Guyana Times - December 13, 2018

12

Countdown to Christmas

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

Issue No. 3775

GTA honours 8 tourism ambassadors

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Opposition, Govt clash over breach in fiscal laws for property valuation Page 3

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

No increases in subsidy for Berbice Bridge tolls P16 – Govt

…$120M for rehabilitation of pontoons

Withdrawal of garbage collection services

Hijackers abandon car during Page Police chase 10

“Investments ought to be protected in Guyana” – GCCI President Page 7 …says takeover of Berbice Bridge does not augur well

GCCI 2018 Awards

Companies refuse to resume without credible payment assurance P10

$75M approved for building to P7 temporarily house City Hall staff

SARA Deputy Director clarifies P16 remuneration

Russian bombers NEW GPC received the GCCI Innovation award on Wednesday evening at the Marriott Hotel, where the Private Sector body hosted its 129th annual Awards. Left: GCCI President Deodat Indar hands over a plaque to NEW GPC Company Secretary Zulfikar Ally. Right: PDC's Anije Lambert receives her award for Young Business Leader of the Year from US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Terry Steers-Gonzalez

More sugar estate workers to face breadline Page – GAWU 9

5-month-old electrocuted in Berbice

Page 7

P2 Guyana monitoring developments in Venezuela

Govt fails to expand school feeding plan despite $300M P9 Budget

2 News

thursdAY, december 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Russian bombers

Guyana monitoring developments in Venezuela …says military exercises do not constitute threats

I

n an effort to quell the growing anxiety of some Guyanese after it was revealed that two stateof-the-art Russian bomber aircraft have been deployed to neighbouring Venezuela, the Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry on Thursday said the Government is monitoring the latest developments.

“The Ministry is monitoring ongoing related developments. It is important to note that military exercises are a regular feature of State relations and do not in themselves constitute a threat. Further, Guyana is fully committed to the rule of international law, including the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Notwithstanding the ongoing border controversy, Guyana remains open to pursuing meaningful functional cooperation with Venezuela whenever that opportunity arises,” the Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry added that Guyana and Russia have had cordial diplomatic relations since December 17, 1970.

The two Tu-160 bombers landed in Venezuela on Monday in a Russian show of support for the Government of socialist President Nicolás Maduro.

According to the BBC, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said it amounted to

Four Russian military aircraft, including two Tu-160 (Blackjack) bombers, one An-124 (Condor) heavy-lift cargo airplane and an IL-62 (Classic) passenger aircraft are seen in this DigitalGlobe satellite image at Simon Bolivar Airport in Maiquetia, Vargas, located about 21 kilometres from downtown Caracas, Venezuela in this December 10, 2018 (Courtesy Satellite image ©2018DigitalGlobe, a Maxar company/Handout via

Reuters)

"two corrupt Governments squandering public funds".

The Russian Government called his words "completely inappropriate".

The long-range strategic bombers landed at Simón Bolívar Airport outside of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, on Monday along with two other Russian planes. Venezuela and Russia have long been close allies, and the Russian bombers – as well as a missile cruiser – were sent to the Latin American country in 2008. The super-

sonic bombers also visited Venezuela in 2013.

The latest visit comes just days after President Maduro met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said they were part of air force exercises with its Russian allies.

According to the US, Russia will pull the bombers from Venezuela by Friday.

Venezuela and Russia recently signed contracts to guarantee US$5 billion in investments to boost oil pro-

duction.

Following the submission of Guyana’s memorial on jurisdiction to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last month, a date has in turn been set for the Venezuelan Government to submit its own counter memorial.

This was revealed by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, during his contribution to the Budget Debates on Friday last.

According to the Minister, April 18, 2019 has been set for Venezuela to submit its

counter memorial.

Greenidge remained optimistic that the ICJ has jurisdiction to resolve the controversy; something he noted has plagued its relations with Venezuela.

According to the Minister, this issue has undermined the country's ability to develop its sovereign territory.

On November 19, 2018, Guyana submitted its memorial on jurisdiction to the ICJ, an important step as the country moves forward to have the controversy over the 1899 arbitral award set-

tled. The memorial states that Venezuela is not correct in arguing that the controversy must be resolved exclusively by friendly negotiations, a claim which Guyana says is not justified in the terms of the final 1966 Geneva Agreement to which both parties agreed.

It adds that the boundary was set out between Guyana and Venezuela in 1897 before the October 1899 award. In January 2018, the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres chose adjudication by the Court as the means for finally resolving the controversy, with Guyana filing its case in March of this year.

When US oil giant ExxonMobil announced the first of multiple oil finds in 2015, Venezuela renewed its claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.

On January 30, 2018, Secretary General Guterres concluded that the Good Offices Process – which the parties had engaged in for almost 30 years, but it failed to achieve a solution to the controversy – and chose the ICJ as the next means of settlement, for which Guyana has long been advocating.

Sir Shridath Ramphal and Ambassador Audrey Waddell are assisting Minister Greenidge.

The United States has since announced that it supports Guyana’s case.

GTA honours 8 tourism ambassadors E

ight tourism ambassadors were honoured by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) for their contribution in enhancing travel experiences and services.

At the GTA’s 11th Awards Ceremony held at Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday evening, Director Brian Mullis thanked those who helped the agency in its mission to propel the development of the travel and tourism sector within the country.

“We are really excited to celebrate those persons who have gone above and beyond to make the Guyanese travel and tourism sector be not only special in our part of the world but special globally,” he is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

Mullis noted it is crucial to avoid the mistakes made by other countries and to promote a sustainable approach to tourism development, including best practices. According to the GTA Director, this includes the

establishment of the Living Destination Development Plan which essentially compliments the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) 2018-2025.

He explained that this initiative is, “the blueprint for where we should invest, create new attractions among others based on market demand; move away from a supply-driven approach to tourism development to a market-driven development to markedly increase the success of any new travel and tourism ventures.”

Mullis added that the agency has also gone through restructuring a process to generate positive outcomes and outputs.

At a leadership level, capacity building exercises were undertaken which will lead to further training programmes for 2019 as well as the establishment of a cooperative database of programmes for future collaborations.

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Mitra

Ramkumar, reiterated the need to adopt the best sustainable practices at a country level in the development of tourism. He added that this includes a concerted effort on the part of citizens to reconnect with nature, in light of the fact that the large majority of persons reside in the city.

Those awarded were: Adrian Sheram from Old Fort Tours and Resort for Tour Guide of the Year; Rewa Eco-Lodge for Most Outstanding Communityled and Owned Tourism Enterprise; Canadian Executive Service Organisation (CESO) for Most Outstanding Contribution to Tourism by an NGO/Volunteer group; Kings Hotel for Service in Tourism Accommodation/ Establishment; Backyard Cafe for Service Quality in Tourism; Hits and Jams for Tourism Entrepreneurs; White King Ranch for Tourism Recognition and Surama Eco-Lodge for the People’s Choice Award for Sustainable Tourism.

news

3

thursdAY, december 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Thursday, December 13 – 09:00h-10:30h and Friday, December 14 – 09:30h-11:00h.

Opposition, Govt clash over breach in fiscal laws for property valuation that contract, there is a commitment of public resources and this is violation of the FMAA,” Ali quipped, accusing the Minister of financial breaches.

Despite this, Minister Bulkan held out that he does not share this view with Ali. Bulkan said in the past, the property valuation project would allow for capacity building for the modernisa-

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 13 – 07:35h-09:05h and Friday, December 14 – 08:25h-09:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day, with clear skies in the evening. Overall temperatures are expected to range between 20 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-easterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 08:08h and 20:24h reaching maximum heights of 2.27 metres and 2.31 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:38h and 13:56h reaching minimum heights of 0.82 metre and 0.98 metre respectively.

wednesDAY, december 12, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS E

05

09 12

07 18 25

FREE TICKET

24 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

05 06

11 12 21

LUCKY 3

7

5

6

7

Afternoon Draw

9

5

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04

05

09

11

PAY DAY

03 09 13 15 17

13

19

21 SUPER PAY DAY

01 04 08 10 17

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

O

saying for months that it will not increase rates and taxes in any of the areas it won at the 2018 Local Government Elections. However, at present, less than half of home owners in some local authority areas are paying the existing rates and taxes.

Last year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan explained that efforts were being made to ensure the sta-

PPP/C MP Irfaan Ali

pposition Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali on Wednesday called out Government for what he said was a violation of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act with the commencement of works in the property valuation project ahead of the official start which is scheduled for next year.

However, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan in his defence claimed it was a pilot project that was started this year.

The Administration is moving full steam ahead with its property valuations for 2019 with a $320 million contract which was signed with the Municipal Property Assessments Corporation of Ontario (MPAC) and AxiLogic Inc in October to bring property taxes up to date. Though the allocation was detailed in the 2019 Budget estimates, Ali questioned why the project was allowed to begin without the requisite approval from the National Assembly.

“Would the honourable Minister agree that any resources spent before 2019 is in contravention of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, Section 4 because grants and loans are part of public monies,” Ali questioned.

Bulkan responded “the Cabinet has approved a contract in the sum of $320 million to allow for this service.

What I have said is that a pilot has started in 2018 and the project itself is expected to start in 2019. Ali retorted that he was very happy to learn that Cabinet was still approving contracts. He continued asking if any money was spent outside of the $330 million contract that was signed.

“What we are addressing now is expenditures for 2019 Budget; this project is expected to be executed in full in 2019,” Bulkan outlined.

Ali, a former Housing Minister under the previous Administration highlighted that it was a report of Government media agency DPI (Department of Public Information) that reflected that works commenced last

year but Minister Bulkan advised his colleagues that all of what is reported is not necessarily correct as he outlined that he is only dealing with provisions for 2019.

“It is not in general what is being reported has a high degree of accuracy.

There is a contract entered into between the Ministry and Municipal Property Assessments Corporation of Ontario that will allow for mass property valuations over a 12-18-month period,” Bulkan explained.

As the clash continued, Ali again clarified is question, asking the Minister if any contract was signed prior to the provision in the 2019 Budget, committing any of the $320 million by the Communities Ministry.

However, Bulkan said he was not too sure about “committing” but said the contract provided a “contract sum”, noting that any commitments would flow from the 2019 Budget.

“We have arrived at the destination; once the contract has been signed and there is a contract figure in

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

tion of property assessment.

The Minister had outlined that the improvements to this system would further advance Local Government organs which are guaranteed in the Constitution of Guyana. The PPP/C has been

bility and self-sufficiency of the Local Democratic Organs (LDOs), to reduce dependence on subventions from central Government. Once completed, this will mean that property taxes will increase.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, december 13, 2018

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

Misinformation and relevancy

F

ollowing the destruction of the once iconic World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001, a war on Iraq was launched.

It was premised primarily on information suggesting that Iraq, at the time led by Saddam Hussein, had possessed weapons of mass destruction. That information was also used to convince the United States Congress, its people and allied nations.

In the end, Saddam was toppled and the USA for a brief period took control of the country. What happened afterwards came as a shock to many, if not all, around the globe. It was revealed the Iraq did not possess weapons of mass destruction as the information was proven to be wrong. That was after all the bombings and lives lost.

While there were many theories articulated as to the real reason for that war, as time progressed, it can be construed as fake news used for a particular outcome. This is no way condoning the atrocities Saddam inflicted on his own people over time. From this, one can theorise that some politicians would not hesitate to make certain utterances or take particular action at the expense of others knowing fully that its premise is flawed.

During the course of the 2019 Budget Debates in the National Assembly here, a senior Government Minister boldly proclaimed that the previous Government did not conduct any feasibility study for major projects it undertook. His comments was in defence of not just the need for such studies currently, but the high cost and manner in which one in particular was awarded for which the oversight Procurement Commission was asked to investigate.

Almost immediately, the Opposition point man on financed and who was accused of not conducting the necessary feasibility studies, declared that a lie is being peddled. He said the studies were done and made reference as where they could be found.

Subsequently, it was reported that they were presented to the Minister who allegedly refused to apologise even though the information purportedly debunking his accusation was at hand.

What can now be deemed as fake news regarding the pronouncement that the studies were not conducted, was fact checked and proven wrong. That seems to have now simmered into a non-issue. It is therefore believable that had the senior official not been confronted with the relevant information, misinformation would have taken a stranglehold with the possibility of that falsehood morphing into a fact.

Similarly, the Prime Minister, during the said debate, noted, as reported by the State’s information agency, that Guyana has never been safer, more secure or stronger than she is today. With regard to criminal activities, some weeks ago, the Police reported increases in crimes; armed robberies, robberies with violence and burglaries. That official announcement does not include the numerous crimes that go unreported daily.

In October this year, some sections of the media provided coverage of a report from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) which claimed Guyana’s capacity to investigate and prosecute crime is below average. In addition, every day there are many media reports of heinous crimes, some of which resulted in victims being severely beaten or killed. Many have and continue to suffer at the hands of criminals and their stories are nothing short of being heart-wrenching. Daily this is lamented throughout the country as fear is infused.

Given what is known about criminal activities, from both the media reports and victims who do not file a report, the ordinary citizen is convinced that crime has not only increased, but that their security has been severely compromised. In other words, they do not feel safe. It should not be forgotten that the main prison in the City was burnt and the one on the East Coast has experienced a number jailbreaks.

With safety is major factor for those who seek a way out to another land, obvious questions one may be tempted to ask are, is the Prime Minister aware of what is happening in the country with regard to crime and whether he is familiar with the reports of the Police. Given his level of seniority in the government one cannot doubt that he is aware. With the benefit of the doubt, it becomes bewildering to understand what could have caused him to boast as he did.

Everyone, regardless of political affiliation, wants to live in a safe country where fear of criminals does not bombard their mindsets. They would want to see the Police and the Government of the day succeed in their efforts to combat crime. Very likely the citizenry will not be encouraged when such statements, like the Prime Minister’s in question and which they believe to be untrue, are imposed upon them in an attempt to try and score political points. In their minds, it’s fake news at their expense.

One possible explanation is that the results of November 12, 2018 Local Government Elections have caused some to be selfpressured and more vociferous in making statements to bolster relevancy. The elusive good life may present a relevant example.

A diver dressed as Santa Claus feeds a zebra shark inside a fish tank at the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra, Malta (Reuters/Darrin Zammit Lupi)

“Fox & Friends” exposes Pompeo on Khashoggi killing S

ecretary of State Mike Pompeo made some unfathomable statements about the killing of Post Global Opinions columnist Jamal Khashoggi in a Wednesday interview on “Fox & Friends.”

Like this one: “Some of the reporting that you’ve seen on that has been inaccurate,” said Pompeo, after co-host Ainsley Earhardt noted that the CIA believes with high confidence that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the killing of Khashoggi.

It’s one of the year’s biggest stories, and “Fox & Friends” was on it.

Earhardt and colleague Brian Kilmeade wondered if the reporting on the CIA’s findings was actually inaccurate. “Look, we all know that they’re still working on this,” Pompeo said, as noted in a write-up in The Post. “This is still a developing set of facts with respect to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

The intelligence community is working diligently on that.” He added: The direct evidence, this is what I’ve said before, the direct evidence isn’t yet available. It may show up tomorrow. It may have shown up overnight and I haven’t seen it.”

Jamal Khashoggi

Contrast that Waffle House special with what Senator Lindsey O Graham (R-SC) said after a briefing on the matter. “There’s not a smoking gun — there’s a smoking saw,” said the senator in reference to the reported dismemberment of Khashoggi’s body after he was killed at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

“We know the prince knows, right?” asked Kilmeade, in a valiant attempt to break through Pompeo’s talking points.

The secretary responded, “I’ve spoken to the king ...

I’ve spoken to the crown prince a number of times since the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, and it is absolutely America’s intent to hold everyone accountable who was responsible for this.”

Kilmeade asked whether Pompeo believed the

crown prince, prompting this remark from Pompeo: “The kingdom of Saudi Arabia decides who’s running the country. ... We are working closely with the kingdom to make sure that America is protected.”

Just how stunning was it to see a top Trump administration official get hounded on “Fox & Friends”? Stunning enough to prompt a round of awe over at “Morning Joe,” its MSNBC competitor. Cohosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski chatted with Senator Dick Durbin about Pompeo’s remarks and just couldn’t square them with reality or decency. “I understand Donald Trump doesn’t care,” said Brzezinski.

"But why doesn’t Mike Pompeo care right now? Are the pathetic deflections that we just heard when he appeared

on ‘Fox & Friends’ — is that a patriot speaking or a wannabe dictator’s buttboy? And I’m dead serious.

I’m asking, are these the words of a patriot?” said Brzezinski.

The MSNBC hosts didn’t wrap things up without first commending the folks on the couch.

“We also ... want to extend our thanks to the hosts of ‘Fox & Friends,'" said Scarborough. "We know at least two of them pretty well. And we really, really respect what they did this morning. They asked the secretary of state the questions that needed to be asked. He thought that he was going to go on ‘Fox & Friends’ and he was going to have a bunch of softballs lobbed at him. Instead, they asked him questions that needed to be asked.

And my God, Pompeo’s answers were horrifying.”

Bolding added to highlight a moment of absolute truth-telling. The secretary had every reason to expect the soft-serve treatment from “Fox & Friends” — to judge from history and emails exchanged between the show and reps for a former Trump appointee. However, it’s nice to see those expectations upended in such news-breaking fashion. (The Washington Post)

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, december 13, 2018

5

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

Education Ministry must do more to deliver quality education Dear Editor, I was given a rude awakening recently as a firsttime parent in our public secondary school system, beginning September this year. Virtually all the issues and problems confronting our children nationally were rolled out at a parent teacher conference at my child’s school, Richard Ishmael Secondary, in November.

It was discovered that the Education Ministry was the principal source of the factors contributing to the failure of many of our children during their secondary school years. I assumed the responsibility of drafting a letter to the school’s principal which outlined those issues which had to be addressed at the administrative level and which required cooperation from the Education Ministry.

At the parent conference, it was found that the Education Ministry had so overcrowded the school with children at the Grade Seven level that another class was permanently established in the school’s library, barring any regular use of that facility by other students of the school. Additionally, one other class had been split into two, within the same classroom, with a couple of blackboards being poorly used to divide the two classes. Based on a sight estimate of the students in the library and split class, the Education Ministry had overcrowded the school in Grade Seven alone by close to 50 students. No effort

had been made to check on the prevalence of overcrowding across the entire school.

The second major problem created by the Ministry was that it failed to meet the school’s staffing requirements for teachers at the beginning of the term, resulting in many subjects being inadequately delivered and the students being very often unsupervised.

The overcrowding of the classes and their increase in number only compounded the problems faced by the school’s available teachers.

These two factors contributed to the heightened levels of indiscipline faced by teachers and the administration.

I myself had discussed this issue with the school’s administration earlier in the term, dealing in particular with female students being sexually and physically harassed even at the Grade Seven level. At the time I had proposed that the administration address the problem with the entire school through assemblies.

It is noteworthy here that inadequate teaching staff only compounds the problem of indiscipline as students now find themselves more unsupervised and more often than not facing off with aggressive students, becoming aggressive themselves as a deterrent mechanism.

We also found that students were forced to clean their classrooms. Again, we could not understand why inadequate ancillary staff had become a chronic prob-

Suddie Public Hospital needs upgrading Dear Editor, The sound of the siren of the ambulance taking patients to the Supenaam Ferry Stelling, and at times the speed boat stelling, for transport to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) has become all familiar.

It is certainly time that the Public Health Ministry do an upgrade of the Suddie Public Hospital and or have more experienced and qualified doctors placed there.

Over the years, that institution has had the number

of doctors increased, but the quality of service apart from the foot care clinic and the ophthalmology department remains the same.

The public has been travelling regular to the city to seek medical attention at the GPHC and other private medical institutions. The only increase we have is the number of trips the ambulance makes to Georgetown and the referral of patients to the GPHC. Sincerely, Archie W Cordis

lem which forced our children to spend time cleaning their classes and dirtying their uniforms instead of learning.

I do not know how long this has been going on, but it is suspected that what obtains at Richard Ishmael Secondary School is a pretty fair estimate of what transpires in the lower grade schools across the country.

Parents are therefore encouraged to attend their children’s parent/teachers meetings and other discussion forums hosted by their child(ren)’s school administrations, and get involved in demanding quality education for their children, now recognised internationally as one of children’s primary rights.

They should also chat more with their daughters to ensure that they are not being physically or sexually harassed at school.

The Education Ministry has obviously been working in the absence of guidelines governing staffing of schools and allocating children across the nation’s public schools. If such guidelines exist, they very clearly were not followed in the case of Richard Ishmael Secondary School. No effort should be spared to correct what is a gross abuse of our children and their right to a proper education, not only at Richard Ishmael, but across the entire country.

Respectfully, Craig Sylvester Parent

Blatant robberies at Stabroek Market area Dear Editor, After numerous concerns have been bombarding the media about the escalation of crime around Stabroek Market and the minibus parks, the presence of uniformed Police in collaboration with the City Constables seems to be a welcome sight to commuters/shoppers around the environs.

On their first day, they seemed effective; however, after that, things seemed to return to normalcy, with everyone complaining of blatant robberies being committed daily.

Notably, on the first day of their operations, various suspicious characters could be seen being stopped and searched and many were taken to the outpost. Indeed, the operation is a great relief to many and I had hoped it would have continued, as plain clothes officers were also present.

Whilst the officers are conducting their duties, many persons are hostile towards the officers, especially teenagers who seem to not fear the uniformed authority, using expletives towards the officers. My assumption is that they tell themselves they are being wronged, and their ignorance overcome them. For too long the Stabroek Market and various parks have become a training ground for aspiring criminals and a sturdy plan should be put in place to combat this nonsense. Many people – in-

cluding conductors, taxi and bus drivers – are of the opinion that the City Constables and Police knows the criminals. I personally see illicit drugs openly being used.

More than once, school children in uniform could be seen at the park liming after 22:00h. Whenever a crime or a fight takes place, they are rushing with the crowds, either to assist a crime or commit a crime. I wonder if parents care about their children's future? Today we are hearing about the number of children dropping out from school and taking part in crime.

Editor, over the years, whenever Parliament is in session, traffic gets congested, causing tremendous traffic build-up all around Georgetown. I see no reason why the environs around Parliament have to be barricaded. It's understandable that the front of Parliament should be so that the Members of Parliament (MP) have easy access and many of the MPs seem to have no sympathy for the stress commuters go through; they are just concerned about enjoying the perks attached to the position they inherited and seem hell-bent on abusing it.

Some of their vehicles are heavily tinted and even though there is adequate parking space in Parliament and opposite Parliament Building, their vehicles are being parked in all kinds of manner on the road. That wasn't so prevalent under

the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.

Whenever there's Parliament, traffic is diverted in all directions and interestingly, motorists are forced to venture into areas that unsafe, but they have no other option.

Heavy-duty vehicles, including container trucks carrying containers are forced to traverse around Demico House which causes tremendous traffic congestion and daily occurrences of accident because of the taxis and buses parked around the area.

It's like a bottleneck with tight turns for the trucks.

Finally, Editor, whenever the traffic becomes congested as a result of Parliament, commuters on Lombard Street are being robbed due to the confusion.

The Police are either inept to combat this situation or like what is happening.

Many criminals head for Leopold or D’Urban Streets, and there aren’t many exits from Lombard Streets, yet the Police cannot catch these criminals when they commit a crime.

It's really sad to know that people are being robbed of their hard earned dollars due to the confusion that is created by a few who seems to be drunk most of the time and prefer to enjoy the Good Life in Parliament. When will these issues be address properly? Don't they have vision or are they just towing the line?

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

6

thursdAY, december 13, 2018

Page

Foundation Questions and Answers

The good news about fighting with your parents is that in many families the arguing will lessen as parents get more comfortable with the idea that their teen has a right to certain opinions and an identity that may be different from theirs

T

he clothes you wear. The food you eat. The colour of your bedroom walls. Where you go and how you get there. The people you hang with. What time you go to bed.

What do these things have in common, you're asking?

They're just a few examples of the many hundreds of things that your parents controlled for you when you were a child.

As a kid, you didn't have a say in very much that went on; your parents made decisions about everything from the cereal you ate in the morning to the pyjamas you wore at night. And it's a good thing, too — kids need this kind of protection and assistance because they aren't mature enough to take care of themselves and make careful decisions on their own.

But eventually, kids grow up and become teens.

And part of being a teen is developing your own identity — one that is separate from your parents'. It's totally normal for teens to create their own opinions, thoughts, and values about life; it's what prepares them for adulthood.

But as you change and grow into this new person who makes his or her own decisions, your parents may have a difficult time adjusting. They aren't used to the new you yet — they only know you as the kid who had everything decided for you and didn't mind.

In most families, it's this adjustment that can cause a lot of fighting between teens and parents. You want to cover your walls with posters; they don't understand why you don't like your kiddie wallpaper anymore. You think it's OK to hang at the mall every day after school; they would rather that you play a sport.

Clashes like these are very common between teens and parents – teens get angry because they feel parents don't respect them and aren't giving them space to do what they like, and parents get angry because they aren't used to not

being in control or they disagree with the teens' decisions.

It's easy for feelings to get very hurt when there are conflicts like these. And more complicated issues — like the types of friends you have or your attitudes about sex and partying — can cause even bigger arguments, because your parents will always be intent on protecting you and keeping you safe, no matter how old you are.

The upside

The good news about fighting with your parents is that in many families the arguing will lessen as parents get more comfortable with the idea that their teen has a right to certain opinions and an identity that may be different from theirs.

It can take several years for parents and teens to adjust to their new roles, though. In the meantime, concentrate on communicating with your parents as best you can.

Sometimes this can feel impossible — like they just don't see your point of view and never will. But talking and expressing your

I opinions can help you gain more respect from your parents, and you may be able to reach compromises that make everyone happy. For example, if you are willing to clean your room in order to stay out an hour later, both you and your parents walk away with a good deal.

Keep in mind, too, that your parents were teens once and that, in most cases, they can relate to what you're going through. (kidshealth.org)

got invited to go with some friends to a game at another school. A senior will be driving us, and I think she's a good driver, but it's someone my parents don't know. I want to tell my parents where I'm going, but what if I ask and they say "no"? I'll end up wishing I never mentioned it and just went ahead and did it anyway.

– Mariela* If you want more privileges, it's best to build a track record of honesty and trust. Letting a parent know where you're going is always a good idea.

You may worry that telling your parents puts you at risk of getting "no" for an answer. But there's a good chance your parents might be OK with you going. If you go but don't tell, you risk losing something more important – your parents' trust.

Parents who find out their kids did something behind their backs may be less likely to give permission to do things in the future. When trust is broken like this, parents wonder if teens are trying to hide something — and what they imagine can be far worse than the reality.

Before you talk to your parents about the game, think about which approach will help them feel most comfortable with giving you more freedom.

Maybe they'd like to meet the person driving or talk to friends who have driven with her in the past. If your parents have questions or hesitate about letting you go, find out what their worries are and then do your best to answer them. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. (kidshealth.org)

news

7

thursdAY, december 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Investments ought to be protected 5-month-old electrocuted in Guyana” – GCCI President in Berbice …says takeover of Berbice Bridge does not augur well

U

nderscoring the importance of investments in Guyana, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar has criticised Government’s recent takeover of the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BCCI).

Speaking at the GCCI’s 129th Awards Presentation and Gala Dinner on Wednesday evening at the Marriott Hotel, the GCCI President noted that Government should ensure that the appropriate environment is created to facilitate investments in Guyana.

“Investments are also driven by the environment which it is executed in and the recent Government takeover of the Berbice Bridge doesn’t augur well for public-private partnership,” Indar asserted, adding that such actions by Government should only be a last resort, having explored all other options.

“Investments ought to be protected in Guyana in order for us to become a regional leader economically,” he noted.

Nevertheless, Indar posited that while the impending oil and gas sector is going to be bigger and more transformational than any-

GCCI President Deodat Indar

thing Guyana has ever experienced, he highlighted the importance of attracting investments in other fields.

“Before oil and gas in 2015, we had an economy, and when oil leaves, we should have an economy,” he asserted.

According to the GCCI President, Government should look to foster investments in areas such as medicine, infrastructure, security, education and development, and social systems.

Still, he recognised the drastic change Guyana is about to undergo after first oil.

Guyana is now home to the world’s biggest new deep water oil discovery and with principle explorer

ExxonMobil pushing for the development of the oil reserves, production is scheduled to begin in early 2020 or perhaps late 2019.

In fact, only last week, the US oil giant announced its 10th discovery, reinforcing the country’s potential to be able to produce more than 750,000 barrels of oil daily by 2025.

With this in mind, however, the GCCI President is calling for the necessary frameworks to be put in place for an oil and gas industry.

Among those he mentioned was for Government to fasttrack the local content policy.

“We would like to see a signature on the second draft. Even if it’s not a per-

fect document… we can put a revision period to it so meanwhile, we will have a framework to go along with,” he stated.

On the other hand, referencing the economic projections for 2019 as outlined by Finance Minister Winston Jordan during his budget presentation last month, Indar posited that the 4.6 per cent economic growth is looking good for the economy.

However, he reminded his fellow Private Sector stakeholders that these rates usually fluctuate. “So there are some good news [in Budget 2019] and some not so good news,” he stated.

While he welcomed the Income and Corporate Tax rate reductions, the GCCI President went on to say, however, that the Private Sector would like to see reduction of commercial tax rates.

Furthermore, Indar also voiced concerns over the 9.9 per cent increase in taxation when the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expanding by some four per cent.

“The Maths do not add up to me… You all will feel it when you write your cheques to the GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority) that you’re paying more,” he stated.

$75M approved for building to temporarily house City Hall staff

A

75 million-dollar building will be constructed in the new year in the compound of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to house its administrative staff as the Council awaits funds for the much-needed rehabilitation of the 19th century structure. The deplorable state of the colonial building has been an eyesore for many years, with several citizens voicing their displeasure over the conditions and the building being declared unsafe for use.

This was revealed by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan after being probed by Opposition Member of Parliament Gail Teixeira on the status of the restoration project. Teixeira said it is in the worst state that she has ever seen it and asked Bulkan if any money was put aside to rehabilitate the picturesque structure.

Bulkan in his response told the National Assembly during the Committee of Supply on Wednesday that the building is unsafe to house the staff while under construction. As such, he noted that works will commence in 2019 to construct a new admin building while the restoration works are in progress. The Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) wanted to know what it will

formed at that time that the City Council had made attempts to restore City Hall and other structures within Georgetown.

A file photo showing a section of the deplorable condition of City Hall

cost taxpayers to restore the structure. However, the Communities Minister indicated that the building falls under the purview of the National Trust which itself falls under the Social Cohesion Ministry.

Bulkan reminded the House that the National Trust is very concerned over the state of the building and noted that Government has received offers from “external sources” to allow for the rehabilitation of the historic building. He however cautioned that the M&CC is also responsible for the building. It is expected that the new building to temporarily house staff will be complet-

ed by the end of 2019.

Though Central Government is taking steps to facilitate the renovation, City Hall continues to complain of its cash-strapped status and reportedly does not have these monies to rehabilitate the current building.

The European Union (EU) in July handed over a detailed $64 million restoration plan it funded for the deteriorating City Hall. The restoration work was estimated at US$4.3 million (GY$894 million), but the National Trust of Guyana has cited a higher figure at GY$1 billion.

The Town Clerk had in-

A

five-month-old infant was on Tuesday electrocuted at his Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) home.

Dead is Mason Cush of Lot 207 Number 76 Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Berbice.

Reports are the infant’s mother Onessa Jackson, 27, took him off her bed at about 12:00h on Tuesday and placed him on the floor as she straightened the bedding. However, while on the floor, the infant grabbed hold of an electric wire which had scotch tape on a section which was broken. The infant reportedly made contact with the exposed part of the wire and was helpless; by the time Jackson realised what had happened, the child was electrocuted.

He was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The incident was re-

Dead: Five-month-old Mason Cush

ported to the Police and the mother was taken into custody. However, she was released on Thursday.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on the infant’s body today.

8 news

thursdAY, december 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teen slapped with robbery, B&E charges

A

19-year-old miner on Wednesday made his appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was slapped with charges of robbery with violence, and break and enter and larceny.

It is alleged that Delson Phillips of Fitzburg, Port

Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini) on November 20, 2018 while being with Simeon Trapp at McDoom, Port Kaituma, robbed Ricardo Rebeiro of $60,000 while using personal violence immediately before or after the act.

Another charge stated that Phillips on December

8, 2018 at Fitzburg, North West District broke and entered the dwelling house of Sherwin Dollway, and stole one BLU cellphone, a SIM card, and cash among other items which amounted to $29,800.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield made no objections to bail. As a result, the Chief

Magistrate released the teen on $20,000 bail on the condition that he report to the Port Kaituma Police Station once per week He was also placed on a bond to be on good behaviour.

Phillips will make his next appearance at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court on February 5, 2018.

Vendor charged for trafficking ecstasy pills

A

Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD) vendor on Wednesday found herself before Georgetown Magistrate Fabayo Azore facing a traf-

ficking in narcotics charge.

Tamara Akra, of Lot 263 Mocha, denied that on December 8, 2018, she had 10 ecstasy pills (five grams) in her possession for the

purpose of trafficking.

The 22-year-old woman was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-a-Fat, who made a bail application on her behalf.

Police Prosecutor Warren Thornhill had no objections to bail. She was released on $50,000 bail and the case will continue on January 9, 2019.

Linden man slapped with robbery charge

D

evon Campbell of Lot 245 Block 22, Wismar, Linden was on Wednesday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Linden Magistrate's Court charged with the offence of robbery under arms.

It is alleged that Campbell on October 11, at Half mile, Wismar, Linden, being armed with a gun, robbed Lionel Nedd of one Toshiba tablet valued $17,000, a Samsung charger worth $1,500, a Samsung headphone valued $2,500 and a silver finger ring

worth $7,000. The items amount to a total value of $28,000 and are the property of Nedd.

Campbell, who is a mason, denied the charge.

According to the Prosecution the investigation into the matter has been completed. The case will call

again on January 16, 2019 for statements. Campbell was remanded to prison.

Campbell, also called "Ratty" has was previously convicted of numerous offences including break and entering and larceny, damage to property and malicious wounding.

Christmas…

W

…in sugar belt ith the closure of four of the last seven estates in the sugar belt, THAT belt has certainly been tightened!! It’s the passing of not only an era but of an age. Can you imagine a Guyana without sugar? You’d have to exclude the entire coastland, which was only “humanised” by slave labour to facilitate sugar with thousands of miles of canals!

But the belts for the 7000 workers who were let go after the shutdown HAVE literally had to be tightened – for three Christmases in the case of Wales and two for the others. Was it a special dig at sugar workers that made the PNC drop the guillotine just before Christmas? For the longest while, this was the happiest periods in sugar workers’ homes – think why “masquerade” evolved at this time!

It wasn’t necessarily because they were devout Christians – but because of the more mundane reason that it was at this time the crop was “over” and they could amuse themselves.

Later, sugar workers received their “back pay” or “once-for-all” and later profit sharing at this time. The ensuing payout enabled workers to do their “Christmas shopping” for new clothes; buy some pieces of furniture and most importantly have a grand Christmas get together with family and friends. Rum would flow liberally, and the tables would be laden with food: it was the one time when sugar workers could live “like the massa”.

Those days have now ground to a halt – especially on the closed estates. Sure, some sugar workers will try to give their families a good time. But they know the ‘severance pay” which they received is fast dwindling – and the more responsible of them will cut back drastically. With no jobs provided for them to move into, the PNC Government is forcing sugar workers to repeat the history of the newly freed slaves to scrounge for themselves to subsist.

But the days of squatting on Crown land is over – so where will the fired sugar workers try to cultivate vegetables and other cash crops?? Unlike the time of Bookers, they can’t even go onto the sugar lands to scrounge for fish in the “swamp” that was created from fields under fallow. It’s like when the old planters forbid the freed slaves from using the “provision grounds”.

This Christmas on the sugar estates, then, will not be a merry one. It’ll be a time for doom and gloom – with which the rain and dark skies will be in harmony.

The Government blithely talked about “diversifying” the closed estates to private buyers.

But even that talk has been shushed. So what? It’s only sugar workers lives at stake! …and the rains Yes…the December rains are here and your Eyewitness had wondered before how will the excess water flow off the fields onto the frontlands and into the seas on those estates that were closed. Most folks outside the sugar belt don’t appreciate what a service the sugar estates provided by keeping the drainage canals free from the lush tropical vegetation and sedimentation that blocks them up in months, if left unattended.

With those backlands now abandoned, a new great flood of Noah could’ve been in the offing!! Well, after looking closely at the budget allocations, responsibility for drainage in those areas have now been allocated to the NDIA. Now this will cost the Government almost as much as the “subsidy” which they refused to extend to sugar – as recommended by their own CoI!! You may say this is ‘penny wise and pound foolish” – but if you think as to who sugar workers are, you’ll understand.

The White Paper on the closure as presented to Parliament explicitly stated they were “PPP supporters”.

So implicitly, “Bun dem”!! …and separation of Church and State Your Eyewitness noticed the slew of activity by State institutions celebrating Christmas with a vengeance.

While he enjoys the bonhomie as much as everyone else, haven’t we supposed to have constitutionally separated Church and State?

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

9 More sugar estate workers to face breadline – GAWU T News

thursdAY, december 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has announced that plans are afoot to terminate the services of dozens of sugar estate workers, adding to the thousands already jobless.

The Union noted that these are workers that were retained following the closures of the Wales, Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara estates to maintain skeleton operations at the factories. These workers were involved mainly in security, drainage and irrigation and power house operations.

It reminded that the Guyana Sugar Corporation

(GuySuCo) had indicated that it was always its intention to have the workers terminated and it is now giving effect to its intent.

“GuySuCo has assured GAWU that it has monies to pay these workers their severance payments as it becomes due,” the Union said in a statement on Wednesday.

GAWU described the situation as saddening, saying more workers have had to lose their jobs occasioned by the “short-sighted and wrong haphazard decision” to minimise the sugar industry.

“While workers at Wales Estate, closed nearly two years ago, were being paid,

GuySuCo at the same time is in the process of informing workers… that they would be terminated by year-end or sometime early next year,” the Union added.

The National Assembly recently approved $2.4 billion in severance payments for over 4000, Wales, Berbice and East Demerara sugar workers who were thrown on the breadline when Government closed several sugar factories.

Wales ended operations in December 2016 and some 375 workers who refused to take up employment at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, remain without severance payments, put-

Highway double murder

ting hundreds of families on the breadline and causing economic crisis in surrounding communities.

The workers had taken to the streets, protesting for their severance to be paid.

Last week, some 238 workers who remained on the breadline received their payments while the remaining 109 workers who took up work at Uitvlugt got their severance on Wednesday.

As part of its plans to bring the heavily indebted and cash-strapped GuySuCo back into profitability and efficiency, Government made 5700 workers redundant in an effort to downsize the sector leaving a mere three estates – Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt – in operation.

The Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara (Enmore) estates were closed in December 2017 with no severance payments made to the workers.

However, back in January, Government secured $93 billion from the National Assembly to pay some of the ex-sugar workers from those three estates.

Those dismissed workers whose severance packages are $500,000 or less were paid in full by January 31, 2018, while those entitled more than that amount were only paid 50 per cent, with the remaining half to be paid in the second half of the year.

As such, since July, these workers and their families have been look-

ing forward to the second tranche of the severance money from Government.

The coalition Government has made its position clear that the move to downsize the industry was a necessary one, as the monies used as annual bailouts were too much.

But the Opposition said even if this was the case, the laying off of workers could have been done in stages, to allow for them to prepare for alternative employment.

With valuation works for the closed estates having been completed, the Skeldon, Rose Hall-Canje, East Demerara/Enmore, and Wales Estates were advertised for sale.

PME confirms couple Govt fails to expand school feeding plan despite $300M budget died from stab wounds

E

A

post-mortem examination (PME) conducted on the bodies of 36-year-old Naco Malika Hale and 48-year-old Alwin Bleacher revealed they died as a result of multiple stab wounds to their bodies. The examination was conducted

by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh.

The bloodied bodies of Hale and her reputed husband, Bleacher, were on Tuesday found lying on their bed in their Lot 522 Kuru Kururu, Linden-Soesdyke Highway home by their 14-year-old son after he went into their bedroom to check on his mother, since she did not wake the children to prepare for school as was routine.

Hale was discovered lying in a pool of blood with several stab wounds to her neck, while Bleacher was laying partially on her with an incised wound to his lower

Undertakers (inset) removing the bodies from the couple’s Kuru Kururu, Linden-Soesdyke Highway home. Also inset is Naco Malika Hale

back. In his mother’s hand was a pair of blood-stained scissors.

The eldest son confirmed that his parents were involved in a heated argument about 22:00h after which he heard a “scramble” followed by silence. The young man reportedly told investigators that he did not pay any heed to his parents since they usually argued. He said he, along with his siblings, went to sleep.

The argument, the teenager allegedly stated, stemmed from his mother’s refusal to drop a court case against his father. The Police later stated that the now dead man was charged in August last for wounding his son. Guyana Times understands the teenager did not clean a “pig pen” and this angered his father, who picked up a knife and cut the young man on his abdomen.

Feds bust Guyanese at JFK with birds in hair rollers

The birds in the hair rollers at JFK

F

ederal authorities busted a man at the John F Kennedy International Airport over the weekend for trying to smuggle a bounty of live finches inside hair rollers from Guyana into the US. The traveller, a Guyanese citizen, had just arrived at the Queens airport on a flight from Georgetown on

(NY photo photo)

Saturday when US Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists stopped him, federal authorities said.

During the course of inspection, the specialists discovered 70 finches concealed in orange hair rollers inside a black duffel bag.

The small birds were turned over to the United

States Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services.

The traveller who attempted to illegally traffic the finches was not admitted to the US and was instead returned home, a Customs and Border Protection spokesman said.

“CBP Agriculture Specialists are the first line of defence to prevent the introduction of animal diseases that have the potential to cause significant damage to the nation’s agricultural economy,” Troy Miller, Director of CBP’s New York field office, said in a statement.

A 2015 outbreak of avian influenza, informally known as bird flu, in the US resulted in the culling of 50 million commercial turkeys and chickens as well as $850 million in damages, according to the CBP. (NY Post)

ducation Minister Nicolette Henry was on Wednesday brought under the microscope by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) when it was found that although some $300 million was requested in the 2018 Budget for students up to Grade Two to benefit from the school feeding programme, it was not expanded.

When former Education Minister Priya Manickchand took Henry to task as an increase in ‘Dietary’ provisions were made in the 2019 Budget, the Minister explained that the added amount will be allocated to now expand the breakfast and hot meal programmes.

This did not go down well with the unsatisfied former Education Minister, who argued that $2 billion from the 2018 Budget was returned to the Treasury from this

Ministry although it could have been used for other important uses.

Manickchand asserted, “I did complain in the budget presentation that $2 billion had gone back and I see that the money in 2018 was not utilised. In fact, more than $200 million was not utilised to feed our nursery babies and I’m wondering which schools did not get fed or if it was determined to be enough to feed everybody.”

Manickchand went further to question why the Ministry would need an increase for this purpose in the 2019 Budget when it did not use its allocations in Budget 2018, but rather returned it.

In her Ministry’s defence, Henry said all the children in the schools which were on the programme were fed.

With regard to the expansion, the Minister admitted, “The expansion however had to be curtailed because that

programme had to be audited and we had to wait until we got guidance from the auditors, based on what was happening, then to move forward.”

She referred to the school feeding programme as being delayed.

Meanwhile the Opposition MP questioned Minister Henry whether or not sugar workers' children were considered when the programme was being executed to which Henry responded in the affirmative.

Manickchand highlighted that thousands of these sugar workers lost their jobs, reminding the House that many of them have since said that they cannot afford adequate meals or even send their children to school regularly.

Manickchand reiterated that money could have been spent too on uniform grants.

10 news

thursdAY, december 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Hijackers abandon car during Police chase

P

olice ranks in D Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) are on the hunt for a group of bandits who escaped during a high-speed chase on Wednesday after breaking into a vehicle on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE).

According to reports, a building contractor had secured his vehicle in front of his Tuschen, EBE home on Tuesday night and retired to bed. However, on Thursday morning, he was alerted by a resident of the community that thieves had broken into his vehicle and later escaped in another motorcar.

Upon checking the vehicle, the victim confirmed what he was told and discovered the amplifier, Pioneer tape deck and a crossover

The car which was stolen and involved in the high-speed chase

stolen.

The matter was reported and based on the description of the getaway car used by the bandits, the vehicle was spotted by ranks of a Police patrol on the La Parfaite Harmonie Public Road, West Bank Demerara.

This resulted in a highspeed chase during which

the suspects’ car got stuck in a drain. However, the occu-

pants abandoned the vehicle and managed to flee before the lawmen caught up.

“The area was searched but the suspects were not seen,” the Guyana Police Force said in a statement.

Nevertheless, the abandoned vehicle – a black Toyota Allion with registration plates PSS 3701 – was searched and all of the stolen articles were recovered.

The vehicle is presently lodged at the Leonora Police Station. Meanwhile, further investigations are ongoing.

Withdrawal of garbage collection services

Companies refuse to resume work without credible payment assurance

P

uran Brothers Disposal Services and Cevons Waste Management continue to remain on standby to resume garbage collection services for the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), but cautioned on Wednesday that they would not do so until a credible assurance was given on payments.

The solid waste collectors indicated jointly that when they met with Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan and senior officials of the City Council last week, it was agreed that they would receive partial payments for the outstanding $160 million, owed since the first quarter of 2018. Added to that, the companies were prepared to recommence work immediately under the existing contractual agreement.

While it is up to City Hall to signal the “green light” for resumption of their services, the garbage collectors have posited that this has not been “forth-

Garbage collectors remain steadfast in their decision to retrieve owed monies

coming” and they continue to remain on standby.

“Timely payment under the terms of our contract with the Georgetown City Council is a fundamental issue. We cannot, we submit, be expected to provide services without reasonable assurances of timely payment. Where there is slippage we are prepared, as we have, over time, to exercise some measure of understanding to an extent that is reasonable.”

It was reiterated that the withdrawal of services was the last option after the “lengthy payment delays” exhausted their “materi-

al ability” to provide services. This is being viewed as a “regrettable necessity” rather than a form of “insidious action”.

“It is our capacity to continue to give service rather than our willingness to do so that results in work stoppages. Accordingly, we vigorously reject any suggestion that we are inclined to use outstanding payments as an excuse to ‘play games’ with our garbage disposal responsibilities,” both collectors maintained.

Further, Purans and Cevons claimed that they made careful deliberations before pulling their

services. For the pending Christmas holidays, garbage collection services will surge and refuse generation will increase.

For this reason, the agencies specified, “Our concern at this time is with ensuring that the citizenry not have to endure garbage-related inconveniences, and worse, at this time of year. It is against this backdrop that we repeat our earlier undertaking that we stand prepared to resume work immediately upon receiving City Hall’s clearance. In our opinion, the sooner that assurance comes, the better.”

At present, collection is being carried out throughout the city and its environs by five smaller contractors appointed by the Council to alternate work during the days of the week.

This has raised some concern among residents and business owners, whose waste accumulated for almost a week after the impasse before being collected.

thursDAY, december 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

E

ven though we do it every year without fail, gift wrapping may just be one of the most overlooked design choices of the entire holiday season. Here are some of our favourite modern ways to show the people you love how much you care before they even open the gift. (thespruce.com)

12

thursdAY, december 13, 2018 | gu

I

f you love a traditional, oldworld Christmas, you probably won’t think much about a colour scheme for your Christmas decorations. You’ll gather together everything with sentimental value in any colour, and find just the right place for it and your home and tree will be lovely.

But if you’re just starting out or want your decorations to compliment your home’s decor, all your Christmas decorating decisions will be easier if you start out with a specific colour scheme.

How to choose a colour scheme

There are a number of ways you can determine or choose a colour scheme. They include: Your home’s colour scheme: Focus on the colours you have in your home year ‘round and select complementary colours that bring

out the seasonal feeling. If your home has warm colours, it would be best to choose golds and reds for decorations rather than icy white and silver. Keep with the feeling of your home for a harmonious decor.

Colours from your childhood Christmases: If you have particularly happy memories from Christmas past, try to choose a colour theme to enhance that memory. If you loved all the candy canes, choose a red and white colour scheme. Did your tree have

shiny silver tinsel laid over the boughs? Maybe you’d like a silver glittery colour scheme.

Photos from magazines and books: Most photo layouts from magazines and books are “staged” by professional designers. Use their ideas to bring the colour scheme and designs into your home.

Once you choose a colour scheme, it’s a good idea to carry the colour through all connecting rooms, for a look of consistency and harmony.

Add texture

Even with a monochromatic scheme, it’s important to have some texture for interest. A tree decorated with only balls can look boring. Use garlands, different finishes on the balls, ribbons, nosegays to add different textures and balance. (thespruce.com)

T

cho

wo the wit

Fi

figu rie com the the nex tho or

Le in

kid an dra

M

y name is Shanazz Embletion; I'm a young girl with lots of dreams. Growing up wasn't always an easy task but yet I made it very far.

As a young girl growing up, I was inspired by my grandmother – a woman of class and ambition, a role model for the community and an angel for me. My grandmother was a seamstress and my grandfather was a tailor; they had almost 50 years in the clothing industry, which they loved.

Growing up, my dream job was to become a judge, but after I got into law school, I had to quit.

While attending law school, I was also the owner of an Internet café, but after a year , I couldn't continue with my law studies and that was my biggest downfall. I left law school, and started to dream bigger and bigger every day.

With the help of my grandmother, I was able to open

my own event planning business in the year 2012.

My journey in event planning, particularly at the beginning, was never an easy road, but I never gave up. However, the hardest part of my life was yet to come – when my grandmother passed away. My whole little world came crashing down, but I continued my life journey with her memories and came all the way to 2018 with my own business showroom and event planning service.

I got into event planning owing to my liking of the cloth which my grandparents created, I never wanted that line of cloth to go out of my family line, and my only choice was to become an event planning. Beside my event-planning job, I would also like to become a motivational speaker in the future and complete my five-year dreams of owning my very own wedding banquet hall and a home for kids and elderly people.

Being around persons who need our love and affection gives me real peace of mind and lots of happiness, seeing the joy on the faces of others is the best feeling I could ask for. For the past three years I've been going to the boys’ and girls’ orphanage in Kitty; I would also be spending my Christmas with the kids from the home this year. There isn't any other way I could ask for a better Christmas gift this year – helping others is my passion and I shall always help others no matter what: I will keep on spreading the love and joy with others always.

With the new year of 2019 about to soon start, we will be opening our new line of businesses, focusing on make-up and wedding outfits.

I keep on doing more and more to make my grandparents proud of me. My favourite quote is “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start from where you are and change the ending !!”

ta m da ter toy she

13

er 13, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

id over the d like a silver e. gazines and ayouts from are “staged” ers. Use their lour scheme home. e a colour dea to carry l connecting consistency

e

nochromatic ant to have erest. A tree alls can look ds, different lls, ribbons, rent textures

me crashing y with her with my own ervice. liking of the ever wanted ine, and my ning. Beside o become a omplete my wn wedding erly people. r love and and lots of others is the three years rphanage in stmas with re isn't any mas gift this shall always n spreading

soon start, businesses, s. o make my te quote is ginning, but change the

T

Keep it in the age limit

oys are all designed for different age ranges. Children under the age of three, for example, shouldn’t have anything with small parts because of the dangers of choking.

Other toys are for older children and while a child of five won’t be attempting to eat small pieces, they might not have the patience or understanding for a toy that’s been created with older children in mind.

Find a toy that will encourage your child to use their imagination

Children are great story tellers. Toys like dolls and action figures allow kids to create imaginary worlds and invent stories for their characters. If this sense of imagination doesn’t come naturally to your child, encourage them by helping them with starting points. Read them a book and ask them what they think the character would do next, encourage them to act out these thoughts with their dolls or action figures.

Let kids be involved in picking out their toys

Take your kids to the toy store and see what they are drawn to.

When I

take m y daughter into the toy department, she immediately

starts telling me what she wants. The problem is she ends up wanting EVERYTHING. This year, we had her take a picture with every toy that she wanted. Then we had her look through the toys and narrow down her picks to her top 10, her top 5 and then her top 3. We made the decision from there. Let your kids interact with the toys as much

as possible at the store and see which ones hold their attention for the longest. Also observe your children on playdates at other people’s homes and see which toys they go back to again and again and which toys they talk about when they come home. (dumblittleman.com/hellocreativefamily.com)

14

thursDAY, december 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

C

reating a balanced decor means finding the perfect drapes to match your couch. The living room is often the room you and your family use the most to watch TV, play games and do homework, so take your time to find the right drapes to match your sofa and the overall style of your room. With a little planning, your room can look like it was designed by a professional decorator.

1. Examine your room and determine its overall style. Your room could be modern, traditional, eclectic or romantic.

The room’s style helps you decide what type of drapes work best with your sofa.

2. Pick three coordinating colours found in your sofa. If your sofa is a solid colour, look around your room to choose three colours you find near the sofa. If your sofa is a coloured pattern, look for colours inside the pattern. For example, if your couch is gold with red flowers with green stems and brown accents, the flower, stem and accent colours could be possibilities for your drapes.

3. Bring paint chips home in your chosen colours. You can’t exactly take your sofa to the drapery store, and photos aren’t always true to the colours in your couch.

Bring several shades of paint chips

home and lay them on your sofa to find ones that match the pattern or coordinate with the solid-colour shade. Find the one that most appeals to you, and mark it as your first choice. Determine your second choice as well, in case you decide to buy a patterned drape.

4. Find the style of drapes you need to complement your room’s style. For example, a romantic room could use long, flowing drapes that puddle under the windows. For a traditional look, put two curtains on each side of the window and pull them back in the centre with hooks or decorative rope.

5. Shop for your chosen drape style in the colour or colours that match your couch.

Take the chosen paint chips with you to help you find an exact match. If your couch has a pattern on it, stick to solid-colour drapes in a coordinating colour. If your sofa is a solid colour, patterned drapes can create a focal point in the room. Because drapes can take up a large amount of wall space, stay away from busy patterns. The base colour of the pattern should be one of the colours you chose that coordinates with your sofa colour. Try to bring in at least one more coordinating colour if possible.

15

thursDAY, december 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

W

step outside of that norm is going to get some notice. And if the only real requirement of the holiday table is that it be beautiful and elegant, what colour combination brings those

look closely you’ll see that this table hasn’t strayed too far from the fold after all. One of the biggest benefits of a black and white palette is that it can accommodate several different pops

Black and white modern Christmas table When you’re looking to break out of the everyday (or every year) with your holiday table, one of the best places to start is with the colour. The traditional holiday colour palette of red-green-white-silver-and-gold is so well known and established that any

attributes together better than black and white?

This holiday table is an elegant step away from the sometimes overwhelming colours of the season.

The crisp, white tablecloth creates a neat and clean aesthetic while special accessories like the black silverware and mix-and-match plate designs emphasise the modern feel of the overall design. At the same time, if you

of colour. So the red cranberries, green plants and gold plate trim can still give you all (or most) of the colours of the season while keeping it all in easilycontrolled little bursts.

Christmas Gift Bag Table ho says that a traditional holiday table has to be overflowing with garlands, ribbons, and wreaths? This year, take a cue from one of the holidays’ most dearly-held customs – the presents – and give your guests all of the usual trappings of the holiday feast wrapped up in festive gift bags that line your table.

This lively holiday tablescape definitely hits all of the traditional notes from the gold and white colour palette to the inclusion of strong natural elements like the branches and berries. Perhaps the most ingenious aspect of this design is that it’s portable, making it a quick and easy job to clear away any obtrusive decorations to make space for incoming dishes.

Traditional rustic holiday table Whether you’ve ever actually experienced it or not, Christmas time often conjures images of frost-covered treetops, roaring fireplaces, snowy banks,

and log cabins. The sparse minimalism of a life spent close to the outdoors may seem at odds with some of the flashier aspects of the holiday, but there’s always room to quiet things down a bit, and what better place than at the dinner table?

Besides, with so much outdoorsy imagery spinning around, a rustic approach to Christmas dinner seems like a natural direction to take.

The best part of this decorating approach is how easy it is to put together. With the right farmhouse table, the rest of the decor practically places itself. This table strongly emphasises the connection this holiday shares with nature motifs, leaving off all of the silver and gold in favour of miniature evergreen trees.

This is a perfect table for piling high with food, because there are so few decorations to get in the way.

Rustic Christmas table in black and white Of course, even the most traditional of tables can still take on a modern look. And even when you’re going rustic, black and white is the best way to go to help give Christmas dinner a modern facelift. This table is hitting all of the right notes with a dark

stained farmhouse table accompanied by tinted wine glasses and a black-andwhite place setting. The twigs carry the outdoor element of the table even further as does the cute little reindeer statue. This can be one of the easiest looks to recreate in your own home as it plays heavily on the minimalism of the rustic aesthetic. So you can keep your decorating budget to an all-time low while bringing your holiday supper to new levels of design sophistication.

The lighter side of modernity for holiday dinners calls for making subtle adjustments to longstanding customs and habits. One of the best ways to do that is to substitute the normal colours of the season for other, closely-related shades that nevertheless alter the look of the table just enough to be interesting while still remaining comfortable and familiar.

On this table, just the subtle substitution of pink for red gives the entire design a lighter and more elegant feel. Still present are the gold and natural elements that tie the design clearly to older Christmas traditions. So giving your table a modern look this year might be as simple as adding a little rosy pink to your gold pieces.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, december 13, 2018

News

No increases in subsidy for SARA Deputy Berbice bridge tolls – Govt Director clarifies …$120M for rehabilitation of pontoons remuneration

A

s the consideration of the estimates in the 2019 Budget continues in the National Assembly, some $286 million was set aside for the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) as the House approved the budgeted $38.5 billion for Public Infrastructure Ministry on Tuesday.

Part of the monies for the Berbice Bridge Company was a provision of $120 million for the rehabilitation of the pontoons.

Back in October, the BBCI had taken up the Public Infrastructure Ministry on its offer to assume full responsibility for the maintenance and rehabilitation of 39 pontoons, which had not been serviced for more than two maintenance cycles.

This agreement was followed by the subsequent announcement by BBCI Chairman, Dr Surendra Persaud, that the company is facing bankruptcy and as such proposed to increase its tolls as much 300 per cent in some cases, to keep the Berbice Bridge afloat.

However, this was strongly opposed by Government with subject Minister David Patterson eventually declaring last month that the functions of the bridge company “to maintain and operate the bridge shall be exercised by the Government of Guyana as of November 5, 2018, until the date the Minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety.”

To date, Government still assumes responsibility for the operation of the bridge.

As such, during Tuesday’s session in the National Assembly, Minister Patterson was grilled by the Opposition on aspects of the bridge’s operation.

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Shadow Public Infrastructure Minister, Juan Edghill asked which agency is currently managing the bridge company since the State took over operations

The Berbice River Bridge

and also asked about where the earnings are going.

In response, Minister Patterson said the BBCI continues to manage the operations of the Berbice Bridge, while adding that “…all tolls collected, are collected and deposited in whatever account that company so wishes and all… revenues collected by that company continues to be collected by that company.”

“The Government of Guyana collects no money, whatsoever, from the Berbice Bridge at the moment,” he posited.

Moreover, when further questioned about the quantum of loss that the BBCI is incurring by not having increased tolls and who will be incurring this loss, the Public Infrastructure Minister affirmed that he was only answering queries relating to the line item ‘Subsidies and contributions to local organisations’.

That line item contained a subsidy of $166,304,000 which Minister Patterson explained is the sum that was agreed on in 2016 to subsidise toll increases requested then by the BBCI. “In January 2016… we entered into an agreement with the Berbice River Bridge Company Inc to provide a subsidy to the toll to the residents of Region Six and Region Five; and Sir, this line item has been here since 2016. The subsidiary will continue in 2019 to the exact sum…,” he told the

Committee of Supply.

On this note, Edghill asked whether the $166.3 million subsidy will be adequate to deal with the circumstances of the Bridge Company at this time.

The Public Infrastructure Minister, in response, asserted that “There is an agreement between the bridge [and Government] for this level of subsidy; $300 for cars and 10 per cent for all other vehicles.

That equates to $166,304,000 and that is what I’m addressing to this Assembly.”

While Government remains adamant about not allowing the proposed toll increases, there has been calls for the state to buy out shares from investors.

Guyana Times understands that the BBCI, in which the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has majority voting rights on the Board of Directors, was forced to push for the increase in tolls in order to protect its investment. In fact, it was revealed that NIS was the only investor who received returns on its interests in the Bridge Company.

To this end, outspoken political activist and former Presidential Advisor Ramon Gaskin suggested that an alternative is for Government and the NIS to solely own the bridge, thus buying the shares from all the other shareholders.

Meanwhile, one of the shareholders told this newspaper that it recognises that the Berbice Bridge is in se-

rious financial jeopardy given that debts have reached maturity and few options are available to stave off bankruptcy.

“The Government should sit down with the bridge company and work out the appropriate subsidy with due reference to the financial model and or the Concession Agreement. This is necessary as a result of Government’s refusal to allow incremental increases, or in other words, refusing to honour its contractual obligations as per the Concession Agreement,” the shareholder said.

Another noted that if an agreement cannot be reached, then it is recommended that the Government buy back the bridge and compensate investors in keeping with the financial model and other investment documents.

In a shocking move on November 5, 2018, the Government of Guyana snatched control of the Berbice River Bridge in an apparent effort to nationalise the structure, which was financed mainly by private investors.

The People’s National Congress (PNC)-led Government said that in accordance with the powers conferred upon Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson by Sections 4 (1) and 11 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, “in the interests of public safety, the Minister issued an order declaring that the functions of the Concessionaire to maintain and operate the Bridge shall be exercised by the Government of Guyana as of 5th November, 2018, until the date the Minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety.”

However, the Government’s unilateral decision did not go down well with BBCI Vice Chairman Paul Cheong, who told Guyana Times that such an arbitrary move was a slap in the face of all public-private partnerships.

3 months later

“Non-conducive” QC labs still awaiting restoration …despite Ministry’s promises

P

romises made by the Education Ministry earlier this year to restore the dilapidated wings and Science laboratories of Queen College have remained unfulfilled as students and teachers are still awaiting the rehabilitation, which was promised since August of this year.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, several employees, who requested not to be named, explained that no rehabilitation work was done on the school’s infrastructure and questions were raised as to whether the Ministry will keep their end of the bargain.

After reports were car-

ried in the media of the school’s dilapidated structure, the Education Ministry had issued a statement, informing that education officers from the Department of Education along with an engineer appointed by the Education Ministry would have visited the school and assessments were conducted. Upon examination, it was revealed that the institution indeed needed a restoration project.

As a result, $11 million was allocated to the works, which should have begun during the last August vacation. The project included routine repairs and maintenance works which are need-

ed. Additionally, the roofs of the East and West wings and the administrative building will be repaired.

The Science laboratory, which was considered by the teachers as “not conducive” to laboratory experiments, will be repainted, cupboards will be installed, and the dilapidated walls and ceilings will be repaired.

Guyana Times had reported earlier that students and teachers were raising complaints about the difficulties they faced on a daily basis, as a result of poor facilities. Calls were made for the labs to be redone, which was one of the main challenges faced.

Sources had revealed that

with respect to the quality of students produced every year, the institution requires at least one state-of-the-art laboratory.

It was revealed that in the past, moderators that are dispatched to the school would comment on the state of the laboratories which were being utilised by the students.

Additionally, the unmaintained playgrounds were one of the main reasons the school’s sports activities were held at the Guyana Cricket Club (GCC) ground.

Presently, maintenance has been scheduled to fix the ground and sources have indicated that those works have begun.

A

fter it was disclosed in the National Assembly during the consideration of the estimates and expenditure for the 2019 National Budget, that the top officials of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) earn millions in salaries, the Agency’s Deputy Director has come out to defend the monies spent.

Attorney General Basil Williams on Monday told

SARA Director, Dr Clive Thomas

Advisor after the coalition Government came to office in 2015.

Clarification

SARA Deputy Director Aubrey Heath-Retmeyer

the National Assembly that SARA’s Director, Professor Clive Thomas earns almost $4.7 million while its Deputy Director, Aubrey Heath-Retmeyer earns over $3 million in remuneration.

During the Legal Affairs Ministry’s consideration, the sum of $285 million allocated under line item 6321, ‘subsidies and contributions to local organisations’ stood out and caused former Attorney General Anil Nandlall to pounce on it. Asked to explain which organisation the money was going to, Williams revealed that it is earmarked for SARA. He noted that $10 million of the amount was for capital expenses, while the remaining would be for current expenditure.

“The post of Director, the salary and benefits is $4.7 million per month,” Williams revealed. “The special assistant, that amount is $3.3 million; Executive Assistant, $1.86 million; Deputy Director, $3.3 million.”

Williams also noted that another Executive Assistant was earning $688,000, while the Chief Administrative Officer was carrying home $2.5 million.

In addition, SARA’s Legal Adviser earns $3 million, while a lawyer in the agency earns $1.4 million and an Administrative Officer, $679,000.

SARA’s Director, Professor Thomas has held several posts in the coalition Government, some of which included Guyana Sugar Corporation Chairman and Presidential

At a press conference on Tuesday, SARA’s Deputy Director, Aubrey HeathRetmeyer however clarified some of benefits included in the overall package and not monthly as was stated by the Attorney General.

“The figures that were read (in Parliament by the Attorney General) included in addition to the monthly salary vacation allowances, gratuity and a number of other things which combined to give that column 6116. I am sure that some senior Ministers do not make $4 million a month. I do not see how someone could think that the Director of SARA and his Assistant could make $4 million and $3 million respectively. Our monthly earnings are listed for the public to see… the basic salary for the Director is $1 million per month with added allowances, he moves up to $1,080,000.

The Assistant is $700,000 and with some allowances he moves up to $780,000 per month,” he said.

He noted that the revelations by the Attorney General about their earnings are correct but clarified by saying that “gratuity, vacation allowance and other allowances combined to give that column, it was not the monthly figure that was released.”

It was just recently that audit firm Ram and McRae suggested SARA be scrapped altogether and its functions transferred to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), in its published ‘budget focus’ review of Budget 2019.

The firm had listed some qualms with SARA, including the Agency’s failure to have its annual plan and Code of Practice tabled in the National Assembly.

Pointing out that the $285 million the agency is set to receive in 2019 is an increase from last year’s amount, Ram and McRae was critical of this lapse.

17

thursdAY, december 13, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Alexander Village, West Ruimveldt St Kitts Opposition canals need clearing – residents files no confidence

T

he upcoming rainy season has left much worry among residents of Alexander Village and West Ruimveldt, Georgetown who are concerned as to whether their homes will be flooded for the holidays as canals remain overgrown with bushes and aquatic shrubbery.

During a visit to the area on Wednesday, villagers irritably lamented the fact that the trench which borders Hunter Street and Alexander Village has not been cleared in several months. Consequently, it is very difficult for water to drain from the lands and exit the area.

Shanaz Ally, who resides in Alexander Village, related that while the seasonal flooding is the main issue, the community is also at risk from dangerous organisms which reside in the waters.

“We’ve had several calls being made about snakes and other animals living in the water because City Hall

Canal overgrown with vegetation along Hunter Street, Georgetown

is not making any effort to clean the trench. There is so much bush growing in the trench that it comes on the road,” she stated.

Her concerns were shared by a neighbour who also commented that the Mayor and City Council has made no efforts to remedy the situation.

“We called them a few times to look at it because it is not nice to look at and then the drainage is a problem but nobody ever does anything or even send someone to clear it. I think once last year I saw somebody

come and that was it,” the aggravated man said.

The West Ruimveldt canal is also overgrown with vegetation and as such, cannot effectively irrigate the lands, causing severe flooding disasters in the rainy season. In the past, calls were made before this season approached since many were aware of the threats posed by the clogged canal.

Guyana Times understands that the canal has been neglected for some time now and as such, it is clogged with not just the vegetation but also silt and

debris.

“What happen is that all this bush and tree grow up in the trench and nobody really clear it out from the start so that’s why that’s happening now. The water don’t have nowhere to go and the place looking like a jungle,” one of the locals was quoted as saying during a previous encounter.

Floyd King Stuart, a usual victim of the flooding, had noted at that time that he has been residing in the area for over 20 years and the flooding situation has only worsened with time. In some instances, the water rose by more than two feet since the Front Road canal is heavily silted and overgrown with vegetation.

According to residents, the vegetation needs to be cleared after which the silt can be removed to provide long-term results.

Meanwhile, over at Laing Avenue, persons were having irrigation issues due to the presence of garbage in the waterway.

“There are things men can do, that women can do better” – woman miner shares her story

J

ennifer Caeser-Swan was born into a family of miners. So, she inherited the mining profession. Her experience is more practical, particularly in the functioning aspect; she has lived it all.

Working in the mining sector, Caeser-Swan experienced many discriminatory slurs. She recounts one instance when she was told that as a woman she would not reach far in the sector and should stop pushing.

The place from which it was coming caused her to step back, but she did some analysing and realised that she would not allow anyone, even in high esteemed positions to stop her from pursuing her dreams.

Her success thus far in the sector is credited to the Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation (GWMO). The Organisation has been that shoulder to lean on, and is, today, her guide and helper, as she progresses. CaeserSwan said the GWMO literally – walked with her – went to places together and in some instances, it represented her interest.

When asked about one thing she wished she knew before entering the mining industry, Caeser-Swan explained that she wished that someone would have told her that one’s man property could fall ‘smack dab’ in the middle of another’s. CaeserSwan further explained that this was so, because a mining concession is greater than a mining block, and so, a block can fall within a concession, which could be

Jennifer Caeser-Swan

someone else’s property.

Her advice to women who wish to get into the mining sector is to see past their womanhood, look at themselves as individuals who are setting out to do their work for their families and become their own bosses.

The behavioural nuances of the ‘man-dominated’ field have not affected Caeser-Swan, owing to her inheritance of the business after the passing of her dad.

“Prior to the death of my father, I was learning the behavioural patterns of the people, so when the time came to adapt, I was well capable.”

For Caeser-Swan, the work can become demanding, and can affect the balance of profession and family life. However, notwithstanding the challenges that come with trying to balance both, she manages fairly well.

Her favourite things to do are related to her spirituality, Caeser-Swan informs.

She enjoys reading the word of God (the Holy Bible), and interacting with persons about the things of God. Caeser-Swan is very close-mouthed about the gold mining operation and her functions. She chronicles that the last time she and some colleagues were heading up into the back dam, the boat nearly sunk.

Further, when they got to shore, she learnt she was the only person who could swim out of the five that were travelling. It is perhaps for these reasons that Caeser-Swan does not talk much about the mining operations with her loved ones.

She is also calling for the relevant authorities to give women the opportunity to showcase themselves and her skills, especially in the mining field. The GWMO came in for much praise for its continued support, training and guidance.

The phasing out of the use of mercury in gold mining has been something that the authorities have been pushing for, but according to Caeser-Swan, some miners still use mercury, so it is an area that she would like to work with fellow miners on, particularly given the dangers associated with the use of mercury, “because we know that in using the mercury, sometimes persons would just have the gold and burn it just like that in the open air, (I would like to) let them know that when that mercury comes off from the gold it goes out into the atmosphere and does a lot of

damage. You not only inhale it but it can go through your pores.”

Caeser-Swan, when asked about the challenges she foresees in decreasing the use of mercury in mining practices and the movement towards green mining strategy programmes, indicates that adoptability might be a challenge, but she is confident that the GWMO is willing to aid in that process.

She added, “I would want to … enlighten other miners not only women, but miners across the board about the best practice. The sustainability of mining in a safe way… to enlighten them about the phasing out of the mercury and the safe practices in the setting of the land to work.

How they should set the pit, as we would call it; the layout of the pit to have the settling ponds, to ensure they have the dam built, so that the water from the settling pond wouldn’t escape and go out in the rivers or the creeks or whatever…… “.

Meanwhile, as the administration moves towards the crafting and subsequent implementation of a mining policy, Caeser-Swan said it might be a challenge for the grouping, but it was something they intended to take on.

In summing things up, Caeser-Swan explained that once the President and other members of the GWMO were exposed to training opportunities, that knowledge would be passed on to others.

motion against Govt

O

pposition Leader Dr Denzil Douglas has filed a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, whom he says presents a “clear and present danger to democracy” in St Kitts-Nevis.

In the motion, which

Opposition Leader, Dr Denzil Douglas

Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris

was sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sonia Boddie-Thompson on Tuesday, Douglas, a former prime minister, also alleges that the activities of the incumbent “have belittled and denigrated the esteemed Office of the Prime Minister and has tarnished the good name and standing of this country both regionally and internationally”.

Douglas is calling on legislators to support the motion and ensure the “immediate resignation” of Harris, who led his coalition Team Unity grouping into office in the February 16, 2015 general election.

In the motion, Douglas claims that since being sworn into office, Harris has governed the twin island Federation “in a manner that has seen a rapid erosion of the democratic and good governance standards that are enshrined in the Constitution” and that the “rights, liberties and democratic interests of

citizens are being trampled upon using methods that are reminiscent of a full blown dictatorship”.

He also alleges that Prime Minister Harris “has consistently failed to uphold the principles of accountability, fairness, openness, transparency, inclusivity or respect the rule of law which has led to the maladministration of public services and the mismanagement of the economic and fiscal affairs of St Kitts and Nevis”.

Douglas, the leader of the main opposition St KittsNevis Labour Party (SKNLP), said that Prime Minister Harris “constantly tries to influence the work of the Electoral Office and its ranking officers in contravention of the electoral laws of the Federation and which has led to the disenfranchisement of numerous voters without due process”.

Douglas has listed several other allegations in the motion calling for the removal of the prime minister, including his refusal “consent to the publication of the IMF (International Monetary Fund) country surveillance report, thereby denying the citizens of the country their right to information contained therein”.

Prime Minister Harris is due to present the national budget to Parliament later today. (CMC)

British PM survives party confidence vote

Prime Minister Theresa May

P

rime Minister Theresa May survived a confidence vote from her Conservative party on Wednesday, but more than a third of her lawmakers said she was no longer the right leader to implement Britain’s exit from the European Union.

Britain’s March 29 exit has been plunged into crisis by parliamentary opposition to the divorce deal

she struck with the EU last month, which has opened up possibilities including a delay to Brexit or even another referendum on membership.

May on Monday cancelled a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal, designed to maintain close future ties with the bloc and agreed after two years of negotiations, after it became clear she would lose it badly. (BBC)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, december 13, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Look for the best way to stretch your money. Don't feel that you must spend a lot to win someone's favor.

You'll make a better impression if you are a responsible consumer.

Take your responsibilities seriously. How you do things will set an example for the youngsters in your life or the people who work under you. Personal improvements can be made.

Be careful whom you trust. Keep your personal information and passwords locked up, and be wary of anyone who asks too many questions about your assets or connections.

Don't limit what you can do when you should be exploring your options and trying new things. Focus on having fun. Romance should be a priority.

Getting out and making plans and preparations for upcoming celebrations should be your intent. Shopping and entertainment will get you in the spirit of the season, as long as you don't overspend.

You can't please everyone, so you might as well please yourself. Problems at home will mount if someone expects too much or has a tendency to be excessive.

Advice regarding a probLIBRA (Sept. 23- lem you face in your personal Oct. 23) life will be offered. An honest evaluation may not be what you want to hear, but it will help you make a decision.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — TRACHEA (TRACHEA: TRAY-kee-uh: A tube which carries air between the larynx and the lungs.)

Average mark 28 words Time limit 40 minutes

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Keep an open mind and consider all your options.

Travel plans can be put into play, and doing something interesting with a loved one will get you in a festive mood.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Personal matters that can have a big effect on your life will require special attention. Don't leave anything to chance or in someone else's hands.

Can you find 37 or more words in TRACHEA? The list will be published tomorrow.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY’S WORD — LOBATE

late lobe oblate bale bate beat belt beta blat

bleat bloat blot boat boatel bola bole bolt abet

able aloe alto table tale teal tole

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don't let your emotions interfere with what you know is right and best for you. Focus on yourself, your health and your future. A romantic gesture will be appreciated.

Look into a professional or financial change you want to make. You'll come up with a plan that will make your life easier and your standard of living better.

Don't let anyone ruffle your feathers. Stand your ground and demand honesty. Charitable acts will restore your faith in humanity.

Love and compassion should be priorities.

thursdAY, december 13, 2018

Fernandes adjudged best driver at Endurance Series T

19

Central African football official Ngaïssona faces war crimes trial

Adrian Fernandes receives his trophies from GMR&SC’s Cheryl Gonsalves (Newsroom photo)

eam Wreckers’ Adrian Fernandes copped the 2018 champion driver accolade for the Endurance series at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) awards ceremony, which was held on Tuesday evening at GT Motorsports on Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

After an undefeated year with his Toyota Levin,

Fernandes scored 75 points to be crowned the overall champion driver, while Balram Ramdeo with 228 points was deemed the best mechanic.

Last Sunday, Fernandes and team amassed a total of 86 laps over two hours of driving at the South Dakota Circuit in the final round.

His team edged out Motilall Deodass, who finished just one lap adrift of the winners

in the overall as well as 15011600cc class.

Team principal Anand Ramchand said his team worked overtime to ensure they remained champions.

In the Unlimited category, Romeo Singh with 43 points was the champion driver, while in the 1601cc2000cc class, Roshan Ali and Shan Seejattan had a tie of 25 points with Syed Hassan,

Mohamed Ali and Rameez Mohamed.

Rameez Mohamed, who happens to be the incumbent President of the GMR&SC, was given a special plaque for setting a new Outer Circuit record of 1 minute, 17.026 seconds. Driving his Honda Civic in the Unlimited class, he was able to break a record, which was set by Eric Vieira back in 1972.

Man Utd lose, missing chance to top group M

anchester United slumped to a limp defeat in Valencia as Paul Pogba's glaring miss and Phil Jones' own goal ensured they missed the chance to win Champions League Group H. United were already assured of qualification for the knockout stages, and a win would have taken them above Juventus, who were surprisingly beaten 2-1 by Young Boys of Switzerland. But Jose Mourinho's side put in a poor performance and were well beaten by a team, 15th in the Spanish top flight, who named an experimental lineup as they were already certain of finishing third.

Carlos Soler pounced on Jones' headed clearance to strike home a fizzing low finish amid slack marking for Valencia's opener.

And Jones was badly at fault for the second after the break as he diverted a through ball past Sergio Romero from

Manchester United were aiming to win a third consecutive Champions League away game

outside his own box, when the United keeper had left his line to claim the ball.

That disastrous error followed a remarkable miss by Pogba in the first half, when the France midfielder somehow stabbed wide from four yards out after Marouane Fellaini's knockdown at a corner. Three second-half substitutes combined to earn a

late consolation, as Marcus Rashford headed home Ashley Young's cross after Jesse Lingard kept the ball in play. Juan Mata then almost grabbed an equaliser as he fired a volley wide from inside the box after Pogba's smart chip over the defence.

But defeat means United will play a group winner in the knockout stage,

one of Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Paris St-Germain, Porto, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Had United finished top, they would have faced one of Atletico Madrid, Roma, Schalke, Ajax and Lyon.

They next play Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield in a 16:00 GMT kickoff on Sunday. (BBC Sport)

Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona (right) joins former Seleka group representative Mohamed Moussa at a political forum in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

F

rench authorities have arrested a senior football official on suspicion of committing war crimes in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona is accused of co-ordinating militia attacks on the CAR's Muslim population in 2013-14.

In a statement, the International Criminal Court (ICC) said he faced extradition to The Hague.

Ngaïssona, a committee member of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), denies all allegations.

The CAR, a former French colony, was plunged into turmoil in 2013 when predominately Muslim rebels from the Seleka group seized power in the majority Christian country.

A band of mostly Christian militias, called the anti-Balaka, rose up to counter the Seleka after President Francois Bozize was ousted.

Thousands have died in subsequent clashes and the United Nations (UN) says more than a million people have been forced to flee their homes.

Mr Ngaïssona was the self-declared political co-ordinator of anti-Balaka forces.

In this role, the ICC says

he committed war crimes and crimes against humanity including murder, torture and the recruitment of child soldiers.

Speaking to the BBC, a spokesperson for the Caf said the football body had no position on his arrest, adding: "Let justice do its job."

'Mixing politics and sport'

Ngaïssona was barred from running for CAR president in 2015 because of his alleged role in atrocities, which he denies.

He is a former head of the CAR's football federation and briefly served as sports minister before being elected to the Caf in February this year.

His appointment was criticised by several human rights groups.

"If the allegations were true, I wouldn't be here today," he told AFP news agency following the election.

He said he didn't want to "mix politics and sport."

"Everything I've done has been for the good of my country," he added.

Last month, another former militia leader from CAR, Alfred Yekatom, was flown to the ICC to stand trial for crimes against humanity and war crimes. (BBC Sport)

WADA completes RUSADA audit but still no access to lab

T

he World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Wednesday it had completed an audit of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) as required following the tainted body’s conditional reinstatement.

Over two days a three-person WADA delegation inspected the premises, processes and practices of RUSADA and will file a report highlighting any issues.

WADA director general

Olivier Niggli described the audit as an important step along the way to RUSADA again becoming a fully trusted anti-doping partner.

But a major hurdle still must be cleared with RUSADA yet to allow WADA inspectors into the former Moscow laboratory and access the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and underlying data.

WADA has set a Dec. 31 deadline for RUSADA to

World Anti-Doping Agency Director General, Olivier Niggli

meet the condition or once again be found non-compliant and face even tougher sanctions laid out in the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories.

RUSADA was suspended in 2015 after a WADAcommissioned report that outlined evidence of massive state-backed, systematic doping in Russian athletics, allegations which Moscow denied.

WADA readmitted

RUSADA in September, angering sports bodies around the globe, but said a failure to allow access to the Moscow laboratory would lead to a renewed ban.

“A huge amount of good work has been going on behind the scenes to ensure RUSADA has the level of expertise, good practice and independence required,” said Niggli in a statement.

“Establishing a strong RUSADA is very important for clean sport.” (Reuters)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, december 13, 2018

BCB concludes 2018 cricket Real Madrid suffer record season with 30th tournament home loss to CSKA Moscow – 2019 Sarwan Under-17 bowls off Monday

W

ith the closure of school for the Christmas season, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday, December 17, 2018, will start its final tournament for 2018.

As the curtains come down, 2018 may be described as one of the busiest years in the Board’s 79-year history. Seventeen teams will participate in the 2019 Ramnaresh Sarwan Under-17 Tournament as the vibrant BCB starts early preparation for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) 2019 inter-county season.

The BCB in 2018 has organised tournaments at the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, primary, secondary, internal zone, double wickets, female, SecondDivision and First-Division levels.

BCB President Hilbert Foster disclosed that the Board has already started

preparation for 2019 at the Under-15 and female levels by starting the Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15 and Nand Persaud Female Tournaments.

The Under-19 preparation will start early in January with the hosting of the New York Business Group 50Over Tournament. Plans to select the Berbice Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 teams by this year end have been pushed back to mid January due to the busy cricket schedule.

The cutoff date of birth is September 1, 2002. The 17 teams would be divided into three zones with two advancing from Zone A, and three each from Zones B and C to the quarterfinals.

Zone A consists of Blairmont A and B Community Centre, Achievers Cricket Club, Bush Lot United Cricket Club, D’Edward Cricket Club, Paradise Cricket Club while Zone B would feature Tucber Park Cricket Club, Mt Sinai

Cricket Club, Kendall’s Union Cricket Club, Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club and Edinburgh Cricket Club. Zone C would involve six teams: Albion Community Centre A and B, Rose Hall Town Bakewell A and B, Port Mourant Cricket Club and Number 73 Cricket Club.

The Board would like to remind teams that all players are asked to be properly attired in whites, and teams failing to turn up 15 minutes before game time shall lose their rights to the toss.

Walkovers would also be granted after half hour and the team giving the walkover would be disqualified from the tournament.

The BCB expressed gratitude to former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan for his sponsorship of the tournament for the second time.

Rose Hall Town Bakewell defeated Albion in the 2018 final to lift the title.

Fixtures for the opening round of matches

Zone A: Blairmont Community Centre A v Blairmont Community Centre B @ D’Edward Achievers Cricket Club v D’Edward @ Bush Lot Paradise Cricket Club v Bush Lot United Cricket Club @ Paradise Zone B: Tucber Park Cricket Club v Mt Sinai Cricket Club @ Mt Sinai Kendall’s Union Cricket Club v Edinburgh Cricket Club @ Number 19 Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club draws BYE Zone C: Albion Community Centre Cricket Club v Port Mourant Cricket Club @ Port Mourant RHT Bakewell B v Number 73 Cricket Club @ Number 73 RHT Bakewell A v Albion B @ Hampshire

R

CSKA Moscow are out of the European League despite their famous win

eal Madrid suffered their biggest ever home defeat in Europe as they were thrashed by CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

The European champions, who had already won Group G, named a weakened team.

Fedor Chalov curled home CSKA's opener against the run of play and Georgy Schennikov volleyed in a second after Mario Fernandes' shot was saved.

Icelandic teenager Arnor Sigurdsson completed the convincing win with a strike from the edge of the box.

Real brought on Gareth Bale at half-time and the Welshman suffered an ankle injury, although he was able to play the rest of the game after receiving treatment.

The holders were booed off at full-time by their fans as they suffered a first home Champions League defeat in nine years.

CSKA Moscow, whose

only two group wins came against Real, are out of Europe after Viktoria Plzen beat Roma 2-1 to finish third and clinch a Europa League place.

Real collapse after bright start

Real - who named Thibaut Courtois, Marcelo, Isco and Karim Benzema in their starting line-up - began the game brightly.

Marco Asensio forced three saves from Igor Akinfeev, with the Russian goalkeeper producing an excellent stop to deny Brazilian teenager Vinicius Jr. Federico Valverde was also frustrated by the visiting keeper.

But from the moment Chalov opened the scoring after a good surging run from Sigurdsson, the hosts imploded and only had one shot on target in the second half.

CSKA follow in footsteps of Italian giants

CSKA are the first team to win both group games against Real since Juventus in 2008-09.

Madrid had won 75 points of a possible 81 in their previous 27 home Champions League matches. Their last such defeat was 3-2 by AC Milan in October 2009.

Santiago Solari has won eight of his 10 games as Real Madrid boss since replacing Julen Lopetegui, but both the other matches have been 3-0 defeats - at Eibar and now by CSKA.

Roma also suffer shock defeat

Italian side Roma, who had already secured second spot in the group, suffered a surprise 2-1 loss in the Czech Republic.

Jan Kovarik gave Plzen the lead but Cengiz Under levelled five minutes later.

Tomas Chory headed their winning goal, with Roma's Luca Pellegrini sent off in injury time for a second booking. (BBC Sport)

RHTY&SC receives support for annual Christmas Village

T

Dr Puran Singh hands over the donation to BCB President Hilbert Foster on behalf of his brother, Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh

he 10 cricket teams of arguably Guyana’s leading youth and sport organisation, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) will host its fourth annual Christmas Village in the compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary

School from December 21 to 24, 2018.

Additionally, the teams will be hosting their 28th annual multimillion-dollar Christmas Charity Programme.

The teams are: King Solomon Logistics Under-12,

Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.

Long-serving RHTY&SC

Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster and Assistant Secretary/ CEO Simon Naidu are spearheading the preparations for the multimillion-dollar programmes.

The teams over the last week received assistance from overseas-based Guyanese Brian Ramphal and Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh along with Colin Elcock of Delmur Shipping; Noreen Gaskin, CEO of Sentinel Security and First Lady Sandra Granger. Ramphal, Singh, Elcock and Gaskin donated financially towards the purchase of toys and food items. The First Lady, wife of the Club’s Honorary Patron, President David Granger, donated a large quantity of toys.

Foster expressed gratitude to the donors and reassured them that the donations would be used for the intended purpose. He stated that while preparation for the Village and Charity Programme started late owing to the hectic Berbice cricket season, plans are

falling into place for a successful venture.

The teams will be sharing out $3 million in food hampers, clothing, educational materials and toys to children and less-fortunate families in Berbice. In addition, the Rose Hall Town Primary School’s compound will be transformed into a child’s dreamland. It will be

a Christmas village that includes the Nativity Scene, Christmas star, inflatable Christmas characters, children games, Santa and his sleigh, bouncy castles, trampoline and play board, and cut-out characters. The Cricket Club would like to encourage children to visit the Village with their parents.

Priya Rampersaud of Sentinel Security hands over the sponsorship cheque to BCB President Foster

CLASSIFIED ADS thursdAY, december 13, 2018 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

ACCOMMODATIONS Conferences and retreats – full service: Hotel, Catering & Facilities.

Aracari Resort WBD – 264-2946 Alex Wayne.

Weddings and anniversaries: Rental or full service: Banquet Hall & Catering.

Aracari Resort 264-2946 Alex Wayne.

Aracari Hotel, WBD (Near Harbour Bridge) – All modern amenities, rates from $25. Phone 264-2946-8 Salon/Spa. Cosmetology – full course $100,000, technician $40,000. Aracari Salon and Spa, WBD 264-3312

ARCHITECTURE MIKHAIL AHMAD FOUNDER AND CEO OF L.A ARCHITECTUREGY DESIGNS AND PLANS. CALL 610-1232 OR 2533173. VISIT FACEBOOK PAGE L.A architecturegy. INSTAGRAM @ laarchitecturegy OR www.laarchitecturegy.com

Driving School Enroll at Shalom Enterprise at Lot 2 Croal Street, Stabroek and obtain an international driver’s permit covering 132 countries. Tel# 619-0106, 622-8162, 227-3869, 227-3835.

services SPECIALIZE IN ROTI AND PURI. PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR ANY AMOUNT. CONTACT JENNIFER OR SON ON 693-4975 OR 672-0960.

TO LET 3 BEDROOM TOP FLAT, AGRICULTURE ROAD, TRIUMPH ECD TEL# 220-0430

WANTED One Twin to accompany me overseas. Call 692 8997

VACANCY ARACARI - (VERSAILIES, WEST BANK DEMERARA) - VACANCY, FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR - EXPERIENCED IN ALL FRONT DESK OPERATIONS - FAMILIAR WITH ALL HOTEL OPERATIONS - EXPERIENCE IN CUSTOMER RELATIONS - HAVE SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE. CALL 600-3927 OR 264-3312 OR EMAIL sase_shewnarain@hotmail. com

sports

‘Lightning blitz’ chess can be damaging to novices A

s the world becomes more fast- paced and modernised, society has been forced to gradually witness the death of classical chess and must now embrace the reality that the faster format of chess (Bullet) will now cement its name in the history books.

Known as “lightning blitz” chess, bullet chess games are less than three minutes per player, based on a 40-move game, and this extends down to oneminute-per-player games; lower time controls – 30-second-per-player and 15-second-per-player games are called “hyper bullet” and “ultra bullet”, respectively.

Other time-control options for bullet games include two minutes with one-second increment or one minute with a two-second increment.

Bullet chess as agreed by many has been proved to

damage your natural chess game as playing lots of this format will not improve your game; yes, your intuition will be trained as you play dozens of opponents, but your calculation tech-

nique, strategy and endgame will not improve at all. This format feature the tactics that coaches would like to keep away from their novice students as compared to a strong play-

er who would use this format to test their opening ideas.

It has been scientifically proved that repetition is one of the mind’s most powerful learning methods; with that being said, when you play chess with bullet time controls, you are rapidly repeating a very shallow thinking process, which means you are teaching your brain to develop a bad habit, thus making it difficult to switch between fast thinking versus deep thinking.

According to national chess player and University of Guyana Chess Coach Ronuel Greenidge, based on his experience, he would not recommend novice players be introduced to bullet chess as their first learning

21

experience, but would prefer them to start off with blitz matches that span five or ten minutes.

It will train their minds and as they continue to get more involved, they will pick up better strategies. He further stated, speaking from his own experience, that in a generation of young people, players would prefer the ten to five minutes format as compared to the classical format, which could take as much as two weeks to complete and it would leave the individual feeling drained as. (Timothy Jaikarran)

Sterling named Premier League Player of the Month R

aheem Sterling has won the Premier League's Player of the Month award after a stunning November for Manchester City.

City only played three Premier League games in November, but that did not stop Sterling from playing a role in six goals across his three outings. The 24-year-old forward scored three and set up another trio of goals, with his display in the 6-1 demolition of Southampton at the start of the month particularly impressive.

Sterling set up Sergio Aguero for City's second goal on that day, before scoring a brace and also teeing up Leroy Sane for their sixth.

He then went on to impress as City thumped West Ham 4-0 away from home, scoring and again setting up Sane, helping him clinch the award for the second time this season.

The Premier League's announcement comes after a difficult few days for Sterling, as he used social media on Sunday to address alleged rac-

ist abuse directed at him by a Chelsea supporter during City's 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge a day earlier.

The England star pointed the finger at the media for his treatment, suggesting the portrayal of black players in British newspapers was to blame.

(Sportsmax)

Windies Under-19s start road to 2020 World Cup

T

Classified Ads $5+VAT per word

Call: 223-7230 Ext 50

NOT RECEIVING YOUR

DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230-1

EXT: 55

Kimani Melius

he road to the next the ICC Under-19 World ICC Under-19 World Cup in January and Cup has started for February 2020 with South the Windies. Head Coach, Africa hosting the biannuGraeme West, has assem- al event,” West said. bled 19 of the best young “This will be our first players for a high perfor- opportunity to work with mance camp. The budding the players selected from prospects will have a week the regional age-group days of intense prepara- tournaments played in tion under the watchful July and August. The eyes of West, and assis- main aim of the camp is to tant coach Roddy Estwick, observe, assess and eduat the Coolidge Cricket cate the players, introducGround in Antigua. They ing them to the CWI High will hit the ground run- Performance syllabus, evning from Thursday, ery player will depart the December 13 and end on camp with a training proDecember 20. During the gramme that they will becamp they will have in- gin to work through in the teraction session with new year through their Sir Curtly Ambrose, the West FULL SQUAD: Indies fast Matthew Forde (Barbados) bowling Nyeem Young (Barbados) great.

Nico Reifer (Barbados) " T h i s Antonio Morris (Barbados) is the first Kevlon Anderson (Guyana) step of a Sachine Singh (Guyana) journey that Ashmead Nedd (Guyana) will take Kelvin Umroa (Guyana) the players Jayden Seales (Trinidad and Tobago) through to

territories.”

West has been head coach for last two ICC Under-19 World Cup, and was the man at the helm when the Windies won the title in Bangladesh two years ago.

Estwick, one of the region’s most experience coaches, and recently worked with the Windies Women’s during their impressive run at the ICC Women’s World T20 in the Caribbean.

The squad for the

camp includes three players who played in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year. These are: opener Kimani Melius, fast bowling allrounder Nyeem Young and left-arm slow bowler, Ashmead Nedd.

(CWI)

Joshua James (Trinidad and Tobago) Rivaldo Ramlogan (Trinidad and Tobago) Leonardo Julian (Trinidad and Tobago) Avinash Mahibirsingh (Trinidad and Tobago) Matthew Patrick (Trinidad and Tobago) Elroy Francis (Leeward Islands) Zawandi White (Leeward Islands) Daniel Beckford (Jamaica) Kirk McKenzie (Jamaica) Kimani Melius (Windward Islands)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, december 13, 2018

Smalta jumps onboard with KFC Goodwill Tournament

A

NSA McAL, under its Smalta and iCool Water brands, has joined a group of viable sponsors for the KFC Goodwill Tournament, which is slated to kick-off on Saturday.

The Tournament will see the participation of three Guyanese teams and one Trinidadian team in a clash for Under-18 supremacy.

Speaking on the organiser’s behalf, Co-Director Troy Mendonca of the Petra Organisation spoke of the importance of such partnerships.

“We want to let them know that contribution will go a very far way in terms of the development of football as a whole. It is in keeping with our organisation’s vision, which is to revitalise football at the school level,” Mendonca explained.

The Co-Director went on to share his expectations for the three-day tournament, detailing the bene-

An ANSA McAL representative presents the sponsorship cheque to Petra’s Mark Alleyne in the presence of ANSA McAL Beverage Manager Errol Nelson and Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca

fits it should bring to the youngsters involved.

“This tournament will just crown it all; it gives the youngsters an opportunity to showcase their talent

at a different level. It also gives them an opportunity to see where they’re at, compare themselves and we hope that this tournament serves as a motivation for

them.”

In concluding his remarks, Mendonca extended his gratitude to ANSA McAL, stating, “So, on behalf of Petra and the foot-

German’s Restaurant onboard GFFExxonMobil International Futsal Festival “W

e operate within the community and, as part of German’s social responsibility, it’s important for us to give back to that same community that supports us throughout the year and this is one of the initiatives that we’re proud to be associated with, that is, the International Futsal Festival,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of German’s Restaurant, Clinton Urling as he presented a monetary contribution to the upcoming tournament.

The presentation was made on Wednesday at the

ball fraternity, once again, we want to say thank you very much to ANSA McAL and we look forward to a good tournament and a continued relationship.”

On the flipside, ANSA McAL’s Beverage Manager, Errol Nelson explained that the company was open to partnering with Petra as a result of its excellent work.

“We at ANSA McAL, over the years, have been very pleased with the Petra Organisation in their quest to promote and develop the sport of football,” Nelson said.

Additionally, he stressed on the need for football at the grassroots level in this season.

“As you know, at this time of the year in Guyana, there are usually many football tournaments, but none at the grassroots or developmental level. And, as such, we signed on to this tournament, because we think it gives the youths a great opportunity to dis-

play their talents.”

Annai, Annandale and Christianburg-Wismar Secondary Schools along with Shiva Boys Hindu College of Trinidad are the four teams that will be vying for supremacy when the tournament is kicked off at 17:00h on Saturday at the Ministry of Education Ground.

On the first day of play, the visiting Shiva Boys will take on Annai Secondary while ChristianburgWismar take on Annandale Secondary. The second day of competition (December 18) will see ChristianburgWismar battling Annai and Shiva Boys coming up against Annandale Secondary.

The final day of KFC Goodwill action will be on Saturday, December 22, when Annai Secondary will face off with Annandale Secondary while Shiva Boys engage Linden’s Christianburg-Wismar Secondary.

GABA FirstDivision Finals…

Ravens to battle Pacesetters for title

Lakeisha Pearson receives the sponsorship cheque from German's CEO Clinton Urling in the presence of Kashif Mohammed

eatery’s New Market Street headquarters, and was received by Lakeisha Pearson and Kashif Mohammed respectively on behalf of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

Urling, in extending best wishes for a successful tournament, said the reach of the sport and the organisations involved have motivated his sponsorship: “Sports reach a wide cross-section of youths, fans and people overall and German’s, at any opportunity we get, (would support) especially since organisations such as the GFF and the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation [are involved]; that was the main impetus for us to get involved in this competition and we look forward to both organisations’ hosting of a

successful tournament.”

The four-day festival is scheduled to kick off on December 27 at 18:00h with six matches; each being played on the hour culminating with the final match at 23:00h. It will feature eight teams placed in two groups including Morvant Caledonia United from Trinidad and Tobago, ZV All-Stars from Suriname and a Sao Paulo selection from Brazil. Local teams include an East Coast AllStars, Linden All-Stars, Georgetown All-Stars and West Demerara All-Stars.

The winning team will pocket $1.2 million, while the losing finalist will receive half that amount. The third and fourth-place finishers will pocket $300,000 and $100,000 respectively.

T

he 2018 Rainforest Water/Malta Supreme/Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League continues in its final days following the conclusion of the Under-23 division Sunday last.

The focus now moves to the First-Division final four play-offs, which will see Ravens and Pacesetters clash in the final to headline the night while the Guardians will face off against the Kobras in the third-place playoff.

For the Ravens, this match-up is expected to be a walk in the park, with the side continuing with the same form they had so far in the season. Ravens lost one of their eight preliminary matches on their way to topping the table.

On the other side of the court, Pacesetters have been a competitive side throughout the tournament, with two losses in their eight allotted matches that saw them finish third in the preliminary rounds.

Ravens got past the Guardians to win their semi-final match 71-65 as Ryan Stephney led with 20 points and was supported by Tyrone Hamid (16); Sebastian Luke (13) and Dominic Vincente (12).

Meanwhile, Pacesetters blew away Kobras 71-51 to secure their spot in the final. For the entire season, the Ravens have had players constantly contributing as they functioned as a unit from game one as their strength.

For the Pacesetters, they have not been involved in high-scoring matches for the season, as their strength lies in defence, but they must be more consistent when they oppose Ravens to have a shot at winning.

Match time is 18:30h.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, december 13, 2018

23

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Smith, Brathwaite, Cornwall return to respective squads

– 3 matches on today

By Brandon Corlette

T

Rahkeem Cornwall will play against the Jaguars today

he Cricket West Indies ( C W I ) Regional 4-Day tournament continues today with three matches across the Caribbean; Guyana Jaguars v Leeward I s l a n d s Hurricanes, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force v Windward Islands Volcanoes, and Barbados Pride v Jamaica Scorpions.

Kraigg Brathwaite, the West Indies opening batsman who is returning from Bangladesh, will join the Barbados Pride team.

All matches are scheduled for 10:00h Eastern Caribbean time.

Brathwaite, a solid opener that is seen as a specialist in the longer format of the game, will strengthen the batting line-up. At 26 years old, Brathwaite pos-

sesses a huge amount of experience having played 134 first-class matches with 21 centuries.

Barbados Pride lost their match in the first round and they will be hoping for a different result against the Jamaica Scorpions.

In addition to Braithwaite’s return, test spinner Jomel Warrican has also made a return to the Pride squad. The left-arm spinner is a 26-year-old who has 219 first-class wickets in 53 matches and he will be hunting for wickets against the Jamaica Scorpions during today’s play. Anthony Alleyne and Nicholas Kirton made way for the test duo for the second round.

Veteran batsman Devon Smith has 200 first-class matches and he will add the experience the Volcanoes lacked against the Guyana Jaguars in the first round. The Volcanoes will be led by Kirk Edwards but Smith will offer support as they play the Imran Khan-led Trinidad and Tobago Red Force team.

Shermon Lewis, who made his test debut against India and last played against Bangladesh, will also be an extra addition to the Volcanoes squad. The 23-year-old fast bowler has 19 first-class matches beneath his belt and has picked up 52 wickets thus far.

Guyana Jaguars’ opposition, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, has made adjustments to their squad, drafting in Rahkeem Cornwall and Nelson Bolan. Cornwall, a 25-year-

old batting all-rounder who bowls off-spin, will be an important asset for Hurricanes.

Cornwall has played 44 matches to his name; scoring 1682 runs inclusive of one century and eight half-centuries. He is known for his big hitting but he has a stunningly impressive bowling record in first-class cricket. In his 44 matches, Cornwall has 202 wickets, averaging 25.42 with 14 five-wicket hauls.

The Guyana Jaguars, who are the only unchanged team from the first round, will be hoping to repeat a good performance. The last time the Jaguars and the Hurricanes clashed in Antigua, the Hurricanes dominated a hard fought drawn match.

Squads for second round Hurricanes (from) – Devon Thomas (captain), Sheno Berridge, Nelson Bolan, Keacy Carty, Rajendra Chandrika, Rahkeem Cornwall, Montcin Hodge, Damion Jacobs, Alzarri Joseph, Jeremiah Louis, Orlando Peters, Akeem Saunders, Terance Warde IN – Bolan, Cornwall; OUT – Sheldon Cottrell, Daniel Doram Jaguars – Leon Johnson (captain), Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Trevon Griffith, Tevin Imlach, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Akshaya Persaud, Clinton Pestano, Romario Shepherd, Vishaul Singh

Unchanged Pride (from) – Shamarh Brooks (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Miguel Cummins, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Aaron Jones, Shayne Moseley, Shamar Springer, Tevyn Walcott, Hayden Walsh Jr, Jomel Warrican IN – Brathwaite, Warrican; OUT – Anthony Alleyne, Nicholas Kirton Scorpions (from) – Paul Palmer (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Dennis Bulli, John Campbell, Derval Green, Reynard Leveridge, Jermaine Levy, Andre McCarthy, Nikita Miller, Steven Taylor, Aldaine Thomas, Chadwick Walton, Kenroy Williams Red Force – Imran Khan (captain), Yannic Cariah, Bryan Charles, Joshua Da Silva, Kyle Hope, Ricky Jaipaul, Amir Jangoo, Jason Mohammed, Anderson Phillip, Odean Smith, Jeremy Solozano, Daniel St Clair, Tion Webster Volcanoes – Kirk Edwards (captain), Alick Athanaze, Roland Cato, Tarryck Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Delorn Johnson, Ray Jordan, Shermon Lewis, Shane Shillingford, Denis Smith, Devon Smith, Tyron Theophile, Josh Thomas IN – Lewis, Smith; OUT – Audy Alexander, Ryan John

2018 West Indies tour of Bangladesh…

Do or die: ODI series decider a test of adaptability

By Brandon Corlette

T

he One-Day International (ODI) series in Bangladesh has been a roller-coaster for the West Indies. It began with a defeat in the lone One-Day practice match; West Indies were aiming to change their fortunes from a Test series defeat.

However, the One-Day practice match was a grand return for Bangladesh talisman Tamim Iqbal, who recorded a spectacular century. West Indies entered the first ODI low on confidence, since they were defeated in all the matches on tour.

The trend continued for the

Caribbean side as they succumbed to a five-wicket defeat in the first ODI. In the build-up to the series, Cricket West Indies announced that Rovman Powell was appointed interim captain for the threematch ODI series.

The first ODI saw the Windies batsmen display a poor batting performance against a not-so-spectacular Bangladesh bowling attack.

In the first ODI, Windies were restricted to 195-9 in 50 overs with Shai Hope top-scoring with 43, and Roston Chase and Keemo Paul scoring 32 and 36 respectively. With a small target on the board, the bowl-

ers required magical spells, but only Chase captured two wickets for the Windies.

The second ODI saw the Windies roller-coaster moving upwards; Hope’s magnificent 146* handed the Caribbean side a four-wicket win. It was a nail-biting match that was completed in the final over with the West Indies chasing 256 in 50 overs.

The front-line fast bowlers set the tone for the West Indies, sharing five wickets between themselves in 30 overs that costs 161 runs.

Oshane Thomas was the pick of the bowlers with 3-54 while Roach had an economy rate of 3.9, and grabbed one

wicket. Guyana’s all-rounder, Paul, chipped in with one wicket along with countryman Devendra Bishoo’s 1-27 in 10 overs. Bangladesh were restricted for 255 and West Indies required sensible batting to chase the target, and Hope and Paul ensured exactly that.

The ODI series had been drama-filled and in the final ODI on Friday, nothing less will be expected. Earlier in 2018, Bangladesh toured the West Indies and completed a 2-1 ODI series victory and they will be hoping to repeat a similar performance. In July 2018, the ODI series in the Caribbean, against the same opposition, was evenly

poised 1-1 and the final ODI in St Kitts, Iqbal smashed a match-winning century to lead his team to an 18-run win.

West Indies were restricted to 283-6 with current ODI Captain, Powell, top-scoring with 74* while the universe boss, Chris Gayle scored 73 and stroke-maker Hope, 64.

With most of the top performers of the final in St Kitts playing in Friday’s final ODI, the players will be aiming to repeat such performances, especially Powell, who has been short of runs in recent times. Aggressive batsman Shimron Hetmyer, who was the player of the ODI series in the Caribbean,

will be aiming to finish on a high note in the final ODI. Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hassan explained that Bangladesh were taking inspiration from that series-winning performance in St Kitts earlier this year. “We want to repeat this performance in Sylhet on Friday,” said Mehidy. With several missed opportunities in the field, the Bangladesh team will be aiming to improve in that particular area.

The final ODI is scheduled for 02:00h Eastern Caribbean time on Friday, December 14 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Bangladesh.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Page 23

Smith, Brathwaite, Cornwall return to respective squads – 3 matches on today 2018 West Indies tour to Bangladesh…

Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell have 20 and 15 runs respectively in the two ODIs

Page 23

Do or die: ODI series decider a test of adaptability

Smalta jumps

onboard with KFC Goodwill tournament

Page 22

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.