Guyana Times - December 14, 2018

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Issue No. 3776

Friday, December 14, 2018

Benefits from oil will not be seen before 2025

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Police P2 Sergeant succumbs days after accident

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– Jagdeo tells GCCI No-confidence motion for debate on December 21

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High Court orders rice miller to clear entrance to aerodrome P10

3 homeless following P2 mid-afternoon fire in New Amsterdam

Education Minister, Nicolette Henry joined the students of President’s College for a Christmas Breakfast on Thursday morning

Bandits cart off over $3.5M in items from mobile cellphone unit

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Institute criminal charges for Stockfeeds transaction – Page 9 Nandlall

$235M P16 approved for Amerindian Development Projects GTT’s P12 application for increase in bundled landline rates denied – PUC

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Police Sergeant succumbs 3 homeless following midafternoon fire in New Amsterdam days after accident

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hree persons are now homeless after a fire completely destroyed their three-bedroom home in New Amsterdam on Thursday.

Flames were initially seen emanating from the upper flat of the Second Street, Overwinning, Greater New Amsterdam home. At the time of the fire, Hazmon Mohamed, her grandson and a friend were in the house.

According to Mohamed, she and a friend were seated under the house and as she got up to use the washroom, she heard a strange sound coming from the roof.

She said initially she thought that her grandson had chased the ducks and they landed on the roof but it was her friend who told her that the house was on fire.

Mohamed said she saw flames in the back room. “I did not go upstairs, I just peeped from downstairs and I see the fire blaz-

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The aftermath of the fire

ing… Heavy fire in the back room.” Within minutes the three bedroom house was engulfed.

According to the 67-yearold woman, the bedroom in which the flames were first seen contained a few pieces of furniture and was being used as a store room.

Another occupant of the house, Sabrina Jaffar, was not at home when the fire was detected but told

Guyana Times that no electrical appliances are used in the bedroom where the flames originated.

Neighbours formed a bucket brigade to extinguish the blaze but soon after, the Guyana Fire Service responded with two units and within a few minutes, the blaze was under control.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

hree days after crashing his car into a parked motor lorry, a sergeant attached to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) succumbed to the injuries he sustained. Dead is 42-yearold Joseph Elton Ambrose of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.

Ambrose, who was stationed at Alberttown Police Station, died early Thursday morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital after suffering from a fractured skull and haemorrhage in the brain.

Enquiries revealed that the father of one, who was driving motor car PMM 9099 north along the western carriageway of the road, reportedly at a fast pace, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the rear of motor lorry GLL 5592, which was parked.

Public-spirited citizens

Dead: Joseph Ambrose

rushed to the man’s aid and took him to the Diamond hospital, where he was treated and transferred to the Georgetown Public

Hospital.

However, the Police Force in a statement confirmed the death of the Police Officer and that an autopsy will be conducted today.

As the GPF mourned the death of one of its members, memories of Sergeant 16542 were recalled.

“The always pleasant, respected, dedicated and committed policeman was on 500 days’ accumulated vacation leave, which commenced on April 9,” the release further noted.

The GPF has extended condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of Sergeant Ambrose.

Bandits cart off over $3.5M in items from mobile cellphone unit

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n Essequibo Coast businessman is now counting his losses after bandits reportedly broke into his mobile cellphone unit, which was parked at his residence and made off with over $3.5 million in items.

The businessman, Nahib Sabar of Vilvoorden, Essequibo Coast, the owner of the N Sabar Cellphone Connection, reported that the mobile unit (a converted Canter truck) was broken into on Sunday morning between 01:00h and 02:30h.

According to reports, Sabar discovered that he had been robed when he inspected the truck before leaving home for the Suddie Market.

He observed that the unit had been ransacked and several computers, cellphones, and accessories had been removed.

A phone backup charger and a single sock that do not belong to the businessman were left in the vehicle. The Police were immediately contacted.

However, the businessman is reporting that he is unhappy with the manner in which the Police are conducting their investigations.

“I am very disappointed in the way the G Division [Essequibo Coast-Islands]

Police are investigating the matter… a phone backup charger and a single sock were left on the crime scene, but one of the investigating ranks took the phone backup charger and pushed it into his pants pocket and left the sock … why the Police did not have fingerprints taken, because the entire mobile unit was ransacked and fingerprints might be all over?” the man questioned.

Further, Sabar is alleging that a neighbour who reportedly saw the commissioning of the robbery has been giving conflicting reports to the Police.

“When he was arrested, he give the Police conflicting reports, but he was detained for 72 hours and subsequently released … a woman a few days later turned up here in Anna Regina and was trying to sell me a Edge 7 Samsung phone, which look like one of the phones I lost, but by the time I contacted the Police she escaped,” the businessman further revealed.

Attempts to contact the Divisional Commander for a comment proved futile.

Meanwhile, he offered a $500,000 reward for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators and ultimately the stolen items.

news

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fridAY, december 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Friday, December 14 – 09:30h-11:00h and Saturday, December 15 – 10:30h-12:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, December 14 – 08:25h-09:55h and Saturday, December 15 – 09:30h-11:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals can be 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: 09:02h and 21:22h reaching maximum heights of 2.21 metres and 2.23 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 02:29h and 14:53h reaching minimum heights of 0.91 metre and 1.05 metres respectively.

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Benefits from oil will not be seen before 2025 – Jagdeo O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday evening cautioned stakeholders against the “rosy picture” Government is painting of Guyana’s economy in the immediate years post oil production.

“Even the oil companies, because they talk to me, they don’t have such a rosy picture of the fortunes of Guyana changing drastically, dramatically in the timeframe that we think it will happen. It will happen but it will happen not from 2020 to 2025, those will be rough years for us… There is a timeline to all of these things, it’s not going to happen immediately,” Jagdeo said while addressing a gathering of mostly Private Sector representatives at the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Annual Awards and Dinner Gala.

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 possibly late 2019. 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.

In fact, Finance Minister Winston Jordan has stated that Guyana is set to earn some US$300 million annually when production commences at Exxon’s Liza 1 well in 2020 at an expected 120,000 barrels per day.

However, Jagdeo, a former Finance Minister himself and Head of State, pointed out that this US$300 million oil revenue will be insufficient, especially against the backdrop of the losses the country has suffered.

“When oil prices were higher at U$120 per barrel, we were US more than US$300 million to pay for oil than when it fell to US$30 per barrel… So that is the reality [and] how do you deal with that. So US$300 million comes in per year… [but] what happens to the jobs? One thousand new jobs in the oil sector but we lost 30,000 jobs already and where are the efforts to create jobs?” he questioned.

Furthermore, the Opposition Leader posited that Government may not even to use the earnings from oil revenues since they have racked up domestic borrowing since 2015 to over 370 per cent.

“We have borrowed over US$500 million from the local banking system, that’s

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the GCCI’s Annual Awards ceremony on Wednesday evening at the Marriott Hotel

two years of Exxon’s money… because its shortterm borrowing, the first two years of Exxon’s money goes towards repaying those debts,” he stated.

Nevertheless, the former President posited that while the impending oil and gas sector presents a “massive transformational opportunity” for Guyana, citizens must be realistic when it comes to expectation post first oil.

“So the US$300 million: if we use some to pay the debt, some to save for inter-generational equity, some for macro-economic purposes and some for infrastructure then that’s it; it’s gone. How does it changes everything else and that is what we ourselves have to [ask] or we would be grossly disappointed and then we would start complaining again. We have to have a realistic picture because of what they are doing now;

because of their entire approach to management that they are setting us up for long-term or medium-term problems,” the Opposition Leader asserted.

Jagdeo, also an economist, contended that he nor the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) are not being negative on what is to come but are rather worrisome over this approach being adopted by the coalition Administration.

“So this is what bothers us a lot. It is not because we want to be negative that we’re criticising the Government. We are very, very worried about the future. So when I hear about this rosy picture that’s painted in the post 2020 period, it doesn’t accord with the reality of our finances and where we’re going and the approach of this Government.”

According to Jagdeo, in spite of all the talk of avoid-

ing the ‘Dutch Disease’, Government has already fallen prey to it in almost every other sector in the economy.

“We’ve seen a drastic change in their fortunes; no help to stimulate the rice sector except more taxes; sugar is on the decline; the small miners, look at their declarations now; no help for them but increases taxes on machinery and equipment; forestry sector is in trouble too. Even construction is practically dried up in many parts except for those relating to oil and gas, retail has shrunk… And the Government pays no heed to stimulating those sectors and just raising expectations unduly,” the Opposition Leader insisted.

He continued that the this approach by the coalition Government will see Guyana returning to the same “economic philosophy” that led the country practically to bankruptcy – out of which they had to work to return the nation to viability today.

“There has been absolutely no help to industries, a loss of welfare, we’re spending on consumables, we’re borrowing more and we’re taxing more; and all of this will run out sometime in the future. We’re still living on past investments, no new big investments in this country except those relating to oil and gas industry,” he posited, adding that even ExxonMobil begun exploration under the PPP Administration.

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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

Civil aviation D

ecember 7 was International Civil Aviation Day. The Day was celebrated two weeks after Guyana hosted the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Transport Meeting, from November 21-23.

As we have previously noted, Guyana has made significant strides in our efforts for regional aviation security integration and collaboration, as the aviation sector plays a critical role in facilitating connectivity, trade, commerce, and tourism.

Compared to the rest of the world, Guyana’s aviation sector remains small; however, Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson, who served as Vice Chairperson for ICAO’s Second High-Level Conference on Aviation Security, at the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada, from November 29 to 30, previously assured that in ‘setting the stage’ for a robust aviation sector, there were plans to ensure better compliance with the ICAO. Towards this end, an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system and an Air Traffic Control simulator were procured in 2016. These facilities have enhanced the country’s capacity to manage our airspace, while aiding in our quest to attain the ICAO Category One compliance, a key requirement for establishing direct routes to more destinations.

In addition, Guyana’s partnership with the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) has raised the nation’s ICAO compliance.

The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States, and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realise a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.

As the United Nations and world nations have now adopted Agenda 2030, and embarked on a new era in global sustainable development, the importance of aviation as an engine of global connectivity has never been more relevant to the Chicago Convention's objectives to look to international flight as a fundamental enabler of global peace and prosperity.

Every five years, coinciding with ICAO anniversaries, the ICAO Council establishes a special anniversary theme for International Civil Aviation Day. Between these anniversary years, Council representatives select a single theme for the full four-year intervening period.

For 2015-2018, the Council has selected the following theme: “Working Together to Ensure No Country is Left Behind”.

The campaign highlights ICAO’s efforts to assist States in implementing ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The main goal of this work is to help ensure that SARP implementation is better harmonised globally so that all States have access to the significant socio-economic benefits of safe and reliable air transport and can address safety, security and emissions-related issues.

In 1944, delegates from 54 nations gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Stevens Hotel in Chicago at the invitation of the United States of America.

At this event, the participants concluded and signed the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known more popularly as the ‘Chicago Convention’, the defining international agreement which has since permitted the global civil aviation system to develop peacefully and in a manner benefiting all peoples and nations of the world.

International Civil Aviation Day was established in 1994 as part of ICAO's 50th anniversary activities. In 1996, pursuant to an ICAO initiative and with the assistance of the Canadian Government, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/51/33, which officially recognised December 7 as International Civil Aviation Day in the UN system.

Further, the General Assembly urged Governments as well as relevant national, regional, international and intergovernmental organisations to take appropriate steps to observe International Civil Aviation Day. The day is still celebrated around the world for the people of the aviation community like ATC (air traffic control); airport management; airlines and, of course, the aircraft themselves.

This day also celebrates dangerous flights like QF32 and others that were in disaster but the pilots and crew managed to save the passengers and most of the plane, as well as the terror of the 9/11 event and the world’s worst plane to plane collision involving a KLM 747 and a Pan Am 747 at Schiphol airport, Amsterdam.

Countries are urged to celebrate for CASA, FAA, NTSB, ASTB and other aviation safety regulators and investigators around the world so that today's aviation stays much safer than it was.

Two members of the Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art of Seville, Spain performed a piece during a production, staged at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston, titled "Calle Pureza"

Senate votes to condemn Saudi Crown Prince for Khashoggi killing, end support for Yemen war

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he Senate on Thursday delivered back-to-back rebukes of President Trump’s embrace of Saudi Arabia, first voting to end US participation in the Saudi-led war in Yemen and then unanimously approving a measure blaming the kingdom’s crown prince for the ghastly murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Together, the dual actions represent an unambiguous rejection of Trump’s continued defence of Saudi leaders in the face of a CIA assessment that concluded Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman likely ordered and monitored Khashoggi’s killing October 2, 2018, inside a Saudi consulate in Istanbul. It suggests a bipartisan majority of senators will pursue broader punitive measures when Congress regroups next year — including sanctions and a halt to weapons transfers — despite the administration’s objections.

“What we showed in this vote today is that Republicans and Democrats are ready to get back in the business of working with a President — and sometimes against a president — to set the foreign policy of this nation,” said Senator Chris Murphy (D – Conn) a long-time advocate for checking Saudi Arabia’s regional expansion.

“The United States has said, through the Senate, that our support for the Saudi coalition is no longer open-ended.”

The unanimous vote to hold Mohammed responsible for Khashoggi’s murder reflects the extent to which senators in both parties have grown tired of Trump’s continued defence of Mohammed’s denials. It also puts significant pressure on leaders in the House — where the president’s Saudi policy is far more divisive — to allow for a similar vote to condemn the crown prince before the end of the year.

Earlier this week, House leaders manoeuvred to block

rank-and-file members from forcing a vote on any Yemenrelated resolutions, an attempt to stop the Senate’s effort to curtail US involvement in the Saudis’ military campaign by invoking the War Powers Resolution.

Senators voted 56-to41 on Thursday to support the Yemen resolution, put forward by Sens. Bernie Sanders (I – Vt) and Mike Lee (R – Utah), after seven Republicans joined all Senate Democrats to back the measure. That figure strongly suggests a majority of the Republican-led Senate will challenge Trump on his Saudi policy next year, alongside a Democratic-led House, whose incoming leaders also have promised to be proactive about demanding changes to the status quo.

“The current relationship with Saudi Arabia is not working for America,” said Senator Lindsey O Graham (R – SC), a Trump ally who, nonetheless, is a driving force behind several efforts to punish Saudi Arabia. He often refers to Mohammed as a “wrecking ball.”

Graham did not vote for the Yemen resolution Thursday, citing concerns about using the War Powers Resolution as a vehicle to call out Saudi Arabia, but he said resolutely this week that his past defence of the kingdom had come to an end.

“I think you’re wrong about what’s going on up here,” Graham said late Wednesday in comments directed toward Trump. “I’m never going to let this go until things change in Saudi Arabia.”

The Senate votes came as the two sides in the Yemen conflict agreed to a cease-fire in Hodeida, a port city that is key to the supply of humanitarian aid, and a prisoner swap that is expected to free thousands. While previous cease-fire agreements in the four-year civil war have crumbled, Thursday’s agree-

ment — following a week of peace talks in Sweden — have been heralded as an important sign of progress.

It has been months since the United Nations declared Yemen to be the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, and the situation has only worsened since, as a proxy battle deepens between US-backed Arab nations and Iran, which supports the rebel Houthi Government claiming authority in the country.

International pressure has been building on the warring sides to take steps to end the conflict, and some senators said Thursday that the momentum surrounding their Yemen resolution played no small role in bringing about the cease-fire.

“The concessions that were made by the Saudi side in the negotiations this morning would not have happened if it wasn’t for the pressure the United States Senate put on those negotiations,” Murphy said.

But in the House, Yemen’s peace talks have been an excuse for some lawmakers to seek a pause, to see how things play out before committing to a course of action.

The Senate vote came just hours after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis provided a closed briefing to House members. Republicans and Democrats emerged the meeting urging very different responses to Saudi Arabia and its crown prince over Khashoggi’s murder.

“They have to be held responsible,” Eliot L Engel (D – NY), the incoming chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said after the briefing, referring to Mohammed and Saudi King Salman, though he did not back a specific means of holding them responsible.

Meanwhile, there remain Republicans in the House who defend the crown prince — and even those who criticise him over Khashoggi’s death

said that while he should be rebuked, the punishment should stop there.

“We recognise killing journalists is absolutely evil and despicable, but to completely realign our interests in the Middle East as a result of this, when for instance the Russians kill journalists .?.?. Turkey imprisons journalists?” Adam Kinzinger (R – Ill.) said. “It’s not a sinless world out there.”

That stands in sharp contrast to the Senate, where several Republicans have been encouraging a broad response to Saudi Arabia over not just Khashoggi’s killing and the Yemen war, but the kingdom’s blockade in Qatar, its recent detainment of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, and a slate of human rights abuses they say have compromised the USSaudi alliance.

The House will not take up any such measures this year — not even the Senatepassed Yemen resolution. But leaders will still be under considerable pressure to allow members to vote on the measure condemning Mohammed for Khashoggi’s murder before the end of the year.

Trump has refused to condemn Mohammed for the killing of Khashoggi, a Saudi national. Pompeo has echoed Trump’s stance in public interviews, and behind closed doors as well, lawmakers said.

“All we heard today was more disgraceful ducking and dodging by the secretary,” said Lloyd Doggett (D – Texas), following the meeting.

House leaders met with CIA director Gina Haspel on Wednesday to hear the details of Khashoggi’s slaying. They emerged offering few details about the briefing — or about what step House Democrats would take, once they assume the majority in January, to pursue more punitive measures against Saudi Arabia, beyond holding hearings. (The

Washington Post)

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News

No-confidence motion for debate on December 21

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Government Chief Whip Amna Ally

he no-confidence motion filed by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo last month against the coalition Government is expected to come up for debate next week.

According to Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, they have been hearing of this all day Thursday and were not officially informed by the National Assembly.

“But I asked the [Government] Chief Whip [Amna Ally] and she said ‘yes it is December 21’,” Teixeira told uyana Times.

Jagdeo had first announced the no-confidence motion on the heels of devastating losses in the Local

Government Elections (LGE) for the coalition Government and went ahead to file the motion with the National Assembly on November 15, 2018.

The Opposition was expecting that the motion would be heard and debated before the presentation of the 2019 Budget, which was done almost two weeks later on November 26, 2018.

The Party had contended that November 26 was already scheduled to be private members day, where their matters take precedence.

However, the reading of the National Budget has taken over that day; with the result that another private mem-

bers day must be scheduled.

However, as the Opposition was preparing to deal with the motion at the next sitting of the National Assembly – prior to the Budget presentation – that session was abruptly cancelled at Government’s request and the PPP MPs turned up to an empty chamber.

Jagdeo had explained that the convention is that once a no-confidence motion is filed, it takes precedence over other issues. The Opposition Leader pointed to standard practice in democracies around the world, where no confidence motions are given priority. A poignant example of this is in Sri Lanka, where multiple no confidence votes have been held against Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“If a no-confidence motion is filed in the Government, you can’t proceed to a budget debate while that is hanging.

What if it succeeds?” he had questioned.

However, Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs, had written the Opposition, informing them that their motion will not be heard before the 2019 Budget is dealt with by the House.

PPP Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

The 2019 Budget is expected to wrap up today when the consideration of estimates for the various Budget agencies concludes.

The PPP had contended the motion was lodged based on concrete reasons upon which the Guyanese people had rejected the People’s National Congress-led coalition. It pointed to the thousands of jobs that have been lost as a result of the closure of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) estates.

In addition, the Party referred to the various scandals that have erupted under the Administration. They include the single sourcing of the feasibility contract for the new

Demerara River crossing, the single sourcing of a drug bond and the single sourcing of drug procurement contracts.

The Party further noted the numerous breaches of fiscal laws flagged by the Audit Office of Guyana in its reports, as well as the lack of accountability in the D’Urban Park project; something even the Auditor General had to launch a special probe into.

The depletion of Guyana’s gold and foreign reserves was also highlighted. In fact, a report from the Central Bank earlier this year had indicated that Guyana’s net foreign reserves, held by the Bank in foreign currency notes; has

fallen to its lowest point since 2008.

Tax collection has increased dramatically; a point alluded to by the Party. <<<<Guyana Times>>>> had reported findings from the recently released 2017 Auditor General report, which had showed that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) collected more taxes than was even anticipated.

In the End of Year Budget and Reconciliation Report, it noted that the projected revenue for 2017 was $186 billion. Instead, Government actually collected $195 billion in current revenue. This includes duties, levy, personal income and withholding taxes.

Court settlements since the coalition Government took office were also zeroed in on by the Party. The Attorney General’s Chambers has come under much criticism for not being able to secure success for several cases against the State.

Since taking office, in addition to losing cases, Government has opted to enter into out-of-court settlements. These settlements included sums to the tune of US$5.7 million; $226 million and $3.8 billion.

Ethnic Relations Commission must first work with politicians Dear Editor, The constitutional Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) should direct its work as a matter of high priority at political leaders, Ministers of Government, members of the National Assembly, public servants, politicians and political groups of the People’s Progressive Party and the People’s National Congress.

Working first with these

categories can impact positively on race relations and social cohesion. They are the influential ones who – by private and public statements, conduct, and practice in their public duties – set the national tone for the politics of race and lust for power in Guyana. These groups should be the primary targets to promote peace, justice and reconciliation for the national community

good.

The ERC will be wasting its time and resources and will achieve nothing, unless it engages the political players and public officials identified above in a determined effort to promote reconciliation for improved race relations for the building of national unity. The ERC should simultaneously engage and investigate thoroughly public employment practices to

determine fairness, discrimination based on ethnicity, political affiliation, or political opinion with reference to our Constitution and labour laws.

There is wide spread observation and concern by the national community about employment practices in the public service and in public agencies. The Ethnic Relations Commission should undertake a compre-

We thank PPP General Secretary for his support Dear Editor, I Sherry Cassandra Fyffe James, hereby write this letter to thank my General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo; Dr Roger Luncheon; and campaign manager Juan Edghill, who took time out from their busy schedules to be with us day and night.

Also my local leaders; Mr Adams, Orin Wilson, Jem

Narine, Cheryl Adams, Mr Singh, Dexter Harding and other comrades.

Working with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic in Linden is not always easy, but our message stands out. Thanks to our 80 plus scrutinisers who boldly worked our stations with us, whether members or not. We are grateful for

your cooperation.

Let me share this; I speak for myself and some of our comrades who walked with me. We in Linden always share the sweet of the PPP/C in and out of office; we never had to make an appointment to see any of our leaders – be it comrade Jagdeo, Ramotar, Luncheon,

Kumar, Manickchand and Westford, the late Satyadeow Sawh and Janet Jagan in times of trouble or just to stop and say hello. The name of Freedom House was free indeed to us.

Yours truly, Sherry Fyffe James Linden Councillor

Working together for mutual benefits Dear Editor, It is good that former US Ambassador Perry Holloway believes our politicians needs to work together to diffuse racial tension in Guyana’s society. Let us for a moment forget the part his country (the USA) played in the past in stoking racial tension during the Cold War and focus on what it would take to build trust

in Guyana’s society.

To understand the problem is the key to finding a solution. There is definitely a Trust Deficit Problem in Guyana.

When we examine the situation we see that the heinous crime of slavery has moulded into African Guyanese psyche that they cannot trust another race to chart their destiny.

Come what may, African Guyanese will chart their own future and rightly so.

African Guyanese feel they have to fight for everything that they want as opposed to negotiate and work with others for mutual benefits. They feel they are in a protracted “war” to “prove” themselves.

When people believe that they are in a war, they will

make preparations for war and act accordingly.

At some level people will need to understand that you need to work together for mutual benefits. That is the basis of Consensus Politics: Working together to build trust, mutual understanding and mutual respect.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

hensive human resource audit on the ethnic composition of senior persons in the public sector for the challenge to those in public life, Government, the National Assembly, and public officials to take the appropriate corrective actions and

measures in the national interest. The ERC can only justify its existence with integrity by pursuing actively the recommended actions above.

With thanks, Joshua Singh

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Why happiness matters

Foundation

Happiness is more than a good feeling or a yellow smiley face. It's the feeling of truly enjoying your life, and the desire to make the very best of it. Happiness is the "secret sauce" that can help us be and do our best.

Here's what researchers found when they studied happy people: Happy people are more successful.

Happy people are better at reaching goals.

Happy people are healthier.

Happy people live longer.

Happy people have better relationships.

Happy people learn better.

W

sonality that's on the grumpy side? They might see the faults in people and situations instead of the good. Their mood might be glum more often than it's cheerful. But if they'd like to be happier (and who wouldn't?), it is possible to get there.

called positive psychology. Experts in this field have found that there are key things that make people happier: Positive emotions Joy. Gratitude. Love. Amazement.

Delight.

Playfulness.

Humor.

Inspiration.

Compassion.

Hope.

Creativity.

Interest.

Excitement.

outdoors can inspire these feelings.

Knowing how to manage our negative emotions is also key to happiness. Difficult emotions are a fact of life.

But the way we handle them makes all the difference.

Happiness is up to us Researchers have found that more than half of happiness depends on things that are actually under our control. That's really good news because it means everyone can be happier.

A big part of how happy we are depends on our mindset, the habits we practice, and the way we live each day.

By learning the key ingredients of happiness, we can use them to become happier.

e all want to be happy. But we sometimes think of happiness as a thing that happens to us — something we have no control over.

It's easy to link the idea of happiness with the situation we're in. We might tell ourselves, "If only things were different, then I'd be happy."

But that's not really how happiness Ingredients for a Happy Life works. Research shows that just a small Happiness is so important in our portion of happiness (only about 10%) lives that it has its own field of research Enjoyment. Calm. We all like to have depends on a person's situation. these positive feelings.

So where does most of our happiBesides feeling good, positive ness come from? emotions do good things for our Here are some of the skills that help us brains and bodies. They lower stress build good relationships: Born happy? hormones, help ease anxiety and delearning how to understand and express Part of happiness depends on pression, and improve our immune our emotions personality. Some people have a system. using empathy to understand how someone naturally happy nature. We all Feeling some positive emotions else feels know people who are cheerful every day has a big effect on our using kindness and optimistic most of the time. happiness and well-being. That's showing gratitude Their upbeat personalities make why it's so important to do things developing assertiveness to say what we it easier for them to be happy. that give us positive feelings. Even want and need So what does that mean for simple actions like playing with a people who are born with a perchild or a pet or going for a walk

Strengths and interests The things we're good at, and like to do, are our strengths. We all have strengths, even if we haven't discovered them yet.

Strengths include: the things we're interested in – for example, music, art, science, building things, cooking, reading any skills we have – like painting, playing an instrument, or playing a sport our good qualities – such as kindness, humour, or leadership Happiness increases when we discover a strength and practice it. The more we practice a strength, the better we get until we really master it.

When we get really good at doing something we enjoy, we can get lost in it. That's called flow. Experiencing flow helps boost happiness.

Finding daily ways to use our strengths is a key ingredient for a happy life.

Good relationships The people in our lives matter. Good relationships are one of the best ways to enjoy happiness, health, and well-being.

Developing certain emotional skills can help us form and keep good relationships.

When we are there for the people in our lives — and when they're there for us — we are more resilient, resourceful, and successful.

Finding meaning and purpose in life Our lives can be busy with day-to-day activities and re-

sponsibilities. Many of us multi-task, so we might race ahead, thinking about the next place we need to be. But slowing down to pay attention to what we're doing and why builds happiness.

Pay attention to the effects of your actions. Notice the ways (big or small) that you make a difference. Live life based on the values that are important to you. Take time to think of what really matters to you (like helping others or protecting the planet).

In what way do you want to make the world a better place? Notice any small daily actions that point you in that direction. They help give your life a sense of meaning and increase happiness.

Achievement When our lives are rich with positive emotions, great relationships, strengths to practice, and a sense of purpose, we are ready to accomplish things.

Setting and achieving goals gives us something to put our energy into. It lets us see how we make a difference.

Put effort into things that matter to you. Do your best at whatever you try, without a need to be perfect. If things don't work out at first, keep an optimistic mindset and try again. Believe in yourself and your dreams.

Set realistic goals and small action steps to turn dreams into realities. To make a success even sweeter, celebrate it with people you care about.

Get happier OK, so you can learn how to be happier by managing your mindset, calming your mind, becoming more confident, using your strengths, building your self-esteem, doing things you enjoy, and creating good relationships.

That's a lot of things to think about! You can't tackle them all at once. But you can start small and pick one thing to work on.

The best way to reach any goal is to begin with small, specific actions. After doing these for a while, they become habits — things that fit into your day without you thinking about them too much. That's when you move on to build a new daily habit. Achieving small, specific goals can add up to big happiness! (kidshealth.org)

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fridAY, december 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Lawrence grilled on $150M new head office, lab for GA-FDD

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s the consideration of the 2019 Budget Estimates continued on Thursday, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence was grilled by the parliamentary Opposition on the construction of a new head office for her Ministry, as well as for the construction of a state-of-the-art laboratory for the Government Analysis-Food and Drug Department (GAFDD).

Under the Ministry’s Policy Development and Administration programme, there was an allocation of $438.9 million for “provision for buildings” under Capital Expenditures and according to Minister Lawrence, some $150 million of this amount has been allocated to the construction of the new head office for the Public Health Ministry.

She explained that the project, which cost a total of $365.487 million, is being carried out in phases and is currently in the first phase.

Opposition parliamentarian, Dr Frank Anthony pointed out that this is a multi-year project and funds were also allocated in the 2018 Budget as such, he enquired about the cost of each phase.

However, the Minister said they do not have the “costing for the other two phases”.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence in the National Assembly on Thursday

At this point, Dr Anthony asked about the design and engineer’s estimate. “I would imagine that a Ministry steep in planning would be able to [provide cost of each phases] and more so, that they have phased the construction. Can the Minister please explain to us about the design and the overall cost? If there isn’t an engineer’s estimate, what are we doing in phase one?”

In response, Lawrence reiterated that the cost for the other two phases of the project is not available. But she did note, however, that works will commence in 2019 for the design of the second phase.

The 2017 Auditor General’s report had reported that the $365 million contract was

awarded to the lowest of the eight bidders, against the engineer’s estimate of $546.751 million. However, the Auditor Generak had flagged that despite an advance payment of $71.365 million, the construction of the Ministry’s new head office was at a standstill almost one year after the contract was signed.

Meanwhile, Dr Anthony continued grilling the Public Health Minister, questioning her about the construction of the Food and Drug Lab. According to Minister Lawrence, of the allocated $438.9 million, some $210 million will be injected into this project, which will kick off next year.

“This is very first time, we the citizens of Guyana, will be

Teen dies, friend critical after Bagotville accident ...tensions unfold as driver identifies point of impact

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West Bank Demerara (WBD) teen lost his life on the Bagotville Public Road on Wednesday evening, while his friend is in a critical condition following a motorcycle accident.

The dead young man has been identified as 18-yearold construction worker Dan Batson, called “Q”, who would have been celebrating his 19th birthday in two weeks.

The 20-year-old pillion rider, Trevon Callender was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where a medical team is battling to save his life.

Reports indicate that the duo was proceeding on motorcycle CJ 2217 on the Bagotville Public Road, when Batson attempted to turn into the yard of his Lot 119 Bagotville home at about 20:30h but instead

Dead biker: Dan Batson

was travelling without headlamps but eyewitnesses disputed much of what was being reported.

According to Police demarcations, the car came to a halt approximately six houses away from the point of impact. Batson’s 17-year old

The driver was under Police guard as investigators took demarcations at the point where his car came to a halt, reportedly some six houses away from where he struck the men

collided with a speeding motor car bearing registration plates HC 3870.

The duo was flung from the cycle, with Callender landing in a nearby drain and Batson onto the roadway. Initial reports suggested that Batson

cousin was the main eyewitness and is said to have trouble sleeping after seeing his cousin perish before his eyes.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, Police had the driver point to the area where the collision occurred.

The relatives of the dead man

Injured pillion rider, Trevon Callender

became enraged as the diver told the Police his version of what transpired.

He reportedly told Police that his brakes failed moments before the collision.

Asked for a comment, the young man’s mother was still in a state of shock and was unable to give an interview.

However, with a distraught countenance, the dead lad’s father, Benjamin Batson said he was still in disbelief over his son’s demise, telling Guyana Times that he was in the shop playing dominoes when he heard the crashing sound.

The father added that it was his cousin who first ran out and others followed. The senior Batson disputed the driver’s version of events.

“According to information, the point of impact is wrong because the distance where the car stopped, it had a van,” he claimed.

Police have said that a breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the motorcar showed no trace of alcohol on his breath. (Shemuel Fanfair)

building a state-of-the-art laboratory. As a result, we sought to engage persons with the technical knowledge and persons with the experience that would have built such a facility. In 2019, we are going out for tender and according to our plan, by end of first half of 2019 we should be breaking ground to start to put that building,” she stated.

Again, however, the Opposition MP pointed out that monies were allocated for this project in 2018. To this end, the Public Health Minister went on to detail that during last year works including: site preparation were completed; a temporary bridge; land clearing and grubbing of building footprint and construction of retaining wall on eastern end of compound were all done to the tune of $69.4 million. She added too that $8 million was expended for the construction of temporary perimeter fence around the construction site and a geo-technical investigation was completed for $2.9 million.

Based on requests from the Opposition parliamentarian, the Minister further disclosed that $20 million each was paid for consultancy services for both the construction

Opposition MP, Dr Frank Anthony

of the laboratory as well as for the Ministry’s head office.

Lawrence further explained that the design for the new head office building, which is located on Brickdam, commenced in house but they later sought the services of an external consultant – Vicab Guyana Limited – at the cost of $5 million. Meanwhile, she noted that another $12.5 million was expended on consultancy services for the Food and Drug Lab, which was awarded to Jamaican company, William Harris TTSL. According to the Public Health Minister, while the design for the laboratory is completed, the one for the

Ministry’s head office is now undergoing some corrections.

Juan Edghill, a second-bencher on the Opposition’s side, enquired whether if at the time of the contract signing for phase one of works on the new head officer, the contractor was given a design to work along with. The Minister responded in the affirmative but noted that corrections had to be made.

Nevertheless, following the consideration of the estimates for the other programmes under the Public Health Ministry, the Committee of Supply on Thursday evening approved the budgeted sum allocated for the Ministry.

8 news

fridAY, december 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Man jailed for killing friend in accident Changes…

B Jailed: Chris Bridjmohan

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our years after being charged for causing the death of his then 19-year-old friend, Christopher Bridjmohan, of Albouystown, Georgetown, was on Thursday sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment after the conclusion of

a lengthy trial.

The 24-year-old man appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court and was handed the sentence by Magistrate Zamilla Ally, who found him guilty of causing the death of Christopher Baichan on November 9, 2014.

The matter was prosecuted by Special Prosecutor Sanjeev Datadin while the accused was represented

by Attorney-at-Law James Bond.

The charge against Bridjmohan stated that on November 9, 2014, he drove motor car PPP 3838 in a dangerous manner thus causing the death of Baichan of Oleander Gardens, East Coast Demerara, who was a passenger in the said car at the time of the accident.

Deceased: Chris Baichan

Bridjmohan had denied that they were taking part in a drag race at the time of the accident, stating that he was merely travelling along the East Coast road to take his friend home when the car came into contact with an uneven sec-

tion of the road and another vehicle swerved in front of him.

This, he said, caused him to swerve to avoid hitting that vehicle, which resulted in him losing control of the car he was driving.

At the time, he was released on $225,000 bail by Magistrate Alex Moore.

Shortly after being granted his pre-trial liberty, Bridjmohan took to his Facebook page to apologise to the relatives of Baichan, admitting that the two were best friends and that his actions caused the death of the young man.

In his Facebook post, the young man admitted that he and his now dead friend were invited by other friends to witness a driving event.

…in France ack in 1789 when the French lopped off the heads of their King and Queen to change their Government from a monarchy to a Republic, leading the charge were the “Sans Culottes”. “Culottes” were the tight silk knee-breeches worn by the nobility and the emerging bourgeoise while the lowers classes who couldn’t afford those, wore “pantaloons” or trousers. They were “sans” culottes” – “without” culottes.

Today, the Government of Emmanuel Macron – upper crust, wealthy and widely perceived as kowtowing to the top one per cent – is facing a violent rebellion from another set of French people – the “Gilets Jaunes”, or “yellow vests”. (From the fluorescent vests mandatory in all vehicles). These Gilets Jaunes aren’t the rabble like the sans culottes but lower middle-class folks who’re usually quite staid and proper. What happened??

In 1789, the issue for the poor was the astronomic price of bread. One tale signalling the disjoint between the rulers and the rules was the riposte of Queen Marie Antoinette when told that the poor couldn’t get bread.

She asked why they didn’t eat cake, instead!! For the Gilets Jaunes in modern France their semiotic is fuel prices.

But like all signifiers the reality goes far deeper – folks don’t take on armed Police and suffer five deaths for just fuel prices. These are just a daily reminders to the lower middle-class from the semi-urban areas, who get jolted when they have to fill up ever so often, and which they can’t afford because unemployment hasn’t been brought down as Macron promised, nor has the cost of living. This dissatisfied class is very much like the one that’s been mobilised over in the US by Trump, but unlike the Americans, haven’t accepted Marcon’s slavish dedication to neo-liberal economic policies like cutting tax rates for the top tiers.

They haven’t also taken the nativist angst against immigrants – but these also haven’t joined their ranks, which have remained white. Macron burst on the scene and convinced many that he was representative of the “new Europe” that was moving away from the previous half-century of centre-left programmes. Initially he was successful in taking on the unions but is obviously surprised by the leaderless masses that have destroyed his aura of competence.

In Guyana, the PNC-led coalition also promised much and delivered little, while catering to their elite.

It should be clear to all by now that they are incapable of running a modern economy – especially one that will soon receive a big injection of funds.

The question is whether Guyanese will look past their divisions – as the Gilets Jaunes have done – and send a message to the Government.

They don’t have to come out violently into the streets. 2020 is less than two years away!! …in Venezuelan threat Guyana was just apprised that Russian long-range bombers stationed in Venezuela – just when their border controversy is getting a hearing at the World Court. But which judgement they plan to reject when it’s issued since they’ve refused to accept the jurisdiction of the Court on the matter. Now our Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge has been rather sanguine about this development, claiming that “these military exercises are a regular feature of State relations”.

Maybe so…but we can’t be too careful, can we??

There are no coincidences in IR! Your Eyewitness expected we would’ve announced we stand ready with our Armed Forces – which has been augmented with FOUR new aircraft earlier this year – the same number as the Russian crafts. We spent $697,239,000 for two Britten-Norman Islanders and two Skyvans.

Even though they’re from the 1970s, we were assured they’re like “Rolls Royces”!!

They arrived in August, and surely they must’ve been equipped by now to repel any aerial threats!! …in no confidence motion?

British MP Theresa May survived a no-confidence motion in the House of Commons – brought by members of her own party. There’s one just filed in St Kitts.

No-confidence motions are standard in parliamentary Governments. Why’s the PNC dodging one here?

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

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fridAY, december 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Improved disaster Institute criminal charges for risk management Stockfeeds transaction – Nandlall for Region 4 in 2019 T D

he National Industrial and Commercial I n v e s t m e n t s Limited (NICIL) placing Government’s shares in Guyana Stockfeeds Inc on the local stock market will not absolve the incumbent Administration of the conundrum that it has placed itself in with regards to this issue.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall said in a statement that the move points to an issue which deals with Stockfeeds purchasing shares from NICIL, with the approval of Cabinet, below market value. This was confirmed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan who indicated that the shares were sold below market value at $25 each.

Nandlall’s contention was that arrangement should warrant the institution of criminal charges as the transaction is identical to ones in which former Government Ministers under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration were charged for and are currently before the courts.

“The gravamen of my criticism of the sale was (and still is), that the sale was conducted in the identical manner in which NICIL sold many assets of the State under the PPP Government, but that nine of those transactions are the subject of criminal charges instituted

by SOCU. He was referring to the case involving former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, and the former Chief Executive Officer of NICIL, Winston Brassington, in accordance with the advice of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Singh and Brassington are accused of selling various properties at prices the State contends were grossly undervalued at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Nandlall therefore argued that since the Constitution of Guyana guarantees to every citizen as a fundamental right, equal treatment before the law, he feels that the Office of the DPP should move to either forthwith terminate the charges against Singh and Brassington or to forthwith institute similar charges in relation to this latest sale, because it is in no different from each other.

“Anything short of this will constitute unconstitutional conduct, discrimination, violation of the rule of law, political persecution and an abuse of the legal process,” Nandlall said, adding that from the statement issued by NICIL, it appears that the recent sale has now been rescinded, presumably, because of these criticisms and the shares have been placed on the local stock market.

Shift in strategy

NICIL on Tuesday announced that 6,099,927 of its equity shares in Guyana Stockfeeds Incorporated are on the local stock market.

The placement of the shares on the stock market comes after previous attempts to dispose of the shares failed.

The current majority shareholder, Robert Badal, was the only person to make an offer for the shares held by NICIL when they were ad-

vertised for sale.

The placement on the local stock exchange also signals a shift in strategy by NICIL, and an effort to widen shareholding by providing more opportunities for the Guyanese public to participate in investments in public companies.

In a release to the media, NICIL said it believes the placement of these shares on the local market will greatly contribute to the depth; diversification and enrichment of the local stock market coupled with the copious potential investments gains to the general public which is likely to ensue.

However, Nandlall posited that “this will not rectify the conundrum that the Government finds itself in, as it is beyond doubt that, it is the Government that is the driving force behind the criminal charges against Singh and Brassington.

By those charges, the Government and the DPP have made the selling of State assets at a market determined prices, a criminal offence.”

He noted that assets of the State must, now, only be sold at a price determined by a Certificate of Valuation.

So, NICIL is not better off by putting these shares for sale on the stock market.”

Addressing the legality of the criminal charges that Singh and Brassington are

currently engaging in the High Court, Nandlall posited that “If these charges receive the imprimatur of that court, then in the future, State assets can only be lawfully sold if it is done in accordance with a Certificate of Valuation, irrespective of the price generated by market forces.”

“In the same vein, any person who receives a benefit as a term and condition of service with the Government is liable to be charged with larceny of the same, even if it receives the approval of the Executive President of this land! That is now the law of Guyana.”

According to the former Attorney General, “this is what happens when politicians are interfering with the criminal justice system in a society.”

Since the NICIL shares in Guyana Stockfeeds Limited surfaced in the public domain recently there has been vigorous discussion of the value of the shares versus the value of the offer made by the majority shareholder.

NICIL is of the view that ultimately, now that the shares have been placed on the stock exchange, the market will eventually determine the true value of the shares.

ay Four of the consideration of estimates for the National 2019 Budget saw Region Four’s (DemeraraMahaica) budgetary allocation of $7.2 billion being approved.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan told the Committee of Supply that residents stand to benefit from several projects; one such being improved disaster risk management.

Minister Bulkan was at the time clarifying the increase of funds budgeted under Region Four’s Regional Administration and Finance. According to the Communities Minister, there are several other initiatives slated for the Demerara-Mahaica region which will be undertaken in 2019.

The maintenance of drainage and irrigation in various sections of Region Four is another scheduled project. The Minister explained that the increased funding will allow both residential and farming communities along the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara to benefit from “the regular maintenance to the drainage trenches and canals.” He added

that it will also facilitate the upkeep of two electrical pumps, sluice doors, kokers and culverts.

“These interventions will allow for relief to be given to in excess of 100,000 residents and 300 framers.”

There are plans to construct and rehabilitate several bridges and culverts in various communities across the region including Victoria, Diamond, Soesdyke, Friendship, Ann’s Grove and Buxton and at Haslington. The construction and upgrading of roads have also been budgeted for in 2019.

The $7.2 billion allocated to the region also covers expenditure for educational and health services.

The provision will see the rehabilitation of several schools such as Bladen Hall Multilateral, Friendship Secondary, New Diamond Grove Primary, Diamond Primary and Kuru Kururu Nursery schools.

The Grove/Diamond area will see a health centre being construed while the health facilities in Clonbrook, Timehri and Soesdyke are scheduled to be extended.

10 news

fridAY, december 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Linden man bites Police Officer during arrest …granted bail on separate unlawful wounding charge

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Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) resident was on Thursday slapped with two counts of assault, including one committed on a police officer who attempted to arrest him for assaulting a woman.

Kerwin Eawick, who resides at South Amelia’s Ward, Linden, stood before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied the two charges after they were read to him.

The first charge stated that the 24-year-old man inflicted grievous bodily harm on Sharon Clarke while they were in the vicinity of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden on October 21, 2018.

Eawick was also accused of assaulting Police Constable Shaquille

McIntosh with intent to prevent lawful apprehension.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield did not oppose bail, but asked that conditions be applied. However, the prosecution’s submission was upheld by the

Magistrate, who in turn granted the man bail in the sum of $20,000.

The matter was later transferred to Linden Magistrate’s Court for January 7, 2019.

The prosecution is con-

tending that on the day in question the accused and the number one defendant had an argument when she attempted to exit a car in which they were travelling and the man allegedly pulled her out of the motor vehicle.

This resulted in the woman receiving injuries to her right leg.

Subsequently, a report was made to the Police and on December 11, Police on patrol duties located the suspect and attempted to arrest him. It was then that Eawick resisted lawful arrest and allegedly bit the peace officer among the confusion.

Nevertheless, the Police ranks arrested the man and the charges were instituted.

Linden man slapped with break and enter and larceny charge

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wenty-year-old Deron Austin was on Wednesday remanded to prison when he made his second court appearance before Magistrate Alisha George at the Linden Magistrate’s Court, on a

charge of break and entry and larceny.

Austin is accused of breaking and entering the dwelling of Fitzpatrick Ronaldo Semple, situated at Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden between September

16 and September 29, 2018 and stealing a number of items. These included a television set valued $245,000, a stabiliser valued $25,000 and a belt worth $7000. The items are valued a total of $277,000 and are the prop-

High Court orders rice miller to clear entrance to aerodrome

The debris being removed from the entrance

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fter months of blocking the entrance to the Hampton Court

Aerodrome, Essequibo rice miller Wazeer Hussein was on Monday last, through a

The entrance to the Hampton Court Aerodrome

High Court injunction, ordered to remove all materials that hinder a smooth passage to the facility.

The interim injunction was given after the owner of the Aerodrome, Tamesh Jagmohan made an application for Hussein to refrain from blocking Parcel 440 Block XXXI at Plantation Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast. The injunction was granted by Justice Gino Persaud. continued on page 13

erty of Semple.

When the case was called, the prosecution informed the court that the file was sent to the Police’s legal adviser for advice. The case was adjourned until December 19, 2018.

Goodbye S

atiricus was feeling glum. His old “gyaffing” buddy Hari, had been fired from his Government job and he’d be emigrating since there weren’t any jobs around. This was going to be his “farewell” drink at the Back Street Bar. “Hey Hari, what can I say man?” said Satiricus to his friend when they’d all gathered at their usual table. “We’ll all miss you!”

“Me guh miss am,” agreed Cappo. “But me hope ‘e guh rememba abee w’en ‘e a spo’t up in New Yark!”

“An’ me hope ‘e guh sen’ abee wan small piece ev’ry now and den!” said Bungi, slapping Hari on the back.

“Budday! I don’t even know if I’ll be getting a job yet,” protested Hari.

“So tell me something, Hari,” said Satiricus. “If you don’t even have a job lined up, why not look around right here in Guyana?”

“Yes, me ‘gree wid Sato,” said Cappo. “Rememba me bin guh ah New Yark and me had fuh come back?”

“An’ Cappo bin even get wan jaab wid ‘e Saro fuh fix up house,” pointed out Bungi.

“The problem, fellas, is I’ve been working with the Government for 20 years,” said Hari. “And I don’t have skills for the Private Sector.”

“But yuh bin wan good wor’ka. Tell abee de trut’,” said Cappo. “Wha’ mek dem fyaa yuh?”

“The same reason you and Bungi got fired from the sugar industry,” said Hari, with a wry smile. “I don’t have a Pee’nSee card!”

“Yuh cou’da mek fr’en wid de Minista!!” laughed Bungi.

“Remember what you fellas told me once?” asked Hari smiling. “Fish an’ cast-net nah fr’en!”

“Eh eh!!” exclaimed Cappo, raising his bottle for a clink.

“Yuh l’arn somet’ing!!”

“I learnt a lot of things from you fellas,” said Hari, clinking his bottle all around.

“But why don’t you stick around another year for the oil boom?’ asked Satiricus. “It’s only a couple of years away.”

“Sato, wha’ wrang wid yuh?” asked Bungi, shaking his head. “Da money na fuh abee-dese!”

“Goat bite ev’rybady who na Pee’nSee,” concluded Cappo, looking at Hari. “Good luck, bai!”

S RAIGHT Export food, not people Mr APNU

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would be the first in line to support any Government that has the vision to grow the Guyanese food production industry.

Such a measure will surely create millions of dollars for the people and thousands of new jobs. The biggest beneficiary of such a strategy is the severed sugar workers who number more than 5000 persons. Unfortunately, some three years after this A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government won executive power, Guyana is experiencing a material decline in the agriculture sector as a result of their fake promises.

According to the 2017 Bank of Guyana Annual Report, the agriculture sector declined to 16.6 per cent of the economy last year. When compared to the last full year performance under a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government in 2014, the agriculture sector contributed some 19.6 per cent of the economy. An economy grows sustainably on bedrock industries like manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and mining.

But none of these productive sectors took up the slack from the declining agriculture sector. In fact, it was a retail and wholesale trading that mainly filled the gap. Guyana is now the land of buying what others produce and sell to the world less and less of our homegrown production. That surely will not make Guyana great again, if there was ever such a period.

As the table below illustrates, the majority of the subsectors in agriculture has declined since the PPP left office.

Sugar has declined from 3.4 per cent of the economy in 2014 and is projected to slide to 1.4 per cent in 2018. Rice, the knight in shining armour, which was supposed to have filled the gap as a result of the decline in the sugar belt, experience its own decline. Rice declined from 3.8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product in 2014 to a projection of 3.3 per cent in 2018. Today, Guyana is exporting more paddy and moving down the value

chain with regards to rice-related products. There has been a total implosion in the forestry sector as it appears the policymakers cannot make up their mind what they really want to do with this sector.

It was President David Granger who stood on the riverfront on the Berbice River and lectured a small crowd in 2015, on a message that once he is President, there will be less exportation of raw sugar, raw rice, raw timber and raw food in general. But the statistics show that there is a marked decline in the value added agriculture sector. There has been very limited traction on the agro-processing front to leverage greater value for the people of Guyana since President Granger took power in May 2015. The indecisive and “loosy-goosy” agricultural policy under Minister Noel Holder complicated matters and has resulted in Guyana mutating into buying more processed and packaged food in general from overseas while exporting less value-added agriculture products. So much for Granger’s promises.

What is needed is a proper national conversation on how we can double our annual valued-added food exports by the year 2020. But from all appearances, it seems time has run out on the APNU/AFC, People’s National Congress-led Government.

The General and Regional Elections are 18 months away and the people with political power have buried their heads under the sand and are satisfied to spread oil propaganda as a shortterm strategy to deceive.

What Guyana continues to excel at since Granger came into office is the exportation of people; not food. According to a Guyana Times article dated December 8, 2018, based on an interview with the current Deputy Ambassador of the United States, Terry Gonzalez, the United States has issued over 100,000 visas to Guyanese citizens over the last three years. Included in that number is some 18,000 immigrant visas, meaning Guyanese are leaving permanently to settle in the land of the brave and the free at an average of 6000 people per year.

And that is just the United States. Our people are also leaving for Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and even Brazil as they continue to find greater opportunity in lands where they were not born although Guyana is potentially the richest country in the entire Caribbean Community family.

Nothing has changed since May 2015, actually, the economic hardship for the poor and the working class has gotten even more challenging. The outcome from such hardship means more migration and less production. Is this how you develop a country sustainably?

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

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fridAY, december 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Republic Bank warns customers about scams during holidays

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nce again, Republic Bank Guyana Limited has alerted its customers of possible phone scams during this time of the year.

Communications and Public Relations Specialist Rachael Singh told Guyana Times on Wednesday that scams were heightened during the Christmas season and as a result, the banking institution was sending an early warning to alert its customers and consumers in general.

“It’s a message we sent out to alert everyone and not because of anything in particular… It’s something to let our customers continue to be on the alert, because we know how the Christmas season is.”

Via SMS (Short Messaging Service), the

Bank advised the public not to divulge any information regarding their bank cards or PIN numbers over the phone since this is not part of any current activities of the institution.

It also asked persons to “beware of phone scams”, which demand private information possibly with the intention to steal.

Cellphone scams have

been on the rise for the holiday season, with fraudsters posing as representatives of various organisations to extract monies from people. So far, complaints have been made about these persons asking for personal information, claiming that the persons called would have won promotions.

To appear legitimate, they would ask for correct

names, addresses and national identification (ID) or bank numbers.

In one instance, the First Lady, Sandra Granger had urged citizens to remain vigilant after someone used the name of her office and her name to approach people with the proposition of making down payments for scholarships.

In April, a fraudster, Muhammad Ali was arrested and placed before the courts for impersonating the First Lady and tricking citizens into transferring money to him.

The trickster managed to obtain 12 pennyweights of gold worth $139,000 and $30,000 in GTT and Digicel phone cards, while pretending that he was in a position to grant scholarships to a young woman.

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Oil and gas sector

MatPal, TOTALTEC introduce Maritime Training Institute …to build local content

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atPal and T O T A L T E C Oilfield Services Guyana Incorporated have collaborated to introduce a new Maritime Safety Training Institute (MSTI), which will provide safety training courses in the oil sector aimed at building Guyana's local content.

The collaboration has been in the offing for some time and will see several courses being offered in addition to the organisations’ independent courses.

At a launching ceremony on Wednesday, TOTALTEC Senior Vice President Mike Henzell explained that after training, Guyanese would be certified to work worldwide, since the courses were internationally accredited.

“We are investing in Guyana and its future by employing qualified instructors, equipment and new physical facilities to deliver all facets of this highly-specialised training. Our investment in training and development of Guyanese young men and women is unparalleled and show our strong commitment to in-

TOTALTEC Oilfield Services Guyana Incorporated Senior Vice President Mike Henzell

vesting in people now for the future, which is key to building a vibrant workforce that participates in our industry,” Henzell said.

He indicated that TOTALTEC governed the International Petroleum and Maritime Academy (IPMA), which offers full immersion safety and operational training programmes in the oil sector, including “practical training on industry-specific equipment and machinery”.

On the other hand, MatPal

provides training courses which are certified by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

TOTALTEC offers 63 courses while over 40 are offered by MatPal in safety-related training. Henzell noted that the decision to launch a new institute was also aimed at assisting international oil companies during their exploration.

“The Maritime Safety Training Institute will accelerate the building of competence, local capacity,

and Guyanese capabilities to serve and respond to the oil and gas maritime industry.”

Meanwhile, Coleen Abrams of MatPal Marine Institute reiterated the importance of local content in the emerging oil and gas sector, adding that the Institute provides Guyanese with the opportunity to acquire employment since they will be suitably skilled.

“Through this strategic collaboration, we are committed to addressing the issue of local content through training as well as adopting and enforcing the standards that are nationally and internationally accepted, so as to set and keep the bar high as it relates to knowledge and skill transfer,” Abrams said.

Presently, there are campuses at Houston on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and at the MatPal Institute on Woolford Avenue. Courses are expected to commence by the first quarter of 2019, and registration is open for interested stakeholders.

GTT’s application for increase in bundled landline rates denied – PUC

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ust a few weeks ago, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved rates for GTT’s call-blocking feature; however, on Wednesday it denied an application made by the telecommunications giant to increase a number of landline charges.

According to the PUC,

ther noted that the charges could go up to $1600 for two or more lines.

Further, businesses would have to pay $2500 monthly for up to four lines as opposed to the current payments of $2250 monthly.

The company also wanted approval of five residen-

the company applied for the increase in landline charges from $750 to $800 for each household on October 1, 2018.

The application fur-

tial bundled services that relate exclusively to the landline service, including an all-inclusive (intra and inter), access for $6500 per month with call forwarding, voicemail and call waiting, and an unlimited friend-and-family call bundle for five persons for $1850.

After reviewing the application, the PUC, along with the Guyana Consumers Association, objected to the increase, stating that GTT did not present a convincing case for the application of an increase.

The PUC said that it was not convinced that the expenses accurately reflect a cost-efficient utility, taking into consideration the size and the scope of the operations of the company, and whether the values of the non-current assets as stated in the company’s financial statement were acquired at market value at the time of acquisition.

The PUC said also that the company has purportedly invested heavily in non-current assets for more than a decade, but same was not reflected in expected profit progression or in the quality of the company’s services to its customers.

GTT has been applying for a number of tariff increases recently as Guyana prepares for the liberalisation of the telecoms sectors to allow new investors.

The Guyana Consumers Association has, however, been insisting that GTT has not been investing as it should.

Already, GTT has been approved to institute new tariffs for landlines.

Mother of 9 remanded on break and enter charge A

40-year-old woman was on Thursday remanded to prison

by Senior Magistrate Alex Moore when she appeared in a New Amsterdam court to answer to a break and enter charge.

Shonette Gonsalves Sabola, of Lot 82 Savannah Park Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, is accused of breaking into the dwelling of Daphney Pitt-Joseph and

stealing a quantity of jewellery, a bag containing several documents, one five-pound tin of milk, one box of biscuits, a pair of slippers and $65,000.

The incident is alleged to have been committed on December 10, at PittJoseph’s Lot 43 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam home.

The mother of nine told the court that she was a domestic worker and worked

part time as a cook. “I did not do it,” she informed the Court.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Bernard Brown asked for bail to be refused on the basis that there were other charges before the court involving the defendant.

He said most of the articles were discovered hidden in a suitcase at the defendant’s home. In addition,

Shonette Gonsalves Sabola being escorted by Police

the court was told that at the time of her arrest, Sabola was wearing the pair of slippers that was removed from the house.

It is on the day in question, an unknown number of persons entered the home and removed the above listed items along with two passports and the house keys.

Pitt-Joseph explained that she came into the country to bury her son and that the crime was committed while she was asleep.

“I does work around the clock; I have a son … I don’t do dem thing dah,” Sabola told the court. She begged the Magistrate not to remand her, claiming that she has to collect her son who was in the Berbice River.

“If I send a message to him that I sick, he will come

and I will call the Police to come and catch him,” she said apparently in reference to her son who was suspected of being involved in the crime.

However, Brown rebutted Sabola’s claim, telling the court that the defendant has not been cooperating with the Police.

“She hides her son and allows him to go out and do bad things at nights. She told the Police that she did not know where he is and that she has not seen him for the past two weeks,” he related.

“I have three young children to look after,” the woman cried. She was, nevertheless, remanded until January 14, 2019 when the Police are expected to give a report on the investigation.

13 Explore, do not exploit the Caribbean – investor E news

fridAY, december 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

ntrepreneur and investor, Kirk Anthony Hamilton has aired his views about the Caribbean and the doors of opportunity that can be opened if resources are utilised and injected in the correct sectors.

At the American Chamber of Commerce (Am-Cham) Guyana lecture at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown, Hamilton relied on his experience as he listed the unlimited potentials of Guyana and other countries, which are growing to become “economic stalwarts”.

“We don’t take a view of the Caribbean as it is but we sell a version of the Caribbean that we think it can and should be…The Caribbean is not just what we’re promoting in terms of stones, sand and

seas but actually a remarkable area of intact potential and opportunity that is simply looking for collaborative non-exploiting partners to help create a vibrant economic team,” said Hamilton as he addressed a group of diverse stakeholders.

He explained that the economic shift among Caribbean islands is also significant to observe and how impactful it can be to the region and its people. He posed to mention the isolated gap which existed between counties outside of the region and how this was bridged by social and infrastructural expansion.

“We’re currently living in a very hypo-connective world where devices through the Internet created a whole new eco-system, a whole new so-

Entrepreneur and investor, Kirk Anthony Hamilton making his presentation

cial world and ultimately, in the age of automation and robotics, a lot of things are shifting that in many cases, we are not one in control,” he

continued.

Hamilton explained that while these technological advancements have proven to ease the world of certain

physical activities, it also advocates for isolation since it builds a new social hierarchy.

However, the idea of inclusive growth is something that should have been obvious throughout the years since “expectations are changing” and “knowledge is spreading”.

Am-Cham featured the investor at a time when Guyana is about to extract first oil by 2020. ExxonMobil made its 10th discovery last week.

The Pluma-1 well is located some 27 kilometres (17 miles) South of the Turbot-1 well and follows previous discoveries on the Stabroek Block.

The well was safely drilled to 5013 metres (16,447 feet) in 1018 metres (3340 feet) of water. The previous recoverable resource estimate on

the Stabroek Block was more than four billion barrels.

This discovery reinforces the potential of the country being able to produce more than 750,000 barrels of oil daily by 2025 and the potential for development in the South-East section of the Stabroek Block. The Stabroek Block is 26,800 square kilometres.

According to the Natural Resources Ministry, the Noble Tom Madden is expected to begin drilling the Tilapia-1 prospect located some 5.5 kilometres (3.4 miles) West of the Longtail-1 well. The Stena Carron drillship has recently completed operations at Hammerhead-1 and will soon drill its next well following scheduled maintenance.

Young Policeman rewarded for participation in youth forum aged that his services would be fully utilised in training of members of the scouts and youth groups.

The administration of the Force, in its reformation plan, is ensuring that members with the requisite edu-

cation, skills, talents, knowledge and experience continue to be given the opportunity to lead, so as to reveal their true leadership potential.

An elated Lance Corporal Torres, who resides at Stewartville, West Coast

Demerara, is slated to attend a training seminar this Saturday at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, along with instructors of the Felix Austin Police Colleges, in Methods of Instruction.

High Court orders rice...

from page 10

Lance Corporal Ronaldo Torres poses with Police Commissioner Leslie James and Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Williams

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young Policeman attached to Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, who represented the Force at the Sixth Inter-American Youth Forum and the 27th Scout Conference in Panama from November 21 to December 3, 2018, has been rewarded for being an excellent ambassador and for his impressive presentation at the seminars.

The award ceremony was done at the Police Commissioner’s Conference Room, Eve Leary in the presence of Police Commissioner Leslie A James and other senior ranks.

Twenty-year-old Cub Scout Leader, Constable Ronaldo Torres, who was among 260 participants from a number of countries at the forum and conference, said it was a life-changing experience for him to have left these shores for the first time and to have been able to interface and interact with persons of diverse backgrounds.

The Cub Leader related that the programme was an educational one which would support the process of developing new youth participation activities in partnership with adults and youth members.

He added that the programme empowered and inspired young people through a participatory approach, helping them to develop skills in decision making, which could be used within scouting and in the wider society.

Torres, who is a member of the D Division Headquarters Scout Group and received his formal scout training under the astute leadership of District Scout Leader Judy Alves, was articulate in his delivery, which earned him an on-the-spot promotion to Lance Corporal and transfer to the Scouts Office at Eve Leary, where it is envis-

The court document also stated that if Hussein fails to comply with the terms of the judgment, he will be in contempt of court and may be liable imprisonment or assets confiscated. Hussain reportedly have until December 19 to clear the area.

However, the Guyana Times understands that the miller up to late Thursday afternoon was in the process of removing the debris which he used to block the entrance.

When contacted, Jagmoham told the Guyana Times that the entrance was cleared thus making the aerodrome accessible.

Hussein was arrested two Thursdays ago after he continued to block the entrance to the Hampton Court Aerodrome, on the Essequibo Coast. As recent as Saturday

last, Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally was forced to use the private entrance on Jagmohan after Hussein refused to clear the entrance for the minister to pass.

She had promised to raise the issue with the Divisional Commander on the issue.

About two week ago, Hussein was slapped with several charges including resisting arrest, threatening behaviour and obstructing officials of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC) from carrying out their duties.

Hussein is claiming ownership of the plot of land that is used to gain access to the aerodrome, but according to documents provided, the GL&SC had informed the businessman that the plot of land was owned by the State

and as such, ordered that he give up possession of the reserve immediately.

The notice also stated that failure to comply will result in legal action being brought against him by the Commission.

It was reported that Hussein was being questioned in relation to the death of a baby. The infant was transferred from the Essequibo Coast to the Georgetown Public Hospital but on the day of transferal, the Hussein blocked the entrance to the aerodrome, thus causing a prolonged delay in the execution of the medevac.

In addition, the Guyana Times understands that Hussein would have made several comments on social media which is also being investigated by the Police.

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GCAA to sign open More awareness needed to skies agreement with fight gender-based violence in 2019 – Social Services Director 2nd African nation …as flights to Germany become easier

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n its bid to not only improve tourism but to boost Guyana’s connectivity with other countries, specifically African countries, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is gearing up to sign another open skies agreement, this time with the African country Tanzania.

This was recently related to Guyana Times by the Director General of the GCAA, Egbert Field during an exclusive interview.

Field explained that Guyana is preparing itself for massive tourism influx with the signing of such agreements.

He noted that already the Agency has signed open skies agreement with other South American countries which will allow for more airlines to fly here as well.

“We’ll improve connectivity in the Region, especially with the South American region by reaching out to sign more air services agreements with the various states, because having air services agreements that is the foundation or the platform which the airlines will be able to ride on,” the Director said.

On that note, it was pointed out that the GCAA has already inked an agreement with Brazil and Ghana which will allow for direct flights to those countries as well as it also gave clearance for any airline which wishes to fly here from those countries.

“At the last conference we had, the air-transport conference, Guyana signed an agreement with Ghana and Ghana is very excited about that because they are looking to open up their country”, Field noted.

At that conference, he had also disclosed that the Authority is seeking to sign more of such agreements with Columbia and other African states such as Tanzania and Nigeria, with the aim of having as many airlines as possible entering Guyana.

He was keen to note that the inked agreements are in keeping with this year’s theme of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) with regards to connectivity.

When it comes to a time span for those agreements, Field said the required framework is already in place and is presently waiting to be finalised.

Plans for these important air services agreements were first announced early in November at the launch of the ICAO Air Transport meeting which

GCAA Director Egbert Field

was held in Guyana at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, between November 21 and 23 , 2018.

The announcement was made by the Director, Air Transport Management, Saheed Sulaman.

He said, “We are always looking to develop relationships with all ICAO member states. It’s the only way we can connect to those states and it’s the only way our airlines can get connected to those states so I’d say yes we are looking to develop relationships with those countries and not only those countries in Africa but in Asia, in Europe, we are looking to develop relationships with those countries as well”.

Asked if he believes the market will be a feasible one, the Director noted that although there might not be enough traffic to operate “you got to start somewhere.”

He had explained that the present flight system in Guyana allows for a person to fly to Africa, only after arriving in Europe or the United States. Sulaman pointed to the fact that the flights will be beneficial in promoting tourism in Guyana.

It was clarified that although Guyana is seeking to have direct flights to Africa, the option of having small stops in between has not been wiped off the table.

“We are awaiting final confirmation from the Government of Tanzania and the Government of Ghana on their availability to sign an air services agreement… we’ve already done our work and we are awaiting their confirmation.”

During this year’s budgetary debates, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin boasted of a 17 per cent increase in visitor arrivals up to September, when compared with figures during the same period last year.

Gaskin deemed the increase as good news for the country as it adds to the

economy.

Flights to Germany

Just in time for Christmas!

An Interline Agreement was on Wednesday inked between a German airline Condor (Thomas Cook Group) and LIAT flights from Germany to Guyana which makes flights easier and more convenient for passengers using this route.

The Interline Agreement is one between individual airlines which is drafted to handle passengers traveling on itineraries that require multiple flights on multiple airlines.

It allows passengers to use coordinated flight connections and checkedthrough luggage and affords cheaper tickets year-round.

In this case, the contract will allow travellers from Europe to enjoy an easier and more comfortable connection to Guyana.

In addition to Germany and Guyana, countries such as Austria and Switzerland will be able to reap the benefits of this agreement. The proposed connections will run through Antigua, making it a smoother connection to Georgetown, Guyana without passengers losing much travel time waiting for connecting flights, a statement from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) said.

Moreover, passengers flying into the Caribbean can continue their journey and arrive in Guyana the same day. This means that time will be saved as overnighting in a connecting country will no longer be required.

The Director of GTA said, "We are extremely excited about this new route.

Increased air connectivity to Guyana will allow more travellers to access the country and its rich natural and cultural heritage and adventurous experiences. This is a substantial step in connecting our European travellers, which is one of our key core markets, to Guyana”.

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n keeping with the ‘Men Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign, the Social Protection Ministry has released its plans for 2019 as it relates to putting an end to violence against women and girls around the world.

These programmes are geared at raising awareness while eliminating all forms of violence against women in particular.

Director within the Social Protection Ministry, Whentworth Tanner, stated that the Ministry has recognised the need for men to be trained in particular divisions which will in return be beneficial “not only to women but society also”.

“Based on our interactions with males, they believe that they are not being heard and there are all painted with the same brush by society. As a result, we wanted to set up a forum where men are comfortable to discuss those issues and also assist in fixing those issues”.

Tanner revealed that there are plans to introduce programmes in schools which is expected to target toddlers (from three years and older).

“The school programmes will target boys from three years old and it will teach them how to deal with cer-

tain situations involving girls and how to also work around certain issues.

Basically, the programme is to teach them how to refrain from violence against girls and women – as they grow older”.

The Director also noted that these activities will be conducted in all 10 administrative regions. Further, he disclosed that the Ministry through the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee will be working closely with the Regional Democratic Councils on these projects.

“Addressing the issues with women alone will not fix the problem, we have to involve all persons. We taught that this is a really good opportunity because if men are informed, they will be able to pass down that information and also be able to correct their colleagues”.

These comments came on the heels of the recently concluded annual ‘16 Days of Activism Against GenderBased Violence’ campaign.

The international campaign originated from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute coordinated by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991.

Currently, more than 3700 organisations from approximately 164 countries

participate in the campaign annually.

Joining these organisations this year is Voices Against Violence, an umbrella entity comprising non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, community-based organisations and other entities and activists that organise speak outs across Guyana.

This effort has been endorsed by the Ministry, which is partnering with Voices Against Violence; the Women and Gender Equality Commission and Help and Shelter.

Organisations, groups and communities are urged to bring people together and have them share experiences, personal or otherwise, on gender-based, child and sexual abuse as well as to brainstorm ideas which will address these scourges.

The idea is to create scope for victims to speak out since doing so is a form of catharsis that can also motivate and inspire other victims.

The campaign was held under the theme ‘Hear me too: collective voices against gender-based violence’, the programme aims at targeting all males across the length and breadth of Guyana.

(Yanalla Dalrymple)

Man wins trip in Copa Airlines, Banks DIH Christmas promotion

Winner of the first Cop-A-Supreme promotion draw, Compton Delon Aaron (right) poses with Banks DIH Brand Manager of Non-Alcoholic Malts, Clayton McKenzie and Copa Airlines Sales Manager Nadine Oudkerk

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ompton Delon Aaron already knows this Christmas will be one of the best ever because he has had an enormous slice of good fortune, and it all came about because he decided to make a prudent purchase.

Aaron would have taken advantage of a special offer by Banks DIH to buy two six-packs of Malta Supreme and get a free T-shirt as well as a chance in the Cop-ASupreme free trip promotion draw.

As such, he became the first winner of the promotion—an initiative of Copa Airlines and Banks DIH. He received an award letter to that effect on December 5 in the presence of airline staff members and Banks

DIH Brand Manager of NonAlcoholic Malts, Clayton McKenzie.

He now has the incredible opportunity to choose from 80 Copa Airlines destinations to enjoy his prize with someone special.

Aaron is ecstatic. “It’s … unbelievable for you to have won a competition that you can select from more than 70 destinations. So with Copa Airlines and Banks Supreme Malta, you can fulfil your dreams. So you can’t go wrong supporting Copa Airlines or Banks Malta.”

He applauded Copa Airlines and Banks DIH for rewarding their customers with such generosity and believed they should continue to give something back, for

their customers’ support.

Aaron won the first of three such drawings in December, and the companies have announced that the closing date for the competition has been shifted from December 8 to December 22. This means the second drawing will be done on December 15 and the final one on December 22.

Persons who wish to qualify can buy two Malta Supreme six-packs. The purchase entitles the buyer to a free T-shirt and an entry form which can be deposited into the boxes at Banks DIH Retail Liquor Store, Caesar’s Palace and Banks DIH Cash and Carry centres at Bartica, Berbice, Linden, and Essequibo. Then, it’s all up to the luck of the draw.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony where Aaron got his prize, Copa Airlines Sales Manager Nadine Oudkerk said the airline’s management was delighted to be part of a promotion that gives persons a chance to fulfil travel dreams.

“We will continue to reward our customers in big ways. We wish Mr Aaron a memorable vacation and are truly pleased to be part of a dream come true,” she said.

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Region 10 Councillors call for increase in stipend

Charles Sampson addressing a section of the Council

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ouncillors of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) have renewed calls for an increase in their monthly stipend.

Presently, Councillors are seeking a $25,000 per month increase on the existing $10,000 per month which they receive.

At the most recent statutory meeting of the Council, Councillor Charles Sampson moved a motion for Regional

Chairman Renis Morian to make the relevant representation and facilitate authorisation of payment of the increase.

This move was well supported by Councillors, with a few calling for $40,000 instead of $35,000. The Councillors have been trying to have their stipends increased for years but to no avail.

"For years we have been talking about the stipend that is given to Councillors

– the $10,000 stipend... We have been asking from time to time to have our stipends increased... I have noted recently that some salaries and benefits have been increased for certain specific people... the Municipal Council of Linden, the Councillors are paid a stipend of thirty thousand dollars per month. They are, in my opinion third tier... we're second tier. And if the Municipal Councillors can get thirty thousand, I

think we in a very stingy way we can start with asking for thirty-five thousand," Sampson said.

Adding that he has already done the calculations himself, Sampson said for a total of 16 Councillors that would be $400,000 more per month and $4.8 million on a yearly basis.

He further urged the Regional Chairman to consider utilising a particular account to facilitate the increase.

"I feel that we need to step up and get more. I think Councillors deserve more than ten thousand dollars... I think it's an insult to Councillors to be getting that kind of money... I think we should be asking for sixty thousand dollars a month, but we break it down," Sampson continued.

The recommendations for the increase were also supported by Morian and Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph. Morian said while the money is available, the Council cannot authorise such payment.

Nevertheless, he said he will put forward the recommendation to the subject Ministers.

Sugar workers to receive bonuses – as GuySuCo expects to achieve target

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fter years of complaining that they have not received added financial benefits since the coalition Government came into office, remaining workers in sugar belt are set to have a brighter Christmas with the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) announcement that Weekly Production Incentives (WPI) will be paid. This comes on the heels of the revelation that GuySuCo is set to achieve it target for 2018.

This was related through an official release which stated that as of December 12, 2018, 100,485 tonnes of sugar was produced thus far for the year out of the production target of 103,000 tonnes of sugar. This reflected in excess of 12,000 tonnes more than what was achieved for the entire year, 2017, from the three estates – Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt. This latest news came as a departure from the gloomy outlook of which many had predicted and had characterised the industry.

“Thus far, the three estates have collectively surpassed their weekly targets on 26 occasions for the year which translates to payment of Weekly Production Incentive (WPI). The qualified employees’ will therefore receive a bonus for the year 2018, as a reward for their performance and the value of which would be de-

Murder accused in 2012 Edun Poultry Farms killing set free

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Freed: Mahindra Bishundial

Deceased: Aga Khan

ix months after a jury could not decide e his fate, Mahindra Bishundial, who is accused of killing an Edun Poultry Farms and Hatchery truck driver, was set free on Thursday after the prosecution failed to make out a case at a second trial.

Aga Khan was killed during an alleged robbery in 2012, but Bishundial, called “Tyrone”, of Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was able to walk out of the High Court unshackled after Judge Sandil Kissoon upheld a nocase submission by Attorney Nigel Hughes.

Justice Kissoon outlined on Thursday that the prosecution failed to prove a pri-

ma facie case against the accused. As such, the jury returned a formal not-guilty verdict, which means that the former murder accused will be able to spend Christmas with his family. However, it will be the seventh Christmas since 57-year-old Khan was killed on November 6, 2012 at Busby Dam, Craig, ECD, when he was confronted by several bandits, who demanded that he hand over a bag. It was reported that after complying with the order, Khan was shot dead.

Bishundial’s previous trial had ended in a hung jury in June. State Attorneys Orinthia Schmidt and Lisa Cave prosecuted the second case.

US food company recalls “Fiesta Corn” from Guyana, other Caribbean countries

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pendent on the final production,” GuySuCo said on Wednesday.

The Corporation took the opportunity to thank all employees for “remaining focused on the task at hand and delivering a successful target.” It said too that with a few weeks left for the Second Crop, “employees are encouraged to maintain the team spirit and managers must continue to show strong leadership and management in 2019.”

Only recently, dismissed sugar workers were finally paid their severance benefits after being fired following Government’s cost cutting measures. Thousands of dismissed sugar workers are finding great difficulty in securing alternative jobs fol-

lowing their retrenchment in late 2016 and 2017. Wales was closed in December 2016 while the closures of Rose Hall, Enmore and Skeldon were completed by the end of 2017. The latter three were later reopened under small operations as part of the Administration’s move to garner private investors.

In early November, the National Assembly gave approval for almost $2.5 billion to cater for the remaining severance to 4723 sugar workers. However, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union announced earlier this week that plans were afoot to terminate the services of dozens more 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 GuySuCo had indicated that it was always its intention to have the workers terminated and it is now giving effect to its intent. GAWU described the situation as saddening, saying that more workers have had to lose their jobs occasioned by the “short-sighted and wrong haphazard decision” to minimise the sugar industry.

he US company Del Monte Foods has recalled over 60,000 cases of incompletely sterilised canned corn from eight countries in the Region.

The Caribbean countries affected by the recall of Del Monte “Fiesta Corn” are Guyana, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Haiti, Aruba, St Lucia, and Suriname.

The other countries are El Salvador, Uruguay and Panama.

The company says the recall is specific to Del Monte “Fiesta Corn” only and not any of its other corn and food products. The company warns that the product could cause life-threatening illness if consumed.

The US Food and Drug Administration said the recall of 64,242 cases of the “Fiesta Corn” seasoned with red and green peppers were due to under-processing.

It said the missed steps from the commercial sterilisation process could result

in spoilage and possible contamination with life-threatening pathogens, if eaten, Del Monte warned.

There have not been any reports of illness as a result of the products, the company added. It said a central concern with under-processing canned food is the potential growth of bacteria, including clostridium botulinum, which creates toxins that cause botulism poisoning, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (CMC)

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friDAY, december 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

$235M approved for Amerindian Development Projects

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n excess of $700 million will be expended for the execution of Amerindian Development Projects by the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry for hinterland villages and communities in 2019.

This followed the successful defence of the Ministry’s Capital and Current Budgetary Estimates in the National Assembly on Monday by Ministers Sydney Allicock and Valerie GarridoLowe.

This sum of $235,300,000 will be invested in 215 villages and communities under the Presidential Grant Programme.

Villages are expected to submit their respective project proposals in support of existing livelihood projects; develop new economic, social and environmental initiatives; provide job opportunities for locals and increase entrepreneurial capacity as Government commitments to empowering the Indigenous peoples of this nation.

In 2019, in excess of $176 million will be spent for additional support to the programme. This will be in the form of monitoring and mentorship through cluster training to ensure best practices are employed and youth receive the prerequisite skills to effectively operate and manage their business to ensure growth and sustainability.

Of the sum, $12 million has been budgeted for two thousand youth to receive ad-

Minister Sydney Allicock

ditional support through the acquisition of small grants of $50,000 each.

Meanwhile, the construction of a $38 million Mall at Santa Rosa, Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini) is among other economic projects on the cards.

This is a 40’ x 60’ two-storey building with some $10 million allocated in 2019 to assist the village in bringing this investment to fruition.

In 2017, 10 of the 11 satellites merged their respective presidential grants to commence construction, while in 2018, all 11 villages came on board for the continuation of the project, which to date, has seen the completion of its foundation, columns and second floor completed.

At the end of 2018, $21 million would have been invested by the villages and will accommodate 40 stalls

equipped with lighting and security features and an estimated monthly income of $600,000 Santa Rosa will also benefit from a $40 million Ground Coffee Production project (Robusta Coffee) to supply both local and export market demands and will see some 15 farmers benefiting.

Farmers have already commended land preparation as they eagerly anticipate the arrival of the beans to begin the germination process and subsequently planting of seedlings.

This multi-year project has seen $10 million budgeted for in 2018, with an additional $10 million in 2019 which will cater for the construction and furnishing of the facility.

Kwebanna Village is also benefiting from a multi-year cassava flour processing facility, while Smith Creek Fish and Crab Facility will also receive additional funding for its completion.

This two-year project is value at over $16 million with $10 million already invested in 2018 for its construction while the second year will see an additional $6 million invested for the installation of solar panels as well as additional funds for marketing of produce.

Agro processing facilities will also be established in Maruranau, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); Food processing facility at Bina Hill,

Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe

Region Nine; Paruima Fruit Farm, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni); Santa Cruz Fruit Farm, Region One; a Lapidary in Monkey Mountain, Region Eight; an Eco-Tourism project in Karasabai, Region Nine; Rest Shelters in Chenapou and Paramakatoi, Region Eight; and Parishara, in Region Nine.

Warapoka Village, Region One, is also earmarked for support towards improving its community-based eco-tourism initiative since the spotting of the much sought after Harpy Eagle.

Five million dollars was allocated in 2018 for upgrades to two rooms at the Villages Guest House and the construction of a benab to accommodate the village office and a museum. A further $2 million will go towards completing this venture which will also aid economic activi-

ties in the village.

Meanwhile, Laluni, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and St Ignatius, in Region Nine will each receive a tractor and implements to aid in agriculture production, while the Amokokopai – Phillipai farming trail will receive a $2 million upgrade.

In addition, St Deny’s/ Tapakuma and Suruma trails are expected to be upgraded.

Monies were also approved for construction of several bridges in various communities.

Minister within the

in hand-outs. We believe in empowering people and giving them the economic support required so that they can create successful and meaningful lives for themselves”.

Minister Sydney Allicock also emphasised that the vision of the Ministry for the next 20 years is to ensure that “all of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples and villages and communities are empowered to have a better quality of life now and for future generation”.

The Minister added that “Budget 2019 will undoubted-

The Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry

Ministry, Valerie GarridoLowe during her budget presentation posited “for the past three years, since this Government took office, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has been focusing on building the capacity of our Indigenous and hinterland people. Your Government does not believe

ly continue to ‘transform the economy, empower the people and build sustainable communities.’

The House Monday last unanimously approved $1.9 billion expenditure for the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry to execute its mandate to the Indigenous peoples in 2019.

Rewriting of schools’ curriculum City Hall CoI comes under scrutiny Bulkan awaits LGC to implement recommendations G

overnment's move to implement a new teaching curriculum was also brought under scrutiny by the parliamentary Opposition over the selection process of teachers who formed part of the review process.

Education Minister Nicolette Henry however, in her attempt to comfort the House, disclosed that a total of 76 trained and experienced teachers were selected for the process.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) MP, Vickram Bharrat, asked for a breakdown with respect to the regions the teachers were pulled from but the Minister could not provide such information at the time.

She promised to provide her response and a policy document for the programme. Minister Henry while responding to other questions updated the MPs that the curriculum reform project has already commenced and outlined that the teachers had to be graduates with five years of experience.

Henry outlined, “Curriculum framework would have been developed and firmly adopted and so

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Education Minister Nicolette Henry

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand

that is sub-component 1.1.

There is curriculum writing initiated at nursery, primary and secondary levels”.

The new syllabus being developed will be for nursery, primary and secondary schools up to Grade Nine, as classes from there on use the Caribbean curriculum to prepare for the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate.

Several workshops have been hosted since the beginning of this year so as to have the curriculum ready in a timely manner.

In fact, Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson at a recent workshop also pointed out how critical it is for

the syllabus to be updated.

He said, “We are here today to commemorate the writing of the curriculum which I think is very critical in terms of us moving forward. I think we have been showing good signs of moving forward but again I think a curriculum is essential to this process”.

“This process cannot be a long and drawn out process.

I know curriculum writing take time but it cannot be forever. We don’t have all the time in the world,” he told the teachers, University of Guyana students and other education officials at the session.

ommunities Minister Ronald Bulkan on Wednesday confirmed he is in receipt of the Local Government Commission's (LGC) Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report that looked into City Hall's operations.

He was at the time responding to questions posed by the Opposition in the National Assembly as the Budget estimate and considerations continued.

Bulkan told the House he is waiting on the Commission to explain how it plans to deal with the recommendations in the CoI. Questioned by Opposition Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall, Bulkan affirmed that his Ministry will not be a hindrance to the Commission’s recommendations.

“It is the responsibility of the Local Government Commission to act on the recommendations so I don’t propose that the Ministry will be a hindrance in that process,” the Minister explained.

The LGC is still to determine how it will deal with the recommendations in the CoI which includes disciplinary actions against Town Clerk Royston King and other senior members.

On December 1, 2018, Chairman of the CoI, Justice Kennard who had been ac-

Embattled Georgetown Town Clerk, Royston King

companied by legal clerk, Sherwin Benjamin explained then that criminal charges can be instituted, since King leased lands which are owned by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

NICIL had provided statements to the Commission via its in-house Attorney, Arianne McLean, which would have detailed that the property was acquired by NICIL in 2002. The Guyana National Engineering Corporation (GNEC) would have vested all of its assets in NICIL and NICIL became the lawful owner of the property. However, King leased the land to a shipping com-

pany, which made “questionable” payments.

Acting Town Clerk Sharon Harry-Munroe, Internal Auditor Omadeily Newton, City Constable Andrew Foo, and Human Resources Manager Paula Braithwaite are also to be disciplined for complete incompetence and dereliction of duty.

The City Engineer’s Department was under scrutiny for time lapses for plans to be approved, a process that should have taken weeks if all documents were submitted.

Meanwhile, it was recommended that City Treasurer, Ron Mc Almont, who has been on leave since commencement of this year, proceed on retirement.

The report also called for the Audit Office of Guyana to conduct a forensic audit into the council’s management even as officers are being disciplined.

The CoI began on September 22, 2018, and held 15 sittings in which 50 persons had testified. The hearings were completed on November 2, 2018. The Local Government Election (LGE) was held on November 12, 2018 and it saw then Mayor Patricia Chase Green being replaced as Georgetown’s first citizen.

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fridAY, december 14, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Strasbourg Christmas US to counter China, Russia market attacker shot dead influence in Africa – Bolton

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rench Police have shot dead the man said to have attacked Strasbourg's Christmas market on Tuesday, the Interior Minister has said.

Cherif Chekatt had been on the run since the attack.

Three people have died following the shooting at the popular attraction and several more were seriously injured.

Chekatt, 29, had a string of criminal convictions in France and Germany and had become a radical Islamist while in prison.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said three members of the National Police saw a suspicious individual on Rue du Lazaret, in the Neudorf area

A Police operation was launched in the Meinau area of Strasbourg on Thursday evening

of Strasbourg at 21:00h local time (20:00 GMT).

The officers stopped the man, who turned round and fired on the Police. They fired back and "neutralised" the attacker, Castaner said.

Hundreds of French

Police and security forces had been searching for Chekatt.

A large Police operation had taken place in Neudorf earlier on Thursday, but ended apparently without results. (Excerpt from BBC News)

he United States plans to counter the rapidly expanding Chinese and Russian economic and political influence in Africa, US national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday, calling business practices of the two nations “corrupt” and “predatory”.

Washington’s number one priority will be developing economic ties with the region to create opportunities for American businesses and protecting the independence of African countries along with US national security interests, he said in a speech at the Heritage Foundation.

“Great-power competitors, namely China and Russia, are rapidly expanding their financial and political influence across Africa,” Bolton said.

“They are deliberately

US President Donald Trump's national security adviser John Bolton speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, US, November 27, 2018

and aggressively targeting their investments in the region to gain a competitive advantage over the United States.”

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, leaders of the world’s two largest economies, have been trying to resolve trade disputes

that have roiled markets.

“China uses bribes, opaque agreements, and the strategic use of debt to hold States in Africa captive to Beijing’s wishes and demands. Its investment ventures are riddled with corruption,” Bolton said. He had equally harsh words for Russia. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court overturns sacking of Parliament Russian spy pleads guilty in US

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ri Lanka's Supreme Court has ruled President Maithripala Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and hold snap elections was unconstitutional, dealing a major blow to the embattled leader in his feud with a deposed Prime Minister.

A seven-judge bench unanimously ruled on Thursday that Sirisena could not sack the 225-mem-

ber House before four-and-ahalf years have passed since its election.

The much-anticipated ruling came seven weeks into a political crisis, which began on October 26 when Sirisena fired Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, a controversial former President.

Rajapaksa, however, could not muster a majority

in Parliament, and Sirisena on November 9 dissolved the legislature two years ahead of schedule.

The Supreme Court, responding to a court complaint against the moves, issued an interim ruling suspending Sirisena's decree and restoring Parliament, which went on to pass two no-confidence motions against Rajapaksa. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

Nicaragua lawmakers block operation of NGOs critical of President Ortega

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icaraguan lawmakers on Thursday blocked five Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that had been critical of President Daniel Ortega from formally operating, after previously blocking five others, including a prominent human rights group.

International human rights organisations said the move was retaliation against the groups for high-

lighting human rights violations committed during eight months of anti-Government protests.

The protests left at least 322 dead and more than 500 people in jail, according to the Nicaraguan Centre for Human Rights, or Cenidh – one of the organisations that were stripped of legal status on Wednesday

by Nicaragua’s Congress, which is controlled by Ortega’s allies.

Without legal status, organisations cannot keep bank accounts, receive funds or carry out projects. The Interior Ministry oversees the registry of NGOs and can ask Congress to cancel their legal status.

“We are not going away,” said Cenidh President Vilma Nunez in a phone interview.

“I will use all the energy I have left to defend these offices.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

mitted a single count of conspiracy at a court in Washington, DC. She allegedly tried to infiltrate the National Rifle Association (NRA) in an effort to influence US policies in favour of Moscow.

Butina initially pleaded not guilty. She has been in custody since July.

She has also agreed to cooperate with investigators. Prosecutors expect the deal will give them information about Russia's efforts to interfere in US politics.

Her lawyer, Robert Driscoll, estimates that she could face up to six months in prison, Reuters news agency reports.

Maria Butina has been held in an adult detention She is being held at an adult detention centre in Virginia since July centre in Virginia, and a sentencing hearing Russian woman accused in the has been set for February 12, 2019.

The case has no connection with the United States of acting as an agent Mueller inquiry into allegations of Russian for the Kremlin to infiltrate politimeddling in the 2016 presidential election cal groups has pleaded guilty in a deal with in an attempt to secure victory for Donald prosecutors.

Gun rights activist Maria Butina, 30, ad- Trump. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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Antigua insists on deal for local banks in exchange for giving green light for Scotiabank sale

UNAIDS chief to quit early over scandal

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he head of the United Nations’ body focusing on AIDS has offered his resignation following an expert report on sexual harassment in the agency that blasted his "defective leadership".

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe told the agency's board on Thursday in the Swiss city of Geneva that he would leave

his post in June, spokesperson Mahesh Mahalingham said without elaborating.

Sidibe, whose term was supposed to end in January 2020, has been accused of fostering a work environment that tolerated bullying, sexual harassment, and a culture of fear among the staff.

A panel of independent experts released a report on

Thursday, saying Sidibe was overseeing a "patriarchal" workplace and promoting a "cult of personality" centred on him as the all-powerful chief.

The experts said the situation could not be changed unless Sidibe, a native of Mali who has headed the UN agency for nine years, resigned. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Prime Minister Gaston Browne is not backing down

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ntigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne is adamant that his government will not give Scotiabank the vesting order it needs to sell its local operations unless indigenous banks are offered a chance to take over.

Scotiabank announced on November 26 that it plans to sell its banking operations in Antigua and Barbuda and eight other Caribbean countries – Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, and St Vincent

and the Grenadines – to Trinidadian banking conglomerate Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), for US$123 million.

Prime Minister Browne subsequently announced that he had advised the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank – which has regulatory responsibility for banks operating in the twin-island nation’s domestic financial space – that his government would not be issuing a vesting order to facilitate the bank’s divestment of its Antigua holdings, saying that Scotiabank had no consultation with his Administration, the divestment had implications for the integrity of the banking system and the stability of the Eastern Caribbean currency, and it was not in the overall interest of the country. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, december 14, 2018

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Guyanese audience was on Saturday evening captivated for about 90 minutes, by a performance from the Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art of Seville, Spain.

The production, staged at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston, was titled “Calle Pureza” The performance was an energetic blend of flamenco song, guitar music, and dance infused with voices, melodies, and rhythmic zapateados (foot percussion).

The concert, under the patronage of Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, was put on by the Honorary Consul of Spain to Guyana, Brian Tiwarie

OMC, AA, and Ambassador of Spain to Guyana, His Excellency Javier Carbojosa.

In introducing the performance, Ambassador Carbojosa noted that while Flamenco is not known in Guyana, it has many influences from Africa and Asia, similar to many of the cultural influences here in Guyana.

The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art of Seville is known for the classic style of Flamenco.

The Foundation offers comprehensive courses of study in the incorporation of accessories to the Flamenco dance such as castanets, fans, shawls, and the train of Flamenco gowns, in order to create a marvellously com-

plex visual presentation. All of these elements were on display at the Theatre Guild Playhouse on Saturday evening.

All proceeds from the ticket sales were donated to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre. Cynthia Massy, Administrator of the Centre, was full of praise for the initiative, stating that “the Centre is a non-profit and depends on the support of a range of donors in order to provide its services to differently abled children” Prior to the featured performance, a group of children from the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre danced to the song “Guyana”,

by Poonam Singh.

Carlvin Burnette

hristmas in the Ancient County of Berbice this year is expected to be off the hook as Jamaican singing sensation Christopher Martin will be preforming live. The event dubbed “Chris for Christmas”, will be held at Stelling Road, New Amsterdam.

As the headlining act, Martin will be accompanied by sev-

Christopher Martin eral other local artistes, including Carlvin Burnette, a member of the Cross Color family as well as the Heatwave Band.

But before the artistes take to the stage, there are at least three versatile deejays who will rock the foundation with their juggling and selection skills, thus setting the tone for a fabulous evening. These include deejay Dellon, Kiefer and Marlon.

The evening cannot get better since the event will be emceed by the man himself, Mr Wickedee, Malcolm Pereira. Early bird tickets cost $2000 for general admission, while those who wish to experience the VIP treatment will pay $10,000. More will be charged at the gate.

Sound, stage, lighting and screens will be provided by Crown Vibes. Berbicians, remember the place to be is New Amsterdam Stelling Road on December 25.

for Saturday

Kester D

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n December 25, Slingerz Family is doing it all over again! For the past 16 years, the entertainment group has been planning and executing its signature event at the Vergenoegen Community Centre Ground; a venue that is transformed into a Christmas Village with lots of activities to spice up the festive season.

As usual, the group will be giving back to the children and elderly in the community.

The elderly will be treated to goodies and they will be presented with hampers. That activity begins at 10:00h on Christmas Day. This will be followed by the children’s party which commences at 15:00h.

Santa and his helpers are expected to make a grand entrance at 16:00h.

He is expected to distribute gifts to the children. However, as night falls, all focus will be shifted to the stage show, with Jamaica’s hottest dance hall artiste, Shenseea performing live.

This artiste has been creating quite a vibe with one of her most popular tunes, “Hard Drive”. She will be accompanied by Guyana’s owned Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo and “Stitchie One Man Band”.

Both Guyanese artistes are known for their energetic performances and are bound to entertain their fans to the fullest.

Music will be provided by Slingerz Family alongside the commandi n g chief, B i l l C o s b y .

Tickets cost $1000 after 20:00h.

Parker

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he place to be on Saturday is D’Urban Park for the ‘Guyana Christmas Fest 2018 – tidings of comfort and joy’. It will be a day full of excitement, not only for the kids but also the adults. During the event, there will be a deejay soundclash where the winners will receive trophies and other prizes, compliments of Regium International Inc. For the kids, there will be lots of games and activi-

Vale

ties to keep them occupied.

These include 1-2-3 Red Light, bouncy castle, dog and bone, and many others.

There will also be free food, gifts and drinks for the children who are under 12 years old. In addition, there will be Santa Claus and his helpers along with Mrs Claus.

However, as it gets dark, all eyes will be on the stage for one of the most energetic Christmas concerts with some of the best gospel ar-

tistes performing. These include the anointed Vale, Kester D, Shauna Parker, Saiku and Gospel Chutney singer Anil Azeez among others.

Also at the event, there will be the launch of “I-Can Flair”. Admission to the event is free of cost.

fridAY, december 14, 2018

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WTA gives increased Cheltenham deaths review prompts safety changes in racing protection for returning

mothers on tour for 2019

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review into the deaths of horses at jump racing’s Cheltenham Festival has warned that welfare issues threaten the future of the sport if not addressed.

It has emerged a seventh horse, “Melrose Boy”, was put down as a result of an injury sustained in the March fixture. Significant plans aimed at improving safety have been announced after details of the review were published on Wednesday.

“Six deaths are simply unacceptable,” said the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Extra veterinary checks, alterations to some race conditions and a major project to study faller rates are among 17 recommendations.

In what could be a watershed moment for the sport, BHA chief executive Nick Rust called on all parties to address the issue of horse welfare.

“It’s an important day for racing.

We want to leave no stone unturned,” he said. “Unless we stay well ahead on this issue, it could be a threat to our sport. British racing must work together to reduce the risk of injuries occur at the Festival and indeed jump racing as a whole.”

Ian Renton, who runs Cheltenham racecourse, said competitors’ welfare was their “number one priority”. “We would like to thank the BHA for completing the review and will act in accor-

The Cheltenham Festival in March is jump racing’s showpiece event dance with their recommendations as they apply to Cheltenham,” he said. “As part of staging world-class jump racing, we are committed to delivering the very highest welfare standards.”

Safety has once again been in the spotlight following the deaths of four racehorses at a meeting at Musselburgh in Scotland. In October, Members of Parliament (MPs) debated racing welfare after more than 100,000 people signed an e-petition calling on the Government to set up a new equine welfare regulator independent of the BHA. Changes have improved safety at big races in the past, with no horse suffering a fatal injury in the Grand National since alterations were introduced in 2012.

The four-day Cheltenham Festival in March is jump racing’s showpiece event with total crowds topping 200,00 watching iconic contests such as the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup. But six horses died at the 2018 meeting, including three in the concluding Grand Annual Chase.

Welfare campaigners have called for more action to tackle the issue of racehorse fatalities. Four horses died at the 2017 Cheltenham Festival and seven the previous year. Fatality rates in racing have fallen over the last 20 years because of safety improvements – to 0.4 per cent in jump racing and closer to 0.1

per cent in flat racing. In a 67-page report released on Wednesday, the BHA outlined its recommendations following an extensive review of the Festival. The BHA also plans to introduce a ‘welfare board’ with an independent leader.

Key proposals include:

Enhanced veterinary checks on all runners and targeted alterations to race conditions at the Cheltenham Festival A major project to build ‘a predictive risk model’ for racing as a whole to assist with future reform Monitoring jockeys and trainers who have a higher than average number of falls Reducing the maximum number of runners in the Grand Annual Chase from 24 to 20 Changing conditions of the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle to encourage the use of more experienced jockeys rather than riders who can claim a weight allowance World Horse Welfare said it welcomed the review and called the recommendations an “important step forward”, but added: “this is just the start of the journey to address the unacceptable level of racehorse attrition.”

“Racing needs to address these issues and be accountable if society is to continue to give them a social licence to operate,” the charity added. (BBC Sport)

12 Days of Christmas

ticket promotion C

ricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the launch of its “12 Days of Christmas” ticket promotion for the England tour of the West Indies in 2019, giving fans in each of the series’ host countries the chance to buy a pair of tickets at half price.

“The England tour of the West Indies is a cricket series that the whole Region looks forward to,” said CWI Commercial Director Dominic Warne.

“The excitement levels are building and so we want to give fans in the host countries a chance to buy an early Christmas present for a loved one or even themselves. We know it’s a time of year when people love giving presents, but also having to watch the dollars in their pockets.”

Warne added: “We’re delighted Windies legend, Sir Curtly Ambrose, joined us to help spread this Christmas message, since he knows the difference it will make if West Indies fans are

there to get behind the team.

“It’s a chance for all fans to get their tickets early and at a great price, using the special promo codes provided.”

From December 13 until midnight Christmas Eve, December 24, and while stocks last, residents in the host territories for the tour – Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada and St Kitts, get 50 per cent off a pair of tickets for any ticket category when they make their purchase through the www. windiescricket.com website using the “Buy Tickets” button.

This means Barbados residents can buy tickets for the Barbados matches only at the discounted price, St Lucia residents can buy tickets for the St Lucia matches only at the discounted price, and so on.

Fans must use the specific promotional code for their country from the list below to activate the promotion.

The promo codes are: -ANTIGUAXMAS2018 -BARBADOSXMAS2018 -STLUCIAXMAS2018 -STKITTSXMAS2018 -GRENADAXMAS2018 Ticket booths will open approximately two weeks ahead of each game for fans to buy their tickets in person, albeit with tickets reverting to standard prices.

The Windies are expected to name their Test squad following the third round of the ongoing West Indies Championship in January.

England announced last Monday that their Test squad remains the same following their recent tour of Sri Lanka.

Tom Curran and David Willey have been included, but Sam Curran, Liam Dawson and Olly Stone missed out on One-Day International selection; and the Twenty20 International squad will be named at a later date. (CWI)

Williams sported a cat-suit in the French Open, her first Grand Slam after returning to the sport

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others returning to tennis will have increased protection for their rankings on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour from next season.

Players coming back from childbirth, or injury, will now be able to use their previous ranking to enter 12 tournaments over a three-year period.

But Serena Williams’ wish for returning mothers to be seeded in line with that ranking has not been granted.

The WTA has instead decided to guarantee they will not face a seeded player in a tournament’s opening round.

As things stand, players must begin their comeback within two years, and then have a further year in which they can enter eight events under their protected ranking – the ranking held at the start of their absence.

Those rules also apply to players returning from injury.

But there is no protection in place for seedings, with tournaments able to use their own discretion to seed players.

A seeding allows tournaments to ensure the world’s best players do not meet in the early stages of competitions and instead play lower-ranked players in the opening rounds.

Williams returned to the sport in February after giving birth in 2017 and was not seeded at the French Open, her first Grand Slam appearance since her return, but was given a seeding of 25 for Wimbledon, despite being outside the top 32 in the rankings.

The WTA’s rule change comes after the organisation canvassed the opinions of players earlier in the year.

World number one Simona Halep and the five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova had both offered their support to Williams, but others like Petra Kvitova, Victoria Azarenka and Johanna Konta expressed their reservations.

The WTA has also clarified its clothing rule to ensure Williams is able to wear the black cat-suit which caused a major stir at this year’s French Open.

She dedicated the outfit to mothers and said it made her feel like a “queen from Wakanda”, in reference to the film “Black Panther”.

“Leggings and mid-thigh length compression shorts may be won with or without a skirt, shorts, or dress,” the new rule reads.

But Williams will not be able to wear it at Roland Garros next year, if the French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli gets his way. He has pledged to introduce a stricter dress code and says the outfit will no longer be accepted.

Other rule changes include the introduction of shot clocks, which have been used most notably at the US Open, and at all Premier Tournaments next year. Players will be given 25 seconds in which to serve.

And in an attempt to reduce delays between sets, players will in future be allowed just one bathroom break per match. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

fridAY, december 14, 2018

Guyana’s treasure:

Narayan Ramdhani P

articipation-wise, the sport of badminton, according to various Internet searches, is ranked number two to number five in the world with more than 220 million people smashing the shuttlecock.

No doubt among that number are a lot of young players learning and perfecting their game.

Now imagine that you have a Badminton World Federation (BWF) Number 53 world ranking in men’s singles for players under 19 years of age.

That’s pretty impressive to say the least.

In the sport of amateur hockey, that would make you a Round 1 or Round 2 selection in the NHL draft.

Say hello to Kings University Eagles’ badminton star Narayan Ramdhani.

It was in early 2016 that Ramdhani, a native of Guyana, reached that Number 53 spot with the Number 54 polling going to Canadian Jason Anthony Ho-Shue.

In the Pan American district, Ramdhani reached a prestigious Number 3 ranking in Juniors while Number 1 status came his way for the Caribbean.

Ramdhani, a 6-foot right hander, is cur-

rently enrolled in business studies at the Edmonton, Canada-based school.

But he is no stranger to Canadian post-secondary as he had attended Douglas College (Vancouver BC) for two years, studying Sports Science while training at the prestigious Shuttlesport Badminton Academy.

While on Canada’s west coast, the Georgetown, Demerara-Mahaica native captured several championships, including men’s singles at the Under-23 2017 Vancouver Rackets Club (VRC) Remembrance Day Open and Jack VCR Jack Underhill Open Singles Tournament.

Heading east the winning ways continue.

At the recent Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) badminton season opener, hosted by the Eagles, he captured the men’s singles defeating NAIT Ooks’ Luc-Ly Nguyen 21-18, 21-10; Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder’s Desmond Wang 217, 21-9; Olds Broncos’ Colton Grier 21-14, 21-14; Thunder’s Braxton Wong 21-16, 2117; Ooks’ Ronuelle Medina 21-17, 21-14 and Ooks’ Tyler Walsh 21-17, 21-13.

Of his introduction to the ACAC, Ramdhani, 20, said: “It is pretty good and competitive and I had some good matches. I already knew a lot of the other players as they also train at the (Edmonton) B-Active Badminton.”

The sport of badminton is part of his family folklore, his father Gokram, who competed internationally in the 1980s, is current President of the Guyana Badminton Association and second Vice President of the Central America & Caribbean Badminton Narayan and his younger sister Priyanna often dominate Confederation. the Guyanese badminton stage His sister

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Narayan Ramdhani in action

Priyanna, 16, is currently ranked Number 171 in women’s singles and her country’s champion.

“I can’t remember when I wasn’t playing badminton,” states Ramdhani, who graduated from Marian Academy.

“I practice eight hours a week on the court and five hours off the court a week. I work out in the gym and do running and stuff and lift weights. Not too heavy though...more reps than lifting.”

Ramdhani has travelled the world playing the sport, be it a Pan American Games or Commonwealth Games spot.

Australia, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Suriname just to name a few stop-overs.

Ramdhani has also shown his talents in men’s doubles and mixed doubles, evident by a triple gold at the 2016 Suriname Easter International.

Named Guyana’s 2015 Junior Sportsman of the Year, Ramdhani, who also enjoys lacing up the sneakers or cleats for hoops, cricket or soccer, says he relocated to Canada because of its badminton culture.

“I think Canada has the best badminton programmes on this side of the world.

You guys have the best overall programme.

There are also a lot of Asian players and badminton is pretty big for them.”

Of his selection to attend Kings.

Mars views Blitz format of chess as a training resource

s the world continues to move in a fast-paced direction, many chess players have shared their views on the Blitz format of chess.

Some believe it is beneficial while others believe it will ruin you game. One such player is Guyana’s very own Davion Mars who believes that the Blitz format of the game can never replace the classical format.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Mars said, “The true essence of the game is lost to Blitz and Bullet formats. In classical, moves can be made with great depth and precision due to the fact that players have a longer time to consider their opponents’ moves, and to evaluate the dynamics of the position in its entirety. With Bullet and Blitz, there’s not much time to consider moves too deeply as the clock itself is a major factor, so players usually just play via intuition, pattern recognition and very subtle assessments of what they assume the position demands. It’s because of these reasons that ratings

for classical, Blitz, rapid and bullet are kept separate and tournaments for each format are kept separate as well.”

According to Mars, even though Blitz tournaments happen quite regularly and are favoured among casual players, the shorter form of the game can never get the respect that classical does from the perspective of the elite.

Mars further went on to state that, “Chess is chess, whether Blitz or rapid, the same principles apply. The only difference is that players would want to play more aggressively to create more complications and to take their opponents [into] unfamiliar territory so that they will have to waste time on their clocks in order to avoid blundering.”

He also believes that training for the game has to be done in stages, which would require opening, middle game, and endgame tactics and strategy. Mars stated that classical chess depended heavily on opening theory/ awareness, endgame knowledge and

“I knew about Kings through my coach as he was friends with (Eagles Badminton

understanding the positional dynamics of the middle game to prepare a preferable structure in the endgame.

With Blitz, opening knowledge is incredibly necessary; Blitz depends more heavily on tactical ideas and chess strategy, thus the player does not need to play the best moves, they just need to play good enough moves that will cause their opponent some amount of discomfort.

In closing, Mars said, “The true reason why Blitz is so popular is because players use it as a tool for experimenting with ideas, as they would not dare attempt in classical games. Any lesson a trainer delivers to his students should be good enough for all formats.

Blitz is very essential; it’s not bad by any means and even though it may not be replacing classical, it has its own role, as a training resource. If you can see very far in Blitz then you can see at least twice as far in classical when given more time.” (Timothy Jaikarran)

Coach Naeem Haque). He wanted me here two years ago, but it did not work out. I am here now and I am glad that I came.”

Ramdhani is the face of Guyana badminton and hopes to one day qualify for the Olympic Games.

“That is my main goal to represent (Guyana) at the Olympics. That is what I am driving for.”

The national men’s single champion of Guyana (population 780,000) for several years now, he admits that he is still developing his craft on the hardwood.

“I still have lots to learn, because I am pretty young. I need to get faster and keep working out while knowing how to place the shuttle better. Just my overall game needs to improve. My weakness is my backhand ... my backhand shot.”

There are only 15 current Canadian players who are higher on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) world rankings – the best being Jason Anthony Ho-Shue at Number 70.

Former NAIT Ooks’ Imran Wadia – backto-back ACAC men’s doubles gold 2016-2018 winner – is ranked at 1003 in men’s singles.

On the world scene, Ramdhani is currently ranked by the BWF at 692 in men’s singles, 745 in men’s doubles while mixed doubles find him rated 747.

Not a bad ranking out of 220 million.

(Curtis J Phillips)

NRL player charged with sexual assault

N

Jack de Belin

ational Rugby League (NRL) of Australia player Jack de Belin has been charged with sexual assault following an alleged incident in Wollongong on Sunday, December 9.

The St George Illawarra forward, who is 27, has been charged a day after being interviewed by Police in Australia.

His club said they were “taking the matter very seriously” and working with “Jack and all relevant authorities”.

They added he has been given “welfare support” to give him the “time and opportunity to deal with the matter”.

The NRL said its integrity unit was made aware of an incident involving de Belin before he was charged.

De Belin made his debut for St George Illawarra in 2011 and has made 154 appearances for the Dragons, with his deal with them running until 2020.

“As this is a Police matter to be considered by the court, the club is not in a position to make any further comment at this time,” said the Dragons statement. (BBC News)

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T

rinidad and Tobago Red Force are in the driver’s seat against the Windward Islands Volcanoes, following a master-class from leg-spinner Imran Khan.

Meanwhile in the other match, Jamaica Scorpions were in a firm position at stumps on the opening day against the Barbados Pride.

Windward Islands Volcanoes Captain Kirk Edwards won the toss and opted to bat first at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago. Volcanoes openers Devon Smith and Taryck Gabriel trotted out to bat in beautiful batting conditions against the Red Force. Smith played a few flowing shots, but was the first batsman out with the score on 25. He was trapped in front to Bryan Charles for 15.

Gabriel and Edwards then batted together for 19 overs until Gabriel was removed by medium pacer Tion Webster for 30.

Kaveem Hodge then partnered Edwards and the pair added 76 runs for the third wicket. Edwards, who failed with the bat against the Jaguars in the first round, has got into his grove against the Red Force.

Hodge was subsequently removed by Khan for 37. Edwards batted with experience, but he became Khan’s second victim when he was leg before wicket for 55 from 98 balls.

The leg-spinner showcased bril-

liant glide, turn and bounce and continued to chip away at the Volcanoes. Roland Cato was the next batsman out cheaply at 144-4.

The Volcanoes lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bundled out for 202. After Edwards’ half-century, 37 was the next best score as the Volcanoes had an ordinary batting performance.

The star performer was the 34-year-old Khan, who finished with 7-47 in 22.1 overs. Khan, who hails from Port of Spain, Trinidad, bowled 10 maidens in his spectacular spell.

Webster and Charles had two wickets and one wicket respectively for the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

In reply, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force were off to a decent start even though they lost Kyle Hope for 11 with the score on 24-1 in the ninth over. The left-handed duo Jeremy Solozano and Amir Jangoo played cautious strokes as the Red Force ended on 79-1 in 25 overs.

Solozano is unbeaten on 46 from 67 balls and Jangoo is on 19 from 51 balls.

Mosely and Shamrah Brooks fell cheaply to Deveral Green. The lively Jamaican fast bowler produced the perfect start for the Scorpions, reducing Pride to 16-3 in the ninth over.

Jonathan Carter (51) continued his dominance in regional cricket stroking a half-century, which was the only highlight in Barbados Pride’s first innings. Miller was the pick of the bowlers with 4-53 while Green grabbed 3-10. Dennis Bulli was on the expensive side, but he finished with two wickets.

In reply, the flamboyant left-handed batsman John Campbell blazed away for the Scorpions with a classy half-century as he ensured his team finished a dominant day at 102-0 in 30 overs. His opening partner, Chadwick Walton was unbeaten on 19 off 87 balls w h i l e

Campbell ended on 67 from 94 balls.

The second day of play for both matches will continue from 10:00h Eastern Caribbean time at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad and the 3Ws Oval in Barbados respectively.

Barbados Pride v Jamaica Scorpions

John Campbell and Nikita Miller were the star performers on day one for Jamaica Scorpions. Opting to bat first at the beautiful 3Ws Oval, the Barbados Pride were bundled out for a mere 167. West Indies Test batsman Kraigg Brathwaite was removed with the third ball of the match without troubling the score as Shayne

T&T 4x100 athletes officially advised of 2008 gold medals T

rinidad and Tobago’s 2008 men’s 4x100m relay team have been officially awarded gold medals by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The team of Richard Thompson, Marc Burns, Keston Bledman, Emmanuel Callender and Aaron Armstrong were awarded the gold after the Jamaican relay team’s members, including Usain Bolt, were stripped of their medals when Nesta Carter was found guilty last year of using a banned substance.

The Trinidad and Tobago team had finished behind the Jamaicans inside Beijing’s Bird’s Nest stadium.

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee President Brian Lewis said he received a letter from the IOC, went through it with staff and then contacted the athletes to let them know.

He said the athletes have until January 7 to return their silver medals as part of the process.

He said the athletes have four choices regarding the re-allocation ceremony. They can opt to receive them at the next Olympic Games, at the Olympic Museum, the World

Champs or the TTOC’s a n n u a l awards on December 29.

L e w i s said he was pushing for the team to receive a medal bonus which could hopefully be presented at the awards.

The medal bonus programme was introduced when he became TTOC President.

“I will take a proposal to the committee that even though there was no medal bonus programme in place in 2008 or 2012 that the five athletes receive medal bonus as per the current medal bonus used for 2016 Olympics,” he said.

The bonus for the relay team’s gold medal from the Rio Olympics was US$20,000 to be shared, he said.

Lewis said he was happy for the team, but as President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (Canoc), he was conflicted.

“Those athletes, in particular, have served Trinidad and Tobago with dignity, patriotism, pride and an indomitable will throughout their careers. But as I said with my Canoc hat on, I feel a bit of empathy for the great man and our Jamaican brothers and sisters. Usain Bolt has

conducted himself with class in this difficult situation,” he said.

Lewis said the team have now joined the ranks of Olympic gold medallists Hasely Crawford and Keshorn Walcott.

In 2016, the 4x100 relay team that placed third in the London Olympics in 2012 were upgraded to silver after American sprinter Tyson Gay received a one-year ban for testing positive for anabolic steroids.

(SportsMax)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

fridAY, december 14, 2018

Northern Rangers edge out GFC to clinch Turbo title A

lthough he was one goal off, Northern Ranger player Nigel Denny predicted a win for his team prior to their championship match. Denny’s prediction came full circle as the Northern Rangers raised the championship trophy on Wednesday night.

The Northern Rangers have often fell short of a senior league victory, but that was changed on Wednesday evening as the team, which possess a mixture of youthful and experienced players, held off the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) to emerge as the champions of the second annual Turbo Knockout Football competition.

The final game got off to a quiet start, but the crowd were soon on their feet with excitement as the two teams stunned with goals in the same minute. Marcus Wilson was the first to find the back of the net for GFC, to take a short lead. But Northern Rangers didn’t allow their opponents to capitalise on their lead as Denny equalised for his team in the same 21st minute.

The levelled scores made the encounter even more exhilarating as nails were bitten in anticipation of who would score next.

The man to do so was Stephan Reynolds of Northern Rangers in the 63rd minute. From then on, Northern Rangers displayed excellent defence to keep the score at 2-1 when the last whistle rang out.

Goal-scorer Denny was thankful for the win, stating, “First of all, I want to thank God for this victory. You know it’s been a while I didn’t get to a final, so as I said earlier, we have a lot of experienced players and youth, and we came and put it together and we did it well.”

When asked what made the difference between the two teams in the final clash, the player said experience.

“Experience. Experience made the difference,” he stated.

In the third-place playoff that was contested prior to the final, Mahaica Determinators got the better of Santos FC in a 1-0 affair. The lone goal was scored by Eon Abel in the 45th minute.

As the champions, Northern Rangers walked away with $800,000. Second place pocketed $400,000 while third and fourth place were awarded $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Stag Super 16 League to kick off tonight

Guardians pip Pacesetters in thriller to clinch 2nd Division title ...Eagles settle for third place

A section of the team representatives that were present at the briefing

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is said to be hyped and ready for its Stag Super 16 League which is slated to kick off tonight.

“All systems are in place for an exciting GFF-Stag “Super 16” Yearend Tournament beginning tomorrow at the GFC Ground, Bourda when we’ll see two newcomers take on two seasoned campaigners to stamp their mark on the tournament,” GFF Competitions Director Ian Alves said as he briefed team representatives on Thursday.

The remark was made on the eve of what promises to be two weeks of intensive football beginning with a double-header featuring Buxton United v Riversview and GDF FC v Essequibo Football Association at 18:00h and 20:00h respectively.

Coming into the competition for the first time, Bartica’s representative, Riversview said they see this as an opportunity to showcase the talent of the young players who comprise their squad, according to Head Coach Kenneth Edward. “We’re happy to be a part of the yearend competition. It is a great way to showcase our talent and we are optimistic of progressing past the first round. We have been preparing for about a month now. Our team consists of a number of youth players and one of the players to watch is Handel Norton, who has been a national player for the U-17 and U-20 national team some years ago,” Edward said.

Buxton United have other plans as their intention is to remain competitive and progress to the finals. Head Coach Herbert Mc Pherson said: “We have been actively training for the past month and we believe in ourselves to give a good representation throughout the tournament. This is a knock-

out tournament so the players have this in mind as they face Riversview. While this team is a first-timer, no team is to be taken lightly and I know they will come prepared for a good game.”

Meanwhile, the feature match promises to be keenly contested as the GDF FC comes up against another first-timer, an Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association Select Team. The Essequibians are upbeat about their participation as the team have been in training and are looking to make their mark. “There is a lot of talent available in the Essequibo/Pomeroon FA where football is the dominant sport. We have selected a competitive team and look to not only give a spirited display, but also provide a ground for more exposure for our players to a high-quality team such as the GDF FC. Win or lose tomorrow, we hope to win in the long-term,” said Essequibo Coast /Pomeroon FA Technical Director Travis Bowen.

The first-place finisher in the Super 16 tournament will walk away with $2 million, a trophy and equipment while the second-place team will receive $1 million, trophy and equipment. The third place will be rewarded with $500,000, a trophy and equipment and the team finishing fourth will receive a trophy and equipment. The tournament will conclude with the grand final on January 1 at a venue to be announced.

A fee of $500 will be charged for admission throughout the quarter-final stage. However, the entrance fee for the semi-finals will be $1000 and the final will attract a fee of $1500.

T

he Rainforest Water/ Malta Supreme/ Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League concluded its Second-Division competition on Wednesday night as the Guardians pulled off a stunner as they narrowly escaped defeat, winning by a margin of two points.

Meanwhile, in the thirdplace play-off, the Eagles defeated the Pepsi Sonics 56-54 to stop what was deemed to be a major upset.

In the headline event for the night, the Guardians narrowly escaped defeat as they won 67-65 against the Pacesetters. Despite the Guardians winning all eight of their games in the preliminary stages as compared to the Pacesetters’ five games, the Guardians somehow allowed nerves to sneak into their camp. The match commenced with a shaky start as the Guardians led the first quarter 8-6 as both teams

played on the defensive, trying to weigh each other down with every tactic in the book.

As the nerves began to ease, the Guardians took command in the second quarter leading 21-18.

With what looked like victory on the horizon, the Pacesetters stunned the Guardians as they left gaps in their defence to allow them to take the lead in the third quarter 23-10, giving them the upper hand and a lead of eight points. The Pacesetters needed to defend those eight points for victory with the fourth quarter approaching. The Pacesetters looked confident heading into the fourth quarter with their eight-point lead but it all went up in flames as the Guardians pulled the rug out from beneath them and took the final quarter 27-18 to scrape one of the most thrilling victories in the GABA League as it all came down to the wire.

guyanatimesgy.com

fridAY, december 14, 2018

23

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Shepherd, Motie destroy Hurricanes on opening day – Hurricanes strike back with 2 late wickets

By Brandon Corlette

T

14 overs while Motie captured 3-23 in 9.3 overs. Permaul, Pestano and Joseph picked up one wicket each to polish off a remarkable bowling performance.

Chanderpaul and Trevon Griffith made their way to the batting crease with the aim to amass Hurricanes first innings score of 182. Griffith (12) was the first Jaguars batsman dismissed at 22-1, when he was involved in yet another miscommunication with Chanderpaul.

G r i f f i t h played a stroke off Cornwall’s bowling and was attemptRakheem Cornwall ing an unlikely second run fell three runs later with the score on 108when Tagenarine 5. Cornwall (02) was out caught behind atdid not respond postempting to cut a delivery that was too close itively.

Johnson, to his body. batting at number Orlando Peters stuck around with his three, came and went captain, and the pair consolidated until quickly; falling for Peters (09) was removed by the lively fast six runs to the canbowler, Clinton Pestano at 157-6. Thomas was batting with a different mindset from ny Cornwall before Pestano, his batting partners, as he brought up a stumps. well-played half-century off 52 balls. A who was the night trend continued where wickets fell after the watchman in the last breaks; Motie who had an ordinary morning match, found himself of bowling returned with wicket-taking in- in a similar situation tentions. At 170-7, Motie removed Damion when he partnered Jacobs for seven while Romario Shepherd, Chanderpaul and enbowling from the other end, capturing sured the Jaguars finJermiah Louis for one. The Hurricanes were ished at 36-2 on day Devon Thomas scored then reduced to 171-8 as Thomas watched one. Chanderpaul is some six wickets tumbled around him.

However, Thomas was the next to de- unbeaten on 14 while part after he was stumped by Bramble for a Pestano only faced four balls and is yet to counter-attacking 58, being Motie’s second come off the mark.

The Hurricanes will fancy their chancvictim. Motie continued his brilliant spell after tea and removed Elvin Berridge, as the Hurricanes crumbled to 182 all out.

Shepherd finished with 4-36 runs in his

he Guyana Jaguars bowlers were superb on the opening day of the second round when they restricted Leeward Islands Hurricanes to 182. Devon Thomas and Montcin Hodge were the main contributors for the Hurricanes, scoring contrasting half-centuries.

However, the Jaguars lost two of their senior batsmen, Trevon Griffith and Leon Johnson in the latter part of the day, ending on 36-2.

It was riveting sunshine at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, as Guyana Jaguars clashed with the Hurricanes.

Jaguars’ Captain, Leon Johnson won the toss and opted to field, making one change to the starting XI from the opening round. Tevin Imlach made way for Gudakesh Motie as the Jaguars equipped themselves with an extra spin bowler. Leeward Hurricanes opening batsmen Hodge and Rajendra Chandrika strolled out to bat in steaming conditions.

Romario Shepherd and Keon Joseph shared the new ball for the Jaguars as they stuck to a disciplined line and length, moving the brand-new red-ball. The Jaguars’ seam bowlers were rewarded in the sixth over of the day with Chandrika continued to fail. Keon Joseph took his 98th First-Class wicket when he bowled Chandrika for nine.

With the score on 14-1, first round centurion Keacy Carty partnered Montcin Hodge and the pair began the rebuilding process.

Hodge was very solid in his stroke-play while Carty was equally brilliant. The pair batted until lunch ensuring no further hiccups as the Hurricanes lost only one wicket in the first session. Shepherd was a rejuvenated bowler after lunch persisting with the short ball, hitting the pitch hard and breaking the 69-run partnership. Carty (28) was removed by a wide Shepherd delivery that was directed outside the offstump with the score on 83-2.

3 The elegant Carty batted 102 minutes, hitting four boundaries in his innings. Hodge Leewards Islands Hurricanes continued to bat and he re1st Innings corded his 23rd half century, M Hodge c Chanderpaul but three overs later he was b Shepherd 50 dismissed.

R Chandrika b Joseph 9 Shepherd continued the K Carty c Bramble short ball ploy and captured b Shepherd 28 Hodge (50), who was pulling D Thomas st Bramble b Motie 58 a well-directed short ball and A Saunders lbw Shepherd 0 was caught at mid-wicket by R Cornwall c Bramble Tagenarine Chanderpaul. b Permaul 2 Hurricanes Captain Devon O Peters c Barnwell Thomas, who is known for b Pestano 9 his attacking mindset, was D Jacobs lbw Motie 7 required to play with cauJ Louis c Griffith b Shepherd 1 tion and take his team to a A Joseph not out 8 respectable first innings toE Berridge lbw Motie 0 Extras 10 tal. Thomas, batting at numTotal 182 all out (62.3 Ov) ber four, watched Akeem Fall Of Wickets Saunders come and go when 1 14 Shepherd trapped Saunders (Rajendra Chandrika, 5.4 Ov) in front without scoring. The 2 - 83(Keacy Carty, 31.6 Ov) Hurricanes were reduced 3 - 101 to 105-4 in the 38th over as (Montcin Hodge, 35.3 Ov) Permaul, bowling from the 4 - 105 (Akeem Saunders, 37.2 Ov) other end, got into the wick5 - 108 et-taking act.

Rahkeem (Rahkeem Cornwall, 38.3 Ov) Cornwall, playing in his first 6 - 157 match of the season, was (Orlando Peters, 51.3 Ov) Permaul’s first victim as he 7 - 170

SCOREBOARD (Damion Jacobs, 58.3 Ov) 8 - 171 (Jeremiah Louis, 59.2 Ov) 9 - 175 (Devon Thomas, 60.2 Ov) 10 - 182 (Elvin Berridge, 62.3 Ov) Bowling R Shepherd 14-4-36-4 K Joseph 9-1-42-1 C Pestano 13-4-28-1 C Barnwell 5-2-9-0 G Motie 9.3-1-23-3 V Permaul 12-3-41-1 Guyana Jaguars 1st Innings T Chanderpaul not out 14 T Griffith run out 12 L Johnson c Hodge b Cornwall 6 C Pestano not out 0 Extras 4 Total 36-2 (17.1 Ov) Fall of Wickets 1 - 22(Trevon Griffith, 8.6 Ov) 2 - 36(Leon Johnson, 16.2 Ov) Bowling A Joseph J Louis R Cornwall D Jacobs

5-0-17-0 6-3-4-0 5-1-10-1 1-0-4-0

Montcin Hodge

es to bowl out the Jaguars on day 2 as they finished the first day gathering momentum.

Today’s play will commence from 10:00h Eastern Caribbean time.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Shepherd, Motie destroy Hurricanes on opening day

– Hurricanes strike back with 2 late wickets

Page 23

Gudakesh Motie snared 3-23

Romario Shepherd grabbed 4-36

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Stag

Page 22

Super 16

Khan’s league to kick-off 7 wicket haul leaves tonight Volcanoes dormant Page 21

GFF’s Director of Competitions Ian Alves as he addresses the gathering

Northern Rangers edge out GFC to clinch Turbo title

Campbell, Miller star for Scorpions

Champions at last! The Northern Rangers receive their championship trophy from Guyana Beverage Inc’s Raymond Govinda

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