-0-29-1.

Atapattu resigns as Sri Lanka coach

Marvan Atapattu has resigned as Sri Lanka coach, Sri Lanka Cricket has announced. His resignation was accepted by the board. Neither the board, nor Atapattu has offered a reason for the decision.

Atapattu had officially held the position since September last year, but had effectively been head coach since April 2014, after Paul Farbrace’s departure. Before that, he had worked as batting coach of the team since 2011. During his term as interim coach, he had overseen Sri Lanka’s first Test series win in England in 16 years. He was Sri Lanka’s first fulltime local coach in 15 years.

In the past 10 months, however, significant concerns over his coaching style have arisen. Atapattu is reputed to be an excellent technical coach, but is understood to have been less impressive as

a man-manager - which was seen by the board as a particularly worrying trait, in Sri Lanka’s transition period.

This perceived weakness, coupled with consistently poor results at the top level have likely paved the way for Atapattu’s exit. He has departed of his own volition, but did so after Sri Lanka failed to win a single series this year.

The home ODI series victory against England late in 2014 remains the only trophy the team has won since Atapattu was formalised as head coach.

The resignation comes two days after the completion after a particularly dispiriting home season. Sri Lanka were defeated in four Tests out of six since June, losing to Pakistan and India. The only other time Sri Lanka lost two home series in a calendar year was back in 1993.

Sri Lanka’s next international begins against West

Indies in mid-October, but the board is unlikely to appoint a permanent coach before then. Some members of SLC’s interim committee are understood to have a favoured candidate in mind, but the board is likely to field applications. In the meantime, a local coach may take over in a temporary capacity. SLC’s head of coaching Jerome Jayaratne would seem to be the obvious choice. Atapattu’s exit follows the resignation of Chaminda Vaas as fast-bowling coach following the World Cup this year. In his time as batting coach, Atapattu has overseen substantial improvement in Angelo Mathews’ batting, but has had mixed results with other young batsmen. In addition to the Test series win in England, Sri Lanka also won a World T20, and Asia Cup, and a Test match in South Africa during his time with the side. (Cricinfo)

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Malone’s 90 fails to save Fishermen Masters

Ramo Malone missed out on the competition’s first century, but his brilliant could not take Fishermen Masters over the line against Enterprise Legends in the Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend’s inaugural softball cricket competition.

Malone’s 90 not out is the highest score of the competition to date, but his team fell short of the target by two runs. Below are the summarised scores from the latest round of matches.

Enterprise Legends defeated Fishermen Masters by two runs. Enterprise 1644 in 20 overs (N Wilson 52, Seemangal Yadram 33*, R Ali 30) Fishermen 162-7 in 20 overs (Ralo Malone 90*, V Gobin and S Seebarran took two wickets each).

out in 12 overs (Azharudden Mohamed 3-10, Lalta Karim 2-15).

(Kelven Kanhai 32, Deon Ramdial 26, R Geewan took two wickets).

Savage Masters defeated Park Rangers by nine wickets. Park Rangers 161-7 in 20 overs (Mohamed Rafeek 41, Talesh Ramoutar 33, Herbie Jentle 3-2, Wallack Joseph 2-15) Savage Masters 1632 (R Samaroo 49, Kennard Luke 36, H Gentle 27*, Nadir Baksh 21*).

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Farm defeated Princess Hotel by 157 runs. Farms 230-5 in 20 overs (Rajesh Reddy 59, Ricky Sargent 51, Sheldon Perch 37, J Masha 3-32) Princess Hotel 73 all

In 62 Twenty20s she has managed 1814 runs at an average of 36, with 16 half-centuries.

In contrast, Aguilleira has struggled with the bat, especially in recent times. She has not scored a half-century in over three years and managed only 69 runs from ten ODI outings last year and 86 runs from 12 T20 innings.

WICB president, Dave Cameron said he believed the changes would be “in the best interests” of the squad.

“The Directors have confidence in the decision made by the selectors and accept that it has been made in the best interests of the women’s team,” he said.

“Stafanie has held a senior role in our women’s team for some time and has been a

Brickery Superstars defeated United Brothers by five wickets. United Brothers 150-7 in 20 overs (R Ajooda 43, S Ghanie 29, Stephano Morgan 3-18, Frederick Wilkie 2-22) Brickery 151-5 in 17.2 overs

good role model for the younger players. She is someone who we believe can take on more responsibility and we congratulate her on this appointment.”

He added: “We also would like to thank Merissa for her leadership of the Windies Women over the last six years, a period during which she helped to establish the side as one of most competitive in the World.

“She was the longest serving West Indies Women’s captain, leading the team to the Final of the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2013 in India and the semi-finals of the last three ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup.”

Meanwhile, 20-year-old offspinner Karishma Ramharack has been included in the training squad as the only new

Matches will continue this weekend with six matches at two venues in Georgetown. At the GNIC ground on Woolford Avenue: 09:30h – Regal Masters versus Savage Masters, and at 12:30h – Herstelling Raiders versus Regal. At the Carifesta Sports Complex ground: On Pitch One at 09:30h – Young Guns versus United Brothers; 12:30h – Farm versus Wolf Warriors; One Pitch Two at 09:30h – Brickery Super Stars versus Princess Hotel; at 12:30h – Parika Defenders versus Enterprise Legends.

From page 24

face, while Kyshona Knight, Chedean Nation and Vanessa Watts have been recalled. Seamer Shakera Selman and leg-spinner Shaquana Quintyne have also returned to the set-up following injury. The squad will be in camp in Barbados later this month for two weeks.

TRAINING SQUAD –Stafanie Taylor (Captain), Shakera Selman (ViceCaptain), Merissa Aguilleira, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Stacy-Ann King, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Shaquana Quintyne, Karishma Ramharack, Tremayne Smartt, Vanessa Watts. (CMC)

Ramdin axed...

“We had a number of detractors when he was appointed ODI captain, but he showed during the ODI series in South Africa and the World Cup that he had the qualities that were needed to take our team forward.”

Though he broke into the team as a seamer, Holder’s batting has improved significantly in the longer version where he has already scored a Test hundred and two halfcenturies, and averages 34.

His unbeaten 103 against England last April came in difficult circumstances on the last day of the opening Test in Antigua when he managed to scramble a draw for the Windies.

And last June, he stroked a flamboyant unbeaten 82 from just 63 balls in the second Test to prop up the West Indies batting.

The 30-year-old Ramdin, meanwhile, was appointed to the role in May last year,

replacing the long-serving Darren Sammy. He led West Indies in 13 Tests – winning four, losing seven and drawing two.

As captain, he managed 472 runs at an average of 22, and a highest score of 57.

Lloyd said the decision to remove Ramdin was with the view of getting more from the player with the bat, and said he had spoken to the veteran of 69 Tests about his new role in the side.

“I have spoken to Denesh and he understood the situation and there was no animosity,” said Lloyd.

“We just want him to perform a little bit better right now, particularly with the bat, and give of his best and support the new captain.”

Barbados left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican is the only new face in the side, with the uncapped all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite also included.

Warrican, 23, took 49 wickets at nearly 15 runs apiece during the first class season.

Opener Rajindra Chandrika has been retained despite getting a ‘king pair’ in his debut Test against Australia last June while the pair of Shai Hope and Shane Dowrich, who also made their debuts against the Aussies recently, have been again included.

The squad will undergo a preparation camp in Bridgetown from September 20 before departing for Sri Lanka eight days later.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite (vice-captain), Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Jermaine Blackwood, Darren Bravo, Rajindra Chandrika, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Jomel Warrican. (CMC)

Trophy Stall donates winning trophies for GT Beer Futsal

The Petra Organisation need not worry about their winning prize trophies for the currently ongoing GT Beer Futsal Tournament since the Trophy Stall answered the call on Friday to donate the winning trophies.

The gesture came at the right moment when the tournament will be entering its quarter final round on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Wife of the Proprietor of Trophy Stall, Devi Sunich was happy to be onboard with Petra Organisation, noting that Trophy Stall has always believed in developing grass

roots sports.

Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca stressed that the move by Trophy Stall is an indication of their commitment to sport.

“Petra [Organisation] wants to express our sincere thanks to Trophy Stall for presenting these wonderful trophies, they always show their commitment to sport by giving back to the people they support. We are glad they saw the wisdom for getting involved with a tournament such as this,” Mendonca stated.

Meanwhile the tournament will continue on Sunday with four exciting games from 19:00h. (Treiston Joseph)

Lens Craft Optical/EBFA U-13 League…

Action resumes today at Mocha ground

Competitive football is set to make a grand return to the Mocha Community Centre ground today when the inaugural Lens Craft Optical/East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-13 League resumes, following a period of inactivity due to the prolonged rainy season.

Today’s double-header will see point’s leaders Grove Hi Tech, joint leaders on nine points with Herstelling Raiders, but ahead on goal difference, playing the feature game against host team Mocha Champs, who are on four points.

Opening play at 10:00h will bring together Agricola Red Triangle on six points against Kuru Kururu Warriors, lagging in the penultimate position on the table with a single point.

Agricola would be led by the competition’s leading goal scorer to date, Leon Moore, who has six goals (two hat-tricks), one more than Herstelling’s Shoran James.

Lending support would be Shamar Morrison, Kerwayne

Lyte and Kareem John. For the Warriors, Kevon Scott and Oric Austin will lead their charge for a win.

Grove Hi Tech will bank on the likes of their leading scorer to date, Akeem Williams (3), Devon Padmore, Rasheed Evans and Jamallo Benjamin to deliver three more points to their title bid, while Mocha will bank on Ian Mars and home advantage to turn back

the challenge of Grove.

The Executive of the EBFA wishes to express gratitude to Neighbourhood Democratic Council Chairman Gregory John for giving the go-ahead for matches to be played at the Mocha ground. It is almost 15 years that competitive football has not been played at this venue due to varying reasons, including lack of funds to maintain same.

Is Permaul not good...

He also chipped in with valuable lower-order runs for the Guyana Jaguars, accumulating 226 runs at an average of 22.60 with two half-centuries and a highest score of 86 not out.

In nine games for Barbados Pride, Warrican captured 49 wickets at 14.97

with five five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match hauls. In the Super50 competition, which was held during the break for the Fourday tournament, Permaul displayed his adaptability, effortlessly switching tactics to snatch 11 wickets, second only to Sunil Narine’s 12, in five games, including a fourwicket haul and two threewicket hauls.

Warrican played just two Super50 games and collected a similar number of wickets.

It did not end there. The Hero Caribbean Premier League came around and Permaul continued his fine form in 2015, snatching eight wickets from 10 games for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Sharing the new ball when the field restrictions are enforced and returning a stupendous economy rate of 5.75 in a batsman-dominated format is the stuff of genius. Warrican, playing for St Kitts Patriots, claimed two wickets from three games at an economy rate of 9.11.

Chairman of the WICB Selectors, Clive Lloyd, had previously mentioned that players’ selection to the West Indies team would be determined by their performance in the regional competition.

“We have been in the same place with the same players,” Lloyd said of his panel’s vision. “We have been given a job to try and change West Indies cricket and change all aspects of it and that is what we are trying to do.”

Lloyd added, “We want to move on with a new captain. And introducing younger

The start of this league will also signal a busy period for the EBFA, which intends to start its senior league among a number of other tournaments, shortly. The Association’s affiliates are also expected to convene shortly to review and adopt the new Constitution that has been circulated to the affiliates of the Guyana Football Federation by the Normalisation Committee.

From page 24

players wherever possible, those who are doing well in our competitions because as I said, we want to reward people for the way they have played.”

Reward for performance would definitely motivate the regional cricketers to put in that extra effort, as they all aspire to one day don the maroons. After all, representing the West Indies is the pinnacle for aspiring cricketers in this part of the globe.

Permaul still has those aspirations. It has not diminished ever since he picked up a cricket ball over a decade and a half ago.

Guyana Times Sport was able to confirm that the dedicated and disciplined young man is fit and ready to play cricket. This publication was trying to ascertain if he was

injured and whether that may have influenced the selectors’ decision to omit him.

It is baffling that the selectors have opted against taking Permaul to those spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka, especially when the home team also boasts of the leading left-arm spinner in world cricket at the moment, Rangana Herath.

This most recent move by the WICB Selectors to ignore Permaul’s fine form this season, and the experience of six Tests and six ODIs for a newcomer to international cricket on a tough away series defies logics. It begs the question, ‘Is Permaul not good enough?’ Only Lloyd and company have that answer. It is one all Guyanese would no doubt love to hear.

Burnham Memorial Basketball Tournament…

Colts ready for Half Mile Bulls in tonight’s final, says Singh

BY TREISTON JOSEPH

The place to be tonight is Linden, Region 10 when two titans in Guyana’s basketball clash at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court in the final of the Burnham Memorial Basketball Tournament, set to start from 19:30h.

The Colts, out of Georgetown, will take on the Half Mile Bulls of Linden in the final of the tournament.

The Colts has been the most consistent side out of Georgetown in recent times, with their well balanced offensive attacks.

President of the Colts Michael Singh noted that the team is ready and has been “training hard” for their matchup against the

Degree, Powerade cycling to highlight next weekend

The weekend of September 12-13 will be a busy one for local riders as national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed has planned two cycling events to continue his programme of activities for 2015.

On September 12, Mohamed will stage the 15th annual DeSinco Trading 11race programme, under the Degree brand at the inner circuit of the National Park.

The event will pedal off at

09:00h and will be headlined by the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race, which was won by Team Coco’s Raynauth Jeffrey last year in a time of one hour, 16 minutes, 20.06 seconds (01h: 16m: 20.06s).

Some of the other category winners from 2014 were Jamal John (Juveniles), Jaikaran Sookhai (Veterans Under-50), Adrian Sharma (Mountain Bikes) and Toshawna Doris (Boys and

Girls Open).

The following day, the riders will head to the West Demerara roadways for the fifth annual Powerade 50mile race from 08:00h. The race will commence in front of the Wales Police Station, proceed to Bushy Park, Parika, before returning to Schoonord for the finish.

The Veteran, Mountain Bike and Female riders will turn at the Uitvlugt Community Centre ground on the upward journey and end at Schoonord.

Team Gillette Evolution’s Orville Hinds is the defending champion, having clocked one hour, 55 minutes, 55 seconds (01h: 55m: 55s) to win the event in 2014.

Alonzo Ambrose (Juniors), Ralph Williams (Veterans) and Ozia Mcaulay (Mountain Bikes) were the other category winners.

The top six finishers in the Open division, along with the first three to cross the line in the Junior, Veteran, Mountain Bike and Female categories will be rewarded. The first Over60 rider to finish will also be recognised, while eight prime prizes will be at stake. Representatives of both companies are expected to witness the events and later assist in the presentation of prizes. (Avenash Ramzan)

offensive juggernauts in the Bulls.

Singh also noted that his squad has put in enough work to be successful in the final, “we have had sessions at the Sports Hall, at Burnham Court and we also made a trip to Linden last night (Thursday) to assist with becoming familiar with conditions up there,” Singh noted.

The Colts, in expressing some concerns with the shift in date and venue late last month, owing to the fact that a few players might have had other engagements, confirmed that they will field a full strength squad when jump ball occurs tonight. “We will be at full strength for the final and we are looking to bring home the title for Georgetown and Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association

[GABA],” Singh stressed.

In addition, Singh also gave some insight into how the team plans on slowing down the offensive machine that is the Half Mile Bulls.

“We plan to play tough defence, we want to contain them and limit their perimeter game because we saw (Terron) Welch leading them from behind the arc,” Singh pinpointed.

Welch has been the tournament’s leading scorer, scoring over 30 points on a few occasions and will definitely give the Georgetown side a tough chance to win the game especially with the final in his own back yard.

Meanwhile, the Trinity Grid Holding Pacesetters will take on the Victory Valley Royals in the third place game to whet the appetites of the fans before the final.

1st Amerindian Heritage swim meet to be held on September 20

The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) in conjunction with the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry will host the first ever Amerindian Heritage swim meet on Sunday, September 20 at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

President of GASA, Ivan Persaud revealed to Guyana Times Sport that the event is expected to feature swimmers from all regions.

“This is the first event of its kind and the Ministry is trying to bring out swimmers from all the regions, they will come out a couple days before and it should be a great meet,” Persaud noted.

Persaud also highlighted that the event will feature all categories from under eight to 17 years and over, probably making the event one of the biggest swim meets in Guyana.

Persaud also noted that the Sea Otters Swim Club – the newest edition to the world of swimming in Guyana – will host a meet in September 27.

“Well, what we are trying to do is allow the clubs to host a meet every month as a means for fundraising and development instead of GASA hosting all the meets,” Persaud stated.

The action at the Indigenous Heritage swim meet will begin from 09:00h. (Treiston Joseph)

Ramdin axed!

Wicketkeeper

Denesh Ramdin

has been axed as Test captain after just 15 months in charge and replaced by rising star and One-Day skipper Jason Holder, for the tour of Sri Lanka next month.

The 23-year-old, who has played eight Tests and 33 One-Day Internationals in his fledgling career, will lead a 15-man squad for the October 14 to November 12 series which comprises two Tests, three OneDay Internationals and two Twenty20s.

Long identified as a future leader, Holder was handed the reins of the OneDay team last January and managed to impress with the way he handled the unit.

As a result, the West Indies Cricket Board said Friday the recommendation by the Clive Lloyd-chaired selection panel to make him

the Windies were upset by Ireland in their opening match but his performanced proved pivotal as they came back strongly to reach the quarter-finals.

A lanky seamer and righthanded batsman, Holder showed his mettle with both bat and ball during the tournament and Lloyd said he had done enough during his short stint to prove he was fit to lead the Test unit.

Test captain, had been “endorsed unanimously” by directors, during a teleconference last Wednesday.

“The Directors discussed the recommendation put forward by the selectors. We have all seen Jason’s clear leadership potential and believe he can perform an excellent job for West Indies cricket over many years. We congratulate him on his appointment,” Cameron said in a release.

Test side over the last 15 months. He remains an integral part of West Indies cricket and will continue to have a vital role in our Test side.”

per, Holder endured a further baptism of fire when West Indies were hammered 4-1 in the five-match ODI series in South Africa last January.

“He is a young man that all of the selectors, people in the Caribbean and worldwide believe has several of the qualities that can take our team forward,” the legendary former West Indies skipper said in the release.

“We would like to thank Denesh for taking on the responsibility of leading the

Taylor replaces Aguilleira as women’s Windies Captain

Marquee batsman

Stafanie Taylor has been appointed the new captain of West Indies Women, replacing the longserving Merissa Aguilleira.

The change was announced by the West Indies Cricket Board on Friday, as it named the 18-member training squad for the home series against Pakistan starting next month.

Aguilleira led the side for six years, during which time they managed to reach the final of the ICC World Cup in 2013 and the semi-finals of the last three Twenty20 World Cups.

However, chief selector Clive Lloyd said the time had come for a change.

“Merissa has been there for a long time and did a pretty good job, but we feel the time is right for a new leader and we have chosen Stafanie,” he said.

“She has done well for Windies Women with bat and ball, and has led Jamaica Women successfully, so leading the team would not be alien to her.”

He added: “It’s a change that we hope will bring new energy to the team and take it from strength to strength. We believe we can develop a pretty good women’s team for the

future and we see Stafanie as the person that could give us that impetus for the future.

“Stafanie has played quite a lot, she has been ICC Playerof-the-Year and she will be able to lead by example.”

Taylor has been one of the most prolific batsmen in the women’s game in recent years.

The 24-year-old right-hander has garnered 3115 runs from 84 One-Day International, already with five centuries and 20 half-centuries.

Under fire after replacing veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo as ODI skip-

Holder also had a rough start at the ICC World Cup the following month when

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

Is Permaul not good enough?

On Friday afternoon, Veerasammy Permaul must have become the most deflated person on planet Earth, and he had more than sufficient reasons to plummet to such a state of mind.

At about noon on Friday, the Caribbean Media Corporation broke the news that wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin had been axed as West Indies Test skipper and replaced by fast bowler Jason Holder for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Even more surprising, there was no Permaul in the 15-man squad. Jomel Warrican, a left-arm spinner like Permaul, had found favour with the selectors.

It was yet another twist in the career of Permaul in 2015. The 26-year-old has been remarkable in all three formats of the game this season, yet he will have to continue plying his trade at Albion until the powers that be see it fit to select him.

In all domestic matches this season – a total of 25 – Permaul has bagged 86 wickets, by far the most by

Veerasammy Permaul has been remarkable in all three formats of the game this season, yet he will have to continue plying his trade at Albion until the powers that be see it fit to select him

a bowler in regional cricket.

He was the leading wicket-taker in the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Professional Cricket League Four-day tournament with

a record 67 victims from 10 games, inclusive of four five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket match hauls.