Guyana Times Daily

Sugar workers down tools indefinitely

Mexico commits US$2M grant for Institute of Creative Arts in Guyana – PM Nagamootoo

Quartet jailed for 81 years for Robb St Granny’s murder Rice farmers’ financial crisis deepens – IPED begins seizing tractors New quarrel looms over 2016 Diwali date

wednesday, november 25, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Fire ravages 2 UG buildings

By Kristen MacKlingaM

Pandemonium broke out at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen campus on Tuesday evening as hundreds of students rushed out of the campus after fire engulfed two buildings in the Natural Sciences block.

Reports are that the fire of unknown origin started around 18:45h and ravaged the two buildings which were being used to store teaching materials and some class room furniture.

However, quick action by fire fighters, who responded promptly at the scene, prevented the fire from spreading across to nearby buildings and classrooms inclusive of the laboratory, which contains chemicals.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, students were converged outside of the campus’ gates desperately trying to locate taxis or minibuses to get as far away from the location as possible.

Meanwhile, over a dozen firemen were seen battling the flames which continued to burn for some time until

the fire was completely extinguished.

A staff member of the Natural Sciences faculty who was on the campus grounds told this publication that the gutted buildings formerly housed some lecturers but presently due to on-going renovations, the teachers were relocated.

However, though it was unused by the teaching staff, a number of them had stored teaching material and documents in the wooden structure.

“They are accommodating or facilitating the storage of books and things like that… that building is also a staff building but everybody, most

of the people have vacated the offices, but the rooms are being used for storage… There are desks and chairs and lecturers’ materials that have gone up in flames,” he said.

Guyana Times was further told that whatever was salvaged from the fire would now be destroyed since the materials would have been drenched with water which used to douse the flames and embers.

With regards to upcoming examinations, students from the Natural Sciences Department would have to sit those examinations next week.

“These are not classrooms so it won’t affect the finishing of the semester and it would not affect the exam locations.

What it will affect is the people who have for years saved stuff and things like that. Most of the lecturers would have carried home some of their stuff that they are using to teach presently,” the lecturer said.

This newspaper understands that two fire trucks from the Central Georgetown and Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown locations responded to the scene within minutes of the fire being reported.

Ranks from the Sophia Police Station also arrived quickly after receiving a telephone call a mere 10 minutes after the buildings went up in flames.

Up to press time, staffers from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) were still conducting investigations along with the Police and fire services to ascertain what could have caused the blaze.

It must be noted that upon arriving at the scene, the power was subsequently cut in all of the buildings located on the campus as a precautionary measure. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

New quarrel looms over 2016 Diwali date

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has apparently defied a commitment given by Head of State, President David Granger that his Government will engage in a more consultative process before making declarations on religious holidays.

Despite assurances, the Public Security Ministry has reportedly issued a list of holidays for next year and declared Diwali 2016 to be observed on October29, 2016 but the Sabha is claiming that it was not consulted nor involved in any discussion with the Public Security Minister.

In October 2015, the

Minister had gazetted Diwali 2015 as November 10 after consultations with the Viraat Sabha organisation. However, the Dharmic Sabha had maintained that calculations and the phase of the moon had placed November 11 as the darkest night; hence, the Festival of Lights should be celebrated on that day.

The disagreement had gained much attention as well as public outrage within the Hindu community, and bickering between the Public Security Minister and the Dharmic Sabha continued up until the observance of the religious holiday some two weeks ago.

Days before the holiday, President David Granger had thrown his support behind the decision of his Minister, stating during the State programme, “The Public Interest”, that he was convinced Ramjattan made the right decision.

“I have spoken to the Minister; I have seen the opinion issued…I am convinced that he consulted widely. I’m aware that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is in disagreement,” the President had stated.

He said the Public Security Minister had consulted with some Swamis and “learned Hindus” and as such, Government was convinced that the decision was the “correct one”.

Nevertheless, the Head of State assured that his Administration would subsequently avoid such controversy.

Less than two weeks after most Hindus joined the Dharmic Sabha to observe the holiday on November 11, the dispute continues– this time on the date for next year’s Diwali observance.

In a statement on Tuesday, the GHDS expressed its disappointment at the manner in which Minister Ramjattan has declared the Diwali 2016 National Holiday. According to the organisation, the Ministry’s late Permanent Secretary, Angela Johnson, had written the Dharmic Sabha, asking for the Phagwah and Diwali dates for 2016. These, the Sabha said, were sent to the Ministry in September (Phagwah – March 23, 2016 and Diwali – October 30, 2016), but were apparently ignored, much to the up-

set of the organisation, which has been supplying the Hindu community and the Government of Guyana with dates for over 41 years.

“We see this as an act to perpetuate discord in the Hindu community by the Minister,” the organisation said, adding that it had hoped Minister Ramjattan would see the wisdom in engaging the Sabha and other large Hindu bodies such as the Hare Krishna Movement, Guyana Central Arya Samaj and Maha Kali Movement before declaring the Hindu holidays for 2016.

“This year, overwhelming majority of the Hindu community in Guyana stood in unison against the previous attempt by the Minister to impose a Diwali date on our community. These religious dates are calculated well ahead of the year by our Pandits using the panchang and it would be prudent to engage them in a matter that has national implications unless there is no genuine desire for social cohesion,” the Sabha said.

Furthermore, the GHDS had informed the public and the Hindu community that Diwali was on October 30, 2016.

wednesday, november 25, 2015 |

BRIDGE

OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, November 25 – 14:30h-16:00h and Thursday, November 26 – 05:00h-06:30h.

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

Wednesday, November 25 – 15:35h-17:05h and Thursday, November 26 – 16:15h-17:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery showers are expected throughout the day and into the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 03:43h and 15:57h reaching a maximum heights of 2.72 metres ans 2.87 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:31h and 21:59h reaching minimum heights of 0.50 metre and 0.34 metre respectively.

Countrywide strike

Sugar workers down tools indefinitely –

as GuySuCo refuses to make yearend increases

ver 7000 workers attached to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) are now on strike following the Sugar Corporation’s reluctance to come up with an acceptable ratio for the workers Annual Production Incentive (API).

GuySuCo is offering the workers an API at a ratio of 85,000 tonnes for sugar produced for one extra days pay. This compares with 32,500 tonnes for one extra days pay prior to 2014. In 2014, the workers were paid at a ratio of 46,000 tonnes of sugar produces for one extra day’s pay.

On Monday, thousands of workers from four of five estates went on strike.

When Guyana Times checked with the sugar estates on Tuesday, 843 harvesters at Skeldon, 958 at Rose Hall, 1000 at Blairmont and 1438 at Albion, were joined by factory workers at all eight of GuySuCo’s estates along with field workers from La Bonne Intention (LBI), Enmore, Uitvlugt and Wales estates. All these workers downed tools.

Unreasonable offer

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) reported on Tuesday that more than 7000 workers from the sugar industry were on strike. The workers are protesting what they deemed the ‘unreasonable’ offer made by the sugar company with respect to their API.

GAWU has proposed fiveand-a-half days API while GuySuCo has offered twoand-a-half days.

GAWU’s Berbice Regional Supervisor Harvey Tambron told Guyana Times on Tuesday that the offer by the sugar company is “unacceptable.”

“Over the years, we had 32,500 tonnes of sugar equivalent to one day’s pay. Last year because of the financial constraints, the situation, GuySuCo and so on we accepted 46,000 tonnes. When we met last Wednesday, we proposed 32,500 and they held on to the 85,000. We decided to consult with the delegation that was there on the same day and it was agreed that we will up out proposal from 32,500 to 37,000 tones.”

Although the union and corporation met twice last week to discuss and settle the API for 2015, their discussions ended in limbo.

On Friday last, the union and the sugar entity met but could not agree on the API.

“GuySuCo asked us what will be the next move so we said to them ‘we met once

‘sweeter’

you said of 85,000, we met on the second time and you said 85,000 and you said you went through with a fine teeth comb, so we will have to tell our comrades on the ground; the membership on the ground. When we come to the people on the ground this is their reaction,” Tambron noted.

On March 8, GAWU submitted its wages and salaries proposal but it was not until September 16 that GuySuCo called the Union to have discussions. Then the sugar company informed the unions representing sugar workers that it was not in a position to negotiate wages and salaries and proposed October 7 for those discussions.

However the day before the scheduled meeting, GuySuCo by way of letter informed GAWU that could not stick to the agreed meeting and was to wait on the report from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

However, GAWU argued that the CoI had nothing to do with the negotiation of wages and salaries even though the union supports the CoI. Following a meeting with GAWU’s General Council (the second highest decision making body in GAWU) on October 24, five days after the CoI’s report was given to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, and a decision was taken to have the workers take shrike action from the October 25 to the 27.

On Tuesday, Tambron argued that since the restoration of collective bargaining in 1989, the Union and GuySuCo was always meeting and arriving at a consensus on wages and salaries. However as it stands now, history is in the making as all previous meetings have failed to bear fruit.

According to Tambron, other public servants have received increases and sugar workers are also public servants and should be entitled to salary increases. “Sugar is not a private entity, the workers also deserve some

thing. What stops GuySuCo from saying next year that they will have to make 95,000 tones or 110,000 tones for a day’s pay? GuySuCo was the one that wanted to replace the API with a profit-based incentive and the sugar workers stood up against that.”

In Berbice, only the Albion Estate was grinding on Tuesday as all harvesters at the Blairmont, Rose Hall and Skeldon estates downed tools closing grinding operations. The LBI, Enmore, Uitvlugt and Wales estates ceased all grinding operations. Albion continued to grind with the help of apprentice workers who are still attached to GuySuCo Training School at Port Mourant.

Meanwhile, GAWU has said that it is seeking to engage GuySuCo to put forward an acceptable proposal as it relates to the workers API for 2015. However, until such time the strike actions will continue.

GuySuCo concerned about strike

However, the Guyana Sugar Corporation in a statement on Tuesday said that it has noted with great concern the current industrial action across the industry by its workers responding to calls from its Union leadership to apply pressure to the financially ailing industry.

The sugar company said that it is no secret that the current total revenue is just enough to offset payment of wages and salaries to its employees.

“At our second Annual Production Incentive (API) meeting held on Friday November 20, 2015 at LBI, the Corporation offered for every 85,000 tonnes sugar produced one day’s pay API. This equates to 2.7 days for the

Corporation expected year’s production of 233,361 tonnes sugar. The delegation was informed that the Corporation will pay these monies no later than March 2016 because of its financial constraints,” the company said in a statement.

According to the company, the Union informed that it will not sign onto an agreement with such a high number (tonnes sugar per day’s pay) but has no objection to the Corporation paying the sum to the workers sometime earlier.

Further, the company claims that Union representatives noted that they will consult with the Union’s wider membership on the position put forward.

“The Corporation had proposed to reconvene on Tuesday of this week. However, the Union requested that after their consultation with the wider membership they will get on to the Corporation on the way forward. Finally, it was agreed that both parties will not speak to the press until we conclude this matter,” the company said.

The company said that workers should be encouraged to resume normal duties and work towards achieving their respective weekly targets and earning themselves additional incentives over the next two to four weeks.

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

Women, abuse and prejudice

Womenfolk across the world are slowly becoming an endangered species as they continue to face crisis after crisis stemming from various forms of victimisation, abuse and marginalisation mostly at the behest of their male counterparts.

Research shows that 35 per cent of women and girls globally experience some form of physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime with up to 7 in 10 women facing this abuse in some countries.

Facts available on the United Nations website also indicate that an estimated 133 million girls and women have experienced some form of female genital mutilation/cutting in the 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East where the harmful practice is most common.

Also, worldwide, more than 700 million women alive today were married as children; 250 million of them were married before the age of 15. Girls who marry before the age of 18 are less likely to complete their education and more likely to experience domestic violence and complications in childbirth.

Added to that roughly half of today’s 60 million forcibly displaced people are women. Many who flee war and violence are often exploited by unscrupulous smugglers, and frequently suffer gender discrimination and xenophobia in host societies.

This is a worrying trend and could be considered a permanent assault on the right of women to lead free, independent and meaningful lives while contributing positively to their own existence and that of their wider families as well as communities.

While other countries within the Caribbean appear to be developing worthwhile campaigns and successful policies aimed at stemming the tide of violence against women, the momentum in Guyana is on the decline and little effort is being made over the last six months to secure more gains in this respect.

As result, womenfolk here continue to be butchered and brutally murdered at the hands of their reputed husbands and paramours. Almost daily there are reports of sexual, physical and to a lesser extent, political violence against women because of the deliberate choices they have decided to make in one respect or another.

The response of the authorities is appalling in some instances, with the Guyana Police Force coming in for heavy criticism as to how it handles victims of rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence and other forms of physical and emotional abuse. Just recently, there was a 65 per cent increase in reported cases of rape which represented 164 cases.

While this is happening, the new A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition Government appears to be big on talk and small on action.

The new Social Protection Ministers continue to engage in discussions about fighting and ending violence, but have done little to educate the public and Guyanese womenfolk on just what forms and approaches their Government’s new policies and campaigns will take in order to achieve the desired results and create a paradigm shift in the minds of men and the perpetrators of these heinous acts.

Apart from the People’s Progressive Party’s legislative interventions in the forms of the Sexual Offences Act and a series of “Stamp It Out” campaigns and other similar activities, the new Government is failing our womenfolk.

There is still no special fund set up to help abused women or their direct offspring to start anew. There is no holding place established and run by Government to offer counselling, free abode or other specialised services for victims of domestic abuse apart from the help offered by several Non-Governmental Organisations in Guyana.

There is still no public report available on the number of reported instances of domestic violence and abuse against women by administrative region or race presented by the Government and this contributes to the problem as many times officials are ‘speaking with water in their mouths’.

Additionally, the Government needs to make the struggle to end violence against women a political one and it has to start by the signal it sends to its own members who are disrespectful, dismissive or abrasive to women and their involvement at varying levels of society.

The recent incident which saw an APNU/AFC Member of Parliament Charandass Persaud threatening to assault a female Opposition parliamentarian should have never been condoned by the Government. Its morbid response is telling and speaks of the value that it attributes to women especially those on the opposing side.

In short, as this country joins observances to mark International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, it must take stock of the gains made and the many areas that it is still lagging behind.

The blood of our womenfolk must not be shed and wasted because of various forms of negligence, inaction, lack of political will and poorly administered policies.

Guyana must do all that it can to save our womenfolk and must demonstrate its interest in strengthening them via a series of wellplanned Government directed policies aimed at achieving gender equity, equality and nonviolence.

Indeed, it’s a man’s world, but it would surely be nothing without the sacrifices made by our womenfolk who are being slaughtered while the authorities focus their political lenses elsewhere.

Terrorism: democratic, unprejudiced resolutions must be sought

Dear Editor,

Once again, terrorists have struck in Paris, France. Almost 160 innocent civilians enjoying a Friday night out died in a bloody carnage at several locations in Paris.

This is a great tragedy.

In response to this, France has launched a huge bombing campaign against the ISIS forces in Syria. This is understandable as the nation and the world grieves.

However, we must ask ourselves: will that solve the problem? Will that eliminate the terrorists? Highly unlikely.

It is clear that the world is only dealing with the symptoms and not the real cause of this relatively new phenomenon.

This latest brutal attack where so many innocent lives were lost must push the world to look for lasting solutions. It must push world leaders to ask the hard and honest questions and judge whether the actions taken thus far have

been helpful.

The root cause of the problem lies in the loss of hope in many countries of the Middle East. It stems from a deep, deep frustration in people that they have no control of what is happening in their own country and the region.

When bureaucrats sitting thousands of miles away in the comfort of posh offices, homes and cocktail bars are making decisions about regime change that is a recipe for the kind of disaster we are facing in the world today.

What right does any country have to call for regime change? That is what created the disaster in Syria. Clearly, those who were emboldened by the regime change in Iraq and Libya are not worried about, or better put, do not care about the mess they have created by their actions. They decided it was Asad’s time to go. They financed terrorist groups, including those

linked to Al Qaeda -the same group that attacked the US in 2001.

They miscalculated. It is clear that with all the pressure, they have put on Asad, he should have fallen a long time ago. It is clear that they have not succeeded largely because of the popular support Asad has.

That is why one of the conditions being put by NATO countries is that Asad must go. They do not want to leave that for the Syrian people to decide.

The principle that the UN adopted decades ago on the Right of Nations to Self Determination has gone overboard and usurped by a handful of powerful countries motivated by their own interest to decide on regime change.

These are the same forces that pay much lip service to words like democracy, freedom, etc.

That attitude has led them to work with and support persons and forces that

are committing some of the worst human rights violations.

The forces from outside cannot use their own self interest above the interest and desires of the people of their own countries. Regime change must come from internal developments and interested persons must play the leading role. It is hoped that the lives of the innocent victim of terrorism must not be in vain.

Serious and honest discussions and negotiations must start now. The overriding interest must be that of the people in the country and the region. It must be based on democracy and justice.

Any other route will only spawn more terrorists and more acts of terrorism.

Let us work to remove the real cause of terrorism so that the lives of the victims would not be in vain.

Sincerely,

Donald Ramotar

No parliamentarian of integrity would associate with Chronicle

Dear Editor, I see that Ruel Johnson is boasting about being a Director of the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd, which has become a partisan entity under his Government’s leadership.

To vitiate possible feelings of guilt, perhaps, Johnson says that a PPP parliamentarian has been invited to write a column for the Chronicle free of restrictions on content.

By Johnson’s mathemat-

ics one PPP parliamentarian/columnist equals three APNU/AFC columnists and a raft of partisan editorials and reports. This must be the kind of Maths used throughout Government to represent its idea of fairness and cohesion.

No parliamentarian of integrity would wish to be associated with the Chronicle’s current brand of racist, divisive politics which, of course, sits well with Director Johnson giv-

en his own proud posts of anti-Indian racism on his Facebook page. He also leads a consultation on “national cultural policy development”. His team players are Gem Madhoo-Nascimento, Sonia Noel, Luisa Daggers and Kojo McPherson. The largest cultural group, Indian Guyanese, is not represented. Ma dhooNascimento would be proud to tell everyone that she is only “Guyanese”, thank you,

with no Indian views, culture or outlook to speak of. The group’s stated objectives are scary. Johnson and his associates are to see how the “cultural heritage framework can be reformed”.

I plead ignorance on what exactly is a “cultural heritage framework”, but I do know that cultural reforms and evolutions occur at an organic level and are driven by the people themselves and as they see fit.

Guyanese urged to exercise and eat healthy to avoid diabetes

Dear Editor,

Diabetes has serious effect on the Guyanese population which has an extremely high incidence of diabetes. Medical experts say Indians, in particular, are prone to diabetes because of genetic composition, food consumption and lifestyle.

Doctors inform me that Indo-Guyanese Americans have very high incidence of diabetes, highest of all ethnic groups. There are many complications (organ dysfunctions not the least) related to diabetes that severely impairs one’s lifestyle. It takes expensive medications to regulate blood sugar and diseases related to diabetes that eventually leads to a debilitating lifestyle and costly home care. It is critical, therefore, for diabetes to be controlled, requiring lifestyle changes.

Diabetes can be reversed or controlled as I experienced a few years ago when I was so diagnosed after an impromptu test for my blood sugar at a medical clinic at a mandir in Richmond Hill. I refused to allow diabetes to control my life. I refused to take the prescribed medication and opted instead for a regimented course of diet (eating the right types of food) and exercise (run, jog, speed walk, etc).

Exercise and dieting (eating small portions and

the right kinds of food) are necessary in warding off diabetes as well as managing. With a healthy lifestyle, proper diet and daily exercise, I was able to reverse diabetes within months. And now, I manage it without ever taking any medication. And so far, diabetes has had no effect on my varied activities or my lifestyle. I remain active in community affairs and engage in a normal life. One can avoid expensive medication to control non-communicable diseases like diabetes with simple diet and exercise as I have done. It is imperative that people control their weight; reducing food consumption will address weight issue through discipline and regimentation. I also found that consuming karela (uncooked is even better) and/or karela leaves (like a salad) tend to assist in reversing diabetes. Drinking “tea” made from karela leaves and or neem leaves help to control blood sugar. It should be noted that blood sugar is affected by excessive alcohol consumption; heavy drinkers have to change their habits. Eating a lot of rice, and using sugary foods (candies, etc) will make one a candidate for diabetes or worsen diabetic condition. Wheaten products are better. Moderate amounts of food will help to control blood sugar.

Medical experts say Indians are prone to diabetes because of genetics and cultural diet; they have the highest incidence of diabetes in the world. Doctors relate too many cases of diabetes among Indo-Guyanese in New York, the highest of all ethnic groups. Health researchers say Indian genetic makeup, their food habit (of high carbohydrates) and limited exercises are primary reasons for the high incidence of diabetes.

One has to control the type of foods consumed and pursue an active lifestyle (exercise) like myself for example. Being a couch potato (a still lifestyle) of eating and watching TV for hours and consuming a lot of alcohol is a recipe for health disaster.

As Dr Kumar Sukhraj and other health professionals have pointed out, once diabetics combine exercise, diet and take medication (when prescribed) they are on their way to taking control of their blood sugar level. If they watch what (and the amount) they eat, their blood sugar will be normal. This will improve the quality of life, enjoy the things they do and prevent complications associated with diabetes.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram

No parliamentarian...

Reform by Government diktat is an extremely scary proposition and brings to mind every kind of State repression that is intended to muzzle and reshape people into a Government’s idea of their identity.

This makes the absence of Indian Guyanese representation on Johnson’s

team highly suspicious and alarming especially, since his own anti-Indian sentiments are public knowledge. Are Indian Guyanese to be the subjects to be “reformed”? Are Johnson and his team to decide how and when?

Johnson and his government need to be re -

minded that this being a democratic society, we are all free to be, act and speak according to our respective cultural norms and forms without Government interference. Johnson’s efforts must be resisted on every front.

Vive la resistance!

Shanie Jagessar

Racism in our politics and economy (Part 1)

Dear Editor, We tend to see our politics through the lens of race and that all or most political acts are done either to uplift or suppress a racial group. But is this entirely true? Are we being misled in this regard? This is not to say however, that racism on the lines of racial integration does not exist. On the contrary, the issue of racism is still the most unresolved issue in the world and there is no country that can say there is complete racial unity with its borders.

If you pull from the teachings of Dr Walter Rodney, you will find that race in Guyana’s politics was by design to achieve a specific outcome that is not to benefit the average Guyanese. Racism was injected into Guyana’s politics by the colonial masters, in our case, the British, who understood that for them to remain in control of our resources, it was necessary to divide and rule the country and the easiest way was to do so along racial lines. In other colonies where there was a single race, the

British divided them along political parties of the same race. And in others, it was divided along social status or class. As these countries gained independence and evolved into being in control of their resources, the British and their allies uses a hybrid of the aforementioned division tactics, where you find a combination of rich vs poor, party vs party, debt creation, intellectual property rights and of course, violence.

Our recently-held election is no different; we must not fool ourselves that the Government of the day has full control of Guyana’s destiny. We must continuously remind ourselves that our destiny is in our hands. So when we begin to praise politicians like they are “cult leaders”, remember that they are puppets too, they just can’t tell you that.

The racism the PPP/C is accused of perpetrating is not necessarily an act rooted in race, but it is more of an act rooted in economic and political security for their constituency that happens to be racially identifiable. But in any democra-

cy in the world today, you will see that most standing Governments will aim to strengthen their base along economic lines for the interest of their political survival. However, because a lot of those countries do not have an identifiable racial political border, their politics are defined as party colours, names and ideas. The most notable case would be the American Democrats and Republicans.

When it comes to racism in the parties, we must also understand that every institution has racial elements that raise their ugly heads from time to time. But the PPP/C will outlast those evil doers to continue its mission of a progressive Guyana. And I would hope that APNU/AFC will be able to keep their racial ugly elements from rising as well.

The people are responsible for what happens in their country, if they are truly participating in their politics.

Sincerely, Malcolm Watkins, CSCP

Page Foundation

Secrets to being a great parent

BY NAOMI FREUNDLICH

Create family rituals

Having special little customs gives you and your child an opportunity to connect, no matter what else is going on.

Cooking a simple meal together, reading a story every night, planting a garden, playing a favorite board game – these are the kinds of rituals that children love. Be creative: One father I know got into the habit of “shaving” with his five-year-old son every morning, giving him foam and a toy razor. Another gets up early every Friday to take his daughter out to breakfast before they head off to work and school.

It doesn’t really matter what your ritual is, as long as it’s something you and your child both enjoy. It’s important that you continue doing it, even when you’re frustrated with your child. This isn’t a privilege that you take away as a punishment. It’s something sacred that you do, every night or every week or every month, as a way to connect.

Know your child’s personality

The essence of being a great mom or dad is to really know your child’s temperament and to tailor your parenting style to take that into account. Every child is different – even in the same family. If you understand each child’s individual personality, and deal with that child in the way that suits him best, you’ll minimise conflict.

Two simple examples: If you have a very active child, you should avoid roughhous-

ing with him in the evenings, which makes bedtime difficult. Instead, have him do a quiet activity to help him calm down. Or maybe you have a child who has a difficult time with transitions. If so, you need to understand that giving her an advance warning when it’s time to leave the playground will make the shift easier for her. The better you adapt to your child, the less conflict there will be.

Be a good role model

Every night, parents should ask themselves, “If my child had only my behavior to learn from today, what would I have taught him?” Probably the most common mistake moms and dads make is that we say one thing and do another. We give our children lectures on self-control and patience, and then explode when we get caught in traffic. We tell them not to gossip, and then turn around and do just that. We urge them to be honest, then let an 11-year-old order from a menu for children under 10.

That’s not to say parents have to be perfect. But when we fall down on the job, we need children to learn from our mistakes. If you lash out at your child when you’re feeling stressed out, for example, you should go back later and say, “I was wrong for yelling at you that way. I should have stayed calmer. I’m sorry.” By doing so, you’re teaching your child the importance of respect and forgiveness. If you’re dealing with a challenging situation, you need to let your child see you’re doing

your best to cope. When you acknowledge the difficulty (“We’re all worried because Daddy has lost his job, but everything will be okay”), you’re showing your child that you can manage tough times – and that will help him learn to do the same.

Encourage exploration

Children love to explore; it’s an essential part of how

tion to your daily routine, and make sure there’s always new stuff for her to explore. Let her bang pots and spoons in the kitchen, and play with blankets made of different fabrics in the linen closet. Introduce her to a variety of foods. Take her to libraries, parks, zoos, and art museums. If you encourage your child to be an active explorer as a baby and toddler,

Be a happier parent – 10 tips

Identify what bothers you and do something about it

Are you too accepting of things that get under your skin? If you are, identify your big issues and do something about them. A lot of people are unhappy and stay

they learn. When parents constantly say “Don’t do that” or “Stay away from this,” children learn to be timid and fearful of the unknown. Children who get lots of positive feedback from their parents as they explore new things will go on to grab life by the horns.

The most important thing you can do is to make sure your child’s world is conducive to exploration. First, childproof your home so that she can roam around without getting hurt. Then you need to pay atten-

she will embrace learning throughout life.

Set clear limits

Children thrive when they grow up in a home that has structure, limits, and rules. But many parents make the mistake of projecting their own feelings about rules onto their children. As adults, we don’t like people telling us what to do, and we think our children will react negatively to rules. But children need parents who can impose limits – and not back down from them. (Parents.com)

unhappy because they let things drift. Identify what’s bugging you, bite the bullet and sort it out.

You may put things off because you want to keep the peace. But what is the cost to you? There is no point in keeping someone else happy if it means you are unhappy instead.

Happy parent and child.

Learn to let go

Having suggested that you work out what both-

ers you and to do something about it, I’m now going to suggest you do the opposite! You can’t fight everything. Pick the things that really get to you to act on them. But learn to let smaller things go.

Life isn’t perfect. It is made up of a series of random events that we have little control over. So ask yourself if something is really worth getting het up about. If it’s not, forget it and move on.

I use a technique where I score an incident between one and 10. It is based on how much the incident will affect my life. When I first started using this technique it surprised me how worked up I could get over things that were unimportant in the greater scheme of things. I learnt to let a lot go and I’m much happier for it. Don’t let someone else dump their bad day on you.

Please yourself as well as your children

Now you have saved yourself countless hours by no longer needing to be perfect, no longer needing to solve all your children’s problems, sharing the load, doing less, getting organised, resolving issues and letting go, you will have a lot more time on your hands. So what can you do with that time? Spend it on yourself. Just because you are a mom or a dad doesn’t mean you don’t have your own life too.

Devote time to your hobbies. If all your hobbies have lapsed, restart them or find something new to do. Make life an adventure.

Get out the house when you can and spend time with other people, preferably when your children are not around.

It is also very easy to neglect your marriage or relationship. If you are so dedicated to your children that you don’t work on your relationship then you are storing up trouble. Spend quality time with your partner. It is just as important as quality time spent with your children.

Study happiness

If you are struggling to be happy then there are plenty of books and CDs / downloads that cover the subject. It is something that can be studied. If you do study happiness you are likely to see long-term benefits. (Excerpt from parenting.co.uk)

Rice farmers’ financial crisis deepens

– IPED begins seizing tractors

The Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) is now reportedly seizing the tractors of several rice farmers in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) who are unable to make payments due to the deepening financial crises facing the industry.

IPED has taken this move even though hundreds of rice farmers are still owned millions of dollars by prominent millers; a situation that is creating serious financial constraints among the farmers.

As such, farmers are directly calling on President David Granger to assist them, either by speaking with the loans department of IPED or with the millers to have payments be made available. According to statistics, 80 per cent of the Region Two population depends on the cultivation of rice for the sustenance of their livelihood.

According to Suraddhu (only name given) from Pert Village on the Essequibo Coast, he owes IPED $1.2 million and he cannot offset his expenses since he is still owed. Suraddhu sold his paddy since August and March, and to date, he has not being paid.

Another rice farmer, Govind Persaud, also vented his frustration outlining that he owes IPED $300,000

and as soon as he received his payment, he journeyed straight to IPED to repay his loan.

“I have a family to maintain, as soon as the miller paid me this morning, from the bank straight to IPED, I don’t know what I will go tell my wife, all the money done, paddy price can’t pay,” the rice farmer lamented.

Another farmer from Windsor Castle, Isu Dyal, said his tractor was seized. Although he explained the situation of nonpayment by millers to the loan officers, IPED still seized his tractor.

Like Dyal, there is another rice farmer from Lima who was forced on Monday to pool his money to pay his loan.

His tractor was seized over the weekend. That farmer stated that he owes the loan agency $800,000

and could not accumulate the total amount, but instead made the offered to pay the institution $600,000. This he said was denied. His tractor was repossessed and impounded in the compound of IPED at Cotton Field.

Currently they are three tractors impounded as a result of nonpayment by rice farmers who claim they can-

not afford to pay their loans. They explained that the situation is unfair to farmers, since they are owed huge sums by the millers and this is what is belaying their payments to the banks. Rice farmers are calling on Government to meet with the financial institution and negotiate a better payment term that will be suitable to both the farmers and IPED.

On the other hand, having heard of the plight of the farmers, Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said that given the economic situation in the country, and more specifically Region Two, he strongly believes that the loan institution should be more lenient with farmers. Ramdatt said that many farmers are struggling to venture back into the cultivation of the crop.

Extend all-weather road – Sparta farmers urge Govt

Dozens of farmers on Tuesday called on Government to ensure that it approved budgetary allocations which they hoped would be made through the Region Two Administration for the extension and repair of the all-weather farm-to-market road which services the Sparta and Windsor Castle areas.

The farmers made the call as the main access dam remained in a deplorable and impassable state, after heavy use during the harvesting pe-

They have voiced their concerns about the deplorable road to Regional Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah who promised to represent their interest. The road needs to be extended by approximately 1.6 kilometres to make it more accessible. According to rice farmers who cultivate in the area, yearly the Administration usually

riod. Any attempt by farmers to utilise the dam results in their tractors being stuck and in other cases damaged as they try to traverse the dam’s muddy surface.

add 1 km to the road; however, this year nothing has been done.

Farmers who have frontend loaders and other machinery are willing to lend them to the Administration to assist in upgrading the access road. The Administration will only need to provide the resources towards the upgrading of the access dam.

The farmers underscored the need for the Region Two Administration to budget for the all-weather road as part of its 2016 capital work programme, arguing that it would boost their attempt to diversify their production thereby ending their heavy reliance on planting rice to survive.

wednesday, november 25, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man fined for stealing parliamentarian’s phone

Aman who stole parliamentarian Priya Manickchand’s cellphone was on Monday fined $50,000 by Magistrate Fabayo Azore when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for simple larceny.

Daniel Wilson of Lot 282 South Sophia, Greater Georgetown, admitted

that on November 22, at Rosemary Lane, Tiger Bay, Georgetown, he stole one Apple I-phone valued at $282,000.

The Prosecutor told the court that Manickchand and her family had visited the Tiger Bay area to share food to the less fortunate children. The Virtual Complainant left her phone on the front

seat of her car, and Wilson seeing an opportunity, stole the phone.

At the time of the incident, the parliamentarian’s father was sitting in the backseat of the car and he raised an alarm. As such, Manickchand’s husband attempted to apprehend the accused but he made good of his escape.

The incident was then reported to the Brickdam Police Station and Wilson was subsequently arrested and charged.

Wilson, who was unrepresented in court, begged for mercy; vowing to never steal again. He was nonetheless fined and failure to pay the fine will result in him serving three months imprisonment.

Man on bail for accepting stolen passport

AGood Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was on Tuesday charged for receiving a stolen passport and for leaving Guyana illegally.

Naipaul Baseoram of Lot 3 Railway Embankment,

Good Hope, ECD, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that between October 5, 2014 and July 15, 2015 he received a Guyana Passport, carrying passport number R0315338, knowing it to be false or stolen.

The 25-year-old also plead guilty to another charge, which stated that on August 22 at Springlands, Corentyne, he departed Guyana from an ill legal port of exit. The accused was placed on $75,000 bail for the charge of receiv-

ing stolen articles and will return the court on December 7. As it relates to the illegal departure charge, Baseoram was fined $30,000. A failure to pay this fine will result in him being sent to prison for six months.

Eyew tness

The good life…

…in a green economy

The theme of the budget presented by the APNU/ AFC coalition (which will never be a unity party, if Ramjattan’s to be believed) was “A Fresh Approach, to a Good Life In a Green Economy”. As we approach the end of the half-year the Budget covered, maybe we can look at how far we’ve come to achieving those broad goals?

“A Fresh Approach”. Well, the new Government’s approach to governance was certainly “new”. When was the last time you heard of a government in the modern world, leaving the economy on autopilot. You can do this on airplanes – and soon it will be introduced in cars – but economies? Modern Governments have a commitment towards developing their economies. And while some may quibble about whether that’s fully expressed in expanding growth rates, everybody accepts while we may have “growth and no development”, there’s no way on earth to have development without growth.

But apart is expressing “faith” that the original 3.4 per cent growth rate projected by the departed PPP Administration’s gonna be reached, what has the Government actually done? ZILCH, that’s what. And we return to the question of whether “auto-pilot” is the “fresh approach” of this Administration? Auto-pilot works in planes because there are computers figuring out all that has to be done and transmitting the info directly to the equipment.

So where’s the computer running the Guyanese economy? Maybe Jordan convinced his bosses that the “invisible hand” guiding economies means “Look Ma! No hands”?

The “good life”? What’s that? Living with the spiralling crime? No, strike that…serious crimes “only” jumped eight per cent from last year and that doesn’t make it a spiral according to the Police. And the Private Sector should be bitch slapped for daring to suggest otherwise. Losing jobs in the plummeting economy caused by all the “six sisters” –gold, bauxite, rice, forestry, sugar, fishery - tanking? So what’s the definition of the good life? Panhandling motorists at traffic stops?

The “green economy”? If this meant having lush vegetation taking over our factories – we had that back in the seventies when the glass factory, the bicycle factory, the cotton factory, the ceramic factory …and whatever factory – all collapsed. But if it means weaning the economy away from fossil fuels that lead to global warming, where’s the evidence? Where the action?

Moving from fossil fuels to water power? The Norwegians had to drag the Government kicking and screaming just to place “Amaila Falls Hydro” back on the front burner. We haven’t seen them turning on the burner yet, though.

The LCDS was at least a plan to create a “green economy”… Why throw it out? Oh..that fellow Jagdeo thought of it.

Then it MUST be bad.

…for sugar workers

The new Administration’s getting caught in its own BS. And it ain’t pretty. Look what’s happening in the sugar industry. They fired managers right, left and centre, and put in their own people, like the academic Clive Thomas. Now, to show they’re making progress in an area which even the PPP conceded they faltered, the Government LOWERED THE TARGETS FOR PRODUCTION!!

So every week they announced estates EXCEEDING their production targets! Well, what goes around comes around. Workers are now demanding their ANNUAL PRODUCTION INCENTIVE (API), the quantum which depends on how well they met their targets!

Now you, I and the doorpost might know that GuySuCo still in deep do-do debt up to its neck. And production costs are still double selling prices.. But what does that have to do with them, ask the sugar workers. The API formula’s very simple: workers meet targets, workers gotta get their “incentives”.

MANAGERS worry about profits. And the gift hired new, competent managers, no?

…and Ministers’

salaries

Looks like the Government figured right. Hit the Treasury early for their massive salary hikes and perks and soon enough , the outrage’ll blow over.

Well, at least THEY’LL have a great Christmas!! Maybe they’ll throw us some scraps. Massa day not done!

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

Political lightweights ready to contest LGE – say confident

By Alexis Rodney

Six months after contesting the General and Regional Elections, with very little success, Guyana’s small political parties are determined to make another bid to muster up electoral support to lead various communities at the local level as they prepare to contest the long overdue Local Government Elections (LGE).

Guyanese will go to the polls on March 18, 2016, and while Government and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) confirmed that they were well prepared for this major event, the small political parties, considered the “political lightweights”, are themselves confident that there will be significant success at this election.

The Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (THNTP)

General Secretary Ras Leon Saul was confident that his Party’s participation at the polls would garner much support from the locals, since that was what the LGE were all about. The Party, which suffered a major blow at the regional leg of the Elections back in May of this year, told <<<Guyana Times>>> that there needed to be increased participation from more interest groups in society, lessening the focus being placed on the two major political units – the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC)

of

upsetting bigger parties at local level

and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

He said: “People like us also have a voice in the community, so we are going to be representing our interests”.

Mobilisation

“Our Party will be participating in the LGE. We are now wrapping up our operations to move into mobilisation and outreach. We will definitely be representing the interest of our constituencies, especially the villages. Also, we are in the process of identifying the representatives in the various constituencies and registration of the representatives,” he told <<<Guyana Times>>>.

Asked if there were any hiccups at this stage, Saul said there were none. The Party is, however, awaiting some meetings with GECOM.

“We are going to talk with

them at the end of the week to regularise our participation in this historic Local Government Elections,” Ras related.

Meanwhile, leader of The United Force (TUF), Marissa Nadir said party executives were currently meeting and working out the logistics for the elections which have not happened for over two decades.

“This is not the General Elections. The requirements are a bit different. We have not had Local Government Elections in a long time so we have to become acquainted with the specifics of the requirement given the new additions of towns and constituencies; however, we will be contesting everything,” she confirmed

Asked about her confidence of success this time around, Nadir said: “We had a very favourable response when we were campaigning for the General Elections. Based on the feedback we have been having from persons, we have begun regaining our support. We are happy that we are seeing the response that we are getting. It is encouraging for us as we move forward in building the party and this will be another stepping stone in moving the Party forward and to prove to the nation that The United Force has been independent and that we are here to stay,” she said.

Nadir added that the Party has maintained its presence, an indication that

its after-election outreaches “have been working”.

Meanwhile, leader of the Independent Party (IP), Mark Benschop said unlike other political parties, his participation at the polls will be as a political group tagged “Benschop for Mayor”. Unlike the other parties too, his group will be only focusing on the Mayorship of Georgetown. The reason for this, he said, is that Georgetown remains a stronghold for him and his supporters. More than that, he related, there needs to be a thorough change of operations at the Mayor and City Council. He said persons have been too long in office, doing very little for residents of Georgetown.

Government last Friday announced that the much-anticipated Local Government Elections (LGE) will be held on March 18, 2016.

The LGE, which was last

held in 1994, will be conducted across the country in every constituency.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan said this was an important time in Guyana’s history, since Government has declared that Guyanese would have the opportunity to democratically elect Councillors to manage towns and neighbourhoods.

“They are essential, because the entire local government system must be rehabilitated and made fully functional. Democratic renewal of local government organs is long overdue,” Bulkan told a room full of journalists at his Kingston office on Friday.

Asked about the readiness of GECOM, Bulkan informed that the election body currently has a plan that it was working with to most importantly carry out voter education programmes. This, he said, will come underway in the near future.

There are some new features that have been added to the LGE, including the constituency representation. This legislation was enacted in 2009 during the ninth Parliament.

Castello man stabbed to death during brawl

One man is now dead and another hospitalised following a misunderstanding over a woman.

Dead is Troy Brutus, 37, of Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown, while Michael Riley, of Lot 182 Garnett Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, is nursing his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to reports, Brutus was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was allegedly stabbed several times about his body by Riley about 19:30h at Albouystown.

Guyana Times understands that Riley is currently in a relationship with Brutus’s ex-girlfriend,

thus sparking the feud between the men.

Reports are on Monday, Brutus reportedly went to his rival’s home, where he attacked the man upon his return from work.

Speaking with this newspaper, Brutus’s sister, Odetta, said her brother and the suspect recently had a misunderstanding at a football game and the man attacked her brother on Monday morning a short distance from their home.

However, according to the Police, later that day Brutus attacked the suspect, known as “Nice Time”, in Albouystown. At the time, he was armed with a cutlass and a knife. Brutus reportedly chopped Riley to his hand and face. However, the suspect managed to overpower him, dis-

arm him of the knife, which he then used to stab the 37-year-old several times about his body.

Brutus’s sister explained that she was unaware that her brother had an issue with the suspect, noting that he was fine and “unarmed” when he walked past her a few minutes before they were informed of the tragedy.

“I was standing at the gate talking to someone and he pass we around 7:00 pm, but he was looking alright. Then while I was talking to the girl, I hear someone screaming for me that my brother get stab, so I left and go there,” the woman recalled.

According to Odetta, after her brother was stabbed in Albouystown, he ran all the way to the “Island”

and asked for someone to call his sister, before collapsing. “When I go there, I call for Troy and he open his mouth to talk, but blood come so I tell he ‘don’t say nothing’,” she recounted.

She added that a neighbour assisted with taking the injured man to seek medical attention, but he was pronounced dead by doctors on duty. Odetta said four stab wounds were visible on her brother’s body – one on his left arm, his inner thigh, his abdomen and his back.

A post-mortem examination was expected to be conducted today.

Meanwhile, the injured suspect has been arrested and has been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is under Police guard.

GPA mourns passing of veteran journalist

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) is mourning the passing of veteran broadcaster and Editor Raschid Osman who died on Saturday.

On Monday, the GPA

said that death would “certainly not wash away Osman’s illustrious career in print and broadcast journalism”.

It said he had a sterling commitment and dedi -

cation to the profession he loved.

His colleagues at the Guyana Chronicle remember that on Friday, November 20, he left the office early to get ready to

attend the opening of the National Drama Festival at the National Cultural Centre. He did cover that assignment and died the following morning at the age of 78.

The media fraternity was plunged into a state of mourning on Saturday as the news spread about the sudden death of Osman.

Osman started his career as a feature writer at the Guyana Graphic in 1963 and continued in that role when the newspaper became the Guyana Chronicle. Eventually, in 1982, he was appointed Managing Editor and was later promoted to Sunday Editor, then Editor and eventually Editor-in-Chief in 1989.

In 1991, he left for Dominica and took up a job as Editor of the Dominica Chronicle and stayed there until 1999. He returned home and worked on special projects at the Guyana Chronicle and then took up a job as news editor of the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation.

From 2003 to 2005 he served as Editor at the Government Information Agency (GINA). Before, re -

Police hunting suspect for GPHC employee’s murder

Police investigators are on the hunt for a man who brutally stabbed his former reputed wife to death on Monday before dumping her body out of a moving car in Georgetown.

The dead woman has been identified as 33-yearold Melissa Skeete of Lot 94 Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara. The mother of four was a dispatcher attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital. She reportedly sustained several stab wounds about her body, including her neck and abdomen.

Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Wendell Blanhum, indicated that steps are being taken to apprehend the suspect at the earliest possible time.

Guyana Times was told that investigators went to the man’s house on Monday evening but he was not there. Another visit made by the Police on Tuesday also came up empty-handed.

Police investigations have revealed that after being picked up from the Georgetown Public Hospital by the suspect, Skeete was subsequently seen coming out of the motor vehicle at Carmichael Street, Georgetown, with stab wounds. She was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public-spirited persons, where she succumbed to her injures.

According to reports reaching this newspaper, Skeete shared a child with the suspect but ended the relationship sometime back because of the abuse she endured at his hand. Coworkers of the woman told Guyana Times that she was constantly changing residency in an effort to evade the man.

However on Monday,

joining the Chronicle team, he served as the Head of the Public Relations Department at the Ethnic Relations Commission.

At the time of his death, he served as Assistant Editor with the Sunday desk at the Chronicle.

Osman’s love for the arts moved him to pen brilliant critiques of stage plays, musical and dance concerts, and national cultural events.

In his writing, one could have seen not only a commanding use of language, but also deep knowledge of what he was writing about.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in a statement described Osman as a “towering figure in

Skeete left work sometime after 15:00h and was seen entering the suspect’s vehicle. About 20 minutes later, she was rushed back to the medical institution with blood oozing from her body.

Skeete died while undergoing surgery as doctors tried desperately to save her life.

This newspaper was told that before the woman left work on Monday, she informed one of her co-worker that she was going to meet her ex and even left the registration number for the man’s vehicle. Skeete also asked that someone called and check up on her after some time.

“They had a rocky relationship and she wanted out so she ended it but he didn’t want to let go and keep running behind her all the time. He even went to her house in Plaisance and broke the window, she had to move from there to get away from him so I don’t know why she went with him in the first place,” the worker said.

According to Skeete’s colleague, they had advised the mother of four to report the matter to the Police but she was scared nothing would be done.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted on the 33-year-old woman today.

Guyanese media and in the arts. His loss is an enormous blow to these fraternities and to the Guyanese society. Unfailingly committed to his work and to the arts, Osman leaves a rich legacy for young journalists to emulate.”

Guyana Chronicle Editor-in-Chief Nigel Williams related that his working experience with Osman was one that saw him gaining immense knowledge.

”I would have known him for many years, and he was very thorough with his work. He was very adept with the arts, one would recall his many works in the media along with his popular classical music show,” he stated.

Berbice fuel distributor shot by bandits

– Police hunt key suspects

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

ABerbice businessman and fuel distributor is now hospitalised after he was attacked by armed bandits on Monday. The attack has launched a Police manhunt for key suspects connected to the incident.

The incident occurred at New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). According to reports reaching Guyana Times, Deon Primus, also known as “Confusion”, was shot to his jaw as he was about to drive his canter truck into his Lot 3-38 Stanleytown yard at about 19:20h.

The 38-year-old man received one gunshot to the

jaw shortly after seeing two men approaching him. According to the injured man, he quickly wound up the window but was still shot.

Shortly after the shot was fired, residents saw two men riding away from the scene.

Julius Dey, an eyewitness, reported that he heard when Primus was coming down the street and was prepared to open the door for him. “The next thing I heard is a gunshot. I came out through the door and was able to distinguish that there was a short dark skin slim person that was approaching the driver… by this time the window was already shattered with the gunshot. I began shouting.

Man charged for allegedly assaulting reputed wife

A45-year-old man was on Tuesday granted $60,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman charged for assaulting his wife. Daniel Bacchus is accused of unlawfully and maliciously assaulting his reputed wife Indra Kellawan on November 20, at Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

In addition, the man was slapped with an additional charge of threatening language towards his reputed wife.

The prosecution alluded to the fact that the prevalence of such an offence in society is high and made a request that bail be denied to the accused.

The victim voiced her side of the story, stating that she has suffered at the hands of the accused for many years. As such, Magistrate Latchman advised the victim that a restraining order will be put in place against the accused.

The case will continue on January 16.

Neighbours came out and he ran away.”

Dey noted that the criminals did not get to Primus because of his timely intervention.

Primus was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where doctors immediately tried to stop the bleeding. According to a source close to the medical team, several pellets were lodged in Primus’ jaw and throat area.

The source said because of the continuous bleeding it was impossible to perform any surgery on Monday evening. Reports are the shooter used a shot gun in what

is believed to have been a failed robbery attempt.

Primus has an arrangement where he purchases dieseline and gasoline for persons who have businesses and reside in the Upper Berbice River.

Dey explained that through that arrangement, Primus would receive cash at the New Amsterdam Market Wharf and take the fuel back to the wharf.

Earlier in the day, Primus was seen with large sums of money at a petrol station.

In April last, there was a similar attempt to rob Primus who on that occa-

had

He was hospitalised but was not

of any valuables. Police are investigating. No arrests were made up to press time.

wednesday, november 25, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Release of Rodney CoI findings up to Granger – Secretariat

While Commissioners serving in the inquiry into the death of Dr Walter Rodney have not yet completed their report, the release of the findings will be at the discretion of President David Granger.

This is according to Head of the Commission’s Secretariat Hugh Denbow who told Guyana Times on Tuesday, that even if the report is submitted, it still has to be presented to the President. He said the Head of State will then decide when or if he will release it into the public domain.

Denbow, however, could not say if the Commissioners will complete the report by the scheduled November 30 deadline. According to him, they indicated during their last conference call that they were having some challenges with time, as they all live in different jurisdictions.

He said the Commission’s Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham had written President Granger last month. He could not say however what the letter was about, and what concerns, if any, were raised with the Head of State.

Commissioners and lawyers participating in the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry had in July of this year, blasted Government for what they said was the premature end to the investigation into the death of the Working People’s Alliance

President David Granger

Leader. The contention was that the move would definitely rob the Commission of a comprehensive, thorough and fair outcome.

Meanwhile, with just five days remaining before the report is completed, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has warned the APNU/AFC Government not to “unnecessarily” delay the public release of this anxiously-awaited report.

General Secretary of the PPP/C Clement Rohee on Monday during a media briefing stated that his Party, along with thousands of Guyanese in and out of the country, are looking forward to the details and findings of this report.

“The PPP looks forward with great anticipation to the release of the report to

the public and urges the de facto Granger coalition Administration not to unnecessarily delay the release of the report to the Guyanese public. Any undue delay in releasing the report of the public will be viewed with deep suspicion and will only add to the already pent-up resentment on the part of thousands in Guyana and abroad who have condemned and opposed the de facto Granger Administration’s premature shutting down of the CoI,” Rohee posited.

The CoI, which was convened in February 2014 by former President Donald Ramotar has had some 66 sittings. with a total of 29 witnesses, three of whom were still to be cross-examined. The evidence of those witnesses –retired Major General Norman Mc Lean, former Police Constable Allan Gates and Holland Yearwood were said to be crucial to the investigation.

Rodney, a founding member of the WPA, died on June 13, 1980, when a bomb said to be planted in a walkietalkie device exploded while he sat in a car outside the Georgetown Prison. His family and members of the Party he founded maintained that his death was the mastermind of the then People’s National Congress, led by Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

BoG to introduce $50 note as part of anniversary celebrations

By Kristen MacKlingaM

Less than two months after launching a collection of commemorative stamps to mark 50 years of service to the country, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) is set to introduce a new denomination of currency. This time it is a $50 note in honour of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary next year.

BoG Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga, told Guyana Times on Tuesday that the new note which will be in circulation will showcase “features” that are associated with Guyana’s 50th independence celebrations such as the logo that is being used for the national event.

“So it will be a note which will be in circulation so it can be used just like any other note. It will also help in terms of efficiency and making payments,” he said.

Dr Ganga explained that such an addition to the current notes which were in circulation would assist many individuals when it comes to conducting business and receiving or issuing payments.

Guyana Times understands that this will be a “lighter burden” to carry around because it would reduce the number of coins persons may have to travel with to entities, especially smaller businesses such as market stalls and little shops where persons have to receive their “change” in coins.

With regard to this new note being a limited edition, it was further explained that such a conclusion has not yet been derived.

“If we want to continue, we will see how it is received, how the market will accept it, how it will go and then maybe at a later time

we will introduce it as a part of the other notes in the system…this way it will ease the kind of constraints which we have in terms of finding other notes, other coins for giving back change or payment. Many people might want to hold those notes but the amount we are putting on the market, if they hold the notes, there will still be more to put in the market,” the BoG Governor posited.

This newspaper was told that while the BoG was yet to make a public disclosure as to the amount of $50 bills it would be printing and circulating, the Bank has already decided on this figure.

“We know how much we are printing, there is not going to be a shortage. It should run for some years before we can think about whether we want to continue with it or whether we want to stop. There is an issue of cost here and obviously the introduction of another note is very cost-effective…,” Dr Ganga further stated.

$10,000 bill mulled

In relation to the central bank moving towards introducing currency notes of high denominations such as a $10,000 bill, the BoG Governor is yet to pronounce on this.

As it is the highest note that Guyana currently has in circulation is the $5000 which was introduced to the public in 2013.

“We are trying to move away from cash and we are hoping that we can have what we call mobile money so you can use cards that is the culture that really we want people to be a part of or we should be able to promote the use of electronic form of

money,” he said, adding that such will be considered in future.

“The introduction of larger notes will have reduced our cost effectiveness too. But with the $5000 note instead of paying to print five $1000 notes, they are now only printing one note, it is a little bit cost-effective because of the various security features we put in there, but the bottom line is that it is still cheaper than printing five notes,” he also explained. According to Dr Ganga, the use of bank cards, availability of higher denomination notes and making payments electronically can surely assist in combating crime in terms of robberies committed.

“Our aim is to ensure that we can move towards less currency that is being used in the system and more in terms of using your cards, electronic forms of payments in terms of mobile money, such as using an electronic system in terms of accepting a data payment. That is what we will like to see,” he added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Botanical Gardens renamed

Forbes Burnham Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens has been renamed Forbes Burnham Botanical Gardens, Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green announced on Tuesday.

During a forum hosted by the Mayor and City Council at the National Library to address the naming and renaming of streets around the city, it was announced that a total of 50 places are to be renamed in celebration of Guyana’s golden anniversary.

Some of the suggestions from the public, included that Orange Walk be called “Electric Avenue” in honour of Guyanese musician Eddy Grant. It was also proposed that the avenue between Carmichael Street be named Crum-Ewing Avenue to recognise political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing, who was murdered execution style on March 10, 2015. At the forum, persons also suggested that North Road be renamed to honour former President Desmond Hoyte.

Other prominent names that were suggested to be recognised and have buildings and streets named in their honour are Mayor Hamilton Green, Tommy Cain, Ron Robinson, Samuel Hinds, Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Deserey Fox, Stephen Campbell, Yesu Persaud, and Professor Clive Thomas.

Chairman of the forum, Ron Robinson told the gathering that the MC&C plans to rename a building, street, or place every day beginning in April 2016 for 50 days, leading up to Guyana’s 50th

Independence Anniversary celebrations.

However, several persons cautioned the Council not to change names already with historical significance, and to show diversity in their selection as not only one particular race or one group of people are responsible for what Guyana has accomplished to date. This is just another aspect of the many preparations underway to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary in 2016.

Turkey downs Russian warplane near Syria border, Putin warns of “serious consequences”

Turkey shot down a Russian warplane near the Syrian border on Tuesday, saying the jet had repeatedly violated its air space, in one of the most serious publicly acknowledged clashes between a NATO member country and Russia for half a century.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the plane had been attacked when it was one kilometre (0.62 mile) inside Syria and warned of “serious consequences” for what he termed a stab in the back administered by “the ac-

complices of terrorists”.

“We will never tolerate such crimes like the one committed today,” Putin said, as Russian and Turkish shares fell on fears of an escalation between the former Cold War enemies.

Each country summoned a diplomatic representative of the other and NATO called a meeting of its Ambassadors for Tuesday afternoon.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cancelled a visit to Turkey due on Wednesday and the Defence Ministry said it was preparing measures to

respond to such incidents.

Footage from private Turkish broadcaster Haberturk TV showed the warplane going down in flames, a long plume of smoke trailing behind it as it crashed in a wooded part of an area the TV said was known by Turks as “Turkmen Mountain”.

Separate footage from Turkey’s Anadolu Agency showed two pilots parachuting out of the jet before it crashed.

A deputy commander of rebel Turkmen forces in Syria said his men shot both pilots dead as they came down. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Paris attacks: Warrant issued for new suspect Mohamed Abrini

ABelgian Judge has issued a European and international arrest warrant for a man named as Mohamed Abrini, 30, in connection with the Paris attacks.

Prosecutors say two days before the attacks, Abrini was seen driving a car with suspect Salah Abdeslam at a petrol station on the motorway to Paris.

Abrini is described as “dangerous and probably armed”.

Salah Abdeslam is currently the subject of an international manhunt after the attacks which killed 130 peo-

ple.

The Renault Clio that Abrini was seen driving was later used in the attacks, Prosecutors say.

Police say he should not be approached by the public.

French Prosecutor Francois Molins also gave an update on the investigation on Tuesday, saying that the presumed ringleader of the November 13 attacks, Abdelhamid Abbaoud, is thought to have been planning a suicide attack on Paris’s La Defense business district on November 18 or 19.

Abbaoud was killed in a

Police raid on the Saint-Denis suburb of Paris on November 18.

Belgian Prosecutors also said on Tuesday that they have also partially identified two other men who have been taken into custody.

They are under suspicion – in the words of a statement – of “participating in the activities of a terrorist group”, and “acts of terrorist murder”.

The men, named as Ali O and Lazez A, are both from the Brussels district of Molenbeek, and both will appear separately in court during the course of this week.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Jamaica Foreign Minister shoots down idea of CCJ referendum

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator AJ Nicholson has shot down a recommendation from the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) that a referendum be held to determine whether Jamaica should replace Britain’s Privy Council with the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final court of appeal.

He says it’s simply not practical. “Let us tear down this referendum wall. It does

not prove to be good sense in history, it is not good sense in logic, it is not practical,” he said.

Senator Nicolson, who is also Leader of Government Business in the Senate, further argued that none of the 41 countries that have left the Privy Council and established their own court “has gone route of a referendum”. In addition, he contended that Jamaica does not possess the power to implement or enforce a decision to remain with the Privy Council. “If the

Around the world

Climate change worsening coastal erosion in Trinidad

As unusually heavy rainfall battered Trinidad’s East coast a year ago, a lagoon here was overwhelmed, flooding a major access road to the island’s South-eastern communities.

As the flood waters poured over Manzanilla beach, they washed sand away, caved in sections of road and collapsed a seawall at a tourist beach facility. Further damages were also incurred with the flooding of homes and agricultural plots.

The coastline of Trinidad is under threat as seas rise, storms grow heavier, and as sand is washed away. As iconic coconut trees are lapped by an encroaching sea, some of the dangers of climate change are becoming clear.

Seas in the Region have been rising by more than twi millimetres every year — though scientists are still trying to pinpoint the role of climate change in accelerating local beach erosion.

“On Manzanilla beach the sea is definitely getting closer to the land, but the primary reason may not be land deformation or sea level rise,” said Keith Miller, a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of West Indies.

With Trinidad’s east coast sustaining several developing communities, through income from tourism, agriculture and fishing, management of the coastline – which is also a nesting site for endangered leatherback turtles – is of utmost importance.

Subsequent to reports of the extensive damage at Manzanilla, emergency services responded through a coordinated effort between Government agencies and ministries to bring relief to those affected.

Disaster management and response units, including the local Risk Reduction Management Centre, assisted residents by providing basic supplies to flood victims, while personnel from the University of the West Indies conducted site visits to assess the damage and collect data. The Ministry of Works was involved in trying to reconnect the main access route to the South-eastern community. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

people vote to remain with the Privy Council, the power to enforce that vote doesn’t lie here in Kingston – it lies in Whitehall (where the council sits). You can’t have a referendum on something that you don’t control,” he said. Nicholson also called for the Constitution (Amendment) (Caribbean Court of Justice) Act 2015, the Judicature (Appellate Jurisdiction) Act, 2015, and the Caribbean Court of Justice Act, 2015 to be passed as quickly as possible. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

wedesday, November 25, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

US Embassy hosts seminar focusing on STEM

In observance of International Education Week, the United States Embassy in Guyana hosted a career guidance seminar, focusing on career opportunities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

International Career Week was observed from November 16 to 20 under the theme “Access for All”. During the seminar, titled “Launching Your Global Career with STEM” held at the Theatre Guild, students were given information on career opportunities in the respective areas, and were encouraged to pursue careers in these fields.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam urged the students from various schools across Georgetown to follow their passion and strongly consider careers in the sciences.

He was followed by accomplished profession -

als who shared their backgrounds and highlighted career opportunities in the STEM fields. Speakers included ExxonMobil Venture Operations Manager, geologist David Puls; retired engineer and consultant Joseph Holder; US Fulbright Scholar and Maths instructor at the University of Guyana (UG),

Jennifer Hoyte and UG 2015 Valedictorian Sachin Ramsuran.

Gillian Oak of the US Embassy also shared information on the student visa application process. After the presentations, students had the opportunity to view innovative science and technology projects made by students of Richard Ishmael

Secondary and Queen’s College.

US President Barack Obama has said: “Science is more than a school subject, or the periodic table, or the properties of waves. It is an approach to the world, a critical way to understand and explore and engage with the world, and then have the capacity to change that world.”

100,000 Strong in the Americas Through President Obama’s 100,000 Strong in the Americas Initiative, innovative new partnerships are being developed with the business sector, higher education sector, and Governments across the hemisphere to dramatically increase opportunities for educational exchange between the United States

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

No trust, no unityDeception is not a platform for unity

Without national unity Guyana cannot realise its majestic potential, a potential that should have established Guyana as number one, economically and socially, in Caricom. But political and ethnic fissions continue to plague our country, even as APNU/ AFC has ratcheted up the rhetoric on national unity.

APNU/AFC must understand that national unity cannot be bought, badgered or hijacked.

President Jagdeo in 2003 understood this premise when he presented a paper “Towards greater inclusive governance in GuyanaBuilding trust to achieve greater political cooperation”.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Truth be told, trust between the PPP and APNU/AFC is at an all-time low and more elusive than a cure for the common cold. APNU/AFC has gone out of its way to generate distrust through blatant discrimination and deceit. There is rampant distrust of APNU/AFC by the PPP and more than 50 per cent of the population.

While talking about unity, APNU/AFC consistently reminds the PPP to “butt” out of the Government’s business, as when Donald Ramotar was rudely informed he has no business advising APNU/AFC what to do about crime, even as crime is spiralling out of control. APNU/AFC tells the Private Sector Commission (PSC) it has no obligation to listen to them, and presents bills to Parliament, appoints Boards and personnel without any consultation. Parliament has become an APNU/AFC playground to show off how big and bad a bully it is.

and the Americas. The US Embassy in Guyana is committed to continue working with potential students to guide them with the admissions, visa, and financial information they need in order to successfully prepare and apply for study in the United States.

During the 2014/15 academic year, the number of international students at colleges and universities in the United States increased by 10 per cent to a record high of 974,926, confirming once again that the United States remained the destination of choice for higher education. India, China and Brazil account for most of the growth in international students on US campuses. According to the Open Doors® report, published annually by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, there are currently 230 Guyanese students are studying in the United States.

Through its American Spot located at the National Library and University of Guyana Library, the US. Embassy also offers resources year-round to assist young people in pursuing university studies in the United States.

The American Spot features guide books on selecting a college or university, information on the university application process, scholarship guides, books on how to write strong college application essays, and resources to help students prepare for standardised tests.

More than 99 per cent of persons terminated, demoted or sent on leave when APNU/AFC took office are from two ethnic groups that make up more than 55 per cent of the population of Guyana. East Indians and Amerindians voted overwhelmingly for the PPP, such that the PPP won seven of the 10 regions in Guyana and was strongly competitive in two regions. Indeed, only one region, Region 10, voted overwhelmingly for APNU/AFC.

The ethnic discrimination which suffocated Guyana, moving the nation from the top Caribbean economy in 1964 to the bottom by 1992, is once again a major political tool being used by Government to establish an authoritarian regime. Not only has the Government terminated persons on the basis of their ethnicity and perceived political affiliation, it has shown an absolute bias in employment and appointments.

For example, East Indian Permanent Secretaries have been replaced and virtually all of the new Permanent Secretaries are Afro-Guyanese. New Regional Executive Officers have been appointed and they are mainly African-Guyanese, except for a couple of purely political appointees. CEOs and other top managers who were replaced were overwhelmingly East Indians and have been replaced by Afro-Guyanese.

An almost 100 per cent African Guyanese recruitment of new soldiers for the Army cannot generate confidence and trust among a population that is more than 60 per cent non-African Guyanese. A Public Service that was already overwhelmingly AfroGuyanese is being made even more one-sided in excluding other ethnic groups and there is the grievous defence of GECOM for new recruitment practices that now results in greater than 95 per cent being Afro-Guyanese.

Rice farmers have been abandoned and left vulnerable to low prices for their paddy. They were told that they belong to the Private Sector and Government cannot help them, while at the same time, Government was helping out private people in the mining industry. Sugar workers have been treated with total disrespect, not even allowed to negotiate for wage increases. The people of Bath Settlement, mostly East Indians, have had their street lights disconnected, while Linden continues to receive billions in subsidy for virtually free electricity in their homes and business.

APNU/AFC has shown a banal propensity to germinate distrust in the population. It claimed that Guyana was bankrupt and could not give public servants and the sugar workers the promised 20 per cent increase or double old age pension and had to discontinue the $10,000 per child school grants. Yet shamelessly it gave itself a grand pay increase that made it the highest paid Cabinet in Caricom.

APNU/AFC abandoned the Specialty Hospital and the Amaila Hydroelectricity Projects because it argued the projects were not in the interest of citizens, were criminal and were simply cash cows for the family and friends of the PPP. Yet, these projects are now the only genuine transforming projects on the development agenda for APNU/AFC, at enormous cost to the taxpayers.

Empty rhetoric will never build trust and without trust, unity is elusive. These are unpalatable truths made even more distressing by the Minister of Social Cohesion – who should play a leading role to foster unity among our people – attacking the messenger for pointing out these repugnant truths. We deserve national unity. But attacking those who point out discrimination and deceit as racists cannot plant the seed for national unity.

[Please send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com]

Hampton Court pump engines vandalised

As scores of rice farmers in Sparta-Windsor Castle, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) continue to seek assistance to tackle the excess water on their farmlands, the engines of the pump that was proposed to help drain the water have been vandalised.

Regional Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah on Tuesday visited the pump station at Hampton Court and ordered that the pump attendant give a detailed report on the vandalism. According to Coonjah, she was never apprised of the situation previously and she said an investigation would be immediately launched.

While on site, Coonjah was told that the vandalism was reported to the Senior Superintendent of Works in the Drainage and Irrigation

Authority Section of the Region Two Administration. The pump attendant then informed her that the incident occurred since July 9, 2015.

This newspaper was told that the engines’ belts were

cut and sand was reportedly thrown into the engines. There was also damage to the engines’ fan belt.

As a result of the vandalism, rice farmers are now left with excess water on their rice lands.

Residents of the Hampton Court, Sparta and Windsor Castle areas are now also calling on the Agriculture Ministry and the Region Two Administration to rectify the issues with the pumps in a timely manner.

US, Caricom sign multimillion development assistance agreements

By Kristen MacKlingaM

Three five-year Development

Objective Agreements inked between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) on Tuesday has resulted in the Region benefiting from US$172 million.

These monies will be used to support Caricom’s regional and national objectives which aim to reduce the involvement of youth in crimes and violence; controlling HIV/AIDS in the Region and reducing the vulnerability to climate change.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway explained that these agreements would spearhead the USAID’s 2015-2019 Regional Development Cooperation Strategy which covers programming in a number of Caribbean coun-

tries.

“The partnership with Caricom, US Government’s new programming will address the abovementioned objectives in youth, health and climate change within the six organisations of eastern Caribbean countries as well as Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Guyana,” Ambassador Holloway stated.

According to the US Ambassador, the signing of these agreements symbolise the strong and continued partnership between the US and Caricom, underlining the shared commitment to promote a resilient, prosperous and secure eastern and southern Caribbean through programmatic partnerships.

“USAID’s total estimated contribution to mitigate youth involvement in crime and violence in target communities is $89 million; $52 million is designated

to achieving epidemic control of HIV/AIDS among key populations; and a total of $31 million is directed towards reducing the risks to human and natural assets resulting from climate vulnerability,” he explained.

It was further stated that HIV/AIDS outreach prevention, care and treatment in the Region has been significantly strengthened, for example an average of 8532 Guyanese reported to have received HIV counselling and testing services and learning their HIV status.

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque emphasised that the activity was a clear indication of the strong ties between the US and the Caribbean Community.

“This is just a continuation of a longstanding cooperation and collaboration between US and Caricom… these agreements are rendering assistance in areas

that have been identified as critical to the well-being of our citizens. They have been structured based on consultations between the Caribbean Community, both at the regional level and nationally…” he posited.

He further explained that with regard to combating the challenges posed by crime and violence with particular reference to youth involvement, these interventions by the US Government were “timely” since the issues were “right at the forefront facing” Caricom presently.

With regard to climate change and its impact on the Region, LaRocque said that Caricom needed to adapt and mitigate the effects of global warming as well, noting that the US has intervened and offered assistance in the past to some countries that have had devastating results from climate change.

(kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

wednesday, november 25, 2015 |

Mexico commits US$2M grant for Institute of Creative Arts – PM Nagamootoo

The Government of Mexico has committed to the Guyana Government a sum of US$2 million to aid in the construction of an Institute of Creative Arts in Guyana. This commitment was among several secured by Prime Minister and First Vice President Moses Nagamootoo on his recent visit to Mexico.

The Prime Minister made these statements during his address to the graduation ceremony of the University of Guyana, Berbice campus over the weekend. He explained that the Government was planning to set up a creative arts institute as it recognised the role the creative arts play in the overall development of a society.

“We must always look to our musicians, to our dancers, our sculptors, to all the people who are involved in the creative arts that they have a role to play in our country, to be able to reflect, to mirror and reproduce the soul of a proud Guyanese people,” the Prime Minister advised.

Meanwhile, the Government has already started work to re-introduce music in schools. One hun-

Lodge man

dred and forty-eight primary school teachers from Regions Three and Four and the Georgetown Education District, and eight Trainer of Trainers from Regions One, Two, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10 were trained in music education in August this year.

In a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister within the Education Ministry Nicolette Henry said the teachers were equipped with the necessary skills to effectively deliver music programmes in primary schools.

“There is also the intention to integrate things like the literary arts, drama and music bigger than singing and that type of thing, but steel pan music and so forth, so there are a lot of plans to have a lot of initiatives integrated into the current curriculum.”

Guyana is in the process of developing a cultural policy to guide interventions for the advancement of this field; to this end, a cultural policy adviser was employed by the Department of Culture and consultations have begun on crafting this document.

jailed for drug trafficking

Aman, who pleaded guilty to being in possession of 46 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking, was on Tuesday jailed for three years.

Vibert Butts, who appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, admitted that on November 23, at Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown,

he had in his possession 46 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. In plea of mitigation, Butts told the Magistrate that he made a mistake and it will never happen again. He further added that he uses the drug for medical purposes.

He was nonetheless jailed for three years and also fined $69,000.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

Love is in the stars. Reconnect with old friends. An email or phone call will open a door that has been closed for a long time. Make amends and begin again.

Deal with sensitive matters before they escalate into big predicaments. An issue that seems hard to decipher will become clear and be more easily resolved if you maintain honest, open communication.

Stick to your principles. You may be flattered by an enticing offer, but regrets will follow if you don’t play by the rules. An ailing relative will cause concern.

Resist the urge to voice your opinions, especially with business colleagues. Offer carefully considered solutions in order for things to move ahead smoothly. Turn a negative into a positive.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

You are highly regarded for your willingness to help those in need. Don’t be surprised if someone who can influence your future is keeping an eye on your good deeds.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

You have a lot on your plate. Proceed with caution, or a damaging mishap will occur. Keep up to date with medical, legal and financial matters.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Look for an inexpensive way to make your living space more appealing. Presenting an inviting atmosphere will make you feel good. A new hobby will prove to be a welcome stress reducer.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Careful study of your plans for the coming year should be a priority. Unsatisfying partnerships should be reconsidered and dealt with before moving forward.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Keeping busy will help you handle stress caused by personal issues. Don’t let relationship problems cut into your professional productivity, or you will face bigger problems.

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

Social gatherings will provide a welcome outlet from work troubles. Make an effort to spend more time with friends and loved ones. A chance to travel for business or pleasure is apparent.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Financial security should be a priority. Sticking to a strict budget and reducing your expenses will be necessary to avoid problems with creditors. Ask for help if you are unsure how to proceed.

What you accomplish now will set the stage for future prospects. If you do the groundwork, success will be yours. Attend a trade show, seminar or course that will add to your earning potential.

Lady Northcote to resume operations

– after $140M in repair works completed

The Transport and Harbours Division will see the return of one of its oldest vessels, the MV Lady Northcote after it was docked some two months at the EC Vieira Dockyard at Houston, Greater Georgetown.

The vessel, which was undocked on Tuesday, is set to return to the Demerara River after $140 million was spent on repairs.

The initial works on the 78-year-old vessel were priced at $70 million, but owing to the extent of the work, the costs reached $140 mil-

Businessman shoots home intruders

Abusinessman is nursing a gunshot wound after he traded bullets with a group of bandits, who invaded his Bel Air Park, Georgetown home.

“It was a very, very brutal rehabilitation service; very challenging,” Vieira said.

The repairs saw the repairing of the hull; servicing of all onboard machinery; improvement of interior and exterior decking and upgrades to the main and passenger decks.

The facilities on-board have also been improved through the upgrade of the galley, while the vessel’s crew is expected to be more comfortable thanks to improved

beds and washroom facilities.

Chief Mechanical Engineer at the Transport and Harbours Division, Dwane Griffith explained that there was a change in the engine to accommodate improved loading and off loading abilities. In addition, the underwater propellers were rebuilt.

The rebuilt propellers will see a reduction in travel

lion. EC Vieira Investment Limited Managing Director Edmond Vieira told Guyana Times that the works actually totalled approximately $170 million on account of extensive unforeseen damage, but his company provided a 15 per cent discount which brought the price down to $140 million. Vieira explained that when Lady Northcote arrived at the dockyard for repairs, it had “no functionality”.

Quartet jailed for 81 years for Robb St Granny’s murder

The four men accused of murdering a 72-year-old Robb Street, Georgetown granny four years ago has each been sentenced to 81 years’ imprisonment.

Kevin October, Roy Jacobs, and brothers Orwin and Cleon Hinds had pleaded not guilty to the joint murder indictment, which stated that on June 30, 2011, they killed Clementine FiedtkouParris as part of a conspiracy for money.

According to reports, unknown persons hired the accused to murder the elderly woman, of Lot 42 Robb Street, who was involved in a property dispute at the time. On the day in question, two men went to Fiedtkou-Parris’ home and as the woman came out to enquire about their visit, they opened fire on her, hitting her several times.

It was alleged that the men were paid $400,000 each to commit the act.

The trial into FiedtkouParris’s murder began on November 2, during which several witness testified for the State, led by Prosecutor Teshanna James-Lake assisted by Narissa Leander. The prosecution closed its

case last week. On Monday, James-Lake presented her closing arguments to the 12-member jury panel.

The line-up of defence attorneys included George Thomas, Moti Singh, Raymond Alli and Maxwell Mc Kay.

On Tuesday, trial judge Justice Navindra Singh summed up the evidence in the case before the panel retired into the juryroom to deliberate on a verdict.

After deliberating for some four hours, the jury returned with unanimous verdicts of guilty. Following the decision of the jury, Justice Singh proceeded to impose sentencing on the quartet at the High Court in Demerara.

The trial judge began sentencing at a base of 60 years and added 10 years for premeditation, another 10 for collecting money to commit an unlawful act, and five more years for using a firearm to commit the act. Additionally, four years were deduced for the time the men spent on remand, awaiting trial.

Justice Singh further ordered that the men will only be eligible for parole after 45 years.

time from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. The Chief Engineer also explained that the vessel now holds 100 life rafts.

Griffith was in high praise of the work done by Vieira and was extremely grateful for the support given by the Government. When asked how long such extensive maintenance should last,

Vieira explained that maintenance should be done every two to three years.

A test run was done on Tuesday from Houston wharf to Kingston with several media personnel on board. It was deemed an overall success. Lady Northcote is expected to resume service sometime next week.

The incident occurred sometime around 19:55h on Monday.

Nicholas Coates, 30, of Eping Avenue, Bel Air, was in his home when he was attacked by four men, two of whom were armed with handguns. Coates is the son of Gail Russell, who owns the YogYog Frozen Parlour located on Albert Street, Georgetown.

Guyana Times understands that at the time of the incident, the businessman was on his veranda when the bandits made their way into his bottom flat apartment. However, after noticing the businessman’s door opened they rushed upstairs to him.

After realising what was happening, Coates ran into his apartment, but was shot and injured to his right foot as the men made their

way into his apartment. Nevertheless, the wounded man managed to get into his bedroom, where he armed himself with his licensed firearm.

Coates then opened fire on the intruders, hitting one of them, but all four men managed to escape in a waiting motor car. The businessman has been admitted at a private hospital as Police investigate the matter. No arrest has been made thus far.

GTA/Trophy Stall Doubles Tennis…

Lopes/Andrews, Persaud/Fraser win marathon matches

The new partnership of Guyana’s most decorated tennis doubles player Jason Andrews with top junior Daniel Lopes proved its worth in a marathon three hours, 20 minutes quarter-final match on Sunday, defeating Andre Erskine and Ronald Murray in three sets 6-7 (6-8),7-6 (7/5), 7-5 and book a place in the Men’s Open Doubles semis.

The win puts Andrews on course to earn himself an 11th doubles title within the last seven years.

The match started off with Erskine/Murray securing an early break of serve to move ahead 4-1 in the first set as they seemed comfortable with Erskine being the solid baseliner and Murray

at the net. But it was determination and masterful net play that helped Lopes/ Andrews to shake things up a bit and win four straight games, taking the score from 5-2 to 5-6.

Erskine/Murray fought to stay in the set, levelling at 6-6. Both teams held service and played neckand-neck in the tiebreaker through heated exchanges to bring the score to 6-6, but it was the more experienced Murray/Erskine team that held their nerves and captured the next two points and the first set 7-6 (8/6).

This high level of play was maintained throughout the second set, as both teams held serve comfortably to 6-6 to set up for another tie breaker. It would

be the youthful team that would forge ahead 4-2, but Erskine/Murray again produced some quality points to level 5-5 before surrendering the next two points and the set 7-6 (7/5).

A popped string for Erskine during the third set caused some imbalance in his team as he lost serve at 3-3 to give Andrews/Lopes a 4-3 lead. But the tides immediately turned on Lopes serve when surprisingly, Erskine, who is not known for volleys, produced skillful winners at the net to reach break point at which point Murray secured the break with his signature inside out forehand to level the score at 4-4. Murray then held serve to 5-4.

But the high level of

National Schools' Championships... Roopnaraine declares 'Nationals' open after colourful march past

B y T reis T on J oseph

Acolourful and grand opening ceromony on Tuesday marked the official start of the 55th edition of the National Schools' Championships being held at the National Stadium, Providence.

After a colourful march past and the lighting of the games torch by North Georgetown (District 11) who are defending champions of the event, Minster of Education Dr Rupert Roopnaraine declared the mega event open.

" It is very inspiring for me to see so many athletes ready to prove themselves... It is the only national event of such magnitude in the country and we consider it to be crucial to the sport development. We will be seeking to create systems to provide opportunities for athletes in their young careers and other tangible support to help in their development.

"We are in the process of creating a strong sports policy... We see sport as crucial to the development of our young people and country as a whole and

emphasis will be placed on sport...Your performacn here will determine how you do in track field but your performance in the class room will help u further every aspect of your

careers," Roopnaraine pointed out.

Earlier president of the Guyana Teachers Union Mark Lyte in his address pointed out the potential of the championships.

" Our commitment to these championship has allowed us to do well at junior regional games but in order for us to achieve a world beater in athletics we must place an emphasis on sport in schools and the resources must be readily available... we cannot allow our talent to go by the wayside," Lyte noted.

Region Four's Chairman Genevieve Allen gave the opening remarks while placing emphasis on the fact the education and sport go hand in hand.

The track and field events along with cycling will continue on a daily basis for the remainder of the week at the National Stadium, Provide with action on each day starting at 10:00h.

team support between the Andrews/Lopes pair gave Andrews the willpower to hold his service game to level again at 5-5. This once again weakened resolve in the Erskine/Murray camp and Lopes/Andrews made no hesitation in powering returns to secure yet another break on Erskine’s serve. Serving for the match, it took Lopes/Andrews five deuces, three match points, and two break points to eventually triumph three and a half hours later.

In the end, it was a commendable partnership that outplayed the experienced players 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/5),75. Lopes was jubilant as he crashed to the ground in exhaustion. But the team will have to quickly refocus as their next opponents in the semis are Nicholas Fenty and Leyland Leacock, who

will be a formidable force.

Likewise in the Ladies Open Doubles round-robin Group A, the junior girls Kalyca Fraser/Shivani Persaud battled for two and a half hours to down the pair of junior powerhouse Afruica Gentle and the promising 12-year-old Sarah Klautky, 6-3, 6-3.

But the pair subsequently lost to Nicola Ramdyhan/Aretta Dey, 6-3, 6-0. In Group B, Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan/Fiona Brushell defeated Nathalie Ramdyhan/Ciara Pooran 6-0, 6-1. In other Men’s Doubles quarter-final action, Men’s champion Anthony Downes and veteran Harry Panday defeated the young pair Keenan Persaud/Jordan Beaton 6-0, 6-0. A walkover was granted to Nicholas Fenty/Leyland Leacock by

Sandeep Chand/Sanjeev Datadin. Anthony Downes/ Harry Panday also received a walkover from Oswin Coggins/Stephen Bailey to book their place in the final. In the Mixed Doubles quarter-finals, Mark McDonald/Afruica Gentle defeated Jordan Beaton/ Kalyca Fraser 6-2, 6-4; Aretta Dey/Daniel Lopes defeated Ramario Chanderballi/Grace McCalman 6-0, 6-1; Keenan Persaud/Sarah Klautky defeated Fiona Bushell/ Martin Campbell 6-4, 6-4; and Nicola Ramdyhan/ Nicholas Glasgow defeated Mark McDonald/Afruica Gentle 6-2, 6-2. Exciting semi-finals and finals are expected as all four categories draw to a close during the remainder of this week.

Fury: I’ll expose Klitschko in world title fight

Britain’s Tyson Fury says his world heavyweight title clash with Wladimir Klitschko in Germany on Saturday will be “one of my easiest fights”.

Ukrainian Klitschko, 39, defends his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles against Fury in Dusseldorf’s 55,000-capacity Esprit Arena.

“I see so many chinks in his armour. I’m going to expose them very quickly,” said Fury, 27, on Tuesday.

Klitschko labelled the Manchester fighter a “colourful” character.

Fury engaged in the traditional stare-down after the news conference, talking to Klitschko throughout.

He complimented him on his appearance and fragrance before making ‘bunny ears’ in response to the champion telling him to hold his fist up for the cameras.

“I think this will be one of my easiest fights,” added Fury.

“It might sound crazy because he’s a ‘super-champion’ and has been world champion for 11 years.

“If I could choose any champion to fight, I’d choose him. I can expose him and you’ll see what I mean on Saturday night.”

Klitschko, who boasts 64 wins from 67 fights during his career, admitted he will have to overcome the nerves that come before each fight when he faces Fury.

“There have been many fighters along the years that I have faced that were different,” he said.

“This time I have a very colourful guy that is young and wants to have the real challenge.

“I heard what he said that he’s nervous, which means he’s well prepared and alert - because it’s good to be nervous.”

Late on Monday, Fury said he would pull out of the title clash and even joked he would fight the champion “bare knuckle” if an agreement over gloves for the fight is breached.

Klitschko stipulated the type of gloves for the bout, but Fury found an initial test pair from the manufacturer uncomfortable, though preferred a second, slightly different pair. (BBC Sport)

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wednesday, nOvember 25,

Bobb’s charges impress at NAFMA Guyana Open

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The North American Federation of Martial Arts (NAFMA) Guyana Open Martial Arts championship concluded last weekend with Sensei Troy Bobb’s charges turning in exceptional performances at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Bobb, who is in charge of the Harpy Eagles Martial Arts Academy and the Felix

Austin Police College, led his team to 14 first place finishes in Kata, Sparring and SelfDefence; two second place finishes in Weapon and SelfDefence; and a third in SelfDefence.

Competing under the Harpy Eagles banner, Bobb himself was among five of his members who copped two first place finishes. Both was

first in Kata and Weapon, while Nizi Realine, Krystal Realine and Louis Realine all earned similar results in the two divisions.

Amitabh Persaud copped two wins- in Sparring and Kata- and a second in Weapon. Gaining first place in Kata were Mark Zaman, Gerald Beaton and Maria Roberts.

Under the Felix Austin banner, Teneka Grant captured the top podium spot in Self-Defence; Kisha Clinton second in Self-Defence and Nayiasha Sommersaul third in Self-Defence.

In an invited comment, Bobb said he was impressed with the performance of his students, noting that their hard work has paid off.

Fairfield crowned ECDCA/Premium Beer T20 champs

iewed by one of the largest crowds at a domestic club game in recent years, the East Coast Demerara Cricket Association (ECDCA)/Banks Premium Beer T20 knockout competition concluded on Sunday last with Fairfield beating Lusignan A in closely contested final.

The 11-run margin of victory was made even more imposing, as the game turned to be a low-scoring affair, with none of the teams getting past 100, and the highest individual score being 28.

Playing at the Enmore Community Centre ground, Fairfield batted first and posted 97-9, but their bowlers proved hard to put away, as Lusignan A could only muster 86-9 when the overs

finished.

When Fairfield batted, Richard Chaturia and Ramnarine Chaturia added 38 for the opening stand before the latter was removed by spinner Rajindra Naikbaran for 17.

Gajanand Suknanan then uprooted the stumps of Leon Targoonchandra (05), while Richard Chaturia was caught off Kumar Bishundial for 28 (1x4,1x6) as Fairfield slipped to 54-3.

Consistent bowling by Lusignan A thereafter ensure Fairfield didn’t recover, with only Wassim Mustapha (15) and Mustac Shaw (12) getting into double figures of the remaining batsmen. Bishundial claimed 3-12, Suknanan 2-13 and Steve Ramdass 2-18.

At the start of the run-

chase, Ramnarine Chaturia had Gavin Boodwah caught for one, while Targoonchandra trapped Steve Ramdass leg before for seven as Lusignan A were reduced to 24-2 in reply.

Former national Under-19 skipper, Brian Sattaur, who was given a let off earlier, was then bowled by Targoonchandra for 16 (2x4s) before Krishna Deosaran was caught off Alex Marshall for 14 to leave Lusignan A in trouble at 454. Leon Morgan (03), Somnauth Bharat (07), Bishundial (01), Suknanand (07) and Emran Khan (06) all fell cheaply, amidst tidy bowling by Fairfield. And despite the efforts of Naikbaran, who remained unbeaten on 20, Lusignan A

could not reach the target. Targoonchandra snared 3-20 and Richard Chaturia 2-13, while Ramnarine Chaturia and Marshall had one each. Richard Chaturia was named Man-of-theMatch for his all-round effort. Fairfield received a trophy and $200,000, while Lusignan pocketed a trophy and $100,000.

Earlier, Enterprise A defeated Tiger’s XI in the third place play off. Batting first, Tiger’s XI scored 65-7 off their allotted 15 overs. Tagenarine Chanderpaul made 28, while Zaheer Mohamed Shadir had 3-13, Vivian Albert 2-16 and Kamesh Yadram 2-16. Enterprise A responded with 70-1 in 10 overs. Shadir hit 35 not out and Albert an unbeaten 26.

Contract upgrades for Guyana Jaguars’ trio

With opening batsman Rajendra Chandrika and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo obtaining central contracts from the West Indies Cricket Board, room has been created for two Guyana Jaguars’ contracts in the ongoing second edition of the Professional Cricket League (PCL) domestic competition.

The in-form batsman Vishaul Singh has been elevated from a ‘C’ contract to a ‘B’, while rookie leftarm spinner Gudakesh Motie and all-rounder Steven Jacobs have been awarded ‘C’ contracts.

Performances at the WICB’s PCL 2015/16 FourDay tournament, along with training records and

attitude, were the main criteria for awarding contracts.

The left-handed Singh has already scored two centuries in three matches, while Motie has grabbed three five-wicket hauls, in a total of 23 wickets. Jacobs has impressed with his all-round efforts. They have all been disciplined in their training and attitude towards the game, according to a release from the Guyana Cricket Board.

The Cricket Guy Inc

(CGI) contracted players are Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Assad Fudadin, Vishaul Singh, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Javon Searles, Ronsford Beaton, Paul Wintz, Keon Joseph, Tagenarine

Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetmyer, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Steven Jacobs and Gudakesh Motie.

Meanwhile, emerging talents Chanderpaul Hemraj and Sherfane Rutherford have replaced Motie and Jacobs in the CGI Academy.

The full Academy group reads: Anthony Adams, Raun Johnson, Keemo Paul, Raj Nannan, Steven Sankar, Robin Bacchus, Kemol Savoury, Kevon Boodie, Dexter Solomon, Akshaya Persaud, Tevin Imlach, Sherfane Rutherford and Chandrapaul Hemraj.

Leon Johnson, who is the captain for the Guyana Jaguars team, has also retained his WICB central contract.

Stag/EBFA 7-a-side final

Grove B down Agricola A to win competition

In a classic and heated end to the Stag/ East Bank Football Association (EBFA) 7-a-side competition on Saturday afternoon last, Grove prevailed against old rivals Agricola in what was the perfect climax to an entertaining competition.

Grove B stepped up to the plate to overturn the challenge of Agricola A in the final, pocketing the top prize of $100,000 via sudden death penalty kicks. Regulation time of 20 min-

As time ticked away, Grove B, urged on by their fans, had to pull out all the stops in to even the score and that they did compliments of a Travis Jones goal that sent the crowd into wild celebrations. No more goals materialised and in fading light, the ultimate decider was sudden death penalty kicks immediately after regulation time.

Despite feeling the wrath of his fellow villagers and fans when he missed from

hand victory to Grove B and the top prize of $100,000. Agricola A took away the runner-up prize of $75,000.

In the third place match, Grove A made light work of Agricola B with Joel Dick netting a brace to help them to victory and the third place prize of $50,000. Agricola had to settle for the $25,000 fourth place package.

In the first semi-final, Lloyd Mathews and Denzil Crawford scored for Grove B in their 2-0 win over Agricola B, while the other

utes failed to separate the two sides, ending 1-1.

Grove B had the chance to take the lead in the game, but having been awarded a penalty, Lloyd “Badai” Matthews put the ball outside the upright. Agricola A was then awarded a penalty and Gordon Grant in hitting the ball into the back of the nets to give Agricola the lead.

the spot in regulation time, Matthews took on the responsibility of taking the first kick for Grove, this time he buried the shot in style to hand Grove the lead.

It was now Agricola’s turn to even things up or suffer a loss. Winston Rawlins was trusted with the shot and had to score but instead he hit the upright to

semi saw Agricola A getting the better of Grove A by the lone goal of that encounter, which came off the boot of Travis Welch in the penultimate minute of the match. The Most Valuable Player, Highest Goal Scorer and Best Goalkeeper will all receive $10,000. The presentation of prizes will be done shortly.

DDL offers support to Caribbean Boxing Championship

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), through its Pepsi soft drink, has become the latest corporate entity to throw its support behind the Caribbean Boxing Championship, which starts on Thursday in Guyana.

Viewed as a Caribbean development tournament, the action take place at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with several countries set to participate.

Demerara Distillers Limited, which was described by president of the Guyana Boxing Association Steve Ninvalle as a strong pillar on local amateur boxing, has been onboard with the association’s Under-16 programme that has been going on for the past four years.

It is against this backdrop that Ninvalle was even more grateful for the continued support of the company, noting that it is aligning itself with one of the major sporting events to occur in Guyana in recent times.

Brand Manager of DDL, Larry Wills, spoke glowingly of his company’s pleasure to be associated with the fistic sport, adding that the entity wishes all the boxers well during the championship.

Boxers from Guyana, Jamaica, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, St Maarten, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Martinique are slated to do battle during the four-day championship.

“Cheesy” focused on making sure Guyana retains PCL title

By Akeem Greene

Not many batsmen in the local cricket arena have the skill set to be consistent run scores but local boy Vishaul “Cheesy” Singh seems to have the appetite to stamina to produce high scores on a consistent basis. While the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League is only in its third round, and we would not want to preempt the end results of the league, young Singh’s performance so far has been a stand out.

When the Guyana Times Sport spoke to Singh, he quickly placed emphasis on making sure that he continues scoring runs to make sure that Guyana can retain their PCL title. “I just want to do well and make sure my team does well” Singh said. Guyana Jaguars who are currently leading the points standing on 54 points ahead of second place Jamaica Scorpions on 34 points; have three convincing victories from three matches. “I know I can be among the top run scores and hopefully push for a West Indies call up” the talented batsman revealed.

Singh who usually captains Guyana when the more senior members of the

side are on West Indies duty, made his debut at first class level at Providence in 2009.

In the said match, batting at number 5, he only scored 4 but he later went on to play 23 more matches scoring 3 centuries and five half centuries. Last year December the dogged left hander made his maiden first class century against Trinidad and Tobago at the Queens Park Oval with a sparkling 141 which helped Guyana win by an innings and 60 runs. Singh credited his ability to score big centuries to his concentration. “You just have to be hungry for runs; when batting I try not to get too carried away, after passing 50 or 60,I try to keep my concentrate levels high as much as possible”. Singh

Ramnarine Appiah memorial T20 cricket Kendall’s Union through to semi-final

Kendall’s Union A team secured a crucial win against Number Seven in their last preliminary match to book a place in the semi-finals of the Ramnarine Appiah memorial 20-over cricket competition for second division teams in the East Canje/ Lower East Coast Berbice area. They now join leader of Group A, Young Warriors Cricket Club, who won all their matches. In their match-up at the Cumberland ground in East Canje, Number Seven won the toss and took first strike, scoring 120 all out.

R. Ali (28), R Persaud (26) and S Bukshi (26) were the main contributors, as A. Ramnarine took 3-10.

Kendall’s Union A in reply struggled to 122-8 to win by a narrow margin of two wickets. T. Garnett’s 28 and D. Baijnauth’s 20 were the major scores. Persaud returned to take 3-12 and left-arm spinner Raymond Mohamed 3-22. In the preceding game at the same venue, Khemraj Sumair blasted a superb 107 not out to lead

who has top score of 150 against the Leeward Islands at the Providence National Stadium in this year’s edition of the PCL has spent some time in England playing club cricket. In fact in 2010 at the age of Twentyone , the Georgetown Cricket Club breed batsman broke the 20-year-old Kent League record of 1012 runs set by former Australian Test batsman Justin Langer by scoring 1077 runs in the league season in just 17 innings .

The Former Guyana under-19 player has the correct temperament to play the long and battling innings that comes with the longer format of the game, and his short stature does not resist him from playing a mean pull shot. Many fans around the region would hope players with the ability of Singh go on to greater heights but most importantly score on a consistent basis. (akeemg@ guyanatimesgy.com)

National Schools’ Championships…

McKoy, Mingo win first track events of the championships – George breaks high jump record

By TreisTon Joseph

The National Schools’ Championships got off to a brilliant start on Tuesday with its track events that saw outstanding performances from Claudrice McKoy and Selwyn Mingo at the National Stadium, Providence. McKoy of North Georgetown (District 11) in the girl’s under-16 3000 metres final ran a very tactical race that ended in a sprint to finish to top Margaret Augusto of Rupununi (District 9) comfortably in the in end; stopping the clock at 11:24.9s.

Augusto who took over the lead with two laps to go could not hold off the surging McKoy in the final 150 metres to finish in second with a time of 11:27.6s. Aaliyah Moore of South Georgetown (District 13) was third in a time of 12:20.5s.

On the boy’s side of things, Mingo of Upper Demerara/

Kwakwani (District 10) barely dipped ahead of Rupununi’s Francis Ignacio to win the event in a time of 10:06.5s.

Ignacio finished second in a time of 10:06.7s while Ronaldo Wishart of South Georgetown was third in a time of 10:32.3s.

Meanwhile in the only record breaking event of the day, Keona George of Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon won the female under-18 high jump event with a record breaking jump of 1.50m. The old mark was 1.45 metres set in 2012 by Yolanda Fraser of the same district.

In preliminary action, South American Youth Championship gold medalist and record holder, Jason Yaw of North Georgetown easily qualified for his under-20 400 metres final by clocking 52.2s to win his heat easily. Yaw will contest his final on Friday.

South American Youth Championships silver medalist Natricia Hooper of East

Georgetown (District 12) also looked comfortable in qualifying for her under-18 400 metres final with a winning preliminary time of 1:01.5s. North Georgetown’s Avon Samuels also easily qualified by finishing second behind Hooper with a time of 1:01.8s.

Samuel Lynch of North Georgetown ran the fastest qualifying time in the boy’s under-18 400 metres prelims with a time of 53.1s while Yesenia Andrews of North Georgetown and Deshanna Skeete of District 10 are set for a big clash on Friday in the girl’s under-14 400 metres final.

Top male sprinter Tevin Garraway led West Demerara (District 3) to the top 4x100 metres prelim time of 45.8s to advance to the final while Cassie Small and Hooper led East Georgetown to clock the fastest qualifying time in the female version of the event with a time of 52.8s.

Canefield Sports Club to a massive 77-run victory over Kendall’s Union B. Winning the toss and batting first, Canefield SC scored 181 without loss in their allotment of 20 overs. Sumair was supported by Leon Sunthgolam, who made 54 not out. In their turn at the crease, Kendall’s Union B folded for 104 with only V. Seedat with 28 offering any resistance.

Sunthgolam returned with the ball to take 3-28 for Canefield SC. Both semi-finals will be played on the same day at a date and venue to be announced shortly.