Guyana Times Daily - October 5, 2015

Govt’s priority is gold, not rice – RPA head

monday, october 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

monday, october 5, 2015

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, October 5 – 11:30h-13:00h and Tuesday, October 6 – 13:00h-14:30h

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

Monday, October 5 – 10:35h-12:05h and Tuesday, October 6 – 11:55h-13:35h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Sunny weather with intervals of light rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy conditions in the evening. Temperatures can range between 21 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 2.68 and 3.57 metres per second.

High Tide: 10:02h and 22:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.12 metres and 2.14 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 15:53h reaching a minimum height of 1.16 metres.

Rice industry crisis

Govt’s priority is gold, not rice – RPA head

By Kristen MacKlingaM

In light of recent interventions by the

A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

Administration to alleviate burdens borne by gold miners in Guyana, and the declaration that the current low paddy price crisis is a “private arrangement” and not a “Government arrangement”, the impression being formed is that the gold industry is of greater importance than the rice industry.

This was the view expressed by Rice Producers Association (RPA) General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Sunday. He stated that like many others in the rice industry, he was baffled at the Government’s position as it relates to Guyana’s struggling rice industry.

On Friday at his first press conference since taking office, President David Granger said that the problem facing the rice industry was the failure of millers to pay farmers which he deemed a “private arrangement’ which he considers not to be a Government arrangement.

However, Seeraj told Guyana Times that Government is however singing a different tune with the gold industry, which is also a private arrangement.

“They (Government) are saying one thing for the gold industry and saying a different thing for the rice industry. The gold industry is a private thing, but they still intervene at a governmental level to offer concessions to the gold miners. Rice farmers are facing the same problem and rice is much bigger than gold. It affects more people, so I fail to understand this Government’s position towards the rice industry by saying that this a private matter,” he posited.

He noted that while the payment issue is of major concern, the current issues facing the rice industry go “beyond that”.

Government-to-Government arrangements

The RPA General Secretary explained to Guyana Times that in instances where the export of rice is done through a government contract, rice farmers and even millers still have had to wait long periods before receiving payments.

An example posited is the recent case of Panama, where although the contract was a “Government to Government” agreement, farmers are still awaiting payments.

“Rice has gone to Panama under a Government contract and people have

not been paid up to now and three months have gone by. They supplied rice to the Guyana Rice Development Board for onward shipment to Panama. That is a Government-ToGovernment contract. The millers have not received payments, because payments have not been re-

some guide policy arrangement that can arrest this issue of the low prices,” Seeraj added.

Tax concessions, bank interventions

Many farmers and millers are suffering tremendously as a result of the low prices being offered for

ceived from Panama and that is a Government-toGovernment arrangement,” Seeraj emphasised.

Following heightened pressure from rice farmers and the crisis in the industry, on Friday, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, committed to the disbursement of some $500 million, which he stated he was ready to hand over “almost immediately” for the first shipment of rice made to Panama.

Guyana Times was further told by Seeraj the problem is not only about payments being made by millers to farmers but rather the issue is about an entire industry that is being affected by low prices on the international market and the need intervention that can keep the industry afloat.

“It has to do with prices and it has to do with what can be done at the govt level to address a crisis in a national industry along the lines of coming up with

paddy and the loss of the Venezuelan market.

However, those affected still have loan obligations to local financial institutions that will adversely affect their ability to make the necessary investments for the next crop.

As such, many are hopeful that the David Grangerled Administration will also intervene to facilitate arrangements, which would benefit those who are suffering in the rice industry.

“These were done in the past in the rice industry; arrangements were made with banks at the Government level and concessions were given to the rice farmers. And as we can see with the gold industry, only recently this arrangement that they (government) did with budgetary allowances in terms of the tax concessions on fuel; All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs); engines; pumps etc for the gold industry,” Seeraj distinctively said.

He noted that the APNU/

AFC coalition should fulfil its campaign promises to the rice farmers, adding that a mechanism should be instituted to give similar types of concessions, as given in the gold industry, to the rice industry.

He reminded that it was on the 2015 General Elections campaign trail that representatives from the AFC visited the counties of Essequibo and Berbice and promises were made that rice farmers would receive higher prices for their produce.

“They promised the farmers $6000 and $9000 per bag of paddy. These are promises that they made and a lot of farmers voted for them because they believed them. So they can’t say it is a private issue between millers and farmers. Why didn’t they say then with regards to the gold miners recently that theirs is an issue between miners and the buyers of gold?”

Agriculture Minister Holder, during a previous interview with this newspaper, had made it clear that his Government could not intervene to rescue rice farmers.

Asked whether the Government would intervene in any way to ensure rice farmers get some kind of relief, Minister Holder indicated it would be a difficult task.

“Intervening, I think that there are some laws that allow the Government to take over rice millers, mills and that sort of thing. Intervening is done by law, because the Government would have to get this money back from somewhere,” he explained.

Therefore, the Minister indicated that the current crisis was beyond the help of Government, and those millers and rice farmers have to work out among themselves the terms of the outstanding payments. (kristenm@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

New River Triangle

Venezuela and Suriname exemplify the maxim of international politics: there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies - just permanent interests. For decades Venezuela and Suriname have claimed huge tracts of our country as theirs: Venezuela, the entire Essequibo of 56,000 square miles constituting 67% of our 83,000 square miles and Suriname, another 6000 square miles or 7%. If these countries have their way, Guyana would become a tiny enclave of 21,000 square miles.

While generally, both Venezuela and Suriname have claimed to be regional friends of Guyana, their claims to our land have become so entrenched into their national psyche through their unremitting educational bombardment of their populace, that they have become the single issue that unites their fractious populations. And therein lies the problem: since politics is practiced by individuals always on the lookout to increase their support base, the issue can always be invoked in those countries for domestic reasons.

After a lull, Venezuela raised its old controversy over our Essequibo in late 2013 when they chased away an oil rig from the waters off Essequibo. Even though it appears to have been forgotten by Guyanese, as had become the pattern in the past, Suriname soon raised their claim over the New River Triangle. In 2014, Guyana had to withdraw from participating in a mining conference in Paramaribo when Suriname circulated maps showing New River Triangle as Suriname’s.

From reports in the Surinamese press, it is claimed that newly elected President Desi Bouterse told his National Assembly that their New River Triangle claim (they call the area “Tigri) would be placed “back on the agenda”. President David Granger has rightly called for clarification on the report since diplomacy should not be determined simply by press reports. Bouterse had won a narrow victory in their recently held elections and as in Guyana he might be using the issue to buttress his legitimacy in the populace.

Guyanese, however are comparatively ill informed about the Surinamese pretensions on New River and the background needs to be rehearsed. As far back as 1799, when Suriname and Berbice were still Dutch colonies, the Corentyne River was unanimously agreed on by their governors as their boundary. When Berbice was ceded to the Dutch, along with Essequibo and Demerara in 1814, the boundary was retained. In 1840, nine years after the three colonies had been united as British Guiana, the explorer Robert Schomburgk surveyed the Courentyne and confirmed its source at its southern end was the Kutari River.

This delineation was accepted by the Dutch in their official communication and all was well until thirty-one years later another explorer Charles Barrington Brown followed Schomburgk but discovered another river which was imaginatively dubbed the “New River” and announced that THIS was the real source of the Corentyne. So when in 1899, the Arbitration Panel sitting on Venezuelan claim announced that the New River Triangle was British Guiana’s, the Netherlands protested and another Border controversy was born. The British, however pointed out that the Kutari had been accepted for so long as the source of the Corentyne border that it could not just be wished away.

In 1936 two pertinent events occurred: the full width of the Corentyne was given to Suriname by a mixed AngloDutch Commission and separately, Dutch, British and Brazilian representatives agreed to the junction of their three countries near the beginning of the Kutari. The next development occurred in 1961 when the British for reasons best known to themselves, opened up discussions with the Dutch and asserted control of the New River Triangle. The Dutch rejected this position.

In 1969, a Surinamese military fortification was discovered in the New River Triangle by the Guyanese authorities and an operation was launched by the GDF which repealed the invaders. We must continue to stand firm against those who may believe that we may be too vulnerable to counter border threats on two fronts.

A

“We running things now!”

Dear Editor,

Since taking office, the Granger Administration has repeatedly been shooting itself in the foot. Despite public pronouncements by the Administration of their commitment to a ‘better life’ for all Guyanese, the APNU/AFC Government is severely handicapped by their inability to effectively govern. With the exception of Carl Greenidge and Moses Nagamootoo, no other Minister has any experience in running a ministry, and only a few others have demonstrated the leadership skills to succeed. Mistakes and blunders have been the hallmark of the Granger Administration that for the most part, continues to rule by trial and error. As Local Government Election nears, I guarantee the APNU/ AFC will pay a heavy price for their folly.

Over two months ago, my brother requested my assistance in an effort to resolve a problem he had previously discussed with Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. This request surprised me, for our views are often on the opposite side of the political spectrum, and the party he supports and campaigned for, is now in government. My brother Frank, had faithfully served the PNC way back in the days of Forbes Burnham, and continues to serve and make significant financial contributions to the APNU/AFC collation, although David Granger once admitted to me that he has no idea who Frank Gill is. I bet he still don’t. But this had nothing to do with politics, Frank merely wanted to put an end to the lawlessness that seems to have taken over since the APNU/AFC took office.

His eldest son, my nephew, died suddenly four years ago, and the clothing stall he owned in the Stabroek Market for over 22 years called Future Gill (Stall number 31, Section 3) had been transferred to his two young daughters (ages now 20 and 13) to provide them with a means of livelihood. The cost to have this business transferred from my deceased

nephew to his children was $294,147. The children’s mother and the elder child are the ones managing the business. They pay a monthly rental of $29,000 to the market, and employs a staff of 5.

A few years ago, a makeshift stall was placed directly in front of the Future Gill stall, but was later removed by instructions of the then Local Government Minister, Norman Whittaker, who declared this encroachment a violation. Then suddenly, about a week after the Granger Administration took office, a vendor with a much bigger glass case, took up permanent residence directly in front of the Future Gill stall, blocking more than half of the store front. The space between Future Gill store front and the new encroachment is a mere 30 inches, making it difficult for customers to view the items in the show case and access the store without being verbally abused and threatened by the obstructing vendor.

This was brought to my brother’s attention who, upon seeking an explanation from the vendor, was arrogantly told, “We running things now!”

This statement shook up my brother, for it brought home the grim reality and exposed the thinking of some sick PNC/APNU supporters that someone like my brother, a life-long, die-hard member who has done much for the PNC and APNU, can be thought of and victimised as the opposition simply because of his ethnic background.

An irate Frank Gill went to see Minister Ronald Bulkan, who told him the encroachment was not right, and promised to look into the problem. The Minister sent the same advisor who previously advised former Minister Whittaker to have the first encroachment removed. But this time, the vendor was allowed to remain there, throwing racial slurs at my nephew’s children whose mother is IndoGuyanese. This is certainly not the “fresh approach” tout-

ed by the Administration; it is dangerously reminiscent of the behaviour of racist thugs that once terrorised Indo-Guyanese during the 28 years of PNC rule. I call on President Granger to denounce this bullyism by some of his supporters now, least he condone it by his silence. The Future Gill market store is a long established, legitimate business that provides employment and pays $29,000 a month rent to the Stabroek Market for the right to sell clothing and other items. It is grossly unfair to allow a vendor to illegally put up a contraption selling the same merchandise, impeding access to Future Gill, so close that it appears to be an extension of the store front.

In addition, the location is often used as a barber shop and the trading of (illegal) gold. But there is an additional reason why this vendor must be removed: The vendor’s stall also partly blocks one of the main entrances to the market, thus compromising an emergency exit in event of a fire or explosion emanating from within.

So at my brother’s request, I again brought this to the attention of Minister Bulkan during the Budget Debate, and requested that he investigate the matter. I made it very clear to him that, as a Member of Parliament and uncle to my brother’s grandchildren who now owns the Future Gill store, I was not asking any special favours but merely seeking justice to correct a wrong. He promised to send someone else to review the matter. One week later, I reminded him and he again promised to look into the problem.

I am aware that the Minister was obviously stressed out and tired from the drilling he took from my colleagues in Parliament during the amendments to the Local Government Election Bills, but in the weeks that followed, several phone calls to his office and messages left with his secretary to return my call proved futile. He was always never in

office, and never had the courtesy to return a call to a fellow Member of Parliament. I could not help but wonder just how difficult it must be for an ordinary citizen to gain access to the Minister of Communities. Unable to get through to Minister Bulkan, I then discussed my concerns with one of his advisors, Mr Mark Da Costa who also promised to visit the market location as he was familiar with the area. Again, I stressed that I was merely seeking justice, not asking favours. He passes twice daily on his way to and from work, as he promised to do. However, he did say that he had reviewed the report made earlier by Bulkan’s advisor and that the report was now with Mr Royston King at City Hall, who will determine the course of action, if any. Editor, I left several messages with Mr King’s secretary over several days, and I’m still waiting a return phone call from the Town Clerk.

It wasn’t long ago that President Granger reminded public officials that they are the servants of the people. I guess neither Bulkan nor King heard the President’s comment. How difficult it is to return a phone call?

During the last Local Government Election, my brother, Frank Gill, won 7 seats in the Best/Klien Pouderoyen NDC as an independent candidate. He is extremely popular and influential in Region 3.

While most of us would like to see the new Administration succeed, persons are appalled at the high rate of blatant discrimination practiced by the APNU/AFC Administration. This dangerous development will not only lead to a widening of the division of our people, but encourage many Afro-Guyanese to prey on the weaker Indo-Guyanese population because as is often the mantra, “We running things now!”

Harry Gill, MP

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

It is time to rise up to

defend our interests

Dear Editor, Guyana is a small developing country affected by our inability to be competitive on the international agricultural market which is heavily, heavily skewed with mammoth subsidisation.

As a result, it is irresponsible and otherwise crazy for the Regime’s leader to distance himself from the thousands of rice farmers and sugar workers who are now suffering because of the regime’s incalculable and disdainful manoeuvres since its assumption to office.

For example, four months are defended by propagandists of the regime as too short a time to have had a meaningful impact on the rice industry. This is outrageous piffle being spewed on our people as an excuse for the debilitating misrule embarked on by this regime.

In international trade, and more specifically the international trade of Guyana’s rice, the “moments of madness” that have accrued since

this regime took office are the very reasons why the rice industry has practically collapsed. And more productive sectors are on the brink until this regime begins to understand international trade dynamics and the importance of Government’s interventions to the profitability and viability of the productive sectors.

It is clear as a cloudless blue sky that the regime is distancing itself from its peoples’ interests whilst eagerly and blindly fronting the interests of its external backers. It is obvious too that the stand-offish position taken towards the agricultural sector is designed to hurt our rural people, most of whom support the now former Government. Even more obvious is the rabid animosity supporters of the regime show towards our hard working farmers and sugar workers.

It is fast approaching crunch time when we will not be able to afford to grow our

own food; much more buy. I wonder then where we will get affordable food from. My fearful judgment is that the people of Guyana may be “lining” up for food in the not too distant future if this regime continues to disingenuously treat our farmers with disproportionate attention and reckless abandon.

The offshore oil is not the salvation of Guyana. It is the salvation of the multinationals and the countries that birthed these organisations.

This regime has shown no plan of how Guyana will continue to be productive.

With the Venezuelan and now Suriname’s unscrupulous and illegal claims on our homeland, coupled with a supplanted new regime comprised of devious plans and otherwise failing policies and methodologies, Guyana and Guyanese are at our weakest since the end of World War II.

I think it is time to rise up to defend our interests.

Nigel Dharamlall,

MP

Trotman should challenge sale of state properties to PNC (APNU) members

Dear Editor,

Former APNU (WPA) MP Desmond Trotman has gone to court to nullify the sale of state land to PPP affiliates.

To show that he is not politically or ethnically biased and that he is acting in the public interest rather than partisan (ethnic) interest, Trotman should also challenge the sale of state properties to PNC (APNU) members (cronies). It would seem from Trotman’s court case that he is only interested in going after people based on their political and racial affiliation; he is not interested in questioning wrong doings of PNCites.

Claims were made that PNC members benefited from undervalued prices of state properties that were sold surreptitiously and clandestinely on the eve of the PNC’s defeat in free and fair elections. Transparency and equal treatment were not practices during the PNC dictatorship. There was favouritism, skulduggery, lack of a level playing field, and discrimination in acquiring state property during the period of the dictatorship. These should be investigated as much as the need to investigate complaints being levied now by Trottman and his lawyers against PPPites.

Hauling APNU (PNC) members before the courts would demonstrate fairness (as well as equity) and seriousness in addressing perceived wrong doings committed by all (during their tenure in office) regardless of political affiliation. So far, Trotman and his lawyers are focusing on political opponents based on ethnicity and party affiliation – not a

good start on fair play and racial unity.

I note it may be very difficult to ascertain the value/ price of property acquired a long time ago in order to “revalue it” to pay the “right” amount. One cannot seek today’s value for yesterday’s property – a lot of development and value has gone into a property acquired years ago. Also, efforts to nullify sales (made via a contract) could be considered by the court as frivolous, abuse of privilege, and vexatious and thrown out.

I teach constitutional law and my readings of cases reveal courts don’t take too kindly to violations of the sanctity of a contract. Trotman should be careful of lawsuits wherein he ends up having to pay defendants for frivolous court cases. Of course, Guyana is a different kettle of fish from the US altogether; there is limited adherence to law and order in Guyana as evidenced most recently in selective prosecution of cases and even in Trotman’s own behaviour of selectively going to court on matters of principle.

Nevertheless, Guyana is not a dictatorship as existed between 1966 and 1992 when judges followed political directives; judges are somewhat more independent now and would think twice before making a politically motivated ruling. Rule of law is paramount in a contract. A new government cannot break an explicit and or implicit contract that was entered into unless it can be shown that some underhand activity took place that led to the awarding of the contract. And at

Miners causing environmental destruction in Matthews Ridge

Dear Editor, Kindly publish this letter for me in Guyana Times. In the Matthews Ridge SubRegion of Region 1 (BarimaWaini) there are gold miners in the Fish Creek also known by community residents as Big Creek who are causing environmental destruction as a result of irresponsible gold mining activities. The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), nor the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is least concerned and in this regard does not monitor the mining activities of the greedy gold miners.

Already the Maya Creek, a branch of the Fish Creek is in a state of high turbidity where residents are unable to use the water for domestic purposes. Residents are fearful and highly concerned that Fish Creek will at any time become polluted or contaminated as a result of gold mining activities.

Both the Maya and Fish creeks are the only sources of fresh-water supply for the residents and they are demanding that the miner be removed from the Fish Creek area by the GGMC.

any rate, there are statutes of limitations. The court may not take kindly to a breach of a bona fide contract. It may be almost impossible for the court to set aside a contract that was executed in good faith.

Nevertheless, every effort should be made to collect (the difference) from everyone who acquired state property at below the value prices. Pay the right price regardless of whether you are PNC, PPP, WPA, AFC, TUF. The country needs the money now more than ever. Since Trotman considers this issue one of principle, he should persuade his APNU colleagues and members of his party to return state property they acquired at bargain undervalued prices.

Is Trotman not concerned about more pressing moral or principled issues? Several properties of individuals (based on political and ethnic affiliation) were burned in Sophia by (supporters of Trotman’s party) in the presence of police and firemen on election day 2015. Why has he (or his lawyers) not filed a public interest criminal complaint against the perpetrators? Also, during the campaign, a daughter of Trotman’s APNU parliamentary colleague stripped on stage and urinated on the PPP flag before setting it ablaze. Why hasn’t he (or his lawyers) filed a public interest criminal complaint against the woman?

Trotman’s selective action on property nullification speaks volumes.

Yours truly, Vishnu

Bisram

The community residents are demanding as well that the gold miner provide

potable water for residents because their only source of fresh water has become contaminated. They are very concerned.

It must be noted that Fish Creek area is within the boundaries of the Eclipse Falls Top Community Council’s proposed land titling area and all mining permits must be immediately cancelled by the GGMC so as to enable the Eclipse Falls Top community to receive titleship to their ancestral lands. It must be noted as well that Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) Project is a Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) Project so why is it taking so long to be completed?

The Eclipse Falls Top Amerindian Community applied for their land title on August 03, 2009 therefore all large and medium permits for mining issued by the GGMC after that date must be cancelled. Now concerning the miner causing environmental destruction at Fish Creek: can the GGMC say on what date that miner was issued a mining permit?

Further, can the GGMC also say what percentage of the Eclipse Falls Top Community is covered by both large and medium-scale

properties? In other words how many active mediumscale properties are there in the Eclipse Falls Top community lands proposed for land titling? I understand that some Pharsalus has a large-scale property application for 2012. This must be cancelled. The Guyana Gold Shield resources has four applications from 20062007 for large-scale properties. What is GGMC’s position as regards these properties knowing full well that Eclipse Falls Top Community has to be granted titled lands by the Government of Guyana? But with respect to small claims, did the GGMC conduct any research on this to move the Eclipse Falls Top Community Land-Titling process forward? According to information the GGMC should have already done this. If not, then the GGMC is being managed worse now. Affected Amerindian Communities will agree with me.

The GGMC desperately needs overhauling to become competent in the management of Guyana Mining Sector.

Yours faithfully, Paul Lucas

monday, october 5, 2015

Page Foundation

By DarLene BeauLieu

You need to leave the house early so you can drop the children off at school and make it to work on time. Just as you’re about to head out the door, your daughter decides that attending class is not in her cards today.

“I’m not going, and you can’t make me.”

Makes you cringe, doesn’t it?

This is just one example of how power struggles start. Your need (getting the children to school and making it to work on time) rubs up against your daughter’s need (staying home from school). The situation turns into a push-and-pull, where your needs compete for attention.

Any time your child uses defiance to push back against your requests or rules, you’re in a power struggle.

Your daughter might have a good reason why she doesn’t want to go to school, but she’s not able or willing to talk about it. This causes tension, since both of you have places to

be and not much time to get there.

In these moments, it can feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. I understand how challenging it is. Parents are busy people — the last thing you need is another obstacle to overcome!

The good news is, there are effective ways to manage power struggles without going to war with your child. The first step is awareness: knowing when you’re being drawn into an argument.

It might seem obvious, but sometimes we’re so caught up in patterns of fighting or arguing, we miss the fact that we were invited into a power struggle. Don’t worry, this is normal! To learn more about identifying power struggles and how to overcome them, check out “Avoiding Power Struggles with Defiant Children: Declaring Victory is Easier Than You Think”.

Power struggles take time and practise to handle constructively. Remember that you’re not alone — we’re here to help support and guide you! (empoweringparents.com)

By James Lehman, msW

“Remember, when you engage in an argument with your child, you’re just giving him more power.”

How do you know if you’re entering into a power struggle with your child? Any time you’re asking your child to do something and he’s refusing to comply –when you find him “pushing back” against the request you’ve given or the rules you’ve set down –you’re in a struggle. If the push for power is appropriate, you should be able to sit down with your child and talk about it in a fairly reasonable way. If it escalates into an argument or fight, you are in a defiant power struggle – and make no mistake about it, parents need effective ways to dial that back immediately. In my opin-

ion, defiant power struggles between parents and children have become more common in recent years. I believe this is a direct result of the glorification of power we see all around us: on television, in music, in politics, in the movies. In our culture, children are taught from early on that power –and brute force – will get them what they want. As a result, we see a lot of children who don’t know how to solve social or functional problems constructively. A social problem is “How do I get along with oth - ers?” And a functional problem is, “How do I meet my responsibilities without getting into trouble?” So if your child has not learnt to solve these types of problems, he’ll refuse to do his chores by throwing a tantrum. Or when he gets older, he’ll say mean things to you and tell you it’s none of your business when you

ask him to comply with a family rule. If the defiance becomes more entrenched, he might try to intimidate you physically to get you to “back off”.

If your child is trying to draw you into these kinds of defiant power struggles, realise that he needs to develop more appropriate problem solving skills as soon as possible. Children who use this type of behaviour to get their way are headed down a dangerous path that only leads to serious difficulties later in life.

The good news is, there are real and effective things you can do besides going to war with your child.

Avoid the fight: don’t attend every fight you’re invited to A key skill I teach parents to use when they are confronted with a child who wants to

drag them into a fight is the technique of “avoidance”. Think of it this way: when you engage in an argument with your child, you’re just giving them more power. In effect, you’re increasing your child’s perception that they have the power to challenge you. Even if that perception is false, it still carries a lot of weight. Why is that? Because your child often doesn’t realise that this empowerment they’re feeling is not real. The danger here is that the more powerful they think they are—and the more defiant behaviour gets them what they want— the more they will use it as a shortcut to solve their problems.

Make no bones about it, parents have to make every effort to learn how to manage this type of behaviour in their children. I’m not saying this is easy – in fact, I believe it’s one of the most difficult lessons parents have to learn. And the lesson is,

“How can I let my child mature, individuate and become appropriately empowered with the least amount of fights possible?” Remember that genuine empowerment comes from the development of appropriate life skills, such as communication and learning how to meet responsibilities— and developing ageappropriate problem-solving skills.

As a parent, it’s easy to slip into a fight with your child over small and large issues: power struggles can occur over everything from refusal to pick up dirty laundry to how late your child is allowed to stay out on the weekends. But I tell parents they don’t have attend every fight they’re invited to. That’s my way of saying that you don’t have to get involved with every fight each time your child begins to escalate. You can just declare victory and walk away. So next time your child tries to draw you into a defiant power struggle over something either minor or major, just say, “We’ve discussed what is going to happen. I don’t want to talk about it anymore”, and leave the room. When you leave, you take all the power with you – you just suck it out of the room, and your child is left yelling at a blank wall. Know that the more you engage your child in an argument, the more power you’re giving him. So again, just walk away and declare victory. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

President announces five-point plan towards green economy

President David Granger has announced a fivepoint plan that will see Guyana realising its charter towards a green economy.

The Head of State was at the time speaking at the Agriculture Ministry’s tree planting exercise in Bartica on Saturday.

He told the gathering that a green economy was part of his Administration’s overall effort towards the longterm development of Guyana.

“This green economy as you’ve already heard is aimed at your long-term well-being. It will reduce

social inequalities and it will promote sustainable environmental practices,” he told the gathering at the Community Centre Ground.

The plan, according to the Head of State, includes the promotion of the sustainable exploitation of the country’s natural resources. He reminded residents of the OMAI Gold Mines toxic spill some 20 years ago and called on them to be the ‘watchdogs’ for their environment.

Another strategy, the President, outlined was the establishment of a solid waste programme. He encouraged residents to ensure that solid waste

was carefully disposed of, relating that Government was working towards the introduction of recycling practices.

Granger noted too that Government hoped to promote sustainable energy by introducing solar farms, as well as wind and hydroelectricity plants.

“Much of the energy we are using can be generated by sustainable means: by sun, water, biogas and wind. So let us promote the sustainable energy initiatives,” the President said.

Speaking of the last two strategies, the President said all efforts must be made to promote the ecological integrity

Save Abee, National Blood Bank, Rotary Club to host blood drive in Berbice

The National Blood Bank and the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam will be partnering with the Save Abee Foundation to host a blood drive to increase the supply of blood available at the National Blood Bank. The blood drive will be held on Saturday at the Save Abee Foundation Computer School at 21 B Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice. The activity will commence at 10:00h.

Speaking with Guyana Times , Sandip Homnaut, a member of Save Abee Foundation, said while this is their first blood drive, the organisation has been actively involved in many medical out -

reaches in the past. “We do what we have to do to help our people. If this one is successful, we hope to do many more. By donating blood, we can indirectly help save a life, plus there are many personal health benefits in donating blood,” Homnaut stated. The organisation is encouraging persons to come out in their numbers as they are aiming to have at least 100 donors. The organisation is requesting that persons pre-register if they wish to be a donor, however walk-ins are also welcomed. Persons desirous of participating in the blood drive are asked to contact Abbas on 686-3775 or Sandip on 614-8137.

Save Abee is a non-profit organisation that was founded by Sham Tilak and Asha Tilak. It is registered in the USA, and currently in the process of obtaining non-profit status in Guyana and Canada. The Foundation was set up with the aim of giving the children of Guyana the skills required to operate a computer efficiently.

Save Abee is primarily focusing its efforts on the rural regions of Guyana where the lack of transportation and computers are a burden on the people. Thus far, they have hosted a number of medical outreaches in underserved communities as well as fundraisers for charitable purposes.

of the forests and develop and implement green technologies.

Also present at the tree-planting exercise were Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock and Agriculture Minister Noel Holder among others.

The President said National Tree Planting Day would become an an-

nual event, and told attendees that he wanted Bartica to be a model town for not only Guyana but for the world at large.

“It must also be a model town for the environment, for ecology, energy. We want to work with NGOs [Non-Governmental Organisations]; miners; the RDC [Regional Democratic Council],

and private citizens to make sure that this revolution does not falter, so we can show the world what we mean by a green economy,” the President said.

He congratulated Barticians for taking up the challenge in leading the way to make Guyana a green country.

monday, october 5, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

East Ruimveldt execution

Another suspect arrested, guns and ammunition recovered

Police have arrested another suspect in connection with the execution-style killing of footballer Dexter Griffith.

The 36-year-old man was gunned down near his Back Circle, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown home on September 29.

On Sunday, police nabbed the suspect in Second Street, Agricola, Georgetown, with an unlicensed .38 revolver along with six matching rounds of ammunition and two.32 live rounds.

Griffith was reportedly shot about nine times by a lone gunman, who confronted him while he was hanging out with friends in an alleyway, a short distance from his home. The gunman was reportedly transported to the area on motorcycle. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had told Guyana Times the man who transported the shooter was arrested and being interrogated.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, af-

ter Griffith was shot he attempted to escape the gunman but collapsed in a drain a short distance from the scene. As he was lying on the ground, the gunman reportedly walked up to him and pulled the trigger a few more times hitting him to the back.

He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigators retrieved at least six .9mm warheads at the scene.

MoE still to address violence in schools

– another student stabbed

In spite of the Government’s declarations of improving the education system in Guyana and of ensuring that youths become skilled as well as educated, there seems to be a lack of initiatives which can be used to curb the rising physical abuse and violence which have now become prevalent among secondary schools in the country.

Violence in schools has been on the increase with the last recorded incident being the stabbing of 16-year-old Ovid Hendricks of Princes Street, Wortmanville. The incident occurred on Friday at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, stemming from one young lad’s refusal to compensate the victim for damaging his earphones, which were valued at $3000.

According to reports, Hendricks received stab wounds to his neck and chest whilst his assailant received injuries to his the jaw, which needed in excess of 10 stitches. According to information received, the as-

sailant damaged Hendricks’ earphones and had promised to compensate him for the damage. However, after some time had passed and the fellow student had not fulfilled his promise, Hendricks approached him on the issue. This led to an altercation during which his peer broke a glass bottle and attacked him.

During the fight, several students intervened and separated the two young men and Hendricks was subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he underwent surgery.

The Education Ministry is yet to address the issue of violence in schools and implement measures to curb these regular occurrences despite the constant calls that have been made by parents as well as teachers to address the issue.

On October 1, there was a video in circulation on social media showing two male students from Christ Church Secondary School involved in a fight in the

school building. There have been several observations made by members of the public in relation to male secondary school students being actively involved in gang activities.

The Education Ministry is yet to address the incident, which comes one year after a similar incident during which a 15-year-old student from the school was stabbed with a pair of scissors by a classmate. On August 31, two students – one from Queenstown Secondary and the other from St George’s High School – were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing injuries following a brawl on Church Street, Georgetown. The teenagers, both 13 years old, had an altercation during which one of them broke a bottle and dealt a blow to the other, injuring him to the left shoulder. During the scuffle, the aggressor received injuries to his mouth and thumb as well.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)

conducted a study earlier this year and based on data it received from the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), it was revealed that of the 2392 students that participated in the study, the prevalence of children being involved in fights was 51.30 per cent for males and 25 per cent for females.

Last month, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam urged parents to play a more active role in the lives of their children. Additionally, Roopnaraine had stated that he was aiming to reintroduce counselling in schools countrywide to aid in situations such as these; however, he did not implement any measures to curb the significant issue plaguing schools. There have also been recorded incidents of students physically attacking teachers. Efforts to contact the Chief Education Officer for a comment on this most recent incident proved futile.

Eyew tness

Not my job man...

...on economic anaemia

The not-so-new APNU/AFC government seems to be washing its hands of the economic malaise that’s enveloped the country since it acceded to office. Pressie says Guyana’s six revenue earners - bauxite, rice, sugar, gold, diamond, and timber - showed signs of “anaemia” since 2014. Fair enough...we’ll take him at his word even though he should show us some figures, no? But the question is: what were he and his government doing since 2014? Wasn’t that when APNU and AFC were huffing and puffing they’d blow the PPP house down with their “no confidence” motion.

The two Opposition parties were all but joined at the hip as they moved in the Assembly to control all the levers of power in that institution to derail the PPP government they defined as “minority”. They explicitly started talking about what they would do WHEN they took power: not “if” but “when”. So were they just talking through their hat? Or “talking for talking sake”? Most folks knew that’s the AFC duo of Nagamootoo and Ramjattan SOP - but surely the PNC folks like Granger and company knew that sooner they’d have to put their money where their mouth was.

And we arrive at their Manifesto. We can do worse than start with Bauxite, where the workers are their “constituency”. They promised to: “Rescue and modernise the bauxite industry.” You rescue something that’s in trouble...so where’s the plan to “modernise”. All we’ve seen this government doing is to harass Bosai - which might just walk away from the kind of slash-and-burn industrial relations that Simona Broomes’ determined to practice.

The manifesto also promised to, “Invite and support foreign investment from reputable and known multinationals to develop an aluminium industry in Guyana.” Where’s the invitation to the “known multinationals”. Aluminium smelting needs massive amounts of electricity, so if the foregoing wasn’t just hot air, why has the government washed their hands of Hydro Projects? Or were they talking about a longterm, 20 year plan?

Now if they could play this cruel joke to their own supporters to raise expectations of a better life that was never in the cards - we shouldn’t be surprised at what’s playing out in the rice and sugar industries. Rice farmers are now told that they’re on their own on marketing. So what if the entire industry collapsed and 100,000 people sink into poverty? The APNU/AFC has to maintain its “market fundamentalist” credentials!!

But hold it a minute!! What about their Manifesto promise on rice: “Negotiation of additional new international markets for rice from Guyana”?

On the other “anaemic” revenue earners, we say no more. It’s enough to make a grown man puke!!

...to obey traffic laws

This Eyewitness has written before of Moses Nagamootoo’s compulsions of the trappings of office. Forget that he was stripped of all the powers he was promised as PM under the Cummingsburg Accord: the perks are the thing, baby!! So here he was, rushing off to the airport at 8 in the morning to jet off to his well-earned two-week leave. We know he wasn’t late for the plane - but here he was with sirens of the outriders and his convoy blaring the rush hour traffic out of the way.

While the State rag said he wasn’t going to Texas or the Mid East, it neglected to say how badly the brand new $22M SUV that was just acquired for the PM was damaged. But what the heck...as promised, he was using the SUV to visit his “constituents”, no?

...to call in an excuse

“Quasi-political” Reg 10 REO Ramaya maintains stoutly he didn’t “snub” the Reg Council when he didn’t show up at a meeting where the REO’s presence was mandatory. Said he went to doctor, had to take a “test”; waited for the test results, and only called when Council meeting was over. Couldn’t he’ve called while waiting for the test?

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

“GRDB official’s dismissal will not affect forensic audit” – source

– contrary to Junior Finance Minister’s claim

By Kristen MacKlingaM

Despite the claim reportedly made by Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma that the recent act of dismissing a senior official from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) would prevent him from carrying out a forensic audit into the agency, sources close to the organisation have stated that this is not true.

Guyana Times was reliably informed on Sunday that the individual, who has been relieved of duties at the Rice Board, had been stationed in the human resource department and therefore is of no importance to the Minister’s financial audit.

According to the source, even if the dismissed employee were still in the employ of the agency, this would in no way affect or halt the forensic audit.

This newspaper was told that although the employee may have been “co-operating” with the forensic auditors, the support he would have given would be in the area of the department in which he was working.

“The person that was sent home from the GRDB is the Human Resource Manager and the issue of him being sent home had nothing to do with any financial issue at the Rice Board. The person was employed recently and was not confirmed,” the source said, insisting the dismissal had

‘absolutely nothing’ to do with any financial issue at the agency.

Guyana Times was further told that while the General Manager of GRDB Nizam Hassan would have

Health Minister tours Toronto’s first fully digital hospital

Health Minister Dr George Norton on Saturday toured the Humber River Hospital in Toronto, Canada which is North America’s first fully digital medical institution.

During the tour Dr Norton along with Dr Winsome Scott was able to witness firsthand the various innovative technologies and processes that had to be integrated in order to achieve Humber’s goal of truly reinventing patient care.

These new capabilities include robots, or automated guided vehicles, which pick up and deliver supplies, linen and non-narcotic drugs throughout the hospital and a pneumatic network delivering tubes containing smaller packages throughout the hospital. Other measures and processes designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness

were also viewed during the more than three-hour tour.

The invitation to tour the state-of-the-art facility

was extended by the hospital’s Chief of Staff, Dr Narendra Singh, President of the Guyana Help The Kids (GHTK) Foundation.

ordered the individual’s dismissal, this was in no way an act of “vindictiveness” or an action taken to “cover up” any wrong doing.

Hassan was appointed General Manager in this year after the agency’s former General Manager Jagnarine Singh resigned before the audit into the GRDB commenced.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the RPA Dharamkumar Seeraj told this newspaper that with regards to the $100M in question, which the RPA has supposedly “borrowed” from the GRDB and is yet to repay, that the monies were disbursed to affected rice farmers in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Guyana Times understands that a group of farmers in Region Three formed a Co-op called “Quality Rice Co-Op” and the RPA supported these rice farmers to get involved in milling and exporting.

The primary target at that time was the Venezuelan market and as such these Co-op members entered into an agreement with a mill in Region Three

to contract an individual to process the rice and paddy for exporting purposes.

Unfortunately, after the processes began, and upon the final stages of exporting the paddy to Venezuela, it was discovered the paddy was not processed properly by the mill as per contract.

Seeraj explained to this newspaper that as a result these farmers were unable to export the rice to Venezuela and were not getting paid.

The RPA then made representations to the Agriculture Ministry and the GRDB for a resolution into the matter.

“What happened is that the Government at that time was supportive and sympathetic to the plight of the farmers and they agreed to loan some amount of money to pay the farmers of the Co-Op. By then the Co-op had taken the mill to Court so they said it was best that they pass the money through the RPA. Then the RPA made the payments to the farmers and that is what was done so it is only that the RPA

facilitated the payments to the farmers,” he said.

It was further explained that many of these farmers were still owed since the $100M intervention by the then Government was not a 100 per cent payment to those affected.

Guyana Times was also told this Co-op was formed sometime in 2013 and the loan of $100M took place in 2014.

“The RPA facilitated the payment to the farmers targeted with the intention that the paddy and rice when sold the money would have gone back to the GRDB… There is no money and the matter is still in court. I think the Co-op is accusing the individual of stealing the paddy and all kinds of things so that is why it is still in Court,” he added.

Further, Seeraj maintained that the man who has been dismissed from the Rice Development Board has “absolutely nothing to do with any financial matters” at the agency. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Bandits invade South Ruimveldt supermarket

– soldier shot

By Kristen MacKlingaM

Atrip to Andrew’s Supermarket on Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, to purchase ice for his wife’s birthday party went sour for a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank who was shot to his right leg and is a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

The soldier, Sayne George, on Sunday told Guyana Times he left his wife’s birthday party on Saturday night at about 21:00h with two of his army comrades. According to George his two co-workers had preceded him into the supermarket and as he was making his way to join them, he noticed four young men approaching the building, each armed with a hand-gun.

“They came over and said to us all who were outside that everyone should lie on the ground and that nobody should move. So I lie down on the ground and two went into the store while the other two remained outside,” George recalled.

He said that someone who was on the other side of the road discharged a round in the air, which prompted the two gunmen outside to run away shouting ‘police, police!’

He said following this he

ran into the supermarket to get his friends and noticed one of the gunmen brandishing a gun and ordered him not to move.

“He fired two shots in my direction. One missed me and the other one struck me in my right leg. After shooting me he escape and then the police vehicle came and I was taken to the GPHC,” the injured man told this newspaper from his hospital bed.

George explained that he is unaware if persons inside the supermarket were robbed prior to his entrance. However, the few persons who were outside were searched by the two bandits that stood guard.

One of these persons outside was the proprietor of the supermarket, 39-yearold Saikque Andrews.

Guyana Times understands that two of the bandits arrived on motorcycles while two others approached on foot.

“They were right in the vicinity of the supermarket. And they are bare youths in their teens, like. They looked between 15 years and 23 the most. All of them had firearms, small arms, handguns,” the soldier added.

Police on Sunday said the gunmen escaped with jewellery and cell phones from the owner of the establishment.

A close relative told this newspaper that George had

applied for a firearm licence but is still awaiting approval.

A source close to the injured GDF rank told this publication the Policemen at the scene woefully divulged that even if they had caught and shot the men they are fearful of repercussions they may face due to new policies being implemented in relation to shooting suspects.

The supervisor on duty, Mr Carter, told Guyana Times that he was not working when the incident occurred and that he was not briefed on the events in question.

However, it should be noted that the supermarket does have operational surveillance cameras and it is expected the footage from Saturday evening

of cash.

Only recently Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan criticised sceptics over his much touted Gun Amnesty Programme. Flaunting his perceived ‘success’ with the programme, Ramjattan told another section of the media:, “I have tried it and obviously it is successful.”

During the Amnesty pe-

Andrew’s Supermarket

When Guyana Times visited the Andrew’s Supermarket on Sunday, the proprietor was unavailable, and the staff on duty could not clarify the sequence of events that took place on Saturday evening.

will be reviewed and handed over to the Police. This is however not the first time the Andrews Supermarket has been targeted by bandits. Last January bandits robbed and then escaped with an undisclosed amount

riod, which was eventually extended, 142 ‘old’ firearms and 1700 rounds of ammunition were handed over to the Police. A large quantity of these weapons was handed over to Police at interior locations, thus showing that

the illegal weapons in coastland areas are still afloat.

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

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

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

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

The period of Amnesty, which was scheduled to end on September 30 has been extended to October 14. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Sugar workers lament hardships if industry closes

Workers attached to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySucCo) in Regions Five and Six have said while they are aware of the challenges within the sugar industry, closing any of the estates will not solve the problem.

These sentiments were expressed by the workers during a weekend visit by former President Donald Ramotar, who was part of team on an ongoing outreach by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to Regions Five and Six.

The ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the sugar corporation has revealed that Government may not be able to continue sustaining the industry, which has proven to be making little or no progress.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Sunday about his visit to the Regions, Ramotar, said sugar workers admitted the industry is indeed facing a crisis but they reminded that that was their main source of income.

Chairman of the CoI

Vibert Parvatan, meeting with journalists on Friday lamented the condition of the industry, particularly the financial pressure it imposes on the economy, with the multibilliondollar subsidies it receives from Government.

Both the past and current Governments have pumped billions of dollars into the operations of the Corporation, and Parvatan posited that this dose not speak well for Guyana’s weakening financial system.

He said if GuySuCo was seen primarily as a business, there would have been a simple obvious solution to the situation. But things as they are now, prove that GuySuCo is “more than a business. It impacts on the lives of Guyanese, particularly those living along the Atlantic Coast”.

The Chairman said it was against that backdrop that commissioners were asked to make recommendations on the way forward for the industry. According to him, the task is complicated, but not insurmountable. He said there were a number of suggestions

that have been placed before the Commission. And while many of these proposals could not be recommended to Government because of the theory of impartiality, they were in the process of looking at some sections that would benefit the people.

Meanwhile the opposition also met with rice farmers who also expressed frustration over the state of affairs in the industry. According to Ramotar, farmers are at their wits end and are unsure how they will continue, particularly returning to the fields for the new crop. Rice prices as they stand now are at a ridiculously low rate with some farmers from other Regions receiving as low as $800 per bag of paddy. On West Coast Berbice, farmers are reportedly receiving $1,900 per bag of paddy.

Other issues raised, Ramotar said, include the indiscriminate firing of public officials who had served under the PPP/C Administration, by the new Government.

Amaila Falls project Govt, IDB not convinced enough to proceed

Guyana will no longer be pursuing the much talked about Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) as the APNU/AFC Government opines it is not ‘viable,’ even though the country would not have to spend any monies for this project.

In fact, such a decision taken by the present Administration will now prevent the results that the project was anticipated to yield — substantial savings to the Nation’s coffers, particularly in terms of foreign exchange for the purchase of heavy fuel oil as well as the creation of many job opportunities locally, among other advances.

President David Granger on Friday during his first media conference since he took office, stated that he recently met with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) which is one of the major partners in the AFHP.

However, he did not divulge details of the meeting with IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno but assured that, “generally speaking” the Amaila Falls Project as conceived by the previous Administration

was not viable and his Administration is unlikely to proceed with the project in the form that it was “conceived and presented” to them.

“The IDB spent millions of dollars investigating the possibility of having a hydro power project based on the Amaila Falls… We have never really been able to determine the viability of the project as a whole… We had a different concept; we want hydropower and I think the IDB is inclined to support hydropower but what was put before them is not viable,” said Guyana’s President.

He acknowledged that during his meeting with the IDB’s Moreno over the course of the past week, no discussions were pursued on the development of hydropower facilities at Moco Moco or Tumatumari, Potaro River, which are two sites that have been recently declared by Government as possible locations for the development of smaller hydro power facilities.

“There are about 100 sites in Guyana which can support hydroelectric generation and we intend to pursue hydroelectric gener-

ation,” he said.

While still on the topic of the AFHP, the Head of Stated added that everything about it appeared to his Government as flawed.

The Head of State added that the IDB “wanted it (AFHP) to work but at this point in time I do not feel that they are convinced that we should proceed with the project.”

Meanwhile, the media was told that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson is presently engaged in investigating hydro power potential as well as other forms of re-

Guyana submits climate change contribution to UN

– improved mining methods, renewable energy strategies on agenda

Guyana has submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for the Climate Change Conference, scheduled to be held in Paris, France in December.

INDCs will be foundational for the Paris climate agreement, demonstrating countries’ intent to decarbonise their economies and invest in resilience.

In a Government Information Agency (GINA) release on Friday, it was stated that Guyana’s INDC includes proposed actions for combating and reducing deforestation, addressing the impact of logging and implementing improved and sustainable mining methods, renewable energy paths including hydropower, and energy efficiency. Most of these will require financial, technological and capacity building support from international climate finance entities for implementation.

In preparation for the UNFCCC meeting in Paris, President David Granger

had mandated Minister of Governance, with responsibility for Natural Resources and Environment, Raphael Trotman to establish a Task Force to prepare the draft of the INDC. Out of this task force came a draft document.

The completion of the draft was followed by a National Stakeholders Consultation in late August, where participants were given the opportunity to share their suggestions on how the document could have been best improved.

Guyana’s submission of its INDC makes it only one of three Caricom states to submit by the October 1 deadline, with Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada having submitted earlier.

As the international community accelerates preparations towards reaching a historic global climate agreement in Paris in December, former President Bharrat Jagdeo joined world leaders in New York last week.

At the UN, the former President emphasised how people from developing countries around the world continued to be united in their desire to provide solu-

tions to climate change. He noted the immense progress made by countries such as Brazil, which has just set out ambitious climate goals to 2025, building on its remarkable success with the Amazon.

The former Head of State joined former New Zealand Prime Minister and current administrator of the United Nations Development Programme at the launch of a report by the Center for Global Development.

The report focused on world-leading national global models for low-carbon development, and highlighted Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy and the fact that the GuyanaNorway partnership on forests was the world’s second largest forest payment for performance mechanism, after Brazil’s Amazon Fund.

On November 30, global leaders will gather in Paris to conclude the Paris Agreement. Former President Jagdeo urged developed and developing countries to raise their sights towards an ambitious agreement to stabilise the planet’s climate.

newable energy particularly solar and wind.

However, it must be noted that during the first quarter of 2015 an endorsement from US President Barack Obama on Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and focus on non-renewable energy through the AFHP was the primary take away from talks held in Jamaica in 2015.

Former Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon, had made the disclosure at one of his weekly post-Cabinet media briefings, held

at Office of the President in Georgetown.

“President Obama was essentially saying this is the way of the future,” Dr Luncheon had told reporters.

Guyana Times understands that the hydropower project is touted to be able to provide Guyanese with “a cheaper, reliable and sustainable electricity supply.”

The AFHP entails the construction of a hydropower plant in the area of WestCentral Guyana, where the Amaila and Kuribrong Rivers meet.

It was earlier reported that electricity produced there will be delivered to Georgetown and Guyana’s second largest town, Linden.

The strategy outlines the country’s vision of promoting economic development, simultaneously combating climate change.

Guyana Times was also made aware that the monies awarded to Guyana for the AFHP would have to be returned to its major donor, Norway, should the project “come to a scrap.” (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

MONday, OctOber 5, 2015 | guyaNatiMesgy.cOM

World Teachers’ Day 2015

Teachers must be recognised as agents of nation-building – Olato Sam

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam has posited that it was vital that teachers were recognised as agents of nationbuilding, emphasising his views that teachers were “born to make a difference”.

His comments were made in light of the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, which will be observed today, October 5, under the theme, “Empowering Teachers, Building Sustainable Societies”.

Sam emphasised that teachers must be appreciated for the roles they play in moulding the nation. “We have an ideal opportunity to collectively address the standing of our teachers in Guyana. I have consistently posited that our teachers are to be recognised as the agents of nation-building that they are. They too, at all levels, must internalise the deep significance they hold in the national developmental agenda. Every teacher across this country should have an appreciation of the vision for our country and a clear sense of how their daily undertakings factor into the national developmental thrust,” the CEO stated.

He iterated that teachers must uphold and value the responsibilities that they hold. He stated that they should craft their own operational plans aligned with the goals of the institutions they serve, the education strategic plan and the national development plan. He reiterated that appreciation of their critical national significance was a natural prerequisite to them orchestrating the metamorphosis that was needed in society.

“In previous years I have

suggested that this requires a collective consciousness of sorts that will propel teachers to operate in a manner that will force others to appreciate their significant importance. I strongly feel that it is only when teachers are recognised as the foot soldiers in national transformation that their professional standing and social positioning are going to be properly addressed,” he em-

phasised.

He stated that the Education Ministry has recognised the key role it must play in creating the enabling environment that teachers need to effectively fulfil their mandate, adding that widespread consultation was now a mandatory element in the crafting of key education policies.

Critical Sam added that teachers’ positions were critical components that have been factored into the development of strategies and approaches. He stated that Departments of Education

have, for some time, begun the transformation from ‘command centres’ to ‘development centres’ with the empowerment of teachers being a major strategic plan.

“The expansion of the scope of education managers – heads – was a noteworthy step in that direction. There is clearly more work to be done in this regard; however, there is widespread appreciation of its importance and value to the system and the commitment to seeing it realised,” he stated.

He related that the transformation of Guyana as a nation was dependent on a good teaching service that enabled our youth to grow up to be the ‘Ideal Guyanese Citizen’ that our country so desperately needed.

“The attainment of the broad socio-economic objectives tomorrow requires that we champion the cause of our teachers today. The qualities of respect, selfawareness and self-confidence, nationalism and an interminable commitment to personal development that we would like our children to internalise, cannot be learned in abstract, they must be lived by those teaching it. Our teachers and teaching need to be valorised, enabling educators to be the models of excellence they should be for the nation’s youth,” Sam stated. He encouraged citizens to join the Education Ministry in recognising the significant and critical role that teachers play in our society and reiterating that supporting their efforts in moulding our nation’s children was a very important aspect in ensuring that children were given a quality education.

Government to focus

on adult education – Minister

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe recently pointed out that the Government was placing special emphasis on Adult Education.

This disclosure was made by the Minister at the launching of the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Project in Paramakatoi, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), a Government Information Agency (GINA) report stated. In responding to an elderly resident’s request for capacity building for the adults, Minister GarridoLowe pointed out that this

the first areas to benefit from such an undertaking, since a letter was sent to her office by the wife of the Village Toshao, for assistance to continue a sewing programme for adults in the village, along with proposals for other educational activities for the people of the village. “This came up to quite a large sum of money, (but) the money will be made available for the programme before the year ends,” the Minister said.

How legal is mobile vending in New Amsterdam?

“Come get your fresh fruits, vegetables and provision right here right now,” are the words of one of several mobile markets that take items to residents’ door steps. The words played through a loud speaker are echoed for several streets in-

Another who lives further away from the market said it saves time and money as she would have to take a car to get to the market.

As it relates to the prices that these vendors on wheels are asking, there seems to be no major difference between their prices

ating hardships for them. “People hardly come in the market now. On Saturdays you never use to get space to pass - now look,” One vendor said as she pointed to the scanty New Amsterdam Market. “Very soon they will have to close down this section of the market and put all of us in the front section,”

Another vendor commented while another said he is not really being affected. “I have my customers. There is nothing you can do about it.”

Most of the fresh vegetables and fruits sold at the New Amsterdam Market come from Mara on the East Bank Berbice. Farmers there are also feeling the effect of the mobile vendors in the town.

The new trend has caused some farmers to downsize on production according to one farmer, who gave his name as Deojadan. “No use we expand and we can’t get the market for it, so we have to cut on our production and try to cut cost as well,” he said.

was already a priority for the Administration. She noted that Paramakatoi was one of

The Government’s main goal is to ensure that all citizens enjoy a comfortable life with equal opportunities, despite ethnicity, age, religion or geographical location.

dicating that the truck will soon be passing your gate.

The operators use a variety of means to get through the town of New Amsterdam. Some use trucks, some cars, and canters. The use of converted minibuses is also popular.

Some housewives welcome the ‘market at you gate’ while a few say they prefer to visit the municipal market. “You get a wider variety there,” One lady said.

and those in the Municipal Market. “I am just happy that I don’t have to go to the market and every morning I can buy right in front of my gap and cook before I go to work.” One teacher told Guyana Times. But the vendors in the market are kicking up a storm over the mobile vendors. “We have to pay to sell here and they don’t pay anything.”

The market vendors say the mobile vendors are cre-

Meanwhile sources close to the New Amsterdam Town Council say they cannot collect revenue from those who drive and sell.

A source close Guyana Revenue Authority told this publication that none of the ‘mobile vendors’ who operate in New Amsterdam have taken out huskers’ licenses for 2015 but they do not have the resources to police the area. The huskers’ license cost $10,000 annually.

As President awaits border details...

Guyana seeks tourism opportunities with Suriname

Opportunities to foster tourism growth in the Guianas Shield, as well as other areas of cooperation were high on the agenda of Tourism Minister Catherine Hughes and her Surinamese counterpart, Rusland Andojo.

Hughes met with Andojo on Saturday when she conveyed Guyana’s desire to work in close collaboration with Suriname and French Guiana, to collectively promote the tourism industries in the Guianas and to market the countries’ destinations under the umbrella of the historic Guianas Shield.

She pointed out the various areas of cooperation that exist between the countries, including the vast potential for visitor exchanges and for jointly marketing the Shield as a “multi-destinational tour package”.

For his part, Minister Andojo spoke about the need to diversify the countries’ economies to tap into new growth areas. He highlighted the yet-unrealised potential that both Guyana and Suriname possessed to transform into choice tour-

ist destinations.

The courtesy call on the Surinamese Tourism Minister was part of Minister Hughes’ itinerary for the journey to French Guiana on the invitation of the Sous Prefet, Monsieur Leon Bertrand, and Mayor of Saint Laurent-duMaroni in French Guiana, who was formerly Tourism Minister in France under the Jacques Chirac Administration.

On Saturday, Minister Hughes sat down for a formal meeting with the Mayor to discuss opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the Guiana Shield.

Several weeks ago, the Minister had welcomed a flotilla of yachts on their arrival at the Hurakabra River Resort in the Essequibo on the Guyana leg of a four-country rally.

In her remarks to the yachters in Saint Laurentdu-Maroni, French Guiana on Saturday on the French Guiana leg of the rally, Minister Hughes explained that they count among the One Billion People who

crossed thousands of borders all around the world every year and were one of the reasons why small countries like French Guiana and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana could support and encourage growing tourist industries.

She reflected on the theme that the World Tourism Organisation created for World Tourism Day this year, “One Billion People … One Billion Opportunities”, which she

Caribbean Pan-Africanists

The Caribbean PanAfrican Network (CPAN) has refused the offer made by British Prime Minister David Cameron to provide Caribbean territories with a £300 million development package, putting on record that the developing countries were in no need of such assistance.

The organisation with a widespread membership in some 17 Caribbean countries said that it was not interested in the Prime Minister’s endowment but would, in no uncertain terms, prefer exactly what the Caribbean countries were demanding –reparations.

Britain is one of the European countries that were involved in the transatlantic slave trade that is said to continue to have a traumatic effect on the inhabitants of Caribbean countries. Some believe that the severe debt being carried by Caribbean nations is one of the consequences of chattel slavery.

In the demand for reparations, it is pointed out that about 46,000 British slaveowners, including a distant relative of Cameron, were among those compensated at the current-day equivalent of £17 billion (US$36 billion) for “loss of human property” after the country emancipated its slaves in 1833.

In a statement to the press on Sunday, the CPAN said that as far as it was aware Caribbean countries have not asked Cameron or the United Kingdom for any aid in that regard.

“All we want from Mr Cameron is what we are en-

titled to as a matter of international law and morality, and that is reparations in the form of capital payments and developmental projects – to compensate for the tremendous damage inflicted on the sons and daughters of Africa) across multiple generations) as a result of the centuries-long crime of European-orchestrated slavery, slave trade and associated acts of genocide and crimes against humanity,” the statement said.

The British Prime Minister on a recent visit to Jamaica had met with that country’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who directed his attention to the issue, which has taken the Caribbean by storm.

Caribbean leaders in 2014 had approved a 10-point plan to seek reparations from the former slaveowning states of Europe.

But Cameron, shying away from the issue at hand, had urged that Caribbean countries move on and in essence forget about reparation, which they believe

explained meant that the tourists who visit these countries provide the wherewithal for the countries to set up new enterprises, employ young people, and give encouragement to women to utilise their skills and the resources around them to generate revenue.

She stated that yachting for Guyana was the newest form of cruising and added that many years before the advent of Guyana’s present Government, the country had some peculiar circumstances that retarded the development of a strong, viable cruise and tourist industry.

Minister Hughes stated that her expectation of the Nereid’s Yachting Rally’s inclusion of Guyana was ultimately it would lead to greater cooperation and faster development of tourism inside the Guiana Shield.

“More specifically, we are building on this foundation to establish new routes through the three countries in the Shield that will give tourists tremendous opportunities to cross our bor-

ders and experience a wide assortment of cultures and adventures in just one trip,” Hughes continued.

The Minister shared with the gathering that just recently Guyana embarked on a wide-ranging marketing strategy to ‘sell’ Destination Guyana under the new brand “Guyana – South America Undiscovered”. She stated that the objective was to extend Guyana’s visibility in the traditional tourist markets around the world as well as the non-traditional ones like New Zealand, Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East, to name a few.

In efforts to encourage investments, she also stated that the Government of Guyana was working overtime to ensure that the playing field for all investors remained level and the country was in a position to offer reasonable concessions across the board.

However, as Guyana continues to garner international support with regard to the VenezuelaGuyana border controversy,

Suriname has again signalled its intent to pursue its claim on the New River Triangle (Tigri) area. Reports in the Surinamese media are that President Desi Bouterse recently told Suriname’s National Assembly that this issue would be placed on his country’s agenda once more.

This is as a result of that country’s President opining that he had ‘no choice’ but to do so.

However, Guyana’s Head of State, David Granger has maintained that the claim to the New River Triangle is “spurious”.

He told the media at a press conference on Friday that Suriname has laid claim to part of Guyana’s sea space the international tribunal determined in Guyana’s favour. Guyana Times was also told that Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge was tasked with meeting the Surinamese Ambassador to Guyana soon and this matter would be “dealt with the clarification” from Suriname’s Ambassador.

reject Britain's 'aid for reparations' ploy

amounts to trillions of dollars.

CPAN said that Cameron needed to be aware that he did not possess the “locus standi” or the moral authority “to tell us that we must ‘move on’ from the deep wounds of slavery. Indeed, how does one “move on” from a deep wound that has not been repaired or healed?” the organisation questioned.

CPAN said the people of the Caribbean were gradually coming to an understanding that the first and most basic principle of the reparations movement was that the very demand for reparations constituted, in itself, an indispensable validation by the Caribbean nations of their own precious humanity.

It said that despite the British Prime Minister’s hints to forget, the demand by the Caribbean would not go away.

“It will not go away it cannot go away – because it’s a demand that is founded in law and morality,” CPAN said on Sunday.

“Outrageous”

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

Dr Phillips said that Cameron’s initiative was not reparations. In fact, according to him, that investment in Caribbean countries will benefit English companies, which will be selected to carry out the work.

He said while Guyana and other Caribbean Nations welcomed the intervention in the region, what Caribbean countries were really looking for was payment for the crimes committed against their ancestors. He said there needed to be a separation between what the British leader was doing and what justice was about.

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

He emphasised some 46,000 Britons benefited from what he said was criminal enrichment, invading countries and enslaving their inhabitants.

Guatemala landslide deaths rise to 73, with hundreds missing

The Guatemalan authorities say the number of people killed when a hillside collapsed on houses in the village of El Cambray, 15 kilometres (nine miles) outside the capital, has risen to 73.

They said another 350 people were still believed to be missing under tonnes of rock and earth that slipped onto homes on Thursday night.

Rescue teams were using dogs to try to reach people trapped under the rubble.

A morgue has been set up with some burials already taking place.

A Government Spokesperson, Julia Barrera, said it had managed to rescue 26 people so far.

More than 1000 rescue workers are working at the disaster site deploying earth movers and sniffer dogs.

A spokesman for the Guatemalan emergency services, CONRED, Julio Sanchez said the United States and Mexico had offered help but were asked to

Earthmovers were brought in to help thousands of rescue workers armed with shovels and pickaxes

remain on standby. He said Guatemala was following international protocols that advocated search and rescue procedures for 72 hours after a disaster of this kind.

Rescue workers could be seen calling out to those trapped under the soil and listening intently for replies or movement.

One rescue worker told Reuters that after the initial 72 hours there was less probability of finding survivors alive and it was more difficult to find people alive after mudslides than after an earthquake.

Rescue efforts are being hampered by the instability of the terrain and the prospect of more heavy rain.

The local municipal authorities had previously warned against the building of houses in Cambray because of the risks from high rainfall and unstable hillsides.

But the village has continued to grow over the last few years with houses constructed of concrete blocks, wood and zinc sheeting.

Clico secret: has over TT$22B in fund

An actuarial certificate signed by Paul Ngai of Prescience Insurance Consultants and Actuaries, dated April 20, says he was advised by the management of Clico that the assets pledged to the Statutory Fund total more than $22 billion.

Ngai found there were sufficient assets in the fund to make a partial payment in the settlement of certain policyholder liabilities.

This information was received by the Clico Policyholders Group (CPG) over the weekend and mere days before the 2016 budget presentation.

Ngai stated he examined the financial position

and valued the policy benefit liabilities of the company for its Statutory Fund as at December 31, 2014.

The total in the fund is $22,428,457,543.00

In the document, headlined Actuarial Certification pursuant to the Insurance Act of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Ngai wrote, “I meet the appropriate qualification standards and am familiar with the valuation and capital adequacy requirements applicable to life insurance companies in Trinidad and Tobago.”

In Ngai’s opinion and based on unaudited finan-

cial and source data information provided to him by the management of Clico, he found that:

•The valuation of the policy liabilities has been in accordance with generally accepted actuarial principles with such changes as determined and directions made by the Draft Insurance (Caribbean Policy Premium Method) Regulations;

•The methods and assumptions used to calculate the policy liabilities are appropriate to the circumstances of the Statutory Fund and of the said policies and claims. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Caribbean tourism chief urges industry to refresh and ramp up

ACaribbean tourism leader said the Region has to keep refreshing its product to ensure its people can continue to benefit from the revenue generated by the industry.

“Tourism is by far the biggest sector of our economies in the Caribbean and we ought to ensure our hotels and other visitor facilities continue to improve because our people rely on revenue from the sector for education, health, culture and environmental conservation,” asserted Karolin Troubetzkoy, First Vice President and Presidentelect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.

“We cannot rest on our laurels because the global tourism market is growing rapidly and many coun-

tries are actively competing with us for the new business,” said the St Lucia hotelier who observed that the Caribbean is likely to face some challenges as a result of the easing of travel restrictions for Americans

to visit Cuba. For many Caribbean destinations, the United States is the largest market for tourists.

Troubetzkoy, who along with her husband Nick, owns and operates the awardwinning Anse Chastanet

and Jade Mountain, two of St Lucia’s most admired hotels, lauded this weekend’s first Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) for pointing the way to effective refreshing of the industry. “CHIEF has astutely identified three areas we should be focusing on: operations, sales and marketing, and the need to go green,” she said.

Attracting and training the right personnel are the keys to successful operations, Troubetzkoy contended. “The personal touch is one of the most important elements. A tourist who connects positively, even on a perfunctory level, with at least one staff member, has a very high chance of returning.” (Excerpt from CMC)

Hunt continues for missing cargo ship off Bahamas after Hurricane Joaquin

The United States Coast Guard says it has resumed its search for a cargo ship with 33 crew that vanished in Bahamian waters during Hurricane Joaquin.

The 224-metre (735ft) El Faro, with 28 Americans and five Poles on board, was last heard from on Thursday and was reported to be taking on water.

The ship – which was travelling from Florida to Puerto Rico – was also believed to be listing at 15 degrees.

Joaquin brought heavy rains to The Bahamas, damaging a number of houses.

There have been no reports of casualties so far.

The now-weaker Category Four storm – with sustained winds of up to 210km/h (130mph) – is moving away from the island nation in the

Atlantic.

US officials said they believed any threat to the East Coast was fading.

“We’re going to go and try and save lives,” Coast Guard Captain Mark Fedor said on Saturday, Associated Press reported.

“We’re going to push it to the operational limits as far as we can.’’

Captain Fedor added that waves of up to nine metres and heavy winds could have destroyed El Faro’s communications equipment.

The Coast Guard said it had already covered more than 850 sq miles (2200 sq km) in the search for the vessel.

El Faro’s owner, Floridabased TOTE Services, said it was working together with the Coast Guard to try to reestablish contact with the ship. (BBC News)

Jamaica to coordinate relief efforts in The Bahamas

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica has said it will send a Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT) to the Bahamas today, to coordinate relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin.

The RNAT will include personnel from the Ministry of Health, Jamaica Defence Force, National Environmental and Planning Agency, National Works Agency, and the ODPEM.

Initial assessments reveal the Bahamas needs basic food supplies and water in areas affected by the hurricane.

Jamaica, with the assistance of the British West Indian Guard Ship, has dispatched 50 tonnes of supplies.

The ODPEM is providing the assistance in keeping with its responsibilities under the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Agency (CDEMA).

Meanwhile, early

Sunday, Prime Minister Perry Christie pledged that no resources would be spared in the aftermath of the storm in restoring the islands ravaged by the Hurricane despite the infrastructural cost being “extraordinary” and running to millions of dollars.

Speaking in Exuma on Saturday, Christie outlined the plans to respond quickly to the devastating effects of the Hurricane, stating that there appeared to be “major devastation” in the south of Long Island.

He said the challenge for the Government was to move immediately to help the affected islands.

“We have to touch all of these islands at the same time, contemporaneously,” he said.

Concerning the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Prime Minister said the agency needs to be supplemented because of the extent of the devastation and the need to concentrate resources, including enlisting help from “allies and friends”. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

No divisions in Party –Barbados Opposition Leader

There are no divisions within the Barbados Labour Party (BLP). That’s the word coming from the party’s Chairman and Opposition Leader Mia Mottley.

She did not deal with the public issues the Christ Church West constituency is facing but denied any serious internal rumblings existed.

Her comments came

while speaking to the SUNDAY SUN when she attended a nomination meeting on Thursday night for Christ Church South at the St Christopher Primary School which saw Attorneyat-Law Ralph Thorne being chosen unopposed to run on a BLP ticket.

“There are no divisions in the party,” she said. (Excerpt from Nations News)

Syrian crisis: Assad warns of Mid-East destruction

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said a coalition between Syria, Russia, Iran and Iraq must succeed “or else the whole region will be destroyed”.

Assad also criticised the US-led coalition and its air strikes in Syria and Iraq as counter-productive, saying that terrorism had only spread.

Meanwhile, Russia has carried out more air strikes in Syria it says targeted socalled Islamic State (IS) positions.

Syrian activists say the raids appear to have focused on other rebel groups.

In an interview with Iranian state television, reported by the Syrian presidency Twitter feed, President Assad said Syria, Russia, Iran and Iraq were united in battling terrorism and would achieve “practical results”, unlike the US-led coalition.

Assad’s international opponents say a negotiated solution to Syria’s fouryear-old civil war must involve the President stepping down, although some Western nations now say he

could remain during a transitional period.

But Assad insisted: “Discussion about the political system or officials in Syria is an internal Syrian affair.”

Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Sunday that its aircraft had bombed 10 IS targets in Syria over the past 24 hours – including command posts, a training camp, ammunition stores and a workshop making explosive devices including suicide belts. It said its air campaign,

which began on Wednesday, was being expanded.

“As a result of our air strikes on ISIL [IS] targets, we have managed to disrupt their control system, the terrorist organisation’s supply lines, and also caused significant damage to the infrastructure used to prepare acts of terror,” the ministry added.

Syrian activists said Russian strikes in central Homs province had killed at least two children and a shepherd, and wounded a further 15 people. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Kyrgyzstan votes in landmark elections

Voting for a new Parliament is under way in Kyrgyzstan, with pro-Russian parties looking set to retain their dominance.

Polling stations opened at 02:00 GMT on Sunday, with ethnic tensions, the economy, corruption and security concerns among the election issues in the former Soviet republic.

More than 2000 candidates representing 14 parties are running for the 120 seats in Parliament.

Voting will conclude at 14:00 GMT with the composition of the new assembly expected to be known shortly thereafter.

The likely winners are the Social Democrats, who led the outgoing coalition and are still close to President Almazbek Atambayev, even though he formally stepped down as their leader after being elected in 2011.

For the first time, Kyrgyzstan is using biometric data to prevent voter fraud, but fears about

how the data could be used means some residents have not registered, preventing them from taking part in the poll.

Speaking at a recent public event, Atambayev promised a clean election.

“The goal of the President and the Government when they hold fair elections is a fair vote count, so that all votes given to this or that party were fairly counted, so that there would be no ballot stuffing. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Nepal gets respite as cargo trucks enter from India

More than 100 trucks carrying essential goods and petroleum products on Sunday entered Nepal from India bringing some respite to the country grappling with shortage of fuel and other commodities due to the blockade of key trade points with India by protesters opposing the new Constitution.

Several freight trucks, including some fuel tankers, which were stranded on the Indian side for over 11 days, entered the Nepali side through different border check-points.

Hundreds of trucks with shipments including medicine, gasoline and cooking fuel had been stranded at the border citing security concerns due to the ongoing Madhes agitation against the new Constitution.

More than 50 trucks entered Nepal from Bhairahawa-

Nepalese and Indian

Sunauli checkpoint while dozens of trucks, including fuel tankers, entered the country from Biratnagar-Jogbani trading point.

On Saturday, 140 cargo trucks, six fuel tankers and two liquefied petroleum

Around the world

Israel limits Palestinian access to Jerusalem Old City

Israeli Police have closed off access to the Old City of Jerusalem for Palestinian men who are not residents of the area, after two attacks in less than 12 hours that saw the killing of two Israelis.

On Saturday night, a Palestinian killed two Israeli men and wounded a woman and a toddler in a knife and gun attack in the Old City. Police shot dead the attacker.

In a separate incident early on Sunday, a Palestinian stabbed and wounded a passer-by in West Jerusalem before be-

ing shot dead by police while fleeing.

Israeli TV showed footage of the alleged assailant walking along the city’s light rail tracks as bystanders screamed, “Shoot him!”.

In the video, a Police car arrives on the scene, multiple gunshots are heard, and the attacker is then seen lying on the ground.

Relatives of the teen behind Sunday’s attack identified him as Fadi Alloun, 19, from traditionally Arab east Jerusalem. On Saturday, he wrote on his Facebook page: “Either martyrdom or victory”, according to the

Associated Press news agency.

The attacks came with Israeli security forces already on alert after recent clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the surrounding Old City, as well as the murder in the occupied West Bank of a Jewish settler couple in front of their young children.

The restrictions on the Old City in occupied East Jerusalem only allow access to Israelis, tourists, residents of the area, business owners and students, Police said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

France floods: 16 dead on Riviera after storms

Violent storms and flooding have hit south-eastern France, killing at least 16 people with three more missing, officials say.

Three elderly people drowned when their retirement home near the city of Antibes was inundated with floodwater.

Others died trapped in their cars in tunnels and underground car parks as the waters rose.

French President Francois Hollande announced a state of “natural disaster” in the affected region.

He thanked rescuers and expressed the “solidarity of

the nation”.

Hollande offered condolences as he visited the retirement home in the town of Biot and urged residents in the region to remain cautious, saying: “It’s not over.”

Heavy rain hit the French Riviera, which lies on the Mediterranean coast and borders Italy, on Saturday evening.

The city of Nice is estimated to have received 10 per cent of its average yearly rainfall in two days alone.

The River Brague burst its banks, sending water coursing into nearby towns and cities. Social media pictures showed water gushing down the streets of Cannes.

Cannes resident Katya Higham-Stoianova told the BBC: “It was terrifying. We wanted to go out but decided not to as the rain was unbelievably heavy. The level of water was rising very quickly.”

Cannes mayor Davis Lisnard said: “Some cars were carried off into the sea. We have rescued a lot of people, and we must now be vigilant against looting.”

The main motorway through the area has been closed, trains halted and hundreds of tourists sought shelter at Nice Airport overnight. About 27,000 homes are without power. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pope Francis opens Roman Catholic synod amid

Pope Francis is celebrating Mass at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, at the start of a synod of Roman Catholic Bishops focusing on family issues.

(LP) gas bullets had entered through Bhairahawa-Sunauli point.

However, obstruction continued in Raxaul-Birjung checkpoint, the major entry point between Nepal and India, officials said.(Excerpt from Times of India)

The run-up was dominated by a row over a Vatican priest who on Saturday announced he was in a gay relationship.

Poland-born Krzysztof Charamsa said he wanted to challenge the Church’s “backward” attitude to homosexuality.

He was later dismissed

from his post at the Vatican’s office in charge of guarding Roman Catholic doctrine.

A Vatican spokesman said Monsignor Charamsa’s decision to give interviews on the eve of the synod was “grave and irresponsible” and would put Pope Francis under “undue media pressure”.

In an interview with the Corriere Della Sera newspaper, the 43-year-old priest said: “It’s time the Church opened its eyes and realised that offering gay believers total abstinence from a life

gay row

of love is inhuman.”

The controversy has set the scene for what some fear could be a fractious three weeks, says BBC religious affairs correspondent Caroline Wyatt. Almost 300 Church leaders – and some lay people –will be discussing such issues as the treatment of Catholics who are gay, and how to approach couples who live together without being married or wish to take communion after being divorced.

monday, october 5, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

More health education needed in Corentyne – GDF team

...military expo dazzles residents

An emotional sense of patriotism was felt as members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) landed on the Line Path Community Centre Ground, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) in a Parachute Display with national songs coming from the troops performing on steal pans in the background.

That was the experience as the GDF closed its medical outreach programme on Saturday.

It was part of ongoing activities in celebration of the army’s 50th Anniversary commemoration. It was also the first of two such events in the ancient country. The second was held on Sunday at the Liverpool Community Centre, Corentyne.

On Saturday eight jumpers participated in the Para Display and jumped from 6,000 feet. Major Lloyd Souvenir referred to the jump as ‘successful’. The jumpers disembarked over the Corentyne River and manoeuvred the strong Atlantic wind to find the Line Path Community Centre Ground.

Two of them missed the target but their efforts were appreciated.

Meanwhile, Dr Notoya Fraser who headed the medical team of three doctors expressed excitement at the high numbers of persons who utilised the medical outreach. She noted a number of persons sought medical attention for arthritis, diabetes and hyperten-

sion. More than 150 persons benefited from the outreach which also included dentistry and HIV testing.

“There is need for more health education because what we found is that some persons said they don’t always take their medication although they are aware of the condition they are suf-

said.

She explained that some persons from the outreach were referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Clinic while some others were referred to other clinics for further medical assistance.

Of those who attended the outreach only three parsons did HIV tests, a figure which the medical team referred to as ‘very low’ when compared with other outreaches hosted by the GDF.

The GDF was formed on November 1, 1965. Members of that new Defence Force were drawn from the British Guiana Volunteer Force (BGVF), Special Service Unit (SSU), British Guiana Police Force (BGPF) and civilians. Training assistance was provided by British instructors.

The GDF is an integral part of Guyana. Resources and equipment of the GDF are also used in medical emergency flights and the construction of roads and airstrips.

The role of the GDF is

fering from. Some of them said they would skip it to give their stomach a rest. So I think that there is need for more health education in this community,” Dr Frazer

to defend the territorial integrity of Guyana, assist the civil powers in the maintenance of law and order and to contribute to the economic development of Guyana.

Cervical cancer awareness campaign launched

– GRPA Director urges early screening

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Georgetown recently launched a cervical cancer awareness and screening campaign with medical teams conducting outreaches in various regions throughout Guyana.

The campaign, funded by Scotia Bank Guyana, will offer services such as free Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening, cryotherapy and pap smears as well as breast examinations.

GRPA’s Executive Director Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, said that the group is embarking on a plan that passes through Georgetown. She added they will be unable to tackle all of Guyana, but

for now, will go into some of the Hinterland areas to provide test for the women of Indigenous communities.

Sheerattan-Bisnauth explained that Guyana has an alarmingly high rate of cervical cancer cases and her organisation is deeply concerned about the high prevalence of cervical cancer in rural areas, where the women often do not have access to basic medical care.

She added that the GRPA hopes to reach the women within these outlying communities and hopes the outreaches will strengthen the strides already being taken to fight cervical cancer in Guyana, and improve access to the vital service of cervical cancer screening.

The Director told Guyana Times that one of issues women struggling

with this disease face is lack of early detection. She added that the disease is most prevalent in sexually active, but not limited to, women in their 20s. She noted that all sexually active women should pay a visit to their physicians to check the need for screening.

She also stated that her organisation’s plan is to, “Use the media and community mobilisation to pass on information about the importance of screening for cervical cancer”.

Sheerattan-Bisnauth explained that one of the reasons they are pushing for the use of VIA testing, is because with VIA, a person can be screened, receive their results and treatment if need be, in a matter of minutes.

She noted that though a regular pap smear is

Hugo Chávez Centre to become model of self-sufficiency

– tree planting exercise starts off farm project

Self sufficiency is critical to reducing poverty and ensuring food security and the Social Protection Ministry is embracing this drive with a thrust to ensure that homes and care institutions under its mandate are so equipped.

The process began on Saturday with the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, (Region Five) which hosted a tree planting exercise to commemorate National Tree Planting Day under the theme, “Plant a Tree for a Greener Economy, Keep Guyana Clean and Green.”

Several persons led by Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, planted trees in the large compound of the centre to start an extensive farm that will be developed of fruits, vegetable, fish, and poultry to not only supply the centre with food items, but other homes under the Ministry’s purview.

Minister Lawrence said it is critical Guyana is selfsufficient not only to ensure food security, but to reduce its enormous food import bill, something that is proving quite problematic for the Caribbean.

“We are fortunate in Guyana where we can plant and reap fruits and vegeta-

bles at our hand reach and we sometimes take it for granted,” she said, adding that in many countries few fresh produce are available. She noted that the Ministry decided to start with the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration because at present the centre has large land space that is underutilised. The project is receiving support of the Regional Administration, as well as residents of the area and the Guyana Fire Service, but will be maintained daily mainly by residents of the Centre under the stewardship of Consultant, Carol Smith-Joseph.

Emphasising that the upkeep of institutions that care for the less fortunate is quite expensive, Minister Lawrence said the move to self-sufficiency would help to reduce this financial cost, while at the same time help its residents to acquire meaningful skills to be reintegrated into their own communities.

Among those planting trees on Saturday were Administrator of the Centre, Dharamdai Subhan, Regional Executive Officer Roderick Edinboro, Regional Education Officer Owen Pollard and residents of the Centre.

“Popcaan” to headline youth outreach concert in Guyana

still effective in its results, many women who go for pap smears often do not return to obtain their results, which the Director added, is to their detriment.

In addition, the GRPA Director told this newspaper her organisation has held training sessions for VIA providers with doctors and nurses not only from Guyana but also persons from other Caribbean Countries including Grenada, St Lucia, Belize and Trinidad who came to Guyana through a partnership with the John Hopkins University through an institute called “Jhpiego”, which is an international, non-profit health organisation affiliated with the John Hopkins University dedicated to improving the health of women and families, with a focus on cervical cancer.

Jamaican dancehall artiste Andrae Jay Sutherland, better known by his stage name Popcaan, is set to visit Guyana to join in community development programmes. This was announced by former Member of Parliament for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), James Bond on Saturday. He related that during the artiste’s visit to Guyana, he was expected to visit the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), the Camp Street Prison, and Technical Institutes in Regions Two, Four, Five, Six and 10.

The artiste will also be engaged in interactions with youths and youth organisations.

He is set to perform live with the Ruff Kutt band at the National Stadium on Saturday, November 21, at a concert entitled “JAIL TIME IS WASTE TIME”, alongside Guyanese recording artistes Lisa Punch, Kwasi Ace and Calvin Burnette among others. Part of the concert’s proceeds will go to the rebuilding of the Tiger Bay Community Centre and the commencement of the Hope Project’s Mechanical Engineering Programme for Inner City Youths.

Guyana joins globe in commemorating World Habitat Day

Guyana joins the rest of the world today in celebrating World Habitat Day 2015, as all countries are encouraged to reflect on the state of human settlements and what the cities of the future should look like.

This year’s theme is “Public Spaces for All!”

Every year, this special day established by the United Nations is commemorated on the first Monday in October and this year’s observance follows the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development –an inspiring new framework to guide efforts to end poverty and ensure prosperity for all on a healthy planet.

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, in his speech this year, stated that the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – which include SDG-11 to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” – represent a broad international consensus that recognises sustainable urban development as a transformational approach.

He explained that as part of an integrated agenda, cities and human settlements have an important role to play across the entire spectrum of the 2030 Agenda.

“Frequently overlooked

and undervalued, public spaces are increasingly being recognised as the vibrant, beating hearts of the world’s towns and cities, which are today home to half of humanity. Public spaces are crucial for poor and vulnerable citizens. Improving access to them, and making them safe for women and girls, increases equity, promotes inclusion and combats discrimination,” he posited.

Ban Ki-moon further

raise property values while generating municipal revenue.

“But successful public spaces do not just happen; they require careful collaboration among local authorities, local inhabitants and other actors. The Habitat III Conference, to be held in Quito in October 2016, offers an opportunity to point the way toward solutions to the challenges of rapid urbanisation. I look forward to working with all partners to

stated that high-quality public spaces encourage people to communicate and collaborate with each other, and to participate in public life.

As such, public spaces can also provide basic services, enhance connectivity, spawn economic activity and

make Habitat III a success –and to enable people everywhere to enjoy public spaces where we are equal, where our cultures and histories are reflected, and where we can shape a future that is safe and sustainable for all,” he added.

Volunteers at blood drive irate over behaviour of health staff

– many turned away due to staffers’ negligence

The lack of prop-

er work ethics from staff attached to the National Blood Transfusion Centre (NBTC) on Saturday resulted in many persons who turned up to donate blood at the Guyana Pandits’ Council blood drive to be sent away.

Shock, disbelief and anger were some of the words used to describe the volunteers who answered the national call to donate blood.

Guyana Times understands that 25 individuals were prevented from donating blood due to the fact that the workers from the NBTC had only catered for a limited number of persons.

In fact, the Blood Bank staff only catered for 40 units of blood to be collected at the event and the quota was soon filled with many donors still to give blood towards the worthy cause of “saving a life.”

It must be noted that for a number of years, the Radha Krishna Mandir has provided dozens of units of blood to the Bank on each occasionit hosted a blood drive.

As such, the limited number of 40 units collected by the NBTC on

Drive around Georgetown reveals large number of traffic violations

Apatrol in and around Georgetown on Sunday night revealed that despite the large number of fatalities owing to road accidents in 2015, road users are still not adhering to traffic laws.

Guyana Times traversed several roadways around the city between 22:00h and 23:00h on Sunday, and it was observed that there were a large number of traffic violations occurring with little or no Police presence or patrols. From driving above the legal speed limits to disobeying traffic lights, the observed violations were unnerving. Among the areas visited were East La Penitence, Mandela Avenue, Main Street, North Road, Thomas Street, East Street and Camp Street.

In August, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) revealed that for the year 2015 so far, there were 76 road deaths and speeding was attributed as the main cause of these fatal accidents. Of the 76 road deaths, 22 fatalities were recorded in A Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara) followed by 21 in C Division (East Coast Demerara); 16 in B Division (Berbice); seven in D Division (West Bank Demerara/East Bank Essequibo); four in G Division (Essequibo Coast/

Islands) and one in F Division (Interior locations). However, there were no fatalities recorded in E Division (Linden/ Kwakwani) for the period ending July 31, 2015.

Inattentiveness was the second most cited cause of accidents for the period ending July 31, claiming the lives of 18; driving under the influence, 10 and failing to conform to signs caused the death of

Georgetown, it was noted that several drivers paid no attention to the speed limits, while some completely ignored the traffic signals. Despite the fact that 10 motorcyclists have lost their lives for this year owing to negligence on their part, on one occasion, along Mandela Avenue, three motorcyclists were observed racing along the roadway, even while they were not wearing protective

traffic lights; 323 for driving in a dangerous manner; 362 for careless driving and 210 for failing to wear safety helmets, it was disappointing to note that along all of the roads traversed, not one traffic officer could be seen. Drivers are taking their safety too lightly, especially those who are well aware of the laws but disobey them. Motorists are urged to reduce their speed when us-

one person. Yet, despite these startling revelations, some road users continue to operate in a careless and reckless manner.

During the drive about

helmets. The same occurrence was also observed on Main Street.

While it is noteworthy that the Police have charged 578 road users for breaching

ing the roadways and to take cognisance of the five Cs when using our roadways – common sense, courtesy, caution and consideration.

Saturday raised alarm among persons in attendance. According to information, on Saturday three workers were stationed at the Pandits’ Council blood drive and they were deemed to be “very unprofessional.”

After collecting the quota they had catered for, the religious body was told that the trio could not “take blood” from any more persons. Upon enquiring as to why this was so, it was revealed that there wereno more barcodes.

Guyana Times was told many persons lamented

Uditram stated that she was made to understand that over 50 barcodes were brought along for the blood drive.

“Considering my calculations to be correct, there should have been at least 10 more barcodes available, however I was unsuccessful in getting an explanation as to where the remaining barcodes were, as all I was given by her was an uncooperative “Sorry, I don’t know.” I noted to her that there are at least 25 more volunteer donors who are waiting to donate blood, myself included, however she said there is nothing she could do

over this situation as it is a well known fact the various hospitals would suffer from a shortage of blood and calls are made on a daily basis for individuals to make blood donations.

Devica Uditram, one of the persons turned away, stated that the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) located within the GHPC compound is in dire need of blood and healthy individuals are constantly being urged to become voluntary blood donors.

“I was appalled by the unprofessional manner in which the blood drive was conducted by members of the NBTS.

Just after approximately forty units of blood had been collected, members of the Mandir were informed that they were unable to accommodate any more donors as they had exhausted all the barcodes that are used to code the bags of each donor.

I was quite puzzled upon hearing this statement. Surely the staff should have been appropriately equipped with all the essential items to conduct the blood drive successfully,” the woman complained.

In a letter to Guyana Times she explained that she then proceeded to question one of the staff heading the operation.

about it... If she was aware that the barcodes were depleting, she simply could have made contact with the NBTS and requested more barcodes, something which she failed to do,” the disappointed woman related. She reminded that the NBTS is constantly requesting individuals to donate blood through numerous means: the media, the use of billboards and for those who are regular donors, regular phone calls would be made to them directly from the NBTS.

“And now, when individuals are willing and available to donate blood, they are being turned away. It is quite sad... the experience encountered by the donors and the members of the Mandir. I fervently hope that the management of the NBTS can look into this situation and if possible have the intervention of higher authorities, the Ministry of Public Health so as to avoid such an instance from recurring in the future,” she added.

It must be noted that quite recently, the Suddie Hospital in Essequibo suffered tremendously when a quantity of blood which had been donated to the hospital was “spoiled”. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Don’t expect others to fight your battles for you. There will be no one to blame but yourself if you are reluctant to participate in bringing about an important change.

It’s time to recharge and regroup. A day of low-key activity will do you good. Get engrossed in a hobby or book in order to ease your stress.

You will inadvertently stifle your progress. You know what will work, so stick to your game plan and stop second-guessing your every move. Appeasing others will not satisfy your needs.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

You will be sensitive and apprehensive. Don’t begin a new venture. Putting the finishing touches on a current project will give you a better sense of fulfillment.

Finalise deals, sign contracts or develop a partnership. Make sure your paperwork is in order and up to date before you proceed. An intriguing romantic connection is in the stars.

You can’t expect to overcome your competition if you are unprepared. Research current trends and pick up any additional qualifications required to keep your mind sharp and to excel.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Someone is trying to discredit you. You can gain the upper hand by carrying out your tasks with efficiency and confidence. Any negative comments or discord will soon be forgotten.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

If you want others to recognise how knowledgeable you are, advertise what you have to offer. Self-promotion is essential. Interacting with a wide variety of people will lead to increased opportunities.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Some important decisions need to be made. Regardless of what your plans are, you should put your responsibilities first to avoid facing a loss or penalty. Stay alert and informed.

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

Valuable connections will require a lot of compromise and nurturing. The results you get from collaboration will surprise you. The progress you will make is only beginning.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

You thrive when challenged. Boredom will set in if you wait for others to initiate change. Find a position or vocation that inspires you to come up with some creative ideas.

Plan to have some fun. Reconnect with an old friend, attend an interesting event, pamper yourself or work on a hobby that brings you joy and satisfaction.

Aguero’s 5 highlights Barclays Premier League weekend

Argentinean forward

Sergio Aguero scored five goals in 20 minutes as Manchester City moved back to the top of the table in the Barclays Premier League (BPL) by running riot against Newcastle.

The record scoring feat was all the more remarkable for being impossible to predict at half-time after Newcastle’s Aleksandar Mitrovic goal in the 18th minute made it seem an upset victory was on the table.

City could have gone ahead in the first few minutes when Tim Krul could not quite hold a Kevin De Bruyne free-kick at the foot of a post.

A frenzied goal line scramble ensued, but somehow Newcastle survived. A couple of times City were reprieved by borderline offside decisions and goalie Joe Hart came to the rescue by sticking out a leg when Mitrovic should have scored again.

So there was no question that Newcastle deserved the lead they took through exposing the uncertainty that afflicts City’s defence whenever Vincent Kompany is missing.

An equaliser finally arrived three minutes before the break, Fernandinho heading David Silva’s cross back across goal for Aguero to finish, yet there were still half-hearted boos as the players left the field. The next half was all City as Aguero stole the show. With this

6-1

thrashing, Newcastle are winless at the bottom of the table yet they have been playing extremely good football at times.

Meanwhile in the highly-anticipated clash between Arsenal and Manchester United, a first-half blitz from Arsene Wenger’s side, including two superb Alexis Sanchez goals and a Mesut

strike, condemned Van Gaal’s men to defeat after only 20 minutes.

Manchester United struggled to compete against the blistering attacking display from the Gunners, although Petr Cech was forced to make a number of decent saves to ensure a clean-sheet for Arsene Wenger’s side. United midfielders were on

Bayern crush Dortmund 5-1

many occasions drawn out and left space for Arsenal forwards to create havoc. An improved second-half display was still not good enough to find a consolation goal.

In more trouble for Chelsea, it seemed there was crisis at Stamford Bridge as Jose Mourinho’s Blues were well beaten by Southampton. The season is not yet a quarter old, but already Chelsea look set for the worst title defence.

The defending champs look stuck in a crisis of confidence compounded by key players ageing and exacerbated by Mourinho’s capricious management. The Saints, on the other hand, looked a well-organised side and came back well from their loss to Manchester United last weekend.

It was all going well for Chelsea when Willian opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but Steven Davis equalised for the Saints in the 44th and soon after in the 59th, Sadio Mane put Southampton into a shock lead. Graziano Pelle fired home the third in the 73rd minute to end any hopes of a Chelsea victory.

Chelsea currently languish in 16th place on the League table, as Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United lead the way in first, second and third respectively. (Akeem Greene) (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

WICB President praises late stalwart Camacho

According to West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron, former CEO Steve Camacho was a ‘true stalwart and champion of the game’.

Camacho died this morning after a battle with cancer. He was 69.

“We the members of the cricket family of the West Indies have lost a great man, someone who would always stand up and give his best for West Indies cricket. He was a true stalwart and champion of the game in the Caribbean,” Cameron said

“As a player, he represented Guyana and West Indies with pride and played his part in helping to grow the game. He was a mentor for several younger players in club cricket and played a major role in nurturing their development,” said Cameron after sending condolences to family and friends.

Cameron said Camacho served as, CEO, board secretary, selector and West Indies team manager with great efficiency.

“He excelled off the field as well. He was an exemplar as manager of the West Indies team and maintained the highest standards as a true ambassador. He also filled the important posts of secretary of the Board and later our first Chief Executive Officer. He could be called upon at anytime to assist in the game and did so with distinction,” Cameron said.

“He cared about the game and the people around him. He was very professional and hardworking and had the common touch. He kept in tune with the needs of the players, the staff he worked with, all who participated in West Indies cricket, and all those who cared and loved the game he served.”

Tclash

homas Mueller and Robert Lewandowski struck twice each to steer Bayern Munich to a 5-1 demolition of secondplaced Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, which allowed the champions to open a seven-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Rampant Bayern equalled their record of eight consecutive wins at the start of a season.

Germany forward Mueller opened his account in the 26th minute, latching onto a 50-metre

He then slotted in 12 minutes later for his 12th league goal in the first eight matchdays, equalling the Bundesliga record set by Christian Mueller in 1964/65 and Gerd Mueller in 1968/69.

Former Dortmund team mate Mario Goetze added a fifth goal for dazzling Bayern in the 66th with the visitors having surrendered.

“I want to congratulate my players,” said modest Bayern coach Pep Guardiola. “We had some

ball from defender Jerome Boateng and he doubled the hosts’ lead with a penalty nine minutes later for his eighth league goal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang kept up his remarkable run of scoring in every one of Dortmund’s league matches this season as he slotted in from close range a minute later but his team could not stop the charging Bavarians, who had 15 shots on goal in the game.

Irrepressible Bayern forward Lewandowski killed off any hopes of a comeback with two goals early in the second half to take his tally to 12 goals in all competitions in the last 12 days alone and nine in the last three Bundesliga matches, a league record.

Boateng floated over another cross from his own half and Poland captain Lewandowski shook off both Mats Hummels and Sven Bender to score a minute after the restart.

problems in the opening 15 minutes and until the goal we did not have many chances.”

Bayern, who are chasing a record fourth consecutive league crown, are on 24 points, seven clear of Dortmund.

“We had a good start, defended well,” said Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel. “But we had imagined it differently. We must accept that we were not good enough on the day.”

Schalke 04 missed the chance to move into second place following a 3-0 defeat by visitors Cologne, a result that ended their four-game winning streak in the Bundesliga and left them in third, a point behind Dortmund.

Champions League club Bayer Leverkusen squandered a penalty through Hakan Calhanoglu to draw 1-1 against lowly Augsburg and drop to seventh place on 13. (Reuters)

Simmons asks for more time to face WICB

West Indies Coach

Phil Simmons has asked that a meeting with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) be postponed.

The embattled coach was expected to meet with the WICB Human Resources Committee today, to answer questions regarding his recent outburst. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, however, the meeting has been postponed until a few days’ time after Simmons asked for more for a longer interval to prepare.

Ahead of the team’s tour of Sri Lanka Simmons had alleged outside interference with regard to picking the team, after

Phil Simmons

failing to get both Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo recalled to the One Day International team. According to Simmons

both himself and Convenor of Selectors Clive Lloyd had attempted to get the players reinstated

but were outvoted 3-2 by the selection panel. The coach was suspended on Monday. Simmons has, however, since apologised for the outburst referring to it as a lapse in judgement cause by a “moment of madness.”

At the meeting the coach is expected to be asked to justify his comments regarding the accusation of outside interference. Should he be unable to justify the statement he is expected to face the disciplinary committee.

Simmons, who is currently in England, made the comments at the end of the West Indies cricket team camp in Barbados last week.

Manohar succeeds Dalmiya as BCCI President

Shashank Manohar has been formally elected BCCI president at the board’s special general meeting (SGM) in Mumbai on Sunday. Soon after, at his first press conference, he announced a wide range of measures to tackle various critical issues facing the board, including conflict of interest, corruption in cricket, the lack of transparency in the board’s operations and financial accountability of the state associations.

His overall message was clear: “Nothing is wrong in the board.” The problem, he said, was one of perception, created by the lack of information flowing from the board. “Therefore, to clear that myth and change the perception, we would [implement the changes] immediately,” he said. How immediate? “In two months’ time all these things about which I have spoken will be implemented in full force.”

He also stressed on the board’s unity, a point reinforced by his specific comments - “Excellent secretary, better than most of the secretaries I have seen in this board” - on N Srinivasan, the ICC chairman and seen as an adversary. “We are not working here with a vindictive attitude,” he said. “The entire Board, when we discussed together, were united. All 30 members including the Tamil Nadu Association said we have to work together and build the image of the Board and not fight

amongst ourselves.”

For starters, he said, the BCCI would appoint an independent official to preside over matters relating to conflict of interest - the one issue at the heart of the BCCI’s credibility problem since 2008, when the constitution

ings in the board’s process, including its lack of teeth in carrying out deep and meaningful inquiries. To that end, Manohar said, he hoped to discuss with government officials the possibility of engaging their investigating agencies, who would have far great-

was changed to allow officials to be stakeholders in the IPL. “The board would frame regulations with regards to conflict of interest of administrators, players and their staff. That would be done within a month’s time,” he said. “And the board would also appoint an ombudsman or an ethics officer who would be independent of this board and who would look into the complaints regarding conflict of interest.”

The IPL also threw up the board’s single biggest crisis of the past few years, the 2013 spot-fixing case. Investigating that case revealed several shortcom-

er powers. It would help that the board secretary, Anurag Thakur, is a senior member of India’s ruling party, the BJP. Much of the public distrust of the board is the lack of transparency, especially in financial matters, which has given the BCCI an image of being a closed club. The board is not accountable to any outside agency, nor even to the public under the Right to Information legislation, and Manohar stressed that the latter should apply only if the government amends the law. However, he seemed to take a step forward by saying the

board’s constitution - so long inaccessible to all outsiders - would be posted on its website. Also to be posted are the board’s balance sheet and any expenditure above Rs 25 lakh (approx. US$ 38,000).

Similarly, he aims to tighten controls on the state associations, who receive funds from the central kitty but whose spending is not monitored. “A lot of debate goes on that the associations are paid huge money by the board and nobody knows what happens to that money,” he said. “The accounts of all associations are audited by their auditors. However, we would build a system by which the accounts of the affiliated units would be audited by an independent auditor appointed by the board, where after [thereafter] the further money would be released to the state associations. The board would also be empowered to take action in case the board finds that the money which has been given to the state association is not being properly utilised.”

Manohar’s election, which was necessitated by the death last month of the incumbent Jagmohan Dalmiya, became a formality after he was the only person nominated for the post on the eve of the election. He had first emerged as the front-runner for the post when the Bharatiya Janata Party backed him. (Cricinfo)

SPORTS Pulse

Troubles far from over off the field for West Indies

Phil Simmons outburst!

SayS Rajiv BiSnauth

Cricket in the Caribbean, once so joyous and victorious, is in an unholy mess. It is not simply that the team is losing too often but that the game is being so woefully run that there is a serious danger of the world passing it by.

Problems are never far away in West Indies cricket; they have come in abundance for two decades now.

The latest is the suspension of Coach Phil Simmons and the failure to qualify for the 2017 Champions Trophy in England.

Simmons recently sent shock waves around the Caribbean when he told journalists at a Media Conference in Barbados, that “there is too much interference from the outside in the Selection of the One Day International squad and it’s disappointed for me to know in any aspect of life…. (people would use) their position to get people into squad or in this case, get people left out of a squad”.

That statement has since landed Simmons in hot water. He has been suspended and hauled before the West Indies Cricket Board to answer for his actions.

The question is, was Simmons unprofessiona?l! In my humble opinion he was! Simmons did breach the confidentiality requirement of Professionalism.

Simmons has since apoligised for his outburst, calling his action “a school boy error in a moment of madness”. Now, Simmons has shown great professionalism. He holds himself accountable for his thoughts, words and actions, especially since he has made a mistake.

This personal accountability is closely tied to honesty and integrity, and it is a vital element in professionalism.

The WICB did not hesitate in suspending Simmons. I have no problem with that, but the irony is, an unprofessional employer, the WICB, is expecting professionalism from its charges.

It’s like “do as I say but don’t do as I do”. This is hypocrisy with an element of tyranny. Why the WICB didn’t also call up the selectors to investigate charges made by Simmons?

Let’s say that Simmons is telling the truth, now imagine the WICB has instead awarded one of the selectors with the post of Coach of the touring team to Sir Lanka.

Is this professionalism? Isn’t this discrimination? Was the WICB professional when it sent a team to India without the players signing a contract? Professional gets the job done. They are reliable, and they keep their promises. They do their best to make a situation right. Was the president of the WICB professional when he refused to reach West Indies players in India?

Was he professional when he used social media to castigate those very players who abandon the tour of India?

According to the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Crocket Board, Mr. Bassarath the directors of the WICB were not consulted by the WICB on the Simmons suspension.

If that’s true, is the President of the WICB professional? Mr. Dave Cameron, WICB President over the years has been a stranger to humanity and competency. Professionals get the job done! What has Cameron done?

Was Mr. Cameron professional in the way he handled the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Cricket Board standoff? Taking matches away from Guyana was professional? Professionals don’t make excuses, but focus on finding solutions.

Has Mr. Cameron found a solution for West Indies cricket? In fact he has poured embarrassment on the region. Professionals are the kind of people that others respect and value. I wonder who respects Mr. Cameron and his coterie. Millions in the West Indies share the common believe that Mr. Cameron used his influence to get rid of Mr. Tony Cosier from Television Commentary and the recent sacking of the Region’s most capped Test player, Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Is that professionalism?

Simmons vented his feelings, no doubt, after over flowing with frustration. The million dollar question: Where did the ‘outside’ influence come from? Was it from the President and his CEO? Was it from the WICB sponsors? Now we have to deal with not only match fixing and spot fixing but also Team fixing. What a shame!

If Simmons has to go then the selectors must go as well. In fact, if they were indeed, ‘influenced’ they should go now! Mr. Cameron, please walk into the Sunset and relieve West Indies Cricket of its pains. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)

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HPC switches focus with PCL driving development

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gion, the High Performance Centre has switched its focus ever so slightly.

According to WICB cricket director, Richard Pybus, the High Performance Centre [HPC], will now be focussed on developing talent already identified in the PCL.

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Things have changed a little. Now the High Performance Centre will be working on those players who excel at the regional level, preparing them to do well for the West Indies.

“We need to differentiate between the High Performance Centre and High Performance

Programme. The staff is still based in Barbados, but we no longer have a cohort because we are now looking to the franchises to develop the talent,” said Pybus.

“It is now the responsibility of the territorial boards in their development programmes and the franchises with first-class cricket to ensure the player pipeline to West Indies teams is well-stocked with international standard players,” he added.

Pybus went on to explain that there needed to be a regional academy system, with players graduating to national teams then to the High Performance Centre, before eventually breaking into the West Indies team.

“The tournament [PCL] will serve a number of playing and development purposes, expanding and accelerating the work the WICB is currently doing of preparing players for the highest levels of the game,” he said.

“The academy would bring in the best elite emerging players to the HPC for three months in the off-season and they be groomed for international cricket.

“Right now, we are seeking sponsorship to operate both programmes in a meaningful way.”

The PCL begins next month. (Digicel Sportsmax)

Chelsea win 1st Women’s Super League 1 title

Chelsea Ladies became Women’s Super League 1 champions for the first time and completed a domestic double by beating Sunderland. Emma Hayes’s side added the league title to the FA Cup they won in August.

England striker Fran Kirby netted twice after Ji So-Yun’s opener, before Gemma Davison’s late fourth.

Chelsea avoided a repeat of final-day drama in 2014, when they narrowly lost out on goal difference to Liverpool, as they denied Manchester City the title.

The Blues, who began the final round of fixtures with a two-point cushion over City, knew a win would be enough to secure top spot.

They took the lead when Eniola Aluko beat Sunderland right-back Abby Holmes with a burst of pace down the left and squared for South Korea international Ji, who calmly found the bottom corner via the post.

Aluko almost made it two before the break, but her long-range effort whistled just wide of the far upright, after Kirby had gone close when one-on-one.

After half-time, Davison

beat her marker before crossing for Kirby to tap into an empty net, before the former Reading striker made it three with a sweet, left-footed strike from outside the box.

Davison’s low finish made the scoreline comfortable, emphasising the quality of Chelsea’s outstanding front four of Aluko, Ji, Kirby and Davison.

Sunderland, who were guaranteed to finish their first season in WSL 1 in fourth place before Sunday, extended their winless run in all competitions to eight games. (BBC Sport)

Defending champions Technology open with big win

By TreisTon Joseph

The University of Guyana (UG) tipped off their Inter-faculty basketball with six intense games on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Defending Champions, the faculty of Technology started their campaign off positively with a comfortable 57-46 win against Natural Science.

Technology started a bit sluggish but having two experienced players in Guyana’s all-star Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai and Yoel Meusa, Technology glided to a comfortable win in the end.

Meusa who was a duel threat on offence, either swishing the three or driving the lane was the high point man in the game with 32 points while Kanhai who played the role of point-forward by setting the offence scored a comfortable 15 by getting to the stripe whenever he wanted.

UG’s Staff also got into the action with an easy 5027 win against School of Earth and Environ Sciences (SEES).

Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai

Ewart Smith was a force in the paint or the Staff side dropping 17 points while former Queen’s College standout Akil Lewis supported with 13 points. Ryan Cummings also had 11 points in the win. With each team having to have a female on their squad, UG’s Sports Organiser Lavern FraserThomas saw some time on the court for the Staff team and impressed with a few phenomenal passes despite not being able to score a bas-

ket.

Agriculture and Forestry topped Health Science 57-50 to win a hard fought game in their opening match of the tournament. Emmanuel Archibald dropped 21 points while Quincy Easton had 13 points in the win.

Game one of the day saw Social Sciences topping UG’s Tain Campus with an easy 56-27 win to start their campaign on the right track and probably as the biggest threat to the title hopes of Technology.

Local star Marvin Durant displayed his versatile scoring ability with 20 points while former Linden Technical Institute (LTI) standout Godfrey LaRose had 14 points as well. Cosmo Evans also had 10 points.

In the other two games of the day, Tain Campus was able to top Natural Science 41-29 while Health Science defeated SEES 41-29 as well,

The tournament will continue on October 17 with the finals being held on October 18 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

Pestano-Belle’s 150 highlights weekend –

By Akeem Greene

Former National under-19 player

Martin Pestano-Belle made a stroke filled 150 not out in GCC’s second innings against GYO on Sunday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda.

Pestano-Belle, whose tally in the game amounted to 196 runs, opened the batting and struck 18 fours in an innings which spanned over two hours.

GCC reached 235-8 in their second innings on the second day when play came to an end.

On the first day, GCC batted first and made 194 runs from 67.3 overs.

With Manney Ford top scoring with 49 and Pestano-Belle making 46. Diquan Murray supported with a useful 23. Surendra Hairalal took 4-38 from 18 overs and supported by Davindra Ramjattan 2-40.

In response GYO were bowled out for 158 from 45 overs. Baskar Yadram tried to hold the innings together with 66 not out as only Alex Romalho who made 26 sought to render any support with the bat.

Young off-spinner Stephan Wilson took 5-36 from 15 overs as Deonarine Seegobin chipped in with 2-45 from 10 overs. With a lead of 36, GCC simply batted out the rest overs on the second day as they secured first innings points.

In the other game, GDF gained first innings points aginst ECC. Batting first, the soldiers made 212 all out from 84 overs with opening batsman Leon Andrews leading the way with 77 (9x4s,1x6) and Joemiah Harris making 40 inclsive of 4 fours. Damion Ross chipped in with 30. Left-arm spinner Javid

Martin Pestano-Belle

Rasheed led for ECC with the ball as he took 5-65. When the Camp road side took strike, former national Under-15 player Ronaldo Renee made 28 and Randir Persaud 23 as ECC were bowled out for 182 from 49 overs. Leg spinner Randy Lendore took 4-65 from 17 overs as medium pacer mark Cumerbatch supported with 3-55 from 11 overs. When play came to a close in GDF’s second innings, GDF were 23 without loss as Leon Andrews and Damion Ross were left on 17 and 3 not out respectively. (akeemg@ guyantimesgy.com)

GCB hails Camacho

Former West Indies batsman Steve Camacho who passed away on Friday was hailed by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) for his exemplary career both on and off the field.

The local board expressed their condolences to the family and friends of Camacho; the GCB’s full press release reads:

The Executives and staff of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) wish to express condolences to the family and friends of the late Stephen Camacho who passed away on October 2, at the age of 69.

It is always heart wrenching to lose our loved ones; Camacho was loved dearly within the cricket fraternity. The right handed Guyana and a West Indies batsman played 11 Tests

with his highest score being 87. For Guyana, he was exceptional with seven centuries and 24 half centuries.

Off the field, Camacho earned immense respect and admiration as a West Indies Cricket Administrator and Selector. His approach to his job and the manner in which he carried himself exemplified class and success. For 18 years he served as the CEO

of the West Indies Board of Control (WICBC) now know as the WICB. We at the GCB acknowledge and celebrate the legacy this remarkable gentleman has left us. We are praying and grieving with his family at this time. And we wish to let them know that Stephen Camacho will always be remembered!

Carib Beer T20 1st Division Competition…

MSC folds as GCC reach final

By Akeem Greene

Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) defeated Malteenos Sports Club (MSC) by six wickets in the second semifinal of the Carib Beer T20 First Division competition on Sunday at the MSC ground. In what was touted to be a mouth watering clash was met with bitter disappointment as MSC failed to deliver.

Batting first at home, MSC were bundled out for 83 in 17 overs as National Player Steven Jacobs led the way with 22 inclusive of three fours and one six.

Only Nichose Barker 21 (3x4s) offered any resistance on a slow turning pitch.

Barker and Jacobs formed a 38 run partnership after the loss of the first wicket when the score

was eight, but the Thomas Lands side continued losing wickets in clusters and never got any momentum into their innings.

With a large gathering of spectators, the MSC side which has the likes of former national senior team players such as Lennox Cush, Deon Ferreir and present

players such as Versammy Permaul, were held by tight bowling by former National Under-19 left-arm spinner Anthony Adams whose 4 overs only went for 9 runs and picked up 3 wickets as well. Another left-arm spinner Raj Nannan chipped in with 2-15 from 3 overs. In response were led by out of favor West Indies batsman Leon Johnson who made 27(4x4s) before being bowed by Permaul. Barbadian Raymond Reifer brought the game home for the Bourda side with a quick 18 (1x4, 1x6). Permaul finished with figures of 1-14 from four overs and Jacobs 1-20 from his 4 overs as GCC reached 84-4 from 16.3 overs. GCC will now face DCC in the final; a date is yet to be named. (akeemg@ guyanatimesgy.com)

DCC beat Young Warriors by 23 runs in friendly T20 affair

By Akeem Greene

Just hours after their thumping victory over GNIC in the Carib Beer T20 semi- final, DCC returned to the field to take on a team from the Young Warriors Cricket Club East Canje Berbice. Young Warriors won the toss and opted to insert the formidable DCC under lights.

An 80 runs opening partnership between talented Guyana Under-19 batsman Brian Sattaur and National Senior team opener Trevon Griffith who went unto make 60 hitting 5 fours and 5 sixes got ample support from West Indies T20 batsman Christopher Barnwell who made a quick fire 64.

Barnwell struck 2 fours and 5 towering sixes in his explosive innings. An aggressive 18 (6b) (1x4,

from

side amass a total of 199-4 from their 20 overs. Suresh Danhai took 2-54 from his four overs. In response, the Berbice side got off to a good start with Shimron Hetymer making 27 (3x4s, 2x6s). Hetmeyer who is arguably the best young batsman in the Caribbean fell just as he was getting into his innings. Only Ishwar Singh 29 (3x4s, 1x6) made any other valuable contribution with the bat as the Young Warriors reached 176-6 from their allotted overs. Barnwell returned to take 3-30 from 4 overs with his medium pace as talented left arm spinner Ashmead Nedd took 2-25 from his four overs. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

GRFU updates constitution

By TreisTon Joseph

The Guyana Rugby

Football Union

(GRFU) made a few changes to their constitution on Saturday in order to help the union to operate much smoother.

After a number of years where somethings were done haphazardly, especially ad hoc way in which the Annual General Meeting was held, the executive of the union finally made a few amendments to the constitution.

President of the GRFU, Peter Green noted that the meeting went, “It was a good session today because we were able to have the input

of the youths and elders and the combination of youth and experience is really good, I don’t see problems in the future,” Green highlighted.

In addition, Green was quick to note that the changes made were more like tweaks to the constitution.

“The majority of the constitution is safe it’s just a few things here and there that we adjusted to go with today’s times with rugby.

“We established a clear cut deadline for the holding of the AGM and it allows us to plan in advance rather than have ad hoc arrangements,” Green mentioned.

Further, Green added that with the GRFU Sevens

tournament set to start on October 11, the venue is stil unsure due to the state of the National Park rugby field.

“The ground is bad, footballers have been churning up the ground in the morning and now that it has really dried out there are a lot of holes,” Green stated.

Nevertheless, Green revealed that the GRFU will be trying to fix the state of the ground in the coming week while looking at the Camp Ayanganna ground or the University of Guyana ground as alternate venues for their upcoming sevens tournament. (josepht@guyanarimesgy.com)

Edghill makes impressive start to collegiate career

National Table Tennis Champion, junior Olympian and three-time National Junior Sportswoman Chelsea Edghill made an impressive start to her college table tennis career during her debut. Representing her college Lindenwood University in the Newgy Table Tennis Open that concluded on September 12 at Walsh University in Akron, Ohio; .Chelsea secured a medal for her university when she took silver in the Under-2200 division. Meanwhile in her second outing for her college at the Butterfly Badger Open that concluded on September 20 at the Milwaukee County

Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin; Edghill posted the highest result by taking second in the Under 2100 Round Robin.

The Badger Open featured over 250 players and many of the top teams in the country including the Maryland Table Tennis Center, Lily Yip Table Tennis Center, New York Indoor Sports Club, and the 2015 collegiate championship team from Mississippi College.

Edghill is currently pursuing a university scholarship based on her table tennis and academic exploits. The scholarship covers five (5) years and will allow her to actively train play and

participate in high level competition against top level players on a structured and consistent basis in view of achieving 2020 Olympic qualification. The college is ranked fourth in the intercollegiate rankings

She will play 13 collegiate tournaments from September 2015 to April 2016 break for summer from May to August 2016 and resume the cycle for the duration of her studies

The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTT) according to a press release sees Edghill as a player of the future and one that is a great Olympic prospect. (josepht@guyanatimesgy. com)

Registration for Guyana Golf Open in full swing

– close to 40 golfers already confirmed participation

By raJiv BisnauTh

Guyana’s premier golf tournament, the Guyana Golf Open is under four weeks away and is set to tee off with a bang.

The two-day tournament, described as one of the most prestigious tournaments on the local golf calendar is billed for October 31 and November 1 at the country’s lone golf course at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

However, in an invited comment on Saturday, Club Captain, Chatterpaul Deo, confirmed that participation is shaping up to be at its alltime high.

“As we speak the information I have at my disposal is that close to 40 golfers, both locally and internationally have signaled their interest to participate.

“As usual we expect golfers from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Suriname, French Guiana and also from North America, but how things are shaping up we anticipate participation to be at its alltime high,” Deo pointed out.

Interested golfers can confirm their participa-

tion by registering via the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) email address, lusignangolfclub@hotmail.com or can make contact with the LGC on telephone number 2225660. Regarding plans for the event, Deo indicated that most of the logistics are already in place.

He indicated that due to the current sunny weather, the course in an excellent condition.

Meanwhile, apart from the usual categories: First Flight (0-9 handicap), Second Flight (10-18), Third Flight (19-28) and Ladies Flight, the club has decided for the first time in its history to introduce a Senior

Lucozade Handicap Squash tournament...

DeGroot overcomes handicap to be crowned champion

By TreisTon Joseph

Peter-Michael DeGroot played some brilliant squash to capture the Open Division title in the Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament on Sunday at the Georgetown Club courts.

DeGroot battled to a 2-1 victory over Taylor Fernandes in the final while showcasing sharp mental focus.

Entering the match with a (-8) handicap, DeGroot

The final set was all DeGroot’s as drop shots as well as short balls were too much more Fernandes as he erased the deficit with eight consecutive points, to setup the 15-12 victory.

Meanwhile, in the third place playoff, Nyron Joseph defeated an unfit Reagan Pollard in straight sets 2-0.

In other results, Ben Mekdeci (-13) defeated Michael Atherly (+10) 2-1 (0/15, 15/11, 16/14 while Ethan Jonas (-3) downed

Baksh in the straight games 2-0 (15/5, 15/7).

On Saturday evening at the said venue, PeterMichael DeGroot squeaked past Pollard 2-1 (12/15, 15/1, 15/10) while Fernandes downed Joseph 2-1 (12/15, 15/-2, 15/4).

Similarly, Mekdeci defeated Ashley DeGroot (13/15, 15/5, 18/16). In the other results of the night, Maya Collins beat Dominic Collins 2-0 (15/8, 15/3) while Demetrius DeAbreu edged

claimed the first set over Fernandes (+8) quite easily as frustration quickly showed on the face and in the game of Fernandes as she lost the first set 15-13.

However, Fernandes held on in the second set despite a late push by DeGroot to come from behind again in the match, losing the set 14-7.

Kirsten Gomes (+3) in straight sets (15/12, 15/10).

Ashley DeGroot, Michael Alphonso and Kamir Khan were also in the winner’s row on the final day as DeGroot topped Jonathan Fernandes (+10) in straight sets 2-0 (15/10, 15/10) while Alphonso (-2) dismissed Collins in straight sets 2-0 (15/13, 15/11). Khan crushed

Michael Alphonso 2-1 (8/15, 15/5, 15/4) and Michael Atherly downed Jonathan Fernandes 2-0 (15/8, 15/5).

The final two results witnessed Ethan Jonas defeating Mohryan Baksh 2-0 (15/12, 15/9) and Kamir khan dismissing Haley Carpenter 2-0 (15/10, 15/3). (josepht@guyanatimesgy. com)

Flight.

Like the previous years, the overall champion in the Men’s division will be judged by the player with the Best Gross, while on the distaff side, the winner will come from the person with the Best Net.

In 2014, Avinash Persaud was easily the top golfer, winning the event for a fifth time.

Persaud led from start to finish, relegating his sibling Avinda Kishore, who was the 2013 winner, into second place, after finishing with a superior overall Gross of 144.

Kishore occupied the second spot with an overall Gross of 153, while Rishi Suknanan finished third with an overall Gross of 160.

On the distaff side, Joann Deo created one of the biggest upsets when she defeated Christine Sukhram as the top female golfer. Deo made an array of focused shots to register a Net of 141 for the big win.

Shanella Webster finished second with Net 146, as 2013 champion Sukhram fell all the way to third with Net 149. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)

Squash tournament...

DeGroot overcomes handicap to be crowned champion

Edghill makes impressive start to collegiate career

Selectors point to form for the omission of Bravo and Pollard

As controversy continues to embroil West Indies cricket with the latest saga concerning the suspension of coach Phil Simmons, news coming to hand is that the three selectors who did not support the return of Dwayne Bravo and Keiron Pollard did not want to be embarrassed by supporting their return because of the reason they were dropped in the first place.

Simmons now faces a WICB-appointed human resources committee because of the comments he made concerning the continued snubbing of Bravo and Pollard. As the West Indies team arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday, Simmons was not there as Eldine Baptiste, one of the selectors who did not support the players return, was with the team as coach.

A West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) official explained to Guardian Media that the selectors Baptiste, Courtney Walsh and Courtney Browne were concerned about selecting the

two players after the reasons they were dropped in the first place.

According to the official: “Back in January the two players were dropped for the tour of South Africa because they were both not showing the type of numbers in terms of their performances that warranted a place on the team.”

At the end on Bravo’s last limited over match against India in October last year his batting average was 25.36.

He has 2,968 runs, while his bowling is more impressive 29.51 with an economy rate of 5.41. He has 199 wickets at present.

Meanwhile, his compatriot Pollard who also was

a member of the team that walked-off the tour in India, is averaging 25.20 runs per innings. He scored 2,042 runs and his best score is 119. The lanky part-time bowler is averaging is 38.11 runs per wicket. He has 44 wickets.

“The three selectors showed concerns when it came to selecting them now

for the one day series in Sri Lanka when they did not plan any 50 overs cricket in between that time and now to improve on their performances.

“The guys, from what I understand, did not want to look like fools by bringing the players back without anything to show for their change of hearts. At the end

of the day the selectors were safe guarding their reputations. If these guys were dropped for less than satisfactory performances on the field in the first instance, then they did not have the opportunity to show an improvement if they did not have any 50 overs cricket from that point to now.”

The official reasoned:

“Both men have been selected in the T20 team because their performances here was never in question.

“They continue to be world beaters in this format and hence they are on the T20 team for the matches in Sri Lanka.”

Bravo led the West Indies team during the aborted tour of India last October when the players had a dispute with the WICB over a payment structure. Since then he is yet to play 50 overs cricket for the West Indies. Both he and Pollard were overlooked for the South African tour and the World Cup that followed. (Trinidad Guardian)