Guyana Times Daily

GuySuCo sold co-gen plant to GPL for US$20M

wednesday, october 7, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Digicel not proceeding with IPO at this time

Digicel has decided not to proceed with its planned Initial Public Offering (IPO) at this time. Despite significant support for the IPO from a high quality group

of investors during the marketing period, current conditions, particularly in emerging markets, have impacted transaction momentum over recent days.

Digicel Chairman Denis

O’Brien said: “Given our growth outlook, an IPO for Digicel was optional and predicated on achieving fair value for the company. Recent volatility in equity markets has seen

a number of IPOs listing at a discount to their signalled price range and this was a less attractive route for us.”

“Digicel is now at a key juncture in our growth

story following a US$1.5 billion investment programme over the past three years; we generate strong and growing free cash flow and we have no material debt maturities

until 2021. Our growth plans remain unchanged and we remain in a strong position to exploit areas of interest in: data, business solutions, cable TV and broadband.”

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

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

Wednesday, October 7 – 13:05h-14:35h and Thursday, October 8 – 13:55h-15:25h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Increases for new Ministers justified – Harmon

By Michael younge

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Wednesday defended the Cabinet’s decision to increase its own pay by millions of dollars, declaring that it was “justified”.

Harmon made the comment after being plagued by a plethora of questions from sections of the local media following revelations by this newspaper that the fourmonth-old David Granger Government had increased the salaries of its Cabinet members by over $266, 119, 248 even in the face of widespread condemnation and concern by the public and other stakeholders.

When Guyana Times broke the story two months ago, the Government denied having deliberate intentions of implementing significant increases in the salaries of Executive Members and instead said that they were only being “considered”.

On September 25, following the Minister’s budgetary presentation in the National Assembly, the Government then gazetted the increases secretly without being forthcoming with the media and public that it had indeed worked out the scale, quantum and criterion for the increases which many believed were not going to be pursued within the new Government’s first months in office.

But State Minister Harmon on Tuesday said that the Government had to pay itself well if it wanted itself to perform well.

“It is justifiable, we cannot have a situation like the PPP where they were prepared to accept low salaries, because they were thieving money all over the place. We cannot have that,” the Minister stated.

“I am not going to say that I make any apologies whatsoever for Ministers getting increase in sala-

ries, they deserve it,” he added.

Minister Harmon said that he would not work for the salary of $560, 000 paid by the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to Ministers of Government regardless of their rank.

“…That is money I paid to my attorneys who worked with me when I was in private practice… why should I be working for that…?” Minister Harmon protested.

Outrage

The Minister’s statement sent shockwaves throughout the country given the fact that the new Government and its Ministers have only been in office for four months.

On social media, several Guyanese voiced their concerns over the Government’s decision to increase its pay by millions of dollars and compared that with what was being offered to the public servants by a seemingly pro-working class Government.

Additionally, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President Komal Chand is quoted as describing the move as “callous” and “shocking”.

Facts

Under the order, Prime Minister Moses

Nagamootoo, who vehemently protested the extravagant lifestyle of the former PPP/C Ministers and had condemned the super salaries paid to its Government officials, will now receive an increased salary of over $20, 580, 000 annually.

The three other Vice Presidents (Khemraj Ramjattan, Carl Greenidge and Sydney Allicock) who will now pocket $11, 135, 064 annually will altogether cost the public purse $33, 405, 192 per annum.

Surprisingly, no official figure was released for Attorney General Basil Williams’ salary, but Guyana Times learnt that he could earn over $18, 000, 000.

Additionally, no figures were released yet for increases in the President’s salary which Guyana Times understands may have been jacked up to a whopping $2,000, 000 minus allowances and benefits.

The Senior Ministers in Government namely Catherine Hughes, Joseph Harmon, Ronald Bulkan, Noel Holder, Amna Ally, Winston Felix, Rupert Roopnaraine, Raphael Trotman, Dr George Norton, David Patterson, Dominic Gaskin, Volda Lawrence and Winston Jordan will cost the public purse over $10, 439, 124 per annum. Altogether, they will rack up a bill of $135, 708, 612 annually.

In addition, the Junior Ministers namely Jaipaul Sharma, Simona Broomes, Valerie GarridoLowe, Annette Ferguson, Nicolette Henry, Karen Cummings and Keith Scott will pocket $8, 346, 492 annually. Altogether the public purse will be charged $58,425, 444 per annum for these recentlyappointed Ministers.

Benefits

Each Minister of

Government is entitled to benefits and allowances which amount to over $500, 000 per month.

Given this rate, all of the Ministers’ and their benefits could cost the treasury $13,500, 000 monthly and $162, 000, 000 at the end of one year.

In addition to their huge salaries and benefits, all 27 Ministers will each be receiving a duty allowance, an entertainment allowance, $45,000 housing allowance; and chauffeur allowance of over $100,000. It must be reminded that ironically both APNU and the AFC, prior to taking office in May 2015, had vigorously spoken out against the “abuse” of taxpayers’ money to fill the pockets of “greedy” Government officials.

Carl Greenidge, the then Shadow Finance Minister, had even written a letter to the Stabroek News just before the elections, in which he complained about the “lifestyle” of PPP/C Ministers.

“PPP Ministers have always paid themselves higher salaries than existed prior to their assumption of office…By 2014, the Minister of Finance was receiving $579, 951, and today the PPP Ministers’ vacation allowance at $420,000 is ten times the minimum wage.”

In August, former President Bharrat Jagdeo had stated that the coalition Government had ‘duped’ the Guyanese populace when it had highlighted its proposed salary increases for public servants in the 2015 National Budget.

He said it was “nothing spectacular”, and was less in comparison to what his Party, while in power, had been offering.

(micyounge@guyanatimesgy.com)

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

Agricultural ennui

October in Guyana is "Agriculture Month" but it appears that while the Government has acknowledged the commemoration, its concrete action in the agriculture sector makes a mockery of the rhetoric. This country was founded by the Dutch in the 17th Century because of its agricultural potential and this is what has sustained us into the 21st Century. While some may point to its decline from being 30 per cent of our economy just two decades ago, to the present 20 per cent, it is important to note that this is a relative decline. In absolute terms, agriculture is as big as it ever was, and the Government cannot simply disavow the largest employer in the country.

But while it is important that Guyana continues to forge ahead in the manufacturing and service sectors as other countries have done, it would be foolish to ignore agriculture simply because it is "old". The importance of agriculture has in fact increased rapidly in the last few decades as some of the most populous countries in the world, such as China and India moved their populations from their countrysides into cities, where they have to be supplied with food.

Agriculture, therefore is now defined as a "strategic" resource which must be protected and projected. One of the fallacies in thinking about agriculture is that it is only concerned with the land: but the human resource is even more important than the land. The Israelis have made a desert bloom because of their farmers and farming techniques. In Guyana, "Agriculture Month"' could just as well have been called "Farmers Month".

In Guyana, the per capita GNP calculated as "Purchasing Power Parity", or the amount of goods the dollardenominated per capita GNP can actually purchase, is twice what it is denominated in, because of the cheap basket of goods our farmers produce. Because of the global demand for food, Guyana is well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities since it has both the land and the farmers to raise its agricultural production to a much higher plateau.

There are so many opportunities in agriculture but these go begging because of the seeming disinterest of the Administration. Even its own supporters – including some very strident ones – have questioned the appointment of the new Agriculture Minister as being quite disconnected to the sector. Guyana has never really explored the markets for its fruits – including mangoes and sapodillas. The demand for these two latter fruits have skyrocketed in the US because of the increase of that country's "foreign born" population from tropical lands – including Guyana. Has the Minister responded?

We have done well to increase the production of rice to a point where we can become a significant player in the world market. The devious Government has done a commendable job in addressing drainage and irrigation needs but now marketing remains the Achilles Heel of the industry. The new markets in Panama and Africa found by the People’s Progressive Party Government demonstrate that our sales can keep pace with production once there is a concerted, planned push in this area. This Government however has now disavowed playing a role in marketing.

Even though there has been much talk over the last decade of "mega farms" being the wave of the future, sadly there has not been the matching "walk" from even our Caricom partners to whom we have offered our land at below bargain basement prices. This was one of our contribution to the Caribbean becoming self sufficient in its food needs, via the Jagdeo Initiative in Agriculture. A much touted and heralded initiative from Trinidad a couple of years ago appears to have withered on the vine.

At this point the Government cannot hang its hat where it's hand cannot reach in addressing the economic ennui that has enveloped the economy. We are one of the few countries in the Region where we have a substantial number of farmers in our midst. The Government must support them to pull us out of the inchoate recession.

As usual, Freddie Kissoon missed

Dear Editor, Please permit me to respond to a letter “Surely Roopnarine couldn’t have missed the PPP’s millions of inglorious pathways” by Frederick Kissoon printed in one of the dailies. The letter is full of fluff and lacks substance. Kissoon writes “I will not be insulting to Roopnarine as to question whether he can do a Google search. But this I can say; for the 23 years that the [People’s Progressive Party] PPP was in power, a Google search would find that there isn’t even a word, much less a line, much less a paragraph, about what Roopnarine now admits are the egregious faults of the PPP when in power. But let’s move because after all – better late than never.” Can you believe

the point

this rubbish made to print? To respond to the aforesaid comment I suspect that I may be enabling this person to continue his propaganda. Move on.

Kissoon claims that my reason for not supporting Christopher Ram and Anand Goolsarran is baseless and in his own words nauseating and irrational. It seems odd that conflict habituated Kissoon would go out on limb and provide cover for Ram and Goolsarran with regards to the forensic auditing.

He missed my point completely. It is not his heroes’ education that is in question. Sure enough, these are educated individuals and more so because the most educated Guyanese, excluding myself, live overseas, which makes me believe, in a lo-

cal parlance, when “horse na dey donkey a win race.”

What is in question is their integrity, their rectitude and their resolute fairness.

They have already declared their position whether for or against any Government and therefore, created a perception of ambiguity rather than lucidity. I can comment more on this later but what should have happened is that a pool of individuals should have been scrutinised in Parliament to arrive at a fair conclusion as to who should lead the auditing.

I am not surprised that the Guyana Transparency Institute jumped on this loophole. The problem is that the new regime is so encapsulated with meeting that past due 100-day thing that the leaders dis-

play more desperation rather than a desire to practice transparency and accountability. I am perplexed given the potpourri of problems that emerged soon after the election with regards to which party won and which party lost. The new regime hurriedly embraced the views of international observers that the election was free and fair.

That is probably accurate. But soon after the election dust supposedly settled, the new regime has gone ballistically local ignoring the call for independent international reputable firm, agreed by both parties, to conduct the auditing. This is the sort of madness to come.

Respectfully,

Lomarsh Roopnarine

We must deal with traffic accidents and statistics more fairly

Dear Editor,

Recently I wrote a letter which appeared in both the Kaieteur and Stabroek newspapers relating to the number of fatal accidents involving pedestrians. In that letter, I mentioned that there are times when the victim may have contributed significantly to his or her demise, but it does not matter how much evidence there is in support of the driver’s story, including

the measurements taken and recorded in the accident report (including the point of impact), the Police will place the driver in the lock ups; place him/her on substantial bail to either report to the Police station or attend the Magistrate’s Court after the charge of causing death by dangerous driving has been instituted.

The defendant would on many occasions hire a lawyer to defend him-

self of a charge that they and other witnessed – including the Police witness – know that he was not guilty of, after spending hundreds of thousand dollars on bail and lawyer fees, and the period of stress the defendant along with relatives have to go through, all because of the carelessness and or negligence by the victim.

That is not to say that they are not drivers who are reckless and in so do-

ing may have contributed 100 per cent to the victim’s demise. Yes we have seen motor vehicles coming off the road and killing people in their yard, and many times also we have seen people, walking aimlessly on our road, drunk and lying by the road side and had it not been for the alertness and skill of the driver, they would have been in a minor, serious or fatal accident.

Ambassador Miles should have been sent to Suriname instead of Venezuela

Dear Editor,

I am happy that the new coalition Government has seen the wisdom in selecting Ms Cheryl Miles as Guyana Ambassador to Venezuela; however, I would have preferred her to be in Brazil where she has a wealth of knowledge in bilateral trade negotiations and did Guyana proud. She will be an asset though in Venezuela with her skills and ability to conduct good bilateral trade negotiations with a view in enhancing trade between the two neighbouring countries.

Venezuela is one of our trouble markets for rice, as the PetroCaribe agreement will come to an end in November. After her formal introductory as the new Guyana Ambassador, I know she will make a presentation on the role of the Venezuelan market in Guyana’s rice industry and persuade Venezuela to continue importing Guyana’s rice and paddy. As a part of her negotiations, a list of products to be traded must be presented by each country.

On Guyana’s list, rice and paddy should be the main focus since the price now being offered outside cannot sustain the market. These negotiations must start imme-

We

diately before the contract comes to an end and completed before the next rice crop. It is important to put on the table information on our rice production and marketing in Guyana – some of the issues she can raise is rice production in Guyana.

The production capacity, marketing in traditional markets, future markets, the importance of the rice industry to Guyana’s economy, products produced, investment opportunities in value added production and strategic plan of the rice industry. I think these are pertinent in persuading Venezuela to import our rice and paddy. Other products should be on Guyana’s list for negotiations too. Ms Miles should press Venezuela team for export preferences for certain products.

And waiver of CXT to export a maximum of 200,000 metric tons of rice and paddy per year for the duration of the agreement, as well as a waiver of the merchant marine tax – these concessions can be granted in good faith. This can be a breakthrough for the rice industry as we seek to export rice to markets alternative to traditional areas. If we can get the Venezuelan market ,it can be outlined in our stra-

tegic plan and as a vital part of our development strategy.

We have been able to survive in a world rocked by general decline of rice and paddy, especially prices on the international market. Considering the critical nature of the current situation with Venezuela and Guyana on the border controversy, it will be necessary for Ms Miles to lobby the Venezuelan Government as our base to buy more of our rice and paddy and other traditional produce. They can also teach us the business culture of these areas and we will be in a better position to launch our products in their markets.

I am sure if our Ambassador can make a breakthrough in her negotiations and Guyana meets the requirements of the Venezuelan market, the quota granted to us will increase. The need for strong bilateral trade negotiations and constructive dialogue between Guyana and Venezuela at this time cannot be overemphasised. I have confidence that she will do an excellent job and make Guyana proud as she has always done before.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

must deal with... from page 5

Whenever a life has been lost due to a road accident we will have to be in sympathy with the family and relatives of the deceased person, but they are also times when we may have to be in sympathy with the relatives and family of both the deceased person and the accused, but they are times when we allow sentiments and emotions to cloud the issue. The Police Traffic Department would time and again make available to the public a breakdown of the amount of persons charged for various traffic offences, it would certainly make interesting reading if that information can include pedestrians causing obstruction, commonly known as ‘jay walking’.

Sincerely, Archie

W Cordis

Asians projected to be largest immigrant group in US

Dear Editor,

A Washington Pew Research Centre study is projecting that Asian immigrants (including Chinese, Filipinos, Vietnamese, Koreans, and Indians), as well as those from the Caribbean, etc, will surpass Hispanic immigrants as a proportion of the American population by the year 2055.

The study, released to the media two weeks ago, said that immigrants in the US have increased from 9.6 million in 1965 to a total of 45 million this year.

And by 2065, researchers said there will be roughly 78 million immigrants throughout the nation.

Over the last 50 years, when immigration to the US was opened to non-White people, America’s population growth was heavily weighted by new immigrants coming over with their children and grandchildren to the tune of 55 per cent.

In turn, the nation’s demographics have shifted radically over that period.

According to the Research Centre, in 1965, 84 per cent of Americans were non-Hispanic white people.

But by 2015, non-Hispanic white people accounted for only 62 per cent of the population. The Hispanic population in the nation, over that same time span, has grown from four per cent in 1965 to 18 per cent

today.

Likewise, the Asian population grew from one per cent in 1965 to almost six per cent this year. Indian Americans (including IndoCaribbean from Guyana, Trinidad, etc) who account for nearly one per cent of that six percent of the population much of it due to recent immigration and American born. The Research Centre projects that Asians will account for 38 per cent of the immigrant population by 2065 and Hispanics 31 per cent.

Blacks (including AfroGuyanese and other AfroCaribbean) accounted for one per cent of the immigrant population in 1965 and eight per cent today and is projected to be about nine per cent of immigrant population in 2065.

The number or percentage of Indo-Guyanese (Indo-Caribbean) or AfroGuyanese population in America is not known, but is projected to grow significantly as a result of immigration from Guyana.

Americans of IndoGuyanese descent is estimated at around half a million scattered throughout the North-East (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania) and SouthEast states (Florida and Georgia).

Pew Research Centre’s data reflects the demographic change resulting from the Immigration and

Nationality Act of 1965 when the US swept away a national origins quota system that favored European immigrants. It changed its focus to family reunification (of immigrants settled in the country) and skilled immigrants (that favoured Asians most of whom are in the STEM fields).

Some 80 per cent of immigrants in 1965 were whites. Currently only 18 per cent are whites with 47 per cent immigrants of Hispanic (Latino) descent with blacks eight per cent and Asian immigrants 26 per cent. By 2055, Asians will leap frog Hispanics as immigrants by 36 per cent to 34 per cent. That percentage gap will grow by 2065 to a seven per cent margin with Asian immigrants totalling 38 per cent of the population to Hispanics – 31 per cent. In total population, Asians will account for 14 per cent of America’s total population – those born in the US and abroad – by 2065, up from the six per cent in 2015. The Research Centre projects that by 2055, no racial or ethnic group will constitute a majority of the US population. The non-Hispanic whites’ will be less than 50 per cent by 2055 and is projected to be 46 per cent by 2065.

Yours truly, Vishnu

Bisram

Page Foundation

ADHD in school: Finding the right learning environment for your child

– essential questions for parents who are seeking the best learning environment for a child with ADHD or learning disabilities

BY NICOLE SPRINKLE

If your child has been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD), one of your top priorities is finding a school that matches his learning style. It may seem like a scavenger hunt, but armed with the right tools, you can find the prize: a school that understands ADHD.

The key to finding the right school is to start early and to do your research. If you know what to look for in a school – and the right questions to ask – you’ll be up to the challenge. Here, we tell you everything you need to know to find the right school for your ADHD child. Consider it a little help with your homework.

Step 1: Understand your child

Look deep into your ADHD child’s behaviour before you consider prospective schools. First, take a few minutes and write about who your child is as a student:

light on homework. Jim needs a teacher who will give him stepby-step instructions. Your list should contain the things you hope to find, but it should also be realistic. Include your child’s strengths and weaknesses, both academically and socially. Often, exceptionally bright children enter academically challenging programs, but fail because the stress levels are too high. Lay out the whole picture, so your child isn’t set up to fail. Above all, focus on your child’s needs. Just because a school is considered top-notch – and the whole neighbourhood is vying to get in – does not necessarily mean it’s an ideal fit for your child.

Step 2: Interview the school

“It’s virtually impossible to know if your child will do better in a regular classroom or a special-needs class until he’s tried both.” Nicole Sprinkle

- Is he a listener or does he learn better through touch?

- Does he volunteer or does he need to be drawn out?

- Does he work well independently or would he do better in a group?

Next, make a list of your child’s specific needs: Frank needs a classroom where he can sit away from the windows. Barbara needs a school that’s

You’ll read stacks of literature, watch countless school promotional tapes, and listen to everything administrators have to say. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. To understand what a school’s really about, you’ll need to conduct a little Q&A of your own.

Interview principals, primary teachers, speech therapists, teacher’s assistants, and other special-needs providers. And don’t forget the parents of children who are enrolled in the school. Show up when classes are letting out, and ask other moms and dads to share their

insights on classes, teachers, and homework – they’ll give it to you straight. Don’t know what questions to ask? Start with these:

How big is the school? Obviously, you’ll want to know how many grade levels a school has – and how many students are enrolled in each. But don’t stop there. Ask about the physical size of the school as well as the layout of the building. If your child has spatial and memory challenges –as children with ADHD often do –you’ll want to know that he can find his way around.

How large are the classes? A class of about 15 students is probably your best-case scenario, although such small numbers are tough to find in a public school. But don’t give up on the system just yet. In larger public-school classes, a “shadow” teacher may be provided, who will give your child the extra assistance he needs.

What’s the level of teacher training? “Be sure there’s a fair share of experienced career teachers,” says Colleen Berge, an educational consultant in New York City. While you’ll find many fine entry-level teachers working throughout the school system, your child needs a school where he will be adequately mentored.

How flexible is this school? Will it adapt to your child’s learning style? Provide accommodations like letting him use a tape recorder in class instead of taking notes or getting extra time for tests? Don’t settle for a simple “yes.” Ask the school for specific examples of how it has adjusted to other students in the past. Typically, children with ADD do not lack smarts, but they often lack skills necessary for

academic success – organisation, study skills, and test-taking ability.

What role do parents play? If the school’s mantra is, “You are entrusting us with your child,” this may be code for, “We don’t want you involved,” says Meyer. On the other hand, a philosophy that the primary concern is the student can mean, “We want your help.”

Step 3: Go on the open house tour

Once you’ve narrowed your choices, you’re ready for the open-house school tour – a seefor-yourself experience that will prove invaluable. Most parents visit about five schools before deciding on one. Some things to keep in mind:

Good schools let you observe classes in progress – not just a slide show in the auditorium. At an open house, a school is on its best behaviour. If you feel uneasy about it then, chances are, the uneasiness will only get worse. As you roam the halls, step inside classrooms, and talk to teachers, keep an eye out for the following: Bulletin boards . These brightly-coloured displays do more than just liven up classrooms and hallways – they showcase the standard work of particular age groups. Read the essays. If the students’ writing isn’t on par with your child’s, the school may not be the best choice for him. If he’s touring with you, ask him if he has already learned about the things he sees on the walls.

Classroom structure Children with ADHD are more likely to thrive in a structured environment because they often struggle with memory and focus. But don’t confuse a controlled atmosphere with mere rigidity. Teachers who assign homework verbally and write it on the board, use specific language when giving instructions (“Sit in your seat with your hands folded and your book on the floor”), and combine gestures with an expressive voice can help your child tremendously.

Mainstreaming vs specialneeds classes . It’s virtually impossible to know if your child will do better in a regular classroom or a special-needs class until he’s tried them both. Some parents lean towards mainstreaming to avoid stigma, but learn that their child isn’t thriving. Others opt for specialneeds classes, only to find that their child isn’t challenged. Before you decide which setup is right for you, find out how the school runs each one. If your child is mainstreamed, will he get special help in the classroom? If he’s in a special-needs class, will he still get the core curriculum? What types of students will he be grouped with? Observe both settings on your tour.

Step 4: Observe the students Class change . How are children behaving between classes? Do they move along easily on their own, or do teachers have to push them on to the next room? Are children interacting in a safe and friendly way? If children are rowdy and need corralling from teachers, it could be a sign of a lack of structure – hardly an ideal choice for a child who excels in a controlled environment.

Children are engaged . Be it in a lesson, on the playground, or in a gym class, are children safely engaged in learning and activities? Your red flag should go up if too many children are goofing around, staring into space, or picking on other children.

Tolerance. Many children with ADHD learn best through active participation, often relying on movement to keep themselves alert. Problems could arise if a teacher constantly reprimands a student who squirms, shifts in his seat, or gets up a lot. (www.additudemag. com)

Missing Opposition Leader office assets… Rohee should "shut up" about siphoned equipment, furniture ...but building being rented by my Ministry – Harmon

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Monday denied claims made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) that Government was holding onto assets which belonged to the office of Leader of the Opposition and may have already siphoned off some.

Harmon revealed that some of the very assets identified by the PPP are available for pick up at any given time. The Minister argued too that he will not be “moving any furniture for anybody. It is there”.

PPP Chief Whip Gail Teixeira on Monday had accused Government, particularly the Minister of State, of refusing to let go of furniture and other furnishings to be placed in the office of the Opposition Leader.

She said that the office, located on Church Street, was already contracted. However, the work of the Opposition was being stymied because there were no furnishings in the building.

But Harmon, speaking to the media on Tuesday, said the PPP is very much aware that the furniture could be accessed at any time. “The Clerk of the National Assembly is aware of it. So I don’t know what noise (Mr Rohee) is blowing. If he doesn’t have anything to say, why don’t he shut up and go and do something”…. “The furniture is in the building they have to come and move it. I am not moving any furniture for Rohee or for Jagdeo or anybody. It is there they can get it when they want,” the State Minister said.

Teixeira, who was assigned by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

to follow the matter, told the press that some five months after the election and several smooth transitions, the party cannot move forward in this regard.

The PPP/C she said was prepared on the evening of Saturday last, to begin removing the furnishing from the office which was occupied by the A Partnership for National Unity on Hadfield Street, but was informed by Minister of State Joseph Harmon that Government was not ready to allow this.

Among the assets still to be handed over to the Opposition, Teixeira related are 13 laptops. Enquiring about these, the Chief Whip related that she was told that they could not be handed over since they have personals files.

But Harmon said “Ms Teixeira has not contacted me neither has she contacted the President on this matter. If there is an issue about computers let them contact us, Harmon said.

According to the Minister, the PPP is behaving as if the world is in the office.

“It’s just a bicycle, a photocopying machine and some computers... why would we want to keep

that… let them go at 61 Hadfield Street and get them.”

Harmon admitted that the office previously occupied by the A Partnership for National Unity while in Opposition, is functioning as an extension to the Office of the President or the Ministry of the Presidency. Currently, it houses the Presidential Advisors on the Environment and National Security, along with their respective officers.

On Monday, Teixeira had reminded that the Office of the Opposition is a constitutionally accommodated position, and that there are provisions in the law, which allow for its full functioning.

According to her, the budget for the office as it stands now is very limited and it would be unable to provide any additional burden by way of purchasing the same assets again.

Asked if the Party would prefer receiving new items in lieu of what are currently with Government, Teixeira said taxpayers monies were given to the budget under the “Leader of the Opposition office”. She said the Parliament office would usually purchase these items under the capital budget.

“If you’re telling me that out of that $10 million, we make a choice. Do we buy equipment or we pay people or we do not pay the rent. My point is point of principle and financial regulation”. Five months, she added is too long for this transaction not to have been completed.

More than that, she stressed that Government must also be held accountable, particularly because it has been carrying out the State Asset Recovery programme.

National Awards...

Controversial Green heads list of 52

... concerns remain over procedure; criteria used

BY JILLICIA PINDER

According to President David Granger, for his “long and outstanding involvement in this country’s independence” and for his role in providing public service for three generations, Mayor Hamilton Green was on Tuesday awarded with Guyana’s second highest honour, the Order of Roraima.

On Tuesday, 52 national awards were distributed to citizens and organisations from across Guyana, for various contributions made to society. Green was one of three recipients of the Order of Roraima; the other two being Brynmor Thornton Inniss Pollard, for his contributions in the field of law at

the regional, commonwealth and international levels, and Sister Mary Noel Menezes for her long and outstanding service to education at the secondary and tertiary level, and for her works as administrator of the Mercy’s Boys Home.

When the news of Green’s honour was announced, many were surprised by the decision given his unfortunate management of the capital city, but Protocol Advisor in the Ministry of the Presidency Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud had said that Green’s honour

was justifiable.

Former President Donald Ramotar had told Guyana Times that the selection was obviously done in a hurried manner without the proper procedure undertaken, and he was disappointed that particular individuals have been selected to receive those awards.

He pointed directly to Mayor Hamilton Green who he said has no merit for that award. According to Ramotar, Green has done nothing for the country, especially the city he has been manning the past two decades.

WEDNESDay, octobEr 7, 2015 | guyaNatimESgy.com

Fire guts top flat of East Street house

Valiant efforts by fire fighters on Tuesday afternoon prevented a major disaster as a fire gutted the upper flat of a twostorey house located on the eastern side of East Street,

fire, the families rushed to the scene but were too distraught to speak with the media.

Based on information received, the fire reportedly began somewhere in the rear

of the building as fighter fighters were busy trying to extinguish the blaze. After about 30 minutes of diligent efforts, they manage to completely extinguish the blaze and save the neigh-

South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, leaving several persons homeless. The fire was started sometime 15:00h.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the fire reportedly commenced sometime before 15:00h as neighbours had smelt smoke but it was until the flames were seen in the building that they realised there was a fire.

When this publication arrived on the scene, scores of persons gathered around the area as they witnessed firemen battling to control the flames. The origin of the fire was unknown up to press time, with preliminary investigations by the Guyana Fire Service revealing that an explosion was heard in the building before the fire started.

This newspaper was told that the house is being rented to two families; one occupying the upper flat and the other in the lower flat. However, no one seemed to be at home in either of the apartments when the fire started. Nevertheless, upon receiving word of the

of the upper flat and spread to the front. The blaze also caught on the house at the back of the building and scorched the buildings on either side of the burning building. The houses are built close to each other.

Speaking to Guyana Times, persons working on the western side of East Street recalled smelling something burning but did not think anything of it. “We were in the office and got the smell but we didn’t hear any commotion or anything. It was until one of the customers sitting next to the door, noticed the fire in the house then we knew,” one woman related.

The eyewitness added that about five minutes after the flames were noticed; the fire service arrived on scene and began tackling the blaze. This publication was further told that the fire fighters ran out of water quickly but within no time, a tanker arrived with adequate water for the firemen to use.

When this publication arrived on the area, flames were seen in the front part

bouring buildings from any major damages.

A resident of Cummings Street, Curtis Stanley told media operatives that he was at home when he heard his neighbour shouting for fire and rushed out to investigate. “When I got there, the fire was all over the (upstairs) and was even catching on the other building at the back,” he recalled.

The man noted that the team work displayed by the firemen enabled them to successfully put out the blaze. Stanley added that he rendered assistance immediately to the fire fighters, given his experience with the hose while working as a miner in the interior.

A Police Officer on scene related that he was passing when he observed smoke emanating from the top flat of the building and immediately alerted the Fire Service.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Fire Service’s Officer in charge of Operations, Compton Sparman, told media operatives that they received a call around 15:05h informing them of

Controversial Green heads list...

However, earlier this year, in an interview with Guyana Times, President Granger had stated that the appropriate and required consultations were done by the board and committee, which is in place to make the recommendations for those who deserve national awards. According to the Head of State, the recommendations were already made over the past years, but were not acted upon. As such, he disclosed that upon assumption of Office, he simply gave the necessary approval for the announcement to become a reality.

Addressing the honourees, Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, His

Excellency, President David Granger, shared that these awards are a symbol of our nationhood and is the greatest gift that a nation can offer its best citizens to express gratitude.

Granger noted that national awards like Guyana’s national anthem, national flag and national monuments are ordained by Guyana’s Constitution and must not be devalued. He mentioned that awards however can be no more than a token, and cannot calculate the value of a person’s contributions. “We cannot measure the magnitude of selflessness of your service, for which you’ve been recognised,” Granger shared, but added that the

the fire and immediately dispatched a tender along with firemen.

According to Sparman, they had noticed the smoke from the Fire Service Headquarters, located at Stabroek, and immediately knew that it was serious. “Immediately we dispatched four (tenders) – two from central and one from Campbellville and one from Albertown. Taking into consideration the dry season, and because we know water is a problem in this area, we didn’t take any chances,” the official stated.

He went on to explain that they pulled water from Lamaha Street and with the backup of another tender carrying water, they began fire fighting operations. Sparman pointed out that the proximity of the other buildings which were also wooden, posed challenges to the fire fighters but the men were able to overcome them and save the other buildings.

“This is a superb job, this a very good job. This is what I talk about planning… We ensured that the (tenders) have enough water and once it is certain areas we get calls from, we don’t waste time,” he stated.

The senior official explained that the first alarm consists of three tenders but they sent four because of the dry season. Sparman further added that they were able to confine the damage to the top floor, which was completely destroyed.

However, he noted that the bottom flat sustained water damages while the other neighbouring buildings were slightly scorched by the flames.

Additionally, the official disclosed that they had received reports of someone being trapped in the building and had dispatched an ambulance; however, checks were made and there was no indication of anyone being present in the building at the time of the fire.

The investigations into the origin of the fire are continuing.

from page 7

awards are a reflection of the respect and reverence of a grateful nation.

“We are the trustees of the judicial which sustains society, which is the culture of good Government, of a good society and the good life,” the President stated.

He added that the awards constitute an important institution of the state, and shared that it is Guyana’s constitutional obligation unfailingly, to discharge this duty to deserving citizens. The President vowed that his Government will congregate at the National Cultural Centre to pay respect to those deserving.

To the awardees, Granger urged them to

let this not be the time for small mindedness and ill tempered peevishness, and encouraged them to continue to set an example and serve the country.

National awards were established 45 years ago when Guyana attained its republican status and the first two national awards the Order of Excellence of Guyana and the Order of Roraima of Guyana, were launched under the Constitution of the Orders of Guyana.

In 1976, the Constitution of the Orders of Guyana was amended to add a third national award, the Order of Service of Guyana. (jpinder@guyanatimesgy.com)

Eyew tness What’s the plan...

...on the economy

Your Eyewitness doesn’t really enjoy beating up on the Government...who likes to kick a fella when he’s down? Ok...there’s Donald Trump. But thank goodness he’s over in the Big Apple and we don’t have to worry about him – unless he wins and sends back all our relatives who keep us afloat with their remittances. But the Government’s not helping their case, are they?

In the US Presidential campaign of 1992, the slogan that won Slick Willie Clinton the White House was: “IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID!!!” Meaning it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that what ails the country was the economy. So your Eyewitness, without meaning to diss the APNU/AFC Government, has to yell: IT’S THE ECONOMY STUPID!!!

Somehow the Granger Administration’s proceeding blithely along as if politics is their alpha and omega. Hey fellas!! You won the election...you have the majority – which the US Ambassador has just certified. (Who cares about the the PPP ’s petition, the Judiciary or due process??!) When you’ve got the 600 pound gorilla in your corner, you don’t ask where to sit: the answer is “anywhere you damned will please!!”

So APNU/AFC has five years to worry about returning to office. (Unless the US again gives them carte Blanche like in 1968 with their offer of Shoup voting machines!) So what’s their plan on the economy. From the signs your Eyewitness has culled from their occasional utterances on the subject, seems this Government believes in teaching “how to fish” rather than “handing out fishes”.(Unless it’s to other big fishes like Nagamootoo.)

But the “teaching to fish” economic theory’s been long discredited – for the simple reason it assumes there are fishes in the canals and rivers for the soon-to-be trained fishermen. If there aren’t, then pretty soon, you have a whole lotta fishermen who’re pissed as hell because they just can’t get no fishes. Not to mention “satisfaction”. Before you train all those fishermen, you have to ensure that the aquatic habitats are stocked with fishes and they’ll be replenished as those cast nets are flung into them with increasing rapidity.

For the Government to say, “Not my job man” on marketing rice, helping gold miners ride out the bear market, increasing productivity for sugar, or understanding the challenges to bauxite isn’t helping matters, is it?

These are the mainstays of the economy right now and unless the Government ensures there are opportunities in them, all the King’s horses and all the Kings men pushing “skills training” won’t get us back together again.

And in five years, come the elections, when politics will then trump all. Or those Shoup voting machines.

...on the Border

This Eyewitness is a bit worried (well, more than a bit worried, to tell the truth) about this United Nations (UN) team coming down to on the Border Controversy. What’s there to “inquire” into or “investigate”? Now comes the US Ambassador, while genuflecting to the 1899 Arbitral Award (which was “final”) mentions that in addition to a juridical settlement (which both this Government and its predecessor supports) the two parties can cut a deal.

No, they can’t!! The Essequibo matter is entrenched in the Constitution of Venezuela and there has to be domestic unanimity on any deals. It’s for this reason that even Chávez, who was a law unto himself, and who might’ve had some progressive views on the subject, had to be circumspect. No way in this lifetime will Maduro even broach a settlement that doesn’t involve territorial concessions.

And while we haven’t entrenched it in the Venezuelan Constitution, this Government should remember that our last word on this subject is on par with our Constitution:

“NOT A BLADE OF GRASS!!”

...hydro

With the US Government weighing in on supporting US investments when asked about Exxon, how about a gentle reminder that this Government scuttled the biggest investment of the millennium – Sithe on AFHEP.

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

Derelict building threatens Kingston family home

Andy Atkinson who resides at 30 Fort Street, Kingston has disclosed that he is afraid for his family’s wellbeing since there is a derelict building that may collapse on his property at any moment. The building which is situated on 29 Fort Street has been unoccupied for some years now and no effort has been made by the city council to dismantle the building despite constant complains.

The last report would have been made a little over a month ago, which saw a city engineer coming and taking pictures of the leaning building before telling the family that a file would have to be prepared and that he would have to wait for two months before a recommendation could be made to

tear the building down. “Two months ago the Mayor himself was in the area in a community meeting and I brought the matter directly to him. He made a note and promised to send someone across. He never

did and so we had to go and make the report again” the worried father disclosed.

The 35-year-old said “recently my wife called and told me that she felt the house shaking and that she heard a sound. When she came downstairs, she found that a column supporting the derelict building had slipped out completely and was braced against the fence.”

The resident who has a four-year-old son mentioned that the structure was lean-

Govt to place more emphasis on developing local talent

The Guyana Government plans to ensure that where opportunities arise, whether locally, regionally or internationally, Guyana has a contingent that will be able to go and showcase its talents.

This is according to Minister within the Education Ministry, Nicolette Henry, in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA).

“Once there is a scale, once we have people who are in the art, who are ‘up to speed’ and who can compete or be it just perform at the local, regional or international level, we will certainly not miss the

opportunity to showcase our talent,” Minister Henry affirmed.

Minister Henry, who has responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport in the Education Ministry, said “Only recently I spoke with the Director of Youth and I asked her to send out a call, asking for all the youth organisations that are registered with this Department, to submit their plan of activities, for the next calendar year, so that we can identify where we can collaborate,” she stated. In relation to that, there is an advertisement in the daily newspapers to that effect.

Henry pointed out that Guyana had one of the largest delegations that performed exceptionally, displaying Guyanese talent at the recently concluded Carifesta celebrations held in Haiti. According to the Minister, all reviews and feedbacks were good, as people were impressed with the Guyanese delegation.

Minster Henry in her 2015 Budget presentation did say that she will welcome persons in the creative arts to come forward and share their plans and ideas with the Ministry, so that relationships can be formed.

Jamaica gets millions to help mitigate impact of climate change

The Jamaican Government has received approximately J$810.2 million (US$6.8 million) in World Bank grant funding support to improve climate and weather data collection and information management within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

The undertaking is part of a package of projects, valued at approximately J$3.57 billion (US$30 million), which are being financed in Jamaica under the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR).

The US$1.2 billion PPCR is a funding window of the US$8.1 billion Climate Investment Funds (CIFs), which assist developing countries to integrate climate resilience into development planning.

Improvement of the data platform aims to better position Jamaica to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, characterised by, among other things, extreme drought and abnormal rainfall patterns.

Finance and Planning Minister Dr Peter Phillips, in welcoming the World Bank support, underscored the need to generate data that would adequately assist Jamaica’s preparation to deal with climate change.

He said the climate data project, to be implemented by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), would be of “tremendous” benefit to the country, and particularly, key stakeholders such as farmers, planners, residents in floodprone areas, and tourism and health sector interests.

The Minister noted that the availability of such data is also important “if we are to be able to... take advantage of the availability of resources within the Global (Green) Climate Fund”, which assists developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.

World Bank Country Manager in Jamaica, Galina Sotirova, said the project was “important, necessary... and timely” and assured that the Bank stood ready to support the island in the implementation of the project.

Permanent Secretary in the Water, Land, Environment, and Climate Change Ministry, Dr Alwin Hales, who represented the Portfolio Minister, Robert Pickersgill, noted that the project would better equip beneficiary agencies “to provide world class services, as their core functions will be greatly improved and enhanced”.

For her part, PIOJ Deputy Director for Sustainable Development and Social Planning, Claire Bernard, said the institute was “excited” about the initiative.

“Not only will it improve accessibility and availability (of climate change data), but it will provide meaningful information to support the achievement of the goals of Vision 2030 Jamaica, and put us in a position, also, to achieve the goals of the newly approved Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she noted.

The SDGs, also called Global Goals and Agenda 2030, are an inter-governmentally agreed set of targets relating to international development. They will follow on from the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which expire at the end of 2015.

The project, titled “Improving Climate Data and Information Management”, also includes the provision of technical assistance in climate resilience planning for relevant beneficiary agencies; improvements in their project preparation and management capabilities; and public education awareness and information dissemination. (Caribbean360)

ing close to the child’s bedroom. He further went on to say that “It’s a situation whereby we cannot spend the night here; we have to find somewhere else to sleep.

Many times persons would pass and advise me that I need to do something or go to City Hall,” the apprehensive man revealed. Atkinson is asking the relevant authorities to intervene in the matter as quickly as possible since his family’s lives and the potential destruction of the property are on the line.

US stonewalls PPP/C election rigging accusations

– wants proof first before changing position

Unless documented proof could be made available, the United States (US) said it will not be changing its position on the claims made by critics that the 2015 General

Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition to victory in the May 11 polls by rigging the election.

But new US Ambassador Perry Holloway on Monday said that if no proof could

and Regional Election was rigged.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is currently in the High Court challenging the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) over claims that it had aided the A Partnership for National

be shown, then the US remains firm in its belief that the election was nothing but free and fair.

“We have seen a lot of information, a lot of statements and we have seen nothing concrete that one can verify or prove that would indicate that the elec-

tions were anything but free and fair. And that is the position of the rest of the international community as well. If someone comes up with something new, our doors are opened to talk with anyone”.

So far, he said “we have seen nothing to indicate otherwise and that is our belief and we look forward to continue working with the Government and the people

of Guyana”.

The US embassy along with other international and local agencies, had served as observers in this year’s election. While Guyana has not had Local Government Elections since 1994, Holloway said his country remains ready to assist. “If Government asks in this regard, we will be willing to help in Local Government Election”.

The PPP/C on September 23 last was able to finally have its election petition heard in the Chamber of acting Chief Justice Ian Chang.

Since the petition was filed on June 24, several summonses were counterfiled asking the court to dismiss the petition on several grounds. Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Attorney General Basil Williams and Representative of the APNU/ AFC List of Candidates, Professor Harold Lutchman all filed summonses claiming that the petition did not have sufficient facts to engage the court’s attention.

The election results disclosed by GECOM showed that the PPP/C had gained some 202,694 votes while the APNU/AFC gained 207,200.

The other contesting political parties are the Independent Party, the National Independent Party, The United Force and the United Republican Party gained 344, 262, 1080 and 432 respectively.

Since before the election results were officially declared and gazetted, the PPP/C made several requests to the election body for a total recount of the ballots, but to no avail.

In the application submitted to the court, the Party identified a long list of particulars which led to the conclusion that Elections 2015 were massively rigged in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition.

Some points noted were

Gangs!

Satiricus estimation of the Chief Crime Buster (CCB) rose off the chants. Usually these worthies would’ve risen though the ranks using various and sundry unorthodox techniques to literally “crack” cases. They were men of few words and even fewer interrogation techniques. While they didn’t often get the job done, as cold cases piled up, they provided a steady stream of patients to the Big Hospital to help them with their research into the human pain threshold.

But here was the CCB, when asked whether some recent executions involving a fella called “Nasty Man” were “gang” related, he wasn’t sure since the word “gang” had several “connotations”. Wow!! Connotations!! Quite a ways from the usual, “Is who kill de man, Bannuh?” WHAKS!!!! Satiricus wondered what were these “connotations”. “Wasn’t this one of the fellas who’d been part of the notorious “Fineman” gang of bandits that had terrorised the entire country?” thought Satiricus. “Not to mention sections of the Police Force?”

So Satiricus decided to check in his trusty pocket dictionary to find out what these other “connotations” were. There were these “gangs of workers” – the dictionary pointed out, like in the US where the “chain gang” was a group of prisoners who were shackled together as they were brought out from prison to perform free labour. “Nah... ‘chain gang member’ not connoted,” concluded Satiricus. “This fellow had been released a while back after being charged for murder at age 15 and for buggery even when he was in prison.” Nasty Man wasn’t even a “plantation gang” member like “canecutting” that could have been connotated, since the East Bank had closed down their sugar plantations.

“So what else could the fella, picked up for shooting an old acquaintance, connote?” Satiricus asked himself. The dictionary also suggested that a “gang” could be just a bunch of young people hanging out. Satiricus perked up. “Could be!” he thought. He remembered that incident in Agricola when the Police swooped down and arrested a bunch of choir boys at a street corner who had been practicing an a-capella version of “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Did Nasty Man “connote” a choir boy gang to the CCB? Could be.

Satiricus saw that “gang” could also be a verb...like “Nasty Man and his posse “ganged up” and pistol whipped the lady taking home her groceries.” So it was possible that the erudite CCB had concluded that while Nasty Man and friends had “ganged up”, they did not connote a “gang”.

This was just a bunch of criminals who did criminal acts. So how could the CCB ever think this of Nasty Man.

“ That would be ‘stereotyping’,” thought Satiricus. “and our CCB would NEVER stereotype anybody!”

that “valid ballots were wrongly deemed as rejected”; “Statements of Poll [SoPs] used to ascertain the results contain arithmetic errors”; “multiple voting by persons”; “persons whose names were not on the [Official List of Electors] OLE were allowed to vote”; “persons impersonated and voted for those persons”; “ballot attendants and polling agents of the PPP/C were prevented from accompanying the ballot boxes”; “fraudulently concocted [Statements of Poll] SOPs” and “Returning Officers of nine of the 10 polling districts unlawfully refused requests by PPP/C agents to conduct a final general count”.

The application further pointed out that GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj attested to many of the irregularities and discrepancies observed.

It also highlighted that even the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield acknowledged that there were at least 490

stations affected by the fake SOPs and despite this, he went ahead and announced the preliminary elections result.

Subsequent to that incident, a PPP/C delegation met with GECOM officials to discuss the irregularities and it was then the Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally gave an undertaking to open 21 boxes to verify the results.

According to the application, two GECOM Commissioners informed the PPP/C that the decision to open 21 boxes was later recanted with no reasons given.

These are some of the compelling reasons presented to the court by the PPP/C, validating the rationale for a recount.

Meanwhile, amid these allegations of rigged elections, the international community, election observers and other stakeholders have accepted the results, with some having conceded that the election was free and fair.

Guyana marks 39th anniversary of Cubana airline attack –

President recommits resolve to defend independence

As Guyanese joined in remembering the victims of the Cubana terrorist attack on the occasion of that dark day in history, President David Granger called on citizens not to forget the price small States pay in an effort to defend their principles.

The Head of State joined Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana Julio César González Marchante, Ambassador designate from the People’s Republic of Korea Pak Chung Yul, Honorary Consul for Barbados Gerry Gouveia, and other dignitaries on the occasion at the Monument site at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus.

“Guyana, a small state, was one of the earliest victims of international terrorism. This was so because it was at the forefront of the campaign to break the diplomatic isolation of Cuba. Guyana, along with three other small states, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, had established diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1972,” the President stated.

It is for this reason, the President said, Guyana’s citizens were intentionally targeted to be victims

of that terrorist attack.

Reminding those gathered of the sequence leading up to the airline bombing, President Granger, recalled that Guyana’s Consulate in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago was bombed and three persons were injured, only one month prior.

“Guyana must never forget 10/6 [October 6]. The small states of the Anglophone Caribbean, particularly Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, were to become the theatre for the deadliest terrorist attack in the Western hemisphere,” he said. In honouring the 11

Guyanese who perished in the attack, the President said Guyana will always remind the world that justice for the victims of the Cubana de Aviación flight CU 455 is still outstanding. He added that it is with pain, Guyana remembers, the massacre of the 73 persons on board that flight on October 6, 1976.

“We are assembled at this monument, in a solemn act of commemoration, to assure the families that their loved ones have not been forgotten. We have come, also, to remind the world of the pervasive threat and danger of international ter-

Cuban-trained Guyanese doctors undergoing orientation – urged to serve their country diligently

Over 100 recently trained Guyanese medical doctors are benefiting from a two-day orientation and training programme that commenced on Tuesday at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara.

The session is aimed at introducing the graduates to the local public health system. It touches on areas such as quality and standards, maternal and child health, Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), standard treatment guidelines, rational use of antibiotics, HIV/ AIDS programme, and diabetes control among several other areas.

Addressing the young doctors, Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings pointed

out that this is only the beginning of a long journey in medicine, and lauded them as they seek to serve their country.

“I commend you for your choice to return and serve your country and its people after studying for years in a foreign country… the APNU/AFC Administration is set on a course to heal this nation, and you will help us,” she told the batch.

The Minister urged that they be prepared to go to every corner of the country to serve citizens. “You will be placed in health care facilities across the country, work diligently… and rise above all challenges,” she said.

She then pointed out that these individuals would be required to work in various areas of medicine, rather

than only basic care. To this end, Minister Cummings noted that $81.2 million has been allocated for the Step Wise approach, the Chronic Diseases Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) survey, which seeks to collect, analyse and disseminate data on chronic diseases.

Further, she advised that patient-doctor relationships are meant to be confidential, and expressed hope that this will be practised with great professionalism.

In closing, the Minister urged the doctors to be bold and seek help from their seniors when needed.

Also officials of the Public Health Ministry expressed gratitude to the Cuban Medical Brigade, for the role they have played in grooming the young doctors.

rorism,” he stated.

During the sober ceremony, wreaths were laid at the monument site by the President and other dignitaries in attendance. A wreath was laid by Jeffery Thomas, the brother of Rawle Thomas, one of the victims who was a 19-yearold student at the time, on behalf of the families of the other victims.

The Cubana de Aviación

flight CU 455 departed from the Timehri International Airport in Guyana on October 6, 1976. The flight then went to the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago and then on to Seawell Airport in Barbados. Its flight plan was to travel further to Kingston, Jamaica before travelling on to Cuba. The aircraft was blown up soon after leaving Barbados.

All 73 persons; 68 passengers and five crew members were killed. The terrorist attack was executed by the ‘Coordination of United Revolutionary Organisations (CORU).’ This organisation was formed in The Dominican Republic in 1976 and was comprised of several terrorist groups opposed to the Cuban Government. It then embarked on a violent terrorist campaign that shook the Region in 1976.

The Cuban Consulate in Bogotá, Colombia, was attacked with machine gunfire in July, 1976. A Cuban official was murdered five days later in Merida, Mexico. Two Cuban Consulate security officials were kidnapped in Argentina the following month. The Cubana de Aviación office in Panama City, Panama was bombed in August 1976. The Cubana de Aviación flight 455 was bombed on October 6, 1976. It was the bloodiest event in CORU’s reign of terror that year.

Despite promising change, professionalism… Govt “politicians” appointed to GWI board

Government has again broken its pledge not to appoint politicians to state boards, this time with the appointment of members to the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) board who are all supporters of this coalition administration.

Son-in-law of the late President Forbes Burnham, Dr Richard Van West- Charles has recently been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). He has replaced the former Water and Housing and Education Minister Shaik Baksh who was sent on accumulated leave after the new

government took office following the May 11 elections this year.

It should be noted that Dr Van West-Charles served as Health Minister under the Burnham Government until his father-in-law died in 1985.

Meanwhile, Nigel Hinds has been appointed Chairman of the GWI Board. He possesses experience in Guyana's financial sector as the founder and Chief Executive of Nigel Hinds Financial Services.

The other appointed members of the Board of Directors are Charles Ceres; Permanent Secretary of the Communities Ministry, Emil McGarrell; David Dewar; Christina

Bissessar; Savitri Singh Sharma who is the wife of CN Sharma and mother of Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma; Ryan Belgrave; Samantha Fedee and Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green.

It must be mentioned that in 2009, Dr Van West-Charles challenged for the leadership of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), claiming that the party’s support base was “totally demoralized, cut off. Disenchanted and couldn’t care less about the current PNC leadership”.

At that time, former Opposition Leader Robert Corbin was heading the party. Van West-Charles’s sup-

porters had accused Corbin's faction, including General Secretary Oscar Clarke and stalwart Aubrey Norton, of underhand tactics to block their foray among party members and groups.

Meanwhile, politicians continue to be stationed on State Boards following the promise made by the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, that his government would have reconstituted those Boards to ensure that they were free from such political appointees.

Although he had made such comments he still approved and supported the appointment of Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member and Public Relations Officer Beverley Alert as the Head of the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Nagamootoo, had also appointed several other persons within the National Communications Network (NCN), Guyana Chronicle and GINA.

He then backpedalled on the promise he made to end the political interference in the management and administration of several of the country’s State media entities as he appointed political party members to serve on the Boards of the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL).

Despite promising that State Media Boards would be free from political appointees, several members found on the coalition Government’s National List for the May 11 elections earned spots on the State Boards, including Jean La Rose, who was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors for GNNL, and Tabitha Sarabo.

Patricia Woolford, who is a member of the People’s National Congress/A Partnership for National Unity (PNC/APNU), was also appointed to the Board. Ruel Johnson and Scheherazade Ishoof Khan, two open supporters of the APNU/Alliance For Change (AFC) coalition as well as Imran Khan, who is Director of Public Information at the Prime Minister’s Office have been placed on both Boards.

The Prime Minister had recently stated that members of the Board of Directors for the State Media entities would be “professionals” and they would bring to the fore, in Guyana, a “new approach to information and communication”.

The other appointees for NCN’s Board of Directors include Karen Davis, Bert Wilkinson, Sohan Poonai and Director of Public Communications Mark Archer, who was a longtime Public Relations Officer (PRO) for President David Granger and APNU.

For GNNL, the members are Bishwa Panday, the Chair who the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) claims was a known financier of the APNU/AFC elections campaign and relative of Khemraj Ramjattan; Dr Paloma Mohamed; Margaret Lawrence; Kojo McPherson; Dhanwanti S ukhdeo; Carolyn Walcott, and Colin Thompson.

Keeping it real

Power-sharing in the Guyanese context

The PPP and the PNC are the two political behemoths in Guyana, with the PPP maintaining a numerical advantage over its nemesis, the PNC. The nature of political power dictates that in the coming years the APNU/ AFC coalition will seek to extend its influence over disgruntled elements of the PPP, especially in places like Berbice and Essequibo.

Dr Baytoram Ramharack

The PPP, on the other hand, will attempt to regroup and engage in more grass roots political mobilization to secure its base, as opposed to the wine down (or wine up?) campaign bashes symbolic of the 2011 elections when the party first lost its Parliamentary control. As I noted previously, I am sceptical as to whether any genuine attempts would be made by the government or the opposition towards “executive” power-sharing.

In our fractured society, power-sharing, if it can be successfully implemented, would arguably contribute towards good governance. The party in opposition has always behaved in a way that questioned the legitimacy of the ruling party (or parties). In general, powersharing has been a kind of anathema in Guyanese national politics, except for a brief, cynical period during the PNC/UF, and now, with the analogous APNU/AFC coalition. All of the discussions on powersharing were prompted by a response to the majoritarian politics practiced in Guyana where, traditionally, the PPP, with its numerical advantage, has won elections based primarily on its ethnic support. Historically, clarity has rarely been expressed by those who advocated power-sharing as the salvation to our national problems. Way back, in 1961, Eusi Kwayana (then Sidney King) called for joint premiership at a time when the young nation witnessed a disintegration of the mass-based nationalist movement. Opponents to Kwayana’s suggestions felt that such a proposal would eventually precipitate calls for his alternative partition option. The plan was condemned by both the PNC and the PPP. Much later, in 1977, the opposition PPP called for a “National Patriotic Front”, while the WPA proposed a “Government of National Unity and Reconstruction”, and the PNC, in opposition, in 2002, grudgingly proposed “Shared Governance” as a way out of majoritarian politics.

Some Africans, notably Tacuma Ogunseye, have been much more vocal. Ogunseye has unapologetically called on African Guyanese to “take to the streets” to demand power-sharing to promote a government of “national unity”. Dr. David Hinds, who endorsed Ogunseye’s call, argued that the PPP squandered its chances of creating a government based on power-sharing when it was elected in 1992, given the PPP’s rejection of the WPA proposals to the PCD.

In response, the PPP in office has placed emphasis on its “inclusionary democracy” and viewed calls for power-sharing as a plan by the opposition to seek political power “through the back door”. The PPP argued that sharing executive power authority was “unworkable”. PPP leaders further contended that the existence of various commissions (such as Ethnic Relations Commission) and parliamentary committees (like the Parliamentary Oversight Committees) already provided a mechanism for civil society and the opposition to participate in managing the country’s affairs, thus eliminating any need for further power-sharing arrangements.

In its numerous editorials on power-sharing, the Stabroek News (SN) has held up Switzerland as an exemplar model of powersharing, but the newspaper has argued that our Westminster- style constitution placed too much power in the hands of the executive leader. SN advocated a multi-racial approach towards resolving our ethnic problem.

AFC executive, Khemraj Ramjattan, who supported internal rotating ethnic leadership within his own AFC, before his party’s coalition with the APNU, similarly argued that in our Westminsterstyle government of “diminished trust” the solution to the ethnic security dilemmas hinges on making the two major political parties more democratic and multi-racial. In his view, power-sharing may be possible if “moderates” take over the leadership from the “extremists” within both parties.

Ironically, before the formation of the APNU/AFC coalition, the AFC, fearing that they would be left out in the cold, argued against power-sharing between the PNC and PPP, and the party had ruled out a coalition that included the PNC as its partner. Columnist Freddie Kissoon, a relentless critic of the PPP, while dismissing the existence of an “Indian security dilemma”, argued that the post1992 PPP represented an “elected dictatorship” and any kind of power-sharing arrangement that includes the PPP in this election cycle would be like “dancing with the devil”.

He argued that what Guyana needed was a multi-racial party (coalition?) presumably one exemplified by the current APNU/AFC government. ROAR, a one-term party, called for a Government of National Unity to introduce constitutional arrangements for their advocated federal structure. The latter called for a menu of built-in mechanisms to address the security concerns of the various ethnic communities.

The political dynamics in Guyana has changed since many of these proposals were advocated, including the decline of the numerical strength of the PPP, the PPP’s loss of political power, and more significantly, the political coming of age of the Amerindian community. The question is: If power-sharing is the way forward, what shape and form can it take, given the new political reality?

To be conTinued

Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail.com.

GuySuCo sold co-gen plant to GPL for US$20M

By Kristen MacKlingaM

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will soon move to repurchase its co-generation plant which was sold in April this year to the tune of US$20 million to the recently formed energy company, the Skeldon Energy Incorporated (SEI).

According to information received, the cash-strapped sugar company will be pursuing the route of buying back this plant from the SEI as many officials attached to GuySuCo are of the opinion that the co-generation plant should not have been sold initially.

But in light of the financial crisis facing the industry and the Chairman of the new GuySuCo Board, Dr Clive Thomas saying that the entity was bankrupt with over $82 billion in debt, it is not clear where the Government or the company intended to source

33 cases disposed of during June Assizes in Demerara

– as October session begins with 218 cases

During the 2015 June Criminal Assizes in Demerara, a total of 33 cases were disposed of over the three-month period before the session came to an end on Monday last when the gaol delivery was done by Justice Roxanne George.

The June session began with Justice George along with Justice Navindra Singh and Justice Brassington Reynolds presiding during that month at the High Court in Demerara. In July, she was then joined by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and Justice Dawn Gregory, and the trio sat through the remaining of the assizes.

A total of 231 cases were listed to be heard, of which 33 matters were disposed of. However, only 23 of these cases received attention in court while the other 10 were nolle prosequi by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The June Assizes resulted in one changed plea, two guilty pleas, nine convictions, five not guilty verdicts, five formal verdicts of not guilty and one hung jury verdict.

In June, Justice Singh disposed of three cases. In a matter for murder and two counts of setting fire to a dwelling house, the accused was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment after he changed his plea to guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter. He will also serve 10 years each on the two counts of setting fire to a dwelling house. The sentences will run concurrent. In one of the two murder cases, the accused was sentenced to 57 years imprisonment after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty, while the other accused in the second murder trial pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Justice Reynolds also completed three cases. In the first murder case, the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment. As it relates to the other murder trial, the accused was also sentenced to 13 years imprison-

ment after the jury found him guilty on the lesser count of manslaughter. In another case for manslaughter, the accused was acquitted after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty.

Justice Gregory then completed five cases. One of the accused, indicted for manslaughter was acquitted after the trial judge upheld a no case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. There were three rape of a child under 16 years cases – the first accused was charged with two counts of the offence but was freed after the jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty on both counts. In the other two matters, one of the accused was sentenced to eight years imprisonment after the jury returned a majority verdict of 11 guilty to one not guilty and in the other, rape of a child under 16 years, the accused was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict. Regarding the carnal knowledge of a girl under 15 years, the accused was acquitted after the complainant testified that she no longer wished to proceed with the matter as such, the trial judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty for the accused.

On the other hand, Justice George disposed of four cases during this session including one the offence of manslaughter, for which the accused was freed after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty. For the murder case, three accused were indicted and tried together. The number one and two accused were both found guilty by the jury and were sentenced to 55 years and 52 years imprisonment respectively, while the number three accused was acquitted after the trial judge upheld a no case submission on behalf of the accused. The DPP’s Chambers has indicated its intention to appeal this decision.

The accused in the third matter was indicted on two counts of sexual activity with a child family member and was sentenced to a total of 45 years imprisonment. In another mat-

the US$20 million from.

It must be reminded that the SEI is jointly owned by the utilities company Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the government holding company, National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Guyana Times understands that when the deal was made and the sale took place a number of questions were raised about this arrangement. This sale had been seen as a bid to ensure that cash was pumped into the struggling sugar corporation as maintenance costs of this plant would no longer have plagued GuySuCo.

ter for rape of a child under 16 years, the accused was acquitted after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty.

Justice Barlow completed some eight matters. In a manslaughter case, the accused was acquitted after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty. One for carnal knowledge of girl under 15 years, saw the three accused acquitted after the complainant went into the witness box and informed the court that she did not wish to proceed with the matter hence the jury was directed to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

In a trial for the offence of rape of a child under 16 years, the jury could not reach a verdict and a retrial was ordered for the accused. A second trial for a similar offence saw the complainant giving sworn testimony to the court that she no longer wished to proceed with the matter, hence the accused was released after the jury returned a formal verdict of not guilty.

Another accused was indicted on three counts and was sentenced to 32 years for two counts of rape of a child under 16 years. For the offence of sexual activity with a child under 16 years, the jury returned a majority verdict of 10 guilty to two not guilty, as such, the trial judge imposed an additional sentence of five years imprisonment.

In another case for rape of a child under 16 years, the accused was acquitted after the complainant indicated to the court that she did not wish to proceed with the matter. For a matter of sexual activity with a child under 16 years, the accused was sentenced to seven years imprisonment after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

The jury then returned a unanimous verdict of guilty against an accused for the attempt to commit murder and he was 20 years imprisonment.

Moreover, during this session, the DPP Chambers have nolle prosequi 10 sexual offences cases. In two of the matters, the complainants could not be contacted despite checks at their last known addresses and notices published. While in two other matters, the complainants had migrated and the complainants in the other six matters wrote the Chambers, indicating they no longer wished to proceed with the cases.

The Demerara October Criminal Assizes commenced on Tuesday with a total of 218 cases listed to be heard. The line-up of Judges to preside over this session include Justice Navindra Singh, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Justice Roxanne George and Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

Rajendra Singh had agreed to sell the energy asset without obtaining consent from his Board of Directors.

Guyana Times was told that Chairman of GuySuCo, Dr Clive Thomas recently stated that there was great need for this power plant in relation to aiding GuySuCo’s development, especially since it was revealed that GPL was receiving power under this arrangement at a very low “unacceptable” rate.

It was also announced that GuySuCo would sell to SEI the bagasse for the co-generation plant.

However, in light of the recent findings, concerns and recommendations of the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into GuySuCo, a decision had been made to retrieve the Skeldon Co-generation Plant since it is said to have been an asset which has a high level of income potential.

It was reported that the sugar company’s former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr

It was noted that this Cogeneration Plant presently benefits an average of 90,000 residents in the county of Berbice and the repossession of this plant will aid in the restructuring of GuySuCo.

This move can possibly ensure a restoration of ‘normalcy’ at the sugar corporation which continues to suffer massively on an annual basis.

Initially, GuySuCo was to be paid US$30 million for the transfer of the asset and SEI was tasked with supplying power to the sugar company at the same prices that GPL currently pays GuySuCo today.

Guyana Times further understands that benefits of the restructuring of the Skeldon energy assets include the enhancement of the generating capacity of the Skeldon Wartsila and bagasse co-generation plants and providing GPL and GuySuCo with a stable and reliable source of power relieving GuySuCo of the responsibility to manage the power generation.

This move was also expected to expand the power generating capacity located at Skeldon, Berbice, as part of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System power grid by increasing energy supplied to the grid by 50 per cent by the end of 2016 and almost 100 per cent by 2019.

It should be reminded that the Skeldon Sugar Factory has, over the years, experienced several difficulties in optimising electricity supplies. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

Rice farmers upset over President’s disclaimer statement

As rice and paddy farmers continue to highlight their plights across the country with protest actions, they returned to the Ministry of the Presidency, this time expressing their disappointment at recent comments made by President David Granger, distancing Government from the woes the farmers are facing.

Supported by the Rice Producers Association (RPA), the farmers voiced their dissatisfaction at the way in which the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition was handling the country’s rice industry.

Holding his first press conference since his election to office, the Head of State on Friday told reporters that the crisis of the rice industry is not his Government’s fault, noting that the arrangement between the farmers and millers is a private one and his Government is being “wrongfully blamed”.

General Secretary of the RPA, Dharamkumar Seeraj, told this newspaper that the President’s statement on the state of rice farmers is “immature” and without appreciation of how the industry operates.

Seeraj reminded that rice is a national industry that

strives on the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, including Government.

“In times of crisis, the previous Administration found lucrative markets for the industry and gave support in different forms. This industry is critical for rural development, it is critical for the farmers’ development and it is critical for food security. Hence, it is in the interests of any Government to give support to an industry that has been the largest foreign exchange earner for some years. So for Government to take this position of really not acknowledging the importance of the industry is really unfortunate,” he outlined.

Meanwhile, the farmers also expressed dismay at

the President’s statement. Rice farmer Ramlagan Singh, of Number 56 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) said it was surprising to hear President Granger commenting that the rice farmers should deal with the millers themselves.

“It is very unfortunate for all the farmers where a Head of State neglected and throw out the rice farmers... He failed to recognise the rice farmers when the rice farmers are the ones who produce food to the feed the nation and he said they will support gold miners and the farmers should deal with the millers. It is very unfortunate,” Singh vented to Guyana Times

On the other hand,

Rabindranauth Mohan, a rice farmer from Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) pointed out that Government has failed to recognised that “rice is in crisis”. “Now the Government is saying and the President himself is saying, it is a farmer-miller issue and they need to thrash that out. So tell me what really their role as the Government is,” he questioned.

The farmer pointed out that if the rice industry collapses, then the entire economy will also. He highlighted that at the moment, Essequibo is a one-track economy, that is, rice, and currently the economy of Region Two is “dead”.

Among some of the other issues raised by farmers includes outstanding payments of millions of dollars owed to them by millers and the low cost of paddy per bag. The farmers outlined that this situation has caused them a great financial burden, with some of them even forced to take out “money from their pockets” to invest in the current crop. Additionally, the farmers called on Government to grant them concessions as they did for gold miners. They said they would like duty-free concessions on fuel as well as on spare parts for their machinery.

Guyana returns to UN Rights Committee after 20 years

After a 20-year absence, Guyana has demonstrated its commitment to the preservation of the rights of all citizens by appearing at the 56th Working Session of the United Nations (UN) Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, held on September 28-29, in Geneva, Switzerland, with the commitment of presenting its next periodic report in five years.

The review was hosted to examine Guyana’s Human Rights Report, which was submitted in 2012 and the Administration’s treatment of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples, particularly their levels of access to social services; the steps being taken to respect the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans-sexual and Intersex (LGBTI) community in Guyana; the dearth of good quality statistical information; and the reported high levels of corruption in the country.

According to the rules of the Convention, each member state is required to submit five-year periodic written reports on im-

plementation and observance of the Convention for review and comment by a Committee established by the Convention for this purpose. Guyana’s written submission, made in 2012, covered a period of 17 years from 1995 to 2012 with Guyana’s last appearance before the Committee being in 1995.

The Committee Chairman said that he was satisfied not only with Guyana’s appearance after 20 years, but the delegation’s frankness, and willingness to address the concerns, which arose out of the Report.

Members of the del-

egation, which included Minister of Governance and Patrimony Raphael Trotman, Technical Officer – Governance Teresa Gaime, and First Secretary of the Guyana Embassy – Belgium, Ms Bevon McDonald, were able to respond to all questions posed by the Committee, highlighting the efforts and commitments being made by the new Government to address the gaps, which had existed in the fulfilment rights.

The 18-member UN Committee was pleased with the steps that are being taken by the David Granger Administration to tackle human rights issues.

Of particular interest to the Committee, was the renaming of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, as well as President Granger’s recent announcement of a plan to preserve Amerindian languages and culture.

In response to the continuous stream of concerns raised with regard to statistical misrepresentations within the report, the Guyanese delegation was

Mental Health

Week

Anyone could become mentally ill – Bynoe

Anyone could become mentally ill, and as such, no one should look down at persons suffering with mental disorders. That is the view of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital Colin Bynoe.

The comments came on Monday as Bynoe addressed a gathering at the National Psychiatric Hospital during a rally in observance of Mental Health Week. This year, Mental Health Week is being observed under the theme “Dignity in Mental Health” and is being held from October 4-10.

Mental Health Week is an annual event observed worldwide geared at helping persons to understand and appreciate the need the support the mentally ill and the need to work with them to have them reintegrated into society.

According to Bynoe, the observance on Mental Health Week is something to be excited about. “For too long too many of us look at mental illness with a scourge. I am sure that all of us at some time did look at a person with such illness and we labelled them. Many of us are educated now.”

able to identify the steps the Finance Ministry has begun to take to enhance the capacity and credibility of the previously neglected Statistical Bureau through a 2015 budgetary allocation.

The Committee’s concerns on corruption afforded the delegation the opportunity to share updates on the establishment of the State Asset Recovery Unit and the engagement of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which can possibly lead to the setting up of an office here.

Civil society shadow reports were also submitted to the Committee months prior to the country review. These included reports from the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) and three international Non-Governmental Organisations examining Guyana’s current status in addressing indigenous peoples’ rights, LGBTI community rights and corporal punishment.

The Guyanese delegation reiterated the new Government’s efforts to ensure that the rights of all Guyanese are respected;

Speaking of this year’s theme, “Dignity in Mental Health” Bynoe said it is a team that should always be relevant. “These observances are to bring everyone in accordance and make aware as to why mental health is everyone’s business. Mental illness in simple language is that inability of persons to perform their daily task effectively and because of that we who are sitting here must also understand that we are not too far off from being in line with that sickness.”

He noted that there is hope for all those suffering with mental conditions and as such we need to give support to those persons. Someday he said because some day we could fall over and become a patient of the National Psychiatric Hospital.

Among the activities planned for the week include a day of sport and a luncheon for inmates of the psychiatric institution. High on the agenda also is a visit to Georgetown. According to Clerk Daniels, the inmates would normally be taken to Number 63 Beach for outings, but this time, they asked to be taken to Georgetown since the city had been cleaned up and “looking nice”.

In explaining how patients are treated at the National Psychiatric Hospital, the Administrator said that there is a salon which helps with grooming of females and a barbershop for the males. “If they can’t go to the barbershop then the barber goes to them and it is the same thing for the females. They also have a theatre where they can go and watch TV.”

Meanwhile, Administrator of the National Psychiatric Hospital, Leila ClerkDaniels noted that there is need for the entire community to support the mentally ill adding that family support is mostly needed. “Some family members may say that they have to be out there they have to be hustling for themselves, but our patients need the help and support from family. Patients need love like any one of us. Just think about it if you are not loved what happens. Please let us all join and give our mentally the support that is necessary for them,” the Administrator told the gathering which comprised of nurses and school children who had earlier paraded to town as part of a rally to kick start a week of activities.

noting that the upcoming Constitutional reform process will inevitably examine the laws that are considered discriminatory to the LGBTI community.

The Committee expressed the hope that this would be the new pattern with respect to all of the United Nations’ and other international organisations obligations.

The concluding obser-

vations, prepared by the Committee following the review of Guyana’s Human Rights Report and contribution at the meeting, are expected to be released on Friday by the United Nations. It will be shared with and reviewed by Guyana for acceptance and will thereafter pave the way for the implementation of measures to address issues coming out of that report.

Syrian conflict: Russia violation of Turkish airspace “no accident”

Russia’s violation of Turkish airspace over the weekend “does not look like an accident”, Nato has said.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia had not provided “any real explanation” of the violation, which “lasted for a long time”.

Russia says Saturday’s incursion was brief and due to bad weather. It is examining claims of another violation.

Turkey’s Army also says an unidentified fighter jet locked its radar on to eight of its jets on Monday.

It echoes a similar incident on Sunday, when an unidentified Mig-29 – which analysts say may have been Syrian – locked its radar on to Turkish jets for more than five minutes over the Turkish-Syrian border.

Missile systems inside Syria were also locked on to Turkish planes for more than four minutes on

Monday, the Turkish military says.

Russia began its air campaign in Syria last Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Syrian State TV said Russia had hit parts of Palmyra, which is held by Islamic State (IS) militants and is renowned for its nearby ancient ruins, but Russia denied the claims.

The Russian Defence Ministry said it flew 20 sorties on Tuesday, strik-

ing 12 IS targets, including command centres, training camps and bases.

Russia says it is targeting “all terrorists” in coordination with Syria’s Government, but Nato and allied states have expressed concern that it is concentrating its attacks on rebel groups opposed to President Bashar al-Assad, some of them backed by the West, and not jihadist groups like IS. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Bermuda cleans up after Joaquin, open for business

Residents of Bermuda cleaned up on Monday after Hurricane Joaquin brought heavy rain and high winds to the British territory in a near miss on Sunday.

All flights to the island’s LF Wade International Airport were cancelled on Sunday and ferry service was closed due to rough seas. Emergency service agencies were placed on alert and power outages increased by early evening.

Utility crews began work first thing on Monday morning to restore service to some 7500 customers that had lost power. All major roads around the island have been cleared of large debris.

The Causeway linking Hamilton on the mainland and the international airport on St David’s Island has been re-opened with a one way system in operation, pending a further assessment by structural engineers.

The Bahamas government on the other hand has declared the territory “open for business”, as relief begins arriving to help the islands battered by Hurricane Joaquin.

“It is imperative that we send the message out to the

Hurricane Joaquin hit The Bahamas as a Category 4 hurricane, causing severe flooding and damage to houses, and disruption to electricity and water supply

world that The Bahamas is open for business,” Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Joy Jibrilu has declared.

She made that declaration as Prime Minister Perry Christie, who visited the affected islands over the weekend, assured at a press conference that no effort would be spared in bringing immediate assistance to the people wherever they are.

He said that in addition to Bahamian assets, the British Navy, and United States Coast Guard (USCG) were assisting in rescue efforts, assessments and repairs, and providing humanitarian aid to severely

affected islands. Christie said Government would also strengthen the capacity of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to carry out the recovery efforts, and special teams of people with engineering, social service and healthcare skills will be deployed to help with relief and restoration activities.

Hurricane Joaquin hit The Bahamas as a Category 4 hurricane, causing severe flooding and damage to houses, and disruption to electricity and water supply. There were no deaths, but one man on Ragged Island has been reported missing. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now and Caribbean360)

Around the world

Modi urges Germany to invest in India

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged German companies to invest in India, on the concluding day of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit.

Modi said his Government had “worked aggressively” to make India an easy place to do business.

Germany has already pledged more than one billion euros (US$1.12 billion) to India to develop solar projects.

Modi has launched the “Make in India” campaign to boost manufacturing at home and create millions of jobs.

On Tuesday, Chancellor Merkel and Modi toured a German engineering factory in India’s technology hub of Bangalore.

Modi called on German firms to invest in Asia’s third largest economy to provide jobs for millions of

young people.

He said his Government was determined to turn India into a manufacturing hub, saying it had fasttracked clearances for foreign companies to set up businesses.

“One of the biggest challenges in India today is to productively employ our youth,” Modi told a meeting of business leaders.

The two leaders held talks in Delhi on Monday during Merkel’s first visit to India since Modi’s party stormed to power in May last year promising to reform and revive the economy. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China cautiously welcomes TransPacific free trade deal

China was not part of the negotiations and has announced a competing free trade agreement

China has cautiously welcomed a free trade deal struck between 12 Pacific Rim countries, the biggest in decades.

still needs to be ratified by lawmakers in each country.

China, which was not part of the negotiations, has announced its own rival trade agreement.

The TPP, which covers about 40 per cent of the world economy, was struck on Monday after five days of talks in Atlanta in the US.

Those talks were the culmination of five years of negotiations between member countries led by the US. The deal is seen by some as a counter balance to China’s growing economic influence in the Asia Pacific region.

China said it was “open to any mechanism” that follows World Trade Organisation rules.

But it did not indicate it would join the TPP, which

The United States-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) cuts trade tariffs and sets common standards in member countries, including Japan and the US.

Mexico Army boss will not

China’s Ministry of Commerce called the TPP “one of the key free trade agreements for the AsiaPacific region”, according to a statement on Xinhua state news agency website. (Excerpt from BBC News)

allow questioning of troops in student massacre

The head of the Mexican Army will not permit international experts to interrogate his troops over allegations they may have been involved in the apparent massacre of 43 students last year, and rejects any suggestion they may have been involved.

Salvador Cienfuegos, who is also Mexico’s Defence Minister, told local television late on Monday that none of

his troops took part in the attack on the trainee teachers in the southwestern city of Iguala in September last year.

The incident shocked the world and created a serious political storm for Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. In the months after the incident, the Government sought to wrap up its investigation, saying a corrupt cadre of local Police, in cahoots with a drug gang, confused the

students for a rival gang. The Government says they rounded them up and burned them on a pyre in the nearby town of Cocula. However, a panel of respected international investigators last month rejected the official account, pointing to suspicions of forced confessions and possible collusion by federal and state security forces, including the Army.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Kamla: Budget deceptive and anti-working class

The 2016 Budget read in Parliament by Finance Minister Colm Imbert was deceptive, inflationary and will see the poor and working class in this country feel the effects of raised goods and services in the near fu-

ture. That was the view of Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar as she spoke to media following the reading of the Budget on Monday. The press conference was held at Tower D.

“This Budget is tax, tax, tax, tax and promise, promise, promise,” Persad-Bissessar said. Flanked by Opposition MPs and Senators, PersadBissessar said the promises that were made were prom-

ises of mega-projects with no indication of how those would be financed.

Among the projects mentioned by Imbert was the establishment of a ship repair and building centre in the western peninsula, the estab-

lishment of a sea route from the Toco to Tobago, as well as highway projects, including the Chaguaramas causeway.

“They gave no indication of what would be done or what would be the costing of any of these mega projects. “I

want us to recall for the past five years not a single tax was levied on the population,” she added.

Persad-Bissessar said Imbert had presented an inflationary budget. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

wednesday, october 7, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Business bad – local street vendors, store owners

BY AKEEM GREENE

Business is at standstill and in some cases has reached worrying levels despite attempts by the Government to execute several of its policies aimed at boosting the economy and returning its buoyancy.

This is the position of several businessmen and women including market vendors who spoke with the Guyana Times on Tuesday.

Some business persons were even of the opinion that the current Administration has failed to boost the economy substantially.

One businessman said “they talk about lower VAT… up to now it still has happened”.

During the campaign trail, the issue of VAT was raised and the response would be that it would be lowered.

A walk through the Stabroek market area saw a vendor saying “ I voted for them, but I regret it, since they in power, things getting ruff, people not spending money, everything get tight”. The notion being circulated is that investors are sceptical to invest and those who have the capital are withholding mainly due to the uncertainty that exists in the present economy.

One clothes vendor disclosed that “every year around August time money does flow, people come to

buy stuff for their kids, this year I don’t know what happen, I still got stock left over, I invest big money and I’m just taking losses”.

On entry into office, the current Administration slashed the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) $10,000 cash grant and replaced it with a $2000 cash grant. The coalition executives cited the fact that the previous cash grant was not feasible and $2000 would be sufficient to cater for the less fortunate families.

A successful Regent Businessman who wished to remain anonymous due to the risk of facing discrimination said: “I usually bring in two to three containers per month with goods, which usually would last about three weeks, right now I still

have the goods I brought since August, I have staff to pay, a family to provide for, and light bill is expensive, money not circulating”.

Recently, Political Commentator and Economist Ramon Gaskin said the health of Guyana’s economy is deteriorating as he called upon the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government to redirect its focus on the local communities, to unearth ways of stimulating the economy. This is the same advice proffered by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and the Opposition PPP/C.

When question if the current Finance Minister was receiving bad advice as to how to deal with the matter, Gaskin’s response was

the “situation is beyond advice” as Guyana’s deep economic downturn has had a severe effect on the production levels of the major industries, including the rice, sugar, gold, bauxite and mining.

Some businesses are contemplating to close doors and seek different shores while some are hopefully that the usual spending that occurs during the Christmas season brings about a revival in their business.

The current dilemma that faces the business community today is that the usual flow of money has been significantly reduced since the election period and it is left to be seen whether this current government has a panacea to solve the problems that exist.

Govt in bid to justify increasing power outages

While the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) is expecting a reduction of electricity losses of 23 per cent by 2019, it must be highlighted that most of the present power outages that the country experiences are technical in nature.

This is according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, who during his monthly press briefing on Monday stated that GPL’s target reduction as mentioned above would be 5.5 per cent less than the existing losses of 28.5 per cent.

In this regard, he opined that the power company could ensure that a better job is done as it relates to the explanation of why those power outages occur.

Guyana Times was told that in order to ensure that monies are being spent on the necessary components to target such issues there is need for an ‘overhaul’ of the maintenance at GPL.

Minister Patterson explained that the issue is not the presence or execution of a maintenance programme at the power company but that the problem would be insufficient funding to execute it.

“It was not a question

of them not having a maintenance programme, it is a question of the company not funding it fully. Therefore at 12:00h, if you’re supposed to strip an entire generating set down and change ball bearing and those things like that and it would cost $1.2 million, the maintenance team has said to me that when they asked, for some reason, they only got $600,000… (they got) half of the money so they only did half the maintenance… I told them they are shooting themselves in the foot and bringing the country in jeopardy,” he posited.

However, it should be noted that providing that the maintenance programme is well planned that is when it would be appropriately funded.

This publication was also notified that the aim of the Public Infrastructure Ministry was to ensure 1.2 per cent loss reduction annually so as to take into consideration the current system and technical issues.

According to the Minister, it is expected within the next year and six months that there will be the removal of Leguan, Bartica, Wakenaam and the Essequibo Coast from the national grid.

Such an act will ease the strain currently placed on the grid by non-recoverable fossil fuel outlying systems, he said.

This newspaper was also told that the minimising of the loss reduction rate would yield long-standing results although the percentage progression is slow.

It was also divulged that with regards to the Electrical Inspectorate Division of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Cabinet has approved the increase in rates for electrical certificates.

Minister Patterson further explained that the current rates which are being used are over 25 years old and as such the proposal was sent to Cabinet for its ‘no objection.’

Guyana Times understands that prior to this approved increase in rates, for those constructing a ‘starter home’ of 750 square feet persons would have to pay G$91. However, the new fee that will have to be paid is G$3900.

For a standard twobedroom or three-bedroom home, the rate would be increased to G$9300.

According to Minister Patterson, the inspectors and contractors would usu-

Ministers jet to Canada business investment forum

– once more to woo Diaspora funds

Aenvoy of Government Ministers and other officials from Guyana are expected to travel to Canada shortly where they will be meeting with the business community to discuss possibilities of investments being made in the country.

This is according to Public Infrastructure

Minister David Patterson, who at a press conference on Monday stated that he, along with three other Ministers, will be in Canada from October 9-12 to attend a Diaspora Investment Forum.

The other Ministers were identified as Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Business

ally execute the work for a standard rate, in some cases, fees that are higher than G$10,000, but pay the scanty rate charged by the Ministry to have persons placed on the grid.

“Anyone of you who constructed a home knows that the electrician that does the installation never charges you $91 they have actually, the standard fee is something like $10,000. That money obviously never came to the Government. With the increase in fees, what it means is that we will now be doing audits of existing buildings because we found that there has been a massive time lap from when they would have received their electrical inspector certificate when they were constructed to if they have changed their usage etc and it is inefficient… It can actually cost the country revenue if the power is supplied by the grid inefficiently,” the Public Infrastructure Minister noted.

He added that the “whole idea is to boost the electrical inspectorate department” to ensure that the country is receiving the best value for money in this regard. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

Minister Dominic Gaskin, and also Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

Minister Patterson explained that accompanying him will be an official from the Guyana Energy Agency while GoInvest officer(s) will be accompanying the Business Minister to this activity.

Guyana Times was told that the Government team will be meeting with several large businesses on October 9 in Canada for investment purposes and on October 10 during the general forum presentations will be made on investment opportunities available in Guyana.

This will be followed by ‘one on one’ meeting with those persons who are interested in pursuing investments in Guyana.

“The genesis of the meeting is that when President Granger was there three or four weeks ago, several persons indicated an interest in projects in investing in Guyana, some even returning to Guyana. And we were mandated to follow up on this. The response so far is overwhelming, it still is, I don’t know how we will be able to see the amount of per-

sons that has expressed an interest meeting us but we do hope at the end that we will have concrete proposal investments which we can carry to Cabinet,” he told the media.

According to Minister Patterson, his main purpose at this forum is to put forward a full briefing of most of the possible investment opportunities which fall under the responsibility of the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

Guyana Times understands that this is in terms of roads, as the Public Infrastructure Minister will be positing to the Canadian Diaspora’s business community the possibilities of proposed roads, while sensitising them

on bridges, the four new towns which have to be built inclusive of town centres, new stellings etc. He noted that his desire is not to have a stelling just function to accommodate a ferry or ferries but that each stelling would also be a “social and commercial” place. It was also disclosed that the topic of energy and specifically that of alternative energy will be one of the main focuses of his presentation. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

GRDB can help the rice industry – RPA Action Committee

As the rate of rice production continues to climb so does the worldwide consumption of this staple and countries such as Guyana and Suriname have no choice other than to supply the Caribbean and South American countries with rice.

However, Guyana’s rice industry continues to face major crises revolving around the low prices being offered for paddy and the lack of Government intervention into awarding tax concessions to rice farmers and millers.

Co-Chairman of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) Action Committee, Dr Turhane Doerga has stated that the Venezuelan deal under the PetroCaribe arrangement was “indeed the best deal” for the country thus far.

However, instead of using that opportunity to further stabilise the rice industry in the long term, it had become a moneymaking business for a few to the detriment of the industry and the rice farmers, he noted.

In a release from the RPAAction Committee to Guyana Times on Monday, Dr Doerga emphasised that the rice industry has been badly damaged and it would take a lot of time to fix it by positioning Guyana’s rice in several markets.

“Sample containers were sent to many countries and the reactions are overwhelming; Guyana’s markets are now all over the world and there is no reason anymore to be negative about the industry. On the contrary, some millers panicked and sold large quantities cheap resulting in low paddy prices. Also a damage which could have been averted, would have been, would we have fixed the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) immediately after the May 11th elections,” he posited.

PPP/C

IGRDB failed to obtain new deals for Guyana

According to the RPA-Action Committee Co-Chairman, the former General Manager of the GRDB, Jagnarine Singh conducted business with the Government of Venezuela to have rice shipped from Guyana, but failed to re-negotiate any new deals.

He noted that the Spanishspeaking country has a valid contract to purchase Guyana’s rice and it was already paid for through the PetroCaribe arrangements.

“GRDB should have written the Venezuelans that their order is ready to be picked up and if they don’t react international – it means that “Commodity Law” dictates that Guyana notifies Venezuela of the pending legal auction because of the perishable nature of the product. Failing to react, the rice would be auctioned and the shortfall would be deducted from the payable under the PetroCaribe Fund. The result of that would have been that there would have been no crisis concerning the previous crop, while Guyana could have taken care of this running crop as the millers would have been paid,” Dr Doerga further stated.

Guyana Times was told that the millers will successfully prove in the court of law that the GRDB had ordered the rice from them and those affected will demand payments, including damages, a situation in which the GRDB should have been assisting in instead of stating that it is not the Rice Board’s problem.

In fact, he emphasised that all those involved inclusive of Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, and President David Granger should read the GRAD Act “carefully and wake up”.

Dr Doerga continues to say that

several millers were ‘misguided’ by the misleading proposition offered by the “DeGroot/Hack Cartel” which was supported by the GRDB to take back the rice that was not successfully exported.

“The Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, was ill-informed when he stated that millers have been paid…Min Jordan needs to pay for the remaining Venezuela

order and take care of the people’s business .To make things worse, Mr Jagnarine Singh was also sent on behalf of this Government to Panama where he signed a contract on behalf of the Guyana Government lowering the prices, causing serious hardship to rice farmers,” the RPA-Action Committee’s release said.

$$$ in the GRDB Guyana Times was further told that while the country was still owed for last year’s shipments for an unknown amount, the GRDB

signed the 2015 contract again with a guarantee (letter of credit). However, the rice was shipped without the letter of credit, Dr Doerga added.

According to him, Ministers Holder and Jordan were now “apparently covering up this event” by allocating $500 million to pay for the first contract which Singh signed clearly, leaving the second contract unpaid for.

Dr Doerga deemed this action as collaboration with the GRDB and the “rice millers’ cartel of De Groot/ Hack, who passed the buck on to the cash-strapped small millers” who in turn will not be able to pay rice farmers in a timely manner.

“The cartel, because of its link with the GRDB now picks up all the “good” contracts, and leaves the other millers in the dark. The new GRDB/DeGroot/Hack combination is at a dead end now having further injured the smaller millers. However, with Guyana rice now positioned in several markets, the crisis will be over in due time,” the release said.

Dr Doerga questioned the finances of the GRDB in relation to the “social fund” which supposedly amounted to billions of dollars that were deducted from the payments for the rice delivered to Venezuela.

Guyana Times was notified that these monies can be used to help alleviate the burden presently faced by the rice farmers and rice millers.

“The GRDB collected billions in levy…this can be used now, what did they do with it? The Minister of Finance and the President must be properly informed about the Venezuela contract and pay the millers the difference of the rice which was sold cheaper and also pay for the deliveries to Panama… Transparency is needed to fur-

renews calls for electoral reforms, e-voting

n light of the recent offer by the Canadian Government to provide voting machines for electronic counting of votes for Guyana’s Local Government Elections (LGE), the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has reiterated its call for electoral reform inclusive of enhanced biometrics and evoting.

The PPP/C has stated that it has also noted the United States Government’s pledged assistance to make available electronic tabulation of the elections’ results.

According to a press release from the Party on Tuesday, it will be seeking clarification on whether the offers made by the Canadian and the US Governments are similar in nature.

Guyana Times was told that the PPP/C has indicated that legal steps would need to be instituted to facilitate the introduction of machines for electronic counting and for the tabulation of votes at any elections held in Guyana.

In this regard, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) must be integrally involved at every stage in respect of these offers from the international bodies and in the final analysis, GECOM must be a “key decision-maker” on the matter and not just the A Partnership for National

Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration alone, the Party further stated.

“The Party is of the view that introduction of machines for e-counting must be discussed with all the stakeholders in a timely and transparent manner. Further, such offers must not remain exclusive to

the Granger-led APNU+AFC Administration. The PPP/C is of the view that after 23 years with absolutely no reforms at GECOM to cater for institutional strengthening, through more transparent and impartial practices with a view to enhancing its capacity to produce free and fair elections, the time has come for reforms at GECOM to be placed on the front burner,” the press release said.

Reforms

Guyana Times was reminded that prior to the elections held in 1992, a number of reforms were instituted inclusive of the counting of votes at the places of poll and a new voters’ list compiled on the basis of house-to-house enumeration.

It was also noted that there was the expansion of the Elections Commission and the selection of a New Chairman as well as international and local observers to be present at the various polling stations.

“The PPP/C is convinced that with the following reforms enjoying the support of APNU/AFC the donor community and other stakeholders, Guyana’s electoral system supervised by GECOM will see the cleansing of the Augean stables thus enabling GECOM to make a ‘fresh start’.

These reforms include enhanced bio-metrics, electronic voting, and bringing the GECOM Secretariat under the purview of the Commission, to enable the Commission to give the Secretariat general orders and directions,” the Opposition Party posited.

It was emphasised that in terms of electoral reforms there needed to be recruitment of GECOM’s key elections officials such as Returning Officers, Presiding Officers

and Poll Clerks through improved transparent and impartial practices.

Also, there is the need for a new voters’ list to be compiled on the basis of a fresh house-to-house enumeration and the reviewing of the process that allows for voting by the Disciplined Services.

“Amend the relevant sections of the Representation of the People’s Act to allow for the enactment of appropriate legislation to facilitate implementation of agreed reforms…The demand for these reforms comes at a time when GECOM’s ability to conduct free and fair elections is being called into question once again as was the case prior to 1992 and all subsequent elections by the PNC who has constantly questioned GECOM’s ability to conduct free and fair elections, save for the May 11 elections, when through the instrumentality of GECOM, the APNU/AFC was catapulted into office.

The PPP/C is of the view that just as good sense had prevailed to accept electoral reforms prior to 1992, in the same way, a spirit of cooperation and compromise should prevail to allow for unfettered implementation of fresh reforms for future elections in Guyana,” the Opposition added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

ther fix this very feasible industry, which is a major driver of the economy,” Dr Doerga noted.

APNU/AFC Government manifesto

This publication was also notified by the RPA-Action Committee that in order to permanently regulate the rice industry, one has to revisit the coalition Administration’s manifesto which speaks of the reestablishment of the agriculture bank and the restructuring of the GRDB to make it a “real farmers/ millers-led industry”.

Dr Doerga explained that it was necessary for the RPA to be democratised by changing the laws and allowing the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) or an independent institution to manage the RPA elections so that farmers can have “honest and proper” representation.

“Implement the intervention (STABILISATION) fund which will function as a shock absorber when market difficulties arise (also in the manifesto of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)).What would a responsible Government do as their Ministry of Agriculture is non functional and GRDB is more of the same? Call all actors involved and mediate to protect those who feed us (the farmers!!),” he said.

According to Dr Doerga, the GRDB ‘supposedly’ should have enough money to help the rice farmers survive this crop with a payback system over time, as this is one of the functions that the GRDB has.

“However, now deliberately being silent as .... the Ministry of Agriculture is…the Permanent Secretary and certain elements in the “new” GRDB have a grand cover up going on!” he exclaimed. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Over 3 million civil records to be computerised

Approximately 2,000,000 birth, 1,000,000 marriage and 500,000 death registration records must be entered in their entirety in a database within a three-year timeframe. This means that a minimum of 4000 birth/ death/marriage registration records (correct entries) must be entered daily.

This is according to the Terms of Reference (TORs) for the consultancy firm which will undertake the computerisation of the General Register Office (GRO) records. An advertisement is currently out recruiting consultancy services for this project.

The objective of this project is to ensure that all the records for the period 1869 to 2015 are correctly entered in the Civil Events Registration System (CERS), to allow for the complete automation of the process for the generation of certificates, verification, easy retrieval and storage.

The GRO is the Government agency responsible for the registration of civil events (births, deaths, marriages and adoptions) and the issuance of the relevant documents to support this function. As part of its mandate for continuous im-

provement in the delivery of services to citizens and to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, the GRO acquired the CERS.

An indispensable requirement for the CERS is the need to take data from the paper-based birth, death and marriage registration records (held by the GRO) and enter these into CERS database from the year 1869 to 2015.

It is envisaged that upon completion of this project, the process for distributing new birth, death and marriage certificates will be significantly reduced, and will allow for easy retrieval of information.

The consultant/firm will be required to ensure that for each record entered, there is 100 per cent accuracy. Weekly status reports on proposed targets and achievements and monthly reports on data entries completed must be submitted.

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, under whose remit the GRO falls, had said during the 2015 Budget debates in August, that part of a $183 million allocation to his department will go towards restoring GRO records. Part of the GPOC building has been rented to help in this restoration project.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Your creative energy is riding a crest. No matter what you decide to do, you will get positive results. Rewards will follow, and a gracious response will ensure recognition.

Before tackling something new, take care of your responsibilities. In order to avoid tension, live up to your promises and don’t leave unfinished business for others to complete.

With your people skills, you will come out ahead of the competition. You know just what to say to persuade others to join you. Ask for help if you need it.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t let your talents go to waste. Look up happenings in your area. There is bound to be a community or neighborhood event that will benefit from your experience and input.

Don’t get involved in a dispute. If you control your emotions and listen to the advice people are offering you, you will discover what you need to do to advance.

Make an effort to reconnect with old friends. Time spent with people who have headed in a different direction than you will provide food for thought and options that you hadn’t considered.

Unnecessary arguing will hinder you from taking care of your responsibilities. Don’t get involved in someone else’s affairs. If you are stubborn, you will back yourself into a corner.

Your popularity and charm are highlighted. Take part in as many social events as possible in order to get the opportunity to promote your plans and gather support.

Don’t overspend when trying to help others. Sticking to a strict budget will help you ease stress. Offer your advice and emotional support, not your hard-earned cash. A trip down memory lane will have an influence on your future. If you reconsider previous goals and relationships, you will be able to pick up where you left off. Love is in the air.

Keeping cool, calm and collected will help your day run smoothly. Even if you face opposition, your diplomatic attitude will force others to bend and meet you halfway.

Securing your future will take work. Do whatever is necessary, even if it means forgoing a social event. Your instincts are sharp, and disciplined focus will help you reach your goals.

Leonora beat MYO to retain title

Defending champions Leonora outplayed the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) by 16 runs last weekend to keep hold of the MYO/Raf’s Variety Store Inter-Jamaat 10/10 nationwide softball title under lights at the Albion Ground.

Playing in the final of the fifth annual competition, Leonora posted 121-4 off the allotted overs, and then restricted MYO to 105-6 when the overs finished.

The Leonora boys were led by a Man-of-the-Match knock of 53 from Safraz Karim, who slammed three fours and a similar number of sixes.

Karim added 55 for the opening wicket with Mohamed Riaz, who made 24 (2x6s) to give their team a solid start after they were inserted in to take first strike. Safraz Esau took 3-14, while Amir Nizamudeen chipped in with 14.

When MYO batted, Chien Gittens struck 55 and shared in a 58-run, secondwicket partnership with Fazal Rafeek to steady the chase, but consistent bowling by Leonora, spearheaded by Fareez Hussain, kept the defending champions in the hunt.

After Rafeek went for

Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket... Sand Hills emerge as

15, MYO found it difficult to maintain the required rate, eventually falling short. Gittens struck three fours in his innings, while Hussain claimed 3-12.

Earlier, Albion outplayed Adventure by eight wickets in the third-place game. Adventure scored 80-6 off their reduced quota of seven overs, with Shaz Grosvenor scoring 37. Albion responded with 83-2 in 6.1 overs, with Imran Khan hitting 30 and Sharaz Ramcharran, 27.

Below are the summarised scores from the semi-final games.

Leonora defeated Albion by four runs. Leonora 87-9

(Ganesh Narine 25, Imran Khan and Imran Mohamed took three wickets each); Albion 83-7 (Satesh Latchana 2, Asif Saffie and Fazeer Hussain took three wickets each).

MYO defeated Adventure by 46 runs. MYO 137-6 (Fazal Rafeek 59, Wazir Hussein 19, Yaseer Mohamed 3-17, Leyland McDonald 2-24); Adventure 91-8 (Andy Dass 26, Chabilall Etwaroo 19, Shazim Hussein 3-13, Fazal Rafeek 2-22).

In the quarter-final games, MYO defeated Fyrish by seven wickets; Leonora defeated Farm by 78 runs; Albion defeated

Queenstown by seven wickets; and Adventure defeated Grove by 48 runs.

For copping the title once again, Leonora collected a trophy and $300,000, while MYO also received a trophy and $200,000, Albion a trophy and $100,000 and Adventure a trophy and $50,000.

Karim was given the best batsman, MVP and Man-of-the-Match prizes in the final, while McDonald was the most outstanding bowler and Imran Khan, the Man of the Match in the third-place game.

The competition was played in memory of the late Hajjin Zaleena Rafeek.

Berbice River champions

Sand Hills Primary School emerged champions of the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket 2015 competition in the Berbice River when they defeated Calcuni by 10 runs in the final match.

Sand Hills batted first and made 98 runs, and then bowled out Calcuni for 88.

The Sand Hills students are now the champions of the 2015 Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One cricket competition for primary schools in the Berbice River.

The competition started with Sand Hills defeating De Veldt Primary by 61 runs in the first round. Sand Hills took first strike and made 139, then dismissed De Veldt Primary for a meagre 78 runs.

In the second round, Calcuni Primary defeated Wiruni Primary by four runs in a nail-biting encounter. Batting first, Calcuni made 85 runs and Wiruni replied with 81, narrowly missing out on victory.

In the third round, Sand Hills batted first and scored 96 before dismissing Wiruni for 75 runs to win by 21 runs. In addition to the matches played, five persons in the Berbice River were able to participate in an arranged Pre-Level One Coaching Programme with the kind compliments of Scotiabank .These persons were the Headmistress of Wiruni Primary, Sheldon Bovelle, Travis Moore, Leypert King and Jason Denhart.

RHT Bakewell U-17s defeat West Berbice by 57 runs

The Rose Hall Town (RHT) Bakewell Under-17 team led by brilliant performances from Kelvon Anderson, Junior Sinclair and Keith Simpson easily defeated West Berbice by 57 runs to clinch the first edition of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Farouk Kudrath Memorial Cup.

The match is the first of several that will be organised by the RHTY&SC under its Tribute to Heroes programme in memory of outstanding members who died over the last 25 years.

Batting first at the Area H Ground in brilliant sunshine after losing

the toss, RHT Bakewell were given a 21-run opening partnership between

Sinclair and Surendra Budhoo before the latter was run out for 10. Sinclair and highly talented Anderson, both national

ers, then featured in an entertaining second-wicket partnership of 121. The

partnership ended when Sinclair was trapped leg before by C Nicholas for a well-played 56 (8x4s). Anderson went on to top score with an elegant 70 (7x4s) and received support from Chanderpaul Govindra (15*) and Quinton Crandon (13*) as the home team reached 200-5 off the allotted 40 overs.

Needing to score 201 from 40 overs, West Berbice were given a solid start from skipper Kris Ramnarine and Winifred Fordyce, who put on 39 in six overs before national Under-17 pacer Slyus Tyndall uprooted Fordyce’s middle stump for 14.

Richardson named Stag Elite League “Courts Player of the Month”

Pele Football Club’s striker Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson was named as the Courts Player of the Month in the Stag Elite League.

Sports Journalists, representing the various media houses in Guyana, on Tuesday met at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) head office, where Richardson’s selection was unanimous.

Richardson has four goals from four matches played in the tournament thus far. Thanks to his heroics, Pele FC is second on the points table behind Alpha United.

Despite both teams having eight points, Alpha United lead on superior goal difference (+4) ahead of Pele’s (+3).

The Player of the Month also wins a $25,000 shopping voucher, compliments of Courts Guyana Inc which will allow Richardson to

shop items at the country’s leading furniture and appliance store to the value of the coupon.

The Stag Elite League kicked off on Friday, September 18 at the Leonora Track & Field and Football Facility, and Pele won the first game 2 – 1 over the Georgetown Football Club (GFC). Although Richardson did not find the net, he was

instrumental in both goals being scored for his Club.

In the team’s second game, Richardson netted both goals and carried Pele to an entertaining 2 – 2 draw against Alpha United.

Against Buxton United over which Pele took a comfortable 3 – 1 win, Richardson opened Pele’s account just seven minutes into the game when he sweetly timed a Travis “Zorro” Grant pass and hammered home a left footed volley that easily beat Jason Cromwell in the goal.

Facing Slingerz FC at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base Camp Ayanganna Ground, Richardson scored another classic in injury time (90+2 minutes) to secure a 1 – 1 draw.

Up next for Richardson and Pele FC is their first meeting with Fruta Conquerors on Friday October 9, at the Tucville Ground from 20:30h.

Slingerz FC players dominate Stag Elite League Media XI

For the first of a series of media awards, Sports Journalists met on Tuesday at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) head office, where they deliberated and named the “Media XI” of the Stag Elite League.

Centurion Arjune inspires Hawaiian Arctic to 6th SCA title

Thirty-five-year-old right-handed batsman Krishna Arjune hit an authoritative, unbeaten 103 to inspire Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club to their sixth consecutive Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premier 50-over championship on Saturday at Ashtonbee.

Dwain Jacobs (Slingerz FC) and Alpha United’s Grenadian striker Kithson Bane closed off the best eleven of the Stag Elite League , chosen after three weeks of competition.

Meanwhile, gaining honourable mention are Kevin

The former Guyana first-class cricketer struck seven fours and a six in his innings, as Hawaiian Arctic surpassed Scarborough Cricket Club’s challenging 201-5 off a reduced 45 overs, for the loss of two wickets.

The reduction of the overs was on account of overcast conditions. It took 43.4 overs for Hawaiian Arctic to get their historical moment.

nary round matches owing to the unavailability of several senior players.

Meanwhile, manager of the successful Hawaiian Arctic side Frederick Halley disclosed after the game that his team played terrific cricket to lift the trophy again. He pointed out that the commitment of the players was very consistent and that made the difference.

Halley, who is also a veteran Sports Journalist, mentioned the service of former Guyana and West Indies one-day player Royston Crandon was missing for this crucial encounter, but was very optimistic the other players would have filled the void and they have done it with a great degree of dynamism and passion to succeed.

Representatives from the various media houses in Guyana analysed the impact each of the players selected had on their team’s standing in the League and also their individual performances.

According to a GFF press release, Pele FC striker Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson, who has inspired his team to become one of the success stories of the League, was named as one of the four ‘up front’ players as well as the Courts Player of the Month.

With Richardson leading their attack, scoring four goals from their four games played so far, Pele FC is behind Alpha United on the

points standing in second place.

Although they are one of the best teams in the League, Slingerz FC have only managed to pick up one win (3-0 against Monedderlust). They are, however, undefeated owing to excellent work done by their defence and goalkeeper.

The media felt that St Vincent and the Grenadines national goalkeeper Winslow McDowall is the best custodian in the League, while his brother, Jolanshoy McDowall and Colin Nelson are among the best defenders.

Alpha United’s Sherwin Skeete and Trevon Lythcott of Fruta Conquerors rounded off the top four defenders chosen by the media.

In the midfield, Slingerz FC’s magician Vurlon Mills and Eusi Phillips of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were voted in, while another soldier, striker Delroy Fraser made the list.

Layne Jr (Monedderlust); Shad Fernandes (GFC); Daniel Wilson (Alpha United); Quincy Madramootoo (Alpha United); Eon Alleyne (Fruta Conquerors); Dorville Stewart (Alpha United); Deon Alfred (Pele FC) and Kurd Johnson (GFC).

As it relates to who the media thought was the best Coach in the League thus far, Pele FC’s Justin Bentinck got the nod over Slingerz FC’s Joseph “Bill” Wilson and Wayne Dover (Alpha United).

The media argued that both Wilson and Dover, based on the talented players on their roster, should find success in the League,

Arjune also featured in an exciting 159-run secondwicket partnership with Azhad Amidon, who scored a fluent 56. Hawaiian Arctic have now become the first team to achieve this phenomenal feat since the formation of the SCA over three decades ago.

Hemnarine Chattergoon, another former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 batsman and Canada first-class player, was again wearing the captain armband for the third successive year and had the privilege of hitting the winning boundary to spark unbridled celebrations among his teammates and loyal supporters.

Chattergoon was left on 24 and gleefully stated that the team were once again outstanding this year despite losing three prelimi-

while Bentinck has to be able to have his players play with Richardson. It was said that Pele FC are not the most talented team in the League, more so among the top four, but Bentinck’s ability to formulate plays and play off the strength of his star player gives him the advantage (so far) over the other coaches mentioned.

“I think we play very good cricket again throughout the season; I know some players missed out due to work and family commitments, but we definitely deserve the championship and it is an amazing achievement,” Chattergoon declared.

Scarborough Cricket Club had won the toss and opted to take first strike in windy and murky conditions for cricket, but the umpires decided to have the final played.

Talati Aarif led the way for Scarborough Cricket Club with a dashing 76 which was punctuated with five fours and two sixes, while Suhail Variava supported admirably with 62 not out and Nawab Zenul scored 24.

Man of the Match

Arjune proved his all-round capability by claiming two wickets for 22 runs from his nine off-spin overs, while Chattergoon and Riyad Sattaur picked up one wicket apiece.

Stag Elite League Media Xi: Winslow McDowall (Slingerz FC GK); Jolanshoy McDowall (Slingerz FC); Dwain Jacobs (Slingerz FC); Vurlon Mills (Slingerz FC); Colin Nelson (Slingerz FC); Trevon Lythcott (Fruta Conquerors); Delroy Fraser (GDF); Eusi Phillips (GDF); Sherwin Skeete (Alpha United); Kithson Bain (Alpha United) and Gregory

Crandon was reportedly plying his trade for Brampton Masters Cricket Club in this year’s Toronto District Cricket Association Elite 50-over semi-final at King City the same day.

Hawaiian Arctic Club President Archie Mohan expressed deep elation after his team’s triumph, and commented that his team continued to dominate the SCA’s Premier League with determination.

He also took the opportunity to thank his fellow executives of the Club for their continued cooperation and enthusiasm shown over the years. Vice President Iqbal Rahaman, Secretary/Treasurer Eon Gunraj and long-standing members Doodnauth Singh, Rishi Samuel and Vish Singh have come in for great praise from the leader for their contributions in various ways since the Club was formed some 20 years ago.

Richardson (Pele FC). Coach: Justin Bentinck Honourable mention: Kevin Layne Jr (Monedderlust); Shad Fernandes (GFC); Daniel Wilson (Alpha United); Quincy Madramootoo (Alpha United); Eon Alleyne (Fruta Conquerors); Dorville Stewart (Alpha United); Deon Alfred (Pele FC) and Kurd Johnson (GFC).

YELLOW PAGES

wednesday, october 7, 2015

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.

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

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

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

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

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

65 Fifth Street, Albertown: 6 Apartments, 2 Bedroom each (all self contained). 2 with front large verandah, 2 additional back step entrance. Simple clean up required. Gate required at entrance. No A/C. Interested person kindly contact Rosann Tel # 219-4535, between 08:am-04:30pm

198 Lamaha Gardens, 4 Bedroom (2 Self contained and semi-furnished with bed); Dining table with China cabinet in China room. Upstairs roof required work (Leaking), Fully Air conditioned. Interested person kindly contact Rosann Tel # 219-4535, between 08:am-04:30pm

31 First Street, Section L, Campbelville Georgetown, 3 Bedrooms (2 self contained). Simple clean up required, Lights at step required. Interested person kindly contact Rosann tel # 219-4535, between 08:am-04:30pm

693 Section A Diamond , EBD Upstairs, 2 Bedrooms (both self contained). Required extensive work outside (weed, paint, etc). Gate key to be requested by Wayne. Fully Air Conditioned. May require new door. Interested person kindly contact Rosann tel # 219-4535, between 08:am-04:30pm

GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100 Sunshine Cabs, 24hours. Phone: 227-1720, 227-1721, 660-6102

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

Dyna’s Ravens top GABA’s ranking

The Dyna’s Ravens Basketball Club are the number one ranked team in Georgetown after the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) released its first ranking of 2015 on Tuesday.

While Dyna’s Ravens are tied with the Colts Basketball Club on 21 points, because they have lost by fewer points in headto-head match-ups with the Colts, they won the tie breaker between the two top teams.

The Trinity Grid

Holding (TGH) finished third on 15 points, while the Plaisance Guardians are fourth with 13 points and the University of Guyana fifth with 13 points as well.

The Knights (11); Melanie Patriots (11); Pepsi Sonics (9); Republic Bank Nets (9) and Eagles (5) finished 6th to 10th in that order.

With the first five teams being named the Division One teams, while the bottom five are now Division Two teams, the bottom two Division One teams will battle the top two Division

Two teams to facilitate movement in the two divisions.

With the upcoming GABA League set to start later this month, the rankings will be critical to determining a team’s schedule. At the end of the League, the bottom two Division One Teams will battle the top two Division Two teams for their status.

The Ravens Club have been one of the more dominant teams over the past three years and have played with a model of consistency in all of their tournaments.

Bowlers key to success for Sri Lanka tour

Seamer Kemar Roach has highlighted the role of West Indies bowlers as critical if the team are to succeed in Sri Lanka during the upcoming series.

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 EXTRACAB 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

Roach will have good memories of Sri Lanka having been the outstanding bowler for three series five years ago, despite all three ending in draws. Then the bowler took 10 wickets at an average of 24.

“It takes getting 20 wickets to win a Test match [and] once we bowl well, I think we have some pretty decent batsmen that can get us over the line,” Roach said.

“But we have to bowl well and get 20 wickets, that should be our main focus going into this series.”

Familiar with the condition Roach expects the conditions to play a crucial factor in deciding the re-

sults.

“Reverse swing will definitely be an option. Obviously the ball gets old very quickly down here, it doesn’t stay new for very long so you have to start shining on one side and obviously make that side work for you,” Roach said.

“If you can reverse swing the ball and bowl a fuller length, you should do pretty well in Sri Lanka.”

(Digicel Sportsmax)

RHT Bakewell U-17s...

Ramnarine went on to top score for his side with 35 (5x4s), while the other players to reach double figures were Travis Carmichael (15); C Grant (18) and Trevon Carmichael (13) as West Berbice were bowled for 143 off 38.3 overs.

Left-arm spinner Simpson bowled well to claim five wickets for 12 runs from eight overs and received support from skipper Anderson (3-15).

Anderson claimed the Man-of-the-Match trophy, while the RHT Bakewell team received the beautiful Farouk Kudrath Memorial Trophy.

Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to West

Berbice for accepting the Club’s invitation to pay tribute to one of its most outstanding executives.

Other late members to be honoured with cricket

matches at the Under-15, Under-19 and female levels in the upcoming weeks are Simon Budhoo, Joseph Arokium, Isabella Smartt and Bernadette King.

Suriname Invitational Golf Tournament...North Georgetown Inter-Schools Cycling...

“Max” Persaud cops gold for Guyana

Parmanand “Max” Persaud brought gold for Guyana in the just-concluded Suriname’s Republic Bank Invitational Golf Tournament last weekend.

Played under the Stableford format, the event attracted some 90 golfers from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, French Guiana and Suriname.

Persaud’s opening day’s play of 35 was quite impressive, as he was level in fourth position with Kenny Attai, Martin Wolterstorff and Milton van Brussel, behind Allan Beeldsnijder (37), and Hubert Kock and Anne Harmsma (38), making the top seven positions fiercely competitive.

Persaud was phenomenal on the final day, marking him a clear winner, as only in the A-Class did three others achieve such a score on either of the two days.

In the A-Class of 27 men,

won by Jurgen Amoko (84), Guyana’s representatives were Kalyan Tiwari (48); John Tracy (53); Lakeram Ramsundar (57); Alfred Mentore (60) and Patrick Prashad (62), who placed 13th.

In the B-Class of 37 men, won by Persaud (76), other representatives from Guyana were Brian Hackett (51); Jerome Khan (52); Troy Cadogan (54); Patanjalee Persaud (60), and Dr Philbert London (65), who placed ninth in that group.

It is believed that this is the first time Guyana has won a first-place finish in the B-Class in Suriname’s Invitational.

Persaud said of his win, “I found the course a tough one, because of the dryness of the earth, but I kept focus and [was] determined to play well. At the end of the first day with 35 points, I was fourth in my group, but on the second day I brought in a blazing 41 points

to give me an aggregate of 76 points and make me the winner in my group of some 37 golfers.”

In the Women’s B-Class, third-place winner Shanella Webster of Guyana produced fantastic and amazing play over the two days.

When the aggregates were taken for the two days, winners were Hanka Wolterstorff, Carmelita vid Blankevoordt (73) and Webster (67).

Webster also won the Longest Drive in her group, while Kalyan Tiwari won the Longest Drive in his Men’s A-Class, and Lakeram Ramsundar was the Nearestto-the-Pin prize winner in the Men’s B-Class.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s own invitational for this year, dubbed the Digicel Guyana Open, will be held on October 31 and November 1 at the Lusignan Golf Course. Golfers are expected from the Caribbean, North America and United Kingdom.

Duguid impresses with 3 wins –

Bumbary siblings unbeatable

By TreisTon Joseph

Defending champions of the National School Championships North Georgetown (District 11) will be highly enthused after seeing their cyclists take the track on Tuesday at the National Park.

National rider Nigel Duguid was in top form, showcasing his speed by pedalling away with the boys’ Under-20 800, 1500 and 2000 metres cycling events.

While it might have seemed an easy task for the Richard Ishmael Secondary School student, he received a

stiff challenge from Kristoff Griffith of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) in the boys’ Under-20 2000 metres event that ended in a photo finish.

Meanwhile, the Bumbary siblings Kareem and Brittany out of Marian Academy dominated the male and female Under-14 categories respectively.

Kareem won the males’ 1000, 1500 and 800 metres events, while Brittany won the same events on the distaff side.

In Under-16 action, Briton John of Richard Ishmael Secondary was the

standout athlete winning the boys’ 800, 1500 and 2000 metres. Maria Urkquhart dominated the female Under-16 category by winning the 400 and 800 metres events.

Over the years, North Georgetown have been lacking in their cycling department, but the squad definitely seems stronger this time around as they prepare for their title defence in November.

The Inter-Schools Championships will continue today with field events at the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Ground.

North Gtown’s Accalia Khan primed for success at National Swimming Championships

By Akeem Greene

ational swimmer

NAccalia Khan is hoping for a productive outing at this year’s Guyana Teachers Union National School Swimming Championships.

The Orca Speed Swim Club swimmer, who is coached by Sean Baksh and Cuban Isabel Couso, is confident of success despite a busy schedule. In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Khan said that “training this year due to school has been difficult, but I expect to try my hardest and push my body to the limit”.

The Bishops’ High School Fifth Form student has been swimming since she was three years old and made her first national team in 2008. Khan, whose foundation in swimming began at the Colgrain Pool, is a specialist in the 50 metres, 100 metres and 200 metres freestyle, as well as the 50 metres backstroke and 100 metres backstroke. She will now return to the 50 metres butterfly after recovering from a back injury. With personal best times of 30:05s in the 50m Freestyle, 1:06:10 in the 100m Freestyle, 2:20:19 in the 200m Free and 33:10s in the 50m backstroke, one would be expecting the young swimmer to produce a string of splendid performances at the championships.

In what will be her sixth year at the National Schools Swimming Championships, Khan has certainly made a name for herself. On the medal sheet, she has copped three bronzes in 2013, one in 2014, not to mention a silver medal in the Goodwill Games 2014 in the 50m backstroke.

The swimmer, who recently returned from the Goodwill Games in Trinidad and Tobago which were held in August and featured countries such as Barbados, Bahamas, Suriname, and St Lucia, achieved her personal best times in the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle and got a bronze medal in the 50m backstroke. In addition, she secured three more bronze medals via the Girls’ 15-17 relay team.

The young swimmer is grateful for the support given to her by close friends, coaches, her mother and grandfather as balancing school and swimming is extremely diffi-

cult.

As a result, Khan, whose former schoolmate Brittany Van Lange, participated in the London Summer Olympics in 2012, is doubtful of making the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“It’s impossible, I have CSEC Exams, and so intense training would be on hold after the championships. However, I intend to return properly after exams because it is a part of my hope to gain a scholarship abroad along with good grades,” she said. The promising swimmer is hoping the Government can look into developing student-athlete programmes to cater for young persons who excel at both academics and sports. If such programmes can be implemented, athletes can achieve more while not having to choose between school and practice on account of the time constraints.

(akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

5-Stage cycling rebranded Tour of Guyana

– riders have until October 16 to register

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

eld under the banner

H“Ride for Life FiveStage” for the past eight years, Guyana’s premier cycling event, slated for this month-end, has been rebranded Tour of Guyana.

This was revealed by national cycling coach and chief organiser Hassan Mohamed on Tuesday, as this publication sought an update on the gruelling four-day event. The ninth annual showpiece will pedal off on October 29 and end on November 1, spanning all three counties of Guyana.

“The event will now be known as the Tour of Guyana,” Mohamed said. The long-serving sport administrator also highlighted that interested cyclists, both local and overseas, have until October 16 to register to compete at the event.

Registration forms can be uplifted from the Department of Sport office in the Help and Shelter building on Homestretch Avenue.

The race is the signature event on the local cycling calendar, and usually attracts the largest group of local and foreign riders.

As is the norm, the first two stages will be held on the opening day (October 29) in Berbice and Demerara. Stage three (October 30) will take place in West Demerara, followed by Stage four (October 31) in Essequibo. The final stage (November 1) will move from Linden to Georgetown.

The opening stage will be held from Corriverton to New Amsterdam (46.6 miles)

By TReisTon Joseph

The 2015 edition of the Inter Guiana Games (IGG), a tri-nation event among Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname has been cancelled, owing to a number of contributing factors that forced the hand of the organising committee.

While all three nations were in support of the event being hosted, the first leg that was scheduled to be held

North Georgetown Inter-Schools Swimming... Odle delivers on promises with outstanding performances

By TReisTon Joseph

Ofrom 07:30h, while Stage Two will be on the same day from Rosignol to Georgetown (60.4 miles) from 14:00h.

Stage Three will take place from Wales to Parika (35 miles) from 09:00h, while the penultimate stage will be contested from 07:30h from Supenaam to Suddie, covering a distance of 62 miles.

The fifth and final stage will commence in Linden at 08:30h and finish in Georgetown, covering a distance of 62 miles.

As was the case in previous years, the event will be held with the objectives of increasing awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants and the general public, and increasing HIV/AIDS activism and volunteerism among the participants and inspiring them to become ambassadors in the fight against HIV/Aids.

Last year’s race, which spanned 266 miles of the country’s roadways, was won by Carlton Wheelers’ rider Robin Persaud. (aramzan@ guyanatimesgy.com)

in Guyana had to be cancelled as a consequence of miscommunication among all three countries according to National Sports Commission (NSC) senior official Gervy Harry.

The second leg, which was scheduled for French Guiana in October, had to be cancelled as well, since the country would be having General Elections in December.

Suriname, who have hosted all three legs before highlighted some internal issues with hosting the 2015 edition of the event; therefore, eliminating all possibility of the event being held this year.

Nevertheless, Harry highlighted that all three countries will meet in 2016 after the General Elections of French Guiana to discuss the specifics for the 2016 edition, which is expected to be held successfully.

Guyana have dominated the Track and Field aspect of the event which has always been a showcase for its blossoming youth and junior athletes.

ne day after highlighting her goals for this year’s National School Championships, St Stanislaus College top swimmer Kristen Odle was the highlight of North Georgetown’s Inter-School Swimming Championships that concluded on Tuesday at the Colgrain Swimming Pool.

Odle, who dominated the National School Championships one year ago, once again dazzled with her brilliant technique in the pool winning all three of her Under-20 events – the 50 metres freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke races.

In the Under-18 category, Jamaal Skeete won all three of his events, while Accalia Khan who is one of the top junior swimmers in the country replicated the feat on the distaff side.

Alex Winter was the top male in the Under-16 catego-

ry with three wins, while Amy Grant, another national swimmer, was in top form with three wins as well on the female side of things in the Under-16 category.

Raekwan Noel, one of the top youth swimmers in the country, dominated his competition in the Under-10 50 metres freestyle and backstroke events.

Nathan Hackett and Trumaune Cole were the two outstanding male Under-20 swimmers, both picking up two wins each in the pool.

North Georgetown will be aiming to win their ninth straight swimming title at the National School Championships in November with yet another strong team this year.

The North Georgetown inter-schools’ championships will continue today with field events at the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Ground from 10:00h.