Guyana Times November 19, 2017

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3397

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Guyana’s public debt stands at $330B

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Region 9 Vice Chairman resigns

P2

Page 3

…as external, domestic debts rise …owes largest percentage to IDB

“Basket cannot fetch water!”

– constitutional bodies decry budget cuts

P2 Kescia Branche laid to rest

Page 9

Mattai’s opens new food mart

Security guard dies in bee attack

Page 12 Missing $209M

UG claims money was used for infrastructural works

Managing Director, Harry Mattai along with his wife, daughters and son cut the ribbon to the new food mart

220 students graduate from Page UG Berbice campus 10

New Page 16 soluble pack cement launched

by Argos

Handyman charged for snatching P8 cellphone

New GECOM chair yet to call meeting P7 with Commission

2 news Region 9 Vice Chairman resigns V SUnDAY, november 19, 2017 guyanatimesGY.com

ice-Chairman of Region Nine, (Upper Takutu/ UpperEssequibo) Karl Singh has tendered his resignation, citing “personal reasons” as being responsible for his decision.

Contacted in this regard, Region Nine Chairman Brian Allicock confirmed

that Singh had tendered his resignation, but he could not provide any information as to what had led to Singh’s decision. He told this publication that Singh’s resignation letter was received on Friday, and added that Singh did not expand on the reason for his decision.

Efforts to contact Singh

proved futile.

Singh had recently been in the local news after the Commission of Inquiry into the discovery of an illegal aircraft at Yupukari, North Rupununi, had cited him in a less-than-favourable light with respect to his duties in the region.

The findings of that CoI,

Former Region Nine Vice Chairman Karl Singh

as confirmed by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, had indicated that communication was lacking between residents, the Police, mili-

tary and regional administration; and this had caused the Government to re-examine the system that obtained in regard to the dissemination of information in remote areas.

The communication channel is such that when the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) meets, there is a collaboration of information, which would then be sent to the higher tier of the Regional Intelligence Committee (RIC), comprising the regional chairman and other officers.

The CoI had found that there was a break in communication, as the Village Intelligence Committee

seldom met, and the RIC has not met since 2016.

Accountability for this state of affairs had largely been attributed to Vice Chairman Singh, who was found to be ill-informed of his duties.

According to the report, the vice chairman had been tasked with the responsibility of convening and chairing RIC meetings in absence of the chairman, but he was ignorant of such, and had even attested to that effect.

PPP/C Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha, when contacted, related that he was unable to comment on the matter, as he had not yet received a full report from the region.

Kescia Branche laid to rest

G

rief-stricken family members and friends of the late Kescia Branche tearfully bade her farewell on Saturday.

The 22-year-old teacher of the Richard Ishmael Secondary School died at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) two days after her battered body was discovered lying at the corner of Princess Street and Lousia Row in Georgetown on the morning of November 5.

The cause of her demise

has been determined as brain haemorrhaging and blunt trauma to the head.

At her home-going ceremony, those who knew Branche reflected on her life, while other made a strong call for justice to be served.

Her devastated twin, Kessandra Branche, who had been at her bedside when she died, begged for her sister to return to her at the funeral service. turn to page 9

Kescia Branche

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, November 19 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, November 20 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the morning hours, while light rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected in the late afternoon.

Partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging between Easterly to East North-easterly and East South-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 04:41h and 16:50h reaching maximum heights of 2.61 metres and 2.71 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:26h and 22:49h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.50 metre respectively.

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Guyana’s public debt stands at $330B …as external, domestic debts rise …owes largest percentage to IDB

By Jarryl Bryan

Sunday, November 19 – 16:40h-18:10h and Monday, November 20 – 05:00h-06:30h.

12 15 17

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

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SunDAY, november 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

G

uyana’s public debt is on the rise, with the Finance Ministry’s recent Public Debt Annual Report highlighting that since 2015, there has been a 4.1 per cent rise in Guyana’s indebtedness to creditors.

The report details that Guyana’s total debt, inclusive of external and domestic, increased to $330 billion as of December 2016.

The Ministry attributed this to disbursements from the Export Import Bank of China towards the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, as well as monies from multilateral creditors.

A breakdown of the figures shows that total external debt amounted to $240 billion, a 72.6 per cent bite out of the total public debt.

On the other hand, domestic debt stood at $90.6 billion, or 27.4 per cent of the total.

“At the end of December 2016, multilateral creditors continued to be the predominant creditor category, accounting for 59.7 per cent of the external debt portfolio, a slight decrease from the 2015 position of 60.6 per cent.

Bilateral lenders and commercial lenders represented 38.8 per cent and 1.5 per cent of the public external debt portfolio, respectively,” the Ministry explained.

“Although the nominal public debt increased, the total external public debt to GDP ratio declined from 36.1 per cent as at end-December 2015 to 33.7 per cent as at end-December 2016 as a result of GDP growth outstripping the rate of growth of public external debt stock,” the Ministry said, in justifying the increase.

In 2012, the public external debt was $277.8 billion but by early 2015, that had been reduced to $236 billion.

In similar manner, the domestic debt had been reduced from $93.4 billion in 2012 to $81.6 billion in 2015 before a sudden flare up in the figures after the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change took office.

According to the report, “The share of external debt to total public debt decreased

Creditor Category and Creditor

Table 3: Public External Debt Stock by Creditor Category and Creditor in millions of US dollard

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

A breakdown of Guyana’s debt to both multilateral and bilateral creditors

marginally from 74.3 per cent at end-December 2015 to 72.6 per cent at end-December 2016, while the share of domestic debt to total debt increased from 25.7 per cent to 27.4 per cent of total debt over the same period. The increasing share of the domestic debt in Guyana’s total debt portfolio reflects Guyana’s strides to have a diversified portfolio and debt instruments.”

“The total public external debt stock continues to increase and reflects Guyana’s preferences for obtaining concessional loans whilst domestic debt stock increased as a result of an increase in the issuances of domestic securities (Treasury Bills and Debentures) in 2016,” the Finance Ministry also detailed.

Who do we owe?

But who does Guyana owe all this money to? The report notes that Guyana's four main external creditors are the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Caribbean Development

Bank (CDB), the State-owned Export-Import Bank of China (China EXIM Bank) and Venezuela State-owned oil company (PDVSA).

Together, they constitute some 77.7 per cent of Guyana's public external debt stock, as at end-December 2016, with the IDB the most dominant creditor. According to the report, the IDB has an average share of 42.0 per cent of the debt portfolio.

The CDB is Guyana's second largest creditor, accounting for 12.6 per cent of total public external debt.

The Export-Import Bank of China follows closely behind the CDB with a 12.5 per

cent share of external debt, while Venezuela’s PDVSA accounted for 10.6 per cent.

Important to note is PDVSA has recently been declared to be in default of its debts by a Trade group in the US. “Kuwait and Libya, debts to (whom) are in arrears, remained Guyana's largest non-Paris Club bilateral creditors. (They) accounted for 10.1 per cent of Guyana's public external debt stock as at the end of December 2016. The public external debt stock by borrower category remained unchanged, in 2016.”

“The Central Government was the main beneficiary of external financing, accounting for 99.0 per cent of the debt portfolio in 2016. This represents a 1.0 per cent increase over the end-December 2015 position. On the other hand, the share of public external debt held by the Bank of Guyana decreased by 1.0 per cent due to the IMF debt being fully repaid,” the report details.

There is some amount of consolation, however, with the report noting that Guyana’s total debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio declined by approximately two per cent – from 48.4 per cent to 46.6 per cent. This is an indicator of how well a country, in this case Guyana, can repay its debts through its GDP without incurring more.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Governing by diktat

India’s Manushi Chhillar on Saturday won the coveted Miss World 2017 crown at a grand event in China. The 20-year-old medical student from Haryana edged out top five contestants from England, France, Kenya and Mexico. The first and second runners-up were: Miss England, Stephanie Hill; and Miss Mexico, Andrea Meza

O

ur Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism legislation has had a chequered history not only for its substantive content, but for the politics of its passage. Five years ago, our financial sector was thrown into a panic when the regional CATF announced we were in imminent danger of being blacklisted by the G-20 sponsored parent body, the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF).

The threat of a “blacklist” immediately precipitated tighter scrutiny by the international banking community, and several members of the latter severed their correspondent relationship with this country. With an unmitigated disaster staring the business community in the face, the PPP Administration rushed to pass the legislation recommended by the CATF to ensure compliance with its rules.

But with the APNU/AFC Opposition controlling the National Assembly, the Government’s Bill was defeated, with the former insisting that there were additional requirements needed to strengthen the Act. Notable among these, the Opposition contended, was the need for the eponymous Financial Investigating Unit (FIU) to be made more independent, and not to be responsible to the Finance Minister but to a bipartisan parliamentary-appointed AML/CFT Authority.

That Authority would consist of ten members nominated by several private sector bodies and appointed by the National Assembly by simple majority on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments. The critical role of the Authority would be to ensure widespread legitimacy of the FIU’s work, and to prevent possible “witch-hunting” through its provision of general policies and suggestion for new required enforcement legislation.

The PPP disagreed vehemently with the need for the Authority, and called it an unnecessary bureaucratic imposition.

Very soon after, they prorogued Parliament, and national elections resulted in the APNU/AFC Opposition coalition forming the new Government. One of the new Government’s first acts in 2015 was to enact the AML/CFT legislation, which included the oversight Authority into which they had dug their heels.

However, two years later, even though individuals had been nominated to constitute the AML/CFT Authority by the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Guyana Association of Bankers (GAB), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana (ICAG), Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc. (TIGI), Guyana Bar Association, Insurance Institute of Guyana (IIG), the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) and the Guyana Securities Council (GSC), the latter has never been launched, even though the PPP, now in Opposition, questioned this inertia in the face of the Government’s previous resolute contention.

However, last week, at the CFATF Plenary and Working Group meeting, Attorney General Basil Williams dropped a bombshell when he revealed to the media that the Government now believes there is no need for the AML/CTF Authority it had demanded, and almost caused the country’s financial system to collapse when its demand was not acceded to.

Speaking of the Act he had spearheaded in the National Assembly, AG Williams reportedly confessed: “That was overkill.

Why would you put such a heavy superstructure over FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit)? We’ll have to probably repeal it, because it’s otiose; it’s a waste of time.” The word “otiose”, of course, means “useless” and ineffectual”.

In and of itself, there is nothing wrong with an individual, a Government, or a political party changing its stance on any issue; but in this instance, when the now APNU/AFC Administration had held the entire business community -- and by default the then Government and country -- at ransom with its adamantine stance, the nonchalance now displayed by the Government on its volte face is symptomatic of the authoritarian mode of governance that once prevailed under the PNC between 1964 and 1992. At a minimum, a Government even genuflecting to democratic decision-making would have explained to the stakeholders affected in the first instance, and in the subsequent nomination process. More expansively, that Government would have apologised.

But could it be that the proposed names for the AML/CFT Authority -- attorney Sadie Amin, UG lecturer Thomas Bissessar Singh, chartered accountant and attorney Christopher Ram, businessman Gerry Gouveia; Nicholas Deygoo, Wayne Eucaulton Fordyce, Hance Manohar, Frederick Collins, Mohamed Alli, and Melissa Jessica DeSantos -- are not “fit and proper”?

g n i t n e s Repre Guyana Vena Mookram in her cultural wear during the Miss World 2017 in Sanya, China

Is there no stopping the madness at City Hall?

Dear Editor, It is mind-boggling how the train wreck called the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown are being allowed to hurtle toward complete disaster at break neck speed taking all of the citizens of Georgetown with them into proverbial hell, while those in authority are pretending as though everything is honky dory at City Hall.

Reading the recent letter appearing in the dailies, authored by the Chief Constable is very instructive. Why the Social Protection Ministry and the Police have not taken assertive action against the heads at City Hall is just unbeliev-

able. Are we to understand that these senior operatives of the City Council are above the law, or is statutory rape of a minor no longer considered a serious offence in Guyana?

About this wanton waste of property rates in useless and unnecessary travel by municipal delegations led by the Mayor, will they be allowed to continue unabated?

On what legal basis has the Georgetown City Council made the decision to grant a 100 per cent waiver of interest of outstanding property rates. The law clearly only gives them the authority to grant a discount in special instances, not wipe out all of the interest at their whims

and fancies. Will someone have to take them to court to stop this illegal practice that they embark on every time they are broken?

And why are they being allowed to withhold statutory deductions being made from their employees’ salaries? Is it no longer a serious offence to withhold Pay As You Earn taxes from the Guyana Revenue Authority, and contributions for the National Insurance Scheme?

Why are these agencies failing to prosecute them?

The Finance Chairman announced his intention and that of the Council to begin retrenching workers very soon. The workers cannot be penalised for the malad-

ministration and financial recklessness of the Council.

It is the Finance Committee, the Town Clerk and the City Treasurer that should be immediately removed. But which workers will they be retrenching?

How much longer will the Council be propped up?

How much longer will they be allowed to give out contracts for hundreds of millions of dollars to a few relatives and friends in breach of all the tender and procurement laws of Guyana?

Is there no stopping the madness?

Sincerely, Mark Roopan

NEWS

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Health outreach hosted as Guyana observes Diabetes Month participated in the Diabetes Awareness Walk hosted earlier this month, but still wanted to do more to reach out to the public.

Also, on Saturday, representatives from various health institutions, associations and non-governmen-

A section of those who participated in the health walk

A

s Guyana joins the world in observing November as International Diabetes Month, the Public Health Ministry on Saturday hosted a health outreach at the Stabroek Square in Georgetown.

Along with the Lions Club, the Guyana Diabetic Association as well as the New GPC Inc, PAHO, and the Young Leaders in Diabetes participated in the event, providing various medical services to the public.

Blood glucose testing was provided; along with eye testing, VIA screening, dental care, HIV testing, and sexual education.

Among other services offered were rehabilitation, mental health, and blood pressure testing.

Persons were also provided with a wealth of information on the steps to a healthier life.

President of the Guyana Diabetic Association, Glenniss Beaton, applauded the event and noted that the turnout was excellent.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Lions Club of Bel Air Diabetes Clinic, Candace Ford, claimed the initiative as the brainchild of the club, and sought to encourage the Health Ministry and other organisations to come on board to help spread awareness of the disease.

Ford declared herself very satisfied with the results of the outreach.

Additionally, the New GPC Inc representative Elizabeth Ram said the pharmaceutical company was happy to be part of the initiative. She added that the company had already

A woman testing her blood pressure at the free clinic

tal organisations (NGOs) assembled at the Square of the Revolution to participate in a health walk to promote awareness of diabetes throughout Georgetown.

Coordinator of the Guyana Diabetic Care Project, Brian Ostrow, laud-

ed the initiative and explained that the way to solve diabetes is through public awareness and through changing the people’s behavioural lifestyle. That is the key, he said, and that’s the only way that this pandemic can be controlled.

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Anu Dev

very day, at some point, we usually have to make decisions: whether it’s a decision about what we’ll wear, or what we’ll eat, or what TV show we should start binge-watching. And despite those being seemingly not very ‘serious’ decisions, most of us still take time to weigh our options and make a decision based on all of the facts we have at our disposal.

Basically, what I’m getting at is that we all like to have all of the facts before we make a decision or commit to something; that’s just being rational. But there’s one area in our lives that, many times, we’re kind of shoe-horned into making decisions without having all the facts, or understanding all of the facts. And those are decisions that we make when we come into contact with the medical profession -- when the question might literally be one of life and death.

One of the things that I’ve noticed when I’ve gone

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

to hospitals (as a patient) is that there are some doctors who often don’t take the time to explain fully to their patients exactly what’s wrong with them, and precisely why they’re suggesting a particular method of treatment.

And it’s extremely ironic that it’s the area of our life that’s the most “life-ordeath” that we’re the least informed about when making decisions. Can we still call them “consent”? I wonder: are we just going along with what the doctor decides? For consent to be valid, it must be “informed consent”, and we have a big role to play in “informed consent” also.

Think about it: “informed consent” must be given voluntarily (with no coercion or deceit) by an individual who has capacity, and by an individual who has been fully informed about the issue.

Interestingly, what we’re being taught at school is that obtaining informed consent is a legal and ethical necessity before treating a patient.

It derives from the principle of autonomy -- one of the 4 pillars of medical ethics: Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence and Equality. The ethical principle of autonomy requires that patients should accept or reject treatment based on a true understanding of their situation and on their personal philosophy.

But numerous studies have suggested that patients are giving consent based on misconceptions.

There is a failure of communication: doctors are not doing a good job of providing accurate information,

Informed consent Informed consent is required for every invasive medical procedure, from getting your ears pierced to having an abortion – Bob McDonnell

....................................

Sign here

and/or patients are failing to process that information. I suspect it is a combination of both. While “informed consent” is great... how many of us can digest what the doctor might be talking about?

So it’s important to trust your doctors. They’ve take an oath to ‘do no harm’ (Principle of Nonmaleficence) to their patient; so their decisions aren’t made to hurt patients, but rather to help them.

But at the same time, many times there’s more than one way to go about helping the patient. A surgeon might be more likely to recommend a surgical intervention not because he/she wants to cut you open and make money off of you, but because that’s his/her specialty and those interventions are what he/

she knows work. A medical doctor would probably suggest going a more medical route, treating the patient with drugs. Second opinions can help in this area.

As a patient, you have the right to ‘informed consent’, which means that if you need treatment, your healthcare provider must give you the information you need to make a decision. You shouldn’t have to blindly go along with treatment; you have a right to know exactly what it is you are agreeing to.

Consent means nothing if the patient doesn’t know what they’re giving permission for. It’s like those times kids try to get their parents to sign a blank piece of paper so that they can write an excuse to their teacher for missing school.

Preparing yourself

Your child needs elective surgery and a date has been scheduled. Unlike emergency surgery, an elective procedure isn't done as an immediate matter of life and death.

Having an elective procedure gives you the time to prepare your child for the hospital and the surgery.

Good preparation can help kids feel less anxious about the anaesthesia and surgery and get through the recovery period faster. But, like parents everywhere, you're probably uncertain about the best way to prepare your child.

The key is to provide information at your child's level of understanding, correct any misunderstandings, and get rid of fears and feelings of guilt. Help your child understand why the surgery is needed and to become familiar with the hospital and some of the procedures he or she will undergo.

Kids of all ages cope much better if they have an idea of what's going to happen and why it's necessary. To do that, prepare yourself first and correct any misconceptions of your own. If a parent is anxious and nervous, a child will often reflect these feelings and behaviours. So educate yourself, feel comfortable with the process, and make sure all your questions are answered.

Ask questions

You might have heard horror stories in the past about traumatic parent/ child separations and very limited hospital visiting hours, but those days are over. Hospitals have

changed greatly and are more family-friendly and patient-centred. For example, many surgeries are now "same-day" procedures requiring no overnight or prolonged stays; most children are back home, in their own beds, the same night. And most US hospitals permit at least one parent to stay with the child at all times except during the operation.

After the surgery, you may return to your child in the recovery room. As your child awakens, he or she will not even realize you left.

Ask the doctors, nurses, or staff for the information you need about what will take place so that you can prepare your child and deal with your own fears or concerns. To parents, one of the most fearful aspects of surgery is anaesthesia.

Anaesthesia is much safer today than in the past, but still carries some risk. You should discuss any concerns you have in advance with the anaesthesiologist.

When hospitalisation is needed overnight or longer, most hospitals avoid separation anxiety by permitting at least one parent to stay with the child day and night. Check with the hospital about its rules regarding parents staying over and when other close family members can visit.

As soon as your child is able, he or she may be playing with other children, toys, and games in a children's recreation room – even if that involves taking along an intravenous (IV) bag on a rolling support. (KidsHealth) to be continued

7 New GECOM chair yet to call meeting with Commission news

Commissioner Sase Gunraj

D

espite the haste with which retired Justice James Patterson was unilaterally appointed to the post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), not even one meeting has been called with the full commission to discuss matters of importance at the entity.

According to GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj, this is a matter of concern for the commission, since there are matters pertaining to GECOM’s financial accountability which have to be discussed. This includes the recent disturbing findings made by the Auditor General’s office.

“It’s one day short of a month since we had the announcement that there was a new chairman of GECOM, and since then we haven’t had a meeting. We’ve had no indication as to when a meeting will be called; nothing!” Gunraj said in an interview with this newspa-

sunDAY, november 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

per.

He added that for the better part of the year, commissioners had no idea about the proper functioning of GECOM. “So my anxiety is as to whether we will have a meeting. We were hoping that the haste the President ascribed to the necessity for appointment of a chairman would have been met with the holding of the meeting,” Gunraj said.

He noted that the commission did not deliberate on the budget proposal submitted to the Government.

GECOM had requested $3.7 billion, but its proposal was slashed to $2.9 billion, some $800 million less than it had sought.

“We have been reading in the news that a budget proposal has been assented in relation to GECOM. GECOM is a Schedule Three agency. We have not had any opportunity to make input or see that budget. And in the past, we have actually sat and approved that budget before it went to the National Assembly,” Gunraj disclosed.

Patterson, who was an advisor in the Legal Affairs Ministry, was sworn in just a few hours after President David Granger had met with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo briefly on October 19.

According to the Head of State, his late-night decision to select a GECOM chairman was done in accordance with Article 161 of the Constitution for the appointment of a GECOM Chairman.

ceremonial cooperation with Government, and would also mount a legal challenge to the appointment.

A challenge to the appointment has already been filed in the High Court, and that case will be called for hearing in January 2018.

Retired Justice James Patterson

Granger said he informed Jagdeo during their meeting that he found that the third list of nominees submitted on August 25, 2017 was unacceptable within the meaning of the Constitution, and that he had also paid careful attention to the ruling of the Chief Justice (Acting) Roxane George-Wiltshire.

In justifying why he decided to hand-pick 84-yearold Justice Patterson for this position, the President has said that Patterson has had extensive experience as a former Chief Justice of Grenada.

However, it has since come to light that Patterson never served as a substantive Chief Justice, but rather acted briefly in the position.

The decision has not gone down well with the political opposition. During a subsequent press conference, Jagdeo announced that his party would be withdrawing its support from any form of

That challenge seeks to revoke Patterson’s appointment.

A number of bodies, including the Guyana Bar Association, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Manufacturing and

Services Association (GMSA), have come out in condemnation of the President’s decision.

Criticism has also come from the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and members of the diaspora.

8 news

SunDAY, november 19, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Security guard dies in bee attack

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n East Coast Demerara (ECD) family is now in a state of shock after a swarm of bees descended on 59-year-old Ramnarine (only name) called “Bush”, resulting in the man’s death.

Reports are the security guard was walking along the Mon Repos Public Road, ECD at about 13:00h when he was attached by the bees.

Guyana Times was told that the man was on his way to the market when the incident occurred. Eyewitnesses reported that the bees were nested in a nearby clump of bush but were disturbed by a herd of cattle.

There was nothing onlookers could have done as they stood by and watched Ramnarine died in excruciating pain, an eyewitness said.

The dead man’s son, Sunil Ramnarine told this publication that he was at work when he received the shocking news of his father’s death.

By the time he arrived at the scene, his father’s body had already been removed.

The bereaved son said he has no siblings and his mother passed away two years ago.

Handyman charged for snatching cellphone

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19-year-old Norton Street, Georgetown handyman vehemently denied a larceny charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Kenneth Smith Farley appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore to answer to a charge which stated that

on November 7, 2017, at the Parika minibus park, in Georgetown, he robbed Rogwatia Persaud of one Samsung smartphone valued $180,000.

In a bail application on his own behalf, Farley told the court that he is a handyman and resides with his elderly grandmother in Norton Street, Werk-en-

Rust, Georgetown.

While Magistrate Azore was inclined to grant bail to the sum of $40,000, Farley pleaded for a reduction as he could not afford same in such “hard times”.

Nonetheless, the Magistrate declined the reduction plea, telling Farley “not at this time sir.”

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne represented the prosecution’s case.

The case will continue on December 6.

Convicted cocaine trafficker to know fate next week

A

s the ongoing cocaine trafficking trial of Dennis Jones comes to a close before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, the Chief Magistrate on Thursday declared that she will rule on the case on Tuesday.

Jones, who is being represented by Attorney Eusi Anderson, was invited to

lead his defence on the same day set for the ruling.

Dennis Jones, 63, of Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown was charged and remanded to prison in January of this year, for attempting to smuggle to Canada 10.618 kilograms of cocaine in custard/baking powder packages and Banko wine bottles, through the Guyana Post Office Corporation.

He was subsequently released on bail following a successful bail application by his lawyer. Jones maintains his innocence before the courts of law.

However, the Prosecution in its case pointed out to the court that it is convinced there is overwhelming evidence to convict Jones of the offence when it showed video surveillance footage from the GPOC which shows the defendant in action.

When Police ranks went to Jones’s home to arrest him, he was found hiding in the ceiling, the court was told.

Police reports indicate that Jones was also in 2012 charged and convicted for trafficking in over 300 kilograms of cocaine in soap powder to Niger, West

Accused cocaine trafficker, Dennis Jones

Africa for which he served time at the Camp Street Prison. Jones was deported from the United States after he was convicted of conspiracy to traffic cocaine.

Mamaguing…

T

…the masses

he AFC are struggling to survive, and it ain’t pretty! Like all victims of con men, they’d fallen for the wiles of the PNC-as-APNU because of their greed -- their greed for power, their greed for money, their greed for flesh, and their greed, PERIOD! Even though then party leader Khemraj Ramjattan had predicted they’d become “dead meat” if they coalesced with the PNC-as-APNU, their greed made them plunge ahead.

They would’ve become “dead meat” because the people who supported them knew that the PNC wasn’t to be trusted.

The people had over thirty years of (bitter) experience with the PNC to reach that conclusion. It didn’t take long for the folk wisdom to be validated. In fact, right after the elections, Prezzie so diluted the Cabinet via expansion with Junior Ministers that the vaunted 40% of the Cabinet promised to the AFC wasn’t worth squat!! Supporters jumped off the ship!

The Prime Ministership for Nagamootoo, which was supposed to be bulked to Hulk-like proportions, was so stripped of any relevance that he became the archetypical “97-pound weakling” into whose face everybody kicked sand at the beach!! More supporters jumped off their ship!

And so it went -- like when it was revealed that there was a “Nassau Accord” between the man who would once again become Leader of the AFC -- Trotman -- and Prezzie. Was there any doubt after he’d been selected by the PNC-asAPNU as Speaker in 2011 - over Nagamootoo, nominated by the AFC??

And now comes the final straw, if there were AFC followers clinging to the dead meat: the revelations that both Trotman and Ramjattan had advised Prezzie to reject the second list and make his unilateral appointment! The revelation came out after emails on the subject were released by the AFC Canadian support group, who broke with the party over the high-handed way the party was being led.

The revelation was even more destructive against the background of the AFC Leadership INSISTING they played no role in the President’s unilateral selection of (Chief?)

Justice Patterson. In addition to the e-mails, there was -of course -- the presence of AFC Leader Trotman being at State House when Jagdeo arrived to be informed about Prezzie’s unilateralism!

Ramjattan’s e-mails were also interesting to their old rank and file, since they confirmed that after a period of strained relations in the top leadership, they were all as one after the Patterson selection!!

Ramjattan’s expression of joy at the last circumstance -- even as his party had evaporated -- signals that he and Nagamootoo are prepared to play the loyal lapdog to the PNC-as-APNU. They will be the window dressing now that the WPA is expendable!

…the Public Service

The Government made a big ‘’to do” about resuscitating the Public Service Appellate Commission (PSAC) after a hiatus of over a decade. This lacuna had denied the Public Servants “justice” - since they had no one to turn to if they were wronged! Not much help forthcoming from the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), since its presidentfor-life is always MIA - and of late had been bought out through high appointment!!

But at its first meeting with the press, the PSAC revealed the sad (and sick) truth: it was just a toothless poodle, unable to sanction anyone it had determined had screwed Public Servants!! All it was empowered (?) to do was listen to the complaints of Public Servants, empathise by looking concerned, and hope that the wrongdoer did the right thing.

If they didn’t -- which is more often than not the case -tough luck!

So how about at least giving them a small whip?

…Georgetown citizens

After the euphoria of the 50th Anniversary Independence celebrations - lubricated by billions from the treasury and businessmen making strategic “political investments” - the City Council promised a return of our Garden City.

The City’s once again covered with garbage; the Central Govt is bailing City Council out, and the Mayor is abroad!

The more things change…

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

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SunDAY, november 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Basket cannot fetch water!”

– constitutional bodies decry budget cuts

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he recent slashes to constitutional agencies have left some of these agencies questioning their work mandate and how the cuts would affect their mandate.

A representative of both the Women and Gender Equality Commission and the Rights of the Child Commission believes the cuts will have repercussions.

According to noted social activist Nicole Cole, much work remains to be done by these two commissions, including physical outreaches to at-risk communities. She expressed fear that the work of the two commissions, which requested a combined total of close to $100 million

but received $85 million, would be hindered.

“There are still many communities that need to be visited to ascertain the socioeconomic conditions affecting persons, hence cuts to the budget can and will curtail the Commissions’ ability to effectively reach those persons in dire need of our services,” she said in an interview with this publication.

Giving an example, Cole said Region Nine is Guyana’s largest geographical area, and visits are many times concentrated only in Lethem; “but there are the Maurudi Mountains (which) is a neglected area, as well as Siparuta, Monkey

Mountain and other hinterland areas that are woefully underserved. What we need are more finances to effectively execute our constitutional mandate, because basket cannot fetch water,” she declared.

According to Cole, journeying into hinterland regions is costly because of the geographical locations and terrains. She noted that this should have been a guiding consideration when the Budget cuts were being contemplated.

“The commissions need a Jeep that can effectively traverse those difficult terrains. Our bus got stuck in the sand twice going to St. Cuthbert’s Mission (now re-

Increased narco incidents recorded in Region 2 – crime unit

T

here has been an increase in drug related incidents in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) for 2017, as compared to last year. This is according to head of the crime unit in G Division (Essequibo CoastIslands), Fazal Mohammed.

Mohammed made the observation at the unveiling of the Division’s Christmas plans for the upcoming festive season.

Mohammed during his presentation in the boardroom of the Richard Faikall Police Station, said it is the intention of the Criminal

Investigations Department (CID) to reduce crime during the season.

In doing so, the CID within the Division intends to increase patrolling, roadblocks and raids.

Speaking on the increased trafficking of narcotics on the Essequibo Coast, Mohammed said there were 29 cases for possession of the illegal substance and 26 cases for the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Six persons were charged for smoking cannabis. In total for 2017, 61 persons were before the

Kescia Branche...

Kereece Branche, Kescia’s younger sister, described her as having been a driven and determined person who had fought for what she had accomplished in life.

“It always seems like Kescia was never too young for anything, but this time she was,” Kereece said in her tribute, as she broke down in tears.

Head Teacher of the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, Melanie Jones, reiterated her called for justice to be served. “I do hope that they solve your case, and that your killer or killers doesn’t or don’t disappear without a trace. This nonsense has become too com-

monplace, and I take the blame as part of the human race,” Jones said.

The mother of one has been laid to rest at Buxton, East Coast Demerara. Police are yet to charge anyone for

court for trafficking in narcotics and 24 persons were convicted.

Statistics have shown that in 2016, 766.7 grams of cannabis was found in the region while in 2017, 14.971 kg were found – an increase of interdiction. With respect to cocaine, 563.1 grams was found in 2016 while 5.082.5 kg was found so far for 2017.

He said Police from the Division were able to catch some of the traffickers due to constant roadblocks, intelligence gathering, as well as profiling of known characters.

from page 2

her death.

Her ex-boyfriend, along with four cops, were questioned about her death, but were later released on station bail. Investigations are still ongoing.

Social Activist Nicole Cole

named Pakuri). We need a stronger vehicle, the bus (isn’t) built for that terrain.

There are coastal areas that we also need to visit, so we need every dime. More money will effectively give us more spending power to conduct more outreaches,” she said.

On Friday, a total of $8 billion in estimates from 16 constitutional agen-

cies was approved for the 2018 Budget in the National Assembly. This includes Capital and Current Expenditure.

But all proposed cuts were sustained, with Finance Minister Winston Jordan being asked in the house whether he was marginalising women, even as the proposals from the Women and Gender Equality Commission and the Rights of the Child Commission were being slashed.

The slashed proposals from the Office of the Ombudsman, Indigenous People’s Commission, and the Public Procurement Commission were also passed by the House.

The recent multimillion-dollar cuts by the Finance Ministry to the budget proposals put forward by these constitutional agencies had not gone down well with the parliamentary Opposition. The Opposition had, for some time, called for the autonomy of these agencies to be respected by the Government.

According to the 2018 an-

nual budget proposals of constitutional agencies which were tabled in Parliament last week, the Audit Office’s request for $844.4 million was slashed to a proposal of $783.8 million. In slashing the amount, it was noted that Budget 2018’s submission did not fulfil certain requirements set out in a budget circular.

The need has been expressed for the Audit Office to be in its strongest possible position when it comes to its audit capacity. This is especially so as Guyana gets ready to enter oil production.

In addition, Auditor General Deodat Sharma has already expressed intentions to audit Guyana’s environmental protection systems.

Other agencies on the chopping block for 2018 are the Parliament Office, the GECOM, the Supreme Court of Judicature (request of $2.7 billion was reduced to $1.8 billion), the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution’s request for $223.8 million was reduced to $174.2 million), and the Office of the Ombudsman.

10 news

sunDAY, november 19, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

220 students graduate from UG Berbice campus

“Create your own jobs if you can't find right career” – Valedictorian

A

s Guyana continues to struggle with a high unemployment rate, 220 more students have graduated from the University of Guyana (UG) Berbice Campus, and were told to use the knowledge they have acquired to create job opportunities for themselves, rather than wait around for the ideal job.

That was the encouragement Valedictorian Trishan Budhram give to the Class of 2017 when the Tain Campus hosted its 16th Convocation ceremony on Saturday, when persons received various degrees and certificates.

Of the 220 academics put out by the Berbice Campus, most were graduating from the Faculty of Education.

In his valedictory speech, the Bachelor of Social Science

Let us use our Degrees to become innovators. So, Class of 2017, let us believe that we can achieve anything.

“We came into this campus with different backgrounds and life experiences, we can now leave this campus as a collective unit ready to transform our communities into a nation we can be proud of. We are the class of 2017! No matter what faculty we come from -- be it Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Agriculture or Education and Humanities -- we are all members of this one university,” he asserted.

Budhram, who is currently a Manager at Environmental Solutions and a radio announcer in the ancient county, told Guyana Times that his future endeavour is to be happy with a life

are many things here which we don’t like, and because we accepted them, current students might inherit some of these problems if they don’t seek to change them. I find that many Guyanese complain about too many things in life, and instead of finding ways to change (things), some of them resort to settling with the circumstances. I’m here to remind you that only dust settles, and we are not settled dust. We are a robust melting pot of different races, beliefs, values and backgrounds.”

Meanwhile at Saturday’s ceremony, 10 persons from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry obtained their Bachelor of Science degrees; and in the Faculty of Education, eight persons graduated with Bachelor of Education degrees and three

220 graduated from the University of Guyana Berbice Campus on Saturday

graduate called on his colleagues to go after their dreams despite challenges, such as not finding the ideal job.

“This is the reality! We may not find that job or that career we hoped for, but that doesn’t mean we should accept it. If we can’t find that job, create it. Make it happen.

Use what we learned, and do not allow external circumstances to define who we are.

he created for himself. He explained that, in life, a person’s goals might change, and as such, the demand for new careers may not always be available.

However, in his feature address to the Class of 2017, Budhram said that, as the time passed, experiences at the university evolved.

“In the words of Maya Angelou: ‘If you don’t like something, change it’. There

with Bachelor of Education Administration degrees; while 13 received Bachelor of Science in Early Education degrees. In all, 83 persons received bachelor’s degrees from the Facility of Education.

On the other hand, the Faculty of Natural Sciences saw 39 persons being awarded certificates. The Facility of Social Science had a total of 22 persons graduating, including the best graduating

The first X-Man S Valedictorian Trishan Budhram on his way to deliver his speech to the Class of 2017

student.

Additionally, there were also 16 persons who were granted certificates from the Faculty of Social Work, and a further 13 who got diplomas in Accountancy. In the field of marketing, there were only two persons who received certificates.

However, 25 persons graduated with diplomas in Public Management. The Republic Bank Award went to Budhram, while the Banks DIH Award was copped by Lisa Ladona Denny of the Facility of Education and Humanity.

The Massey Security Solutions Inc. Award was given to Jaunita Beejaimal of the Facility of Natural Science.

Meanwhile, the Director of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus Award for the Graduating Student with a Bachelor’s Degree who has attained at least a pass with credit and has made the greatest contribution in other areas of University activities was presented to Lauristan Anthony Augustus from the Faculty of Social Sciences.

atiricus was swinging in his hammock drowsily as he read the letter from Hammerhead Green excoriating the PPCEE on their behaviour in Parliament. After the first line, as he fell asleep, the letter turned into a diary entry.

Dear Diary, Human history is replete with examples where the behaviour of persons in leadership positions can influence those around them……….

And I must confess, Dear Diary, I was once placed in a position of leadership, and did my best to influence those around me. I don’t like to boast, but I will tell you about a few instances.

Did you hear about the X-Men, Dear Diary? Well, I was the first X-Man, since I was supposed to be in charge of carrying out the X-13 Plan! Ahhhh… those were the days when we could carry out more destruction than they generate with their fancy CGI nowadays in the movies!!

Surely you must’ve heard about Black Friday 1962, Dear Diary? That was the day Martin Carter said a City of Clerks became a City of Men! And I was with them, Dear Diary - influencing them and supplying the gasoline to burn down all the businesses of those PPCEE supporters in Georgetown.

We bombed the Rice Marketing Wharf, we burnt down Star Cinema in my old neighbourhood, and I influenced the young’uns to shout, “Burn baby, burn!!” I influenced so many of our Pee-an-See supporters that burning became a staple of all our protests since!!

My proudest act was to prevent that rabblerousing history teacher from getting a job at UG. What was the use of hiring him? Hadn’t I written the definitive history of Guyana, “From Pain to Gain”? And I influenced all those people who write nowadays to defend even the rigging by our Peean-See!!

But I didn’t only inspire people about public violence, Dear Diary.

Who do you think showed Guyanese men how to deal with their uppity wives?

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SunDAY, november 19, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Criminal minds

By Ryhaan Shah

F

or our population, Guyana has an outsize crime problem.

No statistic reflects the reality, since many robberies and assaults are never reported because of a general distrust of law enforcers, whose loyalty to party politics was infamously invoked by PNC Leader Desmond Hoyte in January 1998 when he made them the party’s “kith and kin” and complicit in its unlawfulness.

Criminals inherit, or can be induced to, psychopathic behaviour, which, according to psychology texts, underlies a need for domination through power and control. Because of their lack of human empathy, they can commit the most heinous acts with cold-blooded and calculated precision; whether it is fraud, theft, rape, arson or murder.

Criminality also extends to political strategies which include racially motivated crimes like genocide and ethnic cleansing, as was witnessed here in 1964 during the Wismar Massacre, when Indian Guyanese were forced to flee the Mackenzie-Wismar area because of PNC racial violence.

Political crimes, whether perpetrated at a state level or by individual party supporters, reproduce structures of domination. In Guyana’s case, it is the construct of race and racial domination that fuels the crimes that guarantee the PNC political power.

WPA Leader Dr Walter Rodney confronted the issue of race in the trial of PPP activist Arnold Rampersaud, who was framed for the murder of an African Guyanese police constable in 1973 in Berbice. After two trials failed to convict, Burnham attempted to move the trial to Georgetown, intending that an all-black jury would find Rampersaud guilty.

Rodney campaigned for Rampersaud’s release, and when he spoke publicly of the strength and pride of his people, he noted, “And now I cannot accept that such people must be put to do some dirty political skullduggery – coming to court lying to get another man convicted of murder. That is insane, from my point of view.”

But criminality of every kind was the modus operandi of the PNC dictatorship, which was itself dependent on the psychopathy of theft in the form of rigged elections in order to stay in power. The other psychopathic behaviours displayed

by Burnham included corruption, thuggery, and the murder of his opponents.

Burnham had Rodney killed in 1980, and Granger’s hasty scrapping of the Commission of Inquiry into his assassination when he became president only solidifies the public belief that Burnham had ordered the hit.

The PNC has never admitted any wrongdoing at any time.

In fact, they feel entitled to their criminal acts because of their alleged “marginalisation” -- the cry that was heard at the turn of the century, and which was aided and abetted by many “worthies” in our society, even as Indian Guyanese faced the daily terror that emanated from Buxton.

The PNC learned from the best, starting with the CIAfunded racial violence of the 1960s which put the US-backed Burnham in power. The United States, in safeguarding its own interests, cares little about any collateral damage, and whether it is done through institutionalised state violence or through the more personalised political crimes being carried out by African Guyanese terrorists.

The PNC’s criminality and the criminalising of its supporters have been handed down through three generations. The boy soldiers of Buxton are now grown men who are learned in the arts of violence; and even up to the 2015 general elections, there were post-elections’ reports of “matches being lit” in the best tradition of the PNC’s “slow fyah, mo fyah” campaign.

Had the PNC not won, their supporters would have taken to the streets and burned the city. No one disputes this.

When ACDA declared Granger the “African Leader”, they were laying proud claim to him as their President. So, too, did Burnham declare himself their kabaka.

And when, in his recent address to party supporters in Atlanta, Granger vowed that the PNC would do everything necessary to stay in power, as it did in 1968 and onward, it was a public admission that the party’s illegal acts would continue along with the criminalisation of its supporters, which would be needed to retain power.

This is more than passing strange for a people who wish to be viewed as proud and dignified. That they will find themselves on the wrong side when the history of this country is fairly judged seem to not matter at all.

Nurturing criminal minds can only be self-destructive, and to ask why the continued criminalisation presupposes a reasoned answer. But when, in order to destroy the enemy, the choice is made to destroy oneself, there can be no reasoned answer.

The PNC has decided that creating a “scorched earth”, where everyone loses, is better than sharing that earth with the appointed enemy.

12 News

SunDAY, november 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mattai’s opens new food mart M

attai’s – Guyana’s one stop food depot – is living up to its name as it opened a new food mart across the street from its other branch on Water and Hope Streets, Georgetown, which promises quality food. The new estab-

lishment, named ‘Mattai’s: The Food Market’ was declared open on Friday.

According to Managing Director of the franchise, Harry Mattai, the new food mart is already known in the Caribbean.

“Quite a few people flew

the Managing Director explained.

Mattai promises high standards in the products that they will be providing.

“We’re looking at standards, we’re looking at certificates, we’re looking at dates, we’re looking at quality,” Mattai said.

The Managing Director promises that plans are already afoot to expand further in order to deliver value to Guyanese.

in from the Caribbean when they heard about the store, its size, what we’re doing, the quality, where we’re heading, where we’re taking the business to the next level and they’re very impressed,” Mattai said at the opening.

He added that the new fa-

Managing Director, Harry Mattai along with his wife, daughters and son cutting the ribbon to the new food mart

cility includes a boardroom, an IT department and a training room, which will be used to build the capacity of its staff and also the staff of other similar companies in Guyana.

“Our mission is not only just hiring people,” he said.

“We believe in a lot of training; we plan to do a lot of nice things with the company to make our staff and our people better to serve,”

The new food mart

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SunDAY, november 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

4 homeless after N/A fire A

Burnham’s Legacy

P

resident David Granger has vowed to continue the legacy of Forbes Burnham, the “Founder leader of the PNC.” It therefore behooves us to become familiar with that legacy. After 1968, the PNC jettisoned its junior coalition partner, the UF, and began to rig elections to remain in office.

To retain power in a minority regime, Burnham introduced a form of governance (post-1968) that sought to establish and maintain absolute control over the state and society. In 1988, I applied a model of a “totalitarian state” introduced by Carl Friedrich, to analyse the nature of the PNC regime utilising seven characteristics of the acknowledged totalitarian Soviet State of the early fifties.

First: A single mass party, led by a dictator. While Burnham allowed other parties to exist during the electoral-rigging era, those parties never threatened the PNC’s rule, and Guyana in actuality became a oneparty state. That is: while other parties might have been permitted to exist, they were never allowed to compete effectively with Ravi Dev the PNC. If they ever posed a real threat to the regime, as the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) did briefly by 1979, the totalitarian “sharper steel”, in the words of Burnham, was bared. In the same year (not coincidentally) a new Constitution confirmed Burnham’s absolute control over Guyana.

Second: A system of terroristic control.

The House of Israel -- loyal to the PNC “Kick down the door” – bandits, arbitrary search and seizures by the police, police informers in every locality, assassinations, ostentatious marches by the army through opposition strongholds, etc. kept the opposition under control, and the opposition population in terror. Indians responded to the pressure by mass migration: joining the earlier wave of migrants - primarily Portuguese - who had fled the P.P.P. “initiatives” during their 1957-1964 terms at the helm. Soon half the country was abroad. For those who remained, corruption was institutionalised, as it became the avenue of relating to, and dealing with, the system. Corruption was power, and absolute corruption became absolute power.

Third: A near monopoly control over mass communication and education.

The Government’s nationalization of, and PNC control over, the media (radio and newspapers; television was not permitted), and establishment of the GPSA in tandem with a program of harassment of the opposition newspapers through libel suits and bans on newsprint, consummated this imperative. Schools were all nationalized, and mass games introduced.

Fourth: A near monopoly control over the “coercive” apparatus of the state.

The Guyana Disciplined Forces -- Army, Police Force, Fire Service, National Service, People’s Militia and National Guard Service -- were expanded exponentially, staffed with a ninety per cent African membership. All officers swore personal loyalty to the leader of the PNC, to provide -- along with the similarly constituted Police Force -- the coercive basis for the P.N.C.’s rule. David Granger was in charge of their ideological training.

Fifth: The central control and direction of the economy.

By the PNC’s boast, they nationalized eighty per cent of the economy by 1976. Party membership and support for the Party’s position became prerequisites for maintaining a job. In Burnham’s words, those who were fired stayed fired.

The co-operative, which was to be the cornerstone of the economy, was to be the vehicle for rewarding the lower class African Guyanese supporter, but by the late 1970s, most had collapsed. African Guyanese now joined the exodus to the “outside”.

Sixth: A near monopoly over all civil organizations.

Trade Unions, religious organizations, schools, cultural organizations, and social bodies were all either subverted or controlled by the PNC intimidation: by buying off compliant leadership, or by the creation of paper organizations which were given governmental recognition and a place at the Government’s trough. Indian Guyanese leaders were placed in highly visible but essentially powerless positions to create a façade of a “non-racial” Government.

Seventh: an official ideology.

The PNC announced in 1974 it was a Marxist-Leninist party, and was reorganized as the “vanguard of the masses”. While there have been interminable discussions as to the “sincerity” of the PNC in its avowal; at a minimum, Marxism-Leninism gave the PNC an appropriate vocabulary and methodical postulate for its innovations and excesses.

Forewarned is forearmed?

fire believed to have been started by a man of unsound mind destroyed a two-storey house at Glasgow New Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam leaving four persons homeless.

The fire started at around 10:00h in the lower flat of the wooden and concrete building, located at Lot 945 Glasgow New Housing Scheme, which was owned by two pensioners, Jean and Esie Benjamin.

According to reports, the son of the pensioners, Surdat Williams, who is of unsound mind and who occupies the lower flat of the building, had a disagreement with his 17-year-old niece on Friday.

Guyana Times was told that following that disagreement, the niece went into the upper flat of the building and locked herself inside.

However, in an effort to gain access to the teenager, the suspect reportedly used dried coconut shells and lit the fire.

The distraught young woman spoke to this newspaper and relayed that she only moved in with her grandparents a few months ago. She said her grandmother suffered a stroke and as such she was there to take care of her. The teen did not disclose what she and her uncle were arguing about, but noted that after he lit the fire, it quickly spread to his bed-

room.

The shaken teen further revealed that she managed to escape unhurt after jumping over a verandah from the upper flat of the building. Her grandparents who are out at the time of the incident disclosed to this publication that by the time they returned home, the house was completely destroyed.

In anger, Esie Benjamin

told this publication, “He lucky l aint see him before the Police.”

The community of New Amsterdam was alerted to the fire after a gas cylinder exploded. However, by the time the New Amsterdam Fire Service responded with two units, the house was fully engulfed.

The suspect was taken into Police custody.

14 news

SunDAY, november 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Militarisation of Govt offices

“Granger gotta go with who he Younge’s Take A point of no return knows” – GDF Colonel (retd)

T

he President of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Lieutenant Colonel (retd) George Gomes, on Friday defended the Head of State’s decision to employ former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks for top Government positions.

Colonel Gomes said President David Granger has gravitated towards people he can trust and those that he knows, even if others are also qualified for the positions.

“President Granger was a soldier, and birds of a feather flock together. He gotta go with who he knows and who he trusts, and who he knows got the discipline,” Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Gomes said.

He made the comment while speaking at the annual wreath-laying ceremony hosted at Camp Ayanganna in recognition of the selfless service of former army offi-

Retired Lieutenant Colonel George Gomes addressing the gathering at Veterans’ Day 2017 activities

cers and war heroes in defending Guyana.

In his address to the gathering, Colonel Gomes underlined that when a young person enlists in the army, it is perhaps the highest level of service he or she

can offer to his/her country. He noted that the experience of being a rank in the GDF teaches many disciplines, which can prove to be invaluable in future endeavours.

“The military teaches

discipline, order, leadership, teamwork; it builds maturity and character. With early retirement, ex-military personnel can start a second career, and with this type of discipline and leadership that is so badly needed in Guyana, they are bound to be assets wherever they go,” the retired colonel said.

Gomes lashed out at the press, saying, “It is for that reason that I get annoyed when some so-called newspaper columnist who has never worn a boy Scout or girl Guide’s uniform (is) critical about our President making use of the skills of former officers to execute the work of Government.”

This was as he alluded to the growing concerns among members of the Opposition over what they deem the militarisation of the state and Government apparatus in Guyana by the current administration.

Gomes singled out ex-military officials currently serving in the APNU/AFC Government, with the topmost-ranked being Minister of State, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Joseph Harmon.

There are also Lieutenant Colonel Sydney James, who heads the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU); and retired Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup, who came in for high praise for his excellent strides in disaster risk management and relief as the Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Since taking office in May 2015, the APNU/AFC Administration has consistently employed former army personnel to senior Government positions.

This has not been well received by sections of society, and the political Opposition has lashed out at the Government, accusing the Administration of turning the country into an appendage of the military.

I

n 2005, the Alliance For Change (AFC) party, which was then considered ‘the third force’, promised to liberate Guyanese from the politics of divisiveness, hate, revenge, race and immaturity.

It promised to work hard to usher in a period of unprecedented development should it enter Parliament or become Government by focusing on poverty reduction, the implementation of modern constitutional reforms, strengthening Government and State agencies, and paving the way for a new political culture where consensus and compromise as well as putting Guyana first would be paramount.

As the years went by, the AFC and its ‘third force’ politicians, rallied against Government corruption. They accused the then ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of incompetence, abuse of power, Executive lawlessness and condoning corruption. Raphael Trotman, the late Sheila Holder and Khemraj Ramjattan were seen as the new beacons of hope in the Guyanese society. Some felt they were the standard bearers as far as identifying honest politicians with a service oriented character. The Michael Younge AFC rose to fame and continued its political work vowing to never betray the working-class people of this country and most importantly, never to join a coalition with the PPP or the People’s National Congress (PNC). After all, the AFC resented both parties and blamed them for the current socioeconomic and political conundrum that Guyana was facing. As history recorded it, many Guyanese especially those of mixed descent bought the message of the AFC and gave them the votes they needed to taste parliamentary power. This happened despite boisterous warnings from the PPP that the AFC could not be trusted because those at its helm where deflectors from the major parties who were bitter, untrustworthy, revengeful and thirsty for Executive power.

Sheila Holder died before the AFC underwent a most shameful transformation under the leaderships of Trotman and Ramjattan. When she departed this world, the AFC was still a party that had the potential to force the other two main political relics into oblivion because of the freshness of the AFC’s untested approach mixed with its promise to shake up the Government bureaucracy and engineer real change. Now the party has become one of the biggest disappointments in Guyana’s political history thereby beating the United Force, the Working People’s Alliance and GAP/ROAR from the top slots after they too failed to keep their momentum and deliver the kind of change this country needs to progress. The post 2011-AFC is no longer the ferocious tiger guarding the public’s interest and purse. Its teeth have been extracted and it is now enjoying the milk and honey flowing from the covert operations of the David Granger Administration which rose to power as a result of a cosmetic surgery performed on the PNC. That party used every trick in the book to regain the Executive power it lost in 1992 and its last ditch attempt to agree to everything and offer anything that would appeal to the badly bruised and inactive smaller parties in Guyana, inclusive of the Justice for All outfit and WPA, in order to form the A Partnership for National Unity.

Instead of declining APNU’s offer to join the coalition which had the PNC as its senior partner, those at the helm of the AFC became discontent with their lot. They wanted to taste Executive power. They wanted to use that power to wreak havoc on Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP. After all, there was no Sheila Holder to stop them and no other mature political voice within the AFC to challenge their desire. And least we forget, Moses Nagamootoo entered the pageant after failing in his last-ditch attempt to wrestle the presidential candidacy position from other senior comrades in the PPP party. He later succeeded in wrestling power away from more suitable persons in the AFC like Cathy Hughes, Raphael Trotman and Dr Rupert Roopnaraine to become the coalition’s Prime Ministerial Candidate in the 2015 General and Regional Elections. The decision was now obvious as both the AFC and PNC were on the same wave length. They now shared a common interest and it wasn’t about delivering meaningful change to the masses but rather securing their individual political futures.

Nagamootoo is now Guyana’s first Prime Minister without a serious portfolio. Led by the Prime Minister and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan, the top brass of the AFC appears set for life.

Many splurge and spend taxpayers’ monies on fancy banquets, trips abroad, upgrading their homes and offices with modern and luxurious furnishing, and high-end vehicles. The AFC is now a component of the PNC. It is justifying and shamelessly defending every single Executive abuse by the Government in which it serves. It is condoning corruption and encouraging political witch-hunting. The AFC is now supportive of constitutional violations. For the first time in 10 years, its leaders now are at the lowest point of their political careers because they lack the moral authority and integrity to lecture the PPP or any other important stakeholder on matters pertaining to transparency, accountability and good governance. They are now part of the Government machinery that could soon commit greater atrocities than the PPP ever did.

While it is clear that the top AFC leaders have already been bought for their 30 shillings of sliver, the party’s machinery is in chaos and decline. It is virtually non-existent and nonfunctional. The party groups do not meet regularly. They get no guidance from their elected representatives and there are instances of massive financial corruption and mismanagement. There is also widespread concern that the elections to key offices are also staged to keep the existing status quo.

The AFC appears happy with this coalition arrangement but 2020 will prove how happy its supporters and financiers are.

Even if no one will admit it, the AFC is at a point of no return.

Its part of the annals of history that will never be forgotten because it’s a failed third force and a failed attempt at conciliatory politics. It did not have the political patience or discipline to break the trend of oppressive politics.

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Missing $209M

The history and evolution of the banking industry in Guyana

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he birth and development of Guyana’s financial system began in the early colonial days when Guyana was ruled by the British Government. The first financial institution that was formed since in the colonial days was the Savings Bank, which was primarily founded for the benefit of the slaves. When the country gained Independence from British rule, there were substantial changes in the financial system; other foreign banks entered into the system.

Prior to the establishment of the Savings Bank in 1828, banking transactions were effected in Europe by the local planters and their attorneys. In 1836 the Savings Bank was supplanted by the Government Savings Bank, which through the years, had various amendments and became known as the Post Office Savings Bank.

In 1836, the Colonial Bank was established in British Guiana which was founded by a Royal Charter given by King William IV dated May 1, 1836, and was formed by a consortium of West Indies merchants and private bankers in London. The Colonial Bank operated in the premises of the Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd in High Street, Georgetown. It was then amalgamated with the Anglo Egyptian Bank Ltd and the National Bank of South Africa in 1925 and renamed Barclays Bank (Dominion, Colonial and Overseas). Also in 1836, a local bank was formed called the British Guiana Bank which commenced operations in February 1837, conducted its business in Georgetown for a number of years and eventually ran into difficulties and was taken over by the Royal Bank of Canada in November 1913.

During the period of 1800 to 1913, these banks continued to operate in the British Guiana Economy and this structure of the financial system remained substantially unchanged from 1913 until 1966 when Guyana gained independence from the British Government.

Post-independence By the end of 1966 the two dominant banks, the Royal Bank of Canada and the Barclays, were operating more than 25 branches and agencies. In the following years, many rural branches and agencies closed mainly because it was not profitable to have so many branches given the geographic dispensation, population and also socio- economic and political conditions prevailed at the time.

In 1970 the Government felt that these institutions did not provide the type of financing required to develop the Guyanese economy, thus the authorities embarked on a strategy aimed at shaping a financial system that would mobilise deposits and provide loans to the rural areas, provide long-term finance for investments and supply resources in support of local firms. In February 1970 the Government established the Guyana National Co-operative Bank (GNCB) as a development bank, thus was given the task to provide for the commercial financing requirements of Guyanese Businesses, to support investment in new business areas and to extend financial services to rural communities.

In 1984, as part of the restructuring programme in the financial sector, the Government started a process of nationalising foreign owned commercial banks beginning with the Royal Bank of Canada, which became National Bank of Industry and Commerce (NBIC). The next bank to experience a change in ownership was the Chase Manhattan in 1985 (then renamed Republic Bank), followed by Barclays in 1987, when it was renamed the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Ltd. (GBTI).

Government took control of GBTI in 1988, and it was merged with Republic Bank and operated as GBTI in 1990. Thus the Government had owned a substantial part of the commercial banking system by 1990. In 1991 the Government converted GBTI into a public company selling off 70 perc ent of its shareholdings and in 1994 sold the remaining 30 per cent to Secure Finance International Company Ltd. On October 1997, Republic Bank Limited of Trinidad and Tobago became majority shareholder after purchasing 47.5 per cent shares from the Government for NBIC and in 2006 the official name of the bank (National Bank of Industry and Commerce) was re-branded to Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd. Importantly to note however, Republic Bank Ltd Trinidad & Tobago had sought the permission to use the name ‘Republic Bank’ from GBTI to avoid any legal conflicts between the two entities since GBTI had the sole right to that name (which it had inherited from Chase Manhattan).In 1994 Government gave licences to two banks, Demerara Bank Ltd and Citizens Bank Inc. Citizens Bank Ltd was incorporated in November 1993 and commenced business in 1994 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Citizens Bank Jamaica Ltd. In September of 1996, Citizens Bank Jamaica reduced its ownership of Citizens Bank Guyana Inc to 70 per cent and in November of 1998 Guyanese shareholders acquired the remaining 70 per cent share in Citizens Bank Guyana Inc held by Citizens Bank Jamaica Ltd. Banks DIH Ltd, a company incorporated in Guyana, acquired sufficient additional shares to enable it to own 51 per cent of the share capital of the bank.

Demerara Bank was the first Private Sector Indigenous bank incorporated in 1992 and started operations in 1994. Demerara Bank, unlike all the other banks that have existed in the past and have evolved with the passage of time from different ownerships, from foreign owned to Government owned then to private ownership, is wholly owned by Guyanese – founded by a local entrepreneur (a successful and renowned business man in Guyana, Dr Yesu Persaud).

The ownership of Bank of Baroda (Guyana) Ltd, (a subsidiary of Bank of Baroda India) and the Bank of Nova Scotia remains foreign owned to date. Bank of Baroda and Bank of Nova Scotia commenced business in Guyana in 1966 and 1968 respectively. These two banks came into Guyana to operate after independence.

Guyana’s financial system evolved within the framework of a market based economy. Over the years there were wide-ranging financial reforms which have resulted in creating a more dynamic banking system and was conducive to macroeconomic stability. In addition, it has evolved from a financially repressed, highly regulated and inefficient system into a sound, stable and more efficient system. Technological advancement is one of the driving tools in creating greater efficiency and new and innovative financial products.

(For comments, questions and responses on articles featured in this column, readers can reach the author at jbinsights@outlook.com).

UG claims money was used for infrastructural works T

he University of Guyana (UG) says the missing $209 million that was reported by the Auditor General (AG) was spent on infrastructure projects. The money was reported missing by Auditor General Deodat Sharma in his 2016 report which was submitted to Parliament.

According to the AG, the $209 million was missing from the Science and Technology support programme.

Director of Strategic Planning, Dr Fitzgerald Yaw, stressed in a recent interview with Guyana Times that the monies were used for infrastructure projects on the campus, including a fibre optic cable to provide students with Wi-Fi. According to Yaw, the project focused on the Science and Technology faculties and some of the monies were also used to renovate the faculty buildings.

He noted that similar consideration was extended to the Faculty of Earth and Environment Science, which while fairly new, got a building that was renovated by the project.

“The project officially came to an end in September of this year. The main outputs of the project were renovation of buildings for the Faculty of Natural Science, Agriculture and Forestry (and) Technology,” Yaw explained.

According to Yaw, new computers, printers and other Information Technology equipment were also purchased through the project.

He revealed that research and consequential papers were also facilitated; including the presentation of research findings in Chicago, Illinois. The research was funded by the project.

“We were able to buy a new generator for backup power. This is one of the bigger ones. We have three generators on campus and the one we bought for this project fund is the biggest one. And we get better coverage, it is very important to have back up power.”

Shortfall

In his 2016 report, Sharma had found that $209 million have been unaccounted for from the University of Guyana’s Science and Technology Support Project, funded by the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the International Development Association (IDA) under Credit Agreement No 4969-GY. In 2016, the sum of $906 million was allocated to this project for curriculum reform; infrastructural design and research; infrastructure rehabilitation; equipping of Science laboratories; drainage; Internet network; multimedia equipment; and institutional capacity building at the University of Guyana.

A supplementary provision totalling $411 million was approved, bringing the total allocation to $1.317 billion.

“According to the Appropriation Accounts, amounts totalling one thousand, three hundred and eleven million dollars ($1.311 billion) were expended during the period under review. However, the records of the project reflected expenditure totalling one thousand, one hundred and two million ($1.102 billion), giving a difference of $209

million,” Sharma wrote in his report.

But Dr Yaw said that when reconciled, the shortfall in monies could be accounted for. Referencing the accounting system the university uses, he said that towards the end of the year, expenses may be shown to have incurred when the actual payment of funds and activities were done the preceding.

“So for accounting purposes, the accounts have some fund movements that

don’t actually reflect that transaction based upon actual purchase of goods and service. So at the end of the day, when everything is reconciled, all the monies are accounted for,” the Director said.

“It’s just that at the end of the year, this is why sometimes you would find that projects have to get started later in the year or something (is) rushed, (it’s) because the you don’t get some things finished within that year. So if you look at it in the full context, it isn’t (a case of) misappropriation or anything.”

Yaw also said the World Bank had reviewed the Auditor General’s report and in a correspondence to the Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, stated the Auditor issued unqualified findings.

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New soluble pack cement launched by Argos

Anna's

Drug abuse in Indigenous communities

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A demonstration of Argos cement quality at National Hardware, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt

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rgos Cement has now partnered with its local representatives and with the National Hardware Guyana Limited to launch its new soluble ‘Smart Pack’ cement.

The new cement is a solution geared at meeting the challenges of the building industry, and its packaging presents new, environmentally friendly ways of disposing of cement bags.

Hosted at the National Hardware Industrial Site at Ruimveldt, Georgetown, the launch saw a live technical demonstration of the new product’s innovative features.

The event was intended to inform players in the construction and engineering sectors of the new technology, which is compatible with “going green and sustainability”.

The demonstration was presented by Joslyn De La Cruz, Argos Technical Advisor; and Jose Guillermo Araujo, Argos International Sales Manager.

With the launch, it is clear that “innovation is the only way to remain competitive” in order to offer the best and most efficient solutions to clients.

The Soluble Smart Pack Cement will be available all across Guyana in hardware stores at the current price of Argos Cement.

Argos Cement has been distributing to Guyana for a number of years, and is confident that this new product will be well received by both the Guyanese construction industry and wider populace. ARGOS will play its role in helping to green Guyana.

recent visit to 15 villages across Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) ranging from the North Pakaraimas to the Deep South Rupununi, revealed a disturbing development among Indigenous youth. Reports from Village Councillors and accounts provided by village elders indicate that there is an increase in substance abuse by young Indigenous men in particular. While marijuana seems to be the most prevalent of drugs currently on the rise in the communities, cocaine and crack are also on the market. One report from a Lethem official suggested that local laboratories right in the town were set up for crack and is common knowledge to the neighbouring Brazilian Customs and Federal Police.

However, because it is cheaper and therefore more easily accessible, marijuana consumption has risen in popularity among the young people of the region. While there are those who defend the theory that it possesses medicinal proprieties and health benefits, primarily because it is a natural plant which has been used for centuries, the negative effects engendered by marijuana overuse and dependency are real. And this is what village elders in Indigenous Anna Correia communities are taking issue with.

One of the recurrent side effects highlighted is a dramatic increase in violence and abusive behaviour by young men. Cases of domestic violence, suicidal and life threatening behaviour are among the main side effects reported in communities.

When asked how they cope with the situation, village elders explained that those under the influence no longer care for the moral guidance and advice of elders as is customary in Indigenous communities. In Aishalton for instance, some elders explained that young men would now verbally abuse them in return.

It appears that while local leaders are conscious of the situation, repressing the trend remains a challenge for several reasons. Interviews with Toshaos and Village Councillors indicate that in some villages, elected leaders are involved in marketing drugs, in some cases, actively. The Police and school teachers are also being accused of complacency in the fight against drug dealers or of actually being involved in facilitating the market. In one Deep South community, a network allegedly comprised of the Police, Village Councillors and dealers, is reportedly instilling fear in village leaders who as a result now prefer to remain silent.

Prompted to give reasons for why they believe drugs to be on the increase in their communities, leaders explained that several factors including high rates of unemployment, a general economic decline in village economies, “coastlander” influence, and responsibility particularly from neighbouring mining districts, might be responsible. It was suggested that in some communities, substance abuse is rendering young Indigenous women increasingly vulnerable to the risk of sexual abuse, teenage pregnancies and Trafficking In Persons (TIP).

The urgent attention and investigation by national and regional authorities as well as regional awareness campaigns on substance abuse and their consequences, were a few of the proposed measures suggested by leaders to combat this new social dilemma which seems to have taken root in the Rupununi. Other areas of focus mentioned, included job creation and sustaining village economies. In every village visited, leaders pointed to gross neglect by the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry and the Government of Guyana, in focusing on developmental issues and fulfilling campaign promises which included an enhanced environment and opportunities for young people in the hinterland.

President Granger had once advanced that narcotics is the “mother of all crimes” but in reality, the root of crime is more likely to be embedded in poverty, with the narco-trade being a direct consequence of an impoverished Guyana. Subsequently, it is by building the capacity of our young people and providing them with space to grow and develop, that we can reduce their vulnerability to narco-traffickers.

While the socioeconomic situation has generally deteriorated, Guyanese living in coastal regions still have access to more opportunities in comparison to those in hinterland Indigenous communities. As a result, the hinterland minority will continue to be on the frontline facing the brunt of Guyana’s current regression, and the impact might be irreversible in the lives of young people and on the Indigenous way of life.

Meanwhile, as we continue to wait for the coalition Government to deliver on its promises of “a good life for all”, it is the responsibility of the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry to spearhead a collaborative investigation into this growing disturbance, with effective measures to remove all contributing elements involved.

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7 locally-based Jaguars enlisted for Indonesia clash

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19-man squad has been shortlisted for the International Friendly against Indonesia scheduled for November 25 in Jakarta, Indonesia, including seven locally-based players.

The squad consists two Goalkeepers, five Defenders, seven Midfielders and five Forwards, including locals Dwain Jacobs (Police FC), Trayon Bobb (Uitvulgt FC), Curtez Kellman (Georgetown FC), Denzil Fordyce (Milerock FC) and Anthony Abrams, Jeremy Garrett and Cecil Jackman (Fruta Conquerors FC).

Wayne Dover, Interim Head Coach, said the squad is one of youth and experi-

ence: “The composition of the squad is a good blend of overseas and locally-based players. Most of the locally-based players have played over 10 games for Guyana at the senior level while it would be valuable exposure for the likes of Jeremy Garrett, Cecil Jackman, Denzil Fordyce, Kelsey Benjamin and Curtez Kellman. This group of young players has an average age of 20 years and this augurs well for the programme to see them in the senior final 19-man squad.

As the Elite league gets underway, many more opportunities would be given to the players from the league even as Guyana prepares

Jeremy Garrett

Trayon Bobb

for the 2018/19 Caribbean Cup. “The game against Indonesia is a very interesting fixture given the

fact that it is the first time Guyana will be playing against a team from South East Asia,” Dover said.

“The coaching staff,

Basketball programme underway in Region 3 O

n Friday officials from the Ministry of Education – Unit of Allied Arts, Regional Education Department, National Sports Commission, Regional Democratic Council and Youth Basketball Guyana, all came together at the Leonora Secondary school for the launch of Region (3) school basketball Pilot.

It was a day of many firsts for basketball. It was the first time that a school team from the Leonora Secondary played in a formal basketball game. It was the first that two secondary schools in that Region would face each other in friendly competition. It was also the first time that two Georgetown school teams played a basketball match in that Region. And there are sure to be many more firsts.

Speaking at the launch in front of a very enthused and excited Leonora Secondary school population was the Head of the Physical Education Unit of the Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser, who chaired the proceedings as Master of Ceremonies. He outlined the objective of the Pilot Program and the long term intended goalwhich is to see the game of basketball integrated into the school’s Physical Education program which will culminate with a CSEC Physical Education and Sport programme.

Also making remarks was the Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Arjoon, expressing on behalf of the Region his appreciation and great delight that school basketball has come to Region 3. He said, the event shows that young people in the Region have a keen interest in sports and healthy living and emphasized the many positive benefits that could come from such activities.

Douglas, Education Officer, Regional Education Department

shared similar sentiments while expressing that Physical Education and sport play a key role in the development of personality.

Gervy Harry, Administrator, National Sports Commission speaking on behalf of the Director of Sports, said how please they were to see the extension of school basketball

the West Demerara Secondary school during the July/August vacation break.

The Unit of Allied Arts facilitated both pilot schools; Leonora West and West Demerara Secondry with improved facilities- basketball goals, balls and other equipment.

While Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) assisted with the marking

Young, top scored for his team with 12 points, with support from Jether Harris and Akili Haynes 5 points each.

St Rose’s High School’s Quacy Roberts and Anthony Yansen scored 17 points and 11 points respectively.

The main game saw a lowscoring encounter between the pilot schools Leonora Secondary

players and administration want to ensure we get a positive result to make history, winning our first game in that side of the world. This effort by all involved will be seen as ‘one team, one dream’ to make it happen,” Dover added.

The team departed today with Charles Pollard as Assistant Coach, Eon De Veira as Goalkeeper Coach and Rawle Adams as Manager.

Full Squad: Goal keppers: Akel Clarke (North East Star FC), Andrew Durant (San Juan Jabloteh FC); Defenders: Christopher Bourne (Islington Admiral United FC) England Jake Newton

(Walton & Hersham FC), Jelani Smith ( Sigma FC), Jeremy Garrett (Fruta Conquerors), Cecil Jackman (Fruta Conquerors); Mid-fielders: Dwain Jacobs (Police FC), Brandon Beresford (Rochester Rhinos FC), Anthony Benfield ( S.V. Nishan), Daniel Wilson (S.V. Nishan), Trayon Bobb (Uitvulgt FC), Curtez Kellman (Georgetown FC) Denzil Fordyce ( Milerock FC); Forwards: Shaquille Agard (Durham United FC), Kelsey Benjamin (Caledonia FC), Devonte Small (Reynir FC), Daniel Jodah ( Sigma FC), Anthony Abrams (Fruta Conquerors FC).

GT BEER/BFA/Candy Boss Berbice football

Monedderlust hammer Golden Star to stay unbeaten

K

evin Cottoy scored a double on Friday night, adding to the hat trick he netted in the opener of the tournament to help Monedderlust out play an almost helpless Golden Star FC when action continued in the GT BEER/Berbice Football Association /Candy Boss and Antics Promotion invitational Inter Club 8-A -Side Football Tournament continued at the All Saints School Ground .

Cottoy was on target two minutes into the game and then registered his second goal 37th minute. However, the night Kevin Cottoy and Jamal Joseph controlled the game for Monedderlust

Officials and students at the opening of the Region Three basketball programme

to Region(3) and will continue, as the main arm of the Government of Guyana, with the responsibility of Sports Development to support and strengthen such efforts.

Lorriane Barker-King, Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts Department touted that Unit’s accomplishments regarding the expansion of Physical Education and Sport in schools of Region #3 and expressed the Unit’s commitment to its mandate.

She gave high praise to Mr. Robens Horace, Physical Education Officer, who spearheaded this initiative which in essence was a follow-up to a basketball vacation camp organized by the Physical Education Department. The vacation camp was executed at

of surface, technical support and administration of the games.

Fay Gittens, Head Teacher, Leonora Secondary school, returned thanks to all involved and promised that her school will make full use of the facilities provided, even as she appealed for further help to improve the condition of the school’s playfield to better occupy and harness the energy of the larger student population.

Following the officials’ remarks, two exciting friendly games were played.

The first was between Georgetown arch rivals St Rose’s High and Marian Academy, who showcased their athleticism and high skill levels to a very excited host. The game ended in Marian’s favor 40 to 33 points.

Marian Academy, Jahleel

and West Demerara Seconndary.

Leonora used the energy of their boisterous supporters to ensure that they dominated the game. The game ended in the home team’s favour at 15 points to 8 points.

Claudwin Allisworth, who scored the first 2 points in that Leonora Secondary School’s history was the lead man, finishing with 5pts, Stephon Corlette Julius Bortres, and Michael Adams scored 4, 4 and 2 points respectively to contribute to the final point total in the historic game. West Demerara, Kemar Ferreira top scored with 4points, Michael Bacchus 2 points and Elisha Henry 2points to get on the board.

Both schools will continue practicing in hope to participate in next year’s National School Basketball Festival (NSBF).

belonged to Raynel Frank who scored in the 24th , 25th and 39th minutes to ensure his team had a comfortable 6-0 lead before Terrence Lewis pulled one back for Golden Star with just a few seconds left in the game. Jamal Joseph accounted for the other goal for Monedderlust.

Meanwhile Berbice Police gained a walk over from Beacons FC and is on four points from two matched with a +3 goal difference.

Republican took full advantage of the crowd support to record a hard fought 2-1 win over Soccer City in the final match of the evening. Action in the competition continues tonight with three more games.

In the opening game Beacons FC are expected to battle Arsenal FC at 19:00h followed by the encounter between the pre-tournament favourites GT Police and Mahaicony FC The final game of the evening will bring together the crowd pleasing Edinburg Gunners and Young Strikers Eighteen teams will be participating in the tournament with two groups of four and two of five teams each. (Andrew Carmichael)

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More coaching clinics on the horizon – Harper

By Clilfton Ross

P

resident of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Roger Harper following Saturday’s spin bowling and wicket-keeping clinic said the association was geared towards facilitating similar events in the future.

Those conducting the session held at the St Stanislaus School tarmac included; the ex-West Indies all-rounder Roger, his brother Mark Harper, former national off-spinner Garvin Nedd and Clyde Butts, the ex-Guyana/West Indies off-spinner; who imparted the fundamentals of cricket to the decent number of Under-17 players present.

Harper firstly credited the concept for its ability to work better with players who are now finding their feet in the respective departments of the sport. “We worked with the U17 wicket-keepers and spinners to teach them the fundamentals of the game and work on just simply developing their skills”, said Harper.

“Well we had a lot of experienced coaches working with the guys, so it’s a lot of experience here and it’s really a delight to see so many youngsters coming out and paying attention and going through the process. I hope what they learnt will play a part will have a positive in their game and cricket in general for Guyana”, Admitted the Coach.

sports

21

Roger Harper wants more cricket clinics for the youths

Numerous drills were conducted by the coaches who sought to identify as well as correct any chinks the youngsters might possess. Drills on catching for keepers were done among the players while heavy emphasis was placed on the essentials of spin as well as the types of spin bowling.

Closing off his interview with Guyana Times Sport, the former West Indies vice-captain hinted at more cricket clinics in the future on behalf of the GCA. He also pointed out that the association are willing to hold more sessions for their players but are faced with venue challenges which he hopes will not be much of an issue going forward with plans for future sessions.

Lucozade Squash finals battle on today T

he Guyana Squash Association (GSA)/Ansa Mc Al Lucozade Handicap tournament progressed to the semi-final stages following a string of heated encounters at the Georgetown Club Inc. Courts.

Both categories; A and the Open, are now down to the final stages with Theron Mohabeer +8 advanced with a hard fought win over Javid Rahaman -2 15 - 7, 11 - 15, 15 – 5 in the Open.

He will meet Nyron Joseph -22 in the semifinals after Joseph defeated Taylor Fernandes 0 in straight games 15 - 13, 15 - 13.

Johnathan Antczak +7 reached his first ever semi-finals by outlasting Michael Atherly +10 winning 15 - 10, 7 - 15, 15 - 11. His opponent will be Daniel Islam -5 who simply outclassed his junior teammate Alex Cheeks -2. Daniel controlled most of the rallies with the final scores being 15 - 4, 15 - 6.

In category A Gianni Carpenter -8 squeaked past Louis Da Silva +8 with a close 3 - 15, 15 - 14, 15 - 12 win and will match up against defending champion Abosaide Cadogan 0 who eliminated Demetrius De Abreu -2 scores being 15 - 2, 6 - 15, 15 - 7.

Kirsten Gomes 0 played outstanding squash to defeat Ethan Jonas -2 13 - 15, 15 - 10, 15 - 6. She will have as her semi-final opponent Michael Alphonso -4 who defeated Lucas Jonas +2 15 11, 15 - 14. The finals will commence from 11.00h.

Kirsten Gomes

Hamilton Green Knockout Cup 2017

Gittens key to Winners Connection bid for final spot

H

e is known to be a tireless warrior with enough experience to school many defences that he goes up against and his presence on the field for his team Winners Connection in their clash against Milerock FC could be of real significance.

Rawle ‘Boney’ Gittens is his name and every football enthusiast and opponent knows how difficult it is for defenders to keep him in check and this worry may certainly be the focus of Milerock’s coaching staff as they prepare for their semi-final engagement in the Hamilton Green Knockout Cup Football Tournament on November 26, at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The pint-sized striker whose silky skills has mesmerized many defenders will no doubt be backing himself to lead his team to the final set for November 30,

Winners Connection’s Rawle “Bony” Gittens

at the same venue.

What is equally certain is that a team from the Mining Town will be in the final and they will face the winner of the encounter between Police and Soesdyke.

Gittens, who is one of the most durable players to come out of the Linden community,

will have support from the likes of Marmalique Davidson and Keon Sears, all prolific goal scorers, while Trakel Thomas and Derrol Dainty will marshal their backline.

The combination of Joel McKinnon, Denzil Fordyce, Nellon Walcott and Lorenzo Miller are expected to be the driving force for Milerock quest to advance, while Oswald Benjamin and Akeem Green have the herculean undertaking to keeping the potent strike force of Winners Connection at bay.

The other semi-final should favour Police, a team that has been amongst the most consistent performers in local football.

Police will be led by the experienced Dwain Jacobs and his support will come from players such as Kester Dundas, Lescharles Critchlow, Steffon Ramsay, Dwayne Wilson and the

in-form Darrius Frank between the uprights.

Soesdyke is of unknown quality, but having reached this far in a competition it says a lot about the team’s ability.

Trayon Khan, Colin McLean, Tyrell Khan, Alvin Batson, Colin Holder and Kelson Benson are the key players who will be needed to perform to guarantee a place in the final.

Over $1million in total prize monies are up for grabs with the winning team set to receive $500,000 and the Ministry of Citizenship trophy, while the runner-up takes home $250,000 and the Busta trophy.

The third and fourth placed finishers will walk away with $150,000 and $100,000 along with trophies donated by John Fernandes Ltd and Cummings Electrical respectively.

It promises to be a sizzling double header.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, november 19, 2017

CWI/ Digicel Regional 4-Day Championship 2017-18…

Jaguars 4 wickets away from crushing win – Paul, Permaul & Motie take 4 each

By John Ramsingh in Tarouba

G

uyana Jaguars picked up 16 wickets on day three to move within touching distance of an outright win against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their Cricket West Indies fourth round Regional four-day match on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy at Tarouba in Southern Trinidad.

After being asked to bat a second time, the Red Force labored to 106 for 6 at stumps still 258 runs away from making the champions bat again with four wickets in hand. However, it could have been worse had it not been for a brave unbeaten seventh wicket partnership of 44

between Imran Khan and Daniel St. Clair that took the game into a fourth day. At one stage they were tottering at 62 for 6 in the final session before the allrounders joined forces to counter the Jaguars attack.

With 535 runs being score for just eight wickets on the first two days, another laborious day for the bowlers were predicted but the Jaguars bowlers had other plans with seamer Keemo Paul and left-arm spinners Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie picking up four wickets each.

The trouble started in the sixth over of the day when the Red Force openers were

separated after putting on the best partnership of the first innings. Amir Jangoo who hit three fours and a six was first to go. He tried to play too many loose shots but cut straight to Paul at backward point to induce the collapse. Two overs later, Joseph sent back Yannic Cariah before Permaul and Motie went to work.

By the end of the opening session, the hosts had lost five wickets after scoring just 55 runs from 31 overs but with captain Denesh Ramdin on three and Roshon Primus on 29, there were hopes of a revival.

That was not to be after Ramdin who already has two

JTRC/ Champion of Champions

3 champions set for last lap in Guyana

I

n an interest to promote thoroughbred horse racing in Suriname, three tested and proven champion horses owned by Nazrudeen Mohamed Jr will run their last race at the December 3 Champion of Champions set for the Rising Sun Tuft Club and organized by the Jumbo-Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JTRC).

Got to Go, Appealing Harvest and Jack in my Style after successful outings in Guyana will move further east to Suriname and will compete on the smaller tracks there to improve the

she is still up and running. Over the years, she even put some great champions off the track including “Scores Even.”

Mohamed stated that, “She’s a small horse with a big heart. I am looking forward to a final win from her before sending her off to Suriname.” Mohamed who has never given away any of his legends said he is doing so for the love of the sport and he wants to help Suriname grow in the sport of Thoroughbred racing like what he is currently doing in Guyana. In Surineme, “Got to Go” will be running in Jack In My Style is expected to perform well on Suriname’s small tracks

standard and competition in the country similar to what obtains in Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados As it relates to “Got To Go,” Mohamed said “she will definitely be going after the Race of Champions.” The Jamaican Filly who set some strives in Guyana for the three years that she has been here, ran against all of the champion horses and

the G-Class and Lower events.

Then there is “Appealing Harvest” who is known for pace and power. Many refer to this Jamaican filly as a “Land Plane” with her outstanding performances throughout Guyana. She wasn’t a horse for distance but definitely a horse of lots of early speed. Mohamed strongly believes that she will be the best of thre three in

Suriname since the tracks are smaller and the competition is also very poor.

And finally there is “Jack in My Style.” He is known as the “Wicked Yankee Grey.” He performed well throughout the years while finishing in second place the most without any wins.

Some say he is just wicked and don’t want to win, some say the trainer can’t get him fit enough and some say the jockeys can’t ride him. To that, Mohamed said, “I am hoping for a miracle win on December 3. I also hope that the Suriname trainers figure something out with him that our stable didn’t figure out.”

Mohamed, who along with the other committee members are busy getting ready for Champion of Champions said, “I know it is three great horses coming out from my stable but I need to concentrate on the main event and promote horse racing to grow like other countries as Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados. It is my dream to stop the cowboy race and to have thoroughbred racing once and for all.”

As it relates to growing the sport locally, Mohamed said “I don’t get much support from the other tracks and everyone does as they please but I know that I will get it done as the largest Promoter in Guyana. I know next year will be a great year of racing as many horses will be coming to Guyana to compete.”

Champion of Champions will see horses who won races throughout the year competing against each other for fantastic prizes and bragging rights on December 3 at Rising Sun.

centuries this season, drove the fourth ball after the break straight to short extra-cover then hobbled back to the pavilion for just three. However, after his dismissal, the tail which was cleaned up cheaply and the Red Force had lost 10 wickets for 54 runs to be dismissed 45 minutes into the second session.

With a lead of 364 runs, Leon Johnson and the Jaguars immediately enforced the followon leaving the home team with the daunting task of batting out a day and just over a session to save the match on a crumbling wicket.

Red Force began with their regular openers while the Jaguars recognizing that the wicket is playing low and offering some turn, began with Joseph and Permaul. In the fourth over, Hope tried to lift Permaul inside out but only got as far as mid-on and the flood gates were opened again.

Left-handed stroke player, Jangoo who hit two fours and a six then offered a simple catch to Rutherford at backward point off the leading edge from the second ball from Paul in the innings. Yannic Cariah then became wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble’s fifth victim of the day when he feathered one behind.

At the end of the session, Jason Mohammed was on four and Tion Webster on one with the Red Force on 48-3 still behind by 316 runs and steering down the barrel. Paul then plucked out Webster and Primus

in two balls but was denied the hat trick by Imran Khan’s straight bat. Mohammed too didn’t stick around too long after to leave the lower order to bat for survival to which Khan and St. Clair showed they are capable of.

Their partnership has spanned 26 over already but how longer will they be able to keep the hunting Jaguars out is the big question.

With only the injured Ramdin, Charles and Cottrell still to bat,

meanwhile in the other matches, the Jamaica Scorpions set the Leeward Islands Hurricanes a target of 302 to win on the final day at Warner Park in St. Kitts.

Scores; Scorpions 342 and 191; Hurricanes 232.

Over at the Arnos Vale Play Field, Barbados Pride are 148 for 9 batting a second time leading the Windward Islands Volcanoes by 286 runs with one wicket in hand. Scores; Pride 360 & 148-9; Volcanoes 222.

SCOREBOARD Stumps Day 3 Jaguars 1st Innings 484-8 decl.

Red Force 1st Innings (Overnight 51-0 (19) Overs; Hope 18, Jangoo 32) K Hope not out 18 A Jangoo+ c Paul b Joseph 39 Y Carriah c wkpr Bramble+ b Joseph 0 J Mohammed c Johnson b Permaul 1 T Webster c & b Permaul 4 R Primus c wkpr Bramble + b Motie 30 D Ramdin c S Chanderpaul b Motie 3 I Khan b Permaul 3 D St. Clair c Joseph b Motie 5 B Charles c wkpr Bramble+ b Permaul 5 S Cottrell not out 0 Extras (b-4, nb-1) 5 Total (All out, 63.4 Overs) 120 FOW: 1-66, 2-66, 3-67, 4-73, 5-85, 6-107, 7-108,

8-112, 9-116, 10-120 Bowling Joseph 10-4-122, Paul 10-5-15-0, Permaul 26.4-10-43-4, Motie 16-446-4, Rutherford 1-1-0-0 Red Force 2nd Innings K Hope c Hemraj b Permaul 5 A Jangoo c Rutherford b Paul 19 Y Carriah c wkpr Bramble b Paul 14 J Mohammed lbw b Permaul 8 T Webster lbw b Paul 6 R Primus b Paul 0 I Khan not out 20 D St. Clair not out 28 Extras (lb-3, nb-5) 8 Total (For 6 wickets; 48 overs) 106 FOW: 1-5, 2-39, 3-47, 4-56, 5-56, 6-62 Bowling Joseph 7-1-28-0, Permaul 18-10-31-2, Paul 10-2-17-4, Rutherford 1-10-0, Motie 10-3-27-0 Position: Red Force trail by 258 with 4 wickets in hand

Diamond Mineral Water 60-Miler Road Race

John, Williams start as title favourites W ith the 18th Diamond Mineral Water 60-Miler Road Race ripe for the taking as last year’s winner, Alonzo Greaves is currently serving a World AntiDoping Association (WADA) two-year ban, Jamual John and Geron Williams are expected to be the frontrunners for the title.

John’s rivalry with Geron Williams is sure to continue; so far John has triumphed over the last couple of meets, more recently at last weeks “Dash for Cash” where he executed a perfect bike-throw to edge Williams at the finish line.

Aside from John and Williams, other cyclists who can turn up on any given day to dangerous effect are Paul DeNobrega and Alanzo Ambrose who will surely be looking to topple the John, Williams’ monopoly that has been imposed of recent.

The race will pedal off at 07:30h from the Ocean View Hotel on the East Coast of Demerara, Rupert Craig Highway

Geron Williams is another who can ride away with the title

head up to Halfway Tree at Perseverance, Mahaicony and then head back to the point of origin for the finish.

With the senior category open for a new winner, Christopher Cornelius will be looking to defend his Junior title while Junior Niles will be looking for a repeat in the Veteran’s race. Hosea McAulay will be the man to beat in the mountain

bike category having won last year’s edition.

The top six finishers in the senior category will cop prizes as will the top three juniors, veterans and mountain bikers.

Along the route of the race, eight sprint prizes will be up for grabs, Larry Wills brand manager of Diamond Mineral Water will be on hand to hand over the prizes on Sunday.

Butts lauds GCA spin bowling/wicket-keeping clinic

E

x-Guyana/West Indies off-spinner Clyde Butts hailed the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) recent clinic as a great initiative for the future and one that will speed up the growth of the country’s young cricketers.

The one-day Saturday’s Wicketkeeping and Spin bowling clinic held at the St Stanislaus School tarmac, was conducted by the ex-Guyana/ West Indies all-rounder Roger Harper, his brother Mark Harper and former national off-spinner Garvin Nedd along with Butts.

Guyana Times Sport spoke with former West Indies head selector who said having such sessions on a regular basis will inevitably help to groom young cricketers for the future. “I think it’s great to have these sorts of camps, the GCA should be given credit for having the camp. I hope it doesn’t stop hear and it will grow”.

The 60 year-old who played seven Tests for the West Indies during the 1980’s said the move to host a camp which targets specific areas of cricket was a genius one, as it allows coaches

to identify problems at an early stage.

He further added that with how things are generally, it is essential for young cricketers to be exposed to these clinics.

“I think when you look at young cricketers today and how things are organized, they need things like this where they can learn from the experienced players around in Guyana because they have a lot of experienced players willing to

come onboard”, said Butts.

One of Guyana’s marquee spinners during his time, Butts said the importance of working with spinners is to ensure they use their head and think smartly when bowling to batsmen in any situation.

“I think in terms of spin this is a very good camp. Mr. Harper, Mr. Nedd and I have been teaching the youngsters and I think they learnt because they’re willing to learn and that shows in their turnout this morning”. It’s something I always said that spinner have to use their brain

because it’s not a case where they can come n blast batsmen out”, Butts explained.

With 348 1st Class wickets under his belt, the ex-West Indies administrator shied away from the fact that he had managed to perfect the spin bowling art, rather admitting that as a cricketer you always keep learning the craft regardless of one’s accomplishments.

“I don’t think I’ve perfected it (spin) because you still learn as you go on and especially where spin bowling is concerned”. He ended.

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2017

23

Guinness Greatest in the Streets G/T Zone 2017

Final 32 confirmed

O

n Friday night in front of a big crowd, forty odd teams battled for the final 16 qualifying spots of the Georgetown Zone of the Guinness “Greatest in the Streets”.

California Square was packed to the maximum with an unrelenting crowd made up of various supporters. However at the end of the night only 16 teams had qualified with a number of new faces set to make their debut in the annual tournament.

Despite having established themselves as a futsal powerhouse over the past year, the versatile Future Stars had to earn their spot in the final 32 and did so with ease.

Among the newcomers are GTI Ballers, Bada-yard, Ol Skool Ballers, Judgement Yard, Gaza Squad and Trap House among others.

– Future Stars, Sparta Boss start as favourites They join established sides that have become household names on the futsal scene such as Sparta Boss, Goal is Money, Alexander Village and Broad Street.

If one is to judge by the turnout witnessed on Friday night at the qualifiers then the tournament is sure to be unparalleled by any other competition for the last year.

This year’s tournament will see new changes as well.

Coordinators of the event revealed; “It is a new and colorful era in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship, which is expected to be exciting and evenly contested in every zone.”

They further disclosed, “The tourna- m e n t i s going

through s e v e r a l changes which will positively impact the overall quality. Colourful

uniforms, displays and balls will be utilized to give the event vibrancy, which will certainly add to the atmosphere.”

The venues for the championship are

Demerara Park, National Cultural Centre Tarmac, Burnham Basketball Court, Albouystown Tarmac and

the East Ruimveldt Tarmac [California Square].

The official playing dates are November 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 30th, December 2nd, 7th, 9th, 14th, with the grand finale slated for Saturday 16th.

Winner of the overall event will walk-away with $500,000 and the championship trophy. They will also represent the region in the National Playoffs.

On the other hand, the runner-up will pocket $250,000 and the respective accolade.

Meanwhile, the third and fourth place finishers for the event will collect $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

Complete List of Qualified Teams: Sparta Boss, Gold is Money, Back Circle, Channel-9 Warriors, Leopold Street, . Bent Street, Tucville, North Ruimveldt, Queen Street Tigerbay, Albouystown-B, Albouystown-A, Festival City, North East La Penitence, Alexander Village, Broad Street, Future Stars, Sophia Bullies, Upsetters, California Square, East Front Road, Trap House, New Market Street, Ol Skool Ballers, Bad-a-Yard, Smyth Street, Stabroek Ballers, Rising Stars, Judgement Yard, Gaza Squad, Norton Street, Kingston, GTI Ballers

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI/ Digicel Regional 4-Day Championship 2017-18…

Jaguars 4 wickets away from crushing win Pg 22

– Paul, Permaul & Motie take 4 each Guinness Greatest in the Streets G/T Zone 2017

Final 32 confirmed

Pg 23

– Future Stars, Sparta Boss start as favourites

Left-arm spin twins Veerasammy Permaul (left) and Gudakesh Motie took 8 for 89 to bowl out Red Force in the first innings on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy

Diamond Mineral Water 60-Mile Road Race

John, Williams start as title favourites

Pg 23 Action in the qualifiers of the Guinness “Greatest in the Streets” on Friday night

Pg 22

Jamual John will be gunning for the 18th Diamond Mineral Water 60-Mile Road Race title

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November 19, 2017

Star Times Bollywood:

Amitabh Bachchan: ‘There was no accident, I am well’ Page 14

FREE DISTRIBUTION

‘A Personal Expression on Canvas’ Page 3

Inside

Dozens of new wildlife species discovered at

Kaieteur National Park Page 2

Page 4

2 Sunday Times Magazine Feature

Dozens of new wildlife species discovered at Kaieteur National Park

Area near the study site with extensive forest in an undulating landscape with rivers and creeks (Photo by Evi Paemelaere)

D

ozens of species, which are likely new to science, have been discovered in the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) and Upper Potaro area in Guyana during a monthlong expedition by a team of intrepid researchers.

Some of these species found are thought to only occur in the Guiana Shield.

These findings were among the most significant highlighted in a recent report released by World Wildlife Fund Guianas and Global Wildlife Conservation. The report is the second in a series which aims to highlight

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Guyana’s incredibly rich biodiversity and represents the most recent broad-based floral and faunal assessment in this unique region.

The publication reveals that: 1. More than 30 species, including 6 species of fish, 3 plants, 15 aquatic beetles and 5 odonates [an order of predatory insects that comprises the dragonflies] are more than likely new to science. Many species were also recorded for the first time in Guyana.

2. The Kaieteur Plateau - Upper Potaro provides important habitat

for many charismatic and threatened species such as the Tepui Swifts, Jaguar, Guianan Cock of the Rock, White-lipped Peccary and an icon of the KNP, the Golden Rocket Frog.

3. More than 50% of birds, 40% of odonates, 30% of mammals, and 43% of amphibians known to occur in Guyana, inhabit the area.

The distinctiveness of the area’s biodiversity stems from several factors including the integrity of the undisturbed forest, river and stream habitats; its topography and geology and the isolating effect on species which the Kaieteur Falls and the presence of numerous rapids in the Potaro River exert.

At the same time, however, human-induced pressure on the landscape is growing and was evident during the survey. For instance, aquatic beetles and odonates, whose presence are an indication of good water quality, were completely absent in some creeks where mining had taken place. Loss of forest and water quality due to mining not only has an impact on the environment and biodiversity but also on local people who rely on the

The Groete Creek carrying frog, Stefania evansi, is found in the Kaieteur National Park and is endemic to Guyana.

The frog rears its offspring on its back until they are ready to fend for themselves (Photo by Andrew Snyder)

area for their livelihoods, freshwater, fish, game, timber and other natural resources.

With such tremendous importance for nature and livelihoods, it is thus extremely important that eco-

nomic development for the area and its inhabitants is based on the principle of using natural resources in a well-planned and sustainable way. In fact, maintaining the largescale integrity of the landscape, which takes into account both highland and supporting the development of sustainable livelihoods is essential for the region’s long-term conservation.

The research teams hope that their results will be utilised to the fullest to guide land-use planning at the national level, managers of protected areas, particularly of the Kaieteur National Park, and community mem-

bers and researchers to better understand the biodiversity of this area and to plan for its management.

The BAT survey was done in close partnership with the village of Chenapau; University of Guyana’s Departments of Biology and Agriculture, and Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences; and Protected Areas Commission. The launch took place at the Cara Lodge in Georgetown on November 16, 2017 with senior members of Government, including ministers; members of the diplomatic community; prominent environmentalists and other stakeholders, including the media, in attendance.

The full report can be accessed from www.wwfguianas.org (Text provided by the WWF Guianas)

Sampling a stream for species, and sorting for shrimp, crabs and aquatic insects (Photo by Chetwynd Osborne)

A rare, secretive bi-striped viper (Bothriopsis bilineata) perched above a stream (Photo by Andrew Synder)

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Focus

B

Artist Anthony Butts

efore the age of ten, Anthony Butts, popularly known as Antonio, realised his artistic talent. He believes that being artistic is a “Godgiven talent” everyone has, all they have to do is “discover their potential”.

In 1977, the self-taught artist held his first solo exhibition in Georgetown.

Later that year, he was awarded first prize in the National Art Exhibition and Competition.

His paintings were exhibited at the first Caribbean Festival of Arts held in Guyana.

In 1980, he designed and laid out the Guyana Booth for the International Trade Exhibition in Suriname, on behalf of the Guyana Government. His artwork was shown at various galleries in Suriname before he migrated to Trinidad.

He continued to work

in the graphic arts industry, where his growing proficiency in the field is evident in select pieces of his work displayed in stores and supermarkets.

“I didn’t choose art, art chose me. Even though we didn’t have art in college, I went to other schools that taught art, where I received an amount of training. I had a burning desire that’s difficult to explain.

My inspiration comes from my Creator who has given me this gift. I now teach art to students that we are all born with this God-given talent; it’s just that we have not discovered our potential. I paint and draw every day because there is a burning desire to share my talent and show the beauty of life,” the artist shared in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Anthony has been work-

“9base”. Acrylic on canvas

ing with the Studio 66 Art Support Community in Trinidad since 1999, tutoring art students and exhibiting his own work since its inception. Studio 66, a melting pot of diverse talents, has been the nucleus of the art scene where many artists from all parts of the country and beyond meet and exchange ideas. One of the better known projects the artist has worked on with the Studio team is the painting of a mural in the Panberri Steelband Yard. He has taken part in a number of art exhibitions through Studio 66, including their annual Emancipation exhibition at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Artists associated with Studio 66, Makemba Kunle and Leroy Clarke, have exerted a great deal of influence over Anthony’s work and helped him developed his own style.

Being a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Arts Society, Anthony has taken part in its annual and bi-annual art exhibitions.

He has also assisted and directed the students of St Georges College in painting and designing the walls of the St James Child’s Welfare League and has been conducting workshops in Wire Sculpture for beginners, also tutoring children art and art education at various schools and or-

“The Blue and Yellow Macaw”. Pyrographic drawing and mixed media on hardboard

ganisations.

Continuing his work in the arts and culture, the artist is an adjudicator of national calypso competitions and a coordinator for the judges of national carnival competitions.

Anthony’s work expresses images that reflect the multi-cultural society that encompasses the Caribbean. His themes are drawn from various aspects of the diversity of the Caribbean culture. For instance, his “Pan Explosion” emphasizes the themes of music and masquerade.

The artist uses acrylics and watercolours in most

of his work, relying on other materials, such as chalk pastel and ink, to bring out the substance of his work.

One of his passions, pyrographics, has led him to experiment with various techniques and styles.

Pyrographics, also known as wood burning, is an artistic technique that uses a hot tool to burn wood, leather, canvas, paper and others, creating a design, drawing or painting.

“For me, art is a personal expression on canvas that the artist shares with the wider society.

It’s not static. Like culture, it changes form with

the times. Art is subjective and therefore infinite; it’s beyond verbal expression, and quietly speaks for itself. My art is my life. When I paint, I paint of myself. When I share, I share part of me, exposed to the world. I paint in a style that best express my ‘Caribbeaness’,” he declared.

For more information on the artist, visit Antonio Butts - Masada ART on Facebook or email him at abutts2k11@gmail.com (Cover photo: “The Jaguar”.

Pyrographic drawing and mixed media on hardboard)

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Feature

8th of May Secondary School and St Barnabas Anglican Church

By Isahak Basir, CCH

D

artmouth is a village with rich history located in Region Two on the Essequibo Coast.

The glory of Dartmouth comes into brightness every Friday afternoon until Sunday night, but the ordinary traveller cannot miss this unique village of which history will not be overlooked.

The British occupancy did not learn from this exercise and made a similar mistake in 1923 when they dug the Somerset Pramage canal in the opposite direction of the tide gravity pull.

In 1908 a trail was discovered through the savannah south west of Dartmouth by three land owners of charity, which was then made

Hopkinson, who hails from Dartmouth also. Other historical families included the Brummels, Cummings, Peters, Bostons, Daymons, Gens and Persauds.

By 1961, Dartmouth landscape changed rapidly with expansions of other facilities. From 1992 there were further developments that were admirable. This village has secondary and primary schools, health

Double kokers at Dartmouth

From 1640 to 1850, Dartmouth has no drainage system or sea defence.

The area was a “no man’s land” and was first occupied by ex-slaves who could not find solace in the existing sugar plantations.

However, while the ruling plantocracy was able to enact laws restricting freed people to occupy and cultivate lands in creeks or rivers, this law was never exercised in Dartmouth. This was because of Dartmouth plot triangular shape - 800 acres of forested land which was not in early colonial control but became a haven for people who fought against slavery.

Nearby villages, Bounty Hall and Perth, collectively, were a mathematical experiment to change the flow of canals to suit the gravity pull of the sea coast tide, which has a strange phenomenon of ebbing at low tide between the Essequibo River and the Waini River in the North West District.

into a road to charity that links Pomeroon and the Northwest District.

Dartmouth is entirely agricultural where mangoes and coconuts dominate while rice, pig-rearing and other crops follow.

Dartmouth was also a “rescue raft” for displeased Indian sugar workers who were unceremoniously forced to leave their logies on existing sugar estates with the collapse of indentureship. The ‘Jahangese’ renamed Dartmouth with a Hindi name “Ludge Jaa” meaning “turning back”.

The remaining offspring of indentured Indians should never forget the compassion of Dartmouth.

Like a few other villages, Dartmouth has its pathfinders - the first veterinary surgeon and statesman Dr. P. A. Reid. The Andamantadors, some of whom that excelled in the medical field, include the first Regional Chairman of Region Two, Mr. Kenneth

centre, community building, well-paved streets, farm to the market road, modern hotel and many entertainment centres.

Two main wooden public road bridges were replaced with concrete structures. With the exception of Queenstown, Dartmouth overruns the market with ‘Buxton spice’, which is the most delicious mango in Region Two. Spokesman for the village, Carnol Daymon, a proud speaking Member of Parliament (MP), made the Neighbourhood Democratic Council office functional, new Peace Corps Volunteer tutors, a fully functioning Information and Communication Technology Computer Lab for the secondary school and also a well-kept environment.

The two concrete bridges signal Dartmouth’s presence. (Photos by Marco Basir)

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

5

6 Sunday Times Magazine

NOVEMBER 19, 2017

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NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

shall be lord of more gold and of more cities and people than either the King of Spain or the great Turk.” But he also wrote that in the interior was a tribe of Amerindians whose heads

By Dr. Odeen Ishmael

O

ne of the adventurers and explorers who believed in the existence of the ‘golden city’ in Guyana was the Englishman, Sir Walter Raleigh, a businessman and explorer with military experience, who was also a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. Queen Elizabeth herself was a bitter enemy of Spain with whom England was at war during the last quarter of the sixteenth century.

In 1594, Raleigh sent an expedition led by Captain Jacob Whiddon to the Guyana region to obtain information about Manoa.

He returned to England with additional details of the myth. One year later, Raleigh himself decided to sail to Guyana saying that, besides looking for gold, he was going there to attack the Spaniards who had by this time established settlements on the Orinoco River.

While one of his main aims was to search for the golden city, Raleigh also planned to set up a colony in Guyana to be used as a base from where, with the help of Amerindian allies, the Spanish would be expelled from Peru and the treasures of that region sent to England.

Raleigh first stopped at Trinidad where he attacked the newly established Spanish colony and burnt the capital, St. Joseph. With the Spanish Governor Antonio de Berrio as his prisoner, he then set off for the Orinoco to search for Manoa. Berrio, who himself had attempted to find the golden city, tried to discourage Raleigh explaining that he had lost hundreds of men, horses and cattle on his previous trips.

Raleigh and his captains, Lawrence Keymis and George Gifford, and 40 men set out in small boats in their expedition up the Orinoco. (Ocean-going vessels could not pass through the Orinoco delta). For many weeks they suffered severe privations, including the deaths by disease of some of the men, but

Sir Walter Raleigh

Raleigh urged the team to press on. Eventually, they arrived at an Amerindian village where they were entertained and given gifts.

The chief told them that a large gold mine was located about four days’ journey farther upriver, but after searching for it, the expedition did not find it.

Raleigh’s men attacked a few small Spanish settlements on the Orinoco River, and explored a few of that river’s tributaries. They also questioned the Amerindians they met, but no one could provide them with information about Manoa.

He left two young members of his crew with friendly Amerindians in the right bank of the Orinoco for the purpose of learning the language of the natives. He also ordered them to learn the geography of the country and to identify suitable sites on which to establish English colonies. It certainly was Raleigh’s intention of returning later.

After releasing Berrio, Raleigh returned to England with the feeling that the golden city could still be found. He encouraged his countrymen to establish a colony in the Guyana region, and to win support from the English queen and from investors, he advertised the country by describing his trip up the Orinoco in his book, “The Discoverie of the Large Rich and Bewtiful Empyre of Guiana”.

He described Guyana as rich and beautiful, with glorious rivers and possessing several varieties of birds and plants and delicious fruits.

He stated: “Whatever prince shall possess it, that prince

were below their shoulders!

Raleigh’s book, which became very popular on the European continent, encouraged explorers to pay attention to Guyana, and by the year 1600, English, French and Dutch ships were already trading in the main rivers of the northern South American

Raleigh's book

coast. (“The Guyana Story - From Earliest Times to

Independence”

by Dr. Odeen Ishmael)

8 Sunday Times Magazine

NOVEMBER 19, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Travel & Tourism

S

hulinab is a community situated in the spectacular natural beauty of South Central Rupununi, Region Nine.

Also known as Makushi Village, Shulinab lies along the main South Savannah road, about 35 miles south of Lethem and about 12 miles southeast of Parikwarinawa village.

Shulinab has a population of approximately 500 people. It has several active organisations, and serves as headquarters for the South Central People's Development Association.

The Shulinab Industrial Arts Centre, financed by the New

Zealand government, focuses on carpentry and joinery, and enables community members to tap into the construction industry and capitalise on the growing markets at Lethem and in Brazil.

Farming is a very important activity within the community, and is done along the banks of the Saurab, Shulinab and Sawariwau Rivers. Shulinab has a welcoming community spirit, and village members eagerly share their life events, projects and personality with the rest of world.

Houses in Shulinab

Main benab (left) where all community meetings are held

Road into Shulinab (Photo by Elizabeth Gottesman)

Shulinab's Industrial Arts Centre

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NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Health

Do pesticides get into the flesh of fruits and vegetables?

P

esticides sprayed on fruits and vegetables accumulate on the outer peel or skin, but the skin does not form an impermeable barrier, and some pesticides are actually designed to be absorbed into the tissue of the fruit or vegetable to protect it from pests that penetrate the skin to suck out the liquid inside Thicker peels may be more effective at keeping pesticides out of t h e flesh of some fruits like cantaloupe, said Lili He, an assistant professor in food science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, who studied the best methods for washing chemical pesticide residues off apples.

Cantaloupe has relatively low levels of pesticide residues. Apples, on the other hand, have high amounts of pesticides, ranking fourth most contaminated after strawberries, spinach and nectarines.

If you buy conventional apples, wash them in a solution of baking soda and water. A recent study by Dr. He, published in the Journal of Agricultural and

Food Chemistry, found baking soda solution was more effective than either plain water or a bleach solution at removing pesticide residues from the surface of the peels, but the fruit had to be immersed for up to 15 minutes before being rinsed.

Even then, washing didn’t remove pesticide residues that had penetrated deep into the peel or through the peel to the flesh of the fruit.

Peeling might be effective, the researche r s said, but would involve a loss of the nutrients in the skin.

Cucumbers and apples are both covered by a natural protective layer of wax, but once pesticides diffuse through that layer, rinsing them off becomes harder, said Dr. Jeffrey Jenkins, director of the National Pesticide Information Center, U.S. And when distributors apply yet another layer of wax to these fruits and vegetables to preserve them for shipping, he said, “that kind of seals in the residues, and all the washing in the world probably isn’t going to have much effect on removing them.” (New York Times)

R

esearch shows that expensive products aren't necessarily better than drugstore finds and that cold weather doesn't mean you can skip sunscreen, but these antiaging myths belong in the "busted" category, too.

Myth #1—Wrinkles are the biggest giveaways of age.

The Truth—Lines do play a role, but there's another factor that adds years: pigmentation. "On movie sets I've worked on, when they want to make an actor look older, they paint on age spots," says Ranella Hirsch, MD board-certified dermatologist in Boston. A 2006 study (which was funded by P&G Beauty, a division of Proctor & Gamble and one of the world's largest beauty companies) found that faces with uneven skin tone were judged to be up to 12 years older. (Yet another reason for sunscreen.)

Myth #2—If your mom still looked 40 in her 60s, you will too.

The Truth—Your genes certainly play a role in skin, says Whitney Bowe, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, but so do lifestyle and environmental factors. If you won the genetic lottery and inherited Mom's seemingly ageless looks, and you adhered to a similar lifestyle (we're betting hers was pretty healthy and involved a lot of sun-

screen), you've got a good chance of aging the way she did, says Bowe. But if your habits differ quite a bit, your skin may not hold up as well. That also means that on the other, happier hand, if your mom didn't age so well, you're not necessarily destined for the same facial fate if you make smart skincare choices (it's never too late to be diligent about SPF!).

The Truth—"There's a diminishing return and a higher risk of irritation that comes with overapplying retinol," says Sejal Shah, MD, board certified dermatologist in New York. The same goes for all anti-aging products: they contain more

this way and that probably won't make a big difference in your appearance.

(One small study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that a twice-a-day-for-8-weeks program of specific facial exercises did improve firmness

active ingredients in more concentrated doses, she explains, so they lead to increased skin cell turnover— hence, that raw look and feel you get when you use more than the directions on the product specify.

and elasticity, but the study mentioned nothing about wrinkles.) Some dermatologists actually warned that it could make existing wrinkles worse. "Think about the way facial lines are formed," says Shah. "Repetitive facial movements can lead to wrinkles, and that's what these exercises are—repetitive facial movements." (www. oprah.com)

Myth #3—A wellmoisturized face is a wrinkle-free face.

The Truth— Your youthful-looking grandmother may have sworn by a good slathering of moisturizer, but experts will tell you that probably wasn't the key to her smooth complexion. "Moisturizers seal in moisture—that's all they do," says Hirsch.

"You look younger very briefly because your skin is hydrated, but the effect doesn't last." To address wrinkles long-term, you need a product that actually targets them. Ask your dermatologist what they'd recommend for you. (And remember that you should still use moisturizer to maintain your skin's lipid barrier, which keeps moisture in and substances like bacteria, dirt and pollutants out.)

Myth #4—If a little retinol is good, a lot is better.

Myth #5—Facial exercises will take off years.

The Truth—Contrary to some stories making the rounds on social media, contorting your face

10 Sunday Times Magazine

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NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Fashion

F

ashion designer Sonia Noel’s book, “Living With Intention Commit, Contribute, Celebrate”, was compiled with a “playful, flowing mood like the many rivers in Guyana”.

“The year 2015 I started ‘Being more real with Sonia’.

I realised that although I

was purposeful and focused, I needed to accelerate my growth plan because growth just doesn’t happen without a plan,” the designer explained in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Noel added that “Living With Intention” offers readers a glimpse into that world that makes every day a mas-

terpiece, even with life’s challenges - the struggle, strength, survival and endurance. It also commemorates the beauty, honour, love, compassion and forgiveness.

The book is scheduled to be launched on Amazon on November 24, 2017.

“This book takes you to

the core of survival, to the depths of self-acceptance and to the height of celebration,” she declared.

Check out Noel’s Boutique at Courtyard Mall, Robb Street, Georgetown or call 684-8120 for more information. (Photo by Sean Duncan.

MUA: Meleesaa Payne. Hair: Corin Gibson)

How to

T

he tie is an accessory that can dress up a smart-casual outfit some more. It will take you up a notch in the fashion department whether you wear it with a full suit or just a shirt.

Continued from last week, today we look at the final two knots: Full Windsor Tie Knot and the Pratt Knot.

Full Windsor Tie Knot

The Full Windsor tie knot is best used for formal occasions. You shouldn’t wear this one casually. It’s a thick, wide, triangular knot that’s completely symmetrical. It’s best suited for shirts with a wide spread collar.

This one should be reserved for weddings, presentations and important business meetings.

Pratt Knot

This is the one that’s suitable for any occasion; formal, casual or business casual. The Pratt knot is neither as wide as the Windsor nor as narrow as the Four-in-Hand and thus pairs well with most dress shirts.

It’s a symmetrical knot, but it’s a lot looser to wear than the Windsor. This multipurpose knot is great to wear to work, and afterwards you can loosen it up for a more casual look when you go out to get a drink with your colleagues. Read the instructions well, as this one starts out a bit different than the previous two.

1. Begin by crossing the wide end over the narrow end.

2. Take the wide end back through the loop around your neck.

3. Take the wide end over the narrow end in the same direction you crossed it at step 1.

4. Fold the wide end underneath the narrow end.

5. Take the wide end up…

6. And back through the loop in the same direction as step 4.

7. Fold the wide end horizontally over the narrow end.

8. Bring the wide end up through the loop once more, like you did in step 2.

9. Pull the wide end through the knot.

1. Begin by crossing the wide end under the narrow end, while the tie hangs inside out around your neck.

2. Pull the wide end up over the narrow end.

3. Take the wide end down through the loop and tighten the knot.

4. Move the wide end horizontally over the narrow end.

5. Pull the wide end back up through the loop.

6. Pull the wide end through the knot in front. Proceed to tighten the knot and pull it up to your collar.

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Recipe of the week

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tablespoons salt 1 tablespoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 egg yolks, beaten 1 1/2 cups beer or water 1 quart vegetable oil for frying 1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces

This bold hue is super versatile and perfect for every room in the house. Go big or... go with an accent wall.

Method:

In one medium bowl, mix together 3 cups of flour, garlic salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, paprika and poultry seasoning. In a separate bowl, stir together 1 1/3 cups flour, salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, egg yolks and beer/water. You may need to thin with additional beer/water if the batter is too thick.

Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or deep frying pan/pot. Moisten each piece of chicken with a little water, then dip in the dry mix. Shake off excess and dip in the wet mix, then dip in the dry mix once more.

Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil. Fry for 15 to 18 minutes, or until well browned. Smaller pieces will not take as long. Large pieces may take longer. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

For a play on warm and cool tones, the cabinets are covered with a rich red paint that contrasts with the cool shade of blue-grey on the surrounding walls.

Greatest Cooking Tips

When a recipe calls for chocolate chips, break out a bar of chocolate instead. Chopping your own chips creates pockets of melty chocolate throughout your cookies—some small, some large, all delicious.

Salt your salads. It adds texture. It makes the dressing pop.

Switch to metal measuring cups and spoons. Plastic warps over time, making them less precise.

When a savoury dish needs a little oomph, try a squeeze of lemon instead of salt. A hit of citrus can make the whole recipe come to life.

This master suite includes a spacious bedroom with wall paint in a soothing cool-tone grey offset by a classic rug in bold red.

Home Help

How to clean an iron: Try baking soda, which is a supereffective (but gentle) abrasive. Dampen a cloth or non-scratch scrubber, dip it into the baking soda and rub the surface. Once the grime loosens, wipe the soleplate (including the holes) with a damp cloth.

If coffee spills on upholstery, mix one tablespoon of liquid dish soap with two cups of cool water. Using a clean, white cloth, sponge the stain with the mixture. Repeat until the stain disappears, then sponge once more with cold water and blot dry.

What's great about microfiber is that its intricate threads have the ability to trap dust and absorb spills. However, if you toss it in the wash with fabric softener, you could end up destroying their effectiveness.

If you're tempted to add touches of red to your exterior, simply try painting an exterior door (instead of your front door) or shutters with a glossy shade of this high energy hue. Oftentimes, just a few concentrated pops of red will do the trick without overwhelming the exterior.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

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NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Puzzles

Crossword

1

6

11

16

21

22

23 24

25

26

27

28

29

30

32 34

36

38

40

42

43

45

47

49

52 53

54

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

68

69

70

72

73 74

75

77

78 79

82

83

84

88

89

90

92

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101

102

103

ACROSS Man or ostrich Loose dresses Hindu social stratum Leap aside Uplift Dislike intensely Sigh or murmur More than lethargic Espresso with milk Genetic factor "-- -- You Knocking" Helena rival Melodrama shout Armload of papers Say yes Bead Is obstinate Mosquito genus Rounds of applause Couldn't stand River or wine City of lamaseries Mideast VIPs Office machines They have their pride Meadow Au -- (menu phrase) Invisible swimmers (var.)

Cold-weather drink Cousins' moms Slimy crud Walked back and forth Fishtailed Frigid and temperate Fricke of country -- -- tizzy Southwest people Language units Bolshoi Ballet city Nonrust coating Garage job Retail centers Guesses Kauai dances Oft-quoted catcher "Chain Gang" singer Sam Read Buster -- -- unto itself It has rings New York island Honeysuckle and ivy Andre of tennis Not just mine More enormous Hagar's wife Elite (2 wds.)

String-quartet member Citrus coolers Luminous auras Dressy attire Jacqueline of "The Deep" Get spliced Rolls tightly

104 Garbage hauler

105 Orchestra leader

106 Congo language

107 Marshy area 108 Bogus

109 Rodeo mount

111 Long-tailed animal

113 Twang, as a guitar

115 Heron cousin

119 Tokyo's island

121 Philosophy

123 Gather

125 Zippy the Pinhead's cry

126 Quibble

127 Cut drastically

129 Scope

131 Chili con - 133 Pro golfer Calvin - 134 The One-L Lama

135 Carnivore's delight (hyph.)

136 Calla lily, e.g.

137 Fire of the mind 138 Discrete

139 Non-com nickname

140 Chop finely

DOWN

1 Underneath

2 U.S. border state

3 Mountain climber's aid 4 Newt

5 Changes color

6 Glossy fabrics

7 Wear away 8 Rub

9 Garden-pond fish

10 Tijuana Ms.

11 Armor for the torso

12 Minerva, in Greece

13 Pegasus or Grani

14 Herbal soother

15 Makes a typo

16 Lost cause defender

17 Early stages

60

18 Raison - 62 19 Money-hunger

63

20 Cousteau's summer 64 31 Bristles 67

33 The Gold Coast, today

68

35 Collins and Silvers

69

37 Lodge dwellers

71

39 Pizza eighths

73

41 Fishing nets

74

44 Exhilarating

76

46 Oregon's Mount - 77

48 N.Y. baseballers

78

49 Windowpane oyster 79

50 Saudi neighbor

80

51 Praline nut

81

52 Danny's "Taxi" role

82 53 Bankrolls 83

54 Type of finch 85

55 1860s Blues

86

56 Manipulates, as data

87 58 Leagues 89

59 Ventricle neighbor

90

Rubber ring

Vice - Man in a mask

Athlete

Woody or Steve Voting districts Cat chorus

River rapids

Golden Fleece princess

Cook in embers Exploiter

Sweet cherries

Teacher's group "Baloney!"

Piano composition Threw a tantrum 2.2-pound units Lithe Henhouse Calculus pioneer Muse of poetry Parchment Boost (3 wds.)

91 94 95 97 99 100 101 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 112

Wall climbers Playwright Moss -"Space" lead-in Nisei's parent Funny feeling Put up alfalfa Stops short Amanda Cross heroine Kate Batter's goal (2 wds.)

Dugong cousin Mackerel cousin College treasurer Hopping mad Jo March's professor Wandered freely Florida town

114 116 117 118 120 122 124 126 128 130 132

Repair-bill item Keats contemporary Column order Garbo or Bergman Egg-grading org.

Feedbag filler Crooked scheme IRS employee Once around a track Business deg.

Jackie's tycoon

Solution on Pg 13

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- DETAINEES (DETAINEES: dee-tay-NEES: Persons held in custody or confinement.)

Average mark 50 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 72 or more words in DETAINEES? dais date dean deet deist denies dense dent destine detain diet dine dint ease east eaten edit enate

tease teed teen tend tense tide tied tine tinea tisane adit aide anise ante anti aside idea ideate

ides inset instead neat need neediest nest said saint sand sane sate sateen satin seat sedan sedate seed

seen seine senate send sent seta side sine site snide snit staid stain stand standee stead steed stein

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

Tech TIP

Y

ou can add emoji to the name displayed on your Twitter account by editing your profile and selecting the characters you wish to use. Start by opening the Twitter app on your Android or iOS device, or by logging into your account on the web at twitter. com.

In the mobile app, tap your round account icon in the corner to get to the profile page and then tap the Edit Profile button. In a desktop web browser, click your personal icon on the left and then click Edit Profile on the next page. Once you select the Edit Profile button, you can change the customized text and images associated with your account.

Click the name displayed on your Twitter account and then insert your preferred emoji characters.

On a mobile device, switch to the emoji keyboard included with Android or iOS. If you do not have a ready set of emoji built in into your desktop operating system, look for an online emoji repository like Emojipedia.org, where you can copy and paste characters into your profile or other documents.

B

Once you are on the Edit Profile screen for your Twitter account, you can change your displayed name or add emoji characters (Credit: The New York Times)

In addition to changing your displayed Twitter name — which has a maximum of 20 characters — you can update your account’s personal and header images, add or edit the short bit of biographical text shown next to your name, and adjust several other items on your profile. Tap or click the Save Changes button when you are finished.

You can also change your unique user name

Crossword Solution

(the @yournamehere part of your account) in your Twitter settings without losing your existing followers. To do that, select your profile icon in the app or browser and choose “Settings and privacy” from the menu. Next, tap or click Account and then Username, where you can make your change — as long as the new user name is fewer than 15 characters and is not in use already by someone else.

lack Friday has been dubbed the biggest shopping day of the calendar year, but are the deals really that good?

This year it will take place on Friday, November 24, 2017 marking the official start date of the consumer rush for bargains in the countdown to Christmas.

Although, it is mostly celebrated in the US, Guyana over the last few years has joined the shopping craze. A. Ally & Sons has joined the Black Friday craze and is launching deals early, turning this into a shopping bonanza.

The most

popular Black Friday deals often centre around consumer electronics, such as TVs, computers, tablets, and game systems, but not limited to these items. So the company is slashing prices storewide on smart TV’s, home and car audio, household appliances and lots more.

Tech news

F

lipkart is trying to succeed where Amazon failed with the launch of its own smartphone.

India's biggest online retailer will be hoping its first device -- the Billion Capture+ -- will avoid the fate of the Amazon Fire Phone by tapping into explosive growth in mobile users in its home market.

The phone's design draws on detailed analysis of millions of customer reviews of devices sold on Flipkart, the Bangalore-based company said in a statement. Flipkart

launched its Billion brand earlier this year to create products tailored to the local market. " I t is a truly made for India phone," s a i d Hrishikesh Thite, head of the Billion

brand.

The Capture+ runs an Android operating sys-

tem and will be available in 32GB and 64GB variants, priced at around US$170 and US$200 respectively.

For comparison, the new iPhone X costs nearly US$1,400 in India and the new Google Pixel 2 costs over US$900.

Flipkart's new device will go on sale next Wednesday, the company said. (CNN)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Bollywood/Hollywood

Amitabh Bachchan: ‘There was no accident, I am well’ A mitabh Bachchan has rubbished reports claiming he was in-

volved in an accident when the rear wheel of a car taking him to the Kolkata air-

port rolled off.

Bachchan had gone to Kolkata at the invitation

of the West Bengal government for the inaugural programme of the 23rd Kolkata

International Film Festival on November 10.

The 75-year-old actor took to Twitter to inform his fans that he is well. “I am informed by concerned wellwishers and media, that I had a close escape from a

car accident in Kolkata, that is incorrect. There has been no accident... I am well.”

According to reports, the superstar was on his way back to the airport on November 11 when the incident occurred.

He was accompanied by a senior state minister. The car was provided by a travel agency. A senior official was quoted as saying that the government had sought an explanation from the agency. (PTI)

Hrithik Roshan’s post about his Granddad will melt your heart

O

n the occasion of the 50th death anniversary of legendary music director Roshan Lal Nagrath, grandson Hrithik Roshan shared a heartfelt note on Twitter.

Hrithik Roshan took to Twitter to express his heartfelt emotions for his grandfather and legendary musician Roshan Lal Nagrath.

Though Hrithik Roshan never met his grandfather, his warm post reflects the immense respect he has for the legendary music composer.

Hrithik Roshan shared the post saying, “Never met my grandfather. Roshan lal

Nagrath, I call him daduji.

But I know him thru his music. ‘sooth my soul. He was one of d greatest yet never chased d fame. Today v celebrate his 50th death anniversary. ( d cute kid is my dad)”.

The actor who is very close to his family has time and again showered his love on his family members through various posts on social media.

On the work front, the actor will be next seen in the biopic of mathematician Anand Kumar, titled “Super 30”. (Hindustan Times)

Serena Williams weds Alexis Ohanian

S

erena Williams and Alexis Ohanian are officially man and wife.

The 36-year-old tennis ace and her Reddit co-founder fiance tied the knot on Thursday, November 16 in a star-studded ceremony at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans.

The guests included Beyonce Knowles, Kim Kardashian, Ciara, Russell Wilson, La La Anthony and more. Serena's sister Venus Williams and the couple's two-month-old daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. were also in attendance.

Serena and Alexis started dating in 2015. He proposed to her in a romantic getaway in Rome in late 2016 during the holiday.

They announced that they're expecting a baby in April and welcomed their first child on September 1.

"He's incredibly - a really nice person," Serena gushed about her then-fiance in January. "I think he definitely treats everyone the same, which is really cool to see. Really, really nice to see."

She also told Vanity Fair in 2016 about being in a relationship with the 34-yearold Internet entrepreneur, "I felt like a door had been opened to a person who made me want to be my best self. I find myself just wanting to be better by simply being around her because of the standard she holds."

(AceShowbiz)

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NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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NOVEMBER 19, 2017

Fun Times

Archie

New beginnings and lots of opportunities are head(March 21- ing your way. Embrace the April 19) future with enthusiasm and a willingness to be positive, and good things will unfold.

Do what works best for you.

ARIES

Money matters will not be TAURUS as they appear. Don't over(April 20spend on something or sign May 20) a contract that will put you in debt. Keep your life simple and moderate, and focus on self-improvements.

GEMINI (May 28June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

A problem with a partnership will develop if you are vague about what's going on in your life or how you feel about the relationship. Don't lead anyone on.

Refuse to let a work-related problem fester. Occupy your time with things and people you enjoy. Taking a trip, attending a gathering or reconnecting with an old friend is favored.

Getting together with friends, peers or people heading down a similar path as you will bring positive results.

Attend a retreat or make personal changes that will enhance your life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

It will be difficult to deal with an issue concerning your home. Don't believe everything you hear. Legwork and pertinent questions will help you find answers and make a decision.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Taking a short trip, holding talks with intimate friends or relatives and looking inward and rediscovering old dreams will lead to positive change and peace of mind.

Personal relationships and SCORPIO domestic matters will improve (Oct. 24- if you make a couple of alteraNov. 22) tions to your way of life. Make comfort and convenience priorities, as well as romance and family fun.

Listen to the voice of reaSAGITTARIUS son.

Someone will play with (Nov. 23your emotions or feed you false Dec. 21)

information. Ask questions and make intelligent choices to avoid a personal loss.

Listen carefully. Someone

CAPRICORN will intentionally mislead you (Dec. 22- to get you to donate or lend Jan. 19) money or possessions. Offer ad-

Calvin and Hobbes

vice, but don't take on someone else's problem.

Changes to the way you AQUARIUS earn your living or income (Jan. 20will encourage you to make Feb. 19) personal changes, but don't spend more than you can afford.

PISCES You'll face high demands (Feb. 20- from friends and family. Ride Mar. 20) out the storm by remaining neutral and noncommittal until you have a better understanding of what's expected of you.