Guyana Times Daily - October 2, 2015

Ramayya snubs Reg 6 Council

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Friday, October 2 – 08:30h-10:00h and

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

Friday, October 2 – 07:20h-08:50h and Saturday, October 3 – 08:10h-09:40h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather:

and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East South-easterly between 3.57 metres and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:14h and 21:27h reaching maximum heights of 2.62 metres and 2.63 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:45h and 13:02h reaching minimum heights of 0.43 metre and 0.67 metre respectively.

GPL awash in cash from low oil prices – close to US$50M in coffers

...Govt should use surplus to bail out rice industry – stakeholders

iven the record low prices for oil on the worldmarket and from its suppliers, the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) is raking in hundreds of millions of dollars in profits as a result of the consequently lower expenditures for fuel, which is their largest expense.

As a result, stakeholders in the rice industry suggest that with the prevailing crisis in the local rice industry, the Government can now utilise this surplus in profits to sustain the economically critical sector until a more permanent solution is implemented.

Rice farmers have signalled their inability to invest in the harvest for the next crop owing to the onerous financial challenges before them to purchase the necessary inputs.

They have also not surprisingly been reluctant to invest when there is no profit in sight with the prices projected to remain at rock bottom since the Government and the GRDB have abdicated their responsibility to find new markets after the collapse of the Venezuelan market.

This move could ultimately result in the industry being crippled and the economy eventually dipping lower into reces-

sion.

Guyana Times has learnt that the tariffs requested and charged by GPL are directly proportional to the rates at which GPL purchases fuel and is based on the prevailing world prices. In 2008, world oil prices fluctuated around the US$100 per barrel range.

That range was maintained until this year. Recently prices plummeted to far below US$50 or $10 billion Guyana dollars to the present, resulting in the Power Company saving hefty sums.

With the rates to customers - business and domestic - remaining at the old rate, profits have gone through the roof.

When contacted to confirm the financial status of the Power Company, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson refused to speak

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who had responsibility for the energy sector in the previous Administration, confirmed that Government has two options, if they wanted to virtually transfer the excess in profits to another sector.

Referring to a hypothetical situation where the GPL was functioning effectively and efficiently, Hinds said Government could have reduced the subsidy it usually provides to the company and use the remaining funds to invest in another sector. Given that the new Government refused altogether to provide subventions to the GPL, then the possibility exists that the monies, which would have otherwise been allotted to that entity could now be used to relieve the rice farmers, just so they can produce for the next crop.

with this newspaper.

Nonetheless, arguably this increase in profit could be reinvested into the company to aid in improving several technical or operations areas where it continuously falls short.

However, given the plight of rice farmers, who are forced to down tools for the upcoming crop, the option exists for these profits to be directed by the Government towards the ailing industry.

When contacted, former

The other option, Hinds suggested, is that since the Government-owned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is a shareholder of GPL, if it receives any dividends the money could be transferred to the Consolidated Fund which could then be directed towards another industry.

In May 2013 the Power Company sought an increase in tariffs of 26.7 per cent. In doing so they revealed their comput-

ed rationales for the increase in tariffs, as stated in the 2013 Final Return Certificate. Prior to that GPL’s last increase in tariffs was announced in 2007 and effected in February 2008, the average increase then was 14 per cent with residential customers facing only six per cent.

This is the present rate since the 2013 request was not granted. The submissions revealed however that GPL’s fuel cost has risen from a weighted average of US$64/barrel in 2006, to US$108 in 2012; in 2006 GPL’s fuel bill was US$12.4 billion; in 2012, this had doubled to US$24.2 billion; in 2012, fuel alone accounted for 83 per cent of GPL’s tariff revenue. With oil now being purchased at US$40-50 per barrel, it is easy to understand why GPL is now awash with cash, with its coffers presently bulging with $50 million in surplus which will increase exponentially in the months ahead.

This is the present rate since the 2013 request was not granted. The submissions revealed however that GPL’s fuel cost has risen from a weighted average of US$ 64/ barrel in 2006, to US$108, in 2012; in 2006, GPL’s fuel bill was $12.4 billion; in 2012, this had doubled to $24.2 billion; in 2012, fuel alone accounted for 83 per cent of GPL’s tariff revenue. When rice was doing well with the 200,000 tonne annual shipment to Venezuela, because of the PetroCaribe facility the GPL benefited because the rice was in essentially being bartered for rice. Stakeholders in the rice industry maintain the now that the shoe is on the other foot, the surplus from GPL can be used to tide it over until new markets are found.

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

No forensic audit at M&CC

Over the past few weeks, severe pressure has been mounting from all sections of the society on the APNU/AFC Government to launch a forensic probe into the operations of the Mayor and City Council. Many are of the view that given the Administration’s undertaking to embark on forensic audits into several state agencies, with the intention of unearthing corrupt practices, there is no justification in not including the Georgetown City Council especially since numerous concerns have been raised in relation to alleged corrupt practices within the agency.

Quite a few prominent commentators and politicians have pressed a case for the City Council to undergo an audit and have called on the Government to act immediately to show that it is really serious about ensuring accountability and transparency. Several Letters to the Editor in the daily newspapers also saw persons supporting these calls.

For the present Administration to simply dismiss these calls or provide excuses as to why a forensic audit cannot be carried out for this particular agency is not only unacceptable, but raises questions as to whether the government is really serious about tackling corruption on all fronts. It could be recalled that while on the campaign trail several promises were made by APNU/ AFC to ensure there is transparency and accountability at every level of governance.

However, despite public pressure to audit the operations of City Hall, the Government has not budged, and from the way it looks, this position may not change anytime soon.

Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma, who is currently spearheading the forensic audit probes, was quoted in this newspaper as saying that the decision would be up to City Hall to say if it wants an audit, since it is an independent entity of the Local Government arm.

However, Sharma did explain that if Government wanted to launch an investigation into the operations of City Hall, then the respective Minister would have to make a proposal to Cabinet. If Cabinet has no objections, then the Minister can proceed to hold discussions with the City Council to have such an audit undertaken. We are therefore forced to ask; why has the minister with responsibility for local government not taken action considering the mounting concerns which are being expressed by citizens.

Not only should the Government launch the audit based on the many public calls, but the mere fact that millions of tax payers’ dollars are regularly used to bail out the City from its financial woes is enough reason for the Administration to act in the public’s interest.

We believe there is much to be explained by City officials as for instance the various Town Clerks, including the present one, writing off millions of dollars in taxes for certain individuals; the alleged unaccountability for millions of dollars of Japanese aid resulting in the Japanese Government not giving any further aid to local authorities in Guyana, the permitting of serious breaches of the Environmental and City Bi-laws resulting in serious drainage, sewerage and parking problems, the failure of the City Treasurer to collect millions of dollars in outstanding taxes; and the feckless overstaffing among other issues.

One cannot ignore the fact that over the past twenty one years, the City is being managed mainly by the PNC/APNU. It would therefore be in the Government’s own interest to prove to the nation that it is serious about weeding out corruption at all levels.

The City Council, for years, has failed to address the many issues facing the capital city of Georgetown. The Government would need to act in the interest of the citizens and move on with the forensic audit. Failure to do so would give substance to the many criticisms being leveled against the Administration that it has excluded the City from being audited mainly because of partisan political reasons.

Harper should be appointed as a Guyanese Ambassador

Dear Editor,

I have been following with considerable interest President Granger’s recent statements in New York, of his intention to appoint new diplomats in the coming weeks to advance Guyana’s interests internationally. Guyanese diplomats shall be able to propel our country’s economic diplomacy much more quickly than it is being propelled currently.

This is very inspiring news, and causes one to engage in nostalgia and makes us remember when our foreign service was in capable hands of the likes of Fred Wills, Sir Shridath Ramphal, Rashleigh Jackson, Dr Cedric Grant, Sir John Carter, Sir Lionel Luckhoo, ER Braithwaite,

Pat Thompson, Dr Anne Jardim, RB Gajraj, Winifred Gaskin, Sir Edward Luckhoo, Lloyd Searwar, Harry Dyett, Rudy Insanally, Noel Sinclair, Dr Bobby Moore, Cedric Joseph, Rudy Collins, Dr Denis Benn, Dr Barton Scotland, James Matheson and Ronald Austin. Guyana’s diplomatic corps was a thing of admiration for the world to see for a prolonged period of time.

Now with Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty once again being challenged, it is critical for us to solicit the support of all small and large nations at the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the African Union, the Organisation of American

States, Non-Aligned Movement and the Caribbean Community, etc.

In leading and coordinating such a charge, it is my hope that President Granger and Minister Greenidge remember and consider appointing one of Guyana’s most experienced, influential and skilful career diplomats, Elisabeth Harper to be the backbone in the building of this new cadre of diplomats who will be responsible for making sure that Guyana is heard.

Over the years, as the Director General at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Harper’s intellect has contributed in no small measure to building a committed, and pro-

fessional corps of foreign service officers who have worked quietly but assiduously in the background and she has consistently shown herself as willing to share her knowledge and experience in the national interest, serving several Presidents, Governments and Foreign Ministers. It would be a shame if in such a small country, with such limited human and other resources, we fail to capitalise and fully exploit the talents of our patriots who served as public servants such as Ms Harper, as we seek to pursue an activist foreign policy and to maintain a diplomatic firewall.

Sincerely,

Debra Gibson

Those who want justice must give justice

Dear Editor,

I read in September 30, 2015 edition of Guyana Times, that President David Granger is seeking support from the United Nations (UN). But one who seeks support for justice, the scriptures say, must also give justice. The coalition Government has enjoyed the benefits of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in many different ways, including using the Berbice River Bridge for free during elections. They did not get a bankrupt country as they

want people to believe. But they return evil for good for all that the PPP has done. It is not like when the PPP had a broken country and had to start rebuilding everything since 1992 to develop the country under difficult circumstances and obstacles.

This coalition government has attacked the Amaila Falls project, the Berbice River Bridge, the rice and the sugar industries, to bring down the efforts of the PPP. I do not know how this Government

can get away with all their negative actions and yet beg the UN for help.

Now the Government is looking into the assets of PPP members, but the PPP members had paid for these assets. Why is it that the PPP members are being scrutinised for owning assets when many of them would have served this country for 23 years? What if we were to look at the assets of those who worked under the People’s National Congress regime from 1966-1992?

This Government is more focused on wanting to spite the PPP instead of tending to the welfare of this country and its people. Justice can only be obtained if you give justice to those who work so hard to elevate Guyana, rather than seek to contradict their ownership of properties. The scriptures clearly state that if you return evil for good, evil will not depart from you.

Sincerely, Stan Law

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

GGMC ignores Section 112 of the 1989 Mining Act

Dear Editor, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman in another section of the media said that he has ordered a complete review of all the agencies in the sectors of mining, oil and gas, wild life, forestry etc. He used the term “due diligence”. Guyana Times reported that the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) wants back the two million hectares of land returned to miners as a result of the relinquished 2000 medium-scale permits caused by the drop in gold prices.

The GGDMA in a separate statement said that it welcomes the suggestion by President Granger that more land must be made available for small miners in the industry. I welcome the move by Minister Trotman to conduct a review, or a study of “due diligence” of all the agencies in the major sectors, but I am of the firm impression that it is the only foreign companies that are being targeted. Minister Trotman should know that our local companies must also be reviewed to ensure fairness and equity, as well as transparency. Otherwise, this will

just be a useless exercise costing valuable resources.

The GGDMA badly wants the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to return the two million hectares of land as a result of the relinquishing of 2000 medium-scale scale permits.

The problem lies where the GGMC is just giving out lands to miners while absolutely ignoring or violating Section 112 of the 1989 Mining Act. Section 112 states that “all land occupied and used by Amerindian Communities and all land necessary for the quiet enjoyment by the Amerindians of any Amerindian settlement, shall be deemed to be lawfully occupied and used by them”. Unfortunately this only safeguard for Indigenous Peoples Rights in Guyana in the Mining Act is not recognised by the GGMC in its practices. This is totally a continued act of racial discrimination against Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples.

There are miners, who in their greed for gold, are bulldozing the houses of Amerindian people and excavating their ancestral lands,

leaving them without a livelihood and forcing them to move deeper into the forests where again they will be subjected to social and economic dislocation with no protection from the Government of Guyana.

Another nuisance to Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples where mining is concerned is where the GGMC is continuously giving out mining grounds to “coast landers” on the lands of Amerindian communities that are proposed for land titling. Amerindian Communities such as Eclipse Falls Top in the Matarkai sub-region of Region One (Barima-Waini); Tasserene and Kangaruma both in the Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyini-Mazaruni) have been targeted. I am calling on Minister Trotman to declare all these mining grounds in the proposed titled Amerindian Communities to be null and void. Let us all, including the GGMC and GGDMA, protect the rights of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples.

Yours sincerely, Paul Lucas

Uitvlugt Mosque and Hindu Cemetery threatened by illegal occupation

Dear Editor,

The Uitvlugt Mosque is facing daily aggression from a resident who demolished her house, cut down a coconut tree and dumped the branches on the property of the Mosque. On Wednesday, September 30, the resident’s contract workers cut down a large guenip tree and were again dumping the debris on the property. One official of the Mosque tried to speak to a relative of the resident who at the top of her voice started to belittle him and the Muslims of the Uitvlugt Pasture Mosque.

Records show that during the 28 years under the repressive People’s National Congress regime and 23 years

of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) democratic rule, this resident never raised a finger to claim any land. The female trouble maker is not a resident of the area and should refrain from causing disunity in the neighbourhood. This illegal occurrence was reported to the Leonora Police Station. Initially we were told to take the matter to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council. This aggression and occupation of the Mosque property must end forthwith, the Muslims have taken a softer position, referring the matter to the Office of President. It must be known that squatters have taken over the entire 200 feet width and approximately

60 feet length of the Hindu cemetery and built houses illegally. The Casbah residents in this vicinity want to do likewise to illegally take possession of the Mosque’s property. The Muslims of Uitvlugt Pasture and surrounding villages stand united and will not yield to this aggression and barefaced bullying. I appeal to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change regime to put an immediate end to this aggression. While we complain of the Venezuelan aggression, we’re being aggressed in our very own divided Guyana.

Respectfully, Sheik

Ally

Pope Francis, the first of his kind

Dear Editor, Every Guyanese and West Indian teaching colleague I spoke to was impressed by Pope Francis’s several speeches and his overall presence in America. Many went to see him at Ground Zero in New York and lined the route of his travels. The Pope must be applauded for his outspokenness on issues most relevant to mankind during his weeklong visit to the US.

Although an Hindu, I respect other faiths and as such, have visited countless churches, mosques, temples, gurudwaras, Buddhist Shrines, Synagogues and so many other places of worship related to other faiths. I cannot help but express my deep admiration for this Pope who has gone out of his way to show respect for people of other faiths. I should note that I did visit this Pope’s church in Buenos Aires some 15 years ago, but never bothered to find out his views on social issues until after he became Pontiff. One never would have thought he would one day move on to higher office to be the head of the Catholic synod, and as such, one did not bother to engage his views then on social issues. Now, he comes across as a gifted speaker, an orator who does not bore listeners as his predecessors did.

Today, Francis comes across so much different from all the Popes before him. Every Guyanese, regardless of religious background I spoke to, find him to be caring, charming, charismatic and compassionate unlike all his predecessors. He comes across as a man with humility and empathy towards others. He appeals to the wealthy to help the economically disenfranchised as he did in his speech before Congress and at the United Nations (UN).

We were taken in by the Pope’s humility and simple life, his eschewing of worldly things and luxuries, and his desire to ground with people – a characteristic of his I noticed when he was with the clergy in Argentina.

This Pope offers new possibilities for inter-religious

dialogues and religious harmony. One can’t help but be impressed by his remarks and behaviour as he willingly met with spiritual leaders of other faiths. This is the most people loving Pope. He speaks out against racism, the ills of income inequality and the attacks on immigrants in America and elsewhere. He was not bashful about promoting family values and adult responsibility, climate change, and environmental degradation. He called on the UN to address the refugee crisis in Europe. He also made reference to the American dream and he offered tribute to Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King for their fight for racial equality.

During his many addresses, he was very cautious in his remarks not to go out on a limb to be controversial.

But most importantly, he dealt head on with the sexual abuses by church leaders. He blamed some Bishops for failing to protect sexually abused victims, or even worse, “for violating them”. He pledged that all responsible would be “held accountable.”

On those behind prison bars, the Pope told them “All

of us need to be cleansed”. He added: “It is painful when we see prison systems, which are not concerned to care for wounds, to soothe pain”.

On his encounters with the public, this Pope brings back memories of public interactions with the great Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev who like to work the crowd. Francis smiled and waved, kissed babies, shook hands and engaged people like he is running for President. He even touched on homosexuality. He famously said he is not God to judge anyone. The Pope made it clear he is not the maker, and he implores everyone to prepare to meet their maker just as Hinduism, Islam and other world faiths teach their followers.

The Pope’s trip would be etched in one’s memory for a long time, especially that emotional visit to Ground Zero and the museum interacting with priests from the Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Anglican and Jewish faiths and calling for religious tolerance and respect for others.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Page Foundation

Wouldn’t it be nice to directly establish social expectations right from the start of a relationship? “Hi my name is Kelly, and I’m an introvert.” This would be my introduction of choice, except that it seems as though I’m admitting to some sort of malfunction. Plus it’s slightly awkward.

I also have an introverted child, and I’m trying to raise her to know that being reserved is not any kind of malfunction. She should be confident in who she is and not think she has to change in order to fit in to this chatty, busy, extroverted world. The best thing I can do for her is to show her that I understand; I know where she’s coming from, and I know what she needs.

If you also have an introverted child, here are some things to understand in meeting their needs:

1. Introverted children energise by being alone. Some people unwind and recharge by connecting with a group of friends or going out. Not so with introverts. When they have had a busy, stimulating, or stressful day, they need alone time. Not down time, as in a low-key get together at home with family or friends, but alone time. Singular and solitary. And it’s not a like, as in, “I’d like to be alone now,” it’s a NEED. Introverted children need time to process the activities, interactions, conversations, information, and their emotions from

the day. This is a giant stress release, and not getting it is treacherous for an introvert’s psyche.

DO: Work in some time every day in which your introverted child is not engaging with anyone else. This may be alone in their bedroom or playroom, or it may be in the same room as you while you take a nap or read a book. Alone time can be together if there is no engagement with the child.

(Continued from thursday)

BY MICHAEL GODSEY

DON’T: Insist that your child should talk to you as soon as you notice a problem or stressful situation. He won’t be able to clarify his thoughts until he spends time alone with them. “How was your day at school?” is much more effectively asked after a child has a quiet car ride home or spends an hour climbing trees.

chit chat and just stick to the important stuff, and 2) they like to develop a relationship with someone before they talk about important things. Introverts need to develop a connection with someone before they’ll talk comfortably. There must be a trust that that person will listen, a trust that she’ll understand, a trust that the child will be taken seriously. This leads to being cautious in getting to know new people which looks like “shyness.”

DO: If you’re introducing your introverted child to

a person with whom a relationship is important to develop, aim for creating a connection first. Be the bridge between the friend and the child; when he feels safe, he will come over.

2. Introverted children don’t like small talk (especially with strangers). This does not mean they’re shy. It means: 1) they like to skip meaningless

DON’T: Announce introverted children as shy, and don’t make them “perform” small talk. It really does feel like a performance and create stress. (Parentingfromscratch.wordpress.com)

Many of my own highschool students regularly request extended sessions of silent reading. Some prefer learning with the fluorescent classroom lights off, instead relying on the softer sunlight coming in through the window. Some admit to enjoying the opportunity to work in a quiet room and are eager to write about certain prompts for as long as I let them. I used to think their ubiquitous ear buds were feeding their need for stimulation; now I wonder if they’re sometimes blocking out the noise.

These are, of course, generalised observations, but I recently met with two highschool students who spoke directly and frankly about their need for quiet, solitary learning environments. Both of proudly spoke of their success at Grizzly Youth Academy, a 22-week charterschool programme in San Luis Obispo, California, targeted at teens who’ve had a “history of school failure” at a previous school. Asked what she thought facilitated her success, one student responded: “The structure – I can concentrate here.” Acknowledging her tendency to get distracted, the student noted that there was “absolutely no quiet time” at her former public school, and she now appreciates the disciplined classes and quiet study hall sessions. “I’m like

”Cooperative learning doesn’t have to entail excessively social or over stimulating mandates; it can easily involve quiet components that facilitate internal contemplation.”

a completely different person now.”

The other student, whom I interviewed separately, offered similar reflections: “It’s more focused here [at the charter school], and noisier there [at the public school]. I have ADD so I’m usually distracted.” Beaming, he added, “but now I’m getting the best grades ever. I’m able to concentrate here more.”

It’s striking to me that a premise on Grizzly’s website is that there are “students who struggle in school [because they] often lack social and emotional skills to succeed in the classroom,” and the students themselves are quick to diagnose themselves with an inability to concentrate at their former school. The improvement they’re describing at Grizzly, however, isn’t based on a cure for a dysfunction or a breakthrough in social skills –it’s just a significant change in

environment. And in the five Grizzly classrooms I observed, the students sat in rows that Cain nostalgically praised in her talk – the traditional classroom setup in which, Cain said, “we did most of our work autonomously.”

Certainly, group activities can serve a purpose in the teaching of introverts. In part because of the Common Core standards and the Internet increasingly serving as a proxy for classroom teachers, “cooperative learning” has grown in popularity among teachers in recent decades.

As the English teacher Abigail Walthausen noted in The Atlantic two years ago, “Common Core standards place far greater value on smallgroup discussion and studentled work than on any teacherled instruction.” And overall, this trend is a good thing. Several recent studies offer the latest evidence that students who engage in cooperative learning tend to outperform those immersed in traditional learning approaches – namely lectures. But cooperative learning doesn’t have to entail excessively social or over stimulating mandates; it can easily involve quiet components that facilitate internal contemplation.

Near the end of my observations last week, I told two teachers on separate occasions that I’d feel incredibly exhausted at the end of every day if I were a student at that school. To my surprise, both of them responded by immediately laughing and then agreeing. One recalled learning best when arranged in rows, while the other concurred, “I know, right? How exhausting it must be to have another student in your business all day long.”

The ideal, of course, would be to establish arrangements that facilitate differentiated instruction for varying personality types, but this might be difficult in large classes with students of diverse levels of proficiency and motivation. I’ve noticed that, like Grizzly, the private schools I’ve visited also seem to create space for the introverted students, ultimately resembling the university classes to which they hope to send their students. And at the aforementioned public school I observed, three of the four classes where students were in fact seated individually in rows were AP or honours courses. But I’m reminded of Sartre’s famous line, “Hell is other people,” when I see that Georgia College’s webpage dedicated to collaborative learning, which includes the topic sentence: “Together is how we do everything here at Georgia College. Learn. Work. Play. Live. Together.” Everything, that is, except quiet introspection, free of cost and distraction. (The Atlantic)

Bandits terrorise Enmore couple

An elderly couple is now traumatised after two men barged into their Enmore, East Coast Demerara, home which is currently under construction and terrorised them.

Naranjan Persaud, 58, and his 56-year-old wife Zoreena Persaud, of Lot 315 Hope East, Enmore, live alone and their house is currently under construction.

Guyana Times understands that around 18:30h on Wednesday, the couple was in the front room of the flat house when two men entered the building and demanded the “construction money”.

Persaud recalled that the men then forced his wife on the floor and tired to stuff her mouth with a piece of cloth because she was making a lot of noise.

Persaud said he told the men that if they gagged his wife, she would be unable to speak and they would not know where the money was hidden. Upon hearing this, the men pressured the woman to speak up but by that time, a neighbour was heard calling at the gate.

Wednesday night after the robbery and never returned, despite them reporting that the perpetrators left several items behind.

When this newspaper visited house on Thursday, the items including the knife were still on the ground in the yard.

This newspaper understands that the doors are yet to be installed on the building, which gave the men easy access to the home. The men gagged the woman but her moaning alerted neighbours that something was amiss.

The two men upon realising that neighbours were alerted hurriedly departed leaving behind a hat, a knife, one side sneaker and a corkscrew opener. After

Guyana-Venezuela controversy

Caricom

Foreign Ministers offer no commitment on Guyana’s request for judicial settlement

While Caricom Foreign Ministers have reaffirmed their support for the maintenance of the territorial integrity of Guyana, in a plenary meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, they did not commit to the country’s call for a judicial settlement of the controversy.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) said that the Council for Foreign Ministers met in the margins of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Ministers received a briefing from Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, Carl Greenidge, on the recent developments with respect to the territorial controversy with Venezuela.

The Ministers underscored the need for the Caribbean Region to be maintained as a Zone of Peace.

The statement said that the Ministers welcomed the trilateral meeting that was convened by the UN Secretary General with the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela.

It viewed Venezuela’s decision to return its ambassador to Guyana and to grant accreditation to the Ambassador designate of Guyana to Venezuela as positive.

According to the statement, these two decisions would set a firm basis for the return of full-fledged diplomatic relations between Guyana and Venezuela.

“The meeting was especially pleased at the decision of the Government of Venezuela to receive, within the shortest possible time, the Technical Team from the United Nations Secretariat which is conducting a desk review in order to provide recommendations to the Secretary General on the way forward in the search for a full and final solution to the GuyanaVenezuela territorial controversy regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award,” the statement noted.

Addressing the UN meeting, President Granger called on the international organisation to fully protect the interests of these micro states that are especially intimidated by much larger territories.

His presentation was more inclined to the situation in which Guyana has found itself, where its oilrich neighbour Venezuela has become increasingly aggressive with claims that it owns a significant portion of Guyana’s territory.

Granger’s appeal to the UN came some two days after meeting with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to hold conversations on the border controversy which is being agitated by the Spanish-speaking nation. Both sides had agreed to renew diplomatic ties.

Maduro, however, is yet to produce evidence that the decision made by the International Arbitral Panel back in 1899 was null and void.

an alarm was raised, persons from the area gave chase and managed to apprehend one of the men. He was dealt a sound thrashing before being handed over to the Police.

A traumatised Persaud, who is an amputee, told Guyana Times that immediately after the men entered

the house, they realized that he was confined to a wheelchair and turned their attention to his wife.

“They attack my wife with the knife asking her ‘where is the construction money… where is the pounds (British currency) we need to have it or else you will die,” he recalled.

“By then, they realised someone is coming so they made their exist, leaving behind their belongings… our back neighbour was outside sitting down, which is normal, and they heard the hollering and they suspected so one of the boys come and call out to my wife and that’s how they get away,” Persaud stated.

Meanwhile, his wife, Zoreena, pointed out to this publication that the Police only visited the house on

Furthermore, the woman pointed out that the Police seemed unwilling to investigate the incident. “When we go to the outpost the night, they treating us as if we were the criminals. They say is not a break and enter and is not a robbery. How it’s not a robbery? How yuh can tell me wan thing like that, that it’s not a robbery, that it’s not a break and enter?,” she questioned.

The couple believes that the Police would have only taken the matter seriously, if the perpetrators had injured or kill one or both of them.

friday, october 2, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Soesdyke/Linden Highway fatal accident Driver charged for causing death, placed on $1M bail

Dwayne Loaffe, 21, of 76 Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara was placed on $1M bail on Thursday when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for causing death by dangerous driving.

Loaffe appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman and pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on September 26, at Haruni, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, EBD, he drove motor van GMM 2065 in a manner danger-

ous to the public, thereby causing the death of Delisa Gonsalves. Additionally, he was also charged for unlawfully carrying persons in the tray of his van without written permission from the prescribed authority. To that charge he pleaded guilty and was fined $20,000.

In an application for bail on the causing death charge, Loaffe’s lawyer Dexter Todd told the court his client has no previous or pending matters before any court. The case will

continue on October 19.

On September 26 last, Delicia Simpson, 20, was killed after a family outing turned tragic along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway when the Toyota Tundra in which she was travelling turned turtle.

Among those injured in the accident were driver Dwayne Loaffe and his brother Kevin Loaffe, both of Land of Canaan, EBD.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the occupants of the vehicle were returning from St Cuthbert’s Mission af-

ter participating in the Amerindian Heritage celebrations there when the vehicle suffered a blow-out in the vicinity of the Police Outpost at Hararuni, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. The vehicle reportedly flipped several times before coming to a halt. Simpson reportedly sustained a broken neck and died on the scene. She and the two brothers were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Mason jailed for stealing Samsung tablet

Amason, Glenford Hart, will spend the next 12 months in prison after he was found guilty on a break and enter and larceny charge.

Hart was sent to prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman in Court Three of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The 18-year-old was convicted under the charge which stated that between July 9 and 10 at North Ruimveldt, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Charlotte Elliot and stole one Samsung Tablet valued at $100,000. When he was charged, Hart pleaded not guilty.

The defendant was unrepresented throughout his trial which was prosecuted by Police Prosecutor, Inspector Vishnu Hunt. In delivering her ruling, the magistrate stated the court did not believe the defendant when he told the court he did not steal the item.

She stated that based on evidence presented by Elliot, the virtual complaint, it was clear that Hart did commit the offence. After sentencing him, the Magistrate warned him to be on good behaviour after serving his time. She quoted a commandment from the Bible to the convict, saying “thou shall not steal”.

Eyew tness Naked...

Today’s the birth anniversary of Gandhi, who the British PM of his time (Churchill) called “the naked fakir”. Now while nowadays we tend to think of “the Mahatma” as a creature from a murky past, both President Granger and PM Nagamootoo were born before Gandhi was killed. And you don’t see them as “murky”, do you?? Now!! Now!! So you’d think - with Gandhi’s philosophy of “non-violence” and environmental consciousness, politically correct in the world today - his name might’ve been invoked a tad more frequently, no?

One reason for this is because, sadly, everything’s refracted through ethnic lenses in Guyana. Gandhi is “Indian”, you see, so if a non-Indian Guyanese fella’s inclined towards the “pacific settlement of disputes” as the UN so quaintly puts it, he’s more likely to quote Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. Both of whom, not so incidentally, had no qualms about acknowledging the role of Gandhi in shaping their mobilisational strategies.

But like him or hate him, you can’t ignore Gandhi. This doesn’t mean he was some god walking on earth – blessed with omniscience. But because he started from first principles when addressing challenges - and rejected the received wisdom - he was able to “become real”. He didn’t go around regurgitating any “isms” - even Hinduism. Another reason was that he was able to open - as he put it - the windows of his mind to all cultures, without being blown over by any.

He didn’t have any hang-ups about acknowledging his inspiration from Thoreau or from the Bible of whatever. Didn’t make him less a Hindu. In Guyana today, your Eyewitness would commend this openness to the ideas of “the other” to his fellow Guyanese more than any other value practiced by Gandhi.

Right now, the economy’s being asphyxiated by the new Government because they don’t want to continue with anything that might’ve been inspired by former President Jagdeo. Now why does it matter where the idea comes from once it benefits Guyana in the end? China developed because one leader had the guts to say that “it doesn’t matter whether the cat is grey or whiteonce it catches mice, that’s OK”. And boy did they catch some mice!!

What’s wrong with AFHEP? The road’s already builtat a cost of US$23M. Norway’s already put up US$80M... and GPL can purchase the power. So if they were correct to accuse Jagdeo and company of inflating the costs to “thief the money”, why haven’t they located another investor? Or was the PPP and Jagdeo right on the cost, all along?

And imagine green power will be seen as being socan we say it?! - Gandhian!

...ambition?

Sase Singh continues with his vendetta against his and Glen Lall’s bête noir – Bharrat Jagdeo. In fact Singh’s been so diligent scribbling furiously from his basement in the Bronx (149th St, Fort Apache?) in pursuit of “revenge” for not getting “wuk” from Jagdeo, that Lall just offered him a stipend to write in the Muckraker (in ADDITION to his squeeze at the Kronic, courtesy Nagamootoo).

Anyhow Sase returns to the Berbice Bridge and exposes he has even less of an understanding of P3’s (Public Private Partnerships) than Winston Jordan. Or whoever decided to make a promise to take money from the pocket of a private corporation before getting their permission. But Singh’s challenge isn’t only on the principles of P3’s. Evidently his wi-fi must’ve failed him in the Bronx since he’s tilting at a windmill.

Hasnt he read that with the resignation of the BBCI directors from QA and NGPC, the Government has a majority on the Board - via the NIS and NICL? And if they’re “maan” enough, they could vote in whatever toll reduction they want?

...technology?

Are we this backward? “Pottery” as a “technological” career at the job fair? Jeez! Pottery’s been around even while man was in the Stone Age!

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

Ramayya snubs Reg 6 Council

...bypasses established procedures – Reg Chairman

Newly appointed Regional Executive Officer Dr Veerasammy Ramayya, who is an Executive of the Alliance for Change, on Thursday disrespected the elected Regional Democratic Council for Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) by failing to attend a scheduled and properly called meeting without giving prior notice of absence.

Ramayya’s attendance at the meeting was pivotal as it would have been his first, following his appointment to the senior Regional post.

The Council’s Head, Regional Chairman David Armagon deemed Ramayya’s absence as “disrespectful” and “unprofessional” as the Regional official is not a law unto himself.

Armagon, addressing the Councillors, maintained that Ramayya “a political appointee” is a mere clerk to the Council and has an obligation to carry out the decisions made by the body.

The Chairman said his absence comes at a time when Councillors have many unanswered questions surrounding several decisions that were recently taken following Ramayya’s appointment to the RDC.

Nonpayment of Contractors

Chief among these concerns, Armagon explained, was the nonpayment of sev-

eral contractors who were retained by the RDC to conduct projects within the Region.

The Chairman said a decision was apparently taken by the REO to freeze payments and no rationale was given to his office.

“I do not know what he is doing. I do not know what is the reason for holding up the payment for a select few of the contractors”, the Chairman related.

He also wanted answers as to why the REO did not supply $300,000 to the Skeldon High School for their travel to Region Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) to participate in the JOF Haynes debating competition against St Ignatius Secondary, thus forcing a walk over to St Ignatius.

Ramayya’s portable septic tank

While the Regional Chairman praised Ramayya for visiting projects and inspecting them himself, Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop accused the REO of attempting to design a septic tank for the Number 36 Primary School, noting the design should come from the Regional Engineer.

He said Ramayya was designing a portable septic tank for the school, one which will require water to wash and not toilet paper.

“I only hope that we go with the required type or else we run the risk of building something that will not be used.”

Power grab

Armagon flayed a Government Member of Parliament for going on National Television and seeking to mislead Guyanese by telling people that Ramayyh is the boss and in control of the Region.

“This is a serious situation developing in the Region when a Lawyer can go on television and tell persons that the REO is the head of the region… I hope the learned Lawyer would go back on TV and correct it”, the Regional Chairman said.

Also, following Ramayya’s appointment, members of the governing A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) had been promoting that Region Six had a new head in Ramayya.

However Armogan set the record straight by quoting Act 12 of 1980, Local Democratic Organ chapter 28:01 which states: “A Minister assigned the responsibility of a Ministry acting with the approval of the cabinet or the chairman of RDC the latter acting with the approval of the RDC is required to exercise general direction and control over the affairs of the Ministry or RDC. A Permanent Secretary or REO is charged with the supervision of the affairs of the Ministry or the RDC sub-

Public Service Ministry multimillion-dollar fraud

DPP asks Police to “clarify” statements

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, has returned the 20-plus files on the multimillion-dollar fraud allegation at the Public Service Ministry to the Guyana Police Force, asking for several statements contained in the files to be clarified.

Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Wendell Blanhum confirmed that the files were returned by the DPP on Wednesday. He told Guyana Times that they were asked to do some additional work on the files and have them returned to the DPP chambers. However, when asked the na-

ture of the “additional work”, the Crime Chief opted not to say. Nevertheless, this newspaper was informed by reliable sources that the DPP has asked that investigators clarify aspects of the statements provided by the persons reportedly under investigation. Hence, these persons will now have to return to the CID Headquarters to have their statements revised. After months of intense investigations, the police wrapped up the probe on September 7 and some 23 files were sent to the DPP’s chamber the same day for legal advice on the way forward.

In July, the fraud branch

ject to the general direction of the Minister or Chairman…”

“The REO should report to me. I don’t know what is happening in the REO’s office at all. That is why I said I really want a meeting with the Minister to deal with some of these things because we can’t continue to run a Region where there is disconnect between the office of the REO

and the office of the Regional Chairman. There needs to be medium of communication between those two offices. There is zero communication.”

During the meeting Armogan read a correspondence, addressed to him, from Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan which stated that as from August 1, Ramayya was appointed as the REO of

Region Six, after an advertising and application process, and that Ramayya is qualified to fill the position. The date and medium through which the vacancy was advertised has not been stated nor was the Region aware that there was a vacancy in the office of the REO.

of the GPF was called in to investigate allegations into a multimillion-dollar fraud at the Ministry. This was done after the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration reportedly discovered more than $120 million missing from the Public Service Ministry’s bank account.

This newspaper was told that former subject Minister Dr Jennifer Westford and her then personal assistant, Margaret Cummings, were said to be at the centre of the probe. Both women were questioned by investigators on the missing funds.

Local reparations commission calls for compensation – Dr Eric Phillips

– outraged at British PM

By Alexis Rodney

Chairman of the Guyana Reparations Commission (GRC) Dr Eric Phillips has described as “outrageous”, the pronouncement made by British Prime Minister David Cameron that Caribbean countries need to move on without reparations.

The British Prime Minister made the remarks during his visit to Jamaica recently where he met with that country’s Prime Minister Portia SimpsonMiller, who had pressed him on issues of the massive slave trade, which is said to have left Caribbean countries in severe debt.

But instead of dealing with the issue directly, Cameron reportedly told the Jamaican leader, who along with 13 other Caribbean leaders had approved a 10 point plan to seek reparations from the former slave owners that the countries should move ahead and forget about reparations.

He further announced a £25M in British aid for a new Jamaican prison and a £300m development package

for the Caribbean which will provide grants for infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges.

But GRC’s Chairman Dr Phillips said Cameron’s initiative is not reparation. In fact, according to him, that investment in the Caribbean will benefit English companies, which will be selected to carry out the work.

Dr Phillips said while Guyana and other Caribbean Nations welcome the intervention in the Region, what Caribbean countries are really looking for is payment for the crimes committed against their ancestors. He

comments

said there needs to be a separation between what the British leader is doing and what justice is all about.

More than that, Dr Phillips said the Caribbean will have to figure out how the money will be accessed, since it is a generic fund and some Caribbean countries are in more dire economic strains than others.

He said some 46,000 Britons have benefitted from what was criminal enrichment, which includes invading the countries and enslaving their inhabitants.

Caribbean leaders in 2014 had approved a 10-point plan

to seek reparations from the former slave-owning states of Europe.

These include those countries providing diplomatic help to persuade countries such as Ghana and Ethiopia, to offer citizenship to the children of people from the Caribbean who “return” to Africa; devising a developmental strategy to help improve the lives of poor communities in the Caribbean still devastated by the after-effects of slavery, supporting cultural exchanges between the Caribbean and West Africa to help Caribbean people of African descent rebuild their sense of history and identity; supporting literacy drives designed to improve education levels that are still low in many Caribbean communities; and providing medical assistance to the Region that is struggling from high levels

of chronic diseases such as hypertension and Type Two Diabetes that the Caricom Reparations Commission links to the fallout from slavery.

It has been reported that if the European powers fail to publicly apologise and refuse to come to the negotiating table, the Caricom Nations will file a lawsuit against them at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

The Caribbean countries said European governments in addition to being responsible for conducting slavery and genocide, also imposed 100 years of racial apartheid and suffering of freed slaves and the survivors of genocide.

Slavery ended throughout the Caribbean in the 1800s in the wake of slave revolts, and left many of the region’s plantation economies in tatters. Caribbean leaders

have said the Region continues to suffer from the effects of slavery today.

Governments in the Caribbean have estimated that reparations for the slave trade could cost trillions of dollars and some have floated the idea of debt relief.

It is reported that some 46,000 British slave-owners, including a distant relative of Cameron’s, were among those compensated at current-day equivalent of £17 billion ($36 billion) for “loss of human property” after the country emancipated its slaves in 1833.

The issues of slavery and reparations have reverberated in the United States in recent years as well. Ta-Nehisi Coates, a journalist for the Atlantic and recent “genius” grant winner, wrote an influential article in 2014 making the case for reparations.

Proposals pour in for Project Restore Guyana

Even as the multidisciplinary Task Force to Restore Guyana as a land of great attractiveness and prosperity is set to complete its regional outreaches, it has already began receiving proposals from several municipalities and regions for enhancement projects, for implementation in Phase One of the programme. This is according to Head of the National Task Force Secretariat for “Project Restore Guyana” Dr Sewnauth Punalall.

The Secretariat Head told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the Task Force is set to wrap-up the regional outreach as soon as tomorrow. According to Dr Punallall, the National Taskforce is today engaged in its final visit, in Mabaruma, Region One (Barini-Waini).

Prior to visiting Region One, a team headed by Major General (Ret’d), Joseph Singh, on September 29 visited Region Seven and met with more than 30 persons in a meeting held in the boardroom of the Bartica Hospital. According to Dr Punalall, issues such as the

need for a new landfill site, proper roads, improved water supply, and problems affects small miners were raised. Stressed as well was the need for the Regional Administration to put in place the necessary services and space critical for creating a township, a status that Bartica is set to attain in May 2016.

The Task Force have completed visits to the other Regions in August and September.

Cabinet approved the establishment of the multidisciplinary Task Force, which includes representatives from the business sector, professional organisations and members of civil society, to aid with the transformation of Guyana under the new Government. This was in response to the sustained call from the citizenry for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment.

The regional visits have been to inform the regions and regional administrations of the various areas of responsibility which have to be dealt with by the Task Force, under “Project Restore Guyana,” and which

have be executed by the various regions.

These responsibilities are in regard to national drainage, solid waste management, the removal of derelict vehicles, traffic management, sustainable countrywide renewal, welfare management of the homeless, addicted, and the mentally challenged.

The Task Force has had committees set up along these lines, headed by senior government officials, the exception being the Public and Stakeholders Consultation Committee, which comprises community representative.

Project Restore Guyana is being rolled out in three phases, the first phase which immediately follows the regional outreaches, will go until May 2016, and will address critical interventions within the regions, as submitted by proposals from the Regional Administrations. Dr Punalall explained that whatever is captured in these proposals that are not executed in Phase One will be executed in Phase Two (which goes until 2017) or Phase Three (until 2020). Thus far, the Task Force has received information from the Municipalities of Corriverton, Rose Hall, New Amsterdam and from the Regional Democratic Councils of Regions Five and Six on projects and interventions they are seeking to have implemented in their communities and regions under Project Restore Guyana, Dr Punalall said. He advised that projects that will be implemented in Phase One will be selected based on three criteria; critical to human lives, the environment and the economy.

NA Town Day launched with focus on national unity

New Amsterdam Town Day 2015 was launched on Wednesday under the theme “Enhancing Social and Economic Development through National Unity” at a simple ceremony held at the Municipal Chambers.

The event will be held from October 25 to November 1 with a difference as it seeks to restore some of the pride of the country’s oldest town. The event is a collaborative effort among the New Amsterdam Municipality, business community, and Tourism Ministry. At the launch, Permanent

DPP recommends charges in $6M bribery case

– Assistant Superintendent, Police ranks to be charged

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

Shalimar Ali Hack on Thursday advised that charges be instituted against four Police ranks who were implicated in a $6 million bribery case in Berbice recently.

This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum who on Thursday confirmed that charges will be laid against an Assistant Superintendent of Police, a Corporal and two Constables. The four Police ranks will make their court appearance today at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The file was sent to the DPP on Monday with several statements. These were perused and after four days, the DPP has made the decision to charge.

Two weeks ago, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) ranks travelled to B Division (Berbice) after it was reported by senior officials within the division that some ranks were allegedly involved in a corrupt transaction in exchange for giving a free pass to a vehicle reportedly carrying cocaine and cash.

A Corporal and three Constables, including a female, were placed under close arrest for allegedly accepting $6 million bribe. An Assistant Superintendent of Police was also implicated in the alleged corrupt act and was transferred to Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, pending investigations.

CID investigators subsequently returned to the Division during which they recovered some of the money

taken by the officers.

On the day in question, the ranks were conducting a road block exercise at Salton, Corentyne, when they intercepted a minibus reportedly carrying a quantity of cocaine and a large sum of cash.

The ranks reportedly took the vehicle and its occupants to the station; however before entering the compound, the officers allegedly negotiated a settlement with the occupants instead of arresting them and took some $6 million as pay-off for freeing the minibus and its occupants.

Further reports indicated that the men reportedly went back to the station and informed the Assistant Superintendent about their misdeed and instead of taking disciplinary actions against the ranks; the senior officer took a portion of the bribe money.

Two of the Constables had admitted collecting $500,000 each but subsequently return the money. The Assistant Superintendent and the Corporal have since denied having any knowledge of the transaction.

Before taking office, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change had lashed out at then Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee for having corrupt officers within the Guyana Police Force. It claimed that the officers were tarnishing the reputation of the Force, causing society to lose confidence in the institution which was supposed to protect and serve the citizens.

there is a lot of enthusiasm in New Amsterdam that it will be returned to its former glory with the introduction of water taxies on the Berbice River bringing more than one thousand persons to the town daily who would not otherwise have visited.

The focus of those in town now should be on quality and efficiency, Cummings added.

The one-week programme will focus on sport, lifestyle, arts, senior citizens, education, and talent.

The Permanent Secretary in noting it was a well thought out programme said those are things that will help the town to look both backwards and forward:

Secretary in the Tourism Ministry, Derrick Cummings said this year’s theme is relevant and comes at a time when social cohesion is on the front burner in Guyana. Cummings who launched the Town Day event said

“So you look back at what you could not have done because you were constrained. Look and see whether we can be able to get those things back to bring New Amsterdam to its former glory while looking to embrace the future,

based on the current policies that were pledged by the Administration if they were to be elected”, he posited.

Meanwhile, Mayor Claude Henry said the organizing committee looked at a programme which will work for the town and referred to it as a well thought out one.

Among the highlights will be an exhibition and street fair, medical outreaches, a talent show and debate competition for the security forces.

According to Mayor Henry, already the Guyana Police Force, New Amsterdam Constabulary, New Amsterdam Prison Service and the Fire Service have indicated their willingness to participate in the debate.

“The Minister of Public Security is very interested in this debate and will be presenting a trophy to the winning team.”

It is being hoped that the initiative will spark a country-wide series of such debates beginning with other security organisations challenging the winner.

The Town Day will get kicking with an opening ceremony on October 25 at Banks DIH Tarmac at the corner of Main and New Streets and will be followed by medical outreaches. Primary school students will be part of a writing, mathematics, and arts competition while secondary school students will participate in similar activities along with a debate competition.

A special programmed has been organised for senior citizens along with a domino competition for teams throughout Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne). The curtains will come down with a day of sports at the All Saints Ground on Princess Elizabeth Road.

friday, october 2, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Capoey Toshao defends integrity of recent village polls

Capoey Toshao Melrose Henry on Thursday defended the integrity of the results of the recently concluded Village Council elections in her community.

At those polls, Henry who is a Community Development Officer of Amerindian Communities under the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), won the elections by one vote on July 28 after a run-off because of a tie.

Henry was tied with 97 votes with Ester Rodrigues for the position of Toshao at a first election which was conducted by the Hinterland Affairs Department of the Regional Administration on July 2.

After the election was conducted, Melrose Henry received a total of 114 votes and Ester Rodrigues 113. Many persons had showed up at the community centre to cast their vote.

Henry said she will work collectively with her people in the village as well as major stakeholders in moving the village forward.

But a letter writer

Mohammed Khan on September 21 told Guyana Times the elections were rigged with outsiders brought in to ensure Henry won the polls.

He also alleged that: “The village election will prove a watershed in Capoey’s peaceful life as the new Captain’s policies inevitably would lead to a worsening of the social and economic conditions of the villagers since there is already non-cooperation between the two factions. With growing dissatisfaction, the Captain would embark on a course of force and denial of civil liberties. The new Toshao is losing support. Apart from strife of interest at the Council’s level, there are growing contradictions between the Village Council and villagers as a result of rigged election”.

Khan alleged further that Capoey villagers now realize is not possible to secure people’s power anymore since their Ministers have neglected their plea for an investigation into the rigged election.

“One of the greatest dangers confronting the divided commu-

nity today is a growing belief that the Amerindian Act 2006 is so manipulated that to make peaceful change, accomplished through the Toshaos’ elections, is virtually impossible. Democracy in Capoey is threatened.”

Henry in response to the con-

tent of the letter said she will continue to lead her community with determination despite several criticisms, as massive and innovative plans are underway for her community, hence making it a hub for Tourism activities. One of these plans, she said, will also attract foreign and local investors into the village.

Henry said she undoubtedly won the elections by one vote with the support of her people and vowed to continue with a positive approach to lead without favour or favouritism.

“I Melrose Henry, Toshao of Capoey Villaage would like to state categorically and for the interest of the public’s opinion that Mohamed Khan letter is erroneous, mischievous, laced with riddled facts and malicious lies, created to degrade my character, I urged Khan the writer of that letter to do better investigation than to just defame my character “.

Henry further explained that she has nothing to hide and at any time she will accommodate an investigation from the

Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, the Amerindian Peoples Association, the National Toshaos Council and the Indigenous Peoples Commission into her village about the elections that were recently conducted.

The Toshao said that there is constant communication between herself and the Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs and noted that they have knowledge of everything that takes place in the village. She said that whenever she has any doubt about anything in her community she would look to the Ministry for guidance in all matters pertaining to development and peaceful co- existence of her Amerindian people.

She said her people have confidence in her and she will work to the best of her ability to develop her community.

Capoey is located approximately eight miles from the Essequibo Coast. The main economic activities are logging and farming. The community is moving however to foster Black water tourism within the community.

Firearm Amnesty Programme: 142 "old" firearms; 1700 rounds of ammunition turned in to Police

The Guyana Police Force on Wednesday said it has collected a total of 142 firearms and over 1700 rounds of ammunition as part of the Firearm Amnesty Programme which was on Wednesday extended for two more weeks. However, according to a police source the guns that were handed in are very “old”.

A Division (Georgetown/ East Bank Demerara) has topped the list with hundreds of ammunition and firearm handed in.

The other Divisions that have seen favourable response to the amnesty programme were C, D, E and F Divisions.

Of the 142 firearms handed in there were 121 shotguns, 10 pistols, seven air rifles, three revolvers and one AK-47 assault rifle. With respect to ammunition, the highest total handed in was 1192 7.62x39.

Several .22, .32 and .9mm magazines were also collected. In addition, a high number of shotgun cartridges were surrendered. According to a Police source ballistic tests are to be conducted on the weapons. He added that the guns were made even before he was born.

The initiative was launched as a means of allowing persons in possession of illegal guns and ammunition to hand over these without fear of prosecution.

Public Security Minister Khemraj

Ramjattan had warned that if persons did not take advantage of the Amnesty Programme, they would face the consequences provided by law.

In most cases, the guns and ammunition collected during an amnesty are destroyed, but Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud stated that once the ballistic experts give clearance that the guns were not used in the commissioning of a crime, the Guyana Police Force can apply to the authorities to have them added to their stock.

The Police Chief explained that once a gun has been linked to an offence, the Police can and would reopen an investigation into the particular matter.

The Commissioner further stated that those who would have surrendered their illegal weapons during the Amnesty Programme will have absolute immunity. The immunity, however, only relates to possession of firearms, but not the crime it might have been involved in.

However, Ramjattan on Wednesday extended the Firearm Amnesty Programme for another two weeks, in light of the success it has enjoyed, with scores of illegal weapons and ammunition handed in so far.

The period of Amnesty, which was scheduled to end on Wednesday, September 30 has been extended to October 14.

Nestlé Caribbean Incorporated launches Milo Jumpstart Programme

Nestlé Caribbean Incorporated (NCI) has launched its Milo Jumpstart Programme.

The programme, which was launched at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, will feature a series of free sport and nutrition clinics at the Demerara Cricket Club.

The aim of the programme is to help young people to become healthy, successful, and functioning teenagers and adults. The programme will be catering to youths between the ages of seven and 16 and their parents and guardians. The overarching aim will be to teach youths that fitness can be fun, to promote the many benefits associated with participation in organised sports and physical activities and also to reinforce the necessary role of parents and guardians in positive youth development.

At the launch, it was revealed that the Jumpstart programme is centred on four pillars –proper nutrition, teaching healthy eat-

ing habits to aid in the prevention of lifestyle diseases, exercise, and team-oriented learning. It was further revealed that these four pillars will manifest in the various activities and work together to help prepare youth for their future roles as active members contributing positively to society.

Speaking at the launch, Consumer Marketing Manager of Milo, Geysha Thomas Davis stated that Nestlé has recognised the important role it has played in encouraging consumers to lead a healthy lifestyle.

“Milo is a longstanding supporter of activities which promote nutrition, health and wellness, especially when it comes to youth development. As such, Milo Jumpstart is a continuation of its efforts to nourish and support the nation’s youth through sport and as it has been doing over the years.

The Jumpstart programme embraces the Milo philosophy and takes it a step further. It gives parents the

Linden water project experiencing operational difficulties

The Linden Water Supply and Rehabilitation Programme (LWSRP) is experiencing operational difficulties as Guyana Water Incorporated and Communities Ministry attempts to address these challenges.

In a statement on Thursday GWI said that a project team and technical experts from the Ministry recently held a joint session to discuss the current operational challenges at the LWSRP with the aim of finding solutions to the water supply difficulties affecting customers of Linden.

Funded by the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the LWSRP encompasses the construction of two water treatment facilities at Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc in Linden. The construction of the two facilities and all works related to the LWSRP are being executed by GWI, contractor UEM Inc and consultant EGIS EAU in association with SRKN.

While the construction of the two facilities are beyond 95 per cent completed, the facilities are currently experiencing operational challenges with regard to the

level of service provided to GWI customers of Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc.

“These challenges have prompted urgent action by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Hon. Keith Scott and the Corporate Management Team of GWI. A Joint Task Force has been assembled consisting of the Programme Team for the LWSRP and technical experts from the Ministry of Communities including Technical Advisor to the Minister on Projects, Charles Ceres,” the statement outlined.

According to GWI, a joint task force has identified a number of challenges which require immediate attention including difficulties being experienced with the filtration systems used by the facilities. These issues, the release further added, have a direct effect on the level of production at both facilities and as such, have been identified as one of the key obstacles which the task force seeks to resolve.

Both water treatment facilities under the LWSRP are within the defects liability period. Hence, any required changes can be implemented by the contractor before the facilities are officially presented to GWI.

opportunity to expose their kids in a safe, controlled and constructive environment where they will be exposed to key life lessons for free.

I’m happy that we are able to bring Milo Jumpstart to the youth of Guyana,” she stated.

Also in attendance was representative of the Health Ministry, Nicholas Fraser, who highlighted the importance of an active lifestyle in the lives of youths.

Parents and guardians are invited to take their children out to the Guyana Defence Force Ground on October 31, 2015 when they will have the opportunity to be engaged in a range of sporting disciplines, with the chance to win prizes.

The entrance fee is one empty 400g pack of Milo.

First Lady makes donation to seniors

First Lady Sandra Granger on Thursday made donations of milk to several senior citizens’ homes around the city in observance of International Day for Senior Citizens.

The activity was a joint initiative between the First Lady and De Sinco Trading. Each senior citizen residing at the various homes was

the recipient of one packet of Kerry Gold instant fullcream milk powder.

The homes that benefited from the imitative included Uncle Eddie’s Home, Archer’s Home, St Vincent De Paul’s, The Palms Geriatric Institution, the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, and the Dharm Shala.

During her visit to the

homes, the First Lady met and interacted with residents as well as the nurses and caregivers.

In making the presentations, the First Lady stated that the initiative was undertaken to show appreciation to the senior citizens: “De Sinco made a donation to us and I thought, ‘what better way to show appreciation on International Day for Senior Citizens than to donate it to the senior citizens’.” She expressed appreciation to De Sinco Trading for their partnership in making the donation possible.

The First Lady is optimistic about continuing such activities in future. The recipients and their caregivers all expressed gratitude to Mrs Granger, thanking her for her consideration.

At the Archer’s Home, one caretaker expressed her appreciation, saying: “We at Archer’s home are very happy for this kind donation and look forward to continued support”

Mainstay Village celebrates Indigenous culture

Whyaka, or Mainstay, as it is popularly known because of its proximity to the tranquil lake of the same name, held its Village Day on September 30, 2015. The theme of the Day was, “Preserving our customs and traditions.”

Addressing those who had gathered for the start of the Day’s activities, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valarie Garrido-Lowe stressed the importance of preserving Indigenous culture.

The Minister congratulated the organising team for putting together such a wonderful show and expressed amazement that “so many young” children bravely took part in the performances.

She also pointed out that it was an honour for her to see so many women actively involved in their communities and taking the lead in development of their community. “It can only help to build a stronger and healthier environment for those residing there, while at the same time empowering the women and encouraging the younger women to follow their examples,” the Minister

said.

Addressing the western border issue, the Minister acknowledged that it must be a burning one for all of the people of Essequibo since they reside in the area. She noted that under the leadership of President David Granger, a man with military background, Guyana is in good hands.

The Minister also used the opportunity to inform residents that the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) has been replaced by the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service programmed. This was effected on September 1, 2015.

According to GarridoLowe, the programme is a new scheme which will provide sustainable jobs for youths in Hinterland communities. It will ensure that persons that were employed as Community Support Officers (CSO), undergo training so that they can be reemployed.

The new initiative is also expected to train thousands of other youths, while paying them a stipend, so as to ensure they receive relevant skills allowing them to pursue sus-

Rice Trucks posing serious traffic hazards

The Guyana Police Force and vehicle operators have expressed concern over the danger posed to road users by lorries parked in the vicinity of some rice mills during harvest time.

According to some drivers, lorries create a traffic hazard while the smell of paddy attracts animals which also make the roads dangerous in the vicinity of those rice mills.

“You have these big trucks parked all the way around a turn and you don’t know what coming and suddenly a cow or donkey run out in the middle of the road just in front of you from behind a truck. When people chase the animals is straight on the road they run,” one driver who operates a minibus along the Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) told this publication on Wednesday.

Another driver on West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) said trucks laden with paddy are parked around a double turn next to a mill at Golden Grove.

“You got busses flying around the turn and you can’t see anything till the vehicle almost reach up to you because is a blind turn… is a double

turn and the Police allowing trucks to park on the turn, and they staying there for days.”

Acting Officer-in-charge of Traffic B Division, Inspector Timothy Williams speaking with Guyana Times on the issue, said the traffic department is greatly concerned over the issue and the dangers being posed. “We have a duty to ensure that the roads are kept safe for road users. We have had some amount of discussion with the operators of the rice mill at Golden Grove and we also have Ranks police the area from time to time but we cannot post a Rank there all the time.”

According to Williams it is the responsibility of the owners of the rice mills to put systems in pace to ensure that lorries which take paddy to the mills do not pose a traffic hazard. In the past the traffic department has exercised some leniency during harvesting with lorries parked in the vicinity of rice mills waiting to discharge paddy.

Meanwhile in Region Six on Wednesday at Number 37 Village, there were 81 trucks parked waiting their turn to offload at Nand Persaud Rice Mills. Some of the trucks

had been parked there for as many as five days. According to Inspector Williams, Nand Persaud has employed Traffic Wardens to monitor the movement of the heavily laden trucks in order to make the area safer.

He noted that in Region Five the Department had contacted millers advising them to apply to the Commander of the Division seeking permission to have Traffic Wardens. “These are private wardens who work on a temporary basis during this period. But we as a department will not allow vehicles to park on a turn. The regulations states that a vehicle must be parked 30-feet away from a corner. No lorry should be seen less than 30feet away from a corner. The mills must have persons who will advise the drivers how to park as is the case at Nand Persaud.”

The truck drivers on the Corentyne who take paddy to Nand Persaud say since the Traffic Warden system has been put in place the road had become safer for them but other drivers express concern over the situation even though it is temporary.

Of concern too to other

tainable livelihoods and a good life.

This stipend will see each youth receiving $20,000 on a monthly basis and another $10, 000 which will be placed into a savings account to be redeemed at the end of each year. This would result in each youth employed under the programme receiving a monthly income of $20,000 take home and an additional $120,000 at the end of the year.

Head of National Toshao’s Council (NTC) and Toshao of Mainstay, Joel Fredricks expressed gratitude to the Minister for attending the ceremony. Also present at the ceremony was Regional Chairman of Region 2, Davanad Ramdat.

Entrepreneurial Indigenous women used the event to market their crafts and products, and outstanding students from the village were awarded for excelling academically, while the teachers were also rewarded for their hard work.

Lake Mainstay Resort is located on the shores of Lake Mainstay on the Essequibo Coast of Guyana. It is approximately a 15 minute drive inland from the town of Anna

Corentyne drivers is the fact that many rice farmers use the road to dry paddy. “You have to go over the on the other side of the road to pass or drive on the paddy and it is not safe because if anything happen the whole car could skate.”

Several drivers say the most dangerous part of the Corentyne roadway is in the vicinity of Number 36 and 37 Villages. “There always gat animals on the road; donkeys and cow and sometimes sheep and goat take over the road.”

However a source close to the Nand Persaud Company said persons are employed to chase animals away.

On Wednesday laden trucks were parked on both sides of the road for about a quarter of a mile. Some animals were also seen traversing the area between the trucks and crossing the road.

Meanwhile the drivers who park their trucks tell another story. Some say they have to park and wait on their turn for four of five days and they are per $4000 per trip. “You got to come and park up here four days just to get $4000… it can’ pay but we ent got nothing else to do.”

Many drivers go home and return a few days later when they average it is their turn. Others are more resourceful and operate more than one lorry. “I have two trucks here, when I bring one I go and full up the other one and then bring it the next day,” one driver told Guyana Times while another said he was operating four trucks which were all awaiting their turn.

Despite all the controversy, the period involving the sale of paddy to mills during harvesting time lasst for a period of less than two months.

Regina and 5 minutes from the airstrip. It takes 20 minutes flying time from Ogle Aerodrome to get there.

The spacious resort is probably the largest in the country and comprises a cluster of comfortable air-conditioned cottages, giving visitors a breathtaking view along with a large recreational space.

The Village Day saw performances from individuals of all ages, along with women and men taking part in a number of competitions such as, bird, tree and fish naming; “Wood Busting,” and canoeing among others, all geared at fostering village camaraderie.

The array of cultural dances, music and dramatic performance showcased the talents inherited by the country’s Indigenous peoples and the important contributions they make to the country’s diversity.

A dramatic piece which comprised a skit, poem and song and sought to reflect the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and the importance of the Essequibo to Guyana, stole the show, as the Region’s people strongly stood together and said “Essequibo is we own”.

Agriculture Month National paddy bug management programme to be launched

Under the theme, “Exploiting our strengths; advancing agriculture and social protection”, Agriculture Month 2015 was on Thursday launched.

As part of the month’s activities, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder announced, the national paddy bug management programme will commence in an effort to address issues affecting the rice industry.

He stated that a number of activities would be carried out in observance of the month with focus being placed on rural poverty, family farmers, and regional and environmentally-friendly production.

The Minister added that the theme was specifically chosen “because Guyana will highlight the changes in the sector with a view to establishing new frontiers on which our agriculture development will be based in the coming year and beyond”. The Minister noted that the importance agriculture played in breaking the cycle of rural poverty, both regionally and internationally, must be recognised.

Holder shared that this year’s agriculture month celebration will also feature several activities which will position Guyana to push for more environmentally friendly initiatives such as the National Tree Planting Day activity, which is scheduled for Saturday.

The Agriculture Minister emphasised that the Government was committed to sustaining food security, with its main priority to continue to enhance food and nutrition security by ensuring that Guyana was on par with the objective of eliminating

world hunger.

Various agencies have committed to showcasing how important agriculture is to Guyana’s economy as the month-long observance will place emphasis on farmers and the sterling contribution they have made over the years to the nation’s well-being.

The Agriculture Ministry is also set to collaborate with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and other donor agencies in celebrating the key role small farmers play in feeding billions across the world, and aims to raise the profile of family farming and the role of small farmers and the impact they continue to have in the development of agriculture in Guyana.

Minister Holder announced that Guyana stood ready to eliminate rural poverty, but for this goal to be achieved, communities needed to be more self-sufficient. “Farmers today must recognise the challenges facing farming, and confront them so as to significantly maximise on the benefits, and exploit the full potential, of their respective communities,” he noted.

The Guyana Marketing Corporation during the month will be looking at value added activities in agriculture through the form of an export/ marketing training workshop.

On October 20, the importance of pesticides in agriculture and their effective management and control will be further advanced with the commissioning of the Pesticide Board’s Chemicals Storage Facility at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. (jpinder@guyanatimesgy. com)

Rice crisis

Catastrophic consequences unless Govt intervenes – Dr Ramsammy

Former Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy has lashed out against the current Agriculture Minister Noel Holder for telling the Nation that the Government is dedicated to food security when the plight of rice farmers and the rice industry is being ignored.

Dr Ramsammy on Thursday said Guyana is one of the few developing countries that can boast of food security, but the danger of a downturn in rice threatens that food security. He added that this is the most opportune time for the David

Granger-led Administration to demonstrate real commitment to the rice industry.

“Any government that does not take agriculture in Guyana seriously and treat farmers with respect is courting disaster. Even though agriculture is the most important contributor to Guyana’s economic development, the present Government is being far too nonchalant in approaching agriculture,” Dr Ramsammy said.

The government’s stance on rice, he added, will have utter catastrophic consequences not only to the rice industry, but to food security and the

social and economic development agenda of Guyana.

Guyana Times have been reporting that given the present situation in rice, most farmers will abandon the rice fields for the next crop. Many rice farmers in Regions Two, Five and Six have insisted that they will “rest” their fields after harvesting for the present crop is over.

Dr Ramsammy added that the former Government intervened in the prices millers offered to farmers when millers attempted to pay less than $3000 per bag for Grade A paddy.

“With the prices being of-

Berbicians not victimised with “name and shame” campaign – Traffic Chief

As the Guyana Police Force continues with its traffic enforcement activities to regularise the use of the country’s roadways by naming and shaming those drivers who are caught driving drunk, persons have raised their eyebrows at the fact that mostly Berbicians are being published in the papers.

The Police Force’s Public Relations Office sends out, sometimes daily, releases of persons caught drunk driving with most of them from along the Corentyne in Berbice. There is hardly publication of drivers from other Divisions.

This has caused many to feel as though Berbicians are somewhat being targeted. However, Head of the Police’s Traffic Department, Dion Moore, has stated that this was far from the reality. According to the Traffic Chief, ranks in all of the Police Divisions make out cases against drunk drivers, and later submit them to the Traffic Department.

Moore disclosed that most of the cases were submitted from the A (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) and B (Berbice) Divisions, as well as the G Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands). The Traffic Chief pointed out that whenever the Traffic Department received information from the various Divisions, it would forward it to the Public Relations Office to be released to the media houses for publication.

“When we send the information to the [Public Relations Officer] PRO, he would then disseminate it to the media, but I can’t say how he sorts out the information for publication,” Moore stated.

When contacted, Police PRO Ivelaw Whittaker also posited that there was no intent to target Berbicians.

The PRO explained that the ranks from the B Division seemed to be more vigilant in submitting their Driving Under Influence of Alcohol (DUI) cases than those from the other Divisions. Hence, Whittaker added, most of the cases his office highlights are from Berbice.

Meanwhile, the Traffic

Chief went on to highlight that the Divisions only submit cases in which the drivers were charged and would have already passed through the court. “So they have to wait until the cases pass through the court and judgement is handed down because persons are innocent until proven guilty so we can’t go ahead and release people’s photos to be published in the newspapers when we don’t know what will be the outcome of the case, that is, whether they will be sentenced by way of a fine or be freed,” Moore explained.

Moreover, the Traffic Chief outlined that the only problem they face in terms of getting the DUI cases from the various Divisions was the time it took for the matters to be completed in court.

Last week, Moore disclosed that drunk driving continued to be an area of concern, but noted that one of the enforcement strategies adopted to address this was the breathalyser tests.

Moore had explained that the “name and shame” campaign against drunk drivers has made persons more cautious, but noted that it did not stop the culture of driving drunk. He said on a weekly basis, the Force gets about 100 DUI cases; however, due to the lack of space it was unable to publish all.

“We have in excess of a 100 persons charged but you cannot put a 100 faces, it will take over a whole paper. We can only release at intervals, an amount per day and because of this fact, some people tend to believe they cannot be seen but when they least expect it, it will be there,” he maintained.

fered to farmers, many will be forced to abandon the fields. Many of the farmers will sink into poverty, with loans to be paid. More than 40,000 people directly depend on the rice industry for a living. Almost 100,000 people in some way rely on the rice industry to supplement their living standards,” he said. Rice contributes more than 60% of the GDP from agriculture. Rice also contributes close to 10 per cent to the National GDP. More than $US250M in foreign exchange is earned by the rice industry. Support to the rice indus-

try is about the survival of the Nation, Dr Ramsammy said and not handout to rice farmers. In the interest of the Nation, Government must play a critical role in ensuring the survival and prosperity of the rice industry, he added.

It is economic suicide he said, for the Government to insult rice farmers and millers by saying the industry is a private sector one and Government has no role to play in it.

Hundreds of rice farmers around the country have been protesting, demanding assistance from the Agriculture Ministry and the Government.

Calls were made for better paddy prices as well as concessions on fuel and vehicles, but to date no word has come from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration with regards to any of these demands.

During his Budget presentation, Finance Minister Winston Jordan gave the impression that $23 billion would be allocated to support payments to rice farmers who were owed billions of dollars altogether for the supplies made to millers or would go

towards addressing some of the issues like drainage or irrigation affecting the rice industry.

However, early last month Minister Jordan finally came clean, stating that Government’s real intentions for the $23 billion, which was initially promised for rice farmers, was to be utilised to settle Guyana’s outstanding oil debt to Venezuela and ultimately was never really going towards the rice industry and the desperate farmers.

In an invited comment, Minister Jordan admitted to Guyana Times that the money was never intended for the farmers but for “rice shipment”. This clarified that the monies had no connection to rice but rather to oil, which Guyana continues to receive under the PetroCaribe Agreement.

Following this revelation, stakeholders have argued that the APNU/AFC Government blatantly betrayed rice farmers. Price on the Essequibo Coast ranges from $1500 to $2200 for a bag of Grade A paddy, which is far below the cost of production.

friday, october 2, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Habitat For Humanity Guyana, Beharry extend housing drive partnership

Habitat For Humanity Guyana and the Beharry Group of Companies have once again partnered to bring hope to families in Guyana, signing an extension Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Beharry’s Charlotte Street office on Thursday.

The new MoU, under the theme “A dollar makes a difference”, will run from October to December 2015.

The partnership, which began some three years ago, has so far raised in excess of $6.5 million, and will be used to construct three homes for families said to be living in acute poverty.

Habitat For Humanity Guyana National Director Rawle Small said his organisation was pleased to continue the project through the signing of an extension with Beharry, whose products are a household name.

Reflecting on the theme for the three-month project, Small said both companies believed that one Guyana dollar can make a difference in the lives of a family. The two companies have been partnering since 2012 on the home ownership drive and have since built at least seven houses as well as refurbished.

Small said the partnership between the two organisations was like none other. “There is no other partner-

ship in Guyana between a non-profit and for-profit entity in Guyana that basically mobilises funds from the general public to help support such a cause. We applaud the company for the continuous work.”

He added that there were a number of surprises planned under the theme and a social media campaign has already been launched to facilitate such. Together, the two parties have $7 million in current funding. Three two-bedroom homes will be built us-

ing that money, Small said.

The first is for Maude Whyte, an 85-year-old grandmother of Number 51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, who was left to take care of her four grandchildren after their parents passed away.

In this case, it was explained that upon completion, legal documents will be filed to have the house placed in the names of the four children, so that in the event their grandmother passes, they would have a stable place to call home.

AH&L Kissoon cushions UG Lecture Theatre

The University of Guyana’s Small Lecture Theatre (SLT) has received an upgrade to its furniture by AH&L Kissoon. The furniture company has cushioned and refurbished the chairs in the theatre.

The SLT, which was refurbished by the previous UGSS executive, is one of the University’s most used lecture theatres and has the capacity to seat over 100 students.

at the University of Guyana continues.

CEO denies teachers being asked to pay for OLPT computers

– Trotman had promised CPCE teachers to be first beneficiaries

In light of Government’s decision to scrap the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project and divert the computers to teachers across the country, several teachers entering the Cyril Potter College of Education, as well as current teachers studying at the institution have recently complained about them being made to pay some $40,000 for computers given to them by CPCE.

However, Chief Education Officer (CEO), Olato Sam has since clarified that the teachers have confused two different programmes. He explained that in 2010, the then Government had introduced a G-Tech programme in which they had committed to subsidise laptops for teachers graduating from the revised Associate Degree Education Programme offered at CPCE.

“So every year we facilitated low cost laptops for teachers graduating and so they had to pay less than 50 per cent of the cost for the laptops,” the CEO stated. He went on to say that recently, the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Chance (APNU/AFC) Administration had announced that they will be providing laptops for all the teachers in the public system.

According to Sam, the teachers at the CPCE are confusing the G-Tech Programme and the One Laptop Per Teacher (OLPT)

project. “What we now need to do is to reconcile the arrangements that were made before with this new arrangement so that all of our teachers have the resources necessary to assist in the teaching/learning process,” the CEO noted.

On the other hand, as it relates to the OLPT programme, the Chief Education Officer pointed out that the Education Ministry is at the stage where it is now sorting out the data to submit to the Ministry of the Presidency.

“We are now in the pro-

Chief

cess of compiling the lists to pass to the Office of the Presidency to facilitate the (distribution) process. So the requests came in with respective lists from the regions and that information is being compiled and should be addressed very shortly,” Sam added.

Furthermore, the Chief Education Officer went on to note that he cannot say how

long it will be before the laptops are actually distributed to teachers, noting that the Ministry of the Presidency is overseeing this aspect of the project.

On July 29, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman informed media operatives that the new batch of computers ordered under the OLPF Project will be given to teachers across Guyana. He stated that Cabinet has been in discussions about taking care of the teachers, so the coalition Administration decided to rename the project as One Laptop Per Teacher.

The Minister noted that this move will have to be tied to a programme that ensured that these teachers used the laptops for training in improving their methodology or delivering their curriculum in a faster electronic manner.

However last month, Trotman disclosed that teachers from CPCE will be the first beneficiaries of the OLPT Programme, with emphasis placed on those teachers who are still being trained or those who have recently concluded training.

“I believe in the first instance we would like to target teachers that are currently in the Cyril Potter College of Education. Those that are perhaps pursuing degrees or diplomas at the University of Guyana… Then we will roll it out from there,” Minister Trotman had disclosed.

Amid challenges in the hosting of this year’s Miss Global International Pageant, Guyana’s representative Alicia Bess was adjudged the 2nd runner-up, a spot that has never been held by a Guyanese. Although Bess arrived two days before the pageant, she was able to wow the judges in her talent and interview segments.

For her talent, she performed a Latino dance which was excellently executed during the talent segment at Carnival City, Trinidad and Tobago. She would have competed alongside 21 other contestants, with Miss Montserrat taking top honours in this segment of the competition.

On the following day, it was nerve wrecking since all the delegates were allotted three minutes during the pre-interview segment to answer questions posed to them by a panel of judges comprising businessmen, designers, a former beauty queen and an economist.

During this segment, Bess would have stumbled in answering the main question but her answer was enough to be named in the top five. Hours after, it was fierce competition at the Chambers of Commerce Hall in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago.

Bess again, based on her experience in pageantry

Guyana’s representative to the Miss Grand International Pageant scheduled for Thailand later in the month has departed Guyana with the aim of bringing back the international title. She is already the holder of the Miss United National title which she won a few years ago. With her experience in pageantry, she is expected to do Guyana proud. Just before departing the local shores, the

queen stated that she is quite confident heading into the pageant.

However, the third edition of the Miss Grand International will see delegates from around the world assembling to compete fiercely in the world renowned pageant.

The Miss Grand International Pageant is expected to address the scourge of war and violence around the world. Each delegate is expect-

ed to derive strategies to reduce war and violence.

The competition commences on October 5 and will end with the grand coronation night on October 25 at an indoor stadium (Huamark) in Bangkok. The delegates will be completing in several segments – swimsuit, national costume, talent and intelligence among others – in various cities in Thailand.

The scores from the preliminary competitions will be tal-

lies for the selection of the top 20 delegates to compete for the crown on the night of October 25.

Guyana’s National costume is expected to be designed by Olympia Small-Sonaram while one of Fraser’s gowns will be created by Michelle Cole. Another dress will be designed by another local designer.

Guyana Times Entertainment extends best wishes to Fraser on her quest for the crown.

Miss Australia would have also collected the prizes for Miss Congeniality and best swimwear. Miss Japan, Eriko Yoshll was awarded the prize for most popular delegate while Miss Montserrat Sharissa Ryan was given the prize for best talent. The prize for Best National costume went to Miss Panama, Nataly Gonzales and the prize for Miss Photogenic was awarded to Miss United Kingdom Romy Simpkins. Also, Mukesh Ramsingh of Metro Hotel, the official hotel of the Miss Global International Pageant, had the opportunity of selecting a delegate to wear the title of Miss Metro. After careful analysis and consideration, the title was given to Miss Panama Nataly Gonzales. Due to financial constraints and several hiccups, the Miss Global International Committee was indeed embarrassed since there were no prizes for the second and first runners-up. The queen however, would have received an all expense paid trip to Trinidad and Tobago for the 2016 carnival. These include airfare, hotel accommodations, carnival costumes among others.

Following on the heels of a successful hosting of the ‘Princess Star Karaoke Competition’, Sukerpunch Promotions is gearing to stage their ‘Dance Explosion’ event, presumably at the same venue.

The event is open to and caters for dancers from every walk of life and will commence on a date to be announced in November. This event allows for contenders to win smashing cash prizes, trophies, and other prizes, and is open to both amateur and professional dancers.

This event caters to any style of dance, whether Indian classical, belly dancing, dancehall showcases or African traditional. No vulgar presentations will be accepted

during the staging of the competition. Such acts will be eliminated from the very audition stage.

Dance Explosion is definitely the forum for young and upcoming dancers to exhibit their versatility. Grasp this opportunity to be crowned the ‘Dance Explosion’ King or Queen and enjoy the feel of those crisp, green notes as you pocket $100,000 and other giveaways.

The winner of this event also has the opportunity to compete at the ‘Best of the Best’ dance fantasia slated for later this year. Interested persons can register by calling telephone number 6191952.

Auditions for this event will be staged late in October.

Every Guyanese citizen will have the opportunity to enjoy a slice of American culture and lifestyle right here in Georgetown on Saturday, October 17, at the Promenade Gardens on Middle Street, North Cummingsburg.

Called “Meet me in St Louis” and is the first American festival to be held here in Guyana’s capital. It will feature the Grammynominated multitalented female combo ‘Della Mae’.

These four versatile instrumentalists/vocalists –Celia Woodsmith on vocals, guitar; Kimber Ludiker on fiddle, vocals; Jenni Lyn Gardner on mandolin, vocals; Courtney Hartman on guitar, banjo, vocals; and Zoe Guigueno on bass, vocals have been building a large and enthusiastic fan base throughout North America and around the world.

They have recently performed in Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and will be coming to Guyana to perform specially at this event to showcase the quartet’s worldclass musicianship and deeply expressive harmonies.

Although they came together in Boston, this Nashville-based outfit is made up of young players who have all brought diverse backgrounds and considerable musical experience and are expected to bring a highenergy live performance to the Promenade Gardens.

Additionally this festival will have hot dogs, burgers, malt shakes, chocolate chip cookies, sliders, popcorn, cupcakes and banana splits, which will be available in this open air tropi-

cal garden setting. On the other hand, grown-ups will be able to stop by the Cocktail Bar to check out the huge selection of popular American cocktails such as the Martini, Manhattan, Tequila Sunrise, Margarita, Cosmopolitan, Daquiri, Mojito, and Piña Colada under the stars in these picturesque gardens.

Patrons at this event will be able to gorge themselves on American smoked meats including pulled pork, brisket Buffalo wings and barbecue.

Tents shall also be offering special American menus all afternoon and evening long, including a fried chicken and French fries, pizza, and nachos, along with coffee, smoothies, chocolate beverages and countless flavours of ice cream. The event gets underway at 16:00h and it is absolutely free.

The much anticipated and phenomenal event of the year for Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Essequibo Nite Exhibition and Fair is slated for October 30 and 31, 2015 at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground. The planning committee met on Tuesday and set up committees tasked with carrying out various functions

tural programme. The launch of the event will take place on October 30, after which the cultural programme will follow. Talents from within the Region will be highlighted. A secretariat was established where several committees including Safety and Security, Public Relations, Marketing, Booths, and Exhibition Works along with

use the opportunity to showcase their produce and animals.

The event was started several years ago by late Agriculture Minister Satyadeow Sawh under the theme: “Made in Guyana, Grown in Guyana”.

Over the years, the event has developed tremendously, attracting increasing numbers of persons each

leading up to the two nights.

This first meeting was chaired by Region Two Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt who said this twonight Exhibition and Fair will foster socialisation as well as give entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their products.

Ramdatt said the activities planned will have a positive and meaningful impact on society. He, however, said the event would not take the form of a “carnival or sporty style” but rather would be informative with a rich cul-

Health and Sanitation were formed. The committees will meet regularly to hone the planning and execution of tasks toward the hosting of the event.

Over the years, the activity has gained momentum within the Region and with many businesses usually in support. Many have come on board showcasing their products or even using the opportunity to launch a new product. The Agricultural Department is usually a main highlight of the event. Many farmers would also

night. Many local manufacturers and farmers from across Region Two, along with Government Ministries and agencies, erect booths to showcase local products and services.

Many people within and around the Region anticipate the festivities of Essequibo Nite as a treat after the rice crop harvest. The activity is organised by the Region Two Administration with support from both private and public entities.

Plans are underway for one of the most anticipated events in October that will be going down at the Wales Community Centre ground on the last day of the month. It is referred to as the “settlement of all disputes” car and bike show.

The theme came about after several disgruntled car and bike owners thought they should have won in their respective categories at another show. In essence, it is time for redemption. So far, over 30 categories are catered for and will see millions of dollars in cash and prizes being handed out.

The categories will include Best Graphic, Best Lights, Best

Theme, Best Interior, Best Engine, Hardest and Xtreme Sound (car, bike, SUV and bus). The car and bike show over the years has taken on a new dimension and will see the most innovative creations being done on cars, bikes, suvs and other vehicles.

Registration per vehicle is $5000.

The show is being promoted by EPIC Entertainment and is expected to be off the hook. Apart from the display of vehicles and a sound clash, patrons will be fully entertained by Deejays David Hype and Darren, along with Power Sonic Sound System.

Tickets for the event cost

$700 in advance and more will be charged at the gate. Vehicle passes will be available at a cost of $1500. These passes can be picked up at Annett’s Shop, Patentia, West Bank Demerara; Star Cars, Leonora, West Coast Demerara; and Deal on Electronic, Strathspey, East Coast Demerara.

The event is sponsored by Andy’s Auto Sales, Star Cars Auto Sales, First Class Auto Sales, Trans Pacific, Amrol and Sons, Banks DIH Limited, R Sukhram Lumber Yard, Deals on Electronics and others. Those interested in sponsoring the event call contact the promoter on telephone number 602-1366.

Promoters of the “Guyana Night – The Big Clash” set for October 31 at the Better Hope Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara, have confirmed that reigning International Chutney Monarch Ravi B will be performing at the event.

Ravi B who is no stranger to Guyana, is known for his dynamic and versatile performance and is bound to create some vibes on stage. Plans are moving apace and the show is expected to be bigger than originally planned. From the inception, promoters thought that an all Guyanese concert would be the ‘big deal’ but things drastically changed, with the addition of

some Caribbean flavour.

Thus far, the show will feature Guyanese artistes both, international and local, and is expected to be off the hook. The show will feature Guyanese Baboo Terry Gajraj; Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo; Mahendra Ramkellwan; Romeo “Mystic” Nermal, also called “Coolie Bhai”; Prince JP; Sharmaine Blackman; Roger Hinds; Pooran Seeraj; Bunty Singh; Cecelia Samaroo; Rajesh Dubraj and Aaron Dasrat, among others.

For the first time ever in Guyana, there will be four local bands on stage. These include Guyana’s number one Shakti

Strings Orchestra, the Heatwaves Band, Caribbean Hotshot Band and the Dax New Generation Band. The show will also feature spectacular dance routines from the Fire Fest Dancers, Nacha Gana Dance Group, Jewan Ka Nritya Dance Group, Shalita Dance Troupe and from the most popular “Granny Ivelaw” as well as Sandella.

Emcees for the evening will be RGI’s Surida Negreadi and television personalities WR Reaz and Joel Ganshaam. Admission to the show costs $1000 and will be available at various tickets locations to be announced later.

Twenty-three-year-old Tahirih Boodhoo, also called “Kavita” is a professional dancer attached to the Jewan Ka Nritya Dance Group and is the sister of local radio broadcaster Roshini Boodhoo.

She was born to Neil and Sookrane Boodhoo and is the third child among her siblings. She grew up on the West Coast of Demerara in the little farming village of Hague.

Her childhood was wholesome, religious and beautifully experienced with love, humour, innocent frolic but more importantly, one that was filled with positive edification and excellent schooling.

She was a fortunate child who had many optimistic influences of her siblings and parents. She attended School of the Nations and St Margaret’s Primary, before writing the National Grade Six Assessment at Leonora Primary School where she was placed among the top 100 students in the country. She was awarded a place at Queen’s College where she wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and secured 10 subjects, including six distinctions.

The talented dancer owes her success in the art form to her elder sister, Roshini whom she admired while growing up. She recalled being fascinated as she studied the old Bollywood movies trying to grasp the kathak moves and learn hindi at the same time. At the age of seven, she took up the offer of being Roshini’s dancing disciple but after a time, she became disheartened and made the decision not to dance.

At 13, she realised that there was more to dancing than just a physical engagement/ hobby; thinking it was something magical that connects the soul of the dancer to something greater.

She soon started to perform at various cultural events at Queen’s College. At 22, she was versed in Bollywood songs and was learning the hand movements and various expressions.

Presently, she prefers two classical forms – the Kathak and Kathakali. The Kathak or ‘story tellers’ recounts moral and mythological tales by performing those stories with hand gestures and facial expressions, while the Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

As she looks towards the future, she sees herself as an internationally successful author of various books based on poetry, education, motivation/ inspiration. She also thinks about being a shareholder of a school and also as Vice Principal. She also has intentions of getting into fashion designing and thinks she will give being a journalist for a newspaper a try.

The highly spiritual dancer says that her greatest role model and inspiration is Lord Rama who is the embodiment of all divine qualities and virtue.

For those who would want to take up dancing as a hobby, she encourages them to make the art a study so that it can be understood and appreciated, since this is the only way you can connect with it.

“No matter your age, status, size or ethnic group, dance will bring joy, comfort, peace, love and something magical into your life. It also sparks your confidence and self belief. If there is a tiny part of you that is fascinated by healthy dance, you should try, and even though you may be disheartened at first like me, you should always try again later and never set it aside,” she added.

Apart from dance, she deeply enjoys reading ancient Hindu scriptures.

Footballer jailed for breaking opponent’s leg

ASunday League footballer who deliberately stamped on an opponent’s leg, breaking it in several places, has been jailed for a year.

Nathaniel Kerr, 24, pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to assault.

The 30-year-old victim, Stuart Parsons, had been arguing with one of Kerr’s teammates just before the incident in Stockport last August, the court heard.

Parsons had reconstructive surgery on his right ankle and spent weeks in hospital after the assault.

The violent tackle happened two minutes into the first game of the season between Emigration FC and AFC Gold Cup in the Stockport Sunday league.

Parsons, a defender for Emigration FC, said he had touched the ball just twice when Kerr lunged at him with both feet, dislocating his ankle and breaking it in two places.

As he lay in agony on the pitch off Jackson’s Lane, Hazel Grove, Kerr shouted to a teammate: “I’ve done this ‘cos of you.”

“It was a long jump-type lunge,” the victim told BBC 5 Live. “I got to the hospital and they X-rayed it, but they had to sedate me twice to reset it. I was in hospital for two weeks.”

A self-employed window cleaner before the injury, Parsons said his business “went down the pan” as a result.

He spent six weeks on crutches, “had to learn to

walk again”, and “still can’t run on it or do any sport, a year on”.

He continued: “You don’t expect to get out of bed on a Sunday morning and for that to happen. People have their own actions, minds and aggression. You are never going to stop it.”

Speaking of his assailant, Parsons said: “We had heard stories through the pipeline and, as a team, had our eye on him from the beginning.”

PC Louise Spencer, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “This injury has had a catastrophic effect on the victim’s life, meaning he has been unable to work or support his young family.

“He is self-employed and the injury meant he was forced to rely on the kindness of his teammates, who arranged fundraisers and charity events to provide the financial support he needed,” she added.

“All the while Kerr has shown absolutely no remorse for his vicious attack, calling the victim a ‘wimp’ and verbally abusing him as he was lying in agony on the pitch.”

She said the arrest and prosecution showed “aggression and thuggery” during sporting fixtures will not be tolerated. (BBC Sport)

Jennings flags ‘the end’ for FIFA

FIFA will be forced to reform after the investigation into its affairs launched by US and Swiss authorities, according to investigative journalist Andrew Jennings.

Jennings believes the corruption investigation into FIFA by the FBI and Swiss authorities will signal the end of world football’s governing body in its current form.

Long the subject of suspicion and allegations of wrong-doing, FIFA was rocked by the indictment of 14 current or former officials and executives in May, triggering a sequence of events that included dramatic public arrests and resulted in Sepp Blatter announcing his intention to step down from the organisation’s presidency next year.

Jennings, who claims to have supplied prosecutors with key information compiled during the course of his investigations, does not expect the organisation to survive the scrutiny and pressure to reform now being applied from many quarters.

“I think it is effectively the end for FIFA and I hope it is the end for FIFA because we need a new organisation that is not dirty and puts everything online so we can all see what they are really doing with the money,” he told Omnisport.

“We still wait to see what

is really in the financial reports.

“They [the authorities] know what they are looking for. It is going to be incredible. Even after all my years investigating I might be a bit shocked.”

Jennings, speaking following the release of The Dirty Game, his latest book on alleged corruption within FIFA, insisted Blatter in particular will not escape justice should the 79-yearold Swiss be found guilty of wrongdoing.

“I have seen the evidence from Sepp Blatter where he gifted to Jack Warner in the Caribbean – gave Jack Warner [US]$15-$18 million to resell rights to the World Cup. Outrageous.

“They thought they would keep it quiet forever, but the document with Blatter’s signature on it has been acquired and it is now with the Swiss public prosecutor which is why he has opened this criminal investi-

Selectors should support Simmons’s pick, says Benjamin

Former West Indies seamer Kenneth Benjamin believes once Head Coach Phil Simmons was in favour of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, the selection panel should have given him their support.

Benjamin, who grabbed 92 wickets in 26 Tests between 1992 and 1998, also said a clear policy on the two players needed to be established and communicated to selectors.

“If Pollard and Bravo should not be selected, there should be a memo passed onto the selectors saying these guys are not eligible. You can’t leave it open and then you have that kind of rift between selectors and coaches; so, obviously, there is a problem. If you ask any head coach around the world, they hardly vote these days,” Benjamin told the Antigua Observer newspaper.

“Most of the selectors understand that the coach is the one in charge and they normally lean towards him, so for me, if Phil Simmons

want those two gentlemen and once they are eligible for selection, then they should be selected.”

Benjamin was speaking following Simmons’s suspension for lambasting the continued non-selection of Bravo and Pollard in the West Indies One-Day team.

Simmons told media in Barbados last Friday that he and Chairman of Selectors, Clive Lloyd, had lost their

bid to have the two players re-included for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, and he felt “interference from outside” was ultimately responsible for keeping the players out. Both Bravo and Pollard were on Monday announced in a 15-man Twenty20 squad for Sri Lanka, but omitted from the ODI side.

Benjamin said while he believed interference in the selection of teams still occurred, clear policy on players needed to be established for selectors.

“This thing (interference) still happens in West Indies cricket and that is why we are having these problems now because my thing is, if the Board has said let’s finish with them (Bravo and Pollard) then that would have been fine, but that should be made clear,” the 48-year-old pointed out.

“But once you leave a loophole and the coach wants the players, he should get them and quite frankly, I am disappointed in the other three selectors.” (CMC)

Simmons’s allegations deserve investigation – Rampersad

AVice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), Patrick Rampersad has demanded an immediate inquiry into allegations of external influence on the selection panel made by Coach Phil Simmons.

gation.

“I will be very surprised if Sepp Blatter survives that because while the Swiss are investigating that contract, just in the bushes are the FBI who have a huge team on it now doing investigation on bank transfers, wire transfers and where did the money go.” (Digicel Sportsmax)

Ronaldinho’s agent claims his client is now looking at other options following his release from Fluminense.

Ronaldinho’s agent has laughed off suggestions the former Barcelona forward is set to retire.

The 35-year-old was released by Brazilian giants Fluminense on Monday after less than three months with the Rio de Janeiro club, during which time he made just nine appearances.

There had been suggestions the two-time FIFA

Simmons was suspended in light of comments made which inferred that members of the selection panel continued to exclude West Indies players Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo based on pressure to do so.

Despite taking exception with the methods used by Simmons to get his message across, Rampersad believes the claims were worth looking into.

World Player of the Year was going to quit, but his representative, Roberto Assis, insists Ronaldinho still has plenty to offer.

When asked if his client was going to retire, Assis told the Folha De Sao Paulo newspaper: “Are you crazy? No chance, you’ll have more surprises yet.

“He has to be happy on the field and feel good about himself. He has an advantage over many others in that he has never suffered from a serious injury. And while he still has that flicker

TTCB Vice President Patrick Rampersad

“Simmons would have known before-hand the consequences of his actions, and we should now seek to find out the truth

then great.”

Assis admitted a move to Corinthians in the United States was a possibility, adding: “Yes it is, he has friends there. There are a lot of [oth-

of the allegations he has made, and if he is correct, what is going to be done about it,” Rampersad said. With Pollard and Bravo being excluded from the One-Day International squad, and Denesh Ramdin and Merissa Aguilliera recently replaced as captains, there have been questions raised from members of the Trinidad and Tobago public and some administration members of a conspiracy against the twin-island republic.

There is a feeling that the players from the island have been made to bear the brunt of the fallout of the abandoned West Indies tour of India. (Digicel Sportsmax)

er proposals] coming up.”

Ronaldinho requested his release from Fluminense after admitting he did not feel he was doing himself justice. And Assis confirmed there were no hard feelings from the player’s side.

“It was a wonderful experience, the club did everything [to make it work], and the player too,” he said.

“Unfortunately things did not go the way that Ronaldinho wanted. It was a cool-headed decision. If it’s not working, it is best to stop.” (Digicel

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

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

COOKERY COURSE: WEST COAST DEMERARA , PRICE :$6,000, TEL # 276-4018

Private Custom’s brokers certificate training course. All importer/ exporters and others who trade is on the increase globally and locally. Learn how to prepare custom documents. Date :4th August 2015 (for three weeks). Classes from 2:00-4:00 pm and 5:00-7:00 pm (optional). For more information call:694-8322 or 223-1506. Register early and save$$$

Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 2273553/225-3315

FOR SALE

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

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

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

Puppies for Sale. Pure Breed

Dachshund Pups. $15,000 each. Tel: 256-3360 / 685-8485

Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

YELLOW PAGES

friday, october 2, 2015

LAND FOR SALE: 40’x110’ at Cummings Lodge, 10th Street near U.G $10M. Phone: 674-5019 l and for sale

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 3393536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 9431515 for the perfect trendy touch.

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

One property Ogle; One property Anna Catherina; One property Good Hope. Contact; 2223060/6735546/622-6448/679-0987

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

One two-storey concrete house, 3-bedroom located at 8th Street Foulis Enmore. Price 18 million neg. Tel: 256-3360/685-8485

3 storey building in Plaisance Village. Telephone: Attorney Bristol at 628-0668/231-7128 or 612-6417(owner)

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

K. LAKERAM - BUILDING CONTRACTOR, HOUSE PLAN, ESTIMATES, WEEDING & SPRAYING GRASS DONE WITHIN 48HRS. CARPENTRY, MASON, TILING, PAINTING, PLUMBING. PROMPT & AFFORDABLE GENERAL HOME MAINTENANCE. FREE ESTIMATES. TEL: 216-0671/622-0267/692-8464. EMAIL: klakeram.construction@ gmail.com

Khemraj & Son -landscaping & plant nursery. Lot 77 Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara. Landscaping, planting grass, weeding, killing wood ants, killing roaches, rats & mealy bug, treat plants, coconut trees and flowers, cleaning ceiling, grafting coconut plants: 18 months bearing period, treating land, grass & spraying grass, grafted papaya plants: 6 months bearing, grafted cherry plant, sour sop & sapodilla, cutting big trees & removing, treated mould for sale & flower plants for sale. Tel 627-5969/ 603-1134

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

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

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 FOR PERSON WITH STROKE AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES WE HAVE HERBAL BATHS AND SPIRITUAL MASSAGE MEDICINE. CALL: 2200708/687-5653/612-6417

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

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

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

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

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

taxI

serVICes

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

Sunshine Cabs, 24hours. Phone: 227-1720, 227-1721, 660-6102

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

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

cars and drivers: Call: 2271720, 227-1721 or 660-6102

AnSA McAl/lucozade handicap Tournament underway

The ANSA McAL/ Lucozade Handicap Tournament, hosted by the Guyana Squash Association in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel, continued on Wednesday evening at the Georgetown Club.

On Wednesday evening, Nyron Joseph beat Anthony Islam 2-1 (10-15, 16-14, 1512) in a marathon effort, with Joseph, starting from a handicap of -20, needing to recover from a first-set loss to the junior player.

The diminutive Islam fought resolutely to almost complete a win in the second set, but eventually the experience and form of Joseph proved too tall a task.

The skilful Reagan Pollard starting from a handicap of -14 beat Lloyd Fung-a-Fat 2-0 (15-12, 1614) in another exciting match up.

Other results were:

Joe Mekdeci beat Avinash Odit 2-0 (15-5, 158).

Anthony Islam beat Frank Vieira 2-1 (11-15, 159, 15-7).

Alex Cheeks beat Denis Dias 2-0 (18-16, 15-12).

Adam Alves beat Yang Hapoei 2-0 (15-12, 15-13).

Mohryan Baksh beat Beau Fernandes 2-1 (15-11, 12-15, 15-8).

Michael Alphonso beat Jason Gomes 2-0 (15-7, 158).

Thi Fernandes lost to Nicholas Narain 2-0 (15-12, 15-12).

Taylor Fernandes beat Matthew Phang 2-1 (15-8, 12-15, 15-12).

Kirsten Gomes beat Kamir Khan 2-0 (15-12, 1513).

Paige Fernandes beat Haley Carpenter 2-0 (15-13, 15-10).

Results on the opening night were:

N Joseph beat D Islam 15-13, 16-15.

A Odit beat D Yan 15-11, 15-12

J Mekdeci beat A DeGroot 15-4, 15-8

Taylor Fernandes beat J Ali 15-4, 15-8

M Phang beat M Ramdhani 18-16, 15-6

Y Hapoei beat B Edwards 15-5, 15-10, 15-12

A Alves beat B Mekdeci 10-15, 15-13, 15-6

R Pollard beat M Atherly 11-15, 15-13, 15-13

L Fung-a-Fat beat R DeGroot 15-3, 0-15, 15-6

D Dias beat D Fernandes 12-15, 15-10, 15-11

A Cheeks beat S De Abreu 15-8, 15-5

P DeGroot beat A King 15-12, 16-14

N Narain beat J Fernandes 15-13, 15-11

The tournament continued Thursday evening at the Georgetown Club, and is expected to conclude on Sunday.

NSC embraces initiatives of RHTY&SC

The National Sports Commission (NSC) under the leadership of Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, is continuing its drive to invest substantially in the development of sport across Guyana.

Last Wednesday, the NSC handed over two cheques with a combined value of $200,000 to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) at its Homestretch Avenue office.

Half of the sponsorship will go towards the hosting of the RHTY&SC Silver Jubilee Tribute to Heroes Programme, under which the Club’s 25 greatest cricketers for the period 19902015 will be honoured.

Among those to be honoured at a gala luncheon on October 25 are Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Abdel Fudadin, Esuan Crandon, Shawn Grant, Shawn Perriera, Clinton Pestano, Khemraj Mahadeo, James Fraser and Erva Giddings.

The NSC will also be assisting the RHTY&SC to promoter the game of cricket among females, with the hosting of a double wicket competition for females

cricketers in Berbice.

RHTY&SC Club

Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster, in accepting the sponsorship from the Director of Sport, stated that it was quite pleasing to note that the Government of Guyana was investing heavily into sport.

Sport was one of the main avenues to keep youths away from social ills, the 2011 National Sports Personality of the Year awardee stated, and he praised Jones for his proactive leadership of the Department of Sport.

The Tribute to Heroes programme, the long-serving Secretary/CEO stated, will be one of the major programmes of the Club’s yearlong Silver Jubilee celebrations. The female double wicket competition will be organised with the main aim of attracting new players to the game and to promote female cricket across Berbice.

Director of Sport Jones stated that the NSC was committed to assisting every Guyanese to fulfil his/ her potential in sport and praised the RHTY&SC for the role it was playing.

Solomon is UDFA President

– Kissoon lone female on new executive

A new Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) was on Thursday evening voted in, with former Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon being named President.

Collie Hercules is the first Vice President, while Claude Williams and Keon Josiah were named Second and Third Vice Presidents respectively.

The Secretary is Terrence Mitchell; Treasurer, Hansworth Barratt and Assistant

Secretary/Treasurer, Dillet Marville.

Vanessa Kissoon is the lone female on the executive and will serve as Organising Secretary. The Public Relations Officer is Victor Wright.

The three Committee Members are Clive Brush, Patrick Dey and James Trotman.

Solomon, addressing the clubs present, said the executive would work closely to ensure the game of football was developed at all levels,

both on and off the pitch.

Chairman of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee, Clinton Urling, who along with General Secretary Diedre Davis, overlooked the process, lauded the UDFA for being the first affiliate to adopt the new constitution and hold elections.

Urling, after handing over a quantity of balls to the UDFA, pledged the GFF’s financial support to help the Association in its future endeavours.

West indies fail to qualify for 2017 champions trophy

– It is the first time that the two-time World Cup winners have failed to qualify for any global cricket tournament

In what can be termed as the lowest ebb in Caribbean cricket history, the West Indies have failed to qualify for the 2017 Champions Trophy in England as they were not among the top eight ODI teams as per ICC rankings on September 30, 2015, paving the way for Bangladesh’s entry.

It will be the first time since its inception year in 1998 (when Champions Trophy used to be known as Mini World Cup) that assortment of Caribbean nations will not be a part of a premier event.

Bangladesh will return to the Champions Trophy for the first time since 2006 after the eight sides were confirmed for the 2017 tournament, which will be hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) from June 1 to 18.

The eight sides to play in the short and sharp, nation-versus-nation ICC Champions Trophy 2017 are (in rankings order): world champions Australia, defending champions India, 1998 winner

South Africa, 2000 champion New Zealand, 2002 co-winner Sri Lanka, hosts England, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Bangladesh’s last participation in the ICC Champions Trophy was in India, when it featured in the qualifying round. It lost to Sri Lanka (by 37 runs) and the West Indies (by 10 wickets). Its only victory was against Zimbabwe by 101 runs.

Since the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Bangladesh cricket team has been on a high and has produced very strong performances. It won ODI series against Pakistan, India and South Africa, which has helped it jump from ninth to seventh in the ICC ODI Team Rankings.

The Champions Trophy 2017 will be a 15-match tournament, with teams split into two groups of four, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the semi-finals. The groups and the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy will be announced in due course.

Lloyd praises simmons but knocks comments

Chairman of Selectors Clive Lloyd has praised suspended West Indies head coach Phil Simmons for his role in helping to build the regional side, but says his controversial comments were ill-advised.

The legendary former captain said that differences of opinion on the selection panel should be dealt with through dialogue.

“It must be noted that in the short time that Phil has been involved as head coach, he has done a good job in building team unity and morale, and the players have warmed to his coaching methods,” Lloyd said.

“Phil has apologised to all for his recent public statements and how strongly he would have felt on certain selection matters of the team.”

He continued: “We agreed

– at times – that we will have a difference of opinion, but we cannot condone such outbursts.

“Therefore, we will always seek discussion and dialogue at every stage of the selection process and work towards the best interest of West Indies cricket.”

Last Friday, Simmons

courted controversy when he claimed that “interference from outside” was behind the continued non-selection of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard on the One-Day team. Simmons told media in Barbados that he and Lloyd were in favour of the Trinidadian duo being selected, but had been out-voted by fellow selectors Courtney Walsh, Eldine Baptiste and Courtney Browne.

However, the 52-year-old Trinidadian contended that it was “disappointing for me to know that in any aspect of life ... [people would use] their position to get people into a squad or in this case, get people left out of a squad”.

Simmons has been suspended over the comments and will face a WICB disciplinary panel shortly.

SA Volleyball Championship Guyanese men lose to Argentina in opener

The national men’s volleyball team opened their campaign at the senior South American Volleyball Championship against Argentina, who is ranked sixth in the world, with a three-set defeat.

Despite losing in straight sets 25-9, 25-9, 25-13, the Guyanese gave a good account of themselves as they started off trading shots equally with the world superpower as the early scores were practically even in each set.

Guyanese armour and began exploiting their weakness in blocking and reception.

The second set began practically the same way as the first and again blocking and reception proved to be the downfall of the men from the Land of Many Waters.

blocking and reception were no match for their more experienced counterparts.

With the sides for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 now confirmed, the next important qualification date in the diaries of the 12 teams on the ICC ODI Team Rankings will be September 30, 2017.

That is the date when the top eight ranked sides on the ICC ODI Team Rankings will earn direct qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 to be hosted by the ECB.

The bottom four sides will get a second chance to complete the 10-team line-up in the ICC Cricket World Cup when they will be joined by teams from the ICC World Cricket League Championship and the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.

As such, all bilateral ODI cricket in the lead-up, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, will now have greater importance as only 27 points separate secondranked India from ninthranked West Indies. (Indian Express)

Competing at this level for the first time since the 1960s and 1970s, way before any of the current players were even born, the Guyana side started off the game looking like seasoned campaigners, taking the first point from Argentina and managing to trade equal punches until the scores were about 5-5.

However, at that point the Argentines were able to detect the deficiency in the

Taking heart from sporadic shots by Creston Rodney, who appeared to be the leading Guyanese attacker on the night, and crafty substitutions by Coach Levi Nedd, the local men managed to rally the support of the mostly Brazilian crowd as they fought to a similar scoreline as the first set.

In the third set, Nedd decided to make some changes to the starting line-up and opened with Jason Seelochan, who turned out to be a crowd favourite, instead of seasoned campaigner Khemraj Singh.

The third set saw Guyana again trading shots with Argentina, but again their

Occasional brilliance in defence by Vance Harding and renewed life in the attacking through the setting of Seelochan saw the local men dig even deeper than the first two sets and rally to a more respectable scoreline. Nedd intimated that he was fairly satisfied with the players’ opening account of themselves.

However, he expressed that should the team be able to maintain their level of play while improving on certain aspects of their game, it is a realistic possibility that they can pull off a historic upset against the 2013 bronze medallist, now rated 26th in the world, Colombia. That game was slated for Thursday evening.

Guyana will play Uruguay on Saturday in the final preliminary round match.

Windies lie 5th in ICC women’s rankings

Cricket’s world governing body, the International Cricket Council, on Thursday launched its official women’s team rankings, with West Indies installed at number five in the table.

The rankings are based on a multi-format system, incorporating results from all three forms of the game. According to the ICC, Tests, One-Day Internationals and Twenty20s will be treated equally, with rankings points available from every international game.

Rankings will be based on results of the last three to four years with the first two years being counted at only 50 per cent. Results

between October 2012 and September last year have been also counted at 50 per cent, while results since October last year will be counted at 100 per cent.

As expected, Australia top the rankings with 134 points, with England lying second on 124 points. New Zealand are third on 109, India fourth with 105, while the Windies are on 99 points.

The top eight are rounded out by sixth placed South Africa (92); seventh placed Pakistan (81) and Sri Lanka on 74 points.

“The launch of ICC Women’s Team Rankings is part of the ICC’s longterm commitment to investing, incentivising, promot-

ing and publicising women’s cricket, which has already started to drive substantial increase in public interest and participation as well as a marked improvement in the standard of the international game,” the ICC said in a statement.

West Indies will have a chance to improve their ranking when they face Pakistan in four ODIs and three T20s in St Lucia and Grenada later this month, and when they head to South Africa for a similar series starting in late February.

The regional side will face the Proteas in three ODIs from February 25 to 29 and in three T20s from March 4-9. (Jamaica Observer)

Men’s hockey team off to Peru Guyana Softball Cup 5 officially launched

Guyana’s national men’s hockey team departed on Wednesday morning for the Pan American Challenge in Chicklayo, Peru.

The team will take two days to reach the final destination, having to make connections in Trinidad, Curaçao and Colombia before arriving in Lima, Peru.

Due to financial constraints, the team will then have to take a 14-hour bus ride to Chicklayo, where the tournament will be staged.

The players then have one day to recuperate before taking on Puerto Rico on Saturday at noon. They will be off on Sunday before coming up against Panama on Monday at 10:00h.

They will then oppose the tournament’s top ranked team, Brazil, on Tuesday at 13:00h. If Guyana manage to finish in the top two of their group, they will advance to the semi-finals on Friday, with the final scheduled for Sunday, October 11.

This is the first time that the Guyanese men will be competing in an international outdoor competition in eight years.

Guyana last competed at the Caribbean Cup and ALBA Games in 2007 where they won Bronze and

Silver respectively. Teams ranked outside of the top six in the Pan American region are required to play the Pan American Challenge to qualify for the Pan American Cup, scheduled for the USA in 2017.

Given Guyana’s inactivity on the international scene over the past eight years, it no longer holds a world or Pan American ranking. As a consequence, the team had to commit to the monumental financial undertaking of raising the $8 million tour budget, just to earn the chance of regaining an international ranking. The team will continue their fundraising drive when they return to pay off their debts.

Although the team include a few experienced players such as Robert France, long-time captain Devin Munroe and England-based Marvin Dannett, as a result of the eight-year gap, most of the squad have never played an international outdoor match before.

Young players Jamarj Assanah, Aroydy Branford, Mark Sargeant, Kareem McKenzie, Andrew Stewart and goalkeeper Medroy Scotland are expected to lead the charge of the next generation of exceptionally talented players making their interna-

tional outdoor debuts.

The squad reads: Orland Semple; Stuart Gonsalves; Andrew Xavier; Mark Sargeant; Kareem McKenzie; Daniel Hooper; Medroy Scotland (GK); Shane Samuels; Robert France; Devin Munroe (C); Randy Hope; Rayon Branford; Jamarj Assanah; Aroydy Branford; Andrew Stewart; Hilton Chester; Ato Greene and Marvin Dannett. The Manager/Coach is Robert Fernandes.

The team management and players would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the following entities who contributed towards making the tour possible.

They are the National Sports Commission, DeSinco Trading, GUYOIL, Woodpecker Products, Guyana Manioc Development, Continental Group of Companies, John Fernandes Limited, Farm Supplies, General Equipment, Digicel, NAMILCO, EC Vieira Investments, R Bassoo and Sons Construction Company, Kares Engineering Inc, Toucan Industries, RED Entertainment, Bounty Farm Limited and DD Mining, as well as all the private individuals who made a contribution in some way or the other.

Barnwell to lead DCC against YWCC

– 26 teams to participate in 48 matches over three

days of action

By Rajiv Bisnauth

With the full support of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, the fifth annual International Softball Tournament “Guyana Softball Cup 5” was officially launched on Thursday at the Georgetown Cricket Club Pavilion.

The organisers, the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) announced that this year, the event will see a record number of teams participating, as well as a Caribbean atmosphere throughout the three-day event.

Set for October 30, 31 and November 1, the Guyana Softball Cup will see seven teams come from the New York area, two from the State of Florida and two from Canada, all heading to Guyana to compete with 15 local teams in 48 matches all together.

Teams will be competing in the usual open and master’s categories. In the open category, the winner will receive the winning trophy and $800,000, while the runners-up will walk away with $200,000.

Meanwhile, the winner of the master’s competition will take home $600,000 and the winning trophy, while the runners-up will get

National Sports Commission Administrative Officer Gurvy Harry during his feature address

$150,000. The Player of the Series in both categories will be the recipient of one softball bracelet.

Further three lucky spectators at the final will win a return trip to Barbados.

At the impressive launching, National Sports Commission Administrative Officer Gurvy Harry, in delivering the feature address, told the gathering that the Government of Guyana would not short its responsibilities towards sport and athletes,

He noted that the Guyana Softball Cup 5 has full support from the ruling administration, and that support was unquestionable.

“The Government has a pledge and will definitely live up to that pledge, which is to support sport and its ath-

letes,” Harry said. He called for the continued support of the group who has set the benchmark for softball cricket in Guyana. Harry, in conclusion, lauded the GFSCA for its consistency in developing the sport, noting that the Guyana Softball Cup added to the country’s calendar of events, and was one which united families and friends from overseas.

Earlier, GFSCA Acting President Jailall Deodass highlighted that the tournament has become a flagship event of the Association.

GFSCA Secretary Lalta Gainda noted that the tournament has grown over the years and has become the single largest tournament locally.

In brief remarks, ANSA McAL Public Relations Officer (PRO) Darshanie Yusuf said the company, via its Stag Beer brand, was proud to be part of the competition for the second year.

A representative of Clear Water, the official water for the tournament, Atisha Issas echoed similar sentiments, stating her company’s pleasure in being part of the tournament for yet another year. The tournament, which costs approximately $9 million, will see Wolf’s Warriors aiming to defend their open title, while Floodlights will look to retain the master’s title.

Discarded West Indies T20 all-rounder

Christopher Barnwell will lead a strong Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) team for the friendly T20 clash against the Young Warriors Cricket Club out of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice. The game is set for Saturday at DCC from 18:00h, and is sponsored by the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).

The line-up includes former West Indies Under-19 opener Trevon Griffith, West Indies Under-19 all-rounder Kemo Paul, national medium fast bowler Paul Wintz, hard-hitting national junior opener Sherfane Rutherford, other national junior players

such as Brian Sattaur, wicketkeeper/batsman Kamol Savory and Trevin Imlac. Other members of the squad are: Totaram Bishun, Jahron Byron, Dennis Squires, Ashmead Nedd, Kevin Boodie, Dexter George, Jamal Hinckson and Timothy McAlmont. Entrance to the ground will be free.