AS THE country prepares for a possible total shutdown of electricity, there have been reports of abnormal purchasing of food supplies.
Several supermarkets have reported that items like sugar, salt, soap, meat and other items had a heavier demand during the last few days.
There were also high increases in the sales of water containers, mostly buckets and large plastic basins.
A private agency which sells water tanks and another which deals in empty 45- gallon drums, said they had above normal enquiries. A 45- gallon steel drum was now selling for $600 and over.
The firm which deals in drums told the Stabroek News that they could sell thousands if they could get them. But there appears to be a scarcity at the moment. The National Paint Company, which is a big supplier of empty drums, does not have any in stock.
The price of plastic water buckets has jumped from $35 to $45 over the last few days.
Empty shelves in supermarkets and empty rice stalls at municipal markets are now regular features.
There is no rice, flour, salt and even sugar in most supermarkets.
The promise by the Guyana Rice Milling and Marketing Authority that rice supplies will return to normal by the end of last month has not materialised.
The lines for flour and rice continue. Bread is available but the prices are still high.
Geddes Grant (Guyana) Ltd:, which had long flour lines during the last few days, now has a large sign with the words “No Flour.”
Most supermarkets have found it necessary to post “No Flour” and “No Rice’ signs because of the numerous enquiries made by customers.
The irregular supplies of gasolene at service stations have thrown the transport system into confusion.
Most service centres said that they had fuel, but the irregular supplies of electricity only allowed them to sell sparodically.
Last Monday, hundreds of commuters along the East Bank, East Coast and West Demerara, were unable to travel to the City because of inadequate transport facilities. Many were forced to return home, including workers.
Intrigue Stalks GFL’s AGM
Klass Returned as Pres
SUSPICIOUS signatures, a warning against drugs and a call for increase sponsorship stole the spotlight at the Georgetown Football League (GFL) Annual General Meeting held on Sunday last at the National Sports Development Council.
The drama of the signatures started shortly before the elections for office bearers when two notes appeared for Major Harman of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Senior Police Officer Cecil Kilkenny, stating that both were willing to serve on the new executive but were unable to attend the meeting.
The floor questioned the signatures on the notes. However, Major Harman’s turned out to be valid while there was doubt over Kilkenny’s.
President of the GFL Colin Klass, who was returned unopposed, announced that he will send the note allegedly signed by Kilkenny for clarification. Harman who ran for a vice-president post lost to Gerald Joseph by 8 votes to 16.
Evaroy Babb, one of five FIFA referees in the country warned against Drug Abuse by players and called for proper medical equipment at matches so that testing can be done.
The appeal follows last year’s incident when former National player Royston Hytimiah broke a leg during a Demico League fixture and had to be lifted bodily off the field by players and officials of his team.
Most officials came out strongly against the present Demico League package, calling it a disgrace. and advising Demico to give an upward review to its sponsorship of the league.
However, the League executive disclosed that they are discussing with Banks DIH, donor of the trophy, increased sponsorship which includes a new trophy.
The GFL also plans to issue identification cards to junior players to avoid incidents of players who are over age competing in junior contests under their age range.
The new executive reads:— Colin Klass (President); Trevor Arno, Gerald Joseph, Ashton Taylor (1st, 2nd, 3rd Vice-President respectively), Colin Erskine (Secretary): Patrick Robinson (Treasurer); Ovid Small (Asst. Sec. Trea.), Mark Seaforth (Public Relations Officer).
Hartley Heads AAA
The rift which plagued the Guyana Amateur Athletics Association (AAA) last year was mended last Saturday at the Association’s Annual General Meeting held at the National Sports Developinent Council.
The wound was not healed by the heavy showers which officials braved to attend the meeting, but it came about because members thrashed out their differences.
However, there is one problem left to be solved and it is the financial statement which was not read because the statement was not audited.
An AAA official disclosed that the new executive will meet next month to discuss the Treasurer’s Financial statement and the Secretary’s report.
Two of the frontrunners for the Presidency Martin Stephenson and Desmond Roberts withdrew from the race at the last moment, which gave veteran sports administrator Ed Hartley the top spot.
A few other ‘old heads’ were also elected to serve on the new executive but the highlight of voting was Gem Fletcher’s appointment to one of the Vice- Presidencies.
Fletcher is the first female to be elected to such high office in the AAA’s 41 years’ history.
Before, the highest position ever held by a woman was Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.
The other Vice-President is Byron Henry who moved up the ranks from-treasurer.
Claude Blackmore is once again in the secretary’s chair after stepping down during the second year of Col. Roberts.’ reign, with last year’s secretary Chandra Paul being elected to the Asst. Secretary-Treasurer’s position.
Terrence Victor is the new treasurer while Brian Enniss has been appointed Public Relations Officer.
Thirteen of the 25 affiliates from around the country were represented at the meeting.
