Guyana Times -- Tuesday, September 24, 2019

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Guyana-Suriname ferry service to reopen on Thursday Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4056

Tuesday, september 24, 2019

Commonwealth calls for restoration of constitutional rule in Guyana …tells David Granger to call elections immediately See story on page 3

Private Sector calls on caretaker President to set elections date …says delay will further harm Guyana’s credibility …calls out Caricom, OAS for silence

See story on page 2

Former Guyana Presidents boycott Chinese commemoration of 70th anniversary …say chief guest representing Guyana a “usurper” …Guyana’s caretaker President greeted with protest …Police riot squad blocks peaceful vigil on ECD

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

2 AGM P11 workers terminated via phone call …no formal notice issued …Union to meet today with company at Labour Dept

8200 persons living with P11 HIV in Guyana …500 new cases recorded in 2018

55-year-old charged P8 for sexual assault of 4-year-old

Page 7

Region 10 P12 RDC calls out GLSC, Govt over inaccessibility to lands

Miner charged for fatally P8 stabbing drinking partner

Members of the Guyana Police Force’s Riot Squad block persons who were part of an organised vigil which included members of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). The vigil was held along the road leading to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where caretaker President David Granger was attending an event

1 dead, 3 critical in Essequibo River boat mishap Page 13

Prisoner who chopped off handcuffs P8 remanded

2 news

TuesDAY, september 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Private Sector calls on caretaker President to set election date

…says delay will further harm Guyana’s credibility …calls out Caricom, OAS for silence

A

s pressure continues to mount on caretaker President David Granger to set a date for General and Regional Elections as is constitutionally mandated, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana on Monday joined the call, saying that this should be done immediately.

The PSC in a statement urged caretaker President David Granger to immediately name a date for General and Regional Elections, given

PSC Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouveia

that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has specified a timeline.

The PSC indicated that they waited until GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh could have announced the election body’s readiness for the polls, saying that now that she has done so, Granger is called upon to announce a date without further prevarication or delay.

Last Thursday Justice Singh informed President Granger via a letter that

“given all the objective factors, in addition to the deliberations of the Commission and my most recent consultations with our Secretariat, I have concluded and take this opportunity to officially inform you, that the Guyana Elections Commission will be able to deliver credible elections by the end of February 2020”.

Dire consequences

In light of this, the Private Sector body voiced deep concerns that the

President David Granger

Commission’s decision was infringing their constitutional mandate to facilitate elections within three months after the Caribbean Court of Justice’s ruling on June 18.

“The Private Sector Commission wishes, however, to express its deep concern that GECOM’s decision is in contravention of the constitutional obligation of GECOM to have been ready to conduct elections no later than three months after the ruling of the CCJ on June 18, 2019, resulting in the APNU/AFC coalition remaining in office by relying upon the Disciplined Services to exercise its authority.”

This, the PSC noted, could have dire consequences on the country’s credibility, having shown indications that there is no commitment to the laws or respect towards the Constitution.

According to the PSC, it cannot emphasise strongly enough that any further delay on the part of the President to name an election date will significantly exacerbate the already considerable harm that has been done to Guyana’s credibility as a country no longer committed to the rule of law and constitutional probity.

Adding to that, condemnation from international bodies have added to the conundrum. This disapproval from foreign counterparts was deemed as a “serious consequence” for Guyana.

So far, Guyana’s major supporting partners: the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and now the Commonwealth Secretary General have cited a breach in the constitutional provisions.

Meanwhile, on the local ground, the Bar Association, the religious community, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) have

expressed deep concern for the unconstitutional status of the Government.

The PSC positioned, “The PSC wishes to remind that the statement from the international community has, in fact, emphasised that Guyana’s economic development and the ability of those countries to support our development needs, is now dangerously compromised. The PSC must point out that the consequence of doing business under a Government shorn of its constitutional authority becomes virtually impossible due to the premiums placed on international equity and borrowings and the demands for compliance with procedures of international financial institutions.”

The statement went on to remind of the number of months since the No-Confidence Motion was successfully passed in the National Assembly last year. Recognition was placed on the superfluous delays which resulted in the present situation.

“The Private Sector believes it to be unfortunate that since the No-Confidence Motion was validly passed some nine months ago that the country has been subjected to a series of unwarranted delays from honouring the constitutional requirement to have held elections within three months of the motion being passed in the National Assembly,” it said.

It called out other international and regional bodies for being completely silent during Guyana’s constitutional crisis. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) and Organisation of American States (OAS) were listed for failing to address or take action against the current political and democratic situation.

The PSC also expressed its grave disappointment and dissatisfaction over the inaction and deafening silence of the Heads of Government and the Secretary General of Caricom for failing to recognise the serious challenge in Guyana to the principles of democratic governance embraced by all of the Governments of the Caribbean Community and to have not, by now, taken appropriate action. “The PSC is equally concerned over the silence of the OAS and its inaction to comply with Article 20 of its own Charter.”

3 Commonwealth calls for restoration of constitutional rule in Guyana news

TuesDAY, september 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Tuesday, September 24 – 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, September 25 – 1:30h and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, September 24 – 13:05h-14:35h and Wednesday, September 25 – 14:00h-15:30h.

…tells David Granger to call elections immediately Emmerson Mnangagwa meeting Baroness Scotland on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday to discuss it.

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

Unconstitutional rule

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Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland

T

he Commonwealth has become the latest organisation to criticise the Government for operating outside of the norms of constitutional rule, urging caretaker President David Granger to call elections immediately.

In the statement, which was issued on Monday, Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland urged the President to immediately set an early election date. Scotland noted that this must be done in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana, so that constitutional rule can be restored.

The Secretary General referenced the Caribbean Court of Justice’s ruling, which had clearly set out the timeframe for an election after a No-Confidence Motion.

As such, Scotland said in her statement that elections were constitutionally overdue in Guyana.

“The CCJ’s ruling was clear that the Guyana Constitution sets out certain requirements for the time of an election after the valid passing of a NoConfidence Motion. The rule of law and constitutional governance are fundamental Commonwealth values to which Guyana has subscribed,” Scotland said.

She added that a general election should be held in accordance with the unambiguous constitutional imperative to do so.

The Secretary General has spoken with the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and discussed Commonwealth support to GECOM, the statement added.

Guyana is one of 53 member countries of the Commonwealth, which comprises almost entirely of former British colonies. The Commonwealth has been known to suspend member countries for violating democratic principles, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

Even today, Zimbabwe still has a membership application pending before the Commonwealth, with Zimbabwe President

It has been over nine months since a NoConfidence Motion was passed against the David Granger-led Government.

The Constitution of Guyana stipulates that elections must be held within three months of the passage of such a motion.

The constitutional deadline for holding elections, as set out by the CCJ, expired as of September 18. When it made its June 18 ruling on the no-confidence cases, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) had said that the effect of the No-Confidence Motion was on pause while the cases were being litigated.

That process, CCJ President Adrian Saunders had clearly said, was no longer on pause following the Court’s June 18, 2019 ruling, which upheld the validity of the No-Confidence Motion and thus triggered the need for fresh elections.

In keeping with the constitutional three months’ provision once a NoConfidence Motion is passed, General and Regional Elections should have been held on or before September 18, 2019.

Despite Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, retired Justice Claudette Singh informing the President that GECOM

President David Granger

will be in a position to hold elections by February 2020, President Granger is yet to name an election date.

Granger had even promised the Carter Center, during a meeting, that he would act swiftly when GECOM advises him as to an election date. Granger was informed since Thursday last by GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh, that the Secretariat could conduct elections at the end of February.

After announcing that he would have to discuss this with Cabinet before naming an election date, the

President is yet to meet with his Cabinet. It is expected that this full Cabinet meeting will take place today, though as per the CCJ ruling a Government Cabinet stands resigned.

It was only days ago that members of the diplomatic corps, such as representatives of the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, called for the President to immediately name an election date.

On Friday last the Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana condemned the coalition Government for its failure to hold General and Regional Elections within the period mandated by the Constitution, which it reminded is supreme law.

This came after protests against the President and pressure from the diplomatic community, to ensure the Government acts in accordance with the Constitution.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has already warned that they will continue to protest for constitutional compliance until the President names an election date.

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tuesDAY, september 24, 2019

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

NCDs’ alarming statistics

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on-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Guyana account for over 70 per cent of all deaths. With this alarming statistic in mind, Public Health’s Volda Lawrence last week publicly stated that there will be an aggressive plan to address this burden on the public health sector.

The issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the impact they are having on countries has always been a matter of concern for Governments and international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations, and others. It has always been said that too many people are dying prematurely, and urgent actions must be taken to prevent these deaths.

According to the WHO, of all the major health threats that have emerged over the years, none has challenged the very foundations of public health so profoundly as the rise of chronic non-communicable diseases. Due to poor lifestyle choices: such as tobacco use, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity, NCDs have resulted in large numbers of young people dying. Another significant number of them have also fallen ill and therefore cannot contribute to their families or the development of their communities in any way.

Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, once linked only to affluent societies, have affected and continue to affect every country in the world; with the poor suffering the most due to the lack of proper medical care and access to drugs etc.

It should be noted that, based on studies conducted in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, it was found that these two countries have the highest mortality rates in the Americas for premature cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. For Guyana in particular, this is indeed quite worrisome and must serve as a wake-up call for the authorities here to take the issue of fighting NCDs more seriously, as, from all indications, efforts in this regard are being weakened or minimized to some extent.

While there have been some positive moves in tackling NCDs here, some experts believe that enough is not being done in the fight against NCDs. Some of the crucial programmes that were previously in place to tackle NCDs appear to have been reduced or totally abandoned. For example, community health fairs, school programmes, and other initiatives which were used to address issues such as positive lifestyles are becoming less visible. Also, the education and awareness campaigns that were very visible some time ago need to come back on stream. These are all useful strategies to ensure the message of healthy lifestyles continues to reach everyone in every community across the country.

A report from the WHO Independent High-level Commission on NCDs calls for urgent action to address chronic diseases and mental health disorders. It demands high-level political commitment and the immediate scaling up of actions to address the epidemic of NCDs. The report, which was also published simultaneously in the medical journal The Lancet, recognises the need to ensure that Health Ministries have the influence they require to ensure the issue is backed with the political will and the necessary financial resources it merits.

The Commission’s report makes six useful recommendations; which countries, including Guyana, should take seriously in order to make continuous progress as it relates to tackling NCDs. These include: Heads of State and Governments should take responsibility for the NCD agenda, rather than delegating it to ministers of health alone, as it requires collaboration and cooperation across many sectors.

Governments should identify and implement specific sets of priorities within the overall NCD and mental health agenda, based on public health needs.

Governments should reorient health systems to include NCDs’ prevention and control and mental health services in their universal health coverage policies and plans.

Governments should increase effective regulation, appropriate engagement with the private sector, academia, civil society, and communities.

Governments and the international community should develop a new economic paradigm for funding actions on NCDs and mental health.

Governments need to strengthen accountability to their citizens for action on NCDs, and simplify existing international accountability mechanisms.

We had stated before that discussions surrounding NCDs should constantly be kept on the national development agenda, where serious efforts are made at all levels to reduce the large numbers of persons suffering or facing death. It is hoped that Governments would use the WHO report as a guide in their efforts to effectively address NCDs.

Birds sit in their cages during the annual bird-singing competition in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat (AFP photo)

Britain promises 30M pounds for medicine, clean water in Venezuela

B

ritain will provide up to 30 million pounds (US$37.30 million) of funding to help aid organisations in Venezuela provide medicine and clean water, the Government said on Monday.

The Organisation Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) nation’s once-prosperous economy has collapsed under the stewardship of President Nicolás Maduro, fuelling a humanitarian crisis and shortages of food and medicine.

“The people of Venezuela are needlessly suffering as a direct result of Maduro’s refusal to accept the scale of his country’s worsening humanitarian crisis,” International Development Secretary Alok Sharma said in a statement.

The British money will also provide longer-term support to the neighbouring countries to which millions of Venezuelans have fled, the Government said.

Sharma called on other countries to do more.

“Neighbouring countries have already shown immense generosity, and other donors must now step up or this crisis will deepen further,” Sharma said. (Reuters)

As Venezuelan migration surges, poll points to one surefire solution

More than 80,000 Venezuelans cross the Colombian border each day looking for food and medicine. Even as the international community is planning on sending aid to Venezuela, Adelis Sequera talks about what’s motivating him to start a new life.

The solution to the Venezuelan migration crisis – where more than four mil-

People walk on the street in Caracas, Venezuela, September 7, 2019

lion people have fled in recent years – appears simple: Oust leader Nicolás Maduro.

According to a poll of Venezuelans who have already left the nation, 65 per cent said they would return if the international community helped broker new elections.

And 79 per cent said they would go home if Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, was replaced by an opponent.

But all of the scenarios where Maduro and his allies cling to power were vehemently rejected, according to the study released Monday as part of an initiative by Tent Partnership for Refugees and the InterAmerican Development Bank that aims to mobilise the Private Sector in favour of Venezuelan migrants.

If Maduro, 56, stays in power but the Venezuelan economy improves, 14 per cent said they would return.

If he were to step down and be replaced by an ideological ally, 15 per cent said they would go home. And if Venezuela were to have a coalition government — formed by Maduro allies and those close to National Assembly President Juan Guaidó — only 13 per cent would return.

Washington and more than 50 other nations consider Guaidó, 36, the country’s legitimate leader and accuse Maduro of staying in power through fraudulent elections in 2018. But Maduro claims that last year’s vote gives him the right to run the struggling nation through 2025.

Mark Feierstein, a former special assistant to President Barack Obama and National Security Council Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs, worked on the poll, which surveyed 600 Venezuelans in Colombia and Peru, the top destinations for Venezuelan migrants.

With no clear path for Maduro’s ouster, Feierstein said the survey underscores the need to prepare for the long haul.

“I think international agencies, [non-governmental organisations] and the Private Sector need to be treating this as a long-term challenge,” he said. “This is not just about providing food and medicine for a few months and then they will return.”

And it’s also clear that the crisis will get worse before it gets better. Almost 60 per cent of those sur-

veyed said they planned to bring family members out of Venezuela to join them.

And when asked what advice they were giving to others in Venezuela, 50 per cent of those in Colombia and 53 per cent of those in Peru said they were telling people to leave.

The Organisation of American States estimates that, absent deep political changes, as many as eight million Venezuelans might be living abroad by the end of 2020.

Monday’s poll — one of the few conducted within the Venezuelan diaspora — also provides a glimpse into how tough life is for migrants.

More than 26 per cent said they faced xenophobia in the workplace and more than 18 per cent said they had been robbed. In addition, at least 11 per cent of Venezuelans in Colombia said they were victims of harassment and physical abuse by the military or the community.

(Those numbers were negligible in Peru.)

Also, more than 55 per cent said they were underpaid or not paid at all, and more than 40 per cent said they worked excessive hours.

(Excerpt from Miami Herald)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, september 24, 2019

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Minister’s vehicle drove into crowd of protesters Dear Editor, I wish to ‘clear the air’ on the deliberate attempt by the usurper President, David Granger, to mischievously misrepresent the facts as it relates to Dr Karen Cummings during the PPP/C peaceful protest on Thursday, September 18, outside the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

Dr Cummings’ failed attempt to bully her way through a crowd of PPP/C protesters was captured live on video by me, and went viral on Facebook for the world to see. Thanks to modern technology, this unedited footage is evidence that no one threatened to “overturn” the taxpayers’ vehicle she was sitting in, no one was beating their hands on the vehicle, nor was she ever held “hostage” at any time. These are all made-up lies to make the PPP/C look bad, and to justify giving the police the authority to use force to break up any future peaceful protest action used against the dictator and his usurper Ministers by the PPP/C. Editor, I was standing on the road amidst hundreds of protesters because I was earlier denied access beyond the metal barriers by a senior police officer.

As I stood there, an official Government-issued vehicle suddenly approached,

forcing its way through the dense crowd in total disregard for the safety of human lives. Disgusted by the insane actions of the driver, I stood my ground in defiance, hoping that my recognisable presence would prevent him from proceeding further into the crowd.

The driver slowed down, but kept moving forward, and only stopped when the vehicle made contact with my body. As he continued to inch the vehicle forward, I was determined not to move and I urged my colleagues to do the same, hoping to stop this lunacy.

Upon inspection of the plate number, I recognised the vehicle as one assigned to the now usurper Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings. As a medical doctor, Dr Cummings must take full responsibility for instructing her driver to break through the crowd with a vehicle clearly used as a weapon, just so she could be on time to have lunch with her boss. This reckless and irresponsible action threatened the safety of myself and other protesters and placed us all at risk of serious injury. Throughout this ordeal, we urged the driver, continuously, to back off, but he refused to do so. Finally, Police cleared the rear of the vehicle and instructed the driver to reverse. We were

all thankful to our men and women in uniform for averting a tragedy. At no time was Dr Cummings threatened, except for the shouts of protesters that reminded her she was illegal. From my vantage point in front of the vehicle, she was never in any danger as she remained seated in the vehicle throughout the ordeal.

At no time was she held “hostage” as she was free to instruct her driver to reverse the vehicle but was determined to show the protesters how powerful she is.

At one point, her driver was overheard threatening to “run them over”. Cummings’ instructions to the police to use force may have fallen on deaf ears because the police rightly assessed that the protesters were not violent, the Minister was not in harm’s way, and no one was threatening to overturn the vehicle “with the Minister inside” as was mischievously reported.

Had this been a PNC/ APNU protest against a PPP/C Government, the PPP Minister’s vehicle would have been destroyed and set on fire like the unfortunate accident involving a truck driver and the child that occurred recently in Agricola, where the driver was stoned and his truck set ablaze.

So if the usurper

President wants someone to “pay” for holding his usurper Minister of Foreign Affairs “hostage”, I guess I’m the guilty one. And if that idiotic usurper Attorney General feels that he has enough evidence to have me arrested and placed before the courts, then I dare him to do so. But then again, I don’t think he’s looking forward to chalking up another defeat against my lawyer to defend against lawsuits for unlawful arrest and defamation of character.

I also fully support the peaceful protest action taken inside the Pegasus Hotel by my colleagues that disrupted David Granger’s speech. This man is shameless to be masquerading as a legitimate President, calling our peaceful protesters “hooligans”. Had he not used that word, I am convinced his speech would not have been disrupted.

David Granger is not above the law and he must be constantly reminded of this.

Until he shows respect for our Constitution, he should not expect anyone to respect him. He’s nothing but a dictator and a usurper.

He should get used to those titles!

Sincerely, Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

Granger unpatriotically pushed Guyana into a constitutional crisis Dear Editor, The world recently witnessed how Mr David Granger unpatriotically pushed Guyana into a constitutional crisis when he used strongman politics to disrespect and deny the constitutional rights of Guyanese. In keeping with his strongman attitude, he refused to call elections within the constitutional timeframe required by the successful passage of the No-Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018.

Mr Granger’s behaviour does not surprise us at all.

He is addicted to bullying others. This is exactly how the PNC operates. We can all remember how we were forced to live through the Granger-style bullying under the Forbes Burnham Administration for decades.

Also, we can all remember the infamous Red House saga where Mr Granger bullied his way to gain illegal occupancy of the Red House instead of resolving matters in the courts. This kind of PNC strongman tactic sends the wrong message to our people and it drives the sky-high incarceration rate in Guyana.

The Guyanese people need to stop Mr Granger in his

tracks by drawing awareness to his antics.

At the moment, Mr Granger squats in office as an illegal President who is determined to remain in power through illegal and immoral means. Corrupt entities with strong PNC influence like GECOM have also flagrantly trampled Guyanese to help Mr Granger evade the elections. To this end, GECOM cannot be trusted. GEOM needs to explain how it arrived at the February timeline for elections. The people of Guyana deserve to know. We deserve respect.

And to my fellow Guyanese, let us see how long Mr Granger will continue to squat in office. Mr Granger needs to be reminded that dictators are never tolerated in this world. To this end, foreign diplomats have established that the Guyanese Government has violated the Constitution.

This is important because the world will now interact with Mr Granger according to standard protocols reserved for handling dictators. And of course, international sanctions will soon bite him. He will not like it.

But within Guyana, Mr Granger goes unpun-

ished for breaking the laws and he is even supported by his fellow unpatriotic PNC comrades. To this end, men like Mr Lincoln Lewis and Dr David Hinds resort to profound lawlessness to defend Guyana’s dictator. The political situation is downright disgraceful. Mr Lewis comically demanded that Parliament must reconvene to extend the life of Government in spite that Mr Granger trampled the constitutional rights of Guyanese. Mr Lewis and Dr Hinds must know that bullies and dictators are never rewarded and tolerated in this world.

Life is very painful because of these men. These men must come to their senses. They must know that morality is important.

Guyana needs to move forward. Also, the world must know that Dr Hinds spews raw dysfunction because of his instincts in protecting his daughter’s welfare.

Dr Hinds even wielded his power to appoint his daughter as a Minister within the APNU/PNC/AFC coalition in a dark transaction. Her qualifications were never disclosed. Dr Hind’s interest is in his daughter’s paycheck, not the welfare of

Guyanese. Dr Hinds has got to be shortsighted. He has even failed to see how his destructive actions will hurt his daughter along with every Guyanese in the long run. Guyana is powered by bad behaviours that keep it under-developed. And the much-anticipated oil wealth will do nothing for Guyana.

Our behaviour stinks in this country.

Dysfunction is overt within the PNC. Mr Granger shamelessly fights tooth and nail for his rights but trample the rights of others. He has on numerous occasions been allegedly involved in instigating his supporters to riot and burn. Currently, he is threatening peaceful protesters who draw attention to his lawlessness. Mr Granger remains highly uncivilised. And I agree with my fellow Guyanese that he is a law breaker, a dictator and a bully. Guyana does not need a President with such qualities.

Given who Mr Granger is, it is clear that if he loses the upcoming elections, he will never give up power.

And so the Guyanese people need to be prepared for this.

Sincerely, Dr Annie Baliram

Constitutionality must precede reform Dear Editor, I feel compelled to offer my comments to a long but well-scribed statement emanating from A New and United Guyana (ANUG).

In this epistle, ANUG accurately chronicles the President’s, the Government’s and GECOM’s contumacious violations of the Constitution, their disrespect for the norms and practices of democracy, their abrogation of the rule of law, their contemptuous disregard for rulings from the Judiciary and, the President’s characterisation as “hooliganism”, the citizenry’s exercise of their fundamental rights and freedom to protest against these atrocities. I am in complete agreement with this descriptive concatenation.

In introducing each of the incidences in this chronology of authoritarianism, the author asks, rhetorically, “what do you do?” In the end, the author offers his solution: “substantive changes to the Constitution.” With this contention, I differ sharply.

While I hold resolutely to the view that constitutional reform is always required to meet the dynamism and exigencies of an evolving society, it is not the panacea that so many in this country perceive it to be. I am fortified in this view by the fact that the greatest and largest democracies in the world - India, the United States of America and Canada - have rarely altered their respective Constitutions since independence, though they would have been confronted with enormous governmental, democratic and constitutional challenges over the decades. The United Kingdom presents us with over 200 years of democratic Government without a writ-

ten Constitution!

A brief overview of the Commonwealth will confirm that Guyana’s Constitution has undergone more reforms than perhaps any other. And I dare say, stands out, comparatively, as one of the more democratic in its devolution of political power to non-Executive organs.

So, my friends, the solution is not and cannot be, merely, constitutional reform. What we are confronted with in Guyana is a colossal attack on constitutionalism, the rule of law and democratic ethos - all rolled up in one.

Therefore, unless there is a preparedness to comply with the Constitution, to abide by the rules of democracy and to respect the rule of law, then whatever the provisions of the Constitution are, it will continue to be trampled upon by those who do not embrace constitutionality. The Caribbean Court of Justice’s recent exhortations in its consequential orders for the constitutional actors to discharge their duties with integrity falling on deaf ears is but a stark reminder of this reality.

In the circumstances, there is sufficient empirical data to impel to the conclusion that constitutional reform will not engender constitutionality. Indeed, we run the risk of becoming a nation of serial constitutional reforms attracting an unending cycle of constitutional violations.

For the reasons adumbrated above, I demand unreserved and unqualified constitutional compliance, and perhaps then, we can resort to constitutional reform.

Sincerely, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law

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tuesday, september 24, 2019

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W

hen we’re struggling with something, it’s natural to turn to others for help. Helping each other is all part of the giving and receiving that makes up good relationships.

Getting help sounds simple. But it’s not always easy to do. Sometimes we stand in our own way without realising it.

Certain beliefs or ways of thinking can make it hard to see opportunities for help. Here are some examples of the kinds of attitudes that can stand in the way — and ideas on how to get past them.

Obstacle 1: Believing that needing help is a sign of weakness

Asking for help shows maturity and confidence. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness. You know what you need and you’re not afraid to reach out for it.

For example, instead of thinking: I don’t want my coach to find out I can’t nail that move in case he thinks I shouldn’t be on the team.

Change it to: I’ll show my coach how committed I am to the team – and how hard I practice – by asking him to share tips on how I can improve.

Obstacle 2: Thinking you don’t deserve help or support

Everyone needs help now and then.

No one can – or should – handle everything alone. Accepting help can strengthen friendships and relationships. Everyone feels good when they can support a friend!

For example, instead of thinking:

I’d really like to find out how Katy is coping with her parents’ divorce, but she’s so popular and busy I’m sure she doesn’t have time for me.

Foundation

Change it to:

I’ll ask Katy if she has time to talk and let her know how much her perspective means to me. Maybe some of the stuff that happened to me can help her too.

Be choosy about who you ask to help, though. Share your feelings or a problem with someone who listens and cares – not someone who judges, criticises, or blames you. Most of the time we can guess which way people might react.

But on rare occasions, they catch us off guard. If you do get rejected, it’s not because of anything you did. It’s what’s going on with the other person.

Tell yourself:

If Katy says no, she might not be ready to talk about her own experiences. If she’s rude, then I’ll know from the start that she’s not friend material.

Obstacle 3: Not speaking up to ask for help

Sometimes you’re lucky enough to have people in your life who see what you need and offer to help before you ask.

Usually it’s a parent or a close friend.

But sometimes when we need help, we have to ask. The best approach is to be clear and direct, like saying, “I’m having trouble with this. Can you help me?”

For example, instead of thinking:

I’m afraid my friends won’t want to hear that my boyfriend pushed me — they already think I’m ignoring their advice about him being too controlling.

And I don’t want to worry my mom. So I’ll just keep this to myself for now.

Change it to:

I’ll tell my friends they were right and I’m starting to worry about my boyfriend’s behaviour. I’ll ask them to help

me figure out what to do and how to tell my mom.

Obstacle 4: Waiting for someone else to make the first move

It’s not always easy for other people to see when we need help. Maybe we’re putting on a cheerful face to mask the problem or giving off a vibe that we don’t want to talk. Don’t wait for someone to read your mind or notice what you need.

Ask.

For example, instead of thinking:

Why asking for help is important

None of us can go it alone. The people who believe in us remind us that we have what it takes, that we matter, and that we’re loved. But sometimes we just have to reach out and ask for that help. Our friends and family love us, but they can’t always know what we want, especially if we are putting a brave face on things.

Because it can be hard to reach out for help, don’t hesitate to reach out and offer support to another person if you think he or she needs it. Giving and receiving help are great life skills to learn. They help us learn character qualities like empathy and generosity, as well as understand other people better. (kidshealth.org)

I really wish Shanya would ask about the scars on my leg so I can talk to someone about my cutting. I know she suspects, but maybe she doesn’t really care.

Change it to:

I’ll tell Shanya what’s going on and say I could really use some help.

Obstacle 5: Giving up too easily

If help doesn’t get us what we expect right away, it’s tempting to give up.

But getting help takes ongoing effort. It might take multiple attempts.

For example, instead of thinking:

You’d think the college prep advisor would know right away what’s best for me! He’s supposed to have all this experience, but now that I’ve met him I wonder if it’s all just a big waste of time.

Change it to:

My first meeting with the college prep advisor was a little disappointing.

But it will probably take him some time to get to know my personality and which college is the best fit. I’ll give it two more meetings before I make a decision. I’ll also try harder to share what I want and not expect him to read my mind.

By Jackie Currie

A

traditional zen garden is commonly known as a Japanese garden or rock garden. It is a man-made, miniature landscape designed to represent the essence of nature. It’s generally composed of rocks, shrubs, moss, small trees and water features. The landscape is set in a base of sand or gravel which is raked to imitate ripples on water. The true purpose of a zen garden is to serve as a gazing point while meditating. The purpose of our tiny zen garden is to provide children with a small world that encourages the exploration of a variety of natural materials through relaxing, quiet play.

To create our zen garden, you’ll need: shallow tray sand polished rocks seashells small pieces of tree bark (found on the ground, never removed from a living tree) small twigs (which can serve as rakes) craft sticks (for smoothing the sand) Assembling our zen garden:

We began by pouring our white beach sand into a small wooden tray. Smooth the sand into an even layer, and then start arranging natural elements. Older children can arrange their elements in distinct groupings, but younger children can create designs and patterns with their pieces.

Playing with items from nature can be so soothing. The neutral colours of the stones, shells and bark are easy on the eye, and the sound of the polished rocks and shells clicking together are so relaxing.

Our miniature zen garden isn’t just for kids. I’ve left mine displayed on a table in the sitting area of our deck for my teenagers and husband and I to dabble with. It’s a wonderfully therapeutic activity that all ages can enjoy. (CBC)

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7

TuesDAY, september 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former Guyana Presidents boycott Chinese commemoration of 70th anniversary

…say chief guest representing Guyana a “usurper” …Guyana’s caretaker President greeted with protest …Police riot squad blocks peaceful vigil on ECD …President also protested against on Essequibo Coast date should already have been named by the caretaker President in accordance with the law and calls from local organisations and the international community.

Turning a deaf ear

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali holds a candle for democracy

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onday night’s 70th Anniversary ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre for the People’s Republic of China was boycotted by three former Presidents of Guyana after it emerged that caretaker President David Granger would be the chief guest even as he is in breach of the Constitution.

Former Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and Samuel Hinds indicated in a joint letter to Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchun and his wife Liang Huili that they would not be attending the ceremony when the President and Government have lost their legitimacy.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at the vigil

tensify.

“Every single day that passes, where he doesn’t call elections at an early date, the protests will intensify. We will point out how we are currently under a dictatorship, so we no longer have constitutional rule in Guyana.”

Airstrip to attend a function in Queenstown Village.

The protesters called for the Government to resign and for the caretaker President to set a date for General and Regional Elections.

Some of the protesters also picketed State House, in Anna Regina calling

A scene from the vigil at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

Scenes from Essequibo’s protest action

“We three former Presidents hereby express our deep regrets that in the current circumstances in Guyana, where the Constitution has been breached and the coalition Government has lost all legitimacy, we could not attend your ceremony of commemoration…where Mr David Granger, is the chief guest representing Guyana, as he is doing so as a usurper.”

The event on Monday evening was overshadowed by a vigil, organised by the Association for Democracy and Human Rights (Guyana) along the road leading up to the convention centre.

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential candidate Irfaan Ali, who attended the vigil, lamented the heavy Police presence compared to that of ordinary citizens holding candles and protesting for the

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who was also present at the protest, lambasted the caretaker President for turning a deaf ear to the Constitution and to calls for him to immediately set an election date, after he would have been advised by the Guyana Elections Commission

(GECOM).

“I think the whole country has seen who Granger is. He’s prepared to defy the Constitution, he’s prepared to discomfort all of Guyana, just to retain power at all costs, in spite of calls from the international community, just so that he and his corrupt cabal can continue to prosper.”

“Today we saw a brutal statement coming from the Commonwealth. That follows statements made by the

Constitution of Guyana to be honoured.

“This is an NGO that we saw advertise that they were holding a candlelight vigil. We’re standing up in defence of democracy, calling on the Government to name a date for elections.

We’re standing up against dictatorship. Standing up for the rule of law. We’re standing up for fundamental rights.”

He added that Guyanese have fundamental rights to movement and rights to assembly. “They have blocked Guyanese at every single point from exercising that right, leading to this venue.

So persons are kept away from exercising their democratic rights. And look how many police they brought out against people holding candles. Is there any aggression here?”

When it comes to reports that Granger is likely to name a date this week, Ali made it clear that a

United States of America, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and many others have been making statements. All pointing out that this has gone beyond constitutional rule and it would affect our country.”

Jagdeo made it clear that Granger must call an election date that does not exceed February month-end, noting that the PPP is prepared to keep up its protest action until the President does so. In fact, he warned that protests would only in-

Protest on Essequibo Coast

Meanwhile, Granger was also subjected to protests outside of Region Four, when hundreds of citizens on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroomSupenaam), picketed him on Monday as he made his way from the Hampton Court

for Granger to respect the Constitution.

The peaceful gathering included PPP executives Leslie Ramsammy, Vishnu Samaroo, Regional Chairman Davanand Ramdatt and Peter Ramsaroop.

8 news

TuesDAY, september 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Miner charged for fatally stabbing drinking partner A

miner who allegedly stabbed his buddy to death during a drinking spree appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Thirty-two-yearold McNee Edwards of Waramadong Village in the Upper Mazaruni district of Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) was read a charge alleging that on September 15, at Waramadong Village, Upper Mazaruni, he murdered Dorian Brown.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that Edwards and Brown were imbibing on September 15 at a shop in Waramadong

Village when an argument ensued, and Edwards pulled out a knife from the waist of his pants and stabbed Brown about his body. Brown was rushed to a medical facility in the community, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The matter was then reported, and Edwards was later arrested.

Prosecutor Mansfield informed the court that the accused had, in a caution statement, admitted that he stabbed Brown about the body during the argument.

The Chief Magistrate has remanded Edwards to prison, and the case has been set to continue on December 16 before the Kamarang Magistrate.

McNee Edwards

Prisoner who chopped off handcuffs remanded

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prisoner who while under arrest at the Stabroek Police Outpost on Thursday last allegedly armed himself with a cutlass and chopped off a pair of handcuffs before making good his escape was on Monday slapped with four charges.

Gary Grant of Lot 24 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied the charges.

It is alleged that on September 19, 2019 at the Stabroek Market Police Outpost, while being in

Police custody on a simple larceny allegation, he escaped.

The second charge stated that on September 19, 2019 at the Stabroek Police Outpost, the 41-yearold stole one phone valued $35,000, property of Nadina Maloney.

Additionally, it is alleged that on the same day and location, he damaged a wooden door, a bench, and other items valuing $39,000, property of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

He was also charged for behaving in a disorderly manner. In court, on Monday, Grant said, “The

Police best go and look for Gary Grant, so he can come and answer these charges and my name is not Gary Grant.”

The unrepresented man went on to say, “Me ain’t do nothing; the officer lash me in my head, so I can’t remember nothing. I am Dr Hari patient and I need an evaluation.”

Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell informed the court that on September 19, the defendant was in custody at the Police Outpost for allegedly stealing a woman’s phone. The court heard that the man was handcuffed to a metal bar at-

tached to a wall inside the structure. After being placed on a bench, he began jumping up and down at the Outpost.

The court also heard that the man then armed himself with a cutlass that ranks had secured under the counter, chopped off the handcuffs and ran out of the Outpost.

The Prosecutor objected to bail being granted on the grounds that the defendant escaped from custody and the charges attract serious penalties.

The Magistrate subsequently remanded Grant.

The case will continue on October 7, 2019.

Vendor charged for sexually assaulting 10-year-old

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fruit vendor was on Monday hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was charged for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old child.

Thirty-five-year-old Devon Mohamed was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that between August 1, 2019 and August 31, 2019, at Wortmanville, Georgetown, he engaged in sexual activity with a child, that is he touched the child’s

genitals.

The matter was held in-camera. Reports are the 10-year-old child was left in Mohamed’s care when he allegedly reached under her dress and touched her geni-

Devon Mohamed

55-year-old charged for sexual assault of 4-year-old

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55-year-old man who allegedly rubbed his body against a fouryear-old girl was on Monday arraigned and released on bail when he made his first court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

John Fitzgerald Hopkinson, of Kitty, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It is alleged that

on April 26, 2019, at Queen Street, Kitty, Georgetown, he sexually assaulted the child.

The matter was heard in-camera. The Magistrate ordered that a mental evaluation be conducted to determine if Hopkinson was competent to stand trial. He was released on $20,000 bail.

The case will continue on October 14, 2019.

tals. Following the incident, the child told her parents what had transpired and the matter was reported to the Police.

The vendor was released on $100,000 bail.

Mason slapped with attempted murder charge

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24-year-old mason who was slapped with an attempted murder charge was released on $120,000 bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

Quincy Evans, of Lot 24 Gordon Street, Kitty, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to face the charge which stated that on August 25 at Gordon Street, he wounded Joshua Williams with intent to commit murder.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield informed the court that on August 25, the Virtual Complainant was standing on Gordon Street, Kitty, when the accused approached him with

a sharp object. The court heard that the two men had a heated argument and the accused dealt the VC several stabs about his body. The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Prosecutor Mansfield did not object to bail; however, he asked that conditions be attached.

The Chief Magistrate released Evans on bail and the case was adjourned to September 30, 2019. As a condition of bail, Evans was ordered to lodge his passport with the court and to not make contact with or cause anyone to make contact with the VC. He was also ordered to report to the Kitty Police Station every Friday until his trial is completed.

Playing…

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…the race card hen you’re a two-bit, wannabe, tin-pot, ThirdWorld dictator and you’ve run out of options to defend your illegal hold on power, what do you do?? Well, if you’re David Granger trying doggedly to walk in the footsteps of your dictator-mentor Forbes Burnham, you play the race card!! If patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel, race is the last refuge of the ersatz dictator!!

Stung by the Ambassadors of the US, UK, and the EU observing that his government was in “breach” of the Constitution for not proclaiming elections by September 18, and unless he does so pronto, they might just stop helping, he lashed out at them last Sunday. He’s skipped Church to address some core supporters gathered under the banner of the “International Decade for People of African Descent”. Said he: “Some of the authors of that crime against humanity have never apologised, have never paid reparations. They can pick up every comma and every semicolon, but they have never apologised for the crime they committed for four hundred years. Any of you know of whom I speak, you know who brought you here; never apologised but now they try to correct other people.”

So, let your Eyewitness get this straight. Just because some Europeans once enslaved Africans to work on our plantations, this means they have to be quiet about the PNC – which is supported predominantly by African Guyanese – when they are violating the Constitution?

So it was OK for those same Europeans to chastise the PPP Government of Donald Ramotar – whose supporters are mostly Indian Guyanese - when he dared to use a prerogative of the Constitution to stave off a NCM? It had to’ve been, since Granger and his PNC cheered lustily when the then British Ambassador did the chastising!!

But what does he now say to the latest condemnation of Mr Granger’s constitutional indiscretions: “The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, urges the President of Guyana and all relevant stakeholders and institutions to restore constitutional rule in Guyana by immediately setting an early election date in consonance with its constitution, enabling elections to be held without further delay… In this regard, and in accordance with the ruling of the CCJ, a general election in Guyana is now constitutionally overdue. A general election should be held in accordance with the unambiguous constitutional imperative to do so.”

Baroness Scotland is originally from Dominica and has proudly identified with the Caribbean. For what it’s worth she also evidently shares a common racial ancestry with Granger. Is she also disqualified to chastise Granger’s constitutional trespass?

And for what it’s worth…the US fought its bloodiest war to abolish slavery, and sent none here. They get no credit? …the fool David Granger is really contemptuous of his supporters. He keeps regurgitating the patent falsehood about why he didn’t call elections by Sept 18. Said he: “This decision is not whimsical. I must be advised that the Elections Commission is in a state of readiness to conduct elections. It would be reckless of me to name a date for the holding of elections without ascertaining the Commission’s readiness to do so.”

Now the US, UK, EU, Commonwealth, Christian Churches, Hindu Mandirs, Muslim Mosques, and the Opposition have all condemned Granger’s outlaw behaviour…so his only redoubt has to be the PNC faithful!

But they also have to know that in our parliamentary democracy, the party in power can call “snap elections”… meaning without any prior warning to anyone. All he has to do – according to Art 61 – is dissolve the National Assembly and set a date three months hence.

GECOM can THEN only balk (Art 162(2) and set a new date if they can show “hardship” or “danger”. …his name and nature One obviously miffed ex-AFC supporter, who was obviously betrayed by his leaders after their opportunistic pandering to the PNC, wailed: “How low can Nagamootoo go?” Well, not lower than a snake.

Which is what his name “Naga” means.

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

news

9

TuesDAY, september 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Woman severely beaten by husband refuses to press charges …tells Police injuries were from a fall

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he 33-year-old woman who was severely beaten by her 24-year-old husband last week, resulting in her being hospitalised, has refused to press charges for

and started beating her.

At home, she said, she was lashed in the head with a piece of wood.

However, according to Etwaru, that three-hour beating was not her first.

In fact, it has been a constant feature in their three-year relationship.

Just over a week ago she suffered a fractured rib during one of her weekly physical encounters with the father of her one-year-old child, for whom she sometimes has to seek assistance from neighbours to provide food for.

According to Etwaru, she only reported the physical abuse once to the police and then begged the Magistrate not to penalise him and refused to give any evidence.

“Steady he beating me.

He went to jail and come out back… he tie me up and do me all sort of things, still living with he,” she revealed.

Asked about the rationale behind the decision, Etwaru told Guyana Times that she wanted to make a life with the father of her child for whom she is also five months pregnant.

“I don’t do wrong things.

I go to church and try to live a good life with him and he still does beat me.”

She detailed that when he is working, he would give her money and then beat her a few days later for money to purchase cigarettes, drugs and alcohol.

When he is not working, Etwaru revealed that she would beg for money so that

“Etwaru is a typical domestic abuse victim, who is living in fear and false hope and lacks the necessary coping skills” – The Caribbean Voice the life-threatening beating she received.

The Corentyne woman is seeking to get back with a man who almost killed her last week. The flogging was the latest in a series of beatings which resulted in the mother of three having to seek medical attention.

On Friday evening the woman ran out of the hospital after she was taken to the medical institution by relatives. A relative told this publication that Swaswattie Etwaru took her own discharge despite advice by medical personnel.

Etwaru, also called “Ramona”, of Lot 33 Hampshire, Corentyne, on Saturday said she was beaten by her husband.

According to her, the 24-year-old man that she has been living with for the past three years met her on the road one week ago as she was walking home from church and broke a branch

she might not be brutalised.

On Monday Police investigators went to the home of the beaten woman to get a statement but to their surprise she informed the officers that her injuries were as a result of a fall.

However, the woman’s 15-year-old son said that he witnessed Tuesday’s beating while his 19-year-old sister said she was forced to remove from the house because of the physical and verbal abuse meted out to her mother.

“For the past couple months they living together and she keep getting licks. I keep telling her to leave him but she don’t want to.”

Frustrated with the situation, the woman’s teen daughter said that this is the last time she will be supporting her mother through the abuse.

“I am not able with this anymore. I weary and fed up talking. Fuh the month is like six times he beating she. If he go and play (gamble) and he lose, he beat she.

I can’t take this anymore,” the 19-year-old related.

The teenager said when she inquired why her mother was putting up with the abuse, she was told it was because of her love for him.

“I say mummy you have to put away love. It don’t make sense that you living with a man that you love so much and he beating you; that is dog love,” the teen related. She said that her stepfather has threatened to kill her mother in the past.

Members of the community told this publication that they are afraid of the 24-year-old man, who Police arrested on Saturday eve-

Swaswattie Etwaru

ning. One neighbour said that her family has had to rescue Etwaru on a number of occasions.

“They don’t have a day or a week that passes without him beating her. From day to day she comes asking for $100, milk, pampers, some rice or some oil or something from the people living here right through to the next street. Everybody knows of the screaming, the yelling, the insults, the cursing…” the neighbour related.

According to the neighbour, a few weeks ago she was out of the country and upon her return, she heard that Etwaru’s ribs were fractured.

“I went there to see her

and she can hardly walk.

The week before they were marks all over her body and the face was swollen. Prior to that she was also badly injured. It is so much that it is difficult to keep an update on the beatings she receives weekly or every other day,” the woman told this publication.

Despite the injuries, Etwaru said that she is willing to stay with her partner.

First Lady Sandra Granger, encouraged persons to speak out against all forms of violence, specifically domestic violence.

According to her, reported incidents of domestic violence by an intimate or previous intimate part-

ner rose from 74.8 per cent in 2011 to 89 per cent in 2017, with females accounting for an upward 80 per cent of the victims. It was noted that three-quarter of these gender-based violence cases stem mostly from Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Meanwhile, Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus during a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) media sensitisation forum on the coverage of domestic abuse and sexual offences recently explained that persons affected by domestic violence or abuse who are not receiving professional services from members of the Guyana Police Force can approach the Magistrate’s Court directly, and a charge can be filed there against the perpetrator.

Speaking of Etwaru’s case, Managing Director of The Caribbean Voice, Bibi Ahamad in an invited comment said that Etwaru is a typical domestic abuse victim, who is living in fear, with false hope and lack the necessary coping skills. She advised that Etwaru should receive professional help.

10 news

TuesDAY, september 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Finance Minister urges companies to source staff from within community …as Genequip facilitates tour of US$2M Houston facility

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eneral Equipment Guyana Limited (Genequip) on Monday hosted a tour of its recently-built US$2 million facility, as the company looks to ramp up its investments not only in the traditional gold and agriculture sectors, but oil as well.

While lauding the company’s investment, Finance Minister Winston Jordan also gave general encouragement to companies to seek to em-

ploy persons within the community they were based, once the opportunity was there.

“This is the first of several businesses to be lodged here.

And the only thing I would ask those businesses is see if you can seek employment from the area, from those who live here. I’m not saying you’ll source all, but seek to source some of the employment from here so that the concept of South Ruimveldt can be realized.”

The Genequip facility

The Finance Minister was also in praise of the company for diversifying its activities, as he noted that it supplied agriculture and mining equipment, as well as source items for other companies.

“Happily, they are (involved in) two of the top sec-

tors in Guyana – mining and agriculture. They’re selling mining and agriculture equipment, which is good; we talk a lot about the diversification of the economy.

“And they also do other work for other companies in Guyana, where they bring

in equipment. They actually brought in some equipment, which I suspect was bought with money from the bond.

They have it there, equipment which have to do with cane harvesting,” he said.

It is understood that the facility has a 4000-squarefoot showroom and a 14,000 square-foot workshop. In an interview afterwards, Operations Manager Schelte Van Dijk explained that the structure was built to be energy efficient.

“Rather than going with a green building, we went with a lean building. So we’re a little more energy efficient. All the lights are LEDs, motion sensors, keyless entry into the building. Our total con-

sumption on this building is the equivalent of a home.

We use about 28 KVA [kilo-volt-ampere] on a building of this size,” Van Dijk said.

Other features of the facility include a 650-squarefoot training facility, where the company takes on top local students from industrial training centres in Guyana.

Van Dijk explained that places the company has training arrangements with include the Government Technical Institute (GTI).

“We also have a cooperation with the School of Agriculture. But the most notable one is GTI, where we also train the teachers of GTI. Every year, we also take on as many students as we can.

That’s direct employment, vacation work and internships.”

“The significance is that equipment does not maintain itself, it has to be maintained by people. We’re constantly training young people to be able to maintain heavy equipment for the mining, agriculture and also the oil companies,” he said.

Also in attendance during the tour was Business Minister Haimraj Rajkumar, who expressed the belief that the company’s investment was a positive indicator; and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman.

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TuesDAY, september 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

8200 persons living with HIV in Guyana …500 new cases recorded in 2018

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ome 8200 persons are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Guyana.

This was revealed by Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence on Monda at the launch of World Aids Day 2019, which is to be observed on December 1.

“Our statistics reveal that there are 8200 children, adolescents, youths, women and men living with HIV. In 2018, about 500 new infections occurred in Guyana mainly from key populations and young people.”

The Minister was keen to note that of the 8200

persons living with the virus, 93 per cent of them know their status, making Guyana the only Caribbean country to achieve the first 90 of the United Nation Aids (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 target ahead of the 2020 timeline.

The 90-90-90 target aims to diagnose 90 per cent of all HIV positive persons, provide antiretroviral therapy for 90 per cent of those diagnosed, and achieve viral suppression for 90 per cent of those treated by 2020.

When it comes to the other targets, 73 per cent of infected persons are present-

ly on treatment and 81 per cent have so far achieved viral suppression so they can

no longer transmit the infection to their partners.

Going forward, the Minister announced a few plans in tackling HIV, which was classified as a chronic disease. One of the methods includes “social contracting” with civil society organisations.

She added that the Government has provided $10.9 million for 2019 and “is the first in the Caribbean to implement this approach in funding the work of civil society as a means of sustaining the HIV response while faced with shrinking donor funding,” Lawrence explained.

2 AGM workers terminated via phone call

…no formal notice issued …Union to meet today with company at Labour Dept

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he Aurora Gold Mine recently terminated their contract between several miners, some of whom have been employed with the company for over one year.

On Monday Guyana Times spoke to two miners, who said that their employment was terminated without any written notice, but rather via a telephone phone call. They indicated that the company would have laid them off with immediate effect without any reasons given. Some of these persons were working with the company for over 14 months.

“We were laid off by the company without any notice, without any compensation.

In just a normal conversation over the phone. So far, there is more but I don’t know how many more is in the process of receiving this. They never tell me the reason. The just

say the contract terminated,” one worker said.

Another recalled, “They just tell we by a phone call, not no letter or nothing and they didn’t tell me why. I working there one year and four months but the company don’t confirm you so when they ready, they can tell you to leave any time they want.”

On Sunday the National Mine Workers Union (NMWU) expressed grave dissatisfaction that they were not given a chance to represent these workers completely. According to the Union President, Sherwayne Downer, it has been weeks since they provided documentation to visit the mine site but permission was never granted by the company.

He insisted that they have not been able to assess the conditions under which these workers are operating among other matters.

Guyana Times understands that the Union will be meeting with the officials of AGM today at the Labour Department to hammer out pressing issues.

Employees of the AGM have decried that there is no formal working pattern or hiring scheme for miners at the mining company. In many instances, their services are terminated with immediate effect, since there is no merit to the contractual agreement signed upon employment.

Back in June, over 200 workers had downed their tools and initiated strike actions for two days after calls mounted for them to be officially represented by a union and other improved working conditions and wages.

During the strike, the workers had claimed that they were threatened with having their internet con-

nection disconnected, which is vital to ensure communication from their CuyuniMazaruni location to the coast. They were also demanding better wages, better quality food and laundry services, out of town allowance, missing NIS contributions among others.

Later, they called on Government to establish an industrial court to settle disputes and other legal matters.

Stigma and discrimination

The role of the community in ending the transmission of HIV was underscored by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, who highlighted that stigma and discrimination are areas that still require much attention.

“This year UNAIDS and all the UN agencies along with member countries are focusing on the role that communities have to play in the fight against HIV and AIDS. As most of you would know, this has been a long fight for Guyana and we have made significant gain

but without the support of the communities, we are unable to move forward at a pace we would like to move to achieve the targets that we have set,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Country Representative, Dr William Adu Krow noted that Guyana is well positioned to treat HIV, irrespective of who crosses its borders.

This year, World AIDS Day is themed, “Communities make the difference”.

12 news

TuesDAY, september 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 10 RDC calls out GLSC, Govt over inaccessibility to lands

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and acquisition and distribution continue to present major challenges for officials and residents of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) as outlined by Councillors at a recent statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

The Regional Executive Officer (REO), Orrin Gordon, in highlighting numerous challenges presently being faced outlined that there are issues with land distribution at Linden as it relates to accessibility for residents, who have demonstrated an interest in agriculture. Gordon explained that in excess of 650 residents have applied for lands in the savanna area with the requirement being for approximately 21,000 acres, however, he stressed that inaccessibility coupled with the timely processing periods are cause for concern.

“The problem has to do with the fact that the process is very slow and can lead to frustration ...people are getting frustrated at not getting one of the most critical resources required, which would be the land...So we need to have a position on this issue, in terms of making land a lot

Members of the Region 10 RDC discussing the land distribution issue in the region

more easily available...I can’t seem to come to the understanding of how a place with so much land, it is not available to the residents,” Gordon said.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian in response said he has sent out letters to President David Granger and Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission Trevor Benn in relation to the issues.

“With all the amount of land that we have, we should not be creeping forward.

There is an energy building up in the RDC and within the populace to go forward and as you rightfully said, if we

don’t release the land that energy could be suffocated”, the Regional Chairman said.

Morian added that National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) also has a role to play as it relates to some lands within the region, but explained that he is ahead of the game in terms of writing letters in relation to the issue to which he was expecting a timely response.

The Regional Chairman also stressed that this is one of the issues which has led to squatting and other problems.

“We should not be going through all of this tribulation – 6555 square miles, we

Guyana-Suriname ferry service to reopen on Thursday

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fter being out of commission for just over three months, the Guyana-Suriname Ferry Service is expected to resume on Thursday.

This was announced on Monday by the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

On May 28, it was reported that the MV Canawaima Ferry had encountered technical issues and would not ply the Moleson Creek, Guyana – Nickerie, Suriname route.

At that time, Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson had said that the vessel was being powered by a tug for some time which encountered some issues.

Meanwhile, Terminal Manager Gale Culley-Greene was quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying that the MV

It was also noted that MB Sandaka cannot accommodate 20ft and 40ft containers and trucks with heights and widths in excess of three metres and 2.7 metres respectively.

The ferry service was introduced to Guyana on October 28, 1998, under the Companies Act Number 29 of 1991 of the Laws of Guyana. It is jointly owned by the Governments of Canawaima Ferry has been Guyana and Suriname as each experiencing mechanical diffi- country owns 50 per cent of culties for some time and a de- the issued share capital.

Only two years ago, the cision was taken to have the Government’s Department of vessel assessed and repaired.

On Monday the notice Public Information (DPI) refrom the Public Infrastructure ported that major upgrades Ministry stated that the were ongoing at the GuyanaMinistry, the management of Suriname Ferry Service.

The then Minister withthe ferry service, anticipates a smooth flow of operations once in the Public Infrastructure again since the MB Sandaka Ministry, Annette Ferguson, was recently repaired and out- had told the DPI that those infitted with two hydro-master cluded repairs to the managpropulsion systems, powered er’s office and VIP lounge, reby two Caterpillar engines. moval of vents and installation MB Sandaka will be in oper- of doors, removal of windows, ation from September 26 until repairs to the washroom and further advised, the Ministry’s waiting area and some other notice stated. It added that it works in the canteen and waitwill depart the Moleson Creek ing area.

The project, which comTerminal at 09:00h (Checkin: 06:30h to 08:00h) and de- menced on May 30, 2017, was part South Drain-Suriname executed to the tune of $9.2 at 11:30h (check-in: 08:00h to million.

10:00h).

shouldn’t be going through this”, he stressed.

Nevertheless, the Regional Chairman said strides are being made in trying to bring the new NICIL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) up to speed with what is happening with regards to land.

Additionally, Councillor Charles Sampson supported the position of the RDC on the issue.

“It’s been too long in the region that we have been experiencing the situation where ordinary people [have

been] experiencing problems to get lands – whether it’s for housing or agricultural purposes. I don’t know but we’ve been trying our best to get the ball rolling in terms of land distribution. You’ve also expressed your levels of frustration based on what the Lands and Surveys people are doing…” the Councillor noted.

He also opined that the relevant agencies responsible should communicate to outline the reason for the delays as he stated that there is no excuse.

The issue of inaccessibility to land, whether for domestic, agricultural or commercial purposes, has been plaguing the Linden community for years.

Only a few months ago Linden poultry farmers expressed concerns over the lack of available land during a consultation with Junior Agriculture Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood. Some had indicated that they would have applied to the relevant agency, seeking to acquire land for their business-

es but did not receive timely assistance. Others had pointed out that they would have been waiting years for their lands to be surveyed.

But even as Lindeners are waiting for lands, persons outside of the region have been granted leases for large plots of land in the region. In June, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo called on President David Granger to answer for a massive distribution of prime State lands to certain employees of the Ministry of the Presidency, as well as to cronies in the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) fraction of the coalition Government and officials of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), which were supposed to recover State assets.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader said it’s quite worrying since a top-ranking official of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) also received land. That land is located at Millie’s Hideout in Linden.

Teen mothers urged to be self-empowered

Teenage mothers who will be embarking on classes at the Carnegie School of Home Economics

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he Carnegie School of Home Economics on Monday welcomed a batch of 75 teenaged mothers into a programme that was specifically designed to reintegrate them into society where they can learn a valuable skill.

Through partnership with the Education Ministry, this is the fourth programme to target teenagers who were unable to complete their secondary education because of pregnancy.

District Education Officer Sherwin Blackman noted during the orientation that every individual was entitled to a chance to be educated.

While acknowledging the setbacks facing the girls, he encouraged them to be self-empowered and take every opportunity that is offered.

He said to the students, “I hope that as you recognise what lies inside of you, you will come to the realisation that

one of the strongest things that you need is self-empowerment, which means you have to be prepared to push yourselves to the extent that you can achieve basically anything that you set yourselves out to achieve.”

Meanwhile, Carnegie Principal Myrna Lee said a special programme was customised to meet the needs of each individual. She shared that a less-educated population would present a challenge for future generations.

The institution will be offering fabric decoration, cookery, and cake decoration courses.

Coordinator at the Ministry, Colleen KingCameron spoke on behalf of Minister Nicolette Henry, noting that these teenage mothers would qualify themselves for the job market.

Some of the girls who will be embarking on the programme expressed enthusiasm to learn something new,

and hopefully gain employment in one of the fields.

In July, some 80 girls graduated from the institution after completing a course in cosmetology, garment making, craft or catering. This initiative was undertaken through collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

At that time, Education Specialist Audrey Rodrigues reminded of the high rate of teenage pregnancy recorded in Guyana which has been a growing trend for several years. There have been cases where the pregnant girls are below the age of 12.

“There are some girls who are as young as 10 and 11 years old who are becoming a trend… The adolescent who is pregnant or an adolescent mother is entitled to having the support necessary of self-development,” Rodrigues had noted.

13 1 dead, 3 critical in Essequibo River boat mishap O news

TuesDAY, september 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

ne person is now dead and three others are in a critical condition following a boat mishap in the Essequibo River on Monday evening.

Reports are at about 19:00h two boats that were travelling on the Essequibo River collided head-on.

According to information reaching this newspaper,

one of the boats was heading in the direction of Buck Hall, Essequibo River, while the other in the opposite direction.

Following the collision,

the four passengers, who were severely injured, were picked up and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where an unidentified female was pronounced dead

on arrival. Another was transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital as a result of the extent of her injuries while two others remain at the Leonora

Cottage Hospital. This publication was told that a search party has since been dispatched to look for others who are still missing. (Leah Hernandez)

ie,” she added.

Taite, who was away from Guyana for six years, said she is glad to be home.

On September 15, a family of five also returned to Guyana from the hurricane-ravaged island.

Thirty-five-year-old Orin Grimmond and his wife, 35-year-old Sholme Grimmond, arrived at the CJIA with their three children seven-year-old

Seraphine, two-year-old Angeline and two-monthold Kemuel.

They were accommodated at the Marriott Hotel before they left for Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), to meet their family members.

On September 1, Dorian, a category five hurricane, ripped through the small Caribbean archipelago with winds near 240 kilo-

metres per hour (150 miles per hour), the US National Hurricane Center said.

A BBC report stated that Dorian was the most powerful storm to hit The Bahamas.

Bahamians are now facing severe health threats as they are trying to cope with the lack of access to toilets, clean water, and medication.

The Guyana Bank for

Trade and Industry (GBTI) has set up an account here for persons who would like to make contributions towards assisting persons in The Bahamas.

Persons desirous of contributing financial donations are asked to make those contributions to the account named GBTI Hurricane Relief FundBahamas # 011802963011.

Another family returns from hurricane-ravaged Bahamas

The Cooper family

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nother family of five, who was affected by Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas returned to Guyana on Sunday evening.

The Cooper family arrived in Guyana at about 22:00h at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

Stevie Cooper, who is originally from The Bahamas, and his reputed wife, Vanessa Taite, a Guyanese, and their three children, Stevie Cooper Jnr, Steven Cooper and Steve Cooper, who were all born on the island, were welcomed to Guyana by Citizenship Minister Winston Felix.

The Minister told reporters at the airport that the family’s trip was made possible by Caribbean Airlines.

“The issues with respect to citizenship would be sorted out. As you are aware the husband is Bahamian and

the children are born to a Guyanese mother outside of Guyana so these are issues we would have to walk them through the process to regularisation,” he added.

The family will be staying with relatives in Georgetown. Next week two more persons are expected to return home.

The family, who briefly spoke with the media, described their experience as “horrible”. Vanessa Taite said, “It’s nothing that no one actually live through like speaking about it you would get an impression but actually going through it is an absolute difference”.

She said it was quite frightening to watch her friends and family die in the disaster but even more frightening for her was when her roof came off, leaving her young children exposed. “It’s like literally going through a scary mov-

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TuesDAY, september 24, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Filaria campaign to tackle SDA Pathfinders celebrate vulnerable communities 65 years in Guyana

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he Public Health Ministry will be commencing its Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Campaign early next week where the general population is urged to take their pills during the national distribution exercise.

Spearheaded by the Mass Drug Administration (MDA), the programme will seek to target areas where the population is vulnerable to the disease. Guyanese will be given three tablets; Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and Albendazole.

The combination of pills is referred to as the IDA and is proven to reduce the elimination time.

Throughout the month of October, the pills will be provided in communities across the country. In the past two years, an estimated 80 per cent of persons in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) were administered with DEC and Albendazole. This

time around, Ivermectin will be introduced.

Ivermectin is a medication used to treat many types of parasitic infestations. This includes head lice, scabies, and Lymphatic Filariasis. Research shows that it is better to take the drug on an empty stomach or one to two hours after a meal. Side effects of the drug include headache; dizziness; muscle pain; nausea; diarrhoea; swelling of hands, ankles or feet; swelling or tenderness of lymph nodes and/or itching.

The number of tablets varies per age, and they are not to be given to pregnant women and children below the age of two years old. It is said that a person requires five annual doses of the pills before they become immune to the mosquito-borne disease.

Last October, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence had announced that over US$1 million was used for pills and sensitisation procedures for 2018. Lawrence reported that for the MDA programme, more locals were interested in taking the pills to prevent the dreaded disease from affecting their lymphatic glands and causing swelling.

The Minister said although some were excited to take the pills, others were more concerned about the side effects. As a result, she noted that more information will be provided for locals on the side effects, which are mild, as well as the benefits of consuming the tablets.

It was disclosed during the launch of the MDA programme that epidemiology coverage has improved from 45.7 per cent in 2015, to 54.42 per cent in 2016 as only two regions received the pills back in 2015, and the Government was able to extend the pill distribution to four in 2016.

This was still, however, no major achievement for the country as the pass mark for coverage percentage was 65 per cent, according to the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO).

The country was finally able to achieve this last year, achieving 86 per cent epidemiology coverage.

Members of the Seventh-day Adventist church gathered at the National Park over the weekend

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housands of Seventhday Adventist members from across the country, over the weekend, gathered at the National Park, Georgetown, to celebrate 65 years of Pathfindering in Guyana.

The event coincided with Global Pathfinder Day, celebrated among Adventists worldwide.

Some 3000 Master Guides, Pathfinders and Adventurers were invested in their respective classes as they completed their programmes.

The Investiture Programme, according to the Youth Director of the Guyana Conference, Pastor Marvin Smith, was to “reflect on how far and how large the church has come from and grown over the past 65 years, and to celebrate the work and achievements of Adventist Youths across the Local Conference”. He also reiterated that the Pathfinder Club has been

and continues to make a significant contribution in the Guyanese society as it relates to mission, service and community development.

The theme of the celebration “created with purpose” was emphasised by the speaker, President of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Exton Clarke, at Saturday’s gathering.

“Purpose determines how we live in society; how we respond to needs; how we respond to challenges and what influences our actions and activities. We are of the conviction that our young people, as long as they are connected with God, he plants that purpose in their lives and the Pathfinder programme helps to inspire young people to realise that purpose.”

The celebration continued on Sunday with a grand parade which started at the Jubilee Square and ended

at the National Park where Master Guides, Pathfinders and Adventurers displayed their para-military training through the streets of Georgetown. At the National Park, the programme included a drill display, a fair and other events that showcased the works of the various clubs within the organisation.

“The Adventist church in 2017 celebrated 130 years of Adventism in Guyana, and the Youth Department, an arm of the church, features activities to meet the needs of youth within the churches and society at large. The club is filled with action, adventure, challenge, group activities and provides opportunities for the development of new attitudes and skills that produce personal growth, team spirit and a sense of loyalty and respect for God”, stated the Deputy Youth Director, Lennox Jason.

news

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TuesDAY, september 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Parents must play their part” – Education Minister P arental involvement is key to the improvement of educational outcomes; recognising this, the Education Ministry on Monday held a Parent Seminar at the North Ruimveldt Secondary School, to engage the parents, guardians, and teachers.

According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, in attendance were representatives of the Parent-Teachers Associations (PTAs) of every nursery, primary and secondary school in the Georgetown education district. The move was commended by all present.

Speaking to the parents present, Education Minister Nicolette Henry explained the seriousness with which

Parents, students and education officials in attendance

the Ministry took its role in the process of educating Guyana’s future.

“We want our students,

irrespective of where they live and whatever their circumstances, to be exposed to the best possible education

that we can offer them as a country and as a people, and so it is not by accident that we have established a unit

that engages and works and supports parents to get that involvement, engagement, partnership, and collaboration,” Henry is quoted by DPI as saying.

Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson underscored the Ministry’s commitment to engaging parents as it worked to ensure higher educational standards. “This seminar could not have come at a better time, since we, in the Ministry of Education, are keen on transforming the sector and producing students that are of quality and in keeping with the SDG 4 agenda which speaks to quality, equity, inclusivity, and lifelong learning,” Dr Hutson remarked.

Additionally, he spoke to the parental support needed

to create impactful change in the education system.

Also engaging the parents were National PTA Coordinator Nadia Hollingsworth and Senior Guidance and Counselling Officer Vickram Mohabir, who both emphasised the importance of having all persons involved in the education of a child.

Mohabir described the ideal school system as a ‘tripartite’ one, where the school, inclusive of teachers and educators, work collaboratively with students and parents to ensure the best possible educational outcomes. Hollingsworth then underscored the importance of PTAs in schools and the support needed from parents through regular attendance at meetings.

Thomas Cook travel company collapses, Jamaica calls for partnership stranding thousands approach to financing

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undreds of thousands of vacationers were left stranded when one of the world’s oldest tour companies, Thomas Cook, abruptly announced Monday, with some of its flights still in the air, that it was going out of business.

Amid scenes of confusion at European airports, British officials scrambled to bring home 150,000 travelers, chartering dozens of jets to bring people home from as far away as Malaysia. It was described as the largest peacetime repatriation effort in the country’s history.

The tour company, said that all its bookings, including flights operated directly by the agency, had been canceled. “We are sorry to announce that Thomas Cook has ceased trading with immediate effect,” it said.

With that, travel plans for hundreds of thousands were snarled, and tourism officials in vacation hot spots braced for a potentially devastating hit to their economies.

Thomas Cook was no ordinary travel company. Founded in 1841, it changed the face of British travel. Its ubiquitous storefronts specialized in low-cost package holidays that put beach vacations in exotic locales within the budgets of middle-income Britons.

So its demise felt a bit like the end of an era — and it seemed in keeping with the larger mood in Britain as the country moves closer to a withdrawal from the European Union.

Indeed, though the company’s

impact of climate change

J

brick-and-mortar business model was overtaken by time, some also saw in its travails early signs of Brexit damage to come. They said a weakened pound and uncertainty among would-be travelers had played a role in the collapse.

Many of the travelers affected on Monday were already abroad, and wondering how they would get home.

Others found their vacation plans dashed.

“I have been awake for 28 hours now,” Mr. Roche, a 30-year-old civil engineer, said in a message on Monday, as he and Ms. Wells, 31, were on their way to Birmingham to seek an alternative flight.

The Britons stranded on holidays were among as many as 600,000 vacationers left high and dry worldwide. Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement that it

had arranged 60 flights to get people home on Monday, and that the effort would extend until Oct. 6. It was unclear whether citizens of other countries could expect similar help.

“We will try our level best to get them home,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson. “There will be plans ready to deal with that if it is necessary.”

If Thomas Cook’s customers were surprised, British officials had less reason to be. The government had refused to mount a financial rescue of the battered company; doing so, Mr. Johnson said, would create a “moral hazard” by encouraging other troubled companies to take undue risks.

It was unclear, however, what steps, if any, the government took to prepare for the possibility of hordes of stranded travelers. (New York Times)

amaica says it believes a partnership approach is required in order to generate the type of response needed to create long-term mobilisation of the financial resources small island developing states (SIDS) urgently need to deal with the impact of climate change.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, addressing a luncheon here, said that for Jamaica, it was important to emphasise the term partnership even before talking about climate finance.

He said this was necessary because “we believe a partnership approach would generate the type of response across countries necessary to create long-term mobilization of the financial resources small island developing states and least developed countries (LDCs) urgently need to prepare, adapt and indeed thrive in the wake of climate change.”

The luncheon is among a series of activities marking the first ever United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit and Holness said that the presence of so many world leaders and key stakeholders is testament to

the importance the international community attaches to climate finance.

He said within the context of the Climate Action Summit, Jamaica has submitted to the UN Secretary-General, a plan to enhance its 2020 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC); which includes more ambitious targets for renewable energy, emissions reductions, sustainable land use and forest management, low carbon transport, increased investments in sustainable infrastructure and enhanced fiscal resiliency.

“However, our NDCs can rapidly turn into wishful thinking if the right blend and scale of financial resources are not in place to catalyze public and private sector investments in climate smart solutions,” Holness said, noting that “we have the right mechanism in place to support the rapid financing of sustainable, low carbon projects in developing countries and to help these countries adapt to climate change.

“As we have all worked directly or indirectly to create this financing mechanism, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is truly our Fund.” (CMC)

16

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, september 24, 2019

Regional

Haiti Senator opens fire outside Parliament, wounding 2

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Haitian Senator opened fire during a protest outside the country’s Parliament building, wounding two people including a photographer.

Chery Dieu-Nalio, a photographer for the Associated Press, was hit in the face.

Leon Leblanc, a security guard, was also wounded in the incident.

Senator Jean Marie Ralph Féthière opened fire as he left Parliament in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

He claimed he was defending himself from protesters.

Dieu-Nalio, who was wearing body armour clearly marked with the word “Press”, was struck on the chin. Reports said he was treated in hospital, but his injuries were not severe.

Leblanc’s condition was not immediately known.

Féthière, a senator from the north, told local media he had attempted to defend himself after “armed individuals threatened me”.

“I was attacked by violent militant groups, so I

M

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador

Senator Jean Marie Ralph Féthière is seen on the right seconds after opening fire

defended myself,” he told Haiti’s Radio Mega, adding: “Self-defence is a sacred right.”

Another senator, Patrice Dumont, told local media that r Féthière issued a warning before opening fire.

Protesters had gathered outside the building as the Haitian Senate met to confirm Fritz-William Michel as the new Prime Minister.

Crippling fuel shortages have triggered weeks of anti-government protests, plunging the country into an economic and political crisis.

Soaring inflation and allegations of Government corruption have compounded Haiti’s woes, leading to calls for Jovenel Moïse, president since 2017, to stand down.

Earlier this year, Moïse

rejected calls for his resignation, saying he would not leave the country in the “hands of armed gangs and drug traffickers”.

This week, Moïse postponed a planned trip to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York until a new prime minister had been approved by Parliament.

(BBC News)

LATAM neighbours agree to impose sanctions on members of Venezuelan Govt

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atin American Peru, Chile and countries on Costa Rica have proMonday agreed posed an amendto impose sancment to the Rio tions on some memTreaty –- a Latin bers of Venezuelan American mutual P r e s i d e n t defence treaty inNicolás Maduro’s voked by members Government as part of the Organisation of efforts to force of American States him out of office, but earlier this month expressed reservain response to tions about any use Venezuela’s political of force. and economic crisis Colombian – to rule out the use Foreign Minister of force.

Carlos Holmes Many Latin Trujillo said the American countries measures would aldo not have legal low Governments to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro takes part in a rally against the US sanctions on mechanisms to imfreeze assets belong- Venezuela, in Caracas, Venezuela (file photo) plement sanctions ing to Maduro-linked rather than later. It’s a tran- retains the recognition of the or travel bans on officials within their coun- scendental step of great sig- 193-member UN General Venezuelan officials, and the tries, targeting those sus- nificance in favour of peace Assembly. treaty could provide them pected of illicit activities, cor- and legality,” the Colombian Guaidó’s team has called with one, a senior US official ruption, and human rights Minister said.

Maduro’s 2018 re-elec- said earlier on Monday. violations.

Venezuelan Opposition tion fraudulent and is hop“It is not just an option “This allows countries in Leader Juan Guaidó has been ing to use the UN gathering for these countries, this treathe region to, through collec- recognised as Venezuela’s of world leaders this week ty makes it an obligation,” tive action, create the con- leader by the United States to rally more support after Venezuelan Opposition enditions for the Venezuelan and most Western countries months of stalemate and voy Julio Borges told reportpeople to live freely sooner since January, but Maduro failed talks. ers.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Puerto Rico to close schools as TS Karen threatens flooding

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uerto Rico’s Governor announced Monday that she was cancelling classes and closing public agencies as Tropical Storm Karen approached the US territory and threatened to unleash heavy flooding in the island’s eastern region, the Associated Press reported.

Mexican President praises historian at centre of dispute with business leaders

“Governor Wanda Vázquez activated the National Guard and urged people in flood-prone areas to seek shelter”.

On Sunday, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago had placed Trinidad and Tobago under a Tropical Storm Warning.

Further to this, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service had placed Grenada and its dependencies under a Tropical Storm Warning.

Tropical Storm Karen, located 250 kilometres (155 miles) south of St Croix, was moving toward the

west-northwest at 15 kilometres per hour and this general movement is expected to continue.

Maximum sustained winds are 65 kmh with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend to approximately 120 kilometres m from the centre.

(Excerpted from AP and Trinidad Guardian)

exican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday praised a historian whose comments about the killers of a prominent industrialist in the 1970s sparked an angry response from a top business lobby and other corporate leaders.

Last week, Pedro Salmeron, Head of the National Institute of Historical Studies of the Revolutions of Mexico (INEHRM), described the left-wing guerrillas who fatally shot Eugenio Garza Sada in 1973 as “courageous youths” in a blog post.

Garza, an 81-yearold businessman from the northern city of Monterrey, was killed along with several others when resisting a failed kidnapping attempt by members of a group known as the Liga Comunista 23 de Septiembre (September 23 Communist League).

The Business Coordinating Council (CCE),

the most prominent corporate lobby in Mexico, accused Salmeron of being an apologist for violence, and urged him to say he was sorry.

Others said Salmeron, who in his post also drew attention to Garza’s personal modesty and his contributions to Mexican education, should be fired. The INEHRM issued an apology and Salmeron resigned over the weekend.

Asked to comment on the controversy at his regular morning news conference, Lopez Obrador, a veteran leftist, said he was very sorry that Salmeron had stepped down, describing him as one of Mexico’s best historians and an “extraordinary intellectual”.

Still, Lopez Obrador applauded Salmeron’s decision to resign, saying it had left critics of the Government “without arguments,” accusing them of trying to exploit the controversy. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

El Salvador President to discuss migration with Trump in New York

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l Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, will discuss migration with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday in New York, Bukele’s office said on Monday, after the two countries outlined an agreement aimed at reducing US-bound migration.

While the deal did not detail concrete actions, officials said it was aimed at expanding El Salvador’s capacity to accept asylum seekers.

Bukele, who took office in June, and Trump will be in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

They are also slated to discuss regional security and investment, said a statement from the Salvadoran presidency.

“President Bukele has suggested that the United States could contribute by promoting investment and job creation, so that fewer Salvadorans see the possibility of emigrating to that country as the only way out of their economic problems

and lack of opportunities,” the statement said.

The Trump Administration has also pressed Guatemala and Honduras to strike accords to halt the flow of migrants at the US-Mexico border, many of whom set out from Central America.

Guatemala has signed a “safe third country” deal that requires asylum seekers passing through the Central American nation to seek refuge there first rather than in the United States.

Guatemala’s Congress has yet to ratify the deal.

Honduras is in talks with the United States over the possibility of implementing a similar measure for Cuban asylum seekers.

Immigration advocates have criticised the deals, saying Central American countries, from which many people flee violence, poverty and corruption, do not have the capacity to process more asylum claims and cannot assure safety for vulnerable migrants.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, september 24, 2019

17

Around the World

China buys about 10 cargoes of US soybeans after trade talks

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hinese importers bought about 10 boatloads of US soybeans on Monday following deputy-level trade talks in Washington last week that were overshadowed by the abrupt cancellation of a US farm state visit by Chinese agriculture officials.

The deals for about 600,000 tonnes, slated for shipment from Pacific Northwest export terminals from October to December, were similar in size to a wave of buying earlier this month, two traders with direct knowledge of the deals said.

Purchases of US agricultural products like soybeans, the most valuable US farm export, and pork are seen as key to securing a deal to end a bilateral trade war between the United States and China that has lasted more than a year.

A trade deal appeared

elusive late last week after Chinese officials unexpectedly cancelled a visit to farms in Montana and Nebraska and after US President Donald Trump said that agricultural purchases would not go far enough.

US and Chinese officials

have since said that talks went well and plans for high-level talks next month remain on track.

Monday’s soybean deals were among the largest by private Chinese importers since Beijing raised import tariffs by 25 per cent on US soybeans in July 2018 in re-

taliation for US duties on Chinese goods.

Other soybean purchases over the past year have been made almost exclusively by state-owned Chinese firms which are exempted from the steep import tariffs.

(Excerpt

from Reuters)

Kenya school collapse: 7 dead, Greta Thunberg: “Leaders scores wounded in Nairobi failed us on climate change”

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Local area MP John Kiarie said the area had no public land on which to construct a proper public school[Njeri Mwangi [Reuters]

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t least seven students have been killed and scores wounded after a classroom collapsed in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, according to emergency services.

The incident at the two-storey Precious Talent Top School took place a few minutes after 7 am local time (04:00 GMT) on Monday.

Al Jazeera correspondent Catherine WambuaSo said that rescue efforts were finished, with so far seven killed and 64 injured.

“People we’ve talked to said the concrete slab was reinforced very poorly and

the Government has said it wants to investigate how safe the building was,” she added.

According to Kenya Red Cross communications manager Peter Abwao, the school has some 800 pupils aged below 14.

Wambua-So said the mostly poor parents might not even be able to pay for the hospital, but that the Government has promised it will foot the hospital bills for those affected by this.

Wambua-So described the scene of the accident as one “of absolute horror”, adding that children who survived came back after

the rescue operation had ended to collect some of the books that were still intact, probably for reuse at a later point.

Evanson Kamuri, chief executive of the Kenyatta National Hospital, said two of the injured children were in critical condition, while others had soft tissue injuries or light wounds and were being examined.

Local legislator John Kiarie told KTN television that it appeared the first floor had collapsed on children on the ground floor - however, details were sketchy.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Egypt protests: “Hundreds held” after rare anti-Government unrest

A

lmost 500 people have been detained in Egypt in the past few days after protests against alleged Government corruption, human rights activists say.

Under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, there has been a wide-ranging crackdown on dissent, and protests are very rare.

On Friday night, hundreds of young people took to the streets in the centre of the capital, Cairo - including near Tahrir Square, the focus of the popular uprising that forced President Hosni Mubarak to resign in 2011 - as well as Alexandria, Damietta and Mahalla alKubra, according to witnesses and social media.

There was an increased security presence on Saturday night, but dozens of people still managed to take part in a demonstration in Suez, witnesses said.

On Monday, local human rights groups said they

w e d i s h campaigner Greta Thunberg has made a passionate speech to world leaders at the UN, accusing them of failing to act on climate change.

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words,” she told a UN climate summit in New York.

About 60 world leaders are taking part in the one-day meeting organised by UN Secretary General António “You are failing us” - Greta tells world leaders Guterres.

He earlibe back in school on the other er said countries could only side of the ocean, yet you all speak at the summit if they come to us young people for came with action plans to cut hope. How dare you? carbon emissions.

“You have stolen my In an emotional speech, dreams and my childhood she said: “This is all wrong. I with your empty words,” the shouldn’t be up here. I should 16-year-old said.

And she urged world leaders to act urgently, saying: “We will be watching you.”

Guterres, who organised the meeting, said the world was “in a deep climate hole” and that urgent action was needed.

“Time is running out, but it’s not too late,” he said.

The summit comes days after several million people took part in a global climate strike led by youth activists.

Ahead of the meeting, scientists warned the signs and impacts of global warming were speeding up.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said the amount of carbon dioxide going into the atmosphere between 2015 and 2019 had grown by 20 per cent compared with the previous five years.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Government aims to sell Air India, other firms by March 2020, says official

I

ndia aims to sell two or three State-owned firms to local or foreign firms to raise up to 600 billion rupees (US$8.5 billion)

by March 2020, a senior Finance Ministry official said on Monday.

The Government planned to sell Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL.NS), logistics firm Container Corp of

India Ltd (CCRI.NS) and debt-laden Air India before the end of the 2019/20 financial year, the official, who asked not to be named, told reporters.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had voiced reservations about the Finance Ministry’s past sales of stakes in one State entity to another, which was the case when

refiner Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL.NS) was sold to Oil and Natural Gas Corp Ltd (ONGC.NS), the official said.

“The PMO is very clear that we cannot be selling Government companies to another Government company and then call it privatisation,” the official said.

(Excerpt

from Reuters)

Boeing to pay 737 MAX crash victims’ families US$144,500 each Unauthorised public gatherings of more than 10 people have been banned since 2013

had been receiving telephone calls from people looking for relatives who had gone missing after the protests.

Those detained are accused, among other charges, of participating in an outlawed group, spreading false news via social media and protesting without permission. Some are reported to be under the age of 18.

The protests were prompted by a call from Mohamed Ali, an Egyptian business-

man living in self-imposed exile in Spain who has been posting videos on social media since September 2 that accuse Sisi and the military of corruption.

Ali had urged Egyptians to take to the streets on Friday to demand the President step down, and has called for a “million-strong protest” this Friday.

President Sisi has dismissed Ali’s allegations as “lies and slander”.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

B

oeing Co will pay the families of 346 people killed in two fatal 737 MAX crashes US$144,500 each from a US$50 million financial assistance fund announced in July, the fund’s administrators said on Monday.

The fund, overseen by Washington lawyers Ken Feinberg and Camille S Biros, will begin accepting claims from family members immediately.

In a statement, Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said the company continued to extend its “deepest sympathies” to the families and loved ones of victims of

the twin crashes.

Boeing also announced in July it planned to spend an additional US$50 million to support education and economic empowerment in impacted communities.

Nearly 100 lawsuits have been filed against Boeing by at least a dozen law firms representing families of the Ethiopian Airlines crash victims, who came from 35 different countries, including nine US citizens and 19 Canadians.

Families of about 60 victims have yet to file lawsuits but plaintiffs’ lawyers said they anticipate more to come. Most of the lawsuits

do not make a specific dollar claim, though one law firm has said its clients are seeking more than $1 billion.

The lawsuits assert that Boeing defectively designed the automated flight control system.

US Federal Aviation Administration head Steve Dickson told Reuters last week it was not clear when Boeing will be able to conduct a certification test flight. But he said the agency should approve the plane’s return about a month after the test flight occurs unless something unforeseen turns up.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, september 24, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

Don’t burn bridges. It’s best to be on good terms with everyone, regardless of how you feel at the moment.

Charm and diplomacy will lead to respect as well as future opportunities

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Look at the possibilities, but don’t count on anything until you have verified the facts and put everything in place legally. Acting on impulse or an emotional whim will lead to backtracking.

(March 21April 19)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take care of your needs.

Update your look, plan a social evening with friends or co-workers and show interest in what others are doing.

Finish what you start.

You’ll face criticism if you speak out of turn. Offer only information you have verified and make only promises you know you can keep. Put health, exercise and proper diet first.

Enjoying a getaway or spending time with a loved one should be a priority.

Don’t give in to someone putting pressure on you.

Ease your stress, don’t add to it.

Challenge yourself to learn, try harder and make a difference. How you deal with past problems will determine your success. Know when to walk away.

Consider what you want to do and make changes that will allow you to head in that direction. Refuse to let negativity or demanding people come between you and success.

Show interest in others and be friendly, but don’t be too forgiving or revealing.

Refuse to let an emotional incident lead to a premature decision or unnecessary action. Observe and learn.

Play to win. Handle matSAGITTARIUS ters and concerns aggres(Nov. 23sively. Refuse to let anyone Dec. 21) take charge or meddle in your affairs. Be diplomatic, but don’t underestimate a rival. Romance is featured.

If you don’t make up your mind, someone will do it for you. If you are confused, ask questions, and if you want closure, confront whatever situation you face and embrace new beginnings.

Pay closer attention to AQUARIUS your personal finances, in(Jan. 20vestments, health and legal Feb. 19) matters. An opportunity to get ahead will depend on you having your documentation in order. Contracts look promising.

Keep your life simple, live PISCES moderately and channel your (Feb. 20- energy into something conMarch 20) structive. Excessive behavior will be your downfall. Make lifestyle changes that allow you to live within your means.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

tuesday, september 24, 2019

19

Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari will be "very hard to beat" R

acing car championship leader Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari will be tough to beat for the rest of the season.

Ferrari took their third consecutive victory in Singapore on Sunday, as Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, finished fourth.

Hamilton believes this now means that Ferrari, formerly quick only on fast circuits, will now be competitive on all tracks.

“Clearly, their car works really well everywhere now, so it’s going to be very hard to beat them,” the Briton has predicted. “They are so quick on the straights (that) we can’t compete with them on the straights. But we have won before with not the best car; it’s really how we deliver over the weekend.”

Five-time champion Hamilton was running second in the early laps in Singapore, behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc; but he dropped to fourth as Mercedes made strategic mistakes and pitted him for fresh tyres too late.

The race was won by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel after he leapfrogged from third to first at the pit stops; ahead of Leclerc, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and Hamilton.

Ferrari’s previous two wins had gone to Leclerc on the high-speed SpaFrancorchamps and Monza tracks, in Belgium and Italy respectively; and they had expected a relative struggle in Singapore, having finished a minute behind Hamilton at the Hungarian Grand Prix in early August on a similarly tight and twisty track to Marina Bay. However, an

upgrade to the Ferrari in Singapore made it competitive, and Leclerc was able to take pole from Hamilton a n d

with Leclerc and Verstappen 96 behind and Vettel a further six adrift.

Hamilton, nevertheless, said

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc took the first two places in Singapore

Vettel.

Hamilton said: “I’m sure we do have upgrades coming at some stage. I don’t know how much is coming, but these next few races are going to be tough.”

Hamilton remains in a commanding position in the World Championship, leading team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 65 points,

Mercedes still have work to do to seal their sixth consecutive World title, which would be an all-time record.

Hamilton’s championship position was founded on a run of seven victories in the first 10 races of the season, but he has won only once in the last five grands prix.

“It hasn’t really changed much for me,

it’s just as hard,” he said. “You won’t realise how hard we work in the background.

Even the races we’ve won have not come as easily as you probably perceived…. There is so much work in the background: to get the starts, to get the strategy right, to get the car in the (set-up) window.

“Of course it’s got tighter and tighter as the season has gone on; but, at the same time, we just have to be doing a better job. We were doing such a great job at the beginning of the year.

“We have this gap, but the gap could easily go; it is not won yet. We have to pull our socks up. We can squeeze more out of this car and team. Together, we can do better. We win and lose as a team, and we all feel not great right now; and that’s a good thing, because if anyone in the team is feeling relaxed right now, they need a talking to.

“We go to the next race and try to rev ourselves up and do a better job,” he said.

F1 reconvenes this weekend at the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi on the Black Sea coast.

It is a track where Bottas has always been strong, but the concern of Mercedes is that the track has a series of long straights, wherein Ferrari’s more powerful engine will give them an advantage just as in Belgium and Italy.

There is also a long run from the start to first corner, so even if Mercedes qualify ahead of the Ferraris, there is a strong possibility the Italian cars can slipstream past them and go into the lead.

(Excerpted from BBC Sport)

Rapinoe, Messi win FIFA Shoulder ‘contact’ with Hendricks in India/South Africa T20I Series Kohli receives demerit point, Player of the Year awards

A

t a lavish ceremony held at Milan’s iconic Teatro all Scala on Monday, Megan Rapinoe won her first FIFA Player of the Year award, while Lionel Messi won his sixth.

Rapinoe was rewarded at the FIFA ‘best awards’ for leading the United States to the Women’s World Cup title in July; as was Jill Ellis, who won the Women’s Coach Award.

Rapinoe’s six goals scored in the tournament earned her the Golden Boot for being the tournament’s top scorer, and the Golden Ball for being the tournament’s top player.

Messi’s award moved the Barcelona and Argentina forward one ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was also among the three finalists. The duo has dominated the award since 2008, with their string of victories interrupted only by Luka Modric’s last year.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was the other finalist.

His club manager, Jürgen Klopp, was named Coach of the Year for steering Liverpool to the Champions League title in June.

(Excerpt from Standard)

official warning

I

ndia Captain Virat Kohli has received a demerit point and an official warning for an “inappropriate” shoulder contact with South Africa ‘quick’ Beuran Hendricks while taking a run during the third T20I, in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Kohli was found guilty of a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

The incident occurred on the fourth ball of the fifth over, bowled by Hendricks; when Kohli pulled a delivery to deep midwicket and rubbed his right shoulder with Hendricks’ right while running down the pitch.

Kohli was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “Inappropriate physical contact with a player, player support personnel, umpire, match referee, or any other person (including a spectator) during an international match.”

This has been Kohli’s third offence since introduction of the revised Code in September 2016. He has now earned three demerit points; after getting one for the Centurion Test in South Africa last year, and one more during the match against Afghanistan in this year’s World Cup, on June 22.

During the Centurion Test, Kohli was penalised for his behaviour with onfield umpire Michael Gough on the third day of the match, and was fined 25% of his match fee.

During South Africa’s second innings, Kohli

persistently complained to Gough about the state of the damp ball after a rain interruption, and then threw the ball into the ground in an “aggressive manner,” according to the ICC. During the World Cup match against Afghanistan, Kohli was reprimanded for “excessive appealing and charging aggressively towards the umpire”, Aleem Dar. The incident occurred when Kohli advanced towards Dar in appeal of an lbw decision against Rahmat Shah in the 29th over of Afghanistan’s chase. Kohli was also fined 25% of his match fees for that incident.

According to the revised Code, when a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, those points are converted into suspension points and the player is banned.

These demerit points remain on a player’s disciplinary record for 24 months from their imposition, after which they are expunged.

Kohli has admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Richie Richardson, which meant there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Nitin Menon and CK Nandan, third umpire Anil Chaudhary and fourth official C Shamshuddin.

(Excerpt

from ESPNCricinfo)

Virat Kohli has now earned three demerit points. A player is banned after earning four or more demerit points within a 24-month period

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesday, september 24, 2019

CPL 2019 Tournament…

Potent Patriots battle struggling Zouks today P

lay in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League tournament is almost into its final two weeks, and things still look far from settled from the perspective of the points table.

Barring the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW), who are sitting pretty at the top of that table, none of the sides looks certain of securing a playoff spot.

Occupying numbers three and five spots respectively, the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and the St Lucia Zouks each have a bit of work to do to strengthen their respective positions in the roster

of top-four teams. They play their next match against each other, and the result could be decisive in the campaign of either side.

That game is being played today, September 24th, at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, St Lucia. It therefore is apposite to have a look at both teams.

St Lucia Zouks

The St Lucia Zouks have thus far played six matches in the tournament, and have just one win to their name. Thanks to that win and a wash-out, they have recorded three points and are placed second from the bottom on the points

table.

While their chances at qualification are slim from this perspective, all still is not lost, because should they win all their remaining matches, it would put them in a pretty good position. This is of course difficult, but not impossible.

They have had a poor start to this tournament, with the win over the Jamaica Tallawahs being the only spike in their graph. Against the Barbados Tridents in their most recent encounter, their batsmen had failed to occupy the crease, as has thus far been the case in the whole tournament,

and this resulted in them sustaining a massive 71-run loss.

Earlier, with the ball, their bowlers had done reasonably well to restrict the Tridents to a total of just 172, and their last match was washed out due to rain, although their batsmen had looked to be under pressure.

Batting first, the St Lucia Zouks had been reduced to 99 for four, before rain intervened and no further play was possible.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots

With eight points to their account, which enables them to occupy third position on the points table, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots may

British #1 tennis player splits from Coach

B

ritish number one tennis player Kyle Edmund is looking for another coach, after parting company with former coach Mark Hilton.

Edmund lost to Chilean player Cristian Garin in the Chengdu Open first round on Monday for his fourth straight defeat, but Hilton was not in China for the match, because the partnership had come to an end last week.

BBC Sport understands it was the coach, rather than the player, who had suggested it was time for a change.

Edmund is ranked 32 in the world, but has managed to win only 12 matches on the ATP Tour this year, because his performance is hindered by knee problems.

Up until February, Hilton had been working for Edmund in conjunction with Swedish coach Freddie Rosengren. The highlight of their time together came when Edmund reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in Melbourne in January 2018.

Edmund will be assisted in the short-term

by Colin Beecher, who had also coached him when he was in his late teens. Beecher is based in West London, but has already agreed to travel to China with British number two Dan Evans, who also is without a permanent coach.

Edmund will remain in China to play in Beijing and Shanghai, before returning to Europe to compete in Vienna Austria and Paris France, as well as in the Davis Cup finals in the Spanish capital Madrid.

(Excerpted from BBC.

look well settled to qualify for the playoffs. They’ll be as desperate for a win in the upcoming contest as anyone else in the tournament. They have just two matches remaining in the league stage, but a win in any of those would secure them a berth in the playoffs.

The Patriots have had a poor start to the tournament, but with three wins in the last three matches, their fortunes appear to be improving at just the right time.

Their fantastic renaissance began with a win over their current rivals, before they picked up two crucial points against the Trinbago Knight Riders, then followed that up with a fantastic win

over the Jamaica Tallawahs.

That the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots are the only team to have scored totals in excess of 200 as often as they have done speaks volumes about their superb batting order. They have in their batting line-up such potent hitters as Evin Lewis, Laurie Evans, and Carlos Brathwaite, aside from a couple of experienced and cool-headed batsmen.

Their bowling has, however, been a cause of concern; but should they improve in that department, the Patriots might well end up going all the way to the grand finale in this tournament.

Iona Sclater’s death…

Pony crushes teen in ‘jumping accident

A

teenage horse rider died after being crushed by her own pony in a jumping accident, an inquest has found.

Iona Sclater, 15, who died at her Cambridgeshire home on 11 August, had been considered one of horse riding’s bright stars, British Eventing said.

Iona had been on the British Eventing Team’s long list for both the 2017 and 2019 European Championships for Ponies. She had won a British Eventing under-18 competition at Stratford Hills in Essex in June.

The inquest into her death heard that the pony clipped a bale of hay while jumping, and somersaulted and landed on Iona. Paramedics were unable to save her.

Assistant Coroner Simon Milburn has recorded Iona’s death as due to an accident. the cause of death has been given as crush injury to her chest. The inquest hearing in Huntingdon was told that the accident hap-

pened at Iona’s home in Abington Pigotts, and as she attempted to jump a bale on her pony Jack.

Milburn said Iona had had Jack for four years, and the pair had been “used to riding together”.

“I’m told Iona attempted to jump and Jack caught the bale at the start of the jump,” he said. He said Iona “landed on the floor on her stomach”, and Jack “somersaulted and landed on top of her”.

Milburn said Jack was 14.2 hands (4ft 10in) and the hay bale was 1.32m (4ft 3in) tall.

He said Iona had lived with her family, who were “avid pony and horse riders”, and that she had been an “accomplished horse rider”.

Recording a conclusion of accidental death, Milburn extended his condolences to Iona’s family, who were not present at the hearing.

(Excerpted from BBC.COM)

The late Iona Sclater had achieved several impressive results this season

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21

BCB/NBS 40-Over Second Division Tournament…

Smith bags 8 as Tucber Park A rally to 119-run win

ꟷ Young Warriors thump Betsy Ground

F

ormer Guyana fast bowling sensation Nial Smith continued his illustrious rise to cricketing fame and fortune when on Sunday last he led the Tucber Park ‘A’ Team to a 119-run win over the Kortberaadt team at that East Bank Berbice team’s home ground.

In a match of the BCB/NBS 40Over Second Division tournament, Smith singlehandedly routed the Kortberaadt side as they replied to his team’s score of 176 made in 30.3 overs by devastating their innings with the fantastic figures of 8-16.

When Tucber Park ‘A’ Team took first strike, a scintillating effort of 64 came from Keion De Jesus as he led the way with the bat. Batting at number 7, the right-hander played the finisher’s role in striking five sixes and three fours.

Dashing opener Martin Singh had earlier scored 20, while Berbice Under -17 player Abdul Ramsammy also contributed 20 as the Kortberaadt bowlers shared the wickets collectively. But in the chase of 177, hurricane Smith blew

away the Kortberaadt team with his supreme pace and seam, precipitating an embarrassing slump to 57 all out as he scythed through their batting to record figures of 8-16 in seven overs.

Guyana Under-19 fast-bowling all-rounder Leon Swamy also took 1-15, and off-spinner Kwesi Mickle took 1-20 in a dominant display from Tucber Park ‘A’.

Betsy Ground destroyed

In another fixture in the New Amsterdam Canje zone, Y o u n g Warriors

humbled Betsy Ground b y 177 runs. A collective batting effort by the Young Warriors’ boys re-

turned figures of 296-5 in their allotted 40 overs. Guyana Under-19 opener Alex Algoo smashed 72, while unbeaten half-centuries came from Kasim Khan (54) and Suresh Dhanai (50).

Algoo struck three fours and three sixes while Khan hit three fours and two sixes.

The Warriors’ innings was certainly polished off

by Dhanai, who struck six sweetly timed fours and two sixes.

In reply, Betsy Ground tumbled to 119-9, the Young Warriors’ bowlers sharing the wickets among themselves, with Trevon Stanislaus continuing his good weekend with 3-23 from five mesmerizing overs.

(Brandon Corlette)

Nial Smith

Alex Algoo

“Not In My House” Crawford Memorial Turf Club…

Meet postponed from postponed to October 13 to November 23

T

he highly anticipated and greatly desired “Not in My House” boxing card, which had been scheduled for staging on September 28 at Durban Park, has been postponed to November 23, 2019.

Promoters of the event were Faced with last minute issues that would have affected the quality of the event, the promoters of this mega-event have wisely opted to move the date rather than allow the challenges to depreciate the quality of this grand event.

Speaking on behalf of the promotions team, Rudy Ramalingum has said that all tickets issued are still valid, and patrons would be updated on the progress of the event., G B B C President Peter Abdool has likewise e x -

pressed regret at this development, but has said he is comfortable with the delay, since it would give the boxers and promoters additional time to prepare for a bigger spectacle.

The promoters and sponsors of this proverbial volcano will give away 30,000 General Admission tickets and 4,000 VIP Ringside tickets, but only through their sponsors.

Sanctioned by the Guyana Boxing Board, this event dubbed “Not in MY House” will see fighters from Colombia, USA and Trinidad square off against the best Guyana has to offer. The feature event would see Guyana’s gladiator Dexter Marques return to the ring to confront Colombian strongman Jose Antonio Jimenez.

Speaking for the promotion team, Aleem Hussain has said, “It’s time that the people of Guyana got a major entertainment event without a huge cost attached. Unlike other sports, this event is totally free through sponsors’ ticket distribution, and we expect the thousands of persons in attendance will purchase over $50 million in food and drinks from small local vendors, who will be able to sell their items without paying to do so.

“We believe that by giving back to the community, we are accomplishing several things: creating a way for everyone to earn some money; stimulating the economy; and most of all, showcasing the talent that Guyanese have to the world.”

According to the Promoters, the Boxing will be followed by an epic HJ Entertainment and Guyana Carnival music festival.

Dexter Marques

November 17

Part of the action that took place on June 2

T

he Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facility at Alness Village on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice has postponed its October 13th race meet to November 17, 2019.

This is to facilitate the Jumbo Jet Car and Bike Show, which will be held at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice (Region 5).

Several entries have already been confirmed for the Crawford card, which consists of seven categories of races; thus the day promises to be an exciting one.

Feature event of that meet is the Alness Classic race, set to be run over a distance of 1200 metres for a winning purse of $240,000 and trophy.

The race for the H & Lower category of animals will also be run over a distance of 1200 metres, and will have a winner’s purse of $240,000 and a trophy.

Other events listed on the card are as follows: The J and Lower horses, racing over a distance of 1000 metres for a first prize of $200,000 and a trophy.

The race for 2-Year-Old maiden horses, to be run over 900 metres for a winning prize of $150,000 and a trophy.

The L1 and Lower race for horses 3 years old and over, to be run over 1000 metres for the winner’s prize of $100,000 and a trophy.

The L2 and Lower race for horses 3 years old and older, to be run over 1000 metres for a winner’s prize of $80,000.

And the L3 Unclassified race, wherein animals would be covering a distance of 1200 metres for a winner’s prize of $60,000.

This meet will be run under the rules of the legislative draft of the late Marcel Crawford. All bookings must be done with a deposit of $5000; and if there are less than five horses in a race, the prize will be reduced.

Individual trophies and other incentives will be given to riders who have performed exceptionally well at this meet.

For further information, persons are invited to contact Marcel Crawford Jr on 678-5342 or 600-7690.

22

tuesday, september 24, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Heritage Games 2019 end…

New football and volleyball champions crowned A

By Timothy Jaikarran

s Heritage Games festivities culminated on Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club ground, fans were able to witness three intense finals under lights in the male and female football and volleyball activities. The winners of these events were: Pariuma and Kako in the female and male football, and Regions 7 and One in the male and female volleyball.

Kamarang vs Pariuma (female football) Defending champions Sebai having been knocked out, this game belonged to anyone who was ‘hungry’ enough to fight for it.

Kamarang had given a stellar performance in their semifinal game, and were considered a definite shoo-in for the crown.

But on the night of the action, it seemed as though nerves got in the way of the Kamarang side, and they were defeated 2-1.

The first half of the matchup was quiet, with neither side scoring

any goal despite many attempts.

The second half however saw Zulika McNaughtor register Kamarang’s first goal in the 50th minute, to give them a welldeserved 1-0 lead.

Twenty minutes had passed and the girls from Pariuma were unable to score, but in the 70th minute, Jadyln Williams produced the equaliser to give her side hope.

Five minutes later, Pariuma took control of the game with a Satuaka Sai blast past the keeper; and her side held the lead for the remainder of the match, to be crowned 2019 champions.

Moruca vs Kako (male football) This fixture saw many opportunities go abegging, as the first half had everyone in the entire ground on the edges of their seats with both teams missing chances on many occasions. And although they continued to press on in search of a goal, faith dictated that neither side would be able to score after the first 45 minutes.

Heading into the second half,

what looked like a possible penalty shootout ended in the in the 55th minute with the Moruca hero Ronaldo Rodrigues blasting the lone goal into the competitor’s net to have his side deemed the 2019 champs.

No amount of substitution seemed to do the trick for Kako, who had impressed in their semifinal fixture.

Volleyball (male) Region 2 vs Region 7 The team to keep an eye on was Region 2, Mainstay, in their semifinal, because they had defeated Spartan with quiet ease. Despite losing the first

Female football champions Pariuma

Female volleyball champions Region 1

round 15-3, they bounced back in the final two rounds to take the game 15-12 and 17-15 to book themselves a spot against Region 7.

In the finale between Regions 7 and 2, the latter team’s stellar performance deserted them, and despite winning the first round 17-15, they went on to lose the other two 15-12 and 1715.

Male volleyball champions Region 7

Volleyball (female) Region 4 vs Region 1 This intense showdown produced a display of complete domination of Region 4, who had the upper hand in terms of experienced players, but lost to Region 1, who showed heart and determination. Heading in to round 1, Region 4 lost 15-9 in making silly mistakes upfront and needing correction.

GFF/NAMILCO U-17 League

Mahaica Determinators and Rising Stars triumph

K

een rivalry continued in the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) and the Berbice Football Association (BFA) as the GFF-NAMILCO U17 Intra-Association Tournament continued on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

The EDFA had matches on Sunday at the Victoria Community Centre Ground, where the Mahaica Determinators FC edged Ann’s Grove FC by a 1 – 0 margin with a goal from Trevon Porter in the 42nd minute. In the second match, Rising Stars got the better of Victoria Kings by a 5 – 1 margin, with a brace each from Diago Britton in the 32nd and 53rd minutes and Shamar George in the 61st and 65th minutes respectively.

The final goal was scored compliments of a kick from the penalty mark made by Rahyeem Mc Gregor in the 68th minute. The lone goal for Victoria Kings was scored by Kevin Maxwell in the 51st minute.

In the BFA leg, played at the Esplanade Ground in New Amsterdam in bright sunny conditions, Monedderlust FC inflicted a 4 – 0 drubbing of Arsenal FC. Monedderlust took

early command in the first half to lead by 3 – 0 through goals scored by Raul Semple in the 9th minute, Michael Jordan in the 20th minute, and Emanuel Moore in the 22nd minute respectively. Upon resumption, Arsenal FC defended staunchly until the 70th minute, when Raul Semple again breached Arsenal’s defense to complete his double and seal the victory.

On Sunday at the same venue and in similar conditions as the previous day’s, a keenly-contested match ended in a 2-0 victory for New Amsterdam United FC over Cougars FC in the latter stage of the match. Cougars fought valiantly to hold NA United to a goal-less first half, which remained so until the 58th minute, when the everattacking Timothy Sommercell found the back of the Cougars net.

Then, two minutes later, in the 60th minute, Tyrick Ogleton took advantage of a visibly-deflated Cougars defense, which was too slow in their reaction to prevent their net from being rocked a second time, to seal a 2- nil victory for NA United.

The League continues this Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th at the same venue from 13:00hrs on both days.

Needing to win the second round, Region 4 shocked the spectators by their underperformance, losing 15-5 and giving Region 1 the crown on a platter.

The complete results of the winners and runners-up of the Indigenous Heritage Games 2019.

Football Female - Paiwomak Warriors, Region 9 MVP - Satisha Sai Runner-up - Kamarang, Region 7.

Male - Moruca, Region 1 MVP - Ronaldo Rodrigues Runner-up - Kako, Region 1 Cricket Female - Moruca, Region 1 Woman of the match - Marva Benjamin Runner-up - Swan, Region 4 Male - Mahdia, Region 8 Man of the Match - Vickey Runner-up - Region 1

Archery Cadet Female U12 - Marisha Melville 1st, Aliya Melville 2nd, Anjalie Adams 3rd Cadet Male U12 - Ravedo Kanhai 1st, Robeno Kanhai 2nd, Stephon Pearson 3rd Youth Male U13-17 - McLee George 1st & Bert Paul 2nd Youth Female U13-17 - Sarah Fredericks 1st, Serena Clenkian 2nd, Beyonce Dundas 3rd Adult Female - Ausilda Paulin 1st, Rushell Dundas 2nd, Brenette Gordon 3rd Adult Male - Alex Pearson 1st, Jude Edwin 2nd, Aubrey De Souza 3rd.

GFF participates in CONCACAF Professional Football Development workshop

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has participated in a twoday CONCACAF Professional Football Development workshop held in Panama City, Panama over the period September 23–24, 2019.

GFF is being represented therein by Club Licensing Manager and Acting General Secretary Ian Alves.

According to CONCACAF, the workshop will serve “as a platform to provide Member Associations with comprehensive information on professional football matters.” Among those matters will be formal training on the new Club Licensing Model on COMET, CONCACAF club competition updates, and best practices from around the world relative to infrastructure and stadium accessibility.

C O M E T , Monedderlust FC's Emanuel Moore, Michael Jordon and Raul Semple

Volleyball Female - Moruca, Region 1 MVP -Annalisa Vincent Runner-up - Kanaimas, Region 4 Male - Bartica, Region 7 MVP - Breyon Burnett Runner-up - Mainstay, Region 2

GFF Acting General Secretary Ian Alves

which is the Competition Management Expert System, is a football management system aimed at improving the planning, management, and execution of CONCACAF’s football operations, including refereeing, competition management, inventory, accreditation and club licensing.

The workshop has been attended

by Club Licensing Managers from C O N C A C A F M e m b e r Associations.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, september 24, 2019

CPL 2019…

23

Tallawahs hold nerve to clinch nail-biter over Tridents J

amaica Tallawahs overcame Barbados Tridents by five runs in a low-scoring thriller at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

After posting 127 all out, Tallawahs successfully defended this total by restricting the Tridents to 1229 in 20 overs, the experienced Dwayne Smith bowling the final over to defend 15 runs.

When Jason Holder had earlier won the toss and elected to field first, Jamaica Tallawahs got off to a slow start, losing Chris Gayle for a single run in the second over when Holder got him to drag one on to his stumps with the score on 11.

SCOREBOARD

Tridents celebrate a wicket

35

Glenn Phillips continued his good form in the tournament, but lacked support from his team mates.

Chadwick Walton was removed for 13 off the bowling of Sandeep Lamicchhane when he got a leading edge that went to slip. At the end of the power play, Tallawahs were 43-2, with Tridents continuing to chip away at wickets.

JP Duminy removed George Worker for six, and leg-spinner Lamichhane removed Dwayne Smith for one. At 66-4 at the half-way stage, Tallawahs further slumped to 77-5, losing Phillips Chris Gayle for 41 bowled all from ends up

(CPL/Getty images)

balls. The Tallawahs continued their poor outing this season, and at the rain break were 108-8 in 18.3 overs.

T h e h e ave n s opened at 19:38h but the covers came off at 20:10h and play resumed with no overs lost.

Ramaal Lewis hit Raymon Reifer some lusty blows in smashing him for two s u c c e s s i ve s i x e s followed by a four.

L e w i s ’s cameo of 27 from 2 2 balls

ended, as did the Tallawahs innings, on the final ball of their 20 overs.

H o l d e r, Lamichanne and Reifer had two wickets each as Tallawahs ended on 127 all out.

In response, Tallawahs went with slow bowlers in the first four overs, and reaped rewards, with the big wicket of Alex Hales falling for a run-a-ball 16 to leave the score at 25-1 in four overs.

Ta l l a w a h s kept it tight, and runs were scarce for the Tridents.

Dot balls build the pressure, and Justin Greaves was the second wicket to fall with the score on

38-2 in 7.3 overs. Opener J o h n s o n Charles kept his cool and anchored the innings, but he lost Duminy when the impressive Smith outfoxed him with a slower ball.

The Kensington pitch became slower and batting became more difficult, thus the Tridents were 49-3 in 10 overs. Jonathan Carter played some timely shots, but his brief innings of 17 ended with the score on 74-4.

With 54 needed from 42 balls, Charles threw his wicket away for a 35-ball 31. Holder and Ashley Nurse followed soon Glenn Phillips after, as the top-scored for Tridents fell Tallawahs like nine pins in a bowling alley.

Tallawahs Innings CH Gayle b Holder 1 GD Phillips † c †Charles b Reifer 41 CAK Walton (c) c Nurse b Lamichhane 13 GH Worker c Hales b Duminy 6 DR Smith c Greaves b Lamichhane 1 I Khan c †Charles b Holder 10 SK Springer c Duminy b Gurney 7 J Glen c Duminy b Primus 0 RA Lewis c †Charles b Reifer

27 JW Dernbach not out 9 Zahir Khan run out (Holder/†Charles) 1 Extras 11 (b 4, lb 1, w 6) TOTAL 127 all out (20 Overs, RR: 6.35) Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Chris Gayle, 1.4 ov), 2-35 (Chadwick Walton, 4.2 ov), 3-51 (George Worker, 7.4 ov), 4-55 (Dwayne Smith, 8.4 ov), 5-77 (Glenn Phillips, 10.6 ov), 6-77 (Imran Khan, 11.3 ov), 7-78 (Javelle Glen, 12.4 ov), 8-94 (Shamar Springer, 16.4 ov), 9-126 (Ramaal Lewis, 19.5 ov), 10127 (Zahir Khan, 19.6 ov) BOWLING O M R W RS Primus 3 0 21 1 JO Holder 4 1 21 2 S Lamichhane 4 0 17 2 HF Gurney 4 0 20 1 JP Duminy 2 0 12 1 RA Reifer 3 0 31 2 • Shamar Springer and Imran Khan, bowling in tandem, picked up wickets to hobble the Tridents. Reifer, last hope for the Bajans, took 15 off Springer’s last over, the penultimate over of the innings. With 15 required off six balls and two wickets in hand, it was down for a thrilling finish.

Barbadian boy Smith was asked to bowl the last over, and Reifer got on strike for the second ball. He clobbered Smith’s length delivery over the leg-side for a six, and in the third ball he picked up two runs. With six needed off three,

Barbados Tridents Innings J Charles † c Smith b Springer 31 AD Hales c Dernbach b Zahir Khan 16 JP Greaves c sub (SA Jacobs) b Khan 6 JP Duminy b Smith 3 JL Carter c Worker b Springer 17 JO Holder (c) c †Phillips b Khan 2 AR Nurse c †Phillips b Springer 4 RS Primus st †Phillips b Khan

2 RA Reifer c Springer b Smith

26 S Lamichhane not out 9 HF Gurney not out 0 Extras 6 (lb 1, w 5) TOTAL 122/9 (20 Overs, RR: 6.1) Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Alex Hales, 3.6 ov), 2-38 (Justin Greaves, 7.3 ov), 3-43 (JeanPaul Duminy, 8.4 ov), 4-74 (Jonathan Carter, 12.5 ov), 5-78 (Johnson Charles, 14.2 ov), 6-81 (Jason Holder, 15.1 ov), 7-84 (Ashley Nurse, 16.1 ov), 8-90 (Roshon Primus, 17.1 ov), 9-122 (Raymon Reifer, 19.4 ov) BOWLING O M R W GH Worker 2.2 0 19 0 Zahir Khan 3 0 11 1 JW Dernbach 1.4 0 7 0 I Khan 4 0 19 3 DR Smith 3 0 22 2 RA Lewis 2 0 11 0 SK Springer 4 0 32 3 Tridents were confident, until Smith ended Reifer’s 12-ball 26 with a slower ball that Reifer clobbered to deep cover.

Smith then produced a dot ball, and the last man in for Tridents, Harry Gurney, was clueless. He bowled another dot ball to seal the match for Tallawahs with a thrilling 5-run win.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will meet St Lucia Zouks today from 18:00h local time while Guyana Amazon Warriors will battle Zouks the following day from 18:00h.

Bingo Spartans, Saints dominate hockey weekend I

t was another eventful weekend at the Saint Stanislaus College Ground on Carifesta Avenue, as the Guyana Hockey Board’s (GHB) Bounty Paper Towel – Quicker Picker Upper Second Division and the Solo Drinks Under 20 developmental leagues continued under favourable weather conditions.

A lone goal from Simeon Moore led his team, the Old Fort Hockey Club (OFHC) Generals to a slim 1-0 win over Saints Hockey Club (SHC) Storm in their Men’s Second division encounter on Saturday.

Also in the men’s second division, SHC Samurai romped to a 2-1 victory over SHC Storm while, YMCA OFHC Ballerz schooled the OFHC Generals 6-0. Georgetown Cricket Cub (GCC) The Sequel were also in the winners row after defeating OFHC Aces 6-1.

The women’s second division was as equally exciting, with the Saints ladies continuing their dominance this time against the YMCA OFHC. This time around, Tekeisha DeLeon was the leading lady as she hammered home a hat trick of goals to put her team in a comfortable position.

However, Clayza Bobb, Sueann Fraser and Charlia Webb etched their names onto the score sheet to give Saints a 6-0 victory.

The GCC Bingo Spartans brought back their fine from Trinidad and Tobago where the participated in the Paragon hockey tournament. In their first game back, since the tournament last week, the ladies slipped five unanswered goals into the GCC Her-ricanes nets for a victory. While Haley Carpenter and Kirsten Gomes had braces, Madison Fernandes netted one for their 5.

The GCC Bingo Spartans continued to excel on Sunday, despite being given a tougher fight from the experienced GBTI GCC. Macaela Harding, Vanessa Pires and Princessa Wilkie each scored one for the GBTI GCC outfit but it was not enough to measure up to the Bingo Spartan’s’ five.

Abosaide Cadogan, Haley Carpenter, Paige Fernandes, Makeida Harding and Sarah Klautky were all amongst the goals for the Bingo Spartans.

Over in the men’s second division, a few hat tricks were witnessed on Sunday.

Hilmar Chester’s 3 and one from Baraka Garnett ensured that the SHC Shoackwaves would defeat the SHC Savages by a 4-0 margin.

The result was the same when Bounty

Saints extended their clean streak with another win

GCC took on the YMCA Old Fort HC Rusty.

Meshach Sergeant hammered home a hat trick of goals while Kareem McKenzie assisted with on for the 4-0 win.

Meanwhile in the Solo Drinks Under 20

fixture of the day, Kareem McKenzie’s lone goal allowed the GCC Pitbulls to edge past SHC Storm, 1-0. The developmental hockey leagues will continue this weekend with another set of games.

tuesday, september 24, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Bingo Spartans, Saints Tallawahs hold nerve dominate to clinch nail-biter hockey over Tridents weekend

Page 23

CPL 2019…

Page 23

A snippet of the men’s action

Heritage Games 2019 end…

New football and volleyball champions crowned

Page 22

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