Guyana Times Daily

friday, july 4, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

Countrywide: Thundery showers can be expected in the morning and early in the afternoon, with heavy rain showers expected in the early evening hours. Clear to partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North easterly between zero and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 08:55h and 21:23h reaching maximum heights of 2.37 metres and 2.34 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 02:27h and 14:53h reaching minimum heights of 0.86 metre and 0.85 metre respectively.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

Guyanese girl places 2nd at TT NGSA equivalent

Guyanese Cameel Juman has placed second in the 2014 Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) – the equivalent of Guyana’s National Grade Six Assessment, the Trinidad Express has reported.

The newspaper reported on Thursday it took the repeating of her name by classmates for Juman to realise that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had announced she had placed second at the SEA.

Juman, 11, said she felt overwhelmed. PersadBissessar visited the pupils who placed in the top three out of the 18,229 children who sat the exam last May. Her second stop was at Grant Memorial Presbyterian. In 2013, the school produced the top pupil in the examination, Sandhya Sookhoo.

Cameel, who said she was happy at the news, will attend Naparima Girls’ High School in San Fernando from September. Until then, she plans to spend her August vacation focussing on her electronic devices and relaxing.

She said she hoped to be rewarded with a tablet computer. Cameel aspires

to walk in her father’s footsteps and become a doctor. Nehru Juman, a Guyanese national, works as a physician at the Point Fortin Hospital. He told reporters, “We’re all very ecstatic.... We’re so proud of my daughter. Thanks to the teachers (Cameel’s Standard Five teacher was Lyndon Jute) and everybody. We’re just all extremely proud. She has always been very successful academically.”

Asked if he had expected his daughter to be named as one of the top three pupils in the exam, Juman said when he heard the ministers were coming to the school, he was optimistic. He said his wife, Shelly, had always been involved in Cameel’s schoolwork and studying was an activity his daughter enjoyed.

“Even when there was no test to do, she would just pretend she was having

school (and) go through her old exams. She has always been very occupied.”

He said the family, which includes nine-yearold Connor who also attends Grant Memorial, and one-year-old Cody, lived in Grenada before heading to Trinidad. Cameel had also excelled on that island, winning the National Spelling Bee competition.

Persad-Bissessar told the school population that Grant Memorial was first in the top 200 schools. “In other words, you’re really number one in all the schools,” she said. This was met with screams and applause by those gathered in the courtyard for the visit from Persad-Bissessar, Education Minister Tim Gopeesingh and Public Administration Minister and Member of Parliament for San Fernando West, Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan.

IDB pumps in $3.4B to boost water sector

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a loan of close to US$17 million to improve water and sanitation services here.

The bank stated on its website that Guyana will strengthen and improve access to drinking water and sanitation services with the US$16,838,250 loan.

According to the IDB, the initiative is known as the Programme to Improve Water and Sanitation Infrastructure and Supply. It calls for infrastructure projects to build, upgrade and expand water treatment plants and enhance access to adequate sanitation through measures to strengthen the supplier Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the design and implementation of a programme to monitor non-registered water and a public awareness campaign on the use of water and proper hygiene practices.

According to the IDB, despite progress over the

past decade in access to safe sources of water and sanitation, water and sewage services in Georgetown and other coastal areas still face constant institutional, financial and operational challenges.

“For instance, the quality of water supply services is hindered by a deterioration

in water distribution networks, with 50 per cent to 70 per cent of water used going unaccounted for at the national level (and more than 70 per cent in Georgetown),” the Bank said.

Furthermore, the IDB said the current sewage system covers just 48,000 people living in Georgetown

– about 6.5 per cent of the national population.

The rest of the population seeks individual solutions, but in some cases these arrangements are not adequate. The programme is expected to increase the percentage of households with 24-hour access to water and water pressure that is in line with national standards, reduce the percentage of water that goes unaccounted for and raise the number of homes with improved access to drinking water and proper sanitation arrangements.

The IDB loan is for 30 years and comes from its Ordinary Capital and Fund for Special Operations. It has a grace period of five years and a fixed interest rate (and a rate of 0.25 per cent rate in the case for the funds of the Fund for Special Operations). The programme also features a contribution of US$14,838,250 from the European Union Caribbean Investment Fund.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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, letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Travelling magistrates

At a recent forum, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee once again brought to the fore the issue of traffic ranks accepting bribes for traffic offences committed by motorists, and issued a stern warning to those who engage in such illegal activity that action will be taken against them.

The behaviour of some of these traffic ranks, whom the Minister referred to as “travelling magistrates”, has not escaped the attention of the authorities and the general public; and the time has long passed for stronger measures to be implemented to discourage such behaviour as it is a clear contradiction to the many interventions being undertaken to restore order and decency on our roadways.

“Travelling magistrates” could be described (in the case of Police traffic ranks) as members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who would stop a vehicle, discover that the driver may be guilty of a traffic offence or is believed to have breached a traffic regulation, and rather than writing a charge and sending that person to court or causing him to pay a ticket fine, the officer just makes a decision to overlook the offence or breach and receives money from the motorist without processing him/ her.

It would be interesting to find out how many of the motorists who are stopped for breaking a traffic law are actually charged or given a ticket to pay a fine. Based on official statistics taken from the “ipaidabribe” website, officers from the Police Traffic Department account for the highest level of corruption when compared to other government agencies.

Minister Rohee used the opportunity recently to urge supervisors and junior ranks of the Police to immediately desist from engaging in such illegal activities, and rather engage in the prevention and enforcement aspects of their duties. Senior officers of the GPF and middle managers have an obligation, not only to the organisation they serve, but to the nation as a whole to ensure that the public gets better service. They must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to ranks accepting, and in some cases even demanding, bribes from motorists.

Members of the public have often complained that some of these ranks who set up temporary road blocks etc, openly ask motorists to “leff something”. While some persons may opt to make a complaint against the ranks involved, the majority are afraid to do so as they are fearful of being victimised or unjustifiably harassed by the ranks involved.

If that sort of behaviour is allowed to continue unabated, the level of lawlessness on our roads would get worse. Motorists would feel that they could do whatever they want, since they feel that if they are caught, they could easily get off by giving the Police Officer a “raise”. This country has suffered its fair share of disasters on the roadways resulting in a number of our citizens losing their lives or becoming disabled at a very young age.

The recent incident on the Corentyne Coast where three persons from one family lost their lives due to the action of a drunken driver, reminds us that we cannot take such matters lightly. All stakeholders must raise their voices and contribute to a process which would eventually bring about positive changes.

While there are various factors which impact on road safety, there is little doubt that the single most important, in a general sense, is enforcement of the traffic laws. Government has enacted the relevant legislation in relation to driving under the influence, loud music in vehicles, overloading, speeding, etc, but if the laws are not adequately implemented, they become useless.

Unless what is perceived as the endemic corruption in the Police Force in general and the Traffic Department in particular is addressed in a systematic way, the battle to reduce the level of road accidents will not be won. That said, there are numerous traffic officers in the Police Traffic Department who display a high level of professionalism and decency and must not be painted with the same brush as those whom we referred to earlier.

Lightning strikes

No culture is perfect for the other

Dear Editor, What motivates Barrington Braithwaite to target people by race stems from a historic disconnect that all others who are progressive are due to racial prejudice against Blacks. With Indians replacing the traditional targets, after their White slave masters left, our Hindus are now getting the special treatment.

But before the Portuguese, Chinese and lastly Indians came to rescue Guyana, prejudice and racism were already well-established by Whites against Blacks and by Blacks against Blacks. Braithwaite can be forgiven for his racism and viciousness by which he savages NACTA’s Vishnu Bisram specifically, and all Indo-Guyanese inclusively, if he sincerely repents and makes atonement.

With obscure claims to Indo-Guyanese “family relations”, he feels he is validated somehow. What is fundamentally wrong is his unceasing attacks on some half of the Guyanese population which he believes is a birthright entitlement. I will not stand for it. Piggybacking on Dr Kean Gibson’s venomous attack on Hindus and their religion, he actually believes he has licence to catalyse Indian genocide in revenge.

The Hindu caste system, while not the most effective, has its advantages. The original scriptural caste system initially facilitated

specialisation of labour and distribution of goods and services. Reliance on their own abilities within their own domain and against the foreigner’s cultures was understood.

But despite a wealth of Black talent and education to escape White on Black racism, Black on Black prejudice within their own Black Caste system and its accompanying class distinctions, Guyanese witnessed the constant, orchestrated Black clutching out for misplaced rescue targeting Indians by the necessary means of automatic violence and arson.

In CRL James’s Black Jacobins, he spelt out how class, race and caste plague Haiti. Our visible Europeanised AfroGuyanese with anglicised names such as Braithwaite, Maxwell, Freddie, Thomas, Black, Blue, Green and also Gibson are most celebrated in their copycat mastery of European languages, philosophy, dress, music, food, education, and mentality.

Whatever the problems of India’s caste system, it is absolutely of no concern to the Braithwaites in our midst. He must be without anything to do to make India his worry. For his education, the caste system in Guyana and the Caribbean does not exist due to Hindu reformers and the Arya Samaj missionaries at the beginning of the 20th century.

Black problems definitely did not originate, neither

were they imposed or continued by Indians under any circumstances.

Black house slaves assume more superiority to field slaves because they ate better and were treated with courtesy by massa. In fact, a creolised Caribbean Black descendant looks down on a continental African as an uneducated tribal ignoramus. The tribally proud continental African loathes the Caribbean Blacks as uncultured, uncouth and just slave discards whom they sold had many years ago into slavery.

Additionally continental English and French Europeans consider the Portuguese and Spaniard as way inferior. In the Caribbean, the Portuguese were only allowed to be slave drivers and shopkeepers.

All of these Black caste/ class distinctions and bold European/Africanist racist practices were established and existing with clear distinct lines of racial superiority in slave society long before the arrival of indentured Indians. Braithwaite needs to be reminded that one has to be a ‘born PNC’ in a kind of PNC caste system. What does Braithwaite culturally cling to, holds aloft to guide his philosophical trip or aspirations to be a culturally reborn “African”?

Please point to the source of Black cultural education for the uninitiated.

It is a downright shame that in the 21st Century, some Black writers fail to

blame their Black leaders and continue clinging to the European culture which enslaved them and to which they are loyal, bound in mental shackles. Indians and Hindus have always quietly lived their culture without fanfare.

But Blacks like Gibson and Braithwaite, regardless of education, find it convenient to blame Indians for their setbacks. The point being made is no culture is perfect for the other. Even those who preach religion with their own personal indiscretions can do more harm than good.

What has been emerging is our Braithwaites and company yearn for automatic Indian validation, their total embrace and acceptance, and full integration within every facet of Indo -Guyanese existence like there is no African redeeming tomorrow. What would this do for restoration of African culture, pride, and values?

It is only fair to acknowledge that neither the Indian nor Chinese can continue to be the target of unceasing Black wrath with no in end in sight. Blaming each other does not help any given society to achieve the tranquillity so necessary for peaceful coexistence. In the meantime, neither Indian survival nor Hinduism should be expected to be compromised or can be up for negotiations.

Sincerely, Vassan

Ramracha

Unpatriotic behaviour of prominent Opposition members

Dear Editor,

There has been a lot of press coverage of the speech that was read by Priya Manickchand in her capacity of acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the residence of outgoing US Ambassador D Brent Hardt in observance of America’s 238th anniversary of its Independence.

Referring to recent comments made by the US Ambassador, where he lashed out at President Donald Ramotar, accusing him of being an inconsistent defender of the Constitution, it provoked the following response from the acting Foreign Minister:

“He has, in our view, gone beyond the boundaries of professionalism and diplomacy. For a professional service officer to make such declarations, allegations, and accusations and innuendos about the Executive President of Guyana, or of any country for that matter, is, to our minds, totally unacceptable; this situation is intolerable.

“The Ambassador has been associated with a dedicated attack on the President and on the Government. The Ambassador has been supported in this ill-conceived venture by the Opposition section of the media and his colleagues in the diplomatic corps.”

For this, she was criticised by known critics of the ruling party and

Government. I have no problem with the content of this speech, for the US has not always respected the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana.

There is documented evidence of efforts by the United States and Great Britain to destabilise our country after Independence, denying our people the right to a Government of their choice for many, many years, quite possibly resulting in the hardships our people have endured during that period.

It is high time that Guyana finally found the courage to tell the Ambassador that we will not tolerate outside interference in our domestic policies. Being the Ambassador of the United States does not give Hardt the right to disrespect our President and our country. Had a Guyanese diplomat stationed in the US been justly accused of meddling in the domestic affairs of the United States, the Government of Guyana would have been asked to recall that diplomat. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

My problem, though, lies with the unpatriotic behaviour of prominent members of the Opposition, who, by their silence, seemed to approve Ambassador Hardt’s public criticism of our Head of State. Where was the outcry?

A politician may have

serious differences with the Administration, but it is downright unpatriotic for any member of the Opposition, especially those aspiring leaders, to boo Minister Manickchand during the reading of her speech, for defending Guyana’s sovereignty and her Constitution.

At this level, protocol dictates that a copy of the US Ambassador’s speech would have been sent to Foreign Affairs days before, and an appropriate response would have been drafted by that Ministry, after going through several layers of speech-writers.

The drafters would have been guided by both the Ambassador’s speech, and his relationship with the Guyana Government. As such, the speech delivered by acting Foreign Minister Manickchand would have been a direct response from the Government of Guyana to the US Ambassador.

It is possible that the final copy was further amended before it reached Minister Manickchand who, as acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, was charged with the responsibility to deliver same at the Ambassador’s function.

In fairness to Minister Manickchand, that very speech would have been delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett had

Stray Catchers benefited from 18 training sessions

Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to report for the first six months of the year 2014, in relation to its Stray Catching Programme, that a total of 2114 stray animals were caught and impounded at the Police pounds in A, B, C, & D Divisions.

The Georgetown Unit accounted for 982 animals comprising 352 cows, 386 goats, four horses and 240 sheep. The Berbice Unit accounted for 1132 animals comprising 454 cows, 251 goats, 134 horses and 293 sheep.

During the period under review, the Stray Catchers benefited from 18 training sessions relating to the relevant sections of the Laws of Guyana. They also benefited from self-defence and games sessions. Two stray catchers were dismissed for dishonesty.

There was one fatal acci-

dent that occurred on April 27 at 01:15h on the No 50 Village Corentyne Public Road involving a cow and motor car PGG 7994 resulting in the death of one person.

The Ministry continues to appeal to cattle owners to ensure proper supervision of their animals during

their grazing periods so as to enhance the level of safety for all road users. Drivers are reminded to observe the 5 Cs, especially during the hours of darkness and during rainy periods.

Respectfully submitted, Ministry of Home Affairs

she been in Guyana, and should have been delivered by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds had he not been meeting with Hinterland scholars during their graduation exercise at the Amerindian Village at Sophia, a function that falls directly under the portfolio of the Minister of Education.

Those who know Minister Priya Manickchand would willingly testify that she does not deliver speeches from prepared text. She speaks from the heart with conviction. This was echoed by APNU’s Parliamentarian, Attorney James Bond who told iNews, “I don’t think she wrote that speech, by the way; that’s not her tone, that’s not Ms Manickchand.”

It would also be nice to hear Bond’s thoughts on any foreign diplomat who frequently use disparaging remarks about our country, while enjoying the hospitality of our Native Land!

Respectfully, Fair Play (Name withheld by request)

Census shows migration in each region

Dear Editor,

The 2014 Population Census data can be equally valuable if it provides a broad overview of the ethnic breakdown of our six races and is obviously vital in many ways: it is unique as a source for the history of Guyana.

General descriptions of regions in one or another form are occasionally encountered in the annals of Guyana’s 10 regions. However, these accounts and censuses were often sketchy, and sometimes amounted to little more than notes accompanying the various races.

The census pictures which were presented show large-scale migration in each region, indeed, the nonresident was often behind.

None of these limiting factors apply to the census under consideration; it is not a comprehensive survey of all races and households in Guyana and will be disputed .This account of Guyana’s census did not derive real quality from the combination of first-hand experience with the judicious use of available official information.

A perusal of these cen-

suses will shows that they were incorrectly cited for instance, the census on the numbers of citizens and noncitizens were constantly out of line and not reflected in the findings of the countrywide census.

The figures themselves commented on this discrepancy, affirming that, from a careful and exhaustive series of calculations it appears that some escaped the scrutiny of the enumerators for this census.

On the question of population statistics, it is also necessary to recall that the census enumerators did not worked with the six basic categories and gaps do exist in the statistics, which are supplied, mainly because the indigenous Amerindians lived away from the coastlands and many of them are gold miners.

The value of the census was clearly enhanced by having to withstand the scrutiny of the readership which was already knowledgeable and which was sensitive to the correct presentation of points of details.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

Page Foundation

Children get headaches and migraines, too. In fact, 20 per cent of adults who suffer from headaches say their headaches started before age 10, while 50 per cent say they started getting headaches before age 20.

How common are headaches in children and adolescents?

Headaches are very common in children and adolescents. In one study, 56 per cent of boys and 74 per cent of girls between the ages of 12 and 17 reported having had a headache within the past month. By age 15, five per cent of all children and adolescents have had migraines and 15 per cent have had tension headaches.

Many parents worry that their child’s headache is the sign of a brain tumour or serious medical condition, but most headaches in children and adolescents are not the result of a serious illness.

What types of headaches do children and adolescents get?

Children get the same types of headaches adults do, including tension headaches, migraines, and sinus headaches.

What causes headaches in children and adolescents?

Most headaches in children are due to an illness, infection, cold, or fever. Other conditions that can cause headaches include sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), pharyngitis (inflammation or infection of the throat), or otitis (ear infection).

The exact causes of migraines are unknown, although they are related to changes in the brain as well as genetic causes. For many years, scientists believed that migraines were linked to the expanding (dilation) and constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels on the brain’s surface. However, it is now believed that migraines are caused by inherited abnormalities in certain areas of the brain.

Most children and adolescents –an estimated 70 per cent – who have migraines have an immediate family member who also suffers from them or who did in childhood. Children and adolescents with migraines may also inherit the tendency to be affected by certain migraine triggers, such as fatigue, bright lights, and changes in weather.

also be a reason your child is having headaches.

When tension headaches worsen over time and occur along with other neurological symptoms such as loss of vision, speech problems, or muscle weakness, they can be the sign of a more serious problem, such as:

* Hydrocephalus (abnormal build-

Other migraine triggers can be stress, anxiety, depression, a change in routine or sleep pattern, loud noises, or certain foods, food additives, and beverages. Too much physical activity or too much sun can trigger a migraine in some children or adolescents, as well.

In girls, changes during the menstrual cycle may trigger a bad headache. Common causes of tension headaches include striving for academic excellence as well as emotional stress related to family, school, or friends. Other causes of tension headaches include eyestrain and neck or back strain due to poor posture. Depression may

up of fluid in the brain)

* Infection of the brain including:

* Meningitis (an infection or inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord)

* Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

* Abscess

* Haemorrhage (bleeding within the brain)

* Tumour

* Blood clots

* Head trauma

If you suspect any of the above listed conditions, immediately take your child to his or her doctor for evaluation.

(WebMD)

An abdominal migraine is a variant of migraine headaches. It usually occurs in children who have a family history of migraines. Abdominal migraines are rare in adults, but about two per cent of all children may get abdominal migraines. Females are more affected than males.

Children that experience abdominal migraines typically develop migraine headaches when they get older.

Although abdominal migraines are in the migraine family, the pain occurs in the belly. Usually, it’s near the navel or midline. Abdominal migraines frequently occur as a reaction to a migraine trigger. They can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, abdominal cramping, and often vomiting.

What causes abdominal migraines?

The exact cause of abdominal migraines hasn’t been discovered, but one theory is that abdominal migraines are caused by changes in two chemicals, histamine and serotonin. Both of these occur naturally in the body. The chemical changes could contribute to both migraine headaches and abdominal pain. Experts now believe that daily stress and anxiety can cause fluctuations in these body chemicals. There is increasing support for the theory that unexplained abdominal pain may have a psychological trigger.

In addition, it’s thought that foods such as chocolate,

Chinese food, and processed meats that contain certain chemicals – nitrites – might trigger abdominal migraines. Excessive air swallowing may also trigger abdominal migraines or other similar gastrointestinal symptoms. The result is bloating and interference with eating.

What are the signs and symptoms of abdominal migraines?

Symptoms of abdominal migraines may include:

* Acute, severe, midline abdominal pain that is associated with nausea

* Vomiting

* Paleness

* Inability to eat

The abdominal pain may last for as short as one hour or as long as three days.

Migraine headaches are generally preceded by an “aura” by which the migraine sufferer can sense that a headache is coming on. Abdominal migraines, though, are frequently sudden and quite severe. They can occur without any warning signs and can increase anxiety in the person who gets them.

How are abdominal migraines diagnosed?

Diagnosing abdominal migraines is difficult. Children have difficulty distinguishing the features of an abdominal migraine from ordinary stomach aches, stomach flu, or other gastrointestinal illnesses.

Family history of migraine and abdominal migraines is a key factor in determining the possibility of abdominal migraines. So, the doctor will look at the patient’s family medical history to assist in making an accurate diagnosis. The first step is to eliminate other causes of stomach pain. Then the doctor may assess specific criteria developed by migraine experts. To determine the likelihood of an abdominal migraine, the doctor may check for some of the following symptoms:

* Moderate to severe midline pain lasting from one to 72 hours

* Symptoms of nausea and vomiting

* Anorexia (a decrease in appetite; inability to eat)

* Yawning, listlessness, drowsiness

* Headache

* Pallor (paleness/ abnormally pale skin colour)

* Dark shadows under the eyes

* Flushing. (WebMD)

President insists Ambassador must not “meddle”

... Granger urges Govt to apologise

President Donald Ramotar said US Ambassador to Guyana D Brendt Hardt would have done much better in doing his business as an Ambassador and not Governor of this country.

Ramotar was reacting to Hardt’s harsh criticisms of him and his Government in the delays in the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE). Already the criticisms have caused a furore, with both the Government and the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) coming out with strong statements against the diplomat.

Ramotar made his comment to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) at the sidelines of the Caricom Summit being held in Antigua and Barbuda.

However, on Wednesday night, his acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand was less diplomatic, when she addressed a reception at the Ambassador’s residence to commemorate the US’ Independence Anniversary, accusing the US envoy of being unprofessional.

Manickchand has since been roundly condemned by a range of people.

Speaking at the closing of Blue CAPS’ inaugural Building Communities

through Leadership Training and Service (BCLTS) Programme on Monday, Ambassador Hardt said that there is seemingly a “structural flaw” in the rule of democracy that results in the inability of the Executive to name the date for the critical elections.

He criticised President Ramotar for failing to execute his constitutionally mandated responsibility and name the date for the elections which are a critical part of democracy.

“The President has correctly cast himself as a defender of the Constitution – which is certainly one of his responsibilities as President – and has claimed that his Opposition to certain National Assembly Bills is based on his desire to abide by the Constitution. But he cannot be an inconsistent defender of the Constitution – ignoring the Constitution’s very clear requirement to hold Local Government Elections and, for that matter, to return Bills to Parliament not more than 21 days after they are sent to him,” said Ambassador Hardt.

The Ambassador contended that President Ramotar has a “tremendous opportunity to make a contribution to Guyana’s political development” and he can do so by assenting to the necessary Bills and setting the date for the holding of LGE.

Unconstitutional

“The President’s reason given for rejecting the LGE Bill in Parliament is essentially a reason he generated by not abiding by the constitutional requirement for responding to Bills sent to Parliament.... Of course, had the President assented within the constitutionally required 21 day time limit, there would have been ample time to meet this schedule. So essential-

ly, he is saying I have delayed the Bill long enough that the timeframe in the Bill is no longer adequate,” Ambassador Hardt explained.

Hardt said the date for LGE could have already been given and there is no reason why the elections have not been called even after a parliamentary motion was passed to that effect.

“The reality is that LGE should and could already have been called. There is no reason why not. Imagine if the greenlight had been given in January to begin preparations, we could be days away from LGE today... there is a fundamental structural flaw with a system in which elections that are constitutionally and legally required are perpetually delayed at the whim of the Executive branch of Government.”

The People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPC/C) said Hardt has once again displayed his “proclivity for petty, partisan and unadulterated anti-government politicking as he draws the final curtain on his tenure as US Ambassador to Guyana”.

Referring to the Ambassador’s comments as undiplomatic, the PPP/C said Hardt’s remarks were most regrettable to say the least. “He unreservedly used the Blue Caps forum to stir up controversy and level political invective against the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party. In this way, he has exposed to the Guyanese public the hidden political agenda of the Blue Caps Organisation by unfrocking it as a handmaiden set up to accomplish clear political objectives.

However, the Opposition Leader, Brigadier (retired) David Granger has expressed distress at the reported statements made by acting

Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand at a reception held at the US Ambassador’s residence on Wednesday to mark the US Independence Anniversary.

“APNU regards her remarks as vulgar and worst than useless,” Granger said in a statement, while calling on President Donald Ramotar to disassociate his Administration from these worthless remarks, and issue an unconditional apology to Ambassador D Brent Hardt and the people of the US.

“APNU is astonished that such remarks could be used by a Government official in light of the cordial relationship existing between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the United States of America.”

US provides equipment to Police Force

The US Embassy, under the auspices of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), provided the Guyana Police Force with supplies and equipment to assist in their efforts to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking in the country.

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud accepted hats, gloves, boots, and specially designed clothing used in marijuana eradication exercises from representatives of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The donation also included much needed computer equipment. The value of the donation is US$15,000. This equipment supplements training provided earlier this year by the DEA to port security officials, which focused on airport security and drug interdiction.

Ambassador D Brent Hardt announced last week at a press conference following his farewell meeting with President Donald Ramotar that the US Congress approved funding for a DEA office in Guyana.

The office will be located at the US Embassy and the DEA

will work closely with local law enforcement officials to enhance the safety of Guyanese citizens and stem the flow of narcotics in the Region.

President Ramotar welcomed the move to have a DEA office here, pointing out that narco-trafficking is an international problem and in order to combat it, Guyana needs to have international cooperation.

“I was pushing for something like this to happen, because I would like to make our country totally inhospitable towards those who try and those who use our country for their selfish gains, to traffic drugs,” he said.

According to Hardt, the agency has already begun shipping equipment to Guyana and has identified specialised personnel to operate here. Training is also being planned for the local law enforcement officers. He also emphasised the need for the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and the Countering of Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, in order for the agency to fulfill its mandate.

The partnership between the US and Guyana in the security sector takes place under the auspices of the broader and more comprehensive regional security partnership known as the CBSI, which was announced by President Obama at the 2009 Summit of the Americas and jointly launched with Caribbean countries in Washington in 2010.

The CBSI includes a wide array of programmes addressing maritime/aerial security cooperation, law enforcement capacity building, counter-narcotics efforts, border/port security, firearms interdiction, crime prevention, and at-risk youth.

friday, july 4, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

Men charged with breaking and entering North West home

Aduo accused of stealing $666,000 in men’s clothing, precious metals, and other items in the North West District (NWD) was released on bail on Thursday.

Nineteen-year-old Junior Melville, of Mabaruma, North West District, and 44-year-old Dexter Griffith, of Lot 20 Viva, West Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry.

According to the charges read in

court by Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru, on June 16 and June 28 at Baramita, NWD, the defendants broke and entered the house of Nowram Ramroop and stole 20 men’s jerseys, one 10-pennyweight gold chain, one 11-pennyweight gold ring, 10 pounds of raw silver, hydraulic oil, and an Icemobile cellphone. It is alleged that the Virtual Complainant secured his home and left for work in the interior. Upon returning, he noticed the items missing; a complaint was then filed with local authorities.

Investigators subsequently learnt that the men were selling the items for a cheap price within the community, and so the items were positively identified and the men were arrested.

The men pleaded not guilty to the charges and were both unrepresented by an attorney. Bail was granted in the sum of 100,000 for each defendant and they were ordered to report to the Baramita Police Station. They will next appear at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court on August 4 for statements.

24-year-old on gun possession charge

Atip-off has landed a 24-year-old Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo resident in court on an illegal gun possession charge and has seen him remanded to jail for the offence.

Melford Marshall appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Thursday charged with the illegal possession of a gun and ammunition.

Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that on June 30 at Mc Doom Public Road, East Bank Demerara, Marshall had in his possession one .32 Taurus Revolver without being the holder of a valid firearm licence. It is also alleged that on the same day, he had in his possession one .32 spent shell.

According to Prosecutor Mangru, on the day in question, around 17:00h, the Police, acting on information received from credible sources, proceeded to Mc Doom Public Road, where they saw the defendant. A search was carried out on Marshall and the weapon and ammunition were found in his right pants pocket.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat who told the court that his client was beaten by more than 50 persons while Police

ranks watched. He also said that Police Officers apprehended his client and threw him into a vehicle and upon arriving at the Police Station, claimed they found him with a gun and ammunition in his possession.

Fung-A-Fat made an application for bail, which was denied. The defence lawyer then requested that his client be taken to the hospital to seek medical attention, since he is suffering from a broken jaw and haemorrhoids. Marshall will make his second appearance at the court on July 25.

Accused fraudster

took

$360,000 of employer’s money, court told

Thirty-nine-yearold Quincy Smith appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Courts before Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond on Thursday after he was slapped with a charge of fraudulent conversion.

The charge, as read by Prosecutor Jomo Nichols, alleges that between September 1 and September 30, 2013, Smith, being solely entrusted by Terry Anderson, the owner of Fazie’s Collection, with a sum of $360,000 to deliver to Collin Changur of Muneshwers Travel Agency to purchase an airline ticket, converted the said money to his own use.

Smith, of Lot 4 Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was represented by legal counsel, who told the court that his client was an employee of the Virtual Complainant and suffered a hand injury while on the job. He said that the employer offered to pay for Smith’s treatment at Dr Balwant Singh Hospital which amounted to around $300,000. He added that the defendant and VC had agreed that Smith would repay the complainant in monthly instalments of $10,000. However, his client no longer works for Anderson and is now being forced to pay the remainder of the money all at once.

The Attorney made an application for bail, which was granted in the sum of $75,000. Smith will return on July 18 to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for the making of statements.

Eyew tness

Betrayers...

...vs defenders of Guyana

Seems that things aren’t regular between the US and the Government of Guyana. The US insisted that after their success in exporting democracy to Iraq, Afghanistan, North Africa and other sundry trouble spots, we also needed some of that good, old-fashioned democratic feeling. They would LEAD us to that promised land. But the Government balked.

Seems they felt a whole lot of sins could be covered under that omnibus word “democracy” – including “regime change”. The fact that only the Opposition minions and ambitious soup makers and drinkers were being aided, abetted and funded suggested that the PPP/C wasn’t completely paranoid. Not that they didn’t have reasons for that.

Being banished in the political wilderness for 28 years, because the US was suspicious of their leanings would tend to make organisations far less skittish than the PPP/C feel jittery. But then just when some felt that the elephant and the mouse had kissed and made up, the US Ambassador raised the Government’s hackles when he reamed out President Ramotar for not “holding” Local Government Elections.

Jeez... that wasn’t fair now, was it?? How could the Ambassador on one hand insist that Local Government Elections are the epitome of democratic governance, but at the same time give the Opposition a free pass on blackmailing the Government on AML/CFT as a “democratic” act. So why bother with LEAD – the US should just say that whatever the heck the Opposition does is “democracy”!! The PPP/C should heed Hoyte’s old instruction to “follow de leadah!” With the PNC being the said leader.

So it wasn’t surprising the PPP/C sent out a stronglyworded rebuttal of the US Ambassador’s position. It wasn’t just a matter of defending the President’s honour – there’s the whole need to uphold our nation’s sovereignty. You’d think all Guyanese would be one on this, no??? Well, not necessarily.

Once a dog learns to suck eggs, they’ll always suck eggs. And once you’ve betrayed your country, you’ll always be traitors.

...of Guyana unmasked

You just had to look at those who booed the Acting Foreign Minister Priya Manickchand when she passed on some of the above home truths to the US Ambassador at their Independence bash. All the soup makers and soup drinkers who’re being funded to bring down this Government and to plunge this country into another 28 years of misery and suffering. What were people like Benschop and Simpson booing??

Which of Manickchand’s cited facts were false so maybe there could’ve been a disagreement??? Does Guyana lecture the US about the “democratic” implications why one out of three Blacks there will be jailed in their lifetime?? Six times the rate of Whites? And there are more Blacks in jail than in colleges and universities?? We expect as a democracy, there will be shortcomings, but we give them the benefit of working things out, no?

Didn’t the US overthrow the PPP in the 1960s?? But it wasn’t the undeniably ugly facts that were being disputed – the booing had everything to do with a section of Guyanese earning their keep from their paymasters. It was the same in the 1960s when for a paltry $1.3 million, their fathers and precursors sold our country down the river. It’s another generation of soup drinkers who would sell their motherland’s honour for a mess of pottage.

In every other country, citizens keep a common front against outsider meddlers. But not this lot. Their US piper calls the tune. But at the upcoming snap elections, those betrayers will be taught a condign lesson.

...in the media

And just as complicit in the betrayal were the Stabber and the MuckrakerKN, which trumpeted the booing. But we aren’t surprised, are we?? The Stabber was funded and founded by the US, no? And the Muckraker’s boss did get back his visa.

Who owns the dog, can sic the dog.

Graham threatens to sue Chronicle over “heckling instigator” tag

ublic Relations

PConsultant and veteran broadcaster Alex Graham has threatened to sue the Guyana Chronicle for reporting that he instigated the heckling of acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand during her attacks on the US Ambassador Brent Hardt on Wednesday evening.

“In their June 3rd report on Minister Priya Manickchand’s remarks at a reception held at the residence of Hardt, the Guyana Chronicle named me as the instigator of the audience’s heckling at the Minister’s remarks,” Graham wrote in a statement.

The article read, “Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand, despite being heckled at the instigation of local PR man, Alex Graham…”

Graham said he was in no way instrumental in instigating what seemed “to me to be a spontaneous popular reaction to the Minister’s presentation by a large number of the persons present. In fact, having arrived late, I stood next to Chronicle Editor Mark Ramotar throughout the event, and in the vicinity of Chronicle General Manager Michael Gordon who arrived after and Chronicle Reporter Vanessa Narine who was covering the event. We were at the back of the venue, near to the entrance/ exit and just in front of a very loud speaker. That speaker, being as loud as it was, would have made it impossible for persons around the venue to even hear me”.

Graham condemned in the strongest possible terms “the Guyana Chronicle’s attempt to besmirch my character and good name. I also take offence to this gross, malicious and hurtful untruth”.

AFC deplores Manickchand’s criticism of US Ambassador

Education Minister

The Alliance For Change (AFC) has rejected the recent criticism by Education Minister Priya Manickchand of the outgoing US Ambassador D Brent Hardt.

In a statement, the AFC said it listened and subsequently read the language of the acting Foreign Affairs Minister on the occasion of the celebration of the anniversary of America’s Independence at the Ambassador’s residence on the evening of July 2. According to the small party, diplomacy appeared to be a foreign concept to the acting Foreign Affairs Minister.

He said he has worked with Government Ministries and Embassies since 1986 and officials and diplomats at the highest levels can vouch for his character and conduct in these circumstances.

“Also, as PR practitioner, I have enjoyed a very close professional relationship with the Guyanese media for many years and editors and reporters alike ought to be able to make equal judgments about my conduct. I would urge the

Editor Mark Ramotar to see to it that this travesty is corrected and a retraction printed in the shortest possible time. “If a retraction is not printed, I will initiate legal action against the Guyana Chronicle,” Graham warned. He noted that given the nature of his business, the report has caused serious and grave harm “to my reputation, both as an individual and a professional public relations practitioner and to the reputation of my firm Tagman Media”.

The AFC said the Minister displayed behaviour that even the most socially challenged citizens would be hard pressed to admit, let alone defend. Not only was the Republic embarrassed by the tone and sentiments expressed by the Minister, but also the occasion and circumstances in which they were delivered were unforgivable.

“The Alliance For Change wishes, in the strongest possible terms to disassociate itself from the statements made by the ‘Honourable’ Minister as they clearly do not reflect the sentiments of the people of Guyana who have continuously expressed their support and gratitude for Ambassador Hardt in his unfailing and persistent efforts to advance the quality and way of life of all Guyanese.

“We view the tenure of Ambassador Hardt’s posting to Guyana as extremely positive and beneficial to the national good. We take this opportunity to express our thanks to him and wish him the very best in his continued professional progress."

“It is what it is” –

Hardt on Manickchand’s salvoes

US Ambassador to Guyana Brent Hardt said he has never experienced such a hostile situation at a posting in his diplomatic career.

He was at the time reacting to blistering remarks made by acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand at a US Independence celebration on Wednesday.

Speaking to media operatives shortly after Manickchand would have told the Ambassador before a packed audience, at his residence in Cummings Lodge that he “crossed the line”; Hardt said he was not surprised by the Minister’s remarks.

Hardt when further probed by reporters, as to whether he felt disrespected, responded in the negative.

“I wouldn’t comment on that, I think it is what it is and we have advocated for those values and things that we believe in that they are the same things that the people of Guyana believe in.”

“It is unfortunate now, as I made it clear in my remarks, we have been working very closely for clear goals… those goals are in the benefit of the Guyanese

people to promote a Guyana that is safe, secure, prosperous and democratic. Everything that we do here is designed to support those goals. The United States thinks that Local Government Elections are absolutely transformative and vital and that’s why we have continued to advocate for them,” said Hardt. He said it was now up to the people of Guyana to ensure that their democratic rights are protected, and a date for local government polls is set in accordance with those rights. The Ambassador said, “It is up to the people of Guyana to try and carry forward, it is absolutely up to them, it is their constitutional right

to have Local Government Elections… the legislation is passed, the road is clear, so let’s get on with it, that’s basically our bottom line message.”

The Ambassador further contended that the remarks by Minister Mancikchand effectively served to belittle the real issue at hand. He opined that the Government and the US could have engaged in “respectful dialogue” to iron out whatever difference of opinion they might have had over the issue. He said several other dignitaries have continuously raised the issue of local government polls, with the Government, but to no avail.

Respectful dialogue

“We can have a dialogue; we can have a respectful dialogue…I think I have always been respectful, I kept focused on the issues at hand and never gone after anybody personally; so I think that’s where the debate needs to be… let’s put the issue on the table and not try to personalise… I think that belittles the issues that are at stake here, which are critical legislative issues,” Hardt told reporters.

The remarks by the Minister seemed to have up-

set several members of parliamentary Opposition, who demanded that the Minister retract her statement.

Speaking to Guyana Times shortly after the Minister and Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Teixeira would have departed, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Basil Williams labelled her remarks as “distasteful and undiplomatic”.

He said that from the booing of young people in his proximity, it is obvious that the Ambassador would have achieved his goals during his tenure.

“It is really in bad taste, it was undiplomatic, it is not something that you expect in a diplomatic arena. I find it distasteful that they would foist and exercise like that on a young lady…. the men (must use their) testicular apparatus to come here and to read that statement instead of hiding behind the frock tails of a woman,” said Williams.

Alliance for Change (AFC) Parliamentarian Trevor Williams also noted that the Government chose the wrong occasion to direct such a verbal onslaught on the Ambassador and the US Government.

“It is quite a disappointment and unfortunate that the guests of the Ambassador and the Guyanese people as a whole had to be put through such a presentation from our Government, I think it’s unfortunate,” Williams told Guyana Times

Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) President Simona Broomes harshly criticised the remarks by the Minister, contending that the Ambassador has accomplished a great deal during his three-year tenure.

“...Mr Hardt as an Ambassador here has touched my life and the lives of so many women, he is indeed a diplomat, he is here for Guyanese people...,” said Broomes.

Guyana gettin plenty exposure

Guyana gettin good exposure and bad exposure. De Guvament givin exposure to whah de country got to offer so that de tourists can come and enjoy dem selves.

De Prezzi had done expose de US Ambassador so no body ain’t sure why de Guvament was still fightin wid de Ambassador.

But a reporter who was in de mix when de cuss out start seh de Ambassador was outta place. Good ting that now de Ambassador gon end up outta de place and gone never come back in de place.

And talkin bout exposure, de other day de Nagga Man expose Rum Jhaat no-confidence vote and now not a soul ain’t got confidence in both of dem. And it also show that no body ain't got confidence in de Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat.

In another kinda exposure, a Berbice man expose some ting outside he house whah he couldn’t expose inside he house.

Some body seh he can’t expose de ting to he self because he can’t even see de ting. Well, fuh sure when he get jail he gon get full exposure in de New Amsterdam Prison.

De other day, a man in Berbice who had expose he self and expose a lil gyal get a dose of he own medicine. Two fellas in de New Amsterdam Prison expose he so good that de next mornin he had to tell people bout it. That is why de Berbice man gon get full exposure like a camera.

And another man in de GT Prison didn’t wanna expose he cannabis. So he figure since dem fellas in New Amsterdam doin tings to one another, he might as well do tings to he self. De problem is that after he put in de ting, he like it so much that he put in all one time.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! It was only after he start walkin and smilin that dem officers expose he behind and every ting get expose in he behind!

Boy, 4, dies after swallowing thumb tack

Four-year-old Malakie McBean of Nurney Village, Corentyne on Wednesday died on his way to the New Amsterdam Hospital after accidently swallowing a metal thumb tack, which lodged in his throat, causing him to suffocate.

The incident has left the little village of Nurney in a state of shock and mourning as they described the lad as a brave and smart child.

According to his grandmother Brenda George, Malakie and his mother came over at her Kildonan Village home after she collected him from school to spend the day.

She stated that around 13:00h on Wednesday, they were outside and the fouryear- old was left inside the house playing when he ran

out panting for breath saying: “Mommy, I swallow a tack.” George related that her daughter immediately rushed the child to the Port Mourant Hospital where doctors administered oxygen and transferred him to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

In tears, the grandmother said he died on his way to the hospital, all the while gasping for breath.

She noted that his mother is very careful with and would usually pay keen attention to him at all time.

“Candace takes him everywhere, she always careful with him, even if she got to go market, she take him.”

When this publication visited the home of little Malakie, family members and neighbours had gathered to offer support to the grieving family.

The child’s mother Candace George was inconsolable, slipping in and out of consciousness at the mention of Malakie’s name. The lad’s father Sherwin McBean was speechless and was still coming to grips with his son’s death. His family related that Sherwin has been asking for his son throughout the day.

Malakie was a student of the Nurney Nursery School and leaves to mourn his mother, father and an 11-year-old brother. A port-mortem is expected to be performed shortly.

Student killed while attempting to cross road

An eight-year-old child was struck down while attempting to cross the East Bank Public Road on her way to school on Thursday morning.

The dead child has been identified as Gabriella Davidson, a Grade Three student of Craig Primary School and resident of Lot 40 Estate Road, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

The accident occurred sometime around 07:40h on the Land of Canaan Public Road.

According to the child’s stepfather Victor Henry, Davidson left home around 07:30h this morning. He noted that she would normally go to school with her two older neighbours; however, on Thursday morning, the other children were not ready, so she left by herself.

The grieving man said he was told by eyewitnesses that she was already halfway on the road when she was hit by the motor car.

“The boys them say that it was raining when she go out on the road and like she didn’t see the car coming and she cross the road,” the man related.

Henry noted that when the car hit his daughter, she was flung several feet in the air before landing some 25 feet away from where she was struck. Some guys from the village, who were at a nearby shop, witnessed the incident.

They immediately stopped the car driver and rushed the injured child to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where she later succumbed while receiving medical attention.

The man recalled that he was asleep when a guy came and informed his wife that their daughter was involved in an accident. This

Logwood murder suspect arrested

Police of C Division on Thursday confirmed that a suspect in the gunning down of 24-yearold taxi driver Roopchand Darsan of Logwood, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) has been arrested and is assisting with investigations.

According to information received, Lebert Todd also called “Jah Cure” was arrested on Wednesday morning during a Police operation on the East Coast of Demerara. At the time of the suspect’s arrest, he had one round of .40 mm ammunition and a quantity of cannabis.

A senior C Division rank related that Todd, who is

a known character to the Police, is believed to have been a part of the “Fine Man” gang back in the days.

The official also stated that the suspect was questioned several times in connection with a number of robberies, but was released.

He said Todd will be interrogated, but the Police are also hunting for a second suspect. Darsan was discovered with a single gunshot wound to his head in his car at the Strathspey Railway Embankment, ECD in May. According to reports, the bullet struck the young man under his chin and exited the top of his head. At the time of the discovery, his car was found with its fender in a trench, with the young man slumped over the steering wheel.

His hands were on the wheel and he was still wearing his hat. The engine of the car was reportedly running with music booming through the built-in speakers.

On the day in question, the young man reportedly left home around 18:00h to go to work, but was last seen about 21:15h at the Enmore Junction. He was later found a short distance away by another colleague, who was passing at the time.

was about 10 minutes after the incident.

“She come and wake me up and we rush out on the road, but the car had already left with her, so we come home back and got ready then to go to the hospital.”

Henry said when they got to the hospital, they did not get to see the eightyear-old since doctors were trying to save her, but their efforts were futile. He noted that Davidson never regained consciousness and doctors had told them at one point that her heartbeat was fading.

In tears and in a choking voiced, the man said that Davidson was not his biological daughter, but the two shared a strong bond.

“She was a very loving child, very caring and jovial, and full of energy. We will all miss her badly,” he cried and her distraught mother screamed in the background, grieving the lost of her only child.

Meanwhile, the Police said “Investigations have revealed that the child attempted to cross the road and was struck down by a motor vehicle.” The driver has been taken into custody and is assisting with investigations.

A post-mortem is expected to be conducted on the child’s body today. Davidson leaves to mourn her parents and other relatives.

Chikungunya virus spreading across country

Even as state epidemiologist, Dr Morris Edwards is analysing the results which were received from the Caribbean Public Health Agency, (CARPHA) seven of the 31 confirmed cases of the vector-borne disease, Chikungunya, are said to originate from other places outside of the affected Canje, Berbice area.

This information was revealed to the Guyana Times by an official from the Health Ministry.

According to the information received by this publication, the Chikungunya virus has made its way to other parts of the country with confirmed cases coming from the capital city, Georgetown and other parts of Region Four, as well as Regions Three and Five.

According to the official, three cases have been recorded from West Berbice, in Bush Lot, Bath Settlement, and Number Nine Village; one each from Ithaca and Mahaicony; one from North Ruimveldt; and one from Crane, West Coast Demerara, Region Three.

The Ministry official disclosed, however, that while these cases would have been recorded out of the initial affected areas, it is still unclear whether these individuals were visitors to the areas or whether the virus has been spreading despite the efforts to restrict it to the Ancient County.

Previously, there were 19 confirmed cases. However, 12 other cases were confirmed on Tuesday after-

noon following the return of the samples which were sent for testing at the CARPHA in Trinidad and Tobago.

Of the 150 samples which were sent to be tested for confirmation of the vector-borne disease, 12 thus far were positive.

Following the discovery of the first Georgetown victim, who hails from the North Ruimveldt area, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran had stated that the virus was restricted to the Berbice area and the victim was infected due to the fact that he had worked in the affected areas in Berbice.

He had rebuffed claims that the vector-borne disease had spread to the other regions.

It was in May that the first cases were discovered in a toddler and a woman from the Cumberland and Canje areas. The Health Ministry had commenced and will be continuing its fogging exercises in various areas across the country.

While the disease was debilitating to a person’s health, the possibility of it being fatal is low. The Minister explained that al-

though a large number of persons were infected in the Caribbean, there were only a few deaths and those were restricted to the elderly and the young, and Guyana was no different.

He said the persons who have died may have had a pre-existing medical condition or their immune systems might not have been fully developed (minors). The Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Its symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever with an acute febrile phase, lasting two to five days. It can result in some longterm effects, primarily joint pain, and causes moderate to severe illness. Depending on an individual’s reaction after the incubation period, persons may experience pain even after seeking medical attention. This period can last from two to six days with symptoms lasting four to seven days after infection. Individuals experiencing any such symptoms are asked to visit the nearest health facility as soon as possible.

Man dies after being hit by truck

A23-year-old pedestrian is now dead, following an accident on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway on Thursday involving a Geddes Grant bus. Dead is Leny Jai-Singh of Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara. According to reports, the young man was standing on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway behind a parked truck when he was hit by a Geddes Grant bus, with licence plate GRR 2023, around 10:30h.

ing to Linden, was being driven by 31-year-old Dewayne Stephen, a sales representative of the company.

In an interview with the Guyana Times, Stephen said he had just passed the Police Outpost on the highway when he noticed two parked trucks on the opposite side of the road. The trucks were reportedly proceeding to Georgetown, but had been stopped in a parking lot.

also raining. According to him, the water on the highway caused the vehicle to skid, resulting in him losing control of the bus. The vehicle reportedly hit the 23-year-old man, before colliding with one of the parked trucks.

At the time, the Geddes Grant bus, which was proceed-

The Geddes Grant Sales Representative said that he proceeded to slow down when approaching a pool of water, noting that it was

With the assistance of a public-spirited Guyanese who was passing in another vehicle at the time of the accident, Stephen rushed Jai-Singh to the Woodlands Hospital where he later succumbed. Ranks at the Police Outpost were also informed. Upon learning of his death, Jai-Singh’s family

members flocked the facility. Guyana Times caught up with one of the relatives who were present at the time of the accident. The man who requested anonymity said, “The bus was heading in the opposite direction and ended up in the opposite lane, hit the boy, and then hit another truck behind.”

According to the man, the impact was so great that Jai-Singh “pitch up in the air” before landing in the bushes a far distance away. Jai-Singh’s death comes mere months after his father’s.

Williams’ allegations on Rodney CoI extension false – Attorney General

Attorney General Anil

Nandlall has dismissed claims by People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Attorney Basil William that the extension of the life of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) is unlawful and improper, as hopelessly wrong.

Williams had questioned the legality of the work of the CoI for the period June 8 to 28, pointing out that the life of the Commission had ended on June 8.

The life of the Commission was originally set for four months, starting on February 8 and ending on June 8, but has since been extended from June 8 to September 30.

Williams told the Commission that though he was informed through the Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham that he had received a letter of extension from President Donald Ramotar, the information should have been gazetted as stipulated by law.

The PNC Attorney sub-

sequently in a letter to the media, said: “Williams informed the Commissioners that unless the CoI was covered by an extension of its life then any work done by the CoI would be without legal authority and could only be cured or ratified subsequently by an act of Parliament and not the President. Williams also contended that all the work done since June 23, 2014 would be imperiled since it is questionable whether the Opposition majority in Parliament would pass such an act to ratify evidence taken without the period allotted by the President.”

The Attorney General in highlighting Williams’ error alluded to two simple points that put the matter to rest.

Firstly, Nandlall pointed out on June 23, before the commencement of the third sitting of the Commission, the President sent a letter to the Chairman extending the life of the Commission until September 30.

This notification was published in the Official Gazette in an extra ordinary publication dated June 24, which stated that it was effective from June 23.

Power

The Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03 by virtue of Section 3, gives the President the power to alter a CoI established under that Act.

Section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03 provides thus: “In case any Commissioner shall be or become unable or unwill-

ing to act, or shall die, the President may appoint another Commissioner in his place; and any Commission issued under this Act may be altered as the President may deem fit by any subsequent Commission issued by the President or may be revoked altogether by a notification to that effect published in the Gazette.”

Nandlall explained that it was, therefore, well within the power of the President to include in the publication that the extension was to be effective from June 23.

Secondly, he pointed out, Section 21 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act, Chapter 2:01, gives the President the power to publish subsidiary legislations, such as, the notification for extension and for them to have retrospective operation.

He said what this means, is that they can come into operation before the date of publication in the official Gazette.

Section 21 (2) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act, Chapter 2:01 states:

“Statutory legislation other than those specified in subsection (1) need not be published unless expressly required by the Act conferring power to make them, and, whether published or not, such instruments shall come into operation at the time of their making or at such other time as may be specified therein.”

The evidence taken by the Commission on June 23, is therefore beyond any legal challenge, Nandlall pointed out, noting that a simple

reading of the relevant sections of the Commissions of Inquiry Act and the Interpretation and General Clauses Act would have saved Williams from much embarrassment.

“It is my considered view... that Mr Williams not only intends to mislead the public but also to disparage the integrity of the Commission.”

Nandlall said he felt compelled to respond to the allegations made by Williams

through a letter published in a letter in the Stabroek News on July 2, though purportedly written by Williams, refers to him in the third person.

“Perhaps this is Mr Williams’ new and unique manner of expression,” the Attorney General said.

Williams in the letter had said: “The Government ought to be grateful for unpaid legal advice from Williams whose only error was failing to wait until the end of the session. Just imagine the waste of taxpayers’ dollars for all those days if Williams had not enquired.

Therefore, the testimony of Messrs Gates, Gibbs, Nobrega or whoever; the cross-examination of Gates by Attorneys for Donald Rodney and Mrs Rodney and family have all come to naught unless validated by an Act of Parliament. In the spirit of enquiry, no question of submissions being overruled could arise.”

But Nandlall contended that these allegations are not only vexatious, outrageous and sinister, but they are obviously calculated to undermine the integrity of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry. He said, they are not surprising, pointing out that it has been the agenda of Williams and his party even before the Commission was established.

“I can only surmise that they realised that they would not be able to deal with the evidence that was likely to emerge and in fact is emerging from the Commission. From the outset, they attacked the Terms of Reference. That failed. They next challenged the integrity of Commissioner Seenath Jairam, SC. That failed. Then they attacked the integrity of the Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham, QC. That failed. They next attacked the procedure employed by the Commission and the quality of evidence adduced thereof. That also failed. These new allegations by Mr Williams are obviously their next line of attack. This will also fail,” the Attorney General said.

BBCI donates trophy to Belladrum Primary

The Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) has donated a trophy to the Belladrum Primary School for its Annual Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony, which will be held next week.

The trophy was handed over on July 2 to the school.

The company in a release said it was privileged to have the opportunity to donate the trophy to the school and will continue to donate and sponsor other events that would benefit the institution and the students.

The BBCI said it not only plays the role of collecting tolls and facilitating vehicles crossing the Berbice River Bridge and vessels transiting through the retractor opening and under the high span, but also discharges its corporate responsibilities and more im-

portantly, plays an integral part in the development of education and sport.

The company has also supported national events and made donations to charitable and non-charitable or-

ganisations in proximity of the bridge or in Region Five and Six.

The company had also sponsored events in other regions, stretching as far as the hinterland.

Two injured after car slams into lamp post

Two persons from the Essequibo Coast have been hospitalised after a hire car driver lost control and slammed into a lamp post.

The driver, a female and the passenger, also a female are resting at the Suddie Public Hospital.

The accident occurred around 14:30h at Zorg Village on the Essequibo Coast. The driver is reportedly from the Pomona Housing Scheme area. The patients’ conditions have been listed as stable.

Residents nearby says they heard a loud impact and when they looked out;

the vehicle was “ben up” in front.

Persons rushed to the scene and assisted the driver and the passenger, who were immediately transported to the Suddie Public Hospital.

The injured persons received bruises about their body and other injuries. Police have launched an investigation into the accident.

GT&T launches e-billing services

Sukhai denies neglecting Coomacka

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai has denied allegations that her Ministry was neglecting the community of Coomacka, Region 10.

The allegations were made recently by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Renis Morian.

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T) on Thursday launched its online billing service which will give postpaid customers access to their telephone bills using any Internet devices, including smart phone, iPads, tablets and laptops

The e-billing service is free and allows customers to view all their telephone details, including their current telephone charges, previous bills, payment history, account balances and due dates or call details. The service is available for all GT&T post-paid customers with landline, mobile and DSL accounts.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer Radha Krishna Sharma said Guyana is moving apace with technology, and many

economies,” Sharma added.

The CEO went on to say that GT&T’s focus is clear and define; it is to digitalise all Guyana in order to realise the full potential of digital development. GT&T, he noted will roll out high speed broad band network that is necessary in any developed nation, but while they are committed to do so, they need the support of the regulators and policymakers.

In addition, he reiterated that appropriate and urgent spectrum allocation is the key to broadband infrastructure development.

Customer Services Director Pamela Briggs explained that in the first phase of MyAccount, customers will be able to access their post-paid landline, cell and DSL accounts from any Internet enabled device,

Guyanese have embraced the new culture of doing business.

He said the initiative must be seen in a context of continuing development, and as they seek to broaden the scope to a fully e-commerce society.

“We see ourselves at GT&T as part of the global efforts to create that vehicle, that vehicle that allows for the transformative culture that the use of Internet and other information and communications technologies can bring to society and

thereby allowing them to manage and monitor their accounts from anywhere and anytime.

In her presentation, she noted that GT&T envisages customers no longer having to join queues whether at business offices or via call centres to obtain billing information.

Innovative service

“MyAccount provides that for the customer at a glance of the screen where amounts due and disconnection dates are provided.

Customers can download and view bills for as far back as six months and the same pertains to their payment history,” Briggs added.

In addition, she noted that for those high-usage account holders, unbilled overseas usage may be viewed and monitored during the course of the month. She explained that setting up the account is easy as 123.

“Having an e-mail address is essential and registering is simple. It is advisable to have a bill dated within the last three months at hand when registering since the account number and a recent invoice number are required to complete the process. Just enter Myaccount.gtt.co.gy into your browser and the rest is as easy as 123 since the software is very user-friendly and the steps in the process are easy to follow.”

However, she disclosed that the new post-paid customers would not have an invoice number. In such cases, one is allowed to register using the account number and their ID number used to subscribe for the service – instead of an invoice number.

A password will be sent to the customer e-mail address on registration and this password must be changed before access to any account is allowed. In this way, the privacy of information is assured.

Meanwhile, for an effective service, GT&T has introduced an exciting new feature called “Live Chat”, which allows customers ready access to Customer Care Agents for clarification that may arise. This service is available from 06:00h to 22:00 daily.

GT&T sees this service as very convenient, not only for residential but also corporate customers who will be better able to integrate and manage their telephone accounts with ease and convenience.

Eight arrested during Police operations

Ranks of “C” Division on Thursday morning arrested at least eight persons, including two women during an operation in several villages along East Coast Demerara (ECD) as part of a campaign to root out criminal elements.

According to information received, the operation was conducted in Buxton, Enmore, Sparendaam and

Vigilance between the 4:00h and 8:00h. It was during the operation, two women of Good Hope West were found with narcotics in their possession.

One of the women had 23 grams of cannabis and 36 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, while the other woman had eight grams of cannabis. The two women are expected to make

their court appearance today.

In addition, the other persons arrested are being questioned in connection with a number of break and enter and larceny offences. Only on Wednesday, a cannabis plant was found in a home at Haslington, ECD during a similar Police operation in the area.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, the Minister noted that she had been away from the city at the time the allegations were made and has not seen the article which was published in the controversial Kaieteur News on June 23.

After being informed of the contents of the article, Sukhai noted that Morian was merely seeking attention. She said that the village of Coomacka is not listed as an Amerindian village since it is a mixed village given its location.

“The village is a mixed one; people of all ethnic backgrounds live there with very few of the family being Amerindians. And from time to time, we will still go

and assist those families even though it is not gazetted as an Amerindian village. Similarly, if they come to us and ask for help, we willingly help them. Morian is not to be taken seriously,” the Minister said.

The Minister told this publication too that had the APNU parliamentarian taken the time to check his information, he would not have looked so foolish now, while addressing the accusation he had made that the children’s school bus has deteriorated as a result of the Ministry’s

negligence.

“If he had bothered to check, he would have known that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs never donated that bus to that village. We made no such donation. I don’t know how the bus got there or who donated it, but it is not from us, so we are not responsible for what he has accused us for,” the Minister emphasised.

Minister Sukhai maintained her stance that she and her Ministry do all that are possible to afford Amerindians a better life, regardless of the areas they originate from, are residing, and as such, her conscience is clear.

Morian had alleged that Sukhai was neglecting the welfare of the ‘indigenous’ people of Coomacka, its environs and by extension the entire Region 10. He had noted that the Ministry was responsible for the children who had to walk miles on poor roads to reach school since the bus it had donated during the last General Elections has deteriorated.

Minibus conductor charged for escaping police custody

Minibus conductor Terrence Parks who allegedly was so intent on escaping charges stemming from disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest that he fled from a Police station was granted $90,000 bail on Thursday.

The 38-year-old Parks of Melanie Backdam, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a charge of escaping lawful Police custody.

The charge alleges that on June 28 at King Street, Georgetown, the defendant was shouting and behaving in a disorderly manner and when a Police Constable tried to arrest the him, he ‘chucked’ the offic-

er. However, with the help of two other Police ranks, the officer managed to arrest Parks.

Upon arriving at Brickdam Police Station while he was placed in the traffic department, the defendant escaped while in police custody.

Parks will make his second court appearance on July 18.

New Peace Corps volunteers take oath

BY JILLICIA PINDER

Anew batch of Peace Corps volunteers was sworn on Thursday morning at a simple ceremony held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Addressing the occasion, Peace Corps Country Director Linda Arbogast shared that the organisation was founded in 1961 by late US President John F Kennedy.

She noted that since its founding, the Peace Corps has remained strong and continues to provide support to millions across the world.

The 32 new volunteers went through a two-month training to prepare them for the two years they will be based here in Guyana. The volunteers, during their training session, endured weeks of hard work as they were trained in community health and education (depending on their job placement).

in community health and education projects, the group also plans to conduct community cleanup campaigns, organise a community compost system, set up afterschool homework clubs, conduct adult education classes and many more. The Peace Corps Country Director men-

US Ambassador D Brent Hardt and Peace Corps Country Director Linda Arbogast receiving the books from Minister Ramsaran

The group will be scattered throughout Guyana in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10, of which 17 of them will focus their attention on education, and the others on health.

Arbogast said the group had shared their first impressions on the communities they visited and found ways in which they can help battle these challenges. Other than being involved

tioned that though the group is here to work in jobs related to community health and education, “they can and will do so much more”.

US Ambassador to Guyana D Brent Hardt, in his short address before administering the oath to the volunteers, thanked them for choosing to serve Guyana.

Hardt said he is grateful for the opportunity to be able to swear in the young men

and women who have sacrificed so much for the good of others. To the volunteers, he wished them best of luck as they embark on their journey.

Challenge

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran reflected on the history of the Peace Corps in Guyana, while challenging the new volunteers to uphold the good works of all former Peace Corps volunteers. He noted that the Peace Corps was founded at a time when there was a lot of turmoil in the world and advised “that we must reflect on those times and note how far we have come”.

The Health Minister said he also welcomes any assistance that the new volunteers will bring to Guyana, particularly in the health sector.

Dr Ramsaran stated that though there have been difficulties, Guyana and the US have always shared an excellent relationship, referring to the life and marriage of former Presidents Janet and Dr Cheddi Jagan.

The Health Minister spoke at length about Mrs Jagan, whom he stated was referred to in the olden days as the “blue-eyed bhoujie”, and was the first and only female and American citizen to become President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Dr Ramsaran said it

shows how strong bonds could be and “how we can overcome differences and move forward as a country”. He stated that the American woman created a stir among Guyanese and left her mark in the minds and on the hearts of many. The Minister expressed the hope that the young Peace Corps volunteers can follow in the footsteps of the former President and make Guyana a better place.

The Health Minister presented Peace Corps Country Director Arbogast and Ambassador Hardt with a copy of the eulogy of the late President Janet Jagan and a manual of all the work that the Health Ministry has been involved in that will be presented at an upcoming highlevel meeting in the New York. He also presented the duo with a copy of Dr Jagan’s book My Fight for Guyana’s Freedom

Deputy Chief Education Officer Donna Chapman stated that she was pleased to know that the volunteers integrated into society so quickly and looked forward to their contributions to Guyana.

Chapman stated that she believes that volunteers are special people and the Peace Corps group is no exception. She applauded the Peace Corps for their sterling contributions to Guyana in the areas of health and education.

Recruitment, training of Marriott staff to commence soon

Training and recruitment of staff for the Marriott International Hotel will commence soon, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has said.

He said too the Government remains committed to hiring as many Guyanese as possible.

This announcement by the Minister comes on the heels of questions by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairman Basil Williams as to whence the workforce, for the five star Hotel will be sourced. The Finance Minister, during a press conference, maintained that the hotel, which is set to open its doors soon, will be directly responsible for providing jobs for hundreds of Guyanese and indirectly, for many more people.

“They will recruit persons with some amount of experience and expertise which they will complement with their

own personal training in a bid to equip those persons with the necessary skills,” Dr Singh said at the press briefing.

Further, Dr Singh also said the Government will be contesting the injunction that was filed in the courts by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Desmond Trotman, which seeks to stop the Government from funding the construction of the hotel that is almost complete.

The Minister, when questioned by Guyana Times at the press conference, simply responded that the Government will file their reply to the injunction when necessary. He said that “a new hotel being built is good news”; hence, there is no reason why Trotman would take the injunction to the court at such an advanced stage of construction.

“Marriott is a vote of confidence in our economy,” said Dr Singh.

On May 28, a long-serving executive

of Marriott International, Roberto Grisi was appointed General Manager of the local Marriott Hotel. Grisi assumed his new post from June 1. He was General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba over which he has presided since its opening in 2013. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is an independently operated division of Marriott International.

Atlantic Holdings Inc (AHI) and Republic Bank Limited had recently announced the completion of the financial arrangements by Republic Bank for a syndicated borrowing of US$27 million in debt financing for AHI.

The two entities in a release said the money will be spent on the construction of the Marriott-operated hotel and the shell of an Entertainment Complex. Republic Bank, on behalf of its consortium of lenders, has received approval and the transaction is expected to be concluded shortly.

Gouveia wants more done to market Guyana

Chief Executive Officer of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia says that Government needs to do more to market Guyana as a tourist destination.

Gouveia was at the time addressing members of the media at Duke Lodge on Tuesday. “We have been pushing the Government to market Guyana more, because you cannot improve tourism and improve the image in Guyana if you don’t spend money on marketing. You cannot market Guyana on US$500,000.”

Gouveia said one would be surprised to know that there are many international tour operations that are seeking tour destinations. The problem with Guyana, he said, is that “we are unknown”. Ninety per cent of the seven billion people in the world is unaware that Guyana exists, Gouveia told media operatives. “We have not been marketing Guyana as a country,” he said, revealing that Jamaica is spending over US$100 million to market its products, while Guyana is spending somewhere around US$600,000 to 700,000.

In other countries such as Costa Rica and Belize, the Captain said billions are spent on eco-tourism, with a significant portion spent on nature and adventure tourism. According to him, Guyana is just touching the tip of the iceberg.

Now that the Guyana Festival is soon to begin in

August, Gouveia said Guyana needs to have an international marketing programme. “Before I came here, I was talking with an international company that was just talking about the branding strategies for Guyana... We have a huge market place in our Diaspora,” Gouveia related. He said such information should be shared and the truth be told “to our Caribbean brothers and sisters”. “Bring them and get them into the eco-tourism market. The people want to go bird watching, mountain biking, kayaking and hiking.”

Help for tourism minister Gouveia said the country’s Acting Minister of Tourism, Irfaan Ali is doing an amazing job but needs help. According to him, when Ali gets into Cabinet, he has to compete against ministers representing the sugar, bauxite and rice industries. “We need to throw our weight behind him so when he gets into Cabinet, he fights [Finance Minister] Ashni Singh to give him more money for marketing Guyana.” Gouveia noted that he came from a time of state control, where the private sector was somewhat suppressed by the Government. With that being said, he contends that the body is now free to also lend its support. “We know that there has been a lot of misinformation, we can’t wait on the Government alone.” As far as he knows, his company will be doing its bit. “We intend to take all of our resources and put into Dynamic [Airways], we intend to take that and match it with what we intend to do here in Guyana. We intend to reduce our hotel rates, reduce our tours to Kaieteur and this word could be passed on to others.”

He opined that if Government wants to see the Marriott full, then proper marketing is necessary. He also called on the private sector to throw its weight behind the sector and “put its money where its mouth is”.

Shutdown of Demerara/ Berbice interconnected system causes morning blackout

he Demerara/Berbice

TInterconnected System experienced a total shutdown early Thursday morning causing widespread blackout in several communities.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) said the shutdown occurred at approximately 06:40h when the differential relay protecting one of two 35 Megavolt ampere (MVA) transformers at the Kingston Substation was activated. As a result, 11 of 16.5 megawatts being contributed to the grid by the Kingston1 Generation Station became immediately unavailable. The sudden loss in capacity resulted in a drop in frequency, the tripping of other units at both Kingston Plants, and a total system shutdown.

The power company said a malfunctioning component in the protective circuit of the transformer has been temporarily disconnected and the unit returned to service. The repaired component was expected to be reactivated Thursday afternoon. GPL said too that restoration of power started at 07:07h. Complete restoration was adversely affected by mechanical problems experienced with the Number Two and Four units at the Kingston 2 Plant, and some areas in South Georgetown and along the East Coast Demerara were not repowered until 10:47h when the No Four Generator was returned to service. Repairs to the No Two Unit were completed by 15:00h.

Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan, confirmed on Thursday that New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson will not be a part of the Warriors’ line-up for this year’s Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL), due to injury concerns.

“Anderson picked up some injuries that New Zealand Cricket wanted

GHRA sacks secretary for “insubordination” –

Ramnauth to act in interim

By RAjiv BisnAuth

On the heels of a vote of no confidence against President of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) Vic Oditt, by members of the GHRA, its Secretary Zenzie Goring has been sent packing- by Oditt.

Goring was sacked for acts of insubordination, a release from the GHRA stated on Thursday. The statement noted that the removal was with immediate effect.

Secretary of the Port Mourant Turf Club, Chattergoon Ramnauth, will act as secretary, until further notice, the release further stated.

Goring had been roundly criticised by embattled President Vic Oditt, regarding the way she carried out her duties as secretary.

According to Oditt, Goring deliberately refused to carry out instructions and her actions, which are inimical to the GHRA, resulted in the public being misled.

Goring was ordered to hand over all documents and other assets of the

GHRA to Ramnauth, the release stated. Goring declined to comment on the issue when contacted by Guyana Times Sport.

However, this publication was reliably informed that the executives of the GHRA are responsible for the sacking of a member and not the President.

This new development came after aggrieved members of the GHRA passed a vote of no-confidence against Oditt at a special meeting held at the Bush Lot United Turf Club on Saturday.

The aggrieved members alleged that Ouditt has been micro-managing the authority and that they had lost faith, trust and confidence in him as a result.

“His lack of leadership qualities, inability to consult and make decisions and his dictatorial behaviour in dealing with critical issues such as race dates; unfair and biased attitude towards some of the clubs and their members and his many other weaknesses have caused the members to lose trust and confidence

in him and as a result, led the GHRA into disrepute and confusion,” the aggrieved members alleged in a release.

Fazal Habibula, who was performing duties as the first Vice President, will now take the position as President (ag) until elections are held in January, 2015.

To this end, Oditt contended that the decision is null and void since the special meeting held was unconstitutional and that the release sent earlier by the GHRA is a useless document, which has no legal standing.

Oditt further indicated that the work of the authority continues under his leadership as the GHRA implements measures to improve local horse racing

The local horse- racing boss replaced retired Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Cecil Kennard, when the body held its annual general meeting in February at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club pavilion.

Injury forces Anderson out of Limacol CPL

him to have a proper rehabilitation programme for, so that he will be protected from further injuries,” Khan said in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport.

Meanwhile, Khan also confirmed that fellow New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham is Anderson’s replacement and will join the rest of the squad at the conclusion of the West Indies/

New Zealand T20 series.

West Indies and New Zealand play two T20 internationals on July 5 and 6 and Neesham is expected to feature in that series.

The Kiwi played a starring role in New Zealand’s 2-1 test series win over the West Indies, scoring 278 runs, including a century in the first test and two halfcenturies in the third and final test. His medium pace

great Muttiah Muralitharan, and Ross Taylor (Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel) in the tournament.

Limacol CPL, dubbed the “biggest party in sport”, begins on July 11 in Grenada.

Golden Jaguars plunge in FIFA ranking

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Aprolonged period of inactivity has taken its toll on Guyana’s Senior Men’s national football team’s ranking as issued by football’s world governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

The Golden Jaguars last played as a unit on November 16, 2012, losing 1-2 to Grenada in the Caribbean Cup Championship.

Since then the Golden Jaguars, who created history by reaching the third round of qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, have been missing in action while administrators continue to battle for the governance of local football.

The emergence of two factions engrossed in a power struggle has certainly not helped Guyana’s cause, the result of which is directly linked to what now appears on the FIFA ranking on a monthly basis.

After rising to an all-time high of 86 in November 2010, the Golden Jaguars have literally taken a nose dive, plummeting to a startling 156. Given the rapid slide down the ranking, the all-time low of 185, achieved back in February 2004, could very well be surpassed.

While the current administration of the GFF led by Christopher Matthias, who was voted into power in April 2013, has divulged little information on the Senior Men’s national team, a visit to FIFA’s website by this news outfit revealed that the Golden Jaguars are down to play three matches in September.

Those matches, approximately two months away, are part of the Caribbean Cup qualifiers. The Jaguars are down to face Dominica on September 3, St Lucia two days later and St Kitts and Nevis on September 7 at venues yet to be decided.

Mark Rodrigues, Technical Director of the GFF, quizzed on “what’s happening” with the Senior Men’s national team at a press conference on Monday, said, “As at this present moment, nothing.”

He added, “Come September and leading up to September, we’ve already had discussions and systems are in place to start assembling the team; getting the team prepared. The definitive dates have not been established as yet, but we’ve already had

talks with regard to how to go about doing it and we have a draft plan in place, nothing to be published at this moment, but that should be released in a short period of time.”

Currently, there is no appointed Head Coach, but according to Rodrigues, that position will be filled in the “near future.”

“I don’t want to define a specific date, but I can say in the near future because that is important before we proceed,” the Canadabased Rodrigues informed this publication. Dismissing claims that the Senior Men’s team is being neglected, the TD remarked, “The senior national programme is one established based on what you do at the bottom and if we were to neglect what we do at the bottom to get to where we are at the top whether it be tomorrow, next year or next 10 years from now, then we’re shooting ourselves in the foot.”

With no matches planned prior to the start of the Caribbean Cup qualifiers, Guyana will definitely continue to motor down the FIFA ranking. It will take a herculean effort to recapture the glory days of November 2010.

It therefore begs the question, ‘Would the Golden Jaguars ever roar again,as they did during the World Cup qualifiers?’ Only time will tell.

GBTI Open braces for finals showdown

– Squires, Ramdyhan in singles finals

In the most exciting tennis tournament of the year, the local tennis greats ensured that they emerge out of the masses towards deserving promi-

nence. On Wednesday last, this was the only aim for former Men’s champion Phillips Squires who was off the tennis scene for two years.

He spared no effort to remind spectators that he is the one to watch when he ousted old rival Leyland Leacock in straight sets in their highly tactical game, to protect his half of the draw in Men’s Open Singles.

Greaves to defend title at Malta Supreme cycling event

– National Coach foresees competitive races

Commonwealth Games

selectee Alanzo Greaves is expected home this evening after campaigning in the United States of America and will be right on time to defend his title at the third annual Malta Supreme 11-race programme on Saturday Greaves is the defending champion of the main race, having won last year’s event in a time of one hour, 15 minutes, 33.34 seconds (01h: 15m: 33.34s).

Squires and Leacock have similar playing styles and craft in setting up points, but it is Squires who outplayed Leacock with crisp serves and volley tactics which placed pressure on Leacock to go for aggressive shots. He broke Leacock early for a 2-0 lead which extended to a 4-1 lead.

Leacock finally broke back at 2-4 and held at 3-4 but Squires held his last two serves to secure the set and win 6-3. Then Squires quickly set himself up 5-1 in the second set to serve for the match. He had three match points, but became complacent and Leacock seized the opportunity to break and hold serve to go up to 3-5.

But Squires made no waste of his 4th match point and won the match 6-3 6-3.

Meanwhile, Anthony Downes made light work of Jason Glasgow winning 6-0, 6-0 to set up his match with Daniel Lopes and be on his way to meet Squires for the third time in a highly anticipated Men’s final.

In the Men’s Doubles final, Anthony Downes and Jason Andrews were able to hold off the young pair of Gavin Lewis and Daniel Lopes 6-1, 7-6 to claim the Men’s Doubles title.

In the Ladies Doubles final, National Coach Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan and her daughter Nicola Ramdyhan defeated the young sisters

Shawna and Afruica Gentle 7/5 6/3 in a tough battle. The mother/daughter pair took advantage of what could be deemed sibling rivalry on the opposite side of the court, even though the sisters showed great potential as they played excellent points.

Nicola Ramdyhan and Shawna Gentle have also earned themselves a place in the Ladies Open Singles final for the first time. The tournament will come to a close with the Ladies Singles final and Men’s Singles final on Friday. Both matches start at 17:00h and will be followed by the closing ceremony for the tournament.

GCB names Female U-19 team for T&T Invitational tournament

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has named its 14-member female squad to compete in the Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Cricket Association 19 and Under Invitational Tournament, 2014.

ment are Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and a Board X1

competition, and ultimately provide a cadre of players, capable of being considered for West Indies representation.”

With almost all of the country’s top riders available this weekend, national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed is confident the programme will be highly competitive.

The day’s activities will pedal off at 09:00h and it is expected that leading riders of the various categories, including the six Commonwealth Games selectees, will face the starting line.

“Definitely I’m expecting a very exciting and competitive day of racing, because from all indications we will have all the top-ranking riders available. We have seen some fast times over the couple of races and come Saturday that could be re-

He is expected to face stiff competition however, from the likes of recently crowned national senior road race champion Geron Williams, Marlon “Fishy” Williams, Raynauth Jeffrey, Paul deNobrega, Christopher Holder, Hamzah Eastman and Albert Philander among others.

peated,” Mohamed said.

When action pedals off, the BMX riders will start proceedings and will conclude with the senior cyclists competing in the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race.

Jeban Crawford (Juveniles), Junior Niles (Veterans), Ozia McUally (Mountain Bikes) and Romello Crawford (12-14 Boys and Girls) are the defending champions of their respective categories.

Banks DIH Limited’s Non-Alcoholic Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie, and Outdoor Events Manager, Mortimer Stewart, are expected to witness the day’s activities and also assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion.

The tournament will be held on July 9- 14 with matches at various venues in the twin-island republic.

Guyana will get into action against Barbados on July 10 and will play their next match against Trinidad and Tobago the same day.

The teams in the tourna-

The tournament is geared towards the continuous development of women’s cricket in the Region and to give regional exposure to upcoming youth players to ensure the respective regional territories have a good pool of players to choose from.

According to the TTWCA, “the tournament provides territorial organisations with an opportunity to showcase their outstanding players, expose them to

The Guyana team reads: Plaffiana Millington, Shirley Boyce, Erica Batson, Teniesha Cort, Shabika Gajnabi, Staffi Rodney, Lashuana Tussaint, Latoya Smith, Mandy Mangru, Odessa Caeser, Nagma Budhoo, Christine Quintyn, Amanda Persaud and Shanna Vanderstoop The coach is Clive Grimmond and Manager Tremayne Smartt.

Joseph, yang victorious on opening night of national squash c/ships

The Guyana Squash Association (GSA), in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel Guyana, on Wednesday evening served off this year’s National Senior Squash Championships at the Georgetown Club squash courts.

Matches were played in three of the four categories:

Men’s Open, Veterans Over50 and Veterans 35-49.

In the Men’s Open category, Antonio Joseph conquered Dustani Barrow 119, 3-11, 11-8 and 11- 9, while Haopei Yang hammered Jamaal Douglas 11-7, 11-6 and 11-1.

In the Veterans Over-50 category, Alwyn Callender beat Mike Atherly 11-7, 11-6 and 11-4, while Alwyn

Callender overpowered Robin Low 11-4, 11-2 and 11-5. Brian Yong defeated Jerry Mekdeci 11-8, 11-4 and 11-5, while Timothy Jonas thumped David Fernandes 11- 8 and 11-6 in the Veterans 35-49 category. Matches continued last evening in the Men and Women’s Open and Veterans Over- 50 categories.

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Limacol CPL tickets for Guyana...

Palm Court VIP Stand

entertainment similar to the Trini stand in Trinidad and Tobago,” Prashad had stated.

Palm Court on Friday June 27 signed an agreement with Limacol CPL OPCO (Guyana) Inc, to have the stand rebranded the Palm Court VIP Party Stand.

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Tickets for the Palm Court VIP Party Stand will be available from 13:00h today at Palm Court located at 35 Main Street, Georgetown.

“Palm Court, Guyana’s number one entertainment spot, saw it fit to bring quality entertainment at the national level by acquiring the SouthEast Stand [Orange Stand] – to be branded the Palm Court VIP Party Stand. Patrons of the Palm Court VIP Party Stand can experience quality entertainment and exciting 20/20 games in a great party atmosphere,” a press release from the entity stated.

Ticket holders for the Palm Court VIP Party Stand will also be admitted free of cost to a theme party at Palm Court on the evenings of the 17th, 19th and 20th. The Party will be branded the “All Out Party”.

Palm Court said VIP ticket holders to the “All Out Party” will be treated to performances from international artistes Mr Killa (Rolly Polly man) and Timeka Marshall on Thursday July 17 while 5 Star Akil and James Bond will take to the stage on Saturday July 19.

Palm Court on Friday June 27 signed an agreement with Limacol CPL OPCO (Guyana) Inc, to have the stand rebranded the Palm Court VIP Party Stand.

Prior to the historic signing, Palm Court

General Manager Avalon Jagnandan had said the entertainment spot was extremely happy to be associated with the Guyana leg of the tournament and more so, the promotion of cricket in Guyana.

“Palm Court being

Prior to the historic signing, Palm Court General Manager Avalon Jagnandan said the entertainment spot is extremely happy to be associated with the Guyana leg of the tournament and more so the promotion of cricket in Guyana.

“Palm Court being Guyana’s number one entertainment spot saw it fit to bring quality entertainment at the national level.”

Guyana’s number one entertainment spot saw it fit to bring quality entertainment at the national level. In this stand, patrons can experience quality entertainment and exciting 20/20 games in a great party atmosphere. Palm Court will also have quality food and drinks with top-class service available to all its patrons,” Jagnandan concluded.

Meanwhile, Palm Court Managing Director Ravindra Prashad had promised that the entertainment would definitely be at a different level.

“We plan to have topclass entertainment, an

“In this stand, patrons can experience quality entertainment and exciting 20/20 games in a great party atmosphere. Palm Court will also have quality food and drinks with top-class service available to all its patrons,” Jagnandan concluded.

Meanwhile, Palm Court Managing Director Ravindra Prashad promised that the entertainment will definitely be at a different level.

“We plan to have topclass entertainment, an entertainment similar to the Trini stand in Trinidad and Tobago,” Prashad opined.

Colombia gives workers time off to watch World Cup match

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has given government workers Friday afternoon off to watch the national team play Brazil in the quarter-finals of the football World Cup.

The president will fly to Brazil to watch the match played in Fortaleza. The progress of Colombia to the quarter-finals has sent the country into a state of national euphoria.

But after a spike in domestic violence after Colombia’s first win, the sale of alcohol will be banned on match day.

The president decreed that Friday afternoon

would be a “civic day” so that government workers could finish work at 13:00 and watch the match, due to kick off at 15:00 local time. He said he would fly to Fortaleza in the morning, and fly back that same evening “following Colombia’s victory”.

Colombia has never before reached the World Cup quarterfinals.

Vice-President Angelino Garzon urged local government offices to also give their employees the afternoon off. The mayor of Cali, Colombia’s third largest city which is known as a place particularly fond of partying, said he would follow suit.

Colombia has won all four of the matches it has played during the World Cup, causing jubilation among its fans. But police reported being called out almost 5,000 times during and after the opening match on 14 June, when Colombia beat Greece 3-0. Nine people were killed in fights in the capital, Bogota, on that one night alone. In response, many cities including Bogota, Cali and Cucuta banned the sale of alcohol on the match days.

If Colombia win they will face either France or Germany in the semi-final.

Guyana end group stage

winless at CBC Championships

There was more disappointment for the Guyana Men’s team at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) on Wednesday night as they fell to the US Virgin Islands (USVI) in their second group game. The Guyanese, however, put on a much better showing against Barbados on Thursday but still ended the group stage without a win.

Just as in their opening game against the BVI on Tuesday, Guyana had a poor first half on Wednesday against USVI, and came alive in the second half, but the damage was too much to repair.

The Guyanese lost 7595 after falling behind by 22 points at half- time.

The USVI asserted their dominance from tipoff and were leading Guyana 29-14 at the end of the first quarter. A slower second quarter saw Guyana managing only 11 points, but the USVI were also restricted to 18 as Guyana began to find some level of confidence. The second half was a better showing for the visitors as they outscored the USVI 50-48 in the second half, but the earlier damage was irreparable as USVI won 95-75.

Guyana captain and NBA player Rawle Marshall battled his way to 23 points, pulled eight rebounds and made five assists. Andrew Ifill contributed 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Gordon Webster

scored 13 points and Shane Webster 10. The best scorer for the USVI was Aaron Brown with 19 points.

Guyana went down to Barbados 69-80 in their final preliminary-round game yesterday, which means they will not be able to vie for top honours at the championships, but would hope their game improves drastically ahead of the classification round.

Rawle Marshall topscored for Guyana with 21 points.

The BVI held on for a nerve jangling, edge of your seat, nail biting win 81-77 over Barbados on Wednesday July 2, 2014 to capture their second victory of the 2014 Caribbean Basketball Confederation

(CBC) Championship

In other games yesterday the USVI beat Guyana, 95-75, Antigua pulled off a famous 90-68 win over the Bahamas and Cuba maintained their perfect start with an 86-58 rout of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The team led by Milton Barnes remained on top of the scoreboard for the whole game to capture their second victory of the 2014 CBC Championship. The best scorer for the team of USVI was Aaron Brown with 19 points.

On the second day of the 2014 CBC championship, Guyana faced off against the National Team of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The team led by Milton Barnes The scoreboard showed a great ad-

Digicel Schools Football…

vantage for the U.S. Virgin Island team, thanks to a great combined offensive, 9 players scored during the first half. The score at the end of the second quarter was US Virgin Islands 47Guyana 25.

The advantage of the team of US Virgin Islands was maintained throughout the entire second half, the lead was kept around the 20 points. Nothing changed, the final score was, USVI 95 – Guyana 75., Tomorrow, US Virgin Islands will face the host team of the British Virgin Islands, while Guyana will face Barbados. - See more at: http://www. fibaamericas.com/cbc/noticiasread4.asp?r=68850C6C8 ED644DA88F74C2D70A72 7DD#sthash.znfiqN0w.dpuf

Joseph, Yang victorious on opening night of National Squash C/ships

The Guyana Squash Association (GSA), in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel Guyana, on Wednesday evening served off this year’s National Senior Squash Championships at the Georgetown Club squash courts.

Matches were played in three of the four categories: Men’s Open, Veterans Over50 and Veterans 35-49.

In the Men’s Open category, Antonio Joseph conquered Dustani Barrow 119, 3-11, 11-8 and 11- 9, while Haopei Yang hammered

Toned, tight and trim bodies will be on stage on Sunday when Fitness Paradise Gym holds its annual Gym Expo in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel. The event will start at 19:00h and will be declared open by prominent national sport personality, Garfield Wiltshire.

The Expo will be the first for the gym since it moved to its new location in Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown. The event will feature the Mr Fitness Paradise Gym, Mr Hot Body, Miss Bikini, Miss Best Legs and Mixed Pairs competitions and will showcase some of the new offerings that are available at the gym- Zumba, Taerobics and Self-defence.

Twenty gym members

Jamaal Douglas 11-7, 11-6 and 11-1. In the Veterans Over-50 category, Alwyn Callender beat Mike Atherly 11-7, 11-6 and 11-4, while Alwyn Callender overpowered Robin Low 11-4, 11-2 and 11-5.

Brian Yong defeated Jerry Mekdeci 11-8, 11-4 and 11-5, while Timothy Jonas thumped David Fernandes 11- 8 and 11-6 in the Veterans 35-49 category.

Matches continued last evening in the Men and Women’s Open and Veterans Over- 50 categories.

will be competing in the judged competitions, while another 18 will be featured in the Zumba and Taerobics demonstrations.

Many of those competing in the judged competitions will be using this baptism at the Pegasus as training ground for appearances on the national bodybuilding stage, when the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation and Flex Night Incorporated stage their annual events later in the year.

Admission to the Savannah Suite event is $1500 and part of the proceeds will go towards the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.

Vryman’s Erven win on sudden-death penalty

Vryman’s Erven Secondary School (VESS) overcame a scare on Wednesday when they narrowly got past newcomers Upper Corentyne Industrial Technical Institute (UCITI) on sudden-death penalty in the fourth annual Digicel National Schools Football Tournament.

UCITI were on the verge of creating the first upset in the Region Six leg of the tournament, when their defence fell apart and VESS scored the needed equaliser moments before the final whistle in their first-round match at the Skeldon Community Centre.

The technical boys opened up the scoring in the 24th minute of play when Shaqquelle Cummings found the back of the net. The Corentyne boys then made several attempts at scoring and frequently got deep into

the VESS defence, but squandered their goalscoring opportunities. On the resumption of play, two VESS players were substituted and im-

mediately the Corentyne boys found it difficult to get past the VESS defence. However, two minutes before regulation time Akeem Haynes timed

a pass from the far side of the goal and made no mistaking in scoring, forcing the game to be decided from the penalty spot two minutes later.

Both teams missed twice in the penalty kickout and sudden-death penalty was needed to separate the two warriors.

VESS took the first shot and scored only to see UCITI equalising. There was then some drama when a UCITI player sent the ball to the crossbar, but goalkeeper Rickford Williams’s joy was shortlived, as the referee instructed that the penalty be retaken.

This time the shot was low, fast and to his left. Williams made a brilliant attempt by knocking the ball out, but it only bounced and took another direction heading towards the goal. He plunged made the save and the celebrations began.

At the end of the game, Digicel officials presented school bags to both schools and congratulated them on the game. UCITI were urged to continue playing

and not to wait until the competition next year.

Most of the schools on the Upper and Central Corentyne do not make it past the first round in the Digicel tournament. In fact, Orealla has been the only school from the Corentyne that has consistently made it to the latter stages of the competition. Last year they were knocked out at the semi-final round of the regional leg, when they were forced to play on a waterlogged outfield at the Scots School Ground in New Amsterdam.

Meanwhile, play in the Berbice leg continues today when the New Amsterdam Technical Institute take on Berbice High at the Skeldon Community Centre in a second-round match-up.

On Thursday, Corentyne Comprehensive were expected to do battle with Tutorial Academy.

Guyana Amazon Warriors intensify preparation under lights

By RAjiv BisnAuth

With the second edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) T20 tournament just seven days away, the management unit of the Guyana Amazon Warriors has intensified preparations as it seeks to get the players fully ready for the task ahead.

The squad had its first game -simulation exercise under lights at the National Stadium last evening.

Meanwhile, in an invited comment, manager of the team, Omar Khan, declared that he is satisfied with the team’s preparation ahead of the tournament. Khan,a former West Indies manager, has stressed the importance of the squad’s training camp ahead of the tournament and believes the camp will help the squad adequately prepare for its campaign.

“I am tremendously satisfied, the guys have been doing a tremendous amount of work, they have been really energetic, they have been excited and not show a laidback attitude and that’s a good sign.

“What is most heartening is the commitment and dedication by the players. It has been great, they are all willing to work and support one another as a team and that’s a good sign,” Khan,

told Guyana Times Sport on Thursday evening. Khan also confirmed that New Zealander Martin Guptill and Guyanese Leon Johnson joined the squad on Wednesday.

Pakistan Mohammad Hafeez will join the team on Saturday, according to Khan.

Captain Denesh Ramdin, Lendl Simmons, Krishmar Santokie and Sunil Narine,

along with local star Christopher Barnwell and James Neesham, who replaced the injured Corey Anderson, will unite with the squad at the end of the West Indies/New Zealand T20 series.

New Zealand and West Indies will play two T20 Internationals on July 5 and 6 and those players are expected to feature in that series.

“fishy” envisages tough

B y A

ven A sh R A mz A n

Despite being engrossed in training for the past months, seasoned cyclist Marlon “Fishy” Williams is expecting a tough time at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The 27-year-old Williams, who is attached to the Roraima Bikers Club, is among six riders identified by the Guyana Cycling Federation to represent Guyana at the July 23 to August 3 event.

The others are recently crowned national male road race champion

Geron Williams, Alanzo Greaves, Raynauth Jeffrey, Scott Savoury and England-based national female road-race champion, Claire FraserGreen.

During an interview with this publication recently, Williams said while the course is expected to be difficult, he is clocking the hours in terms of training and will be giving his all for his country.

“?Against the pros [professionals], it’s going to be very difficult. Countries like us start at the back, [and] it’s very difficult to get to the front; they go full

The Warriors will play two practice games on Saturday and Sunday against a select Guyana team. Both games commence at 14:00h and admission to the National Stadium is free.

The training camp runs until July 7 before the squad moves on to Grenada for their first game against the Antigua Hawksbills on July 11.

“Great

enthusiasm” ahead of El Dorado golf tourney

Great golfing is expected this weekend when the annual El Dorado golf tournament is staged at the Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday.

Lusignan Golf Club

President David Mohamed expressed confidence that the refreshing aura usually surrounding the El Dorado tournament is going to support exciting plays as the golfers tee off at noon.

“Golfers are showing great enthusiasm for the game at this time, and so we expect the best as they vie for the top trophy and other prizes. At last week’s tournament, even though three brief rain bursts interrupted play, high enthusiasm enabled the golfers to finish the game in good time,”

commented. El

Manager, Larry Wills, expressed his desire that the game be a good one for the golfers, and promised that the sample, which will be provided by El Dorado, will be pleasing to the golfers.

“While El Dorado has been involved in sponsoring other tournaments such as the Guyana Open, we are now very pleased to be on board again for the third year sponsoring our own El Dorado tournament. El Dorado looks forward to continued support of the Lusignan Golf Club,” Wills said.

Wills also made particular observation of the efficient planning and execution of golf tournaments at the Lusignan Golf Course.

commonwealth games

gas for 30-40 miles and top speed, you can’t really move up and the pack splits right there. It’s a very difficult course as well, [but] once we could get in on the break we will do well,” he reckoned.

According to Williams, one of the challenges during training has been the lack of “longer races” to truly test his endurance. “I should be racing more often and having longer races than the [National] Park races, which are 35 laps, and the 40 and 50 milers over the river,” he said.

Only last Sunday, Williams competed in

the Guyana Cycling Federation’s national championships, copping the runner-up spot to namesake Geron Williams in the road race, which was contested for 100 miles on the Georgetown/Linden roadways.

Such distances would be ideal for Williams, but in the absence of such lengthy races, the 2010 Commonwealth Games representative in India is quietly working on other aspects of his preparation for the event later this month.

“My weight is down by 21 pounds since the start of this year, which

is a big plus. My training is three hours daily with strength and power work being done on my bike during those rides. On weekends I try to get five hours both days, which I normally get,” Williams highlighted.

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Cycling Federation, Cheryl Thompson, in an interview with this publication last month, had expressed confidence in the ability of the cycling team to represent Guyana.

The upcoming XX Commonwealth Games will comprise 261 events in 17 disciplines.

Limacol CPL tickets for Guyana matches on sale from today

Fans interested in attending matches at the Guyana

National Stadium during the Guyana leg of the second edition of the Limacol

Caribbean Premier League (CPL) can purchase their tickets at various locations

GHRA sacks Secretary for “insubordination”

Guyana end group stage winless at CBC Championships

countrywide from today.

The Guyana franchise, bought by the NEW GPC INC under its Limacol brand, will then play three of their nine preliminary games at home, on July 17 against Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel (19:30h), July 19 against St Lucia Zouks (16:00h) and July 20 against Jamaica Tallawahs (16:00h) at the National Stadium.

Tickets for the three games in Guyana will be sold at the Limacol CPL office on Middle Street, Georgetown and at Palm Court on Main Street, where tickets for the Palm Court VIP Party Stand will be sold exclusively.

Each person is allowed up to 10 tickets per match and where possible, they

may be allowed to purchase tickets with the seats of their choice in their preferred stand, depending on availability.

Tickets for the Red and Green Stands cost $4,000 each, while tickets for the Orange Stand, renamed the Palm Court VIP Party Stand, cost $5,000.

Entry to the Party

Mound will be $2,000, while parking tickets are available at a cost of $1,000 each.

Tickets for the games here in Guyana will be sold from 08:00 to 18:00h each day, including weekends and public holidays.

Those fans wishing to purchase Guyana Amazon Warriors merchandise can also do so at the Limacol CPL office on Middle Street.

This year the organisers have put in place many security features to prevent counterfeiting, and unlike other venues, tickets for the Guyana National Stadium are numbered to match the seat numbers, which will eliminate the possibility of overcrowding...

Golden Jaguars plunge in FIFA ranking