Guyana Times - Friday, February 8, 2019

Demerara Bank Rose Hall branch celebrates 15th anniversary P11

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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

Issue No. 3829

Friday, February 8, 2019

PRICE

Court-ordered Article 106 March 19 elections

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt must demonstrate respect for Constitution …APNU/AFC using no-confidence court cases as another delaying tactic Page 3

NA Hospital CEO fired Page 9

Page 10

Several injured in fiery minibus crash on WCD

UG on lockdown until Monday

Fishing access fee PPP calls on Police to probe increase Page SPU punishing 7 in unadvertised fired sugar Page procurement contracts workers 12

– GAWU

Labourer killed during row P8 over decadeold grievance President P14 assents to nurses and midwives legislation P9 APNU/AFC protests GECOM to encourage delaying elections …“the sole purpose of that protest is to violate our Constitution” – Jagdeo

Guyana Chronicle audit

General Manager yet to provide receipts for P10 overseas travel …auditors cite breaches in hiring, tendering transactions

Page 14

….as Govt ups threshold amounts by 233% to favour insiders

2 APNU Region 6 Councillors thrown out of P10 RDC

…weeks after no-confidence motion successfully passed

Friends feared dead in Essequibo River accident

Page 12

$80 vat included

…says Govt agency “rubbing salt” in wounds

3rd vehicle goes up in flames in P8 2 days

2

friday, february 8, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

3

fridAY, february 8, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, February 7 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, February 8 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, February 7 – 05:40h-07:10h and Friday, February 8 – 06:10h-07:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Court-ordered Article 106 March 19 elections

Govt must demonstrate respect for Constitution …APNU/AFC using no-confidence court cases as another delaying tactic

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers can be expected throughout most of the day, followed by sunny intervals in the later afternoon. Partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with overall temperatures ranging between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 06:02h and 18:17h reaching maximum heights of 2.57 metres and 2.65 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:51h reaching a minimum height of 0.63 metre.

wednesDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

04 06 13

17 18 22

FREE TICKET

20 Bonus Ball

thursDAY, febrUARY 7, 2019

DAILY MILLIONS

08 16 17 18 21 LUCKY 3

1

3

2

5

Afternoon Draw

9

8

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

06

10

11

12

PAY DAY

02 08 10 12 14

14 15 19 SUPER PAY DAY

03 04 05 10 19

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

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

O

pposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo has once again called on Government to demonstrate respect for the Constitution of Guyana.

While noting that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration has done nothing but frustrate the timeline for hosting General and Regional Elections, which is constitutionally due in March 2019, Jagdeo on Thursday that the Government continues to use delaying tactics. He said that there is a possibility of extending that deadline but only if there are steps taken in “good faith”

by Government to uphold the Constitution.

“If I saw good faith movement on their part [we will extend the deadline] but right now they’re ignoring everything… If the President say we are going to start the preparations for elections and tell the Commissioners that represent the Government at GECOM to stop delaying GECOM from moving forward… If they’re saying that there is a genuine effort to meet the constitutional deadline then it would be unreasonable for us to say “alright, you miss it by a week or two weeks”, that we will make a big issue about it. But there is none of that now, nothing from their side.

In fact, they’re actively encouraging the breach of our Constitution,” Jagdeo said.

The Opposition Leader, who was at the time speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday, told reporters that there is no room left now to further talks between himself and President David Granger.

“The President has no interest in meeting and at this point in time, I have absolutely no interest in meeting with him too. What are we going to meet to discuss, he keeps ignoring that the no-confidence [motion] was passed and that it is not business as usual. His entire Government goes out to argue that it’s business as usual. How do you break through that mindset,” he stressed.

Jagdeo further pointed out that the Legislature, through the Speaker of the National Assembly declaring the passage of the motion,

and the Judiciary, through the acting Chief Justice’s ruling upholding the validity of the motion, have already pronounced on the matter paving the way for the coalition to resign and call elections. he noted the But, Government continues to delay this process by using the court system. The Opposition Leader stated that they are now awaiting the proceedings filed earlier this week in the Appeal Court, asking it to strike out the High Court’s January 31 decision. He is optimistic that the courts including the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), where it is anticipated these matters will end up, can expedite the hearings in time to meet the March 19 deadline for the hosting of polls. “[The] international community has weighed in on this matter, they said “respect the Constitution” and they’ve call on the courts to expeditiously hear the matters. I believe if the Court of Appeal does this, that this will reach the CCJ in a short

President David Granger

while and I’ve seen how the CCJ has moved when elections are pending. They’ve done that before and acted in a very, very expeditious manner. So I have no doubt at the CCJ level that this matter will be dealt with expeditious but I do have some concerns about them trying to delay pass that date by not filing the [Compton] Reid appeal early and that is why we have to press them,” Jagdeo contended.

The Opposition Leader posited, when asked, that the PPP/C will comply with whatever the CCJ rules. In the same breath, however, he insisted that Government should not wait until then to start preparations at the level of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to host elections as he reminded that time is winding down.

“If the CCJ rules differently, then we will have to comply with that but what if the CCJ, and we believe that the CCJ will, upholds the [High Court] decision and the timeline has been ticking. So you will

wait until then to start talking about elections? You would’ve been in violation of the Constitution… This is just another excuse for the Government to say they have a bit more time but you have to put the country first and you have to start the preparations now,” he stated.

According to the Opposition Leader, GECOM can make the March 19, 2019 deadline if they accelerate the June proposal and also raise the threshold for procurement. He added too that condensed training can be done continuously to ensure that persons are prepared.

Jagdeo reiterated that once the March 19 deadline passes, the Government becomes illegal and that places Guyana in unchartered territory; with grave implications both domestically and internationally.

Should this happen, the Opposition Leader assured that the PPP/C will not resort to violence but the Opposition can be very “forceful” in its argumentations and protests.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

fridAY, february 8, 2019

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

SPU’s fishing fee

I

n a shocking story that unveiled in Berbice, this publication reported that redundant workers of the Skeldon Sugar Estate are being charged a fee of $500 to pass through a cultivation dam to catch fish. The fee was being imposed by the Special Purpose Unit, which was set up to oversee the privatisation of the sugar estates. The fired workers, who are now facing major difficulties as they look for new employment, have no other choice than to pay the fee as they seek to earn a daily meal, and in some instances, a daily income. This shattering story is just a microcosm of the harsh and cruel reality hundreds of sugar workers are now forced to endure following the closure of some estates over the past two years. That reality may not have fully resonated or understood by others and maybe by those who made the decision to shut the estates.

Before and after that decision, workers and their families pleaded for it not to be implemented or reversed over fear of the devastating impact it would have on their lives and on thousands more who are indirectly affected.

This newspaper reported another heart-rending story in the later part of 2018, when a 25-year-old of four was quoted as saying, “Sometimes my children wake up in the night hungry and all I can do is cry. Right now, I need a lot of help. I am punishing a lot, because it isn’t easy to raise four children without a job”. She and her 35-year-old husband were former workers at the Skeldon sugar estate which has been closed.

No mother or father can bear the cries of hunger from their children. Those cries are daggers to the heart which worsen when there is no means to offer them a morsel.

That mother who has to hear the cries for food by her children will be broken and traumatised; rendered helpless and stripped of dignity. It’s similar for others like her and for the fathers who become emasculated in such circumstances. That reality has telling effects on the mental state of those affected. Enduring that daily exacerbates that very troubling mindset and the seeming hopeless situation.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) was right when it said that such a fee brings additional burden on the already displaced workers and is tantamount to “rubbing salt on a deep wound” of the dismissed sugar workers.

Locally many had spoken about the economic broadside the closure of estates would have on the workers and the surrounding communities of which many have been economically ravished. Fears have since been realised as exemplified by the story of the cold-heartedness of the SPU to charge a fee to these dismissed works and the story of the mother. Even more striking is that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has washed his hands clean on the matter and has since said that it is unethical for him to comment or intervene in the matter.

The impact has not spared the social fabric of those communities as poverty, crime and depression rise.

Many have decried the decision to close the estates without an impact assessment been conducted. It could have provided a similar voice to the ones Senator Flake heard in that elevator and which may have been the proverbial straw that precipitated the responsible position he took.

The SPU’s action to charge the fee also exposes those here who boast of their concern for the welfare of sugar workers and who now have influence and who have closed the door to block the cries from reaching their ears; hence it is still painfully heard in the media.

Performers wear pig masks as they take part in a Lunar New Year night parade in Hong Kong (Reuters/Tyrone Siu)

How can we be confident in the future when the present is so depressing?

Dear Editor, The Government of Guyana, as it reluctantly prepares to face the Guyanese people at the polls, is shamelessly clutching at every straw to avoid the electorate, and seems to have gone on a massive propaganda blitz. Almost daily, the Prime Minister’s Department of Public Information spends thousands of taxpayers’ dollars on full page colour advertisements in the newspapers titled “Confidence in Guyana”. Those advertisements seek to showcase what the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) deems as achievements, if they really can be deemed so in the first place. It seems obvious, unless one is oblivious, that advertisements are tantamount of using State resources for campaigning? This was something I recall the APNU/ AFC when out of office making boisterous noise about.

It goes to show what happens when the shoe is on the other foot.

I have taken a keen interest in the advertisements paid for by the sweat and toil of the Guyanese people. Indeed, it was interesting to see what the Administration praises itself for. Many of the projects lauded as achievements begun under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration and the APNU/AFC has inherited and passed off as if it were their own doing. Nowadays, Guyanese will see the praise showered on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion for instance. But it was the same APNU/

AFC, when in Opposition, used their majority to deny funds to the very project they now market as a shining achievement. It goes to show, in my view, that there was not much new that this Government really brought to the table and they are in reality living off the work of those who preceded them.

I notice too that one of the advertisements informed that more than $112 billion will be invested in maintenance of public security. Indeed, I couldn’t believe that such a stupendous sum was spent and I was less than pleased to learn of that fact. When one takes account of the large sum one cannot help but wonder whether our people are not being taken for a ride as that expenditure works out to almost $151,000 on a per capita basis. The question must be asked whether we have really gotten value for the monies expended.

Nowadays our people are genuinely scared not knowing if they will be the next hapless victim of criminality. Today, the peace and tranquility of our villages and towns have shattered and fear stalks the streets.

Our people are fearful about leaving their homes unoccupied and are afraid of going out in the evenings. They go about their business constantly looking over their shoulders. This is not the way our people deserve to live and undermines the notion of “confidence in Guyana”.

I saw another advertisement which informs that $98 billion has been invested in the agricultural sector. This is yet another magnificent sum and I can-

not help but wonder how it was spent. We see now our nation’s farmers being asked to pay higher land rents and increased drainage and irrigation charges.

The large spending came when the sugar industry was significantly downsized and thousands made jobless. That investment came at the same time when the agricultural sector declined by more than seven per cent and foreign exchange earnings from the sector have fallen as well. The situation says a lot about “confidence in Guyana”.

Through another advertisement, I learnt that $211 billion has been spent in the education sector. It is widely known that investments in education bear the best fruit and is the key ingredient to reduce poverty. It was, therefore, reasonable to expect that the sector would have grown by leaps and bounds but like the coalition, the fruits from the investment have been sorely disappointing. During the teachers strike last year, we became aware of the conditions of the classrooms. We heard that teachers use their own monies to buy school supplies. And, we have come to know about how shabbily our school cleaners are treated too.

Yet another advertisement tells us that our Government has spent $158 billion on public infrastructure. Again, another large sum but have we gotten value? Let us just remember several hundred million in this area was diverted to what is notoriously known as D’Urban Park. The subvention to the Demerara Harbour Bridge was withdrawn and tolls were hiked

by 100 per cent. Many of our village roads are impassable. We recall too the serious difficulties our brothers and sisters in the interior regions experience as they traverse those roads during the rainy season.

Today, while our Government tells us we should have “confidence in Guyana”, the Administration’s own policies and priorities undermine this very statement.

Another advertisement in the series showed us all the important persons President Granger has met, and it is an impressive list – the Obamas, Queen Elizabeth, former Brazilian President Michel Temer, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Caricom heads, among others. It served to remind me about the billions that are being spent on travelling locally and abroad as well. The tens of billions spent to prop up the large Government bureaucracy. The hundreds of millions spent to paint Government buildings green. It also drove home how the substantial rise in taxes are being spent, why our children have lost their grant, why our elderly have lost their water and electricity subsidies, why our people are made to pay Value Added Tax on essential items, and so many of the new unsavory realities of life in Guyana.

So today while we as Guyanese are asked to have confidence in Guyana, I ask how can we really be confident in the future when the present is so depressing and tomorrow appears so bleak.

Yours faithfully, Patricia Persaud

guyanatimesgy.com

fridAY, february 8, 2019

5

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

Govt ignores social problems Dear Editor, Guyanese feel alcoholism, domestic abuse, and dysfunctional relationships have the greatest impact on mental health. This is one of a number of findings of The Caribbean Voice’s fifth poll conducted last December.

Alcoholism, in particular, has a deleterious effect on the mental health of a family, not to mention the mental and physical wellbeing of the consumer.

Also, alcoholism has significant effects on domestic problems.

As well, many respondents feel Government is not doing an effective job in addressing these issues. They suggest social workers and guidance counsellors go around and visit com-

munities to address the many social problems that citizens face. These problems include alcoholism, drug use, domestic violence, suicide, child abuse, sexual abuse (including incest), stress and low self-esteem.

Below are the specific responses to the questions asked.

1. Do you think Government is doing enough to address social issues?

2. Do you think Guyanese are seriously affected mentally by the current political situ-

ation?

3. Do you think Guyanese are seriously affected mentally by the current economic situation?

4. Is the Government doing enough to address mental

health?

This opinion poll interviewed 320 people at random, reflecting the demographics (41 per cent Indians, 30 per cent Africans, 18 per cent Mixed, 10 per cent Amerindians, one per cent other) of the population.

The margin of error was five per cent.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

LGC struggling to implement CoI recommendations

Dear Editor, It has been since November 2018 that the former Chancellor and retired Judge submitted to the Local Government Commission, his findings from a much need Commission of Inquiry that he carried out into the operations of City Hall. Yet, hardly anything has been done so far to implement the very worthwhile recommendations of this report.

It would appear as though for some odd reason, the Local Government Commission (LGC) is struggling to implement these recommendations and one has to wonder whether it is because of slothfulness, ineptitude and negligence

or whether it is deliberate, contemptuous and politically driven.

With the exception of one ineluctable dismissal and a vague undertaking to have the Police investigate the possible tort of malfeasance by this individual, the public has not seen nor heard of anything else since from this well-accommodated, well-staffed and wellequipped commission, except for as the boys would say ‘some jan jat’ about their salaries and emoluments being withheld by the Communities Ministry, which brings into question the true independence of this constitutional body.

But of utmost worry to the citizenry is as to

whether the Chairman and Commissioners are aware of the susceptibility, the chaos and the continued malpractices they are allowing to continue at City Hall as a result of their foot dragging.

Do they expect the auditors, the Police and SOCU to find incriminating evidence, any flawed records or any other signs of the massive corruption that was gleaned from the CoI, when they finally get there?

The many culprits that were found by the CoI to be guilty of not working in the best interest of the city, of incompetence, of dereliction of duty, gross misconduct, abuse of office, recklessness, dishonesty, conspir-

acy, and misappropriation of funds, would be rather foolish not to have doctored and destroyed the implicating evidence all these months that they were not sent on administrative leave but rather allowed to sit at their desks and carry on business as usual.

These recalcitrant officers of the Georgetown Municipality are all being given a ‘Get out of Jail Free’ card by the Local Government Commission who are just pussyfooting around whilst being an additional financial burden to the taxpayers of Guyana.

This is unacceptable.

Sincerely, Amber Valentine

Dual nationality act needs review Dear Editor, The issue of dual nationality has been in the news following the successful passage of the No-confidence Motion against the People’s National Congress/Alliance For Change Government.

In the social novel Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens through his main character, Mr Brumble, wrote, “the law … is an ass (meaning nonsensical). It would seem the law on Guyana’s dual citizenship is an ass.”

According to the Burnham Constitution, a born Guyanese who is a dual citizen cannot be a Member of Parliament or serve as President, and by extension, Prime Minister.

But someone who was born outside of Guyana, and by virtue of it, holds dual nationality can serve in the above-mentioned positions.

So, a “foreign born dual citizen Guyanese” has more rights than a local born dual

citizen. That is inherently unequal, to quote the Chief Justice in the US Supreme Court decision on Brown v Bd of Ed (1954).

The Dual Nationality Act must be unconstitutional as it allows for two types of citizens with differing rights – some enjoying more rights than others violating the principle of equality for all. Born Guyanese are less equal than foreign born Guyanese according to the Dual Nationality Act. Was that the intention of the law? When this law was drafted, no one gave serious thought that it is in fact an ass!

In the US or any other country, this two-tier type of citizenship would not be allowed except for the presidency. In the US, any citizen, born (sanguis or blood) or naturalised (acquires citizenship through immigration) can run for any office and can hold

any position except for the presidency (and by extension vice presidency since he or she can succeed the President).

Which courageous (dual citizen) Guyanese is going

to challenge this (idiotic) part of the law that grants more rights to non-born Guyanese?

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Can we ever truly have a developed capital city?

Dear Editor, Driving along what appears to be the new route for Mashramani 2019, I have encountered the roadways defaced with some crude, oversized, dreadful numbers slovenly painted in a hodgepodge manner on the road surface.

Initially thinking this was the act of some unhinged and deranged person, I was horrified to learn that it was the work of the Georgetown municipality. I had to ask myself, does the Council really expect so many vendors? Why waste so much paint and so many man hours? Why do the numbers have to be so big and obnoxious? Surely,

they could have used a road marking stencil kit with pre-spaced numerals constructed from sturdy reusable Polypropylene boards with 200 mm font sized numerals.

Must the Georgetown municipality be allowed to continue to behave in such a vulgar, unprofessional and unprincipled manner until the end of time? Can’t the new Council raise the bar on city management?

My question is – can we ever truly have a developed capital city when our City Council has a Third World mentality?

Sincerely, Sean Moniz

Our water bills are too high

Dear Editor, There’s a classic economic paradox about the price of water and value, and it comes from Adam Smith: Why do diamonds cost more than water? The comparison is meant to demonstrate how pricing works – that even though water is essential for human survival, our economy puts prices on things based on scarcity and value (and marginal utility). As long as water remains abundant, the cheapness of water most likely shouldn’t change. With the addition of water meters in the Arcadia/ Mocha Area on the East Bank of Demerara, the serious question as to the cost for water in an abundant nation as Guyana comes in focus. Why does a four-member household pay $20,000 in water bills?

Research shows that an average bill of $15,000 per home monthly is what is paid in this small village located on the East Bank of Demerara. How ridiculous! This is more than

one pays for electricity which we often complain about.

These high rates being charged for a simple commodity such as water is being expended upon the poorer class of people. Well over 60 per cent of Arcadia/Mocha’s residents are self-employed. Water rates should be designed to fully recover the costs of providing water by charging customers in accordance with how they contribute to the costs. Schedules of water rates that charge customers in accordance with the cost of service would be efficient from the economic point of view, in that the price of a unit of water would be equal to the cost of the resources used to obtain and deliver that water. With this letter it is hoped that the higher authorities at Guyana Water Inc hear the cries of the residents of these two communities. We need help. Our water bills are too high.

Yours truly, Marcia Edwards

6

friday, february 8, 2019

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Are video games good for the mind?

Technology: 5 ways to reboot yourself

S

ending and receiving messages late at night can make it hard to fall asleep. And those late night pings, rings, and vibrations can wake you up and leave you feeling tired and unfocused when it’s time for school.

Lack of sleep, or interrupted sleep, can affect everything from your mood to your sports performance.

Sure, you want to stay connected with your friends, but how useful can you be when you’re exhausted? Give your “tech” (texts, social media, emails, calls) a rest from bedtime until your alarm clock rings so you can rest.

How can you ease out of being available all the time to unplugging at bedtime?

Here are some tips to follow at night that will help boost your energy and focus in the morning: Log off your messaging apps, social media, and email. Pings in the mid-

dle of the night can interrupt your sleep – even if

Sure, you want to stay connected with your friends, but how useful can you be when you’re exhausted?

Give your “tech” (texts, social media, emails, calls) a rest from bedtime until your alarm clock rings so you can rest.

you don’t get up to answer them. And, more than likely, if your friends see that you’re logged out, they’ll log out too.

Turn off your phone (don’t just set it on vibrate) when it’s time for bed.

Buzzes can be just as loud as beeps or rings, especially late at night when everything else is quiet. Plus, if your friends have no one to talk to, maybe they’ll be inspired to turn off their cell and catch some Zzzs, too.

Get in the habit of powering off your devices – especially if they’re in your room. Turn off all electronics, like laptops, tablets, TVs, and video game consoles. Sometimes just logging off is not enough.

Blinking lights and glowing screens can make it harder to fall and stay asleep.

Get your phone and tablet out of your room completely. Try charging your phone or tablet overnight in a separate room. While

the battery is restoring, you can get the sleep you need to recharge your own battery. Having electronics in another room makes it less likely that you’ll use them during and after bedtime.

Make getting enough sleep your way to look and feel good. Getting sleep is a great way to look and feel refreshed and focused in the morning. To get the sleep you need, tell your friends you when you will stop answering texts, emails, or calls. This way, they’ll know their beeps or buzzes will have to wait. Try to power down about an hour before bedtime.

It can be quite a challenge to turn off technology at night. But sticking to a cut-off curfew for your devices will help you ease into bedtime and give your brain some needed tech-free downtime. And if you need an excuse, just say your parents are making you do it. (kidshealth.org)

A

re video games – like strategy and role-playing games, for example – good for the mind?

– Dustin* Studies show that certain types of video games may improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and the mind’s ability to process information.

Sometimes, though, video games cause more health troubles than benefits. People who spend too much time sitting while playing video games don’t get enough exercise. Lack of exercise can play a role in many health problems, including becoming overweight or obese.

Experts also worry that too much video gaming can interfere with a person’s life, hurting things like school performance

and friendships. Some psychiatrists are concerned that certain people might even become addicted to playing video games.

And it’s still unclear what impact games with violent or inappropriate sexual content might have on the brain.

Although the jury’s still out on the subject, for now it makes sense to enjoy the right kinds of games in moderation. Try mixing up your games: Stimulate your brain with strategy games sometimes; other times, get up and get into games that allow you to physically interact with the action on the screen.

Follow these tips, limit your game playing time to one or two hours a day, and video game play can be part of a balanced, well-rounded life. (kidshealth. org)

news

7

fridAY, february 8, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP calls on Police to probe increase in unadvertised procurement contracts

….as Govt ups threshold amounts by 233% to favour insiders

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

T

he Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) wants the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to probe recent moves by Government to raise the threshold for restricted contracts.

The gazetted Procurement (Amendment) Bill of 2019, which was signed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, will see larger contracts being awarded without the benefit of advertising.

This move, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said is illegal, and he is calling on the relevant authorities to look into the matter.

“I’m calling on the Public Procurement Commission to look into this matter immediately. We will write the PPC and we will probably write the Police, too, on this matter. Jordan will have a lot to answer for in the future because of this illegal act,” Jagdeo stated.

According to Jagdeo, the law clearly states

that the Cabinet and the Procurement Commission shall review the Cabinet’s threshold for the review of procurements annually with the objective of increasing the ceiling overtime to gradually phase out Cabinet’s role in the procurement process.

“So this says, the Cabinet and the PPC, upon its establishment, must annually review the thresholds; not the Minister… [But] there is no Cabinet – the Cabinet was resigned – so that only leaves the Public Procurement Commission and the Public Procurement Commission has not met on this matter.

So Jordan acted illegally when he acted on the advice of the [National Procurement and Tender Administration] Board (NPTAB) that he controls and that in itself is complicit in tons of wrongdoings. And I noticed even the Chairman of the Board [Berkley Wickham] didn’t even sign that circular,” the Opposition Leader pointed out.

Jagdeo went on to outline that these changes to the country’s procurement laws is a recipe for corruption since it gives the Cabinet more leverage on contracts.

The Opposition Leader

Finance Minister Winston Jordan warns that any State agency or public official who complies with these changes will be held accountable.

“I urge the Permanent Secretaries, the agencies and corporation heads, the regional administration heads to pay careful notice because if they comply with this, they will be complicit in an illegal act and could held responsible for the consequences, that is, face the courts, face the charge or face sur-charges,” he told reporters.

The gazetted changes saw the threshold for restricted contracts for goods and services move from $3

to $10 million (233 per cent increase), while construction contracts have been increased from $10 to $20 million. Additionally, quotation methods of procurement have been raised to $3 million.

In a letter dated February 4, 2019, Deputy Chairman of NPTAB, Mark Bender, informed State agencies and public officials of the gazetted changes, which take immediate effect.

But Opposition Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill, explained that with the December 21, 2018 passage of the No-confidence Motion, this move is illegal.

He referred to Article 106(6) of the Constitution

Police Commissioner Leslie James

which states that on passage of a no-confidence motion by the majority of all elect-

ed members of the National Assembly, the President and his Cabinet shall resign, coupled with the CJ’s ruling of January 31, 2019 that following the passage of the motion, the President and Cabinet stands resigned.

“Therefore, they are merely in office in a caretaker capacity and as such, these actions are unconstitutional. It is therefore logical that the letter by Mr Mark Bender authorising (officials) to implement these new thresholds is illegal and will lead to criminal proceedings being instituted against public officials who may be tempted to act on such a directive which is illegal,” Edghill stated.

8 news

fridAY, february 8, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Labourer killed during row over decade-old grievance

A

n Essequibo River man was on Wednesday evening stabbed to death by a drinking partner after the two had an argument over an incident that occurred almost 10 years ago.

Dead is 32-year-old Cedric Williams, a labour-

er of Foulmouth Village, Essequibo River.

According to a Police report, the incident occurred on Wednesday just about midnight.

Investigations revealed that the suspect, who is yet to be arrested, and Williams were imbibing at the landing

when an argument ensued between the two over an incident that occurred in 2009.

As a result of the disagreement, it is alleged that the suspect became annoyed, armed himself with a knife and stabbed Williams to the neck several times before fleeing the scene.

The injured man was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital by public-spirited persons and was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body is at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

An investigation into the murder has been launched.

3rd vehicle goes up in flames in 2 days

A

third vehicle on Thursday went up in flames, in just two days under suspicious circumstances and the cause is yet to be determined.

Guyana Times understands that a minibus in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), mysteriously caught fire.

It was unclear if anyone was injured in the incident, but Fire Prevention Officer Andrew Holder has made it clear that an investigation is launched into each fire the Fire Service responds to and the cause of the mysterious flames could be determined soon.

“If it is that the operational team – the firefighters that respond to these fires – cannot come up with the cause of the fire, only then would my team kick in,” he told this newspa-

One of the vehicles that were burnt

per.

Holder added that his team has not been summoned to investigate any of the three vehicular fires.

On Wednesday, two vehicles also faced the same fate in separate incidents.

Reports are the first fire occurred at High Street and Brickdam, Georgetown where

passers-by saw a man stopping his vehicle and thick smoke which emanated from the bonnet transformed into an uncontrollable fire.

The vehicle, bearing registration number PJJ 5656, was badly damaged. When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, the driver could not say what may have caused the

Police nab suspect in NWD “arrow and bow” murder

P

olice have caught the suspect who was being hunted in connection with the murder of 26-yearold Orlando Joseph, who was killed on Tuesday last.

The suspect of Barima, North West District (NWD),

Region One (Barima-Waini) reportedly armed himself with a bow and arrow and shot Joseph to his upper body following an argument.

It was reported that the now dead man and the suspect had a misunderstanding on January

5, 2018. Following the incident, Joseph, a farmer of Koriabo Village, Barima, was taken to the Mabaruma Public Hospital, where he was admitted, but subsequently succumbed to his injury. The suspect is being processed for court.

fire. He only said that he was at the Stabroek Market and noticed smoke rapidly escaping from the car.

The Guyana Fire Service was subsequently called, and the situation was brought under control. No one was injured.

Minutes later at Sheriff Street, Georgetown, a similar scenario unfolded when a minibus contracted to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) erupted into flames.

According to information received, the minibus was crossing David Street, heading in the direction of the Rupert Craig Highway when the driver, Tameshwar Mullin, noticed smoke coming from under his seat. After parking and exiting the vehicle, he lifted the seat and saw the flames.

Efforts to save the minibus proved futile, but firefighters from the Guyana Fire Service arrived shortly after and doused the flames.

Many persons have so far questioned the quality of gasoline now being offered for sale as a result of the peculiar fumes.

Conductor reappears in court on rape charges

A

37-year-old Route 42 minibus conductor on Thursday reappeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and the prosecution was given time to file statements on the matter.

Thandikuma Bakker was charged with two counts of rape of a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old girl.

Bakker made his third appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, and was ordered to return to court on February 21, 2019.

The prosecution is contending that during May 2018 at High Street, Georgetown, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

It was further alleged that during June 2018, at Mahdia, Region Eight (PotatoSiparuni), he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

Bakker was released on $300,000 bail on the condition that he stays away from the victims.

It was alleged that Bakker would take the 13-year-old girl on trips and take her shopping.

However, the teen’s parents found out about the excursions and reported the matter to the Police.

Corruption on stilts…

T

…in Government procurement his PNC-led coalition came into office on the wings of gusts of hot air they spouted about corruption in the PPP Government’s procurement process. The then uncoalesced AFC even claimed it would vote with the PPP on Amaila Falls Hydro, and anti-money laundering legislation, etc, if the PPP would make their nominations to Public Procurement Commission (PPC)!! Well, it took almost two years for the PNC/AFC to make their own appointments, which would remove the “no-objection” role for Cabinet, for which the PPP was pilloried!!

In that time, of course, we had the infamous D’Urban “Wood Ants” Stadium, the “Bottom House” warehouse, and the $650 million Pharma scams – just to name a few mega ones!! But while the PNC/AFC eventually got the PPC going, their subsequent actions illustrated the aphorism: “there are many ways to skin a cat”! While the PPC can “take notice” of violations of the Procurement Act, it basically depends of complaints to make investigations. Like when the MPI sole-sourced a $143 million contract for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge – which it subsequently had to discard so that the money was basically pi55ed away! – and they didn’t even make a squeak!! Is a contract corrupt when no competitor knows??

Which leads us to the latest gambit of the PNC/AFC to game the procurement process to ensure “the insiders” make a killing. With elections in the air, the PNC/AFC Government has tabled a Bill to astronomically raise the value of “restricted contracts” – which means they don’t have to be advertised. And if they aren’t advertised, then they can be handed out to the favoured “insiders” with no one the wiser to complain to the PPC. No advertising, not incidentally, lowers competition and increases quoted prices!!

And were not talking about peanuts: in construction the threshold has been hiked from $10 million to $20 million; for goods and services from $3 million to $10 million and “request for quotation” from $1.5 million to $3 million!!! What this means, if this Bill is passed, imagine the campaign “donations” that will have to be passed – not to forget the patronage support, in the PNC/AFC constituency.

And we’ve got to note that these thresholds were already bumped upwards by the PNC/AFC!!

But there’s another angle to this sordid manoeuvre: introducing legislation that will have a significant impact on the country’s finances in a period when the High Court had ruled that the status quo of the Executive has changed after the NCM. Alarmingly, this gaming of the procurement process comes at a time of heightened tensions internally by a Government living on stolen time and externally being monitored by the international community.

The PNC/AFC seems determined to have Guyana become another Venezuela!! …in GECOM Guyanese knew something was rotten in the staffing of the Guyana Elections Commission. Right after independence, PNC rep Desmond Hoyte on the Commission then jigged the rules for National Registration from which the voters’ list would be extracted. The Compliant Chairman – both ex-Chief Justices – made it necessary in 1992 to insist that there were “fit and proper persons” for the job, outside of Judges!! The complaint staff was left intact!

They worked in the innards of the secretariat, and could ensure outcomes by judicious interventions or noninterventions – if the chair wasn’t vigilant. So imagine a partisan secretariat combined with a partisan Chairman!!

The mind boggles at the pregnant possibilities for “interventions and non-interventions”!!

Well, it’s been six months since the PPP filed an official complaint to the ERC about bias in hiring practices at GECOM to favour the PNC. So why aren’t we surprised that while a lot of throats were cleared, no investigation was launched!!

Just as Granger’s tossing of Jagdeo’s constitutionallymandated lists of nominees for the chair, out the window, is now moot!! …in spirits The GRA just busted the efforts of some public-spirited citizens – who heeded the call to “liven up our Mash spirits” – by seizing a whole container of “duty free” Johnny Walker Red, Black, Blue and Platinum!!

Back to cheap rum!! Drats!!

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

9 New Amsterdam Hospital CEO fired news

fridAY, february 8, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

By Andrew Carmichael

T

he Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital has been fired.

The dismissal of the CEO, Dr Samantha Kennedy, is seen as a desperate move by Government after several embarrassing reports of failure to address the health sector have been in the media.

The CEO took up the appointment November 5, 2018, and Thursday was her last day on the job – a mere 94 days of employment. During that short period of employment, several allegations were levelled against the CEO and her management skills. The first controversy arose after she took six weeks leave two days after taking up the appointment.

Several regional officials had also reported that it was difficult to meet with the CEO, who also refused to carry out an instruction from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) only last week.

The CEO also allegedly stopped doctors from being on call according to a report coming out of the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) RDC on Thursday. That has since been restored after her firing.

Addressing the RDC, Chairman of the Regional Health Committee, Zamal Hussain said Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Public Health Ministry, Colette Adams met with them on Wednesday informing them that the hospital will have to get a new CEO. He also stated that the

APNU/AFC protests GECOM to encourage delaying elections

…“the sole purpose of that protest is to violate our Constitution” – Jagdeo

The small group of protesters at the Police barricade outside of GECOM on Thursday

A

small group of A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition supporters on Thursday called for house-to-house registration, which will delay General and Regional Elections, constitutionally due by March 19.

Government Ministers and a few supporters turned up at the Guyana Elections Commission headquarters, High and Cowan Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, in a protest, effectively calling for national elections to be delayed.

The protesters also called for house-to-house registration; a process that is time consuming and will push national elections further away from when it is constitutionally required, that is, March 19.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan spoke to media operatives, where he claimed that there are provisions in the Constitution which result in the postponement of these polls.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, who was on the protest line, was asked why Government was advocating for a new list, given that it will delay the constitutionally due elections.

His response was that “list is bloated”.

Questions were raised as to whether a new list is needed when the previous list was used less than three months ago when GECOM

successfully ran the Local Government Elections to which Bulkan responded, “Local Government Elections and General Elections are two different animals.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said “the sole purpose of that protest by APNU and AFC is to violate our Constitution… It seems as though the Ministers of this Government and the leadership of the two political parties, mainly the major political parties in the coalition are still in the fantasy world that they have been living in for the past several years in Government.”

On January 31, Chief Justice Roxane George in handing down her decisions in the challenges to the No-confidence Motion which was passed in the National Assembly, ruled that the December 21, 2018 motion, which tumbled the Government, was successfully passed.

Consequent to the declaration that the 33-majority meant that the motion was carried, the Chief Justice observed that the President and the Ministers cannot therefore remain in Government in accordance with Articles 106 (6) and 106 (7) after three months.

According to the Constitution of Guyana, it is the President and not GECOM that has to announce a date for elections.

PS also spoke of moves to address the issue of the New Amsterdam Hospital Mortuary.

“The PS came to inform the Committee that we need to identify a place to construct a building for a new mortuary. She also asked that we include in our budget for next year a set of freezers to fill the building for a new mortuary,” Hussain said.

The New Amsterdam Hospital Mortuary has been out of operation for prolonged periods. Director of Regional Health Services, Jevaughn Stephen told the RDC that it is expected back in operation next week.

Last week at a press conference Stephens said the hospital’s administration had been experiencing issues with the mortuary during the latter part of 2018 due to a fluctuation in the voltage supplied by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

Meanwhile, Hussain also reported that the PS addressed the issue of scores of vacancies at the medical institution. “We were assured

Dr Samantha Kennedy

that the one hundred plus vacancies which exist at the New Amsterdam Hospital will be filed.”

He added that according to the PS, arrangements will be made to have them filled urgently.

However, Regional Chairman David Armogan said the vacancies have been in existence for more than two years. He explained that on several occasions the REO had informed the Ministry of

them. However there seems to be an issue with the Public Service Ministry which has responsibility for employment.

“I don’t believe that they will get this thing sorted out in a few months’ time. Since Jevaughn came into this work he has been listing these vacancies and they were there before. The REO [Regional Executive Officer] has spoken about it at every meeting that I have gone to with her at the Ministry of Communities. Up to today these vacancies cannot be filled. I don’t know where the problem is but it seems to me that we have to wait on the Public Service Commission and the Public Service Commission it seems as though they are not sitting.

I don’t know it they are not properly comprised but something is wrong with filling these vacancies,” Armogan said.

The Regional Chairman noted that there is a vacancy for a pharmacist which has been in existence for more than one year.

“These are vital positions,

especially when it comes to medical issues. These issues have to be filled by technically qualified persons. There are people coming out of university looking for work. All these vacancies can be filled…”

The health sector in Region Six has been delivering a service less than expected for more than two years, residents have reported. A shortage of drugs and medical supplies has been one of the major issues.

In January 2018, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence publicly admitted that there is massive stealing of drugs at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Lawrence said Government has been spending too much money on health for there to be a constant drug shortage at that hospital.

The move to overhaul the services at the New Amsterdam Hospital come almost one week after residents in the region took protest action over the poor service being offered at the facility.

10 news

fridAY, february 8, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana Chronicle audit Friends feared dead in Essequibo GM yet to provide receipts for overseas travel River accident …auditors cite breaches in hiring, tendering transactions

A

T

wo friends are feared dead after one went to save the other who had fallen into the Essequibo River in the vicinity of Hog Island on Tuesday.

Missing are 50-year-old Ravie Chutie of Hog Island and 56-year-old Ozard Russell of Aliki, Essequibo River.

Reports are the two men, along with Janet Robinson, the reputed wife of Chutie, were travelling along the Essequibo River in a wooden boat powered by a 15-horsepower engine when they encountered rough waters.

The pounding waves

cause Chutie to lose balance and fall overboard and in a bid to save his friend’s life, Russell went after him, but either of them resurfaced.

The boat drifted to the Hog Island foreshore where Robinson alerted persons. A group of men went in search of the two men, but came up empty handed. The Police were contacted and based on reports received, the woman said that the two men were intoxicated since they drank a bottle of alcohol before they departed from the Hubu Koker, Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

recent audit into the management of resources at the Guyana National Newspaper Limited has revealed several breaches in the disbursement of monies for services and employment procedures.

Chateram Ramdihal Chartered Accountants Professional Services Firm, which is also known as Ramdihal and Haynes Inc, was contracted by the Auditor General to conduct a special audit on the overall management and governance of the Guyana Chronicle for the period of June 1, 2018 to September 10, 2018.

The objective was to determine whether the spending of funds was in accordance with principles and regulations of the company.

A document containing the findings was leaked to Guyana Times; it indicated that the General Manager, Sherod Duncan took an over-

seas trip with the marketing coordinator for the resuscitation of the publication’s New York edition. This trip cost an excess of $736,028, but there was no approval from the Minister for such an event and to date, no relevant documents were brought forward to support these expenditures.

Meanwhile, Duncan, a member of the Alliance for Change (AFC), had travelled again in June to Lethem and was given an allowance of $200,000. In that instance, the Management Tender Committee did not give approval for his travel, and documents are also still pending.

According to the audit, Duncan also expended some $721,000 to repair one of the company’s vehicles which he used, but there were no contract to validate such and these payments were made without the established approval process.

Apart from financial er-

ternally or externally and no evidence of his qualification was provided at that time.

Guyana Chronicle General Manager Sherod Duncan

rors, the audit report demonstrates that an editor by the name of Godfrey Wray was terminated upon instruction from the General Manager.

But Wray’s personnel file did not indicate that his performance was poor. The services of a finance controller were also terminated by Duncan in September without notice, which is not in compliance with the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual.

According to the audit, Duncan also proceeded to hire one Adrian Persaud as the company’s social media coordinator, but a look at his recruitment indicated that the vacancy was not advertised in-

Tender breaches The Guyana Chronicle has a Management Tender Committee, which approves transactions ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 before payments are made. But during the stipulated time examined, no approval was given for nine such transactions valued at $1.6 million, the audit stated.

Further, five transactions valued at a total of $2.1 million were never approved by the Corporation Tender Committee, which approves expenditure valued between $300,000 and $1 million.

Meanwhile, for the four months examined, some $2.3 million was spent to increase the entity’s social media presence in the areas of live streaming, social boosts and the social media department, but the company’s budget for 2018 did not make any provisions for this. Furniture was also acquired for over $2.5 million without any budgetary allocation.

In light of the probe, Duncan was sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and audit.

2 APNU Region 6 Councillors thrown out of RDC

Janet Samuels

Koshal Goberdan

wo coalition Councillors from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) list, have been thrown out of the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

The two Councillors – Janet Samuels and Koshal Goberdan – lost their seats on Thursday.

Regional Chairman David Armogan, presiding over Thursday’s RDC, said they have not attended the RDC meetings for more than six months. Goberdan, he noted, had been living in the United States for the past eight months and had reportedly authorised someone to uplift his stipend in his absence.

Meanwhile, Samuels had not attended the RDC for 2018.

Under the Local Government Act, Councillors should automatically lose their seats after being absent from statutory meetings for three consecutive months without a valid excuse.

Armogan also issued a

warning for Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor Devin Sookraj, who he noted had also been absent from meetings last year more than he was present. It was disclosed that Sookraj has not attended any of the two meetings for this year either.

The Region Six RDC comprises 30 seats with the People’s Progressive Party holding 19 and the coalition, 11.

Meanwhile, Gobin Harbhajan, another Councillor who sits on the Government’s side and who is also the Prime Minister’s regional representative, in an invited comment on the issue, said the RDC is like a mini-Parliament in which the Government and the Opposition sides appoint Councillors to represent the people in the region.

He admitted that he had not seen Councillor Samuels for a very long period.

Harbhajan also took the opportunity to remind Councillors that they were put there to serve the people of Berbice.

T

S RAIGHT The Granger regime is plundering the foreign currency supply?

By: Sase Singh; MSc – Finance, ACCA

G

iven the structural character of the economy (a small and open one), it is expected that there will be a high reliance on imports for consumption and capital development. In such a situation, the proper administration of the stock of foreign currency in the system is of paramount importance to conduct trade. Therefore, there must be discipline in how the foreign currency market is managed.

The Bank of Guyana has just released its December 2018 Statistical Bulletin and in Table 2.16 captioned the Bank of Guyana Foreign Exchange Intervention one can find an alarming situation. For the readers, Bank of Guyana intervention in this case translates to their buying and selling currency from the commercial banks/cambios and other major F/X traders, such as the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Those of you who are more familiar with arithmetic, unlike the geniuses in the legal fraternity who thinks 33 is not greater than 32, will understand from that table that the Bank of Guyana sold US$8.1 million in F/X to the market in 2018. But at the same time, the very same Bank of Guyana bought from the very same system a sum of US$187.8 million in F/X. For emphasis, please read this carefully – the Central Bank of Guyana drained from the public financial system a sum of US$179.7 million in F/X in 2018.

The primary consequence from such an act is dire foreign currency shortage in 2019 and if this is not fixed now, beyond. This shortage will be compounded by the fact that the foreign currency earnings of GuySuCo, one of the largest contributors to the Central Bank F/X supplies, saw its inflows from abroad chopped by 67 per cent since 2017 because four sugars estates were closed. In the final analysis, there will be a shortage of foreign currency in 2019, which will cause the price to increase. This is harmful to the Private Sector and the ordinary citizens and will contribute actively to an increase in the cost of living across the land. Therefore, there is a need for urgent short-term measures to combat this economic illness.

On February 4, 2018, several businesspersons informed me that unless they were willing to pay GY$218 for the US dollar, they could not secure the required foreign currency by way of a wire transfer to pay for their imports. But what is strange is that if you actual need cash from the non-bank cambios, you must stump up around GY$224 to purchase US$1. This is a far cry from the situation in 2016.

Guyana is now gliding into a recession mainly because much policy paralysis in the Finance Ministry and poor political leadership out of the Ministry of the Presidency. Public uproar may be too much to hope for, but surely if Guyana’s economic engine is downshifting, you’d expect the political class to wake up and understand the plight of the ordinary people. But nothing of the sort has happened as the political class focuses on elections and JOHN PUBLIC continues to bite the increases in the cost of living because of this currency crisis among other factors.

And the political crisis is not helping. This nation is swiftly moving into a zone of unregulated autocracy, which will manifest after March 20, 2019. To hold on to office in such a situation is to enter into “noman-land”. The Executive could not have asked for better guidance than that which was given to them by the Legislature and the Judiciary in their interpretations of the Constitution. Non-alignment with the spirit and intent of the Constitution by the Executive will have economic consequences since in any country the economy is intertwined with the political landscape. Common sense must return to the President and his advisors.

This economic damage will only hurt the ordinary people and can be the catalyst for increased levels of poverty in the immediate future.

Everything in the market will cost more within a month. Things will be selling at higher prices in March 2019 that the consumers never experienced at all 2018. We must remember two of the main inputs into our food chain are imported fertiliser and imported fuel, both of which will be adversely impacted upon by this depreciation in the F/X rates.

I am therefore encouraging the authorities to cease and desist from this reckless economic and political strategy. The foremost consequence is a rapid shortage of foreign currency in the market, which will drive the re-awakening of a parallel foreign exchange market. That is nothing else but economic retardation.

Guyana can better than this!

Please share your thoughts atdo sasesin1@yahoo.com.

11

News

fridAY, february 8, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Demerara Bank Rose Hall branch celebrates 15th anniversary

D

emerara Bank Limited (Rose Hall branch) is celebrating an exciting milestone as this month marks 15 years of providing premium banking services to individuals and corporate entities in Berbice.

To mark this significant occasion, the Bank will be honouring its long standing employees for their hard work, dedication and commitment over the past 15 years, while engaging in several community-based and customer centric activities.

Celebrations will continue during the entire month of February as the branch will be issuing a free VISA Debit Card to all customers upon the establishment of a Statement Savings Account.

Mandrekar Khemraj, Branch Manager, expressed his delight at having achieved this milestone and noted that over the years

Staff of Demerara Bank Rose Hall branch celebrating the branches 15th anniversary

Demerara Bank Limited has established a reputation for high-quality customer service and a willingness to work with communities for mutual benefit.

Demerara Bank Ltd prides itself in supporting the development of various

sectors, including the rice sector, by extending a wide range of credit facilities, personalised banking services and value-added products.

The company also continues to be the leading source of financing for renewable energy in Guyana and en-

courages both energy efficiency and energy conservation to ensure energy sustainability for the future.

To date, the Bank has significantly reduced its carbon footprint by operating the majority of its locations on renewable energy.

12 news

fridAY, february 8, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Fishing access fee

SPU punishing fired sugar workers – GAWU

…says Govt agency “rubbing salt” in wounds

T

Former sugar workers are fishing in the savannahs for survival

he National Industrial and Commercial Investments (NICIL) on Thursday received a letter on behalf of dismissed sugar workers asking the Government entity for an intervention regarding its sub-agency, the Special Purposes Unit (SPU) that has imposed fees for accessing fishing lands. This comes one day after Guyana Times published an article highlighting the plight of the ex-sugar workers who have been seeking to traverse the Skeldon Estate to fish and earn a livelihood.

On Thursday, the Guyana Agricultural and

General Workers Union (GAWU) slammed the SPU for the act, stating that such a fee brought additional burden on the already displaced workers. The Union added that the fee was tantamount to “rubbing salt on a deep wound” of the dismissed sugar workers.

“GAWU is concerned that at a time when monies are already hard to come by, the fee being asked will bring to bear even more pressure. From the article, several persons who were interviewed confirmed the challenges they are facing since the estate closed its gates over a year ago,” the

Union body explained.

The Union has written to NICIL to express its concern and ask that consideration be given to a waiver of the fee in view of the circumstances that plague the sugar belt.

“We hope that our request would be favourably considered to bring at least a little reprieve to the suffering that have become a sad characteristic of life in the villages that are linked to the now-closed sugar estates,” it further observed.

This publication reported on Thursday that the redundant workers of the Skeldon Sugar Estate were being charged a fee of $500 to pass through a cultivation dam to catch fish reportedly by the SPU – which, according to workers, is issuing a one-month pass for $15,000.

The SPU was set up by Government to oversee the privatisation of estates.

When contacted on the matter, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said that it would be unethical to comment on a NICIL/SPU matter. On these grounds,

NICIL’s Special Purpose Unit Head Colvin Heath-London

he declined to speak on the fee imposition. This newspaper later tried to gather insight from SPU Head Colvin Heath-London on Thursday evening, but calls to his mobile phone went to voicemail.

The affected workers who were made redundant when the estate closed are now facing major difficul-

ties as they seek to gain new employment. Some of them catch fish and reap wild carilla (bitter gourd) from the savannahs, which are located behind the cultivation area, but are only accessible through the Skeldon Sugar Estate’s dams.

As Guyana Times reported, many have turned to fishing to make a living while others catch fish in the savannahs to provide a meal for their families. Manam Singh, a former cane harvester and father of four, who worked with the estate for 22 years, told this publication on Wednesday that sometimes he buys the SPU pass and catches nothing.

On Wednesday, he left home at 03:00h and at 10:00h returned home empty-handed.

Initially, the ex-workers were not required to pay a fee to pass through the cultivation area, but then a fee of $100 was charged which was subsequently raised to

$500 for one-time entry.

“Right now you getting nothing and to find $500, it is very hard now. You have to get gas money and you not catching $500 fish. It is very hard,” Sibnauth Ramnarine had noted.

Edwin Persaud, a pensioner, who said he has a sick wife, fishes for domestic purposes while Dhanraj Chatterpaul, who worked as a Pallman with the Skeldon Estate, said Wednesday that being asked to pay $500 per trip has created financial pressure on himself and family. This newspaper was also shown several receipts by the former workers indicating that they have paid the fee as demanded by SPU. A circular from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) dated September 13, 2017 indicated that a fee of $100 per day was going to be imposed with immediate effect.

Several injured in fiery minibus crash

P

olice in D Division (West DemeraraEast Bank Essequibo) are currently investigating the circumstances under which a Route 32 minibus, travelling to Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, crashed and caught fire.

According to reports, the minibus crashed into a utility pole in Hague, at approximately 14:00h, before bursting into flames injuring the driver and other occupants in the process.

The incident was confirmed by Traffic Chief Linden Isles, who added that no fatalities were recorded. Isles, however, informed that a few occupants were rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital for medical treatment.

The remains of the burnt bus

news

13

fridAY, february 8, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

After miners’ outcry, upgrade works to Puruni Road to begin soon

Vehicles manoeuvring through the deplorable trail

F

ollowing weeks of public outcry, the Public Infrastructure Ministry

on Thursday announced that a contract has been signed which will see the rehabil-

itation of the Puruni Road, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) in the coming weeks.

After Guyana Times published several articles highlighting the hardships miners are facing, the Ministry on Thursday said the contract was inked in order to facilitate the rehabilitation and construction of the Itabali to Puruni Road and works are expected to commence in a few weeks.

“While the responsibility for this road falls specifically under the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has recognised the urgency of repair and assures that all efforts are being made by the Ministry to advance the efforts of the GGMC to have this road reha-

STEM Guyana launches Robotics initiative at Linden’s library bots, supply us with kits and once the demand is there we know we are going to get the business community, the corporate [businesses] to get involved”, she noted.

Classes are being hosted on Saturdays and supervised by trained STEM facilitators.

S

tudents in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) between the ages of six to 18 years can now benefit from free reading and robotics training with the recent launch of a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme at the Linden library.

The initiative which was made possible by STEM Guyana is expected to be a continuous programme that is being hosted under the theme, “Build your way to Success”. It also provides an opportunity for Grade Six students to access an application which allows them to access past examination papers. Speaking at the launch of the programme, CoFounder of STEM Guyana, Karen Abrams, who is also fa-

cilitating the initiative, urged residents to take full advantage of it. “...It is a chance for everyone to develop some skills that will prepare them for the future. It is very important that you participate and that you come every week and that you play a role in helping to develop yourself and your community”, Abrams said. She added that with maximum participation, the programme will be even more successful.

Senior in-charge of the Linden Library, Potoni Henry also encouraged parents to allow their children to participate in the programme.

“If you come out in your numbers we will put pressure on STEM. What they will have to do is supply us with the ro-

bilitated,” a statement from the Ministry said.

The trail which was dubbed the “gateway” to the interior has been massively deteriorating over the past months.

Although an $89 million contract was awarded to JR Construction Services and Mekdeci Mining Company (MMC), to facilitate upgrade works back in 2017, miners and other commuters were still praying for the road to be fixed.

In fact, the state of the road has now left miners and other road users fearful for their stocks and moreover their lives, as it becomes more and more difficult to use the trail every day. Persons were even forced to suspend their operations at various intervals owing to the nearly impassable roads in the area.

A few frustrated miners who are obligated to use the trail with their heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles have been experiencing the full discomfort, having their faith and adrenaline tested as they venture into the almost impassable roads.

Guyana Times was told that the loam trail becomes the most difficult to get by when it rains, with miners almost considering themselves lucky to get through the sticky roads alive without

The current state of the Puruni trail

their trucks toppling or becoming stuck in the mud.

The miners have been calling on the Government to rectify the situation as it continues to affect their livelihood.

President of the mining syndicates, Cheryl Williams, recently told reporters that she has been incurring losses, along with her fellow miners, and noted that she too was forced to suspend her operations, saying that others were also forced to suspend mining.

It was explained that the road was “neglected” for over one year and it has deteriorated over the past several months.

In some cases, she noted, persons have been injured.

She further explained that while individuals would pay

$15,000 to travel by road or $20,000 by water, the prices heighten as the roads worsen.

“The trucks that going in would charge $300,000 to $1,000,000 to get in when the road is bad and you take four to five days just to reach Puruni… we are pleading with the Government, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to fix the Puruni Road and rid miners of the trials currently faced to accessing mining areas,” she noted.

The Puruni Road runs from Itaballi through Papishpou and is said to be the only entrance and exit to various sections of Region Seven.

14 NEWS

fridAY, february 8, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

President assents to nurses UG on lockdown until Monday …Police say threats made by mischievous persons and midwives legislation …weeks after no-confidence motion successfully passed

T

he certification of the no-confidence vote has signalled that all post-December 21, 2018 Government business should be limited to essential operations.

However, President David Granger on January 23, 2019 gave his assent to the Amended Nurses and Midwives Bill, making it law. On January 4, 2019, the National Assembly, without the presence of Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), met and passed the Bill.

This was about two weeks after the no-confidence motion was successfully passed and certified by the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Government had a majority of 33 over the Opposition’s 32 seats, but was defeated after former Alliance For Change (AFC) member Charrandas Persaud broke ranks and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

Meanwhile, the legality of the Bill’s passage and subsequent presidential assent, as with other post-December 21 initiatives, is likely to garner much contention, since some legal minds opined that Government should have a

President David Granger

limited role.

But President Granger has openly stated that he would remain President and that “there is no such thing as a caretaker Government”.

Some legal minds are of the view that Guyana could be on the path to a constitutional crisis. One such person is People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament and former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who said on Wednesday that Government’s delaying measures in calling elections could affect Guyana’s stance on a number of national and international matters, since an “illegitimate Government” would not be ap-

propriate to advocate the country’s cause on an international stage.

Nevertheless, via the President’s assent to the Amended Nurses and Midwives legislation, provision has been made to allow nurses and midwives the opportunity to study and specialise in various areas. The previous Nurses’ Bill, which governed the training and employment of nurses and midwives, had been enacted since 1942. As reported, nurses would have the opportunity to study and upgrade their careers through tertiary education and other studies.

The law provides for a Nurses and Midwives Council to be established. The law sought to make provision for the registration and regulation of nurses, midwives and nursing assistants. It outlines that anyone in the nursing profession found guilty of professional misconduct can face a fine of up to $100,000.

Another penalty relates to practising without a valid licence, wherein the Bill says that any nurse or midwife guilty of this offence shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of $500,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.

T

he University of Guyana has postponed all classes for this week after a second bomb threat was directed at the institution on Thursday morning, thus resulting in the administration’s call to protect the lives of students and implement responsive measures.

This is the second consecutive day in which anonymous persons issued a threat, resulting in a visit from both the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Police Force to conduct a thorough search of the compound.

The University on Thursday said that time was needed for response mechanisms to be put in place in case of any emergency and as such, all classes were suspended. On February 11, all activities are scheduled to resume as per normal, the institution in a statement said, adding that the suspension of classes would also enable the institution to assess situations which occurred over the recent days.

After Police ranks completed their search, it was noted that there were “no significant threats” and further, that mischievous persons were behind these acts to disrupt the campus.

“From our investigations, there is no significant threat; our investigations

have revealed so far that students either by themselves or with other persons decided to be mischievous and endeavour to disrupt the existing peace and calm in society and specifically in the education sectors,” the Police stated.

They maintained that action has been taken on the part of the Force so far, to respond to the threats and assess the circumstances in which they were made. A meeting was convened on Wednesday evening with Vice Chancellor, Dr Ivelaw Griffith and other senior officials whereby “the situation was assessed and they were advised that the situation arose from mischievous students, either by themselves or other persons”.

The public and, most importantly, students were advised that there is no need for “panic or undue concern”.

Assurance was given by the Guyana Police Force that the investigation will continue until the suspected individuals are apprehended.

Fraudsters warning

Meanwhile, with reports that fraudsters have already begun capitalising on the situation, the Education Ministry sent out a firm warning to the public, cautioning them during this time to be alert.

Reports are that persons

are visiting homes under the pretext of investigating the school threats. Homeowners are advised to make immediate contract with the nearest Police Station and to not allow anyone onto their property.

The threats started less than two weeks ago at the School of the Nations and escalated quickly when the Director, Dr Brian O’Toole was shot twice to the arms at his Bel Air Promenade, Georgetown home.

Subsequently, students at Queen’s College and The Bishops’ High School began receiving similar threats.

The first bomb threat emerged earlier on Wednesday indicating that other persons will be planting explosives at various institutions. The posts were prevalent on Facebook in the name of an unknown individual going by the name of “Ki Ra” saying, “This is not the end.”

Parents of students who attend School of the Nations staged a picketing exercise, calling for a swift investigation despite efforts by the institution to beef up security at the entrance with added Police presence.

They have even offered a $1 million award for anyone who can provide credible information which could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, february 8, 2019

15

Around the World

Evidence shows Khashoggi Venezuela crisis: Aid lorries stuck in Colombia border city murder planned, carried out by Saudi officials: UN T

A

United Nations-led inquiry into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said on Thursday that evidence pointed to a brutal crime “planned and perpetrated”

by Saudi officials.

Khashoggi’s killing by a team of Saudi operatives on October 2, 2018, provoked widespread revulsion and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, previously adving deep changes including tax reform, infrastructure projects and allowing women to drive.

US intelligence agencies believe Crown Prince Mohammed ordered an operation to kill Khashoggi, a critic and Washington Post columnist, and say his body was dismembered and removed to a location still publicly unknown. Riyadh denies the prince had any involvement in the murder.

File photo: A demonstrator holds picture of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi during a protest in front of Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, October 5, 2018

“Evidence collected during my mission to Turkey shows prime facie case that

Mr Khashoggi was the victim of a brutal and premeditated killing, planned and perpetrated by officials of the State of Saudi Arabia,” Agnes Callamard, UN special rapporteur for extrajudicial summary or arbitrary executions, said in statement issued in Geneva.

She said her January 28 to February 3 mission to Turkey with a team of three experts “could not firmly establish whether the original intention was to abduct Mr Khashoggi, with his murder planned only in the eventuality of this abduction failing.”

Saudi officials had “seriously undermined” and delayed Turkey’s efforts to investigate the crime scene at its Istanbul consulate, where Khashoggi had gone to get papers needed for his wedding, she said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Sierra Leone’s President declares ‘rape scourge’ a national emergency

T

he brutal rape of a young girl by her uncle in Sierra Leone became the rallying point for a campaign that on Thursday pushed President Julius Maada Bio to declare the prevalence of sexual violence a national emergency.

The five-year-old girl, whose identity has been kept secret for her own safety, has been paralyzed from the waist down since a 28-year-old male relative raped her a year ago, crushing her spine.

“She may never walk again, and I want vengeance for what has happened,” her grandmother told Reuters, sitting next to the girl in her wheelchair in a Freetown medical clinic.

The assault was one of many that have gone unpunished in Sierra Leone, where until now sexually-motivated crimes carried a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and few cases were successfully prosecuted.

Following months of campaigning by activists, the President declared a nation-

A five-year-old girl poses with her doll as she sits in her wheelchair in the courtyard of the Aberdeen Women’s Centre, one year after a sexual assault that her family says left her paralysed, in Freetown, Sierra Leone February 7, 2019

al emergency and said those convicted of sexual offences against minors would face life in prison.

“Some of our families practise a culture of silence and indifference towards sexual violence, leaving victims even more traumatised,” Bio told

a crowd at the State House.

According to police statistics, reported cases of sexual and gender-based violence nearly doubled last year to over 8500, a third of which involved a minor. Activists, including First Lady Fatima Bio, say the actual figures are much higher as most cases are never reported.

Gender-based violence is a traditionally seen as a taboo topic in Sierra Leone. Only 12 years ago Parliament passed its first gender equality laws in 46 years of independence, following lobbying efforts by women’s rights groups.

Implementation of these policies has been slow and law enforcement agencies have been hampered by inadequate resources, promoting a culture of impunity.

In December, the First Lady led a demonstration in the capital to raise awareness of the issue, and has since launched her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign to increase awareness of violence against girls across West Africa. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Police unearth drug trafficking syndicate between Jamaica and Trinidad he Narcotics Police 30, of Frankfield district in ty of capsules containing

T

have unearthed a drug trafficking syndicate operating between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago when they arrested and charged three people at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston for breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act on Thursday, January 30.

Charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine and importing cocaine are Francine Barrett,

Clarendon; Jermain Smith, 38, also of Frankfield; and Lovelace Hamilton, 43, of Trout Hall in Clarendon.

Reports from the police are that Barrett, Smith and Hamilton arrived in Jamaica on a flight from Trinidad. During security checks white substance resembling cocaine was found in their possession. The three were then taken to a medical facility where they further expelled a quanti-

white substance resembling cocaine weighing approximately seven pounds, with an estimated street value of $7.5 million.

Barrett is scheduled to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Monday, February 11, while Smith and Hamilton are scheduled to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, February 12. (Jamaica Observer)

he first lorries with US humanitarian aid for Venezuela have arrived in the Colombian border city of Cúcuta. The vehicles are currently parked near the Tienditas bridge, which remains blocked by Venezuelan troops.

President Nicolás Maduro, who has the support of the army, has rejected letting it into the country. Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, who has declared himself interim president, has warned many Venezuelans are in danger of dying without international aid.

Guaidó is head of Venezuela’s National Assembly and says the Constitution allows him to assume power temporarily when the president is deemed illegitimate.

Several lorries with food and medicine are now at a collection centre in Cúcuta, Colombia

He has secured the backing of over 40 countries, including the US and most Latin American and European nations. Maduro still has the support of China and Russia.

On Thursday, several lorries with food and medicine arrived at a collection centre in Cúcuta.

The vehicles were es-

corted by Colombian Police motorcycles. It was not immediately clear how the humanitarian aid would be delivered across the border.

The Venezuelan military had earlier placed cargo containers and a tanker lorry across the Tienditas bridge, which connects Cúcuta and the city of Ureña in Venezuela. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Oldest known elephant in captivity dies at 88 in India

D

akshayani, thought to be the world’s oldest elephant in captivity, has died at the age of 88 in India. Given the title Gaja Muthassi or elephant granny, Dakshayani took part in temple rituals and processions at the Chengalloor Mahadeva Temple in the southern state of Kerala. But her vet said the elephant stopped taking food and died on Tuesday. Keepers started feeding her pineapples and carrots in recent years after she began to have trouble moving around.

She had not taken part in any public event for several years. The Travancore Devaswom Board, which runs the temple where she lived, says she was the oldest elephant in captivity and estimated her age at

Dakshayani, pictured here in 2016, lived at the Chengalloor Mahadeva Temple in southern Kerala state

88.

However, the current Guinness World Record holder for oldest elephant in captivity is Lin Wang.

The Asian elephant died at a zoo in Taiwan in 2003 aged 86, and served with the British Army in World War Two. Another elephant, Indira, died in India’s Karnataka state in 2017 and was reportedly aged “between 85 and 90”.

India has more than 2400 elephants in captivity.

The former Travancore Devaswom Board president told AFP news agency that Dakshayani was well-treated. “Due to various practical constraints, we could not let her loose, but instead ensured that she had more than enough space to move around,” he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Japan PM vows to fight child abuse after ‘heart-wrenching’ death of girl, 10

A

uthorities in Japan are facing demands to do more to protect children from abusive parents following the death of a 10-year-old girl who was returned to the care of her father despite evidence that he had been violent towards her.

Mia Kurihara was found dead in the bathroom of her home in Chiba, near Tokyo, in January, just over year after telling teachers that her father, Yuichiro Kurihara, regularly beat and bullied her.

Her body was found with bruises and scratches, and she appeared to have been repeatedly doused with cold water. Kurihara was arrested the following day on suspicion of causing bodily harm, and her mother, Nagisa, was arrested this week in connection with their daughter’s death. An autopsy failed to establish why Mia had died.

The case has attracted huge media attention and prompted criticism of Japanese authorities amid a dramatic rise in the num-

ber of abuse cases. Police reported the suspected abuse of a record 80,104 children last year, according to Government figures released on Thursday, up almost 25 per cent from the previous year. Experts attributed the rise to growing public awareness of the issue in the wake of several high-profile cases. Japanese welfare officials and Police have traditionally been reluctant to investigate allegations of child abuse and domestic violence.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

T

he 2019 edition of Naya Zamana 22 – “Tere Bin” will be staged at the National Cultural Centre on Sunday and from all indications, it will be a packed house.

This theatrical spectacular, which was first staged in August 2018, received great reviews and as such, calls were made for there to be a held over. It is with this in mind, that the event is being hosted

friDAY, february 8, 2019

on Sunday.

“Tere Bin”, meaning ‘without you’ is written, choreographed and directed by Dr Vindhya Vasini Persaud and features in the lead roles Aliyah Hassan, Anusha Doodnauth, Travez and Amber Piaralall, Deepta Banik, Angelina Leitch, Renuka Muniram and Saanvi Dukhbanjan.

It traces the struggles and adventures of two sisters who want to succeed in the entertainment

world and is replete with fabulous choreography and spectacular costumes and sets. Special lighting for the show is provided by Travellers Sound and Lighting.

The production features a cast of more than 50 dancers who have been trained at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Dharmic Kendra in Prashad Nagar. Patrons are promised a memorable evening and an experience of a lifetime.

A

ll roads will lead to the Bath Settlement Community Centre Ground on Sunday evening for the semi-finals of the Chutney Monarch, where 12 artistes clash headon for a space in the final. The artistes are making sure their props and sounds are in order for the big showdown.

The final is billed for Sunday, February 17, at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground. Reigning Chutney Monarch, Bunty Singh, will be defending his title on the night of the final with his entry “Mashaaraani and She Polaures”.

He will nevertheless be competing with several young, upcoming and promising artistes who are ready to take on the challenge.

Pooran Seeraj, a former Chutney Monarch who had taken a break due to commitment overseas, is back and he will be performing “GT Ladki”. On the other hand, Steven Ramphall who has been creating quite a vibe will be performing “Rang ke bare”.

Some of the other artistes that have been creating quite a stir are Arijit Singh who will perform “Ring on the lukanee”; Parsasram also known as “Vicadi Singh” Singh, with perform “Mr Rajput”; Sasnaayan Hitnarayan, also called “Prince HTN” with the piece “Love and Unity”.

The others who are competing for the title are Chandarpaul Nathoo who will be singing his tune “Mash 49”; Goonwattie Harrynarine, also called “Amrita” will perform “Dulaha Dulahin”; Hamesh Rhyna, called “Entertainer V Star” with “My dreams”; Deonarine Balkissoon, also called “Nishal B” will perform “I Proud to be a Guyana”; Satish Udairam with “Mash up Guyana” and another Berbician, Christopher Ramphal with “Sundar Larki”.

The contestants will be backed by the Shakti Strings Orchestra.

T

he mining town of Linden is the place to be this Saturday evening as the 18 contestants vying for the Carib Soca Monarch will clash in the semi-finals. The Linden-Georgetown Minibus Park is set to explode with talent and good vibes as the artistes are all set to leave a mark.

Not only will they be competing to test their talent but will be competing to secure a spot in the final. All eyes will be on Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo who has returned after a two-year hiatus.

He will be performing his newest single titled “Tribute”.

Steven Ramphall, for the first time will be participating in the soca competition and is confident that he will do well. His tune is titled “Ah Feeling De Vibez” and it has been creating quite a buzz on the airwaves.

Reigning Carib Soca Monarch, Brandon Harding is ready to defend his title but will not be participating in Linden on Saturday evening. He will be singing “Alone” on the night of the final set for February 16.

Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, who is pushing her tune “One Voice” is also one of the front runners to make it into the final. No doubt, Lindeners will be cheering for their own, Diana Chapman, who is set to perform “Blessed”.

And then, there is Jonathan “Lil Red” King with “Free Up Yuhself”. Ernesta Nelson is coming this year with “Beating Palm”, while Ryan “T” will perform “Waan Feel the Vibes”; Alisha Hamid with “Shaha Me Lode Jammin”; Sherwin Rose, also called “Natural 1”, will be performing “Cat & Dog”; Collis Mc Donald will perform “Push Back”; Shaima Muna will be performing “Sexy Berry”; Melissa Pestano with her tune “I Don’t Watch No Face”; Quincy Boyce with “Come to Badder Bamba” and Euclid Samuels with “Arrowhead Stand Tall”.

In addition, Marlon Simon, also called “Blaze Anthonio”, will come strong with “Woman”; Oxbert Cain will perform “Soca King”; Clifton Adolphus, also known as “Passion”, is ready to perform “Miss J’ouvert”; and finally Nton and Kempton Richards will take to the stage with “Jam”.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, February 8, 2019

A

T

he Guyana National Stadium is the place to be the night before Mashramani as Banks DIH hosts “Wet Fete 2019”. The event will be held in two zones – dry and wet.

In the dry zone, patrons can enjoy powder and body paint while the wet zone will have glow form with water, sprinkles and overhead water cannons. The night is expected to be off the hook with several regional deejays in the house. These include P-Star Perry with Kidd Frost and Nick Pena with Romie Rome.

The local deejays include Deejay Gully Ras and Selector Diamond, King Keev, Breeze, Akeem and Colin. For the partyholics, they can purchase six GT Beer and get a bucket or buy six GT Beer and get a T-shirt and finally they can purchase five GT Beer and collect a key ring bottle opener.

Admission is free but the first 500 persons will receive a free GT Beer upon entry.

In addition, there will be specials all night long.

Lighting and stage will be provided by Cloud Nine.

fter revelling in the Mashramani Costume and Float Parade on February 23, the action continues at the Better Home Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara with “Chutney Fest”. This event is primarily sponsored by Carib and will feature several chutney singers including reigning Chutney Monarch, Bunty Singh.

In addition, there will be members of the Shakti String Orchestra and one of the East Coast’s very own, Vicadi Singh, who is also competing in the Chutney Monarch completion which gets underway this weekend and will culminate on

17

February 17.

However, adding some flare to the evening will be the versatile and energetic Granny Ivelaw and members of the Shalita Dance Troupe. Before the artistes and band take to the stage, the deejays will ensure that the mood for a fantastic evening is set.

These deejays include Father Moey, Golden Chyld, and Deejay Stephan from the Number 71 Sound. Tickets can be uplifted on the purchase of a Carib Special at selected supermarkets and bars. This is one event you do not want to miss.

O

n Wednesday, February 20, the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard will celebrate its 29th anniversary with a bang. This year, the headquarters of the Coast Guard, Ramp Road, Ruimveldt, will be lit with a party titled “Sea, Sand and Soca”.

The event will feature Trinidad’s soca sensation Olatunji and Guyana’s own, Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson. The two artistes are known for their hyped performances and without a doubt they will entertain to the fullest.

In addition to the performances, there will be barbeque on sale whether chicken, pork or beef. Tickets for the event cost $1500 and $4000 for the VIP experience. Music will be provided by Notorious Sounds along with the Banks DIH deejays.

“Sea, Sand and Soca” is sponsored

by Banks DIH and Corona. Remember, the place to be on February 20 will be the GDF Coast Guard Headquarters, Ramp Road.

T

imehri, on the East Bank of Demerara, will come alive on Saturday evening as the second J’Ouvert party is hosted. The event is slated to be held at the One Touch Wash Bay; a stone throw away from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

The first J’Ouvert saw patrons having maximum fun until the Plice ended the event prematurely. However, this time around, the organisers are hoping to put on one of the best shows in the village.

It will definitely be a kaleidoscope of colours as the event is expected to be one of a kind with the full hype as a Carnival-styled J’Ouvert party.

Water will not be an issue as several water sources have been identified close to the

venue. It will be a night of shelling down to the best soca music while at the same time getting drenched.

Several top deejays will be part of the event to ensure everyone has the time of their lives.

Several top deejays will passing through as well as the best on the East Bank will be on the consoles. Apart from the actual J’Ouvert party, scrumptious Bar-Be-Que will be on sale. The excitement starts at 20:00h.

Meanwhile, the Costume and Float Parade is expected to be held the following weekend. The road tramp will start at the Timehri Docks Area and will culminate at Red Ground for a grand wash down.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, february 8, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Take a close look at what you are doing and consider what you want to do moving forward. Making a couple of changes or picking up additional skills will enhance your chance to advance.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Think big, but don’t take on the impossible. You’ll have some good ideas that will make you stand out.

Don’t let anyone take credit for your work or suggestions.

CANCER

Weigh the pros and cons before you make a choice.

Taking a responsible step forward will end up giving you greater freedom to use your ideas, skills and experience in the future.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Take care of business before you move on to more pleasurable pastimes. Being responsible will help protect you from falling out of favor when an opportunity or promotion comes along.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Make plans to get out with people who inspire you to be your best. Networking will lead to a discussion that will promote a joint venture or new opportunity.

Make plans with people you love to spend time with.

A personal change will improve your life, and updating your appearance will invite compliments. Romance is in the stars.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Look for something you can do with a loved one. A change of heart will help improve your personal life and give you something to look forward to. Romance is encouraged.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Do something creative or try something you’ve never done before. Expand your interests and friendships to discover a hidden talent.

Romance is highlighted.

SUDOKU

Be careful with whom SAGITTARIUS you share personal informa(Nov. 23- tion. Someone will take adDec. 21) vantage of your generosity.

Use intelligence when faced with a competitive situation.

Get together with friends or relatives.

solution for YESTERDAY’s puzzle

Add a little flair to whatCAPRICORN ever you do. A creative ap(Dec. 22- proach to an old idea or projJan. 19) ect will inspire enthusiasm.

If you evaluate an important relationship, it will bring you and the other party closer together.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t use force when you can use intelligence to get what you want. An opportunity will present itself if you put in the physical effort required to get what you want.

Don’t let your enthusiasm allow others to take advantage of you. Only offer what’s reasonable and required when lending a helping hand. Donate time, not cash.

fridAY, february 8, 2019

19

England’s Ben Stokes an injury doubt for 3rd Test B

en Stokes has emerged as an injury doubt for the third Test against West Indies starting on Saturday with a bruised right heel that may have been caused by running on the beach.

The all-rounder reported soreness in the area after the team underwent a fitness session on the sands of Rodney Bay on Wednesday

morning and did not appear 24 hours later, when practice resumed at the Darren Sammy Stadium.

England are still hopeful Stokes can feature in the Test, with the touring side desperate to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash. But they are taking a cautious route for a player who has sent down 77 overs in the series – not least since his obvious

replacement, Chris Woakes, is nursing knee soreness and was due to lie low before the impending one-day series.

Another concern is the fitness of Ben Foakes, who sustained a bruised hand during the 10-wicket defeat in Antigua. Should Foakes miss out – the Surrey wicketkeeper did at least train – the plan is for Keaton Jennings to return as open-

Body identified as footballer Emiliano Sala’s T

he body recovered from the wreckage of a crashed plane is that of Cardiff City player Emiliano Sala, Dorset Police have said.

Sala, 28, was travelling to Cardiff in a plane piloted by David Ibbotson, which went missing over the English Channel on January 21.

The body was recovered late on Wednesday after the wreckage was found on Sunday morning.

Dorset Police confirmed the identification on Thursday night.

In a statement, the force said: "The body brought to Portland Port today, Thursday 7

February 2019, has been formally identified by HM Coroner for Dorset as that of professional footballer Emiliano Sala.

"The families of Mr Sala and the pilot David Ibbotson have been updated with this news and will continue to be supported by specially-trained family liaison officers."

The body was spotted in the wreckage of the plane on Monday and the authorities were able to recover the body two days later, despite "challenging conditions".

The Air Accidents Investigations Branch (AAIB) said the operation had been carried out "as dignified a way as possible" and the men's families were kept updated throughout.

The Geo Ocean III, which was involved in finding the wreckage, took the body back to the nearest port of Portland in Dorset, where the body was formally identified.

T h e P i p e r Malibu

N264DB was en route from France to Cardiff, after the Argentine striker made a quick trip back to his former club Nantes two days after his £15 million transfer to Cardiff was announced.

Ibbotson, 59, from Crowle, North Lincolnshire, was at the controls when the flight lost contact with air traffic controllers on January 21.

He is yet to be found.

An official search was called off on January 24 after Guernsey's harbour master said the chances of survival were "extremely remote".

But an online appeal started by Sala's agent raised £324,000 (371,000 euros) for a private search led by marine scientist and oceanographer David Mearns.

Working jointly with the AAIB, his ship and the Geo Ocean III, began combing a four square mile area of the English Channel, 24 nautical miles north of Guernsey, to make best use of the available sensors.

Mearns said the plane was identified by sonar, before a submersible with cameras was sent underwater to confirm this. (BBC News)

er, moving Joe Denly down to No 3 and Jonny Bairstow continuing with the gloves from a lower batting position. Much depends on whether Stokes can bowl.

Whatever the makeup of the XI, Jos Buttler expects a response, both to the 2-0 series score and the head coach, Trevor Bayliss, questioning their will to fight during this series. “I think as a player when those kind of things are questioned, it can hurt your pride so you want to prove him wrong,” Buttler said.

“We have not been able to soak up the pressure West Indies have put on us and we haven’t got anything going in partnerships or anyone individually standing up, making a score and batting for periods of time. Those are the areas we need to improve this week.”

Buttler is feeling the heat himself.

Brought back into the side to great success last summer and

promoted to Vice Captain only two games in, the righthander has made just a couple of 20s from four innings this series and still has just

one century from 52 Test innings: a 176-ball 102 against India at Trent Bridge last summer.

He added: “That innings is the best blueprint for me in red-ball cricket. When you experience those feelings and emotions, you’re desperate to experience it again. It’s something I can look back at and draw on as the best template.”

West Indies will be forced into at least one c h a n g e .

J a s o n Holder i s

suspended for the team’s slow over-rate in Antigua and either the all-rounder Keemo Paul or Oshane Thomas, an out-and-out quick who is an imposing physical presence, will step up at a ground that has produced two results from six Tests. (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

fridAY, february 8, 2019

GCB Senior Female Inter-County T20 Tournament…

Berbice, Demerara register victories in round 1 – Millington, Toussaint star performers

T

he T20 format of the 2019 GCB Senior Female Inter-County Tournament commenced with the Select Under-19 and Berbice battling while Demerara challenged Essequibo. Both matches were played at the Everest Ground, as the rain affected play early up.

In the first match, Select

Analiza D’Aguiar claimed 2 for 11, while Vanita Balkishun collected 1 for 28 runs.

Round 2 of the T20 tournament continues today, Friday, February 8, 2019 at Everest Cricket Ground. Cricket lovers and spectators can look forward to seeing Essequibo challenging Berbice from 09:00 h while Demerara will oppose Select Under-19 from 13:30h.

Under-19 took first strike and managed to score 56 for 5 off 17.4 overs. Africa Gentle top-scored with 25 runs while Shabika Gajnabi supported with 14. Bowling for Berbice, player of the match Plaffiana Millington picked up two wickets for 13 while Sheneta Grimmond, Dian Prahalad

Africa Gentle hits a brisk 25

Team Demerara

and Ashmini Munisar collected one wicket each.

Berbice required 15 runs off five overs for victory under the Duckworth Lewis and Stern (DLS) method. They raced to 17 for 1, to win the match with ease; Cherry-Ann Fraser was the lone wicket taker for the Select Under-19 team.

In the second match, Demerara won the toss and inserted Essequibo to bat. Essequibo posted 77 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Aniliza D’Aguiar

top-scored with 18, Lisa Charles and Estelle Lewis contributed 10 runs respectively to the total.

Bowling for Demerara, Hassana Mohamed and Kaysia Shultz picked up two wickets for 13 and six runs respectively.

Demerara replied and successfully achieved their target scoring 78 for 4 in 13 overs. Lashuna Toussaint top-scored with 40 runs, which saw her being awarded the playerof-the-match award.

Bowling for Essequibo,

Player of the Match Plaffiana Millington bowls Cassie Charles (Brandon Corlette photo)

Gayle, Lewis recalled for England ODIs

T

he Windies One-Day

International (ODI) squad for the first two upcoming matches against England starting February 20 has been bolstered by the recall of Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Pooran gets his maiden call-up to the senior ODI squad that will also include Test Captain Jason Holder.

However, there is no place for T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite, Marlon Samuels and Roston Chase, who were all members of the team on the disastrous tour of Bangladesh.

Samuels is reportedly still in the process of rehabilitating his injured knee.

Gayle last played for the Windies against Bangladesh in July 2018 while Lewis makes a return after withdrawing from the Windies tour of India for personal reasons.

Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne indicated that the series against England would be used to assess the team’s progress as it prepares for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup later this year.

"As we continue our Cricket World Cup preparations, the upcoming series against the top-ranked ODI side is a great opportunity for us to gauge where we are as a team,"

Milo Under-18 kicks off tomorrow

Browne said. "This allows us to identify any areas that need addressing relating to selection and also helps the coaching staff to finetune their game strategy.

"We welcome the return of Chris Gayle who missed the last two series and Ashley Nurse from injury. We are pleased to introduce Nicholas Pooran to the ODI cricket for the first time. He is clearly a young player with undoubted talent and we believe he can add value to our middle order. Shannon Gabriel remains very much in our World Cup plans, but with a heavy workload expected in the Test series, he will be considered for selection later in the ODI series."

The full squad is Jason Holder (Captain); Fabian Allen; Devendra Bishoo; Darren Bravo; Chris Gayle; Shimron Hetmyer; Shai Hope; Evin Lewis; Ashley Nurse; Keemo Paul; Nicholas Pooran; Rovman Powell; Kemar Roach and Oshane Thomas. (Sportsmax)

T

he 2019 edition of the Milo Schools football tournament will kick off tomorrow with a scintillating line-up of opening games.

The tournament, which has been around for the past seven years, is sponsored by distributors Beepats under the Nestle Milo brand and caters to secondary school teams in Georgetown and other areas. This year, a 24team roster includes teams from East Coast Demerara, East Bank, Linden, West Coast Demerara and Berbice.

Furthermore, the teams have been divided into six groups of four where they will compete against their group mates in the round-robin segment before they move on to the knockout stages.

This year’s competition will see only one private institution participating, as the coordinator, the Petra Organisation tries to uphold its philosophy.

“There are some popular

institutions that over the years would participate in the tournament and what we as the organisers want to achieve is a wider cross-section of schools being ready and motivated to participate and what some of these institutions are doing is not in keeping with our philosophy,” Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca disclosed at the launching of the 2019 tournament two weeks ago.

As such, this year will see the guaranteed crowning of a new champion, given the fact that the 2018 winners Sir Leon’s Lessons will no longer be in contention.

The action will kick off at 12:00h on Saturday, February 9 at the Ministry of Education Ground, with three games scheduled for that day. The Milo Under-18 football action will continue on Sunday with three more games.

The teams will be vying for a grand prize of $500,000 while second place will receive $300,000. A prize of $200,000 and

$100,000 will be awarded to third and fourth place respectively.

All prizes will be awarded in kind in the form of a project of the school’s choice.

Fixtures: Saturday, February 9 12:00h P r e s i d e n t ’s College v M a r i a n Academy 13:45h Bishops’ High School v North Ruimveldt Secondary 15:30h Q u e e n ’s College v St Stanislaus College

Sunday, February 10 12:00h Annandale Secondary v S t Joseph High 13:45h S o u t h Ruimveldt Secondary v Canje Secondary 15:30h L o d g e Secondary School v S t Mary’s Secondary

21 CLASSIFIED ADS Showstoppers lead the way into “Greatest of the Streets” semi-finals T sports

friday, february 8, 2019 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

ARACARI

ARACARI HOTEL, WBD (NEAR HARBOUR BRIDGE) ALL MODERN AMENITIES- RATES FROM US$25. TEL #264-2946-8 CONFERENCE & RETREATS- FULL SERVICE: HOTEL, CATERING & FACILITES. ARACARI RESORT, WBD. ALEX WAYNE: 264-2946.

WEDDINGS & ANNIVERSARIES. RENTAL OR FULL SERVICE: BANQUET HALL & CATERING, ARACARI RESORT. ALEX WAYNE: 264-2946.

SALON: COSMETOLOGY- FULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000.

ARACARI SALON & SPA, WBD 2643312, 600-3927.

DRIVING ENROLL AT SHALOM ENTERPRISE AT LOT 2 CROAL STREET STABROEK AND OBTAIN AN INTERNATIONAL DIVER’S PERMIT COVERING 132 COUNTRIES. TEL # 619-0106, 622-8162, 227-3869, 227-3835.

services HOUSE PLANS. DRAWN OR ESTIMATE. GIVE US A CALL ON 216-0671/6928464/622-0267.

FACEBOOK: K. LAKERAM CONSTRUCTION

SPIRITUALITY HAVING PROBLEMS SUCH AS HEALTH, MARRIAGE, LOVE LIFE, MONEY AND CHILDREN. REMOVE OBSTACLES OF ANY KIND. I CAN HELP. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT 600-1494

he Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Coast Demerara will come alive tonight as four teams battle for two spots in the final of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” West Coast/ East Bank subdivision.

Weeks of riveting futsal action will all boil down to next weekend’s final, but before this, defending champions Showstoppers, Ballers Empire, Brothers United and Up Top Bosses will have to endure the semi-final round.

The four teams emerged out of the action-packed quarter-finals which were held on Wednesday evening.

Game one saw a battle between Up Top Bosses and Jetty. Jetty were the first to get the scorecard ticking with a goal from McKay Smith in the eighth minute. A little later, Amaniki Buntin equalised with a goal in the 14th minute. It was

RECEIVING YOUR

DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF THE

GUYANA TIMES

a long wait with the scores tied, but eventually, Dellon Lanferman found the back of the net to secure Up Top Bosses’ win.

The second encounter had fans biting away at their nails as Brothers United and Bagotstown Warriors played to a deadlocked game at the

end of regulation time. When they approached the penalty line, only one player out of the Brothers United camp was able to find the back of the net, resulting in their win.

The duel between ESPN and Ballers Empire had a similar fate after superb de-

fensive tactics on the part of both teams saw to a nil-all game when the whistle went.

At the penalty line, Ballers Empire secured two shots, as opposed to ESPN’s 0 for the win.

The final quarter-final game saw defending champions Showstoppers fighting

King of Games 2019 rescheduled to February 16 …imminent bomb threat postpones tournament

T NOT

A glimpse of the quarter-final action between defending champions Showstoppers and West Side Ballers

for a chance to move closer to a true title defence. Coming up against West Side Ballers, this encounter seemed like it would follow the trend of the two before – going down to penalties. However, Stephon Jupiter finally made the connection that his team needed, for a goal in the 26th minute.

Marvin Josiah followed up with another late goal, this time a Guinness goal, to push the score to three-nil and sealing Showstoppers’ win.

The semi-final action will go down tonight at the same venue with Brothers United taking on Ballers Empire and Up Top Bosses looking to stop Showstoppers.

The eventual winner of the subdivision will pocket $500,000 while second place will walk away with half that amount. The third- and fourth-place finishers will be awarded $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

he highly-anticipated King of Studies 2019 small goal tournament will now be hosted on February 16, 2019 at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus at 12:00h opposite the Behavioural Sciences Building. The tournament has been postponed thus far owing to a series of unfortunate events. It was postponed last weekend due to inclement weather, but has now been postponed this weekend due to the imminent bomb threats the University has been receiving throughout the week.

Through it all, organis-

er of the tournament, Jafar Gibbons remains optimistic as he knows that the tournament will be successful no matter what date it is held on. He has further spoken with the administration and has been given the new fixture date, provided there is not another threat to hamper the activity, as the organiser of the tournament is concerned for the safety of students.

The tournament was created with the intention of encouraging student interaction and bringing students together at the University of Guyana.

Therefore, the competition will feature teams that comprise members from various faculties as opposed to the University norm of inter-faculty sports. Ten teams will be vying for top honours such as Goons FC, Kanaima FC, Hot Topic FC, and Hot Strikers FC. The matches will be round-robin style, followed by the knockout stage, which will be three games – two semi-finals and the final. The games will be played in two five-minute halves for the one-day event.

Some of the entities on

board are C&L Construction Inc, Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Guyana Football Federation Inc, the Office of the Vice Chancellor at the University of Guyana, Signature Moov, Robbie Rambarran, Asim Shakur, ASP Antonio Fredericks, Sharma Solomon and Lavern Fraser.

Jafar Gibbons

in your area? Regal Stationery and Computer Centre 20-over tournament Contact our

Circulation Department on Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Fisherman Masters, HS Masters and SVC Grill Masters record wins

T

he action continued over the weekend in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc/ Regal Stationery and Computer Centre 20-over tournament, which saw two exciting matches at the Malteenoes Sports Club, as Fisherman Masters, HS Masters and SVC Grill Masters all recorded wins.

In the first match-up, the in-form Fisherman Masters were set to face off against Wellman Masters.

Opener Unniss Yusuf struck a well-composed 93 to lead his side to a 43-run win over Wellman. Batting first, Fisherman Masters sent to the crease Yusuf and Troy Ramsaywack, who put on an impressive 74-run partnership as they blasted the ball to every part of the ground.

However, Ramsaywack was the first victim to fall as he was bowled for 30 (6x4), but Yusuf remained at the

crease and carried on for Fisherman. Chipping in with runs were Zameer Hassan and Ramo Malone with scores of 19 and 14 respectively as they were able to let loose around Yusuf, who top-scored with 93 (4sx2, 6sx11). Bowling for Wellman were Ramesh Deonarine, who picked up 3-22; Latchman Kallicharran, 2-4 and Sheldon Perch 2-37,

who chipped in to restrict Fisherman Masters to 193 all-out in 19 overs.

Needing 194 for victory off 120 balls, Wellman Masters were only able to muster 158-8 as the Fisherman Masters kept their bowling tight. Scoring for Wellman were the in-form Wayne Jones with 34 (1x4 3x6s); Denish Vickanand with 34 (2x4s, 3x6s) and Ramesh

Deonarine, who made a quick-fire 30. Bowling for Fisherman Masters were Danny Thomas who grabbed 2-18, Pooran Singh with 2-20 and Yusuf showing his all-round abilities with 2-25.

HS Masters then faced Success Masters in a thrilling encounter as Success Masters were able to score a decent total of 167 all-out in their allotted 20 overs.

Following up his century in the previous round of the tournament, Seekumar Budram top-scored with 80.

Bowling for HS Masters was Jairam, who bagged 4-29. In response, HS Masters kept the score ticking along nicely as they ended with 1689, winning the game with just three balls to spare.

Top-scoring for them was Michael Ifill who made 40 off 17 balls, supported by Troy Lewis with 38 despite Mark Fung’s 2-19.

While the action in the open category saw the highlight of the day as SVC Grill Masters skittled out Good Hope Hustlers for 28 in 6.3 overs that saw David Lukenauth bagging 4-10 and Richard Latif 2-12. In response, SVC Grill Masters chased the total down in 2.2 overs for the loss of one wicket, ending on 29-1 with Roy Jafferally top-scoring with 20.

22

fridAY, february 8, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Windies Women win historic 1st ODI over Pakistan Women

T

he Windies Women defeated Pakistan Women by 146 runs in the 1st One Day International as part of the ICC Women’s Championship Round 4 at the Dubai International Stadium. This match was historic as it was the first women’s match ever to be played at the venue.

Captain Stafanie Taylor won the toss for the Windies Women and elected to bat first on a pitch that looked like it offered something for the team batting first. Openers Kycia Knight and Deandra Dottin looked

Player-of-theMatch Deandra Dottin

set to go after the Pakistan bowlers. It was Dottin who took charge with her explosive batting, smashing two 4s in third over to get the scoreboard ticking. Knight was the first wicket to fall in the sixth over when she played on to Sana Mir. Stafanie Taylor joined Deandra Dottin in the middle and the top two T20 all-rounders in the world sought to rebuild the Windies innings. They fended off several overs without a single run being scored, much to the delight of the Pakistan bowlers. This was a calculated play by the Windies’ two most prolific batters. The pair bided their time at the crease, running quick singles and twos when boundaries were hard to get. Their quickness between the wickets caused the Pakistan team to fumble in the field, allowing overthrows.

Dottin was the first to reach half-century, once this landmark was achieved; she turned up the tempo, showcasing some of the flare and West

Indian- style batting.

Not to be out done, Taylor soon reached her half-century and joined Dottin in accelerating the scoring. The skipper struck a few beautiful boundaries, however, on 58 and going after another wide delivery was caught by Sidra Ameen who plucked the ball out the air. This second wicket pair of Taylor and Dottin posted a 143-run partnership before Taylor fell. Shemaine Campbelle joined Dottin and the pair continued where Taylor left off. Dottin looked set to reach triple figures, playing a patient and hard-fought innings. She struck two lofty blows over the ropes, much to the chagrin of the Pakistan bowlers. But on 96 and looking for a big heave to take her to the magical triple figures, she got a top edge which landed safely in the hands of Nahida Khan.

Chedean Nation made one, while Natasha McLean made three. Campbelle was joined by Chinelle Henry and the pair blasted the Windies Women well past 200. Campbelle struck two 4s on her way to 26 not out while Henry hit one straight back to the dugout for a mammoth 6 to finish on 18 not out.

Windies Women posted 216/5 from 50 overs, Dottin 96, Taylor 58, Campbelle 26 not out, Henry 18 not out.

Kainat Imtiaz was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, taking 3/49 from 9 overs.

Shamilia Connell struck in the second over to re-

Windies Women congratulate each other after their 1st ODI win over Pakistan women

move Sidra Ameen for 0 as the Windies bowlers stuck to their line and lengths.

Javeria Khan was given to lifelines when she was dropped by both and Taylor off Connell. Pakistan recovered with Javeria and Nahida Khan taking them to 45 in the 17th over, until Nahida was struck on the helmet when the ball deflected off her gloves. The physiotherapists of both the WINDIES and Pakistan teams rushed to the field together with medical personnel who attended to her, she was eventually stretchered off and did not return to bat. The Windies Women pounced on this opportunity to bowl aggressively to the new batter Umaima Sohail and the plan worked, Dottin trapped her LBW the very first ball she faced.

More medical drama ensued in the over, as Javeria Khan who was deputising as captain as Bismah Maroof missed the match due to an injury sustained in training, started cramping and had to be assisted off the field.

Pakistan finished the 17th over with two new batters at the crease. The Windies relished their fortunes, as the pair of Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz, scored heavily against them during the T20 series.

Taylor rotated her bowlers and shifted her fielders like an expert surgeon, with precision and made the right moves at the right moment.

It paid dividends as Afy Fletcher scalped the wicket of Aliya, this then initiated a slide of four quick wickets, as Dottin joined Fletcher to wreck the Pakistan middle order. Pakistan from

45/1, slumped to 70 all out.

Javeria returned to bat but was bowled by Taylor for 21.

Nahida retired hurt on 23, while bowler Aiman Anwer did not bat. Pakistan had two players who did not bat out the match.

Deandra Dottin finished with figures of 3/14 and Afy Fletcher 3/17. The 146-run win by the Windies Women was their largest margin of victory in ODIs since 2013.

The 143-run 2nd wicket partnership between Taylor and Dottin, was the second highest by the Windies Women, with the 176-run partnership between Taylor and Hayley Matthews against South Africa as the highest. Deandra Dottin carried her form in the 1st ODI and was adjudged Player-ofthe-Match.

Guyana Lottery Company launches GCA fixtures continue M sport betting initiative A fter introducing many ways to make a buck to Guyanese patrons, the Guyana Lottery Company has now stepped into the arena of sport betting with their new Let’s Bet Brand.

Although the Let’s Bet Sports Brand was officially launched Thursday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the service is said to have been up and running since February, 1.

The betting system will be available at over 200 Guyana Lottery Company agents, as disclosed by General Manager Tracey Lewis, who took her time at the podium to detail the contributions that the Lottery Company has made to Guyana.

“We have paid millions in prizes; we always have the best oneof-a kind promotions; we have given millions in sponsorship and donations and what is important to note is that every ticket you buy benefits our country. And today that figure stands at over $7 billion that we have raised for Guyana, towards social causes, youth, sport and culture,” Lewis revealed.

The betting will take two forms – pre-match and virtual. The pre-match betting will offer sports such as cricket, football, basketball, tennis and baseball among others, while the virtual betting will feature three-minute virtual games where patrons can bet on the spot.

Expectantly, the Lottery Company is facilitating a launching promotion that was explained by Marketing Coordinator Donielle Barnes.

“We have a fantastic promotion, whereby with every purchase of a Let’s Bet ticket to the value of $1000 you will receive a coupon, you just need to complete the details and drop it in a box at your Let’s Bet sport agents for a chance to win an authentic NBA jersey,” Barnes explained.

Furthermore, one of two brand ambassadors, Ian D Barros encouraged sports fans to get behind the Lottery Company’s new initiative.

“We are the sport betting company of Guyana, every ticket benefits our country. So go out there, support Guyana, get your Let’s Bet ticket and be part of the game,” De Barros encouraged.

Local sport journalist Rawle Toney is the second Let’s Bet brand ambassador.

Guyana Lottery Company General Manager Tracey Lewis

atches organised by the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) will continue this weekend with some crucial fixtures.

The GCA launched three competitions for the year 2019: the Gise/Star Party & Trophy Stall Competition, Noble House Seafood 2nd Division Competition, and the Noble House Next Gen Under-19. Of the three competitions launched, the Noble House Next Gen Under-19 100 overs was held last weekend which saw Zone A and Zone B competing against each other.

However, this week will see

the continuation of the Noble House Next Gen Under-19 100 overs. These fixtures will have ECO Champs taking on Transport Sports Club at Camp Road while the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) will duke it with Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) at Bourda. Bel Air Rubis will then do battle with Malteenoes Sports Club at Ogle and GNIC will attempt to overthrow the inform DCC at GNIC. The New Building Society (NBS) Second Division 40-Over 2018/2019 season will continue tomorrow with two matches as the in-form Malteenoes SC will

take on the UG Trojans who will be looking for some consolation wins as they lost a few matches back to back.

This fixture will be played at Malteenoes. The other fixture will see DCC battling Everest at Queenstown.

While on Sunday, the Trojans will have another chance as they will have to face off against Everest CC at Camp Road. On Sunday, Transport Sports Club will do battle with the in-form Police Sports Club as Police will be looking to add another win to their tally. All matches are scheduled to commence at 11:00h on both days.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, february 8, 2019

23

2018-2019 Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Green, King half-centuries leave Jaguars in spot of bother on day 1 – Rutherford grabs 3, Scorpions 320-8

Sherfane Rutherford

By Brandon Corlette

J

amaica Scorpions are the happier team at the end of day one with 320-8 on the board, with Test centurion Jerome Taylor still to bat.

Derval Green and Brandon King hit contrasting half-centuries while Sherfane Rutherford grabbed three wickets on an eventful opening day.

Earlier, Guyana Jaguars Captain Leon Johnson won the toss and opted to field first, making two changes from last round’s starting XI. Christopher Barnwell and Sherfane Rutherford were included while Clinton Pestano and Keon Joseph were excluded. Scorpion’s openers Chadwick Walton and Oraine Williams went out to bat, as the third ball of the morning, bowled by Romario Shepherd, went to the boundary. Jaguars got their first wicket when Shepherd found the edge of Williams’ bat with the score on 13-1 in 4.4 overs. Williams was out caught at first slip by skipper Johnson, who completed a sharp low catch.

Reifer shared the new ball as Walton and Brandon King looked to consolidate, with rain in sight. At 17-1 in 5.5 overs, rain interrupted play with Walton on seven and King was yet to score. The players made their way onto the field after the first rain interruption.

Walton was cautious in his stroke-play while King was in a no-nonsense mode.

King danced down the track and hit Gudakesh Motie for four to the long-off boundary for his first boundary. The right-handed King took on Veerasammy Permaul cutting one behind point for four in the 17th over. He replicated the shot, this time off the front foot, hitting Motie to the cover boundary.

The first six of the match was hit when King used his feet to good effect and hit Motie over the long-off boundary, in the 18th over, Permaul, bowling from the northern end, removed Walton for 14 from 45 balls, with the score on 48-2. Walton was looking to turn the ball into the legside, but the ball took the edge and found Johnson. However, Walton was disappointed in Umpire Joel Wilson’s decision as the ball looked to have hit his pad, on the way into Johnson’s palms.

Another rain break took place, the heavens opened up at 48-2 in 18.1 overs, and the umpires were forced to take an early lunch. King remained unbeaten on 24 from 48 balls with three fours and one six at lunch, while Jermaine Blackwood was the next batsman in. Blackwood and King mixed aggression and defence as the elegant King brought up his eight First-class half-century.

King failed to convert a good start as he was bowled all over the place by Sherfane Rutherford for 51 from 96 balls,

hitting eight fours and one six.

The 24-year-old King, who scored twin fifties against the Volcanoes this season, played on the wrong line as the ball swung back sharply, hitting the off-stumps. After the 46-run partnership between King and Blackwood ended, Guyanese Assad Fudadin came in at number five to bat.

The 33-year-old left handed Fudadin, who hails from Rose Hall Town, looked rock solid for the Jamaica Scorpions.

Rutherford continued from the southern end in his first spell, bowling at some good speed.

Fudadin hit boundaries at will, timing Shepherd through the backward point and gully region. In the process, Blackwood and Fudadin survived some close calls, but the duo saw the Jamaica Scorpions reach 100, losing only three wickets.

Fudadin, who scored his 5000th run in First-Class cricket in the last round, was eventually removed by Rutherford when he was looking to hit the ball over the infield down the ground, but was out caught at mid-off by Shepherd. The big Berbician, Shepherd, completed a brilliant running catch to see the back of Fudadin, who scored a quick 23. Fudadin’s 23 came off 24 balls including five elegant boundaries.

The promising 38-run partnership between Fudadin and Blackwood ended with the score on 132-4 off 37.2

overs. Rutherford kept coming and the brisk right-arm fast bowler removed Blackwood, who was out caught brilliantly

by Christopher Barnwell at second slip. It was a testing line and length that saw Rutherford reaping success; Blackwood faced 65 balls and hitting six fours in his prosperous innings of 44.

Scorpions captain Paul Palmer and Windies limitedover player Rovman Powell were at the crease with the score on 144-5; the Jamaicans had to rebuild the innings.

Powell, who lacked patience throughout his innings ,was the next batsman dismissed for 17 from 25 balls, including three boundaries. The righthanded Powell was out caught

by Rutherford off the bowling of Permaul when he skied one into the 30-yard area on the off-side.

The Jamaican team were 172-6 in 50.3 overs; Palmer was partnered by Kenroy Williams as the Jaguars had the edge in the afternoon session. At the tea interval taken at 15:15, Scorpions were 196-6 after 60 overs; Palmer was unbeaten on 18 while Williams was unbeaten on 11. The second session was eventful, Scorpions scored 148 runs and lost four big wickets; three belonged to Sherfane Rutherford.

It was the final session of the opening day; Jaguars put an end to the 56-run partnership between Palmer and Williams. The left-handed Scorpions Captain was out, caught by Bramble off the bowling of Motie for 29 from 85 balls, hitting five fours.

Scorpions were 228-7 in 67.5 overs, but Kenroy Williams rode his luck after he was dropped in the slip-cordon by Johnson.

Two runs later, Scorpions slipped to 230-8 when Williams was out for 33 from 60 balls hitting six boundaries.

He was out caught behind

by Bramble off the bowling of Motie. Derval Green and Dennis Bulli looked to push the Scorpions to 300 on the opening day. Green was the aggressor, hitting the bad

Derval Green and Dennis Bulli shared an unbroken 90-run partnership

balls to the boundary. He took the mickey to Johnson in an over that cost 17 runs; Green smashed two sixes down the ground and one four in the eventful over.

The pugnacious Green continued to play his shots in fearless fashion and he reached his third First-Class half-century with a pull shot off Shepherd. Green and Bulli

3

ended the opening day with 59 and 30 respectively, in a 90-run unbroken partnership.

Bowling for the Jaguars, Rutherford was the pick of the bowlers with 3-52 while Permaul and Motie had two wickets each. Romario Shepherd had one wicket in a tough day in the field. The first ball on day two will be bowled off from 10:00h local time.

SCOREBOARD

Jamaica Scorpions 1st Innings C Walton c Johnson b Permaul O Williams c Johnson b Shepherd B King b Rutheroford J Blackwood c Barnwell b Rutherford A Fudadin c Shepherd b Rutherford P Palmer c Bramble b Motie R Powell c Rutherford b Permaul K Williams c Bramble b Motie D Green not out D Bulli not out Extras 10 Total 320-8 90 overs

14 10 51 44 23 19 17 33 59 30

FOW 1 - 13(ORAINE WILLIAMS, 4.4 ov) , 2 - 48(CHADWICK WALTON, 18.1 ov) , 3 94(BRANDON KING, 31.3 ov) , 4 - 132(ASSAD FUDADIN, 37.2 ov) , 5 - 144(JERMAINE BLACKWOOD, 43.2 ov) , 6 172(ROVMON POWELL, 50.3 ov) , 7 - 228(PAUL PALMER, 67.5 ov) , 8 - 230(KENROY WILLIAMS, 69.1 ov) Bowling R Shepherd 16-4-55-1 R Reifer 18-5-46-0 V Permaul 15-3-52-2 G Motie 20-2-70-2 S Rutherford 10-2-52-3 C Barnwell 8-3-14-0 L Johnson 3-0-27-0

GABF discloses trial team for Americup qualifiers

J

ust two weeks away from the national team’s Americup stint in Colombia, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has announced a 22-member trial squad that will be a part of preparations for the impending tournament.

The 22-member squad which comprises overseas and locally-based players will be a part of two days of trials this weekend – February 9 and 10 –

from 07:00h to 09:00h and 05:00h to 07:00h respectively. The trials are expected to determine which players are best for the qualifiers and to also discover some talent.

Following this weekend of scouting, the Federation will host seven days of encampment for those players who were selected to represent the Golden Arrowhead.

The team is expected to jet off to Colombia on

February 20, after which the FIBA Americup qualifiers will run from February 22 to 24 in Tunja, Colombia.

Guyana has been drawn in Group B of the qualifiers with hosts Colombia, Bolivia and Paraguay. This qualifier tournament, if won, will grant Guyana a place in the FIBA Americup Championship 2021.

The GABF is optimistic of qualifying for the international tournament after having won the Caribbean

Basketball Championships in June 2018. Successful CBC coach and GABF Technical Coordinator Junior Hercules will lead the national team once again.

The 22-member trial team is as follows: 1. Stanton Rose (USA) 2. Kevon Wiggins (USA) 3. Anthony Moe (USA) 4. Rawl Marshal (USA) 5.

Harold Adams (Linden)

6.

Orlon Glasgow (Linden) 7.

Shaine Webster (Linden) 8.

Travis Burnette (Georgetown) 9. Timothy Thompson (Georgetown) 10. Travis Belgrave (Georgetown) 11. Sean Doman (USA) 12.

Jamal Gilkes (Kwakwani) 13.

Dave Causway (Kwakwani) 14. Carlos Edwards

(Georgetown) 15. Yannick Tappin (Linden) 16.

Tyrone Hamid (Georgetown) 17. Kevon Emanuel (Berbice) 18. Akeem Crandon (Georgetown) 19. Dominic Vincente (Georgetown) 20. Adrian Webster (Linden) 21.

Leanard Primo (Kwakwani) 22. Delroy James (USA)

fridAY, february 8, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Green, King half-centuries leave Jaguars in spot of bother on day 1 Umpires’ decisions went the other way for Jaguars (Brandon Corlette photos)

Brandon King scored 51

Page 23

– Rutherford grabs 3, Scorpions 320-8

GABF discloses ‘trial’ team for Americup qualifiers The victorious CBC team last year

Page 23

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