October 18, 2016

Archives for August 7, 2016

Policeman in hot water for shooting Itaballi man

A Police constable is in hot water after he allegedly used excessive force on a man with whom he had an argument at Itaballi Check Point, Region Seven. The incident occurred at about 20:00h on Friday evening.
According to reports, the constable was responding to a report of domestic violence in the area when he came into contact with the accused, resulting in an argument.
During the heated argument, the Policeman was accused of hitting the man to the head with his service revolver, causing him to fall. The Constable then discharged a round, hitting the man to his upper chest.
After the shooting, the constable took the man to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was admitted, and is now in a stable but serious condition.
The rank, according to reports, fled the area but was later arrested at the Tiperu Crossing.
The Office of Professional Responsibility has launched a probe into the purported breaches of standard operating procedures in relation to the report of domestic violence.

Environment Dept to watchdog extractive industries

The Department of Environment will serve as a watchdog body over the extractive industries of Guyana.

President David Granger

President David Granger

Amid concerns about the necessity of this decision, President David Granger justified the move to delink this department from the Natural Resources Ministry, explaining that it would be counterproductive to have the entity charged with reaping the best from the extractive sectors also be tasked with protecting the environment.
He was at the time responding to questions from local journalists on the recent broadcast of the weekly telecast ‘The Public Interest’.
“The Department of Environment is meant to optimise the work of several units. We want to create a clearer division between the extractive industries…so the Department of Environment will be a watchdog to ensure the extractive industries do not do damage to the environment,” Granger emphasised.
The Parliamentary Opposition, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had raised concerns about the establishment of this department. PPP/C Chief Whip Gail Teixeira had ridiculed the decision, noting that the government continues to demonstrate utter ineptitude in the management of the country.
She had also contended that these constant shakeups in the public service will only undermine the sector.
“They (public servants) like to know where they are, they like to know their supervisors, they like continuity, they don’t like that one morning you wake up and you are with this minister, the next morning you wake up and you’re with another minister and then suddenly you are moving back; you then find yourself making arrangements to move to another building and then suddenly you moving back to another building. This is a recipe for disaster in a public service,” she stated.
Teixeira added that the situation could also arise where important files go missing as a result of the numerous moves.
Furthermore, former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall pointed out that this move will result in financial chaos in the accounting system.
“Because we had a national budget where the National Assembly approves line items situated under a particular ministry and now it is cut in half or quarter and transferred over…there are financial implications on how they will account for the money and without parliamentary scrutiny. That is why these abrupt changes are minimised because it leads to mismanagement,” he explained.
At a post-Cabinet press conference on July 27, State Minister Joseph Harmon disclosed that the move to remove overview of the environment sector from the Ministry of Natural Resources was to lessen the responsibilities which lie on the shoulder of the subject Minister Raphael Trotman.
He explained that in so doing, it will alleviate potential conflicts which often exist between the simultaneous management of the extractive industries and the environment.

Region 10 Councillors urge probe of missing $5M

… Chairman says not his remit

BY Utamu Belle

The location of $5 million garnered by residents of Ituni from the sale of scrap iron approximately five years ago remains a mystery, with the situation receiving new attention by councillors of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Democratic Council (RDC).

The money, which was reportedly placed in a social account of the RDC in 2011, has disappeared.Regional-Chairman-Renis-Morian

It is reported that at the time, former regional officials were signatories to the account, which had initially contained $6 million, deposited by the Linmine Secretariat.

Pressing for answers, councillors of the present Council brought the situation to light once more at the statutory meeting held on Thursday. Councillor Vladimir Glasgow asked that an investigation be launched into the issue and attempted to move a motion for same, but the move was shut down by Regional Chairman Renis Morian, since he noted that the issue had been brought up under “any other business” of the Council. Nevertheless, Glasgow urged that National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) be involved in the investigations.

“From the point that I’m looking at it, the fact that a previous REO and a previous Chairman are the persons who were responsible for receiving this fund, I strongly believe that we as the RDC which is responsible for making representation on the behalf of the people in this Region, we should look into this matter…so that we could have this matter resolved and bring those people to justice who would have probably mishandled or misused this money…We have a duty as Councillors elected by the people of this Region,” he noted.

Morian said however that the matter is not within his remit but that of NICIL: “This RDC ain’t give nobody 5 million so I ain’t investigating $5 million. If NICIL got a case that they gave somebody 5 million, then NICIL got to pursue the case…we don’t have no legal responsibility to pursue anybody for $5 million.”

Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph said based on information he had received, the money had been handed over to the then REO.

Councillor Gordon Callender, who said he supports a probe and audit, noted that the Council needs to get to the bottom of the situation of what happened to the funds.

It was also pointed out that $100,000 of sales from scrap iron by members of the community was handed over to an official of the community for the construction of a bus shed, which was never constructed.

Councillor Charles Sampson noted that the issue is an “old one” and that instead of investigating the RDC should come up with alternative ways to have the money allocated for the construction of the bus shed.

Councillor Franklyn Karew said the issue was constantly raised during the 10th Parliament: “We were told of x person who had signed for the money and collected the check. I think it’s time for us to get this thing off our minds because it doesn’t make sense to go back into that issue.”

Under previous Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon, a committee was set up in 2013 to probe the missing money after the residents of Ituni had requested it in an effort to carry out developmental activities. However, the committee had failed to locate the cash.

While the Committee was not able to solve the case completely, it discovered that a sum of $1.2 million was the final withdrawal made from the account at the end of the year (December 31) in 2011 by an employee of the RDC.

No official explanation could be given as to how the sum was spent.

 

Movement launched to bring E-commerce to Guyana

Selling local products and services to a global market will drastically change the way business is done in Guyana.

Currently, there are numerous financial restrictions in Guyana, preventing local entrepreneurs from tapping into the international market to promote their products and services.

PayPal, one of the most widely used and accepted payment processors globally, is unable to get the licence to operate within Guyana because of the unavailability of legislation, even in the recently passed Telecommunications Bill.

The Guyana Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) – a group of Guyanese entrepreneurs – is pushing for the inclusion of an Electronic Transactions Act in the recent Telecommunications Act in order to have the requisite legal framework in place to allow local businesses to extend their reach beyond the country’s borders.

“Opening payment gateways can prove to be a game-changer for local businesses; as well as the youth population. Being able to sell your product or service to a global market can mean the difference between scaling the business and closing up shop. Even more pertinent is the opportunity of the freelance economy and what it means for the youth of Guyana,” the organisation noted.

GEN said the Telecommunications Act needs updating to ensure the needs of entrepreneurs are met.

The group is presently conducting a survey to solicit feedback from fellow and aspiring entrepreneurs in order to make a presentation to be submitted to the Telecommunications Ministry for the inclusion of the Electronic Transaction Act in the Bill.

GEN pointed out that 37 per cent of the Guyanese population is online, and that the worth of the global ecommerce market stood at 22 trillion as July 2016.

The organisation said it already met with Business Minister Dominic Gaskin and Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes as well as representatives of the Bank of Guyana and the US Embassy to pitch their proposal.

“All are in agreement that this initiative is necessary and important, not only for entrepreneurs, but for all Guyanese. All have communicated their commitment in making this a reality,” GEN noted.

According to its social media page, GEN was founded in June with the intention to empower entrepreneurs to reach their full potential, to cultivate an environment where businesses can succeed, to connect various elements of the business community, to serve as a business catalyst and to foster a vibrant and inter-connected business community where collaboration increases capacity, education enhances ability, and advocacy influences authority.

Persons desirous of joining this movement can complete the simple survey at: http://bit.ly/gen-survey. (Devina Samaroo)

 

Bobbing and weaving…

…on Rodney’s assassination
The Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report was released back in February and it took a song and dance just for the Commissioners to drop it off to the President as they had to. It then took a wave of local indignation and international pressure from those who still appreciate the contributions of the great Guyanese scholar-activist, to get the report to be made public and be laid before Parliament.
But it’s clear the memory of Walter Rodney will forever be clouded by the actions of those who were supposedly closest to him when he was alive to now refuse to have the definitive pronouncement of how he died – as concluded by a $400 million COI – be accepted by the Guyanese state. The COI’s conclusion was pellucid:
“Further, given the manner in which the country was run, coupled with the threats issued by Prime Minister Burnham to the members of the WPA and the evidence of Mr Robert Allan Gates, we conclude that Prime Minister Burnham knew of the plan and was part of the conspiracy to assassinate Dr. Walter Rodney.”
Now we know that this is what’s sticking in the craw of the PNC – that their Founder Leader “Burnham knew of the plan and was part of the conspiracy to assassinate Dr. Walter Rodney.” We also know that this is what’s sticking in the craw of those who were then in charge of the armed forces:
“… we unhesitatingly conclude that Gregory Smith was not acting alone but had the active and full support, participation and encouragement of, and/or was aided and abetted by the GPF (Guyana Police Force), the GDF (Guyana Defence Force), agencies of the State and the political directorate in the killing of Dr. Walter Rodney.”
But what’s the excuse of those who’ve been claiming to be “Rodneyites” for the last thirty-six years and sponging off the reputation of Rodney? Is it the old drive for “pelf and power”? How can Rupert Roopnaraine sit on the front benches with Basil Williams and listen to the Chairman of the PNC sully Rodney’s memory with his fable of the PPP assassinating Rodney?
The WPA was never a mass party, and given the way ethnic politics played out, might’ve always remained on the electoral sidelines because it would’ve been accused of “splitting the vote” by the PNC. But it owed its influence to the moral position taken by several of its leaders – especially Rodney.
This is the legacy that’s being destroyed by the silence at best, and acquiescence at worse, by the erstwhile comrades of Rodney.
They should speak now or forever hold their piece.

…on office and power
Cheddi Jagan used to carry on about the difference between “office” and “power”. He claimed that while he was in office between 1957 and 1964, he never really had the power to do anything HE really wanted. The British Governor took care of that!! So you’d think two of his most fervent acolytes (if their words are to be believed) Nagamootoo and Ramjattan might’ve taken notes, nuh?
Well, evidently not! Their erstwhile Comrade in arms (?) for decades and decades, (with presumably their dignity in mind) recently claimed that while after taking over their 11% to APNU their portfolios have been degutted and powers defanged! Not so! Replied Ramjattan in Parliament, “We in the coalition government want it that way.”
Second Vice President and Minister of Public Security who’s had his Immigration portfolios hived off, brushed aside Rohee’s claim: “Rohee is so vexed that new Ministers having taken over from him… and are doing such good jobs, he cannot bear it.”
Jealous of a 2am curfew claim?

….on the Parking Meter scam
Isn’t it time we permanently park this parking meter scam? There was firstly all the sleight-of-hand and high-handedness in the signing of the contract by the Gang of Four. And now they’ve usurped imposition of VAT and Corporate taxes??!!
Schuups!!

Indians and Amerindians should also demand their fair share

Dear Editor,
With reference to Shanie Jagessar (GT Aug 6) who has penned a splendid critique of Eric Phillip’s Afro-nationalist demand, one can’t help but admire other leading Afro-nationalists like Tacuma Ogunseye, David Hinds, Barrington Braithwaite, Clive Thomas, Eusi Kwayana, Craig Sylvester, Vincent Alexander, Keith Williams, Freddie Kissoon, among others, for not condemning Philips in his unsubstantiated claims and ‘what if’ interpretation of history.
As Shanie penned, Philips’ claim is not based on actual history but what ifs. And no African has come forward to rebuke him. Instead the Afro-centric organisations like ACDA, ASCRIA and African-nationalists salute him for advocating for the interests of their people.
The Afro-centrists are unapologetic about their Afro-nationalism. One can’t help but admire the activism of these outstanding Black nationalists and intellectuals, who unlike most of their Indian counterparts, proudly advocate for the interests of their ethnic group.
The interests of their group are of paramount importance to them (and of course their people) and foremost in their thoughts and actions unlike most Indian politicians or intellectuals or writers who are hesitant about advocating an Indian cause because of a fear of being branded “racist’.
There is nothing racist about advocating for your group – Dr King, Malcolm X, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Angela Davis, Walter Rodney, etc all championed a Black agenda from which other ethnic groups benefited. So ethnic advocacy has its benefits and the advocates are not racist unless they attack (people from) other groups.
We must be thankful to and salute these Afro-nationalists who fought racism in the US. And Indians and Amerindians should also make demands on the state. It is noted that Afro-nationalists in Guyana made/make demands on the state and get results unlike Indian and Amerindian politicians and intellectuals who are bashful about making similar demands for their group.
Indian and Amerindian advocates should learn from the Afro-nationalists to get equitable resources for their groups. I commend the Africanists for their work and call on leaders of other ethnic groups to emulate their activism. I wish if Indians and Amerindians can develop the courage and tenacity to copy their actions.
The Afro-nationalists are not known to compromise their identity or advocacy on behalf of their group for narrow self-interests. Their group interests take primacy.
Take, for example, Ogunseye or Hinds who simply refused to work for a non-African dominated government in Guyana. These proud Afro-centrists did not seek government employ or educational assistance under the PPP but gladly accept government roles under the African/PNC-led coalition.
Tacuma is advisor to Granger while Hinds writes for the state-owned Chronicle.
When PPP was in government, Tacuma proudly worked as a vendor in the market to provide for his family rather than work for the Indian-led (PPP) government. He could not be bought by any Indian.
Since the change in government last year May, Tacuma advises the African leader of PNC and APNU and the coalition government.
Phillips is an advisor to Granger.
Similarly, Hinds, did not seek employment with the Indian PPP and opted for work in the US rather than at UG that was under PPP control; no PPP handouts could have bought Hinds who advocate for racial equality (although his voice has been muzzled since Africans have retaken control of the government.
Few Indians take such a principled position like that of Ogunseye and Hinds of not cavorting with those who were viewed as “the enemy” of their people. Where do such type of Indians dwell?
Ogunseye, Kwayana and Hinds promoted self-reliance among Africans and dressed in traditional garb to promote African culture whereas few Indian intellectuals proudly wear their traditional clothing.
It is also noted that while the African intellectuals (including Kwayana) initially supported Forbes Burnham and the PNC, including when Forbes Burnham cracked down on Indians, Amerindians, Portuguese, and Chinese, some of these Afro intellectuals turned against Burnham when he started oppressing Africans – murdering Rodney, Ohene Koama, Edward Dublin, etc. They were enamoured by Burnham and the PNC’s rule against the Jagan, PPP and Indians, but felt Burnham went too far when he began to oppress and persecute his own people.
And although some of the Afro-nationalists opposed and condemned Burnhamism, they never joined Jagan to obtain the same goal. Their mouths were not muzzled by the PNC hands that fed them at that time unlike what has been the case since May 2015. Their group is now in control of the state and they rally behind the leadership of the group for preservation, unconcerned about policies that hurt other groups.
There were few Indian intellectuals who took such a principled step to resist ethnic victimisation and the atrocities of the PNC dictatorships of Burnham and Desmond Hoyte. Even now, few Indian intellectuals have spoken out against the discriminatory policies of the coalition.
The Afro-nationalists are leaders that their Indian counterparts can take a lesson from and as individuals one can work with on a formula for power sharing or equitable distribution of resources.
Unlike most Indian intellectuals, Afro-nationalists are proud of their identity and consistently advocate for Black causes. There is no Indian or Amerindian or Chinese or Portuguese equivalent.
And the Afro-nationalists are not only advocates of an Afro-Guyanese identity, true followers of a Pan-Africanist identity. Their economic, social, political, cultural philosophy is Black nationalism as once advocated by Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey and others.
There isn’t a similar “Pan-Indian” or “Pan-Amerindian” ideology in the horizon even though Indians and Amerindians have been victims of racialist abuses in the greater Caribbean and globally. And unlike the PNC and WPA that encouraged and promoted ethno-nationalism, the PPP averred on anything that resembles Indian nationalism.
Advocates of Indo-centric policies were marginalised or removed from the PPP. There is no room for Indian ethno nationalists in the PPP that claims that ethno-nationalism is anathema to Marxism.
Black-nationalism defines the group’s economic, social, political, cultural philosophy and agenda. Indian and Amerindian nationalists need to emulate the activism of their African counterparts for their own ethnic agenda, and they should make a fair demand on the state for an equitable share of the resources.

Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram

Warriors ready for the biggest game of the season – Emrit

Hero Caribbean Premier League..

BY JOHN RAMSINGH AT WARNER PARK, BASSETERRE

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will take the field tonight full of confidence of lifting the coveted Hero Caribbean

The Warriors batsmen fine tuning their preparations at Warner Park on Saturday. From left; Anthony Bramble, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Mohammed and Nic Maddinson

The Warriors batsmen fine tuning their preparations at Warner Park on Saturday. From left; Anthony Bramble, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Mohammed and Nic Maddinson

Premier League (CPL) trophy when they take on inaugural champions the Jamaica Tallawahs at Warner Park from 19:00h.

The Warriors have been bridesmaid on two previous occasions including the first edition in 2013 when they missed out to the Tallawahs.

However, this year is the year of the Warriors and according to Captain Rayad Emrit “the guys have the desire to go all out for this one.” He was replying what is different this year for the Warriors.

The Warriors Captain spoke to Guyana Times Sport at the team’s final practice session ahead of their championship clash and noted that the “guys want to go out there and fight and do anything to get the trophy, every practice is intense and as a Captain I can’t ask for anything more.”

The Trinidadian Emrit who took over from Martin Guptil has won his last three games in charge including the last match against the Tallawahs said that all 16 players are fit and eager to go which is not necessarily the case with most teams coming to the back end of a long tournament.

Captain Emrit stressed that bowling is the strength of his team and despite many say that the Amazon Warriors are top heavy with the bat the Captain said the team comprises of big temperament batsmen who have had starts and will come to the party tonight if needs be.

The all-rounder made special mention of openers Nic Maddinson and Dwayne Smith who he said will lay the foundation for the innings and hand it over to the bowlers to finish off.

The best two teams from the league are contesting the final and Emrit said that they (Amazon Warriors) have specific plan for of the Tallawahs’ players.

The Tallawahs have been belting big scores with Chris Gayle (108) and Andre Russell scoring hundreds so far this season and Chadwick Walton 97, narrowly missing out but Emrit said the bowlers have plans and it;s a matter of sticking o the plans and executing them in the championship match.

Emrit who is having his first season of CPL and was quick to point out that the fans’ support was very crucial in the team getting this far including the two matches in Florida where he felt as if they were at home (in the Caribbean).

Emrit is stressing for the fans to continue with the strong support tonight and that “the team will do its best to bring back the trophy to Guyana.”

 

Determined Warriors clash with surging Tallawahs in today’s final

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

By Romario Samaroo

The 2016 HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL), a journey that began back in June in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, with six teams that toured the Caribbean over the past six weeks has come down to the best two, the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Jamaica Tallawahs.

Chris Lynn will be looking to lead the Amazon Warriors with the bat to their first CPL title

Chris Lynn will be looking to lead the Amazon Warriors with the bat to their first CPL title

The Amazon Warriors finished top of the table in the league stage while the Tallawahs are second. It seems as though its déjà vu from the inaugural tournament where these two teams meet in the finals.

Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Roger Harper made it clear that the Warriors are here this year to win, having reminded of the record the Amazon Warriors hold in finals: “We appreciate the fact that it is a new year, a new final and new players so no hangover, just determination.” He went on: “The stakes are high and the players are desirous of lifting the trophy. Obviously we are glad to be back in the finals and looking forward to actually lifting the trophy this time.”

Harper added, the team will be going out there on Sunday (today) and continue to do what they have been doing all season to reach where they are.

Rayad Emrit, who took over the captaincy from Martin Guptil mid-tournament has marshalled the troops well and is also confident his team will bring home the trophy: “I am pleased at where we are and the guys have done a great job. The couple days off has done the team well and we have earned a few days off. The venue is small and a lot of our guys are anxious to play here, especially our batsmen. The guys are hungry and want to lift the trophy.”

All eyes will be on the two star batsmen from the Amazon Warriors, Chris Lynn and Jason Mohammed. Lynn is the leading run scorer this year with 447 runs while Mohammed has 287 and is 7th overall.

Andre Russell (Photo by Randy Brooks/Sportsfile)

Andre Russell (Photo by Randy Brooks/Sportsfile)

Emrit has praised both of them: “Chris has been our leading batter and Jason has been excellent, probably the surprise package.”

Harper has also thrown his hat in the ring acknowledging the impact Lynn has had on the team and revelled in his leadership abilities which has helped the younger players improve.

Dwayne Smith has also been vital to the Amazon Warriors and with his opening partner, Nic Maddinson, the pair will be looking to capitalise in the first six overs.

In the bowling department, the Amazon Warriors have been lead by Sohail Tanvir who sits second on the leading wicket takers board with 20 scalps, one wicket behind Dwayne Bravo.

Tanvir is well supported by Australian leg spinner Adam Zampa and Emrit who have both picked up 15 wickets.

Depending on how the wicket plays tonight, it will be a sight to see how the Jamaica Tallawahs batting line-up match the bowling of the Amazon Warriors.

The Tallawahs have an impressive batting line-up and will be banking on the experience of their senior players to step up and lead them to their second title.

Any team with the likes of Chris Gayle and Andre Russell would seem to frighten any bowling attack, adding to the record these two batsman hold it will be tough.

Gayle has scored 371 runs so far in the tournament, ranking fifth in leading run scorers. He has already blasted the highest score of this year’s CPL (108) while Russell destroyed the Trinbago Knight Riders’ bowling on his way to the fastest CPL century, just 44 deliveries.

Coach of the Tallawahs Paul Nixon has already spoken on the fact that his team has pulled off a magnificent tournament to reach this stage and the team was lead by their experienced players when they were needed.

Looking back at the semi-final between the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Jamaica Tallawahs, Nixon noted that Andre Russell played a classic innings.

But the batting line-up has shown its worth without these two. Gayle’s opening partner, Chadwick Walton showed what he is capable of doing with the bat after narrowly missing out on a century on his way to a solid 97.

Kumar Sangakkara and Shakib Al Hasan have both shown they are match winners and have already displayed that in the tournament. The bowling has also proven that they are capable of holding their own even with the loss of Dale Steyn who returned to South Africa mid-tournament.

Since then, Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell and Kesrick Williams have all put their hands up. Williams has taken 15 wickets in the tournament so far and will be looking for a few more.

Nixon said the team was hurting from their performances in Florida and had tweaked with the team a bit to add one and two guys and they are motivated by playing on this big stage, adding that they have world class players and the desire to win is there from the captain right down.

These two teams have met three times in the tournament so far with the Amazon Warriors having a 2-1 advantage.

The first ball of the final bowls off at 19:00h at Warner Park Stadium, Basseterre, St Kitts.

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Rayad Emrit (captain), Sohail Tanvir, Dwayne Smith, Chris Lynn, Nick Maddison, Adam Zampa, Jason Mohamed, Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Orlando Peters, Assad Fudadin, Shimron Hetmyer, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan.

Jamaica Tallawahs: Chris Gayle (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Kumar Sangakkara, Imad Wasim, Dale Patterson, Rovman Powell, Chadwick Walton, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Andre McCarthy, Jonathan Foo, Alex Ross, Keswick Williams, Nkrumah Bonner, Garey Mathurin, Timroy Allen and Oshane Thomas.

 

Queensway Security Service / G.S.S.F practical shooting match a ‘blast’

Sport shooting has an ‘extreme’ sport and it is called practical shooting. Competitors have to move, lean, shoot, negotiate obstacles, run, shoot, reload, crouch, problem solve, shoot some more as they safely drive their bodies and guns through each of the stages as fast as their skills will allow. Every G.S.S.F. Practical Shooting

Prize Winners pose with their trophies and Managing Director of Queensway Security Service Inc

Prize Winners pose with their trophies and Managing Director of Queensway Security Service Inc

Match is made up of stages that seek to measure a shooter’s ability in all three elements of the sport and are coordinated under strict safety guidelines marshaled by experienced Range Officials. These matches in Guyana are held outdoors, in all weather, further testing competitor skills. Saturday 30th July, 2016 was no different as the federation members started out in horrific heat in brilliant sunshine, blue skies, facing 4 stages ahead of them to complete the scheduled match. Shooting was done under the USPSA Practical Shooting Handgun Rules at the G.D.F.’s Yarrowkabra Range.

With the three elements of practical shooting on their mind – speed, accuracy and power – competitors braved the draining conditions to tackle the dynamic stages. The first named ‘Left, Center, Right” required shooters to start with their heels touching a spot identified at the fault-lines. The Gun with magazine inserted, but chamber empty was holstered. Upon the start signal, shooters had to engage 4 classic targets and 4 steel plates from within the lines choosing to shoot from left or center or the right of the screens set up across the range.

The second stage named ‘Ready, Set, Go” required shooters to start in a stooping position with both hands touching the ground with the gun unloaded and holstered. This start position tested the fitness level and agility of shooters who upon the start signal, had to sprint a few feet away to one of the two barrels strategically located to retrieve their magazines and then engage the 10 classic targets and 2 steel plates. Some shooters cleverly placed magazines on both barrels thereby causing them to reload from the barrel directly in front their target.

Mid-afternoon, some deceptive clouds blew in via a steady land breeze and covered the surrounding range area much to the relief of shooters in line and on standby. This cooling down of things was shortly followed by a shower of rain while shooter Harold “Top-Gun” Hopkinson was making his run in the third stage (as shooting does not stop for rain). While his scores were recorded, a heavy downpour occurred which was accompanied by gusts of winds causing several targets to blow over.

Meanwhile one of the Federation’s tethered tents was hoisted downrange and destroyed. After a declared pause in the Match for an expected ‘blow-over’, severe lightening, and what was deemed a thunder and storm then made it un-safe to continue shooting so the Match was declared abandoned.

All the competitors present were consulted and it was then decided to compute scores in the first two stages to award the match. Members final impromptu fitness test was seen as those who were sheltering under the tent at the 4th stage creatively teamed up to return to the main tent.

They were seen lifting gear, props, refreshments and at the same time the entire tent in a huddled walk across the width of the range so as not to get drenched. Shooters considered the afternoon a memorable one especially those present being able to check off on their bucket list – surviving a freak storm.

Scoring was tallied by an official scoring software for the sport and managed by Stats Officers Dr. Pravesh Harry who

Released the results as follows:

OVERALL

PRODUCTION DIVISION

OVERALL

LIMITED DIVISION

Points

Points

First

Ryan McKinnon

170.0000

First

Ray Beharry

158.2502

Second

Rajiv Latchana

125.1983

Second

Vidushi Persaud

145.6167

Third

Romesh Latchana

102.8758

Third

Pravesh Harry

134.4899

Present at the Range to present the striking trophies to the top three Overall Winners in each of the two divisions: Production and Limited, was the Managing Director of Queensway Security Service, Mr. Mohamed Qualander, and Security Supervisor Mr. Desmond Phillips.

At the closing ceremony, thanks were extended by the G.S.S.F. President and Match Director, Vidushi Persaud- McKinnon to the Match Officials for ensuring the efficiency and high safety standards with which the match was run. She went on to thank the Match Sponsor: Queensway Security Service Inc. The leading security company located of

153 Regent Road and Oronoque Streets, Bourda Georgetown, has over the years continued to recognise shooting as a sport and Managing Director, Mr. Mohamed Qualander, who was present and participated in the Match with

158.2502 points which would have given him First Place in the Limited Division had he chosen to record his cores officially, commended the Federation for the high quality Match and gave his company’s commitment to fostering the continued growth of the sport in Guyana.

Persaud-McKinnon also conveyed special thanks to Harold Hopkinson for the un-hesitating offer of use of his props, steel target and other range equipment. The Federation also thanks Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Phillips, Colonel Doodnauth, GPF Commissioner Persaud, Asst. Commissioner Ramnarine, Commander Hicken, OC TSU Superintendent Dehnert, Corporal Dunn and the ranks of the Armoury and TSU.

 

Anthony races to first place

Annual Seven Seas 11-race cycling…

As the 13th Annual Seven Seas 11-race cycling met rode off on Sunday at the inner circuit of the National Park, Micheal Anthony emerged victorious in the 35-lap School boys and Invitational meet.

In the final event of the day, Anthony finished the race in 1 hour, 18 minutes and 15 seconds, surpassing last year’s winner Alonzo Ambrose’s time by 25 seconds. Anthony was followed by Marlon Williams and Orville

Micheal Anthony (black helmet) pedals on his way to finish first

Micheal Anthony (black helmet) pedals on his way to finish first

Hinds in 2nd and third respectively. Christopher Griffith rode to fourth place while Mark Harris and Raphael Leung finished in 5th and 6th respectively.

In the Boys BMX 6-9 years (2 lap) race, Jose Rodriques emerged victorious as Alex Leung trailed in second followed by John Nigs in third.

Shermin Sampson rode off with the 1st place prize in the BMX Boys 9-12 year three-lap race. Second place was awarded to Jeremih Harrison while Zab James copped third.

Adealie Hodge, Taran Garbaran and Sherwin Sampson finished 1st-3rd respectively in the three-lap boys BMX 12-14 year category.

Stephen Gobin won first place in the 5-lap mountain bike race as Jason Heabery got second.

Briton John won the Juveniles’ 10 lap race while Nigel Duguid rode in second and Raphael Leung in third.

Kennard Lovell won the 5-lap over 50years and was followed by Linden Blackmore and Donald Cranfeild in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In the U-50years 5-lap meet, Ian Jackson, Lennox Jackman and Bochal Samaroo finished in that order.

National Cycling Coach, Mohammed Hassan extended thanks to the riders who turned out to support this event and encouraged them to continue their good work.

The next cycling meet is slated for August 21.