Guyana Times - Friday, January 4, 2019

Guyana to host CRIC Convention this month

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Issue No. 3794

THE BEACON OF TRUTH Friday, January 4, 2019

Speaker upholds no-confidence resolution …refuses Govt's request to overturn decision

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

MoE places student who beat teacher on 4-month P11 bond

See stories on pages 3 and 7

...Jagdeo, Granger to meet on Jan 9

Bandits rob 2 Corentyne businesses

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Exxon research vessel

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Venezuela tried to land helicopter on ship deck – Greenidge Members of the Government side of the National Assembly sit as Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland gives his ruling on the no-confidence resolution. Absent were members of the Opposition, whose Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, had written to the Speaker informing him that the sitting was unconstitutional

APNU member replaces Charrandas Persaud as MP Former US Ambassador Mohamed’s appointed Senior VP Enterprise at Guyana Goldfields 2018 top gold …as shareholders call for declarer, exporter leadership shake-up Page 12

Page 9

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Drug shortage hits WCD P13 health centres

Skeldon hospital without telephone P15 service

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fridAY, January 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bandits rob 2 Corentyne businesses B andits on Thursday morning robbed two Corentyne, Berbice businesses. Moments after one of the robberies, a pregnant woman went into labour and delivered her baby due to the shock of the incident.

At about 00:15h, five armed and masked men broke into Comfort Inn situated at Lot 9 John’s Port Mourant.

The men entered the building by breaking a window in one of the hotel’s vacant rooms.

From there, the men made their way to the lower flat where proprietor Bibi Salina Ally and her daughter Fanesha Hassan along with an infant were asleep.

According to Ally, she heard footsteps in the upper flat of the building and soon after she noticed a torchlight. Her pregnant daughter who was in the bed with her contacted the Whim Police Station but before she could tell them their location, the phone was taken away from her by one of the bandits.

“After that they come and say shut your mouth, and say that they want everything; gold and money or else they gon chop off we neck. They get cutlass and they get crowbar; all of them,” Ally related.

However, Hassan begged the bandits not to kill them.

Ally recalled trying to be as nice as possible to the in-

The Comfort Inn Hotel which was broken into

truders who were demanding valuables.

“I show them where everything was and they take it and say they want more.

They strip us of the gold we had on and then say they want the key for the shop and I go and open the shop and one of them go in and start emptying the shop.”

It was later found out that before the men entered the building, the 78-year-old security guard, Alexander Sears, was beaten and gagged.

According to Sears, he had moved from his post to use the washroom when he was confronted by three masked men; two with cutlasses and one with a crowbar.

“I had a scuffle with them and then one of them lashed me with the crowbar and another lash me in me face with the cutlass and I fall down and couldn’t do anything.”

Two of the men stayed with the security guard while one joined his other two accomplices as they entered the building.

Ally noted that one of the bandits attempted to lash her in the head with a crowbar but she blocked it. In addition, Hassan said she was traumatised as one of the bandits stood over her with a cutlass.

She noted that she was unable to recognise any of the intruders. She was later rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she delivered her baby.

The bandits took away US$180, $50,000 local currency and about $200,000 worth in jewellery.

Meanwhile, a few buildings away in the village of Clifton, bandits broke into Gabar’s Halaal Chicken Outlet. According

Injured security guard, Alexander Sears

to Doodnauth Takpersaud, at about 01:15h, he was attacked.

The bandits reportedly cut a hole in the fence to the chicken pen to gain entry.

Money, livestock and beverages were removed.

According to Takpersaud, he was at his home when he heard strange sounds emanating from the chicken pen which is a part of the poultry business. As he looked towards the business, the lights were turned off.

“I couldn’t see anything but I was sure that someone was in there because the way the fouls hollering. So I waited for a while; about 15 minutes and then I put on a bright light I have in front here. With the light on I could see clearly at the shop. Then I go and make a check,” he ex-

The hole the bandits made to enter Gabar’s Halaal Chicken Outlet

plained.

According to the businessman, as he was approaching, he saw a Police patrol vehicle which stopped in front of his business place and enquired what was going on.

Together with the Police, they searched the area but did not see anyone. Nevertheless,

Takpersaud is aware of who the perpetrators are. He claims they are the same persons who have been monitoring him for the past few days.

When contacted, Deputy Commander Superintendent Wayne DeHart said the Police are investigating both incidents.

Corentyne robbery

Brothers died from gunshot wounds – PM reports

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The murdered men, Premchand Samaroo and Harichand Samaroo

he post-mortems performed on the bodies of Premchand Samaroo, 45, also called “Tully”, a labourer, and his brother, Harichand Samaroo, 46, called “Davo”, confirmed that both men were shot dead.

The men were killed on Old Year’s Night after bandits invaded their Bush Lot, Corentyne, Berbice property. Initially, it was reported that one of the brothers died as a result of the beating he received at the hands of the bandits, but Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh discovered otherwise.

The autopsies were performed on the bodies on Thursday at the Fort Wellington Mortuary. It was reported that about 20:30h on the night in question, the two brothers were at their mother’s home with an older cousin, who was visiting from the United States.

During the celebration, a loud explosion was heard at the back of the yard, so Premchand Samaroo went to investigate. As he walked from under the house, he was confronted by the armed men and shot to the head. Upon hearing the gunshot, his brother went to check and it was then he was held and beaten by the bandits.

The mother of the dead men, Irene Samaroo, told this publication that she collected a torch light and headed to the backyard to look for her sons, since either of them re-

turned, but instead she was accosted by the intruders.

She said she realised that two of them were carrying firearms.

One went to her and two others went to her cousin, Moonilall Robert Kumar, 71, a US-based Guyanese, who came in the country the previous day for a two-month stay.

He said that the third bandit was carrying a cutlass.

“One had a gun to me and the other had the cutlass and I tried to remain calm and they told me that they wanted money. He ask me for my wallet and I told him that I don’t have wallet…,” the distraught Kumar related to this newspaper.

The bandits also demanded money from Irene Samaroo, claiming that they were not interested in jewellery. After searching the house, the suspects escaped with US$350, just over $60,000 from her cousin and a further $6000 from her pocket.

The family reportedly then used the flashlight and went into the backyard in search of the missing men.

Premchand’s lifeless body was found lying in a pool of blood. Harichand was found minutes after and placed in a hammock where he asked for some water and indicated that he received injuries to his abdomen. He was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, where he died while receiving medical attention.

news

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fridAY, January 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, January 4 – 04:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, January 5 – 04:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Speaker upholds noconfidence resolution …refuses Govt’s request to overturn decision

Friday, January 4 – 15:30h-17:00h and Saturday, January 5 – 16:05h-17:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers can be expected in the morning, with light cloudy skies and sunny intervals are expected to prevail throughout the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 03:15h and 15:27h reaching maximum heights of 2.39 metres and 2.54 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:00h and 21:29h reaching minimum heights of 0.82 metre and 0.67 metre respectively.

WednesDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS O

07 10 12

20 22 25

FREE TICKET THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

05 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

08 20 21 23 24 LUCKY 3

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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14 20 21

PAY DAY

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SUPER PAY DAY 10

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The parliamentary Opposition boycotted Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland

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peaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland has upheld the passage of the no-confidence resolution by denying Government’s request to reverse the motion which was successfully passed on December 21, 2018.

Dr Scotland made this pronouncement on Thursday during a sitting of the National Assembly, which was boycotted by the Opposition. The Opposition had contended that Thursday’s sitting was unconstitutional.

Giving his decision to the Government MPs, Scotland insisted that while he has the authority to review and/ or reverse previous rulings, he must always act in conformity with the Constitution of Guyana. He noted that there are several important matters in question, including whether a majority of 33 or 34 is needed for a no-confidence vote to be passed.

“The Speaker’s very wide authority to reverse his ruling is not one, however, he holds himself able to exercise without strong compelling grounds. Simply choosing one position in place of an earlier one would not, of course, meet that requirement,” Scotland pointed out.

“The Speaker on this occasion declines the invitation to act in reversal. Full and final settlement of these issues by a court of competent jurisdiction will place beyond doubt any question which may exist and serve to give guidance to the Speaker for the future,” Scotland said.

Scotland also spoke of the importance of dialogue, something he noted has not yet begun.

“The provisions of the Constitution envision discussions between the Government and the Opposition, to find the most propitious manner in which effect can be given to the provisions of the Constitution… no such discussion, I am informed, has taken place as yet. On December 21, you would recall that leaders from both sides of the house spoke of respect for one another and of the opportunity which the results of the vote offer both sides. It is

my hope that talks will commence soon.”

Attorney General Basil Williams was the one, used the legal opinion of Attorney Nigel Hughes, the husband of Government Minister Cathy Hughes, to present to the Speaker and request the reversal.

No confidence

On December 21, the No-confidence Motion brought by the parliamentary Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) against the Government succeeded when former AFC Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud broke rank and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

With the Government’s defeat, the next steps are spelt out in the constitution of Guyana. Clause 7 of Article 106 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less

than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

President David Granger had already committed to following the provisions outlined in the Constitution, facilitating early elections and engaging in dialogue with the Leader of the Opposition, upon his return from Cuba where he departed for treatment late last year. He returned on January 1, 2019.

Since the passage of the motion on December 21, 2018; however, persons aligned with the coalition party have sought to question the motion’s validity even as the vote has already been certified.

The original proponent of the 34-vote argument is Attorney Nigel Hughes,

a former AFC Chairman and the husband of sitting Minister Cathy Hughes, who told State media that half of 65 is 32.5 but when rounded to the nearest whole number, this would be 33 as there is no half member.

Since then, Government has held onto this explanation and had included it in a series of opinions it presented to the Speaker of the National Assembly, in an effort to get him to reverse the no-confidence vote.

Government also questioned “Whether the Speaker can reverse the ruling that the No-confidence Motion was carried? What is the effect of the sub judice rule should the Speaker’s ruling be legally challenged in the courts” and “Whether the Speaker’s ruling on the vote can be quashed by the courts?”

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fridAY, January 4, 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

Speaker’s decision and Guyana’s democracy

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s Guyana continues to face an unprecedented political situation, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland upheld the Constitution of Guyana when he refused Government’s request for him to reverse the passage of the No-confidence Motion, which is now a resolution.

While Government, in its bid to retain power, has entered uncharted territory with an incredible stretch to the interpretation of Article 106 (6) of the Constitution, Speaker Scotland made it pellucid that while he has the authority to revisit, review and/or reverse any of his previous ruling, his powers are guided by the supreme law of the land – the Constitution of Guyana. He acted in conformity with the Constitution and discarded the Government’s request.

According to Article 106 (6) of the Constitution, “The Cabinet, including the President, shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members in the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” Article 106 (7) states that, “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

The ongoing self-created confusion about Article 106 by the Government has been the topic on the lips of not only top legal minds but ordinary Guyanese, especially given the fact that after the Speaker declared that the motion was carried on December 21, 2018, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo conceded to its passage and stated that the Government will accept the consequences, including elections within the constitutionally stipulated 90-day period. Subsequent to his concurrence, President David Granger also accepted the verdict, which he pointed out in his New Year’s message to the nation. While the Prime Minister has now backtracked from his acceptance of defeat in his bid to retain power, and the Attorney General has announced that they are moving to challenge the decision in the court, one still hopes that the President will accept the original decision and work out a modus vivendi with the Opposition at their scheduled meeting.

Already on the ground tension is high over the matter as uncertainly of when the constitutionally mandated elections will be called.

Latin America research professor with the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, Evan Ellis in an article published by Global Americans on the peculiar situation Guyana is in, urged policymakers in Washington to help Guyana to avoid a descent into ethnic violence and chaos.

He pointed out that US Government must begin by demonstrating a sincere commitment to all of the people of the country, whether of Indian, African, or other ethnic origins. It should work through the Caribbean Community (Caricom), through the Organisation of American States (OAS), and bilaterally as well, to support the realisation and monitoring of free and fair national elections in the country.

According to Professor Ellis, the US must make clear that it expects whoever is in power in Guyana in 2019 to respect the democratic practices defined by its own Constitution.

“Particularly important is extending protection and equal treatment under the law to all of its citizens, honouring the nation’s legal commitments to commercial partners and investors, and continuing to fulfill the nation’s responsibilities to international institutions, including continued cooperation in the struggle against illicit finance, narcotics operations and other organised crime,” Professor Ellis stated.

Guyana is entering a particularly difficult period and now that the Government might decide not to heed the urging by legal luminaries to call elections but rather to move to the Judiciary in its bid to retain power, it is time that the international community assist in the upholding of Guyana’s democracy. As it stands Guyana’s democracy is at the crossroads.

A favourite pastime for countryside folks is catching fish. This Girendra Persaud photo captured two brothers demonstrating the art of catching fish. One brother prefers to use his cast net while the other prefers to 'feel' for fish

Saudi Arabia puts Jamal Khashoggi murder suspects on trial

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audi Arabia's state media says the 11 suspected killers of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi have attended their first court hearing in the capital, Riyadh.

The official Saudi Press Agency said the prosecutor, the country's Attorney General, has demanded the death penalty for five of the 11 suspects.

A statement from prosecutors said the suspects attended the hearing with their lawyers.

The statement also said that prosecutors sent a request to Turkey for evidence that Ankara has collected while investigating the slaying, which has badly hurt the kingdom's international reputation and strained its ties with Western countries.

Khashoggi went missing on October 2, 2018, while visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Turkish authorities later revealed that he was murdered inside the consulate by a Saudi hit squad.

Ankara demanded that the suspects be handed over for trial in Turkey, but Saudi Arabia refused the request.

Al Jazeera's Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Ankara, said Turkey has consistently accused Saudi of not cooperating on this

Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

issue.

"The Turkish Foreign Minister also stated before that the Saudi prosecutor's office has never shared any information about those 11 people who have been arrested," Koseoglu said.

"This death sentence decision... will most likely not be welcomed by Ankara, because it will mean that Saudi Arabia will prevent those people from talking."

Koseoglu said if the Saudis proceed with the execution, neither Turkey nor any other country will be able to hear the testimonies of the accused.

International pressure

Turkish media have published photographs of members of the crown

prince's entourage at the consulate before the slaying.

In December 2018, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkey was working with other countries to carry the investigation into Khashoggi's killing to the UN. The announcement came a month after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres held talks with Cavusoglu over the famed critic's murder.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric at the time told reporters that the UN had not yet received a formal request from the Turkish side.

Questions also remain over Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's

role in ordering the killing, with several western intelligence agencies alluding that he had knowledge of the operation beforehand.

A number of US senators have also questioned Saudi claims that the crown prince was unaware of the killing, which authorities in Riyadh described as an operation undertaken by "rogue elements".

"You have to be wilfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organised by people under the command of MBS," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters in December.

Khashoggi's body, believed to have been dismembered, has not been found. (Al Jazeera)

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

A colossal and Constitutional way forward outrageous lie is Govt's resignation Dear Editor, In Charles Campbell’s letter dated 06.12.18 to a section of the media, captioned “Happy K&S are back promoting futsal but why is [Cliff Anderson Sports Hall] CASH being denied as host venue”, the individual in my estimation can best be described as a “confounded, consummate and an inveterate liar” to label Neil Kumar, former Director of the National Sports Commission (NSC), as: “hating football” which by extension and implication, a racist. Surely, I do hope the publication of this letter attracts the attention of the “Ethnic Relations Commission” and invites Campbell to a hearing.

Wherein the individual must provide “circumstantial and supportive evidence “towards substantiating his claim”.

Personally, I would advocate that Neil forgets his modesty and file a lawsuit against Campbell for defamation of character and slander. Neil, I would testify on your behalf!

Editor, Neil Kumar is an individual who I’ve known for over three decades, since his days of activism as a member of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO). As a consequence, his “hatred for football” would have unfolded since then. During that period in the 80s while his party was in the opposition, they use to sponsor the (then) GFL-PYO Under-19 KO. The last winner was Campton FC, with Jermaine Smartt as the captain. The then (YSM) Beacons, with the likes of Andre Trotz, Jermain Scott, Mortimer Stewart and Dexter “JJ” Cort all displayed their skills, in numerous youth competitions, inclusive of the PYO Under-19 ahead of national representation; despite the YSM being associated with the People’s National Congress (PNC). Could Kumar have hated football and allowed the use of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall for various Futsal competitions, including one being coordinated by a former PNC MP Lennox Arthur, also a former national player and coach? As a matter of fact, Arthur, the then Executive Coordinator of the Annual Mayor’s Cup benefited from Kumar’s generosity. Whereby the NSC’s 26-seater bus was made available in providing transportation for the Mayor’s Cup All Stars, return trip, from Georgetown to Moleson Creek. Previously, national football teams, along with club teams participating in the now defunct annual Kashif and Shangai KO, were also beneficiaries!

Finally, years ago, while riding my cycle on the road, I had received a phone call from Kumar, inviting me to his office. Outlining my mode of dress wasn’t conducive, Neil indicated “still come”.

With the security receiving the instruction, I proceed-

ed to his office. Our discussion was the construction of an international size football ground, in the centre of the Leonora Athletic Track and Field Facility. I made my input and subsequently left. It became a reality. Could this individual have hated football? Prior to that discussion, the exact year, there were two finalists in the annual K&S KO finals at MSC, I can’t remember. But what I do know for sure, one of them was from the mining town of Linden. At that time, former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was the junior Finance Minister.

Prior to the kick off of the finals, both Kumar and Jagdeo went on to the field of play for the introduction to both finalists.

Unbelievingly, one of the two finalists from Linden, rubbed their “right hand in the muddy surface” of the ground to shake Jagdeo’s hands. After the introduction ceremony was over, both PPP/Civic MP’s upon being escorted to the VIP section of MSC sat for a few minutes before quietly and rightfully leaving. At that time, the then Guyana Football Association’s (GFA) general council meetings were held monthly. As a Georgetown Football League (GFL then) representative, my oral and written requests for disciplinary actions/sanctions to be imposed all fell on “deaf ears”; being outvoted. But Kumar and his Government still continued to assist football. The winner and runner-up prize monies and the respective trophies for the annual Kashif and Shangai KO; were compliments of the then President and Prime Minister respectively. This was extended for a significant number of years. In one instance, former Mayor Hamilton Green, in whose honour the annual Mayor’s Cup KO was being coordinated, winning prize money of $1,000,000 was sponsored by former President Bharrat Jagdeo and his Government.

As a consequence, can it be construed that former NSC Director, Kumar and by extension his then government hate(d) football”?

Editor, I shudder to accept that “myth, or figment of Campbell’s imagination”! In relation to the use of CASH for the four night of Futsal rivalry involving international teams representing the interest of Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Brazil are unfortunate that it can’t occur! But has the Sport Commission responded in the affirmative? With the concern expressed that the clock may be damaged, that is an issue I wouldn’t buy into wholesale since in the past, I can’t recall any damage. What of encasing the clock, with a protective material? Is the NSC Director, aware of the fact that “A Futsal ball, through smaller in circumference, does not bounce like the normal football? While an opposing team can be awarded a free-kick if the ball passes an unacceptable height aerially. Is it “overt politicking” being used, in the similar circumstance when there was a “clarion call” to boycott the K&S yearend tournament? Would the former NSC Director, have gone that route? What of contractual obligations and a security deposit, in the event of damages at CASH? By the way, the former NSC Director was extremely strict with the closing time of both the CASH and the gymnasium, unlike what transpires now, with the latter. Besides no alcoholic and non–alcoholic beverages could have been sold in glass bottles.

Was verification sought from the letter writer of “Kumar’s hatred of football”?

Is Campbell comfortable as a parent of an aspiring national footballer, of his role in (im)proper parental upbringing, with his resorting to “falsehood”!

Respectfully yours, Lester Sealey

Dear Editor,

The constitutional stipulations

Article 106(6) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana states ‘The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.’ Article 106(7) of the Constitution goes on to state ‘inter alia that notwithstanding the defeat of the Government, they shall remain in office and hold an election within 90 days and shall demit office when the President elected after this election takes the oath of office.’

The provisions of articles 106(6) and 106(7) are clear and it is important to note that the Government accepted their responsibility to comply on the evening the motion passed (press conference with the Prime Minister and members of the A Partnership for national Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) side of the house) and the following day (statement by the President).

Another constitutional question was raised by Rickford Burke in stating that the act of Persaud voting against the APNU/AFC Government renders the vote null and void as he – Persaud – was selected from the APNU/AFC list. Burke cited provisions which declared the seat of a Member of Parliament (MP) vacant when that member writes to the Speaker, the head of that particular list, that he/she no longer supports the list.

Surely any rational person with basic comprehension will realise the flaw in this argument by Burke, because unless he can provide evidence that Persaud wrote such a letter prior to voting in favour of the motion, then the argument is constitutionally moot.

Regarding the citizenship of Persaud, the Attorney General, Basil Williams, now highlights that: 1) Persaud held dual citizenship, 2) Exercised this citizenship in travelling, and 3) Held anoth-

er citizenship from the time of his nomination, and therefore his vote is illegal, and he could not sit as a member of the National Assembly. Williams cites article 155(1)(a) for his rationale along with a case from Jamaica on an MP holding his seat while a dual citizen.

In citing article 155(1)(a) to demonstrate the alleged ineligibility of Persaud to sit in the National Assembly, Williams also fails to address an equally important part of the Constitution that speaks to the allegation he is making. Specifically, article 165(2) states in part that: “… the presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present at or to participate in the proceedings of the Assembly shall not invalidate those proceedings.”

In purporting that Persaud’s vote on the motion was illegal, is Williams saying then that all votes made

by Persaud in the National Assembly were illegal and invalid? Williams can’t have it both ways. Either article 155(1)(a) holds preference and all votes made by Persaud are invalid (including all acts passed since the 2015 Elections and the formation of the Government on the basis of Persaud’s seat), or article 165(2) holds preference and thereby all votes taken by Persaud are valid (including all acts passed since the 2015 Elections and the formation of the Government on the basis of Persaud’s seat).

In keeping with the above, if APNU/ACF believes Persaud was not eligible to be a member of the National Assembly, it is actually up to the APNU/AFC leadership to explain the following: 1. If it was known that dual citizenship was held since Persaud’s nomination, why was he nominated?

2.

Who authorised Persaud’s name to be submitted before the election, and extracted after the election to sit in the National Assembly?

3. Why was it okay for Persaud to have sat as a member and vote on the side of the APNU/AFC Government and

all of a sudden it is no longer ok now that Persaud has voted for the no-confidence motion?

Conclusion

I am sure that in the coming days this drama will continue to unfold. I for one am not surprised by the actions of the APNU/AFC Government.

The lifeline of APNU/AFC is the People’s National Congress (PNC) and this was made clear by the eloquent tirade of Volda Lawrence that it's the PNC (not APNU) that she is loyal to when it comes to giving patronage as a Government Minister.

History will show that the PNC has never had the courage to accept any result against it. Georgetown, which has been run by the PNC was consistently destroyed by the PNC in post-election violence.

The attitude of the APNU parliamentarians towards Persaud after his vote is indicative of the resort to vulgar and violent means to get their way.

Many people will also wait to hear what the diplomats have to say, it appears that they have now gone silent with the U-turn by the defeated Government. Why? If the prorogation of the National Assembly (a constitutional power of the President) was a danger to democracy, then surely the disregard of the passage of a no-confidence motion (a direct violation of the Constitution) must be exponentially destructive. I am sure that they don’t want it said that they favoured one side over the other to the detriment of constitutional democracy.

The constitutional way forward is the resignation of the Government and elections in 90 days (less now given the motion was passed on December 21, 2018). Anything else is a smokescreen and an unconstitutional cling to power. After all, if APNU/AFC is as popular with the electorate as they say then why worry?

Cooperatively, V Hemsworth

Granger generation prepared to betray younger generation Dear Editor, What “34GATE” has illustrated is that the Granger generation is prepared to betray the younger generation that has to inherit the future.

This naked attempt to ignore the Constitution illustrates why the rest of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) continues to disrespect Guyanese youths.

Why should the Caricom headquarters be in Guyana, a nation that does not respect basic democracy and the rule of law?

If a poll is done today, it will demonstrate that the majority of the youths who constitute more than 65 per cent of the population are in total agreement with the fact that

33 is greater than 32 and it is an absolute majority in a 65-member Parliament. This stuff is basic arithmetic that we have learnt in high school.

It is not our fault that the Granger generation chooses to ignore us and now that they know we the youths are not available to them anymore, they want to stay in power by extra-constitutional means.

It is time for the elections Mr Granger.

The self-interest of this Granger generation is self-evident as we all are witnessing their dastardly plan to keep power by whatever means necessary. As one of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Ministers said in a correspondence to his group that was

forwarded to me, “we cannot be in Government and not retain power by any means necessary”. Well if the AFC can do this, guess what the People’s National Congress (PNC) will do? Since the PNC was born out of dictatorship, then we must understand that it is in the DNA of the PNC to be dictatorial and to trample on the idea of democracy.

Today the nation has to be aware of these so-called liberal democrats in the AFC who have morphed into being liberal dictators as they copy the ways of the PNC. That is why I am so afraid of all the third forces, be it the Amerindian party or the Ramkarran/ Jeffrey party. Wasn’t the AFC saying all the right things in

its incubatory stages? But look at them today – the AFC is no better than the PNC with their dictatorial mannerism.

Was it not the AFC who said they were going to deliver constitutional reforms in this Granger Administration and they were going to advance the process materially within 100 days? Over 1000 days have passed and the constitutional reform process is dead on arrival under the feet of Basil Williams and Moses Nagamootoo.

So why do you think that Ramkarran and Jeffrey or Shuman will be any different?

All we will be getting from them from now to the elections are slogans since they do not have a plan to actually im-

plement anything in the real world in which we all have to live in.

It is people like these that bring so much disrespect to the legal community and academia. They are driven by their obsession with power and their years in power. Why on earth two old men like Ramkarran and Jeffrey would want to run for office when they are way past their best by date?

Beware Guyana! Beware of the PNC and AFC and beware of these entire Johnny come lately satellites of the PNC. Sincerely, Surujdai Lilmohan

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Foundation class, though, or you may face a reprimand!). Not only will this keep you going, it will also help you avoid overeating when mealtime finally arrives.

Ahh-choo! What to do?

Nearly everyone gets sick at one time or another. If you’re out sick, ask friends to take notes and pick up your homework.

If you’re out for more than a day or two, do a little work every day if you feel up to it to keep from falling behind.

Some teachers post assignments and notes on the Internet — find out if they will accept faxed or emailed homework.

If not, have your mom or dad drop your assignments off at school. Then be prepared to make up lab time and tests when you return.

If you’re not feeling well enough to keep up with your classes, that’s OK. It’s more important that you take care of yourself. Again, establishing a good relationship with teachers helps them be more understanding and they’ll be able to help you catch up when you make it back to school.

Survival tips

A

fter weeks of sleeping in or doing things on your time, the alarm bell announcing that first day of school can be a rude awakening.

Dread it or love it, you gotta go to school. Here are some ways to make the transition to school a little easier.

First-day mania

There’s no escaping the fact that the first day of school can be crazy.

New kids wander around in circles.

You forgot your gym shorts.

How can you combat first-day chaos? If you’re headed to a new school, try to arrange a visit before classes begin.

Explore any areas that are of particular interest, such as the gymnasium, library, or science labs. Some schools offer maps. Get one and give it a read before school starts – then keep it in your backpack until you’re familiar with your new surroundings.

Your first day is also the time to bring in school supplies and paperwork. It can help to pack your backpack the night before school starts so you’re not scrambling around at the last minute looking for what you need. In addition to packing basic supplies (such as notebooks, pens, pencils, and a calculator), hunt down any of the school forms that were mailed to your family over the holidays: permission slips, and class schedules.

Most schools have a similar opening-day drill: Assembly, then you’ll meet your new teachers, and they’ll probably give you an overview of what the semester will be like, what supplies you’ll need, and expectations of your performance and behaviour. Some teachers will jump right into their first lesson, while others may have non-coursework activities planned. It all depends on the class and teacher.

Emotions

Lots of people feel anxious, scared, or excited about school.

It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous on the first day of school. Getting back to the school routine and adjusting to new workloads takes some getting used to after a break. If you’re having a mental meltdown, think back to some previous “first days”. Everything probably settled down pretty quickly once you got into the routine.

Getting reacquainted with classmates can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re the shy or reserved type.

If you still feel uncomfortable after a few days, talk to the school guidance counsellor, a favourite teacher, or someone else you trust about how you’re feeling and what you can do. But give yourself time – most problems adjusting to school are only temporary.

Making your way through the lunchroom

What’s everyone’s favourite period? Lunch, what else? But with foods like pizza, or burgers staring you in the face when you’re at your most hungry, it can be hard to make healthy choices.

Here are some tricks to choosing foods that will keep you focused and active throughout the day – as well as help you grow and develop throughout the school year: Think energy. Some foods are better choices than others for maintaining energy during the day. Choose low-fat proteins, like chicken, beans, or lowfat yogurt and add lots of fruits and veggies to your meal. They’ll provide the vitamins and minerals you need and the energy to get through the day.

Foods that have a lot of simple carbohydrates, like sugary snacks, donuts, or french fries may give you a quick rush of energy but it’s not sustainable — which means you’ll be left wanting more soon after you eat. The same is true of drinks filled with caffeine or sugar. You don’t have to cut these out entirely — just enjoy them in moderation.

Stop for a snack. You can’t concentrate or absorb new knowledge without a well-fed mind and body. So take along a healthy snack, like carrot sticks or trail mix, to stave off hunger between classes (don’t munch during

Here are some more things that can help put you ahead in school: The old saying “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is never more true than when you’re going to school. Students are more alert and perform better in class if they eat a good breakfast.

Get enough sleep. Studies show that teens need at least 8½ hours of sleep each night to feel rested. Sleep deprivation can lead students to fall asleep in class (embarrassing if you’re caught!) and can also make it hard to concentrate.

It can be more productive to get the sleep you need than it is to stay up late cramming: A recent study found that students who got adequate sleep before a Maths test were nearly three times more likely to figure out the problem than those who stayed up all night.

Do more at school and you’ll have less to do at home.

Take advantage of those times during the school day when you’re not in class: Review notes, go to the library or computer lab, get a head-start on your homework, or research that big term paper. You’ll be thankful later while you’re at the mall or a concert and your classmates are stuck at home cramming!

One of the best ways to make friends and learn your way around is by joining school clubs, sports teams, and activities. Even if you can’t kick a 30-yard goal or sing a solo, getting involved in other ways – going to a school play, helping with a bake sale, or cheering on friends at a swim meet – can help you feel like a part of things.

School is a time to make friends and try new things, but it’s also a place to learn skills like organisation and decision making that will come in handy for the rest of your life.

Having a

S

brain drain?

chool seemed simple when you were younger. Everyone told you where to go, what classes to take, and how to finish your homework. Now things are different; there are so many choices and priorities competing for your time. Stretch yourself too thin and you may find yourself feeling stressed out.

Here are some things you can do to help regain control: Plan ahead. Get a wall calendar or personal planner. Mark the dates of midterms, finals, and other tests.

Note the due dates of term papers, essays, and other projects as they are assigned. List any other time commitments you have, like basketball practice or play rehearsals. When your calendar starts to fill, learn to say no to additional activities until things calm down.

Stay ahead. Try not to fall behind. If you feel yourself falling behind and starting to feel frustrated, let your teachers know. It’s better to get help early on than to wait and think you can ace the final if you spend a few nights cramming. Almost everyone struggles with a particular subject or class. If you’re having trouble with a particular subject or homework project, ask your teacher for extra help after class. Taking a few minutes to address the problem right away can save time later, and if your teacher knows that you’re struggling with something, he or she is likely to be more understanding of the situation.

Listen up. Paying attention in class can actually pay off in the long run. Sure, it’s often easier said than done, but actively listening and taking notes during lectures can make recalling information easier when it comes time to study and remember things.

Take notes. If you take notes and review them before class begins (or while studying for an exam), you can ask a teacher to go over anything you don’t understand.

It can also be helpful to go over notes with a friend after class — as long as you’re confident your friend really grasps the material! Learning good note-taking skills in high school also helps put you ahead of the curve in college, when good lecture notes are key to studying and doing well. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

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fridAY, January 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Granger, Jagdeo to meet on January 9 ously promising to abide by the constitutional provisions a no-confidence vote mandates.

Earlier this week, he laid collective blame for the confusion over the no-confidence resolution at the feet of the President, noting that notwithstanding his illness, he is still the Head of State and bears ultimate responsibility.

Meanwhile, this meeting is coming on the heels of the governing coalition challenging the passage of the resolution of no-confidence, contending that motion needed a 34-majority vote to be approved.

This contention has been

President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during one of their meetings

Government’s lifeline ever since Attorney Nigel Hughes, husband of Government

Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, raised the argument.

Natural Resources Fund Bill passed – Public Accountability Oversight Committee to be appointed

G

The letter sent to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo by Minister of State Joseph Harmon

M

oments after Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland upheld the no-confidence resolution against the coalition Government on Thursday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo received a letter inviting him for talks on the way forward with President David Granger next week.

In the letter dated January 3, 2019, Minister of State Joseph Harmon confirmed that the Head of State will be meeting with the Opposition Leader on Wednesday, January 9.

According to the correspondence, which was seen by Guyana Times, the meeting is scheduled for 11:00h at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Furthermore, the letter also requested the Opposition Leader to indicate the matters which he wished to place on the agenda for the upcoming meeting.

The engagement between the two political leaders was prompted following the passage of the December 21, 2018, no-confidence resolution.

The motion, tabled by Jagdeo, was successfully passed when Alliance For Change Parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud, made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

Following its passage, the Opposition Leader on December 22, 2018 wrote the President requesting a meeting to determine the way for-

ward.

Initially, the Head of State had said he was anxious to meet with the Opposition Leader to discuss the way forward on the matter, something which Jagdeo said he was ready to do at any time. However, Granger left Guyana on Christmas Day for Cuba where he is receiving treatment after being diagnosed with cancer

in November. However, his Government changed its tuned, saying they are willing to challenge the passage of the resolution.

This, Jagdeo had pointed out, shows the Government is wasting a valuable opportunity for dialogue and exhibition of mature leadership, despite both President Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo previ-

overnment’s Natural Resource Fund Bill 2018 has been passed in the National Assembly.

The Bill passed with minor amendments, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).

This passage follows the presentation of Government’s ‘green paper’ titled “Managing Future Petroleum Revenues and Establishment of Fiscal Rule and a Sovereign Wealth Fund” to the National Assembly in August last year.

During his presentation, Finance Minister Winston Jordan outlined strict measures in the proposed establishment of the public accountability oversight

committee to ensure proper spending and management of resources derived from oil and gas.

“This committee will ensure funds are managed in accordance with best practices,” Minister Jordan stated.

Last year when the Minister introduced the green paper to the National Assembly, he had indicated that the document was being issued by the Government to present preliminary proposals to stimulate discussion.

It also detailed specific issues and pointed out possible courses of action in terms of policy and legislation.

On Thursday, the Minister outlined the importance of the committee,

which will have 22 members from different sections of society to avoid mismanagement of the national patrimony.

“So important is this committee that representatives will be from communities, women will be represented, members of the Bar Association, press association, the consumer association, Guyana extractive industries, the Private Sector and the 10 Regional Democratic Councils,” Minister Jordan stated.

However, even as the Government focuses on the development of its new natural resource – oil, the Minister says measures will also be put in place to protect the non-oil sector.

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fridAY, January 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Market vendor arraigned for shopkeeper’s murder

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athan Anthony Stoute of Helena, Number Two, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Thursday arraigned with the murder of Bibi Shaneeza Bhola.

Stoute appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on February 26, 2018 at Rock Creek, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), he murdered Bhola.

He was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan until January 17, 2018. The matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

According to Police facts, Stoute was one of two men who were last seen at the woman’s shop at Rock Creek.

Murder accused Nathan Stoute being escorted by a police officer after leaving the courtroom on Thursday

The 35-year-old woman of Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was later found dead.

It was reported that on the day in question, a relative left the woman’s premises after she closed for the day.

Investigations revealed that the relative went back to the woman’s shop later in the morning and realised that the door was locked from the outside, so he thought that something was amiss. The relative, upon gaining entry into the house, saw the woman’s motionless body.

Her abdomen bore a stab wound. When checks were made for the two tenants, they had disappeared along with their belongings.

It is believed that the men carted off cash, jewellery and other valuable items.

Rupununi farmer Sex worker slapped charged with with robbery charge granted bail 2014 murder

A

North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) farmer was on Thursday remanded to prison for the murder of Debert Ovid Joseph in 2004.

Timothy Martin stood before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to him in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge stated that Martin committed the heinous act on December 27, 2014 at Kurubaru, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). No facts in relation to the murder were presented to the court. The accused is expect-

Murder accused: Timothy Martin

ed to make his next appearance on January 15 at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court.

Accused: Godfrey Cox

R

epeat offender Godfrey Cox was once again placed before the court of law after he was slapped with a charge of armed robbery, seven weeks after being released from Police custody.

The 19-year-old sex worker made his appearance on Thursday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied the charge that was read to him.

The charge was read

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and stated that Cox, of Lot 49 Princes Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, stole from the person of Maniram Parsaram, one gold chain and a pendant valued $80,000 while he was in the vicinity of High Street, Georgetown on December 29, 2018.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted while informing the court the stolen item was recovered on the person of the defendant while the pendant still remained missing.

However, the sex worker was lucky to be granted his pre-trial liberty by the Chief Magistrate. He was placed on $10,000 bail and ordered to return to court on January 11.

Drawing lines…

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…on AG’s Pyrrhic victory

fter three and a half years of obdurately taking the Government’s side in matters large and small, the Speaker suddenly developed a pair during the Noconfidence Motion moved by the PPP. Asked by PNC Chair Volda Lawrence – upon coaching from the previous Speaker and AFC leader Raphael Trotman – for a “timeout” after Charrandas Persaud’s blow to the PNC’s collective solar plexus, the Speaker asked her tartly whether she thought she was in a game!!

He went on to have Persaud repeat his choice and when it was the same “yes”, he promptly halted the vote and declared the No-confidence Motion carried! That he stopped after the FIRST of the 33 Government MPs voted with the 32 Opposition MPs meant in his judgement, the resultant 33 “yesses” constituted the required “majority” to win the day. The Government at first accepted the verdict but threw a concocted lifeline by Nigel Hughes, husband of Government Minister Cathy Hughes and former AFC Chairman, soon started bleating that the “33 seat majority” which secured them the Government wasn’t a “majority” to end their tenure!! 34 was the required majority in a 65seat house!!

It didn’t matter that supposing Persaud hadn’t switched his vote they would’ve gloated they’d won by a “majority” of 33!! After all, PNC/APNU Chief Whip Amna Ally – who’s supposed to count noses before any votes – demanded the PPP “bring it on!!” since she had a “sure thing” 33-seat majority!! But it’s truly said a drowning man will clutch at a straw…and clutch the PNC did, even though a 34 majority requirement would vitiate a slew of legislation they passed since 2015!!

As the days went by, another lifeline was invoked – this time that Persaud, who held dual Guyanese-Canadian citizenship, was disqualified because he’d sworn loyalty to a foreign power!! But as one of the Attorney General’s “old head” legal advisors just revealed, this would mean that 12 more Government MP’s weren’t qualified to vote!! Once again, the lifeline raises the conundrum of the status of all the laws passed since 2015!!

So, like the monkey who’ll jump on any limb that presents itself, regardless of the consequences, the PNC asked the Speaker to reverse his ruling based on the aforementioned two objections. In a Solomonic ruling at the first sitting of the National Assembly – which the Opposition PPP boycotted – the Speaker conceded that while he had the power to reverse himself, the points raised by the PNC were better suited to be answered by the courts. It was a matter of constitutional interpretation and not the rules of the Assembly.

But the President’s invitation to the Opposition for talks, gives hope he’ll work out a modus vivendi.

…in water

Well…well…well. It could be the AFC worm did try to turn against the PNC after the Cummingsburg trampling. In the wake of the AFC throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, against Charrandas Persaud (to prove THEIR loyalty!), the latter has responded by releasing an email from AFC leader Raphael Trotman. It seeks to buttress Persaud’s point that he voted for the No-confidence Motion because the AFC was being treated like a doormat by the PNC. The email was evidently sent to AFC MPs –including Charrandas, of course – and listed a host of demands including “a clear and time bound pathway to constitutional reforms”. It concluded: “… unless we get these items, we should not support the budget.” Now of course, this never got anywhere! Lacking any teeth, much less a backbone, the AFC couldn’t do a darn thing but try even more strenuously to bend over backwards!!

The calamity of their decision is difficult to convey without resorting to sodomitic imagery! Ouch!!

…on NUG

The carefully-chosen acronym of one of the new parties about to be launched is NUG – the “New United Guyana” party. NUG is the dried bud of the marijuana plant, giving the most potent high!! NUG’s two leaders came of age in the 1960s, when political activism came in a haze of marijuana smoke!!

They’re targeting the Rasta vote? One love!!

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

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fridAY, January 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mohamed’s Enterprise Venezuela tried to land helicopter 2018 top gold on ship deck – Greenidge – says Guyana will not be intimidated, declarer, exporter Exxon research vessel

urges Venezuela to come to table

By Jarryl Bryan

T

W

ith a declaration exceeding 127,000 ounces of gold, local mining and trading company Mohamed’s Enterprise has been named the country’s number one declarer and exporter for the year 2018.

This was confirmed by Chairman of the Guyana Gold Board, Gabreil Lall who told Guyana Times on Thursday that El Dorado Trading copped the second spot behind the top performer.

While he could not provide the actual figures at the time, the Chairman of the Gold Board pointed out that Mohamed’s declared approximately 4000 ounces of gold more than El Dorado Trading.

This publication understands that in 2018, Mohamed’s Enterprise declared in excess of 127,000 ounces of gold. This is compared to the more than 123,000 ounces declared in 2017.

The company is said to be a top performer in the

gold mining industry for the past 10 years and currently employs approximately 200 persons.

An official from Mohamed’s Enterprise told this newspaper that the company’s success can be credited due to the support and cooperation from its customers and various Government agencies, including the Guyana Gold Board, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Natural Resources Ministry and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), among others.

Nevertheless, the senior official called for steps to be taken to improve the operations of local miners such as the provision of better roads and infrastructure.

He also urged that the granting of shop and trading licenses be expedited in a timely manner.

In addition, a call was made for more patrols in the Cuyuni Area, since of recent, there have been a

number of attacks on mining camps where hundreds of ounces of gold are stolen and in some cases, lives are lost.

On the other hand, the company called for the capping of licences being granted to Brazilian miners, saying that it affects the operations of local operators.

Finally, the company reiterated the need for duty-free concessions for heavy-duty mining equipment and machinery.

Last year, the Finance Ministry had said that since 2015 the local mining industry has been benefiting from a number of initiatives taken, such as tax concessions on machinery, equipment, fuel and vehicles for small and medium-scale miners; a lowering of the Tributors Tax from 20 per cent to 10 per cent and a sliding scale percentage based on the price of gold, which replaced the two per cent of gross proceeds.

he Government of Guyana, in conjunction with the parliamentary Opposition, has called on Venezuela to cease its intimidation tactics and respect Guyana’s territory; even as further details emerged about the December 22, 2018 incident involving the Venezuelan navy and an ExxonMobil’s research ship in Guyana’s waters.

During Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge revealed that on the day the Ramform Tethys was forced to abandon its seismic research work, the Venezuelan navy had tried to land a helicopter on the deck on the Norwegian ship.

“A reckless attempt was made by the Venezuelans to land a helicopter on the deck of… the Ramform Tethys. That vessel was flagged by the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and had a total of 70 crew members on board including the Captain,” Greenidge revealed.

“It (the ship) was intercepted in the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana at an approximate distance of 140 kilometres from the nearest point to the provisional equidistant line with Venezuela and some 250 kilometres from Punta Playa, the westernmost point on the land border of Guyana.”

The Minister called on Venezuela to withdraw its decree against Guyana’s rights to explore its territory; a call he noted is fully

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

the Ramform Tethys was in that area.

“On December 23, the Government of Venezuela issued a communique asserting that the incident took place in the same area identified by Guyana but alleging that the position was ‘within the Orinoco River Delta maritime waters over which Venezuela has unquestionable sovereignty.

In other words, the coordinates put out by Venezuela and Guyana was practically identical.”

“May I stress therefore that Guyana is aware of no incident occurring in the

The Ramform Tethys

supported by the Opposition.

He also urged the Spanish speaking country to cease these types of military actions and join Guyana in submitting its territorial case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Greenidge stressed that Guyana will not be intimidated by Venezuela’s bombastic display. The Minister made it clear that Guyana has no interest in the Orinoco Delta and it is therefore misleading to claim that

Orinoco Delta or its projection, much less an incident involving vessels having permission from the Guyana authorities to undertake seismic surveys there…

Guyana has no interest in the Orinoco River and we had never imagined that the Orinoco Delta could naturally project across the entire coastal front of Guyana,” the Foreign Affairs Minister added. turn to page 12

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fridAY, January 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former US Ambassador appointed Senior VP at Guyana Goldfields …as shareholders' call for leadership shake-up

Former US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway

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ome two months after completing his threeyear tenure in Guyana and retiring from the US State Department, former US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway has been appointed to a top position at the Guyana Goldfields Inc. The Canada-based gold mining company said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday that Holloway was appointed the company’s Senior Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Affairs with effect from January 1, 2019.

Holloway is a career diplomat with more than 30 years of international experience in Latin America and the Caribbean focusing on government relations, business advocacy, programme management, development, and

security.

“As a member of the executive leadership team, Mr Holloway will be focused on all activities involving the Government of Guyana as well as matters relating to in-country management and corporate social responsibility,” the statement from Guyana Goldfields detailed.

In addition to being the US Ambassador to Guyana, Holloway was also Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (Caricom). He also has served in Colombia, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, and Afghanistan.

Holloway holds a Masters in International Business Sciences from the University of South Carolina and a Masters in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF).

“We are very pleased that Perry will be joining our team,” stated the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Scott Caldwell.

“He brings to the table an intimate working knowledge of Guyana, the Government and its people from his time as the US Ambassador. This experience will complement the excellent platform the company has already established in the areas of Government relations, corporate social respon-

sibility and programme management,” Caldwell added.

Meanwhile, Holloway expressed excitement for his new post as well as his return to Guyana.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Guyana Goldfields team at this time. In my role as US Ambassador in Guyana, I saw first-hand how the work of Guyana Goldfields has contributed positively to the Guyanese economy and its people with gold currently being the primary driver of economic growth. I look forward to now being directly involved with this work and further strengthening the company’s in-country relationships to the benefit of both the company and the people of Guyana,” he posited.

T

Dead: Kevin Moses Betancourt

vised downward to 150,000– 55,000 ounces as grades have not rebounded as quickly as anticipated in the fourth quarter. This represents a reduction from the previous range of 175,000-185,000 ounces of gold. Consequently, cost of sales was also revised to US$1030-US$1055 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs of US$1025-US$1050 per ounce, and cash cost (before royalty) of US$660US$685 per ounce for the year. back in Meanwhile, August, the Canadian min-

the company’s gold mine in Guyana, including permitting and personnel issues.

“The current Board has made a series of seemingly irresponsible and misleading statements and generally questionable decisions that have put Guyana Goldfields’ share price into a freefall,” Sheridan said in a statement.

To this end, the Guyana Goldfields noted in its missive on Wednesday that “the company’s Board of Directors remains committed to constructive dialogue and engagement with all shareholders and will review the requisition and respond appropriately in due course.”

In its last performance review – 2018 third quarter operational and financial results in October – Guyana Goldfields reported its gold production guidance was re-

ing company confirmed its intentions of laying off approximately 80 local workers in a bid to consolidate its operations. Aurora Gold Mines’ Public Relations Officer, Leon Roberts had explained that the company would be focusing its operations at Aurora, located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), thus cutting back operations from its Greenfield prospect, also located in Region Seven.

Guyana Goldfields’ Country Manager is Executive Member of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), Violet Jean-Baptiste, while another ACDA Executive Member, Eric Phillips, is also a consultant with the Canadianbased mining company that is current facing the heat for its poor performance.

Shareholders concern

The former Ambassador’s appointment comes at a time when shareholders of the Guyana Goldfields are calling for a shakeup of the company’s leadership reportedly over poor performance by the management and board in addition to declining stock prices.

The company said in a release on Wednesday that it received a “Requisition of a Special Meeting” of certain shareholders who, in aggregate as of December 31, 2018, own 9.45 million common shares of the company, rep-

Man charged with Essequibo Coast murder

wenty-year-old Alex Mattias of Pomona Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast was on Thursday arraigned with the murder of 23-year-old Kevin Moses Betancourt when he appeared at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on December 31, 2018 at Vilvoorden, Essequibo Coast, he murdered Betancourt.

The charge was read by Magistrate Ester Sam. It was reported that on the day in question, the now dead man went to the suspect’s home to enquire for

resenting approximately 5.4 per cent of the total shares outstanding in the company.

“The request for the Special Meeting is being made to consider the replacement of the current Board of Directors of the company with six new directors nominated by the [shareholders],” the missive from the company detailed.

An article published by Canada’s Saskatoon StarPhoenix newspaper on Thursday, pointed out that

Patrick Sheridan, Northfield Capital Corp, Robert Cudney, Donald Ross, and Gretchen Ross, together own about 5.4 per cent of the outstanding shares. It was reported that the current Board has governed over a steep decline in the share price, which has dropped from around US$5 in June on the Toronto Stock Exchange to US$1.69 on Thursday. It briefly peaked at US$10.11 in mid-2016.

The StarPhoenix further reported that shareholders have also expressed dissatisfaction with management of

someone, but instead the suspect, who was reportedly intoxicated, requested that he leave the premises.

This led to an argument and ultimately a physical confrontation. It was during the altercation Mattias allegedly whipped out a knife and stabbed the victim to the neck and chest.

Betancourt was picked up and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital in an unconscious state and was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspect was later arrested and charged.

He is expected to make his next court appearance on January 25, 2019.

apart from replacing the Board members with six independent Directors, the shareholders are also looking to establish an ethics committee and launch a strategic review of the company.

The Canadian newspaper, which is part of the Postmedia Network, said that the move was the latest by shareholders in the mining industry to shake-up leadership over disappointing performance, including a successful push by hedge fund manager John Paulson to flip the Board at Detour Gold Corp and early efforts by investors in December to change management at Hudbay Minerals Inc. According to StarPhoenix, the dissident shareholders, including former Executive Chairman and founder

Case dismissed against alleged chain snatcher

C

hief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday dismissed a robbery under arms case against Leon Duncan, an office assistant of Festival City, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who allegedly stole a quantity of jewellery from Michael Wills.

The victim told the court under oath that he did not wish to give evidence against the 28-year-old man for the alleged offence since he did not fit the identity or description of the man who had robbed him.

It was alleged that on December 28, 2018 while

in the vicinity of Norton Street, Georgetown, Duncan stole one gold chain valued $560,000 while being armed with a gun and in the company of another man.

The defendant was represented by Attorney-atLaw Bernard Da Silva.

S RAIGHT The PNC sugar conspiracy stands exposed

By Sase Singh; MSc – Finance, ACCA

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he A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Team in their 2015 manifesto promised to “convene a Commission of Inquiry…. to review, analyse and recommend the way forward for the Guyana sugar industry…..”. The Parvattan Commission did a review, analysis and then made recommendation, including one that encourages keeping all of the estates open. But their recommendations were never to be implemented because all along the People’s National Congress (PNC), which dominates this coalition of convenience, had no intention of infusing the critical investments needed to optimise the contribution of the sugar industry to the nation. Their game plan all along was nothing else but political. All they were interested in was the marginalisation of the workers in the sugar industry who are perceived to be supporters of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the largest political party in Guyana.

To conduct their “malicious” plot, they engaged an army of geriatrics from the 1980s with their failed ideas who were all associated with the worst days of the sugar industry. True to form, these Granger appointees accelerated the destruction of the sugar belt. One only has to review the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) 2018 management accounts, their 2017 final accounts and their audited accounts from 2016 and 2015 to realise the gravity of the destruction.

Although Team Granger claimed that by closing four of the seven estates, GuySuCo will become stronger, it actually became much weaker as an organisation. GuySuCo is set to generate a staggering loss before tax of $12.8 billion in 2018, with three estates as compared to a loss before tax in 2015 of $2.7 billion when all seven estates were functional. Pick sense from nonsense, why are three estates a bigger burden on the Treasury than seven?

Revenue in 2018 fell by 63.9 per cent to $7.7 billion from 2015 on the back of the worst production ever in the history of GuySuCo at some 92,000 tonnes. In 2015, when the PPP departed office, the production was some 151 per cent better at some 231,000 tonnes.

But in spite of this implosion in the sugar production, the Granger boys and girls did not take a cut in their fat cat packages, rather they all benefited from more cash.

To expose Team Granger, one has to interrogate the administrative expenses, which is mostly made up of head office expenses. In 2015, with seven grinding factories, GuySuCo had administrative expenses of GY$2.4 billion. However, after closing more than half of the estates, the administrative expenses only declined by 16 per cent to GY$2.1 billion. While the sugar workers were being thrown on their backs and off the estates with peanuts in their hands for all their years of service, this small cabal of PNC aligned executives in the head offices were multiplying their personal emoluments.

In an environment where some 6000 sugar workers were severed in the industry, the top 10 sugar executives drew down for themselves a collective sum of just under YG$200 million for each of those years since 2015. If all their additional benefits and perks are added, these people were hitting up the Corporation for over GY$300 million per year. Mind you what these top 10 PNC boys are drawing in one year could have paid all the sugar workers at Wales Sugar Estate their total severance pay in an instant.

The 2018 management accounts revealed that while the number of employees went down, the employment cost increased.

This anomaly reinforced the conclusion that these PNC aligned boys and girls are taking a bigger cut of the now much smaller pie. These people do not have a conscience and operate without empathy for the hard-working men and women in the fields and factories. Today, GuySuCo is a well-beaten organisation that is ready to lie down after the sound licking it took from both the PPP and PNC Governments.

I am on record of justifiable condemning the mistakes of the Raj Singh administration under the PPP and likewise the Errol Hanoman administration under the PNC. But no one foresaw how quickly the PNC/AFC would have destroyed the assets of the sugar belt.

The PNC never understood the real business issues in the Stateowned entities and therefore was incapable of addressing them.

These last three years reconfirmed what we all knew from the 1980s – this is the same old PNC with their short-term ideas focuses on harvesting the assets without reinvesting in them. In State-owned entities, the idea is to run them like a business and expand the pie so that there is more pie for all. This was never to be on the sugar belt once the PNC was in office and the outcome from their experiment is a major socio-economic disaster conceived by and authorised by policy dunces like Noel Holder, Clive Thomas, and Errol Hanoman.

Where do we go from here?

Pleaseshare feel free to share your feedback at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

Please your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

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fridAY, January 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

MoE places student who beat teacher on 4-month bond F

ollowing an incident on December 1, 2018, involving the head teacher (ag) of No 5 Primary School, Gangadai SebaratIsaacs and a Grade 11 student of Number 8 Secondary School, the Education Ministry met with the male student and his mother during which the student proffered a different version of what transpired between himself and the head teacher.

As such, he submitted a written report giving his version of what took place on the day of the incident. However, in the presence of his mother, he was placed on a school bond by the Schools’ Welfare Department and more so, he is required to attend counselling sessions every Wednesday for the next four months.

In a missive, the Education Ministry stated that it will continue to monitor the child and the situation even as the matter continues to engage the attention of the Police.

“The Ministry of Education is not in a position to comment fur-

Head Teacher Gangadai Sebarat-Isaacs

ther on this matter since this incident is now engaging the attention of the Police and the court,” the release added.

It was reported that the teacher had to seek medical attention

after she was attacked and beaten by the student. Sebarat-Isaacs was on her way home when the incident occurred. The teenager reportedly bumped into her son and then pushed her to the ground. He then bent over and kissed her on her lips.

“He go to do it again and I spit. I don’t know if the spit catch him but with that, he start cuffing me. He cuff me on my face… right now my whole face hurting, my head hurting, my teeth hurting, my skin what he cuff and so hurting…”, the teacher recalled.

The matter was first called at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court but the teenager was not present in court to answer the charge. As such, a court summons was served for him to appear in court on December 12, 2018, when the case was be called for the second time.

On December 12, the matter was called for the second time and the young man was ordered to return to court on January 9.

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fridAY, January 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

APNU member replaces Charrandas Persaud as MP

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new Member of Parliament (MP) was sworn in on Thursday, replacing Charrandas Persaud who voted in favour of the Opposition’s Noconfidence Motion against the coalition Government.

Barbara Patricia Pilgrim was selected by the larger partner in the coalition Government; the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), to represent Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Pilgrim, who was asked how she feels having been entrusted to hold a seat in Parliament and how she hopes to use her new position, said she did not know what to say at first.

However, she later told

reporters at the sidelines of Parliament that she has always been an active member of the People’s National Congress (PNC) in the Ancient County.

“I try to bring people together. And that is what I plan to do, so that we could move Guyana forward,” Pilgrim stated, explaining that she will also strive to help citizens of her region.

Pilgrim said while Region Six is more of an agriculture-based community, she hopes to look at issues such as farm-to-market roads, associations for farming and livestock rearing.

Pilgrim, a former teacher, became a co-op officer and later a community development officer, calling herself a

Newly-appointed MP Barbara Patricia Pilgrim

‘community person.’

However, it has been reported that her appointment to the National Assembly is a departure from the

Cummingsburg Accord signed between the APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

In that agreement, it has

been stated explicitly that the minority AFC should have 12 seats in the National Assembly. Pilgrim’s replacement of Persaud now gives that party 11 seats.

Immediately after the swearing in, the AFC issued a statement pledging their full support for the new MP, while extending best wishes to her during her sojourn in the National Assembly.

The party also sought to explain that the APNU/ AFC submitted a joint list of candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission for the contesting of the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Under the arrangement of the Cummingsburg Accord, the APNU submit-

ted three names, and the AFC, two, for the Region Six list.

“The AFC having exhausted its two members on that list, it fell on the APNU, as a consequence, to name the replacement for the member who defected,” the statement added.

Besides this, the Government has argued that Persaud who voted with the Opposition to cause a collapse of the coalition has dual citizenship for both Guyana and Canada.

The Government claimed that it was on that basis that Persaud’s vote was invalid.

However, Pilgrim allegedly holds the same privilege, but instead is a citizen of the United States.

Domestic abuse cases must be reported – Minister Allicock

Indigenous Peoples' Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock

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ndigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock is calling on the public to report cases of domestic abuse. The Minister made this comment in light of the death of Toshao Solomon Lewis of Kurutuku Village (Middle Maz), Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) who was beheaded in the wee hours of Tuesday.

It was reported that Lewis

and his son attempted to stop his 27-year-old son-in-law from beating his daughter.

Annoyed at the two men’s intervention, the suspect armed himself with a cutlass and dealt several chops to his father-in-law, severing his head in the process.

He then turned his attention to his brother-in-law, dealing him several chops which also reportedly severed one of the man’s hands.

Following the incident, the suspect fled the scene in a boat. He was however later arrested and is being processed for court.

However, the Minister said domestic violence “has been a worry for a very long time and while the Toshaos are Rural Constables, where they have the powers of arrest, they will still be insecurities as we have witnessed in this case, the overpowering of wrong doers of the authority of the Village Council”.

He added “this is something the villages and communities need to focus on and

Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe

to take early step of curbing that situation to avoid another mishap. With this situation, I was told that this is not the first nor the second time that he has been an abusive partner, and she happens to be the daughter of the Toshao and it’s really, really sad”.

Allicock pointed out the need to have proactive Community Policing Groups noting that “we will have to

find a way of encouraging Village Councils are establish Policing Groups who will deal with such matters at that level and who can also bring such cases to the relevant authorities”.

Minister Meanwhile, within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe who has direct responsibility for social and welfare issues said the Ministry, has taken steps to address such issues by employing and training welfare officers as well as providing training for members of the respective Village Councils.

“Minister Allicock and I after viewing the situation, decided that welfare officers should be employed and trained in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine so that they can help in these situations.

We employed seven in 2018 and two more will be employed in 2019. They received training for one month on all these issues, where they would be able to give counsel, give advice to teenagers, women and men in a professional way,” Lowe stated.

Both Ministers shared a similar concern where villages “would close ranks and no one wants to speak out against the perpetrator and

Dead: Toshao Solomon Lewis sometimes the victim themselves would not want to speak. Sometimes when it’s extreme then it would go further”.

The Minister said it is for the same reason welfare officers are employed from within the villages and receive the appropriate training. Minister Garrido-Lowe said while much was accomplished, much more will be done since the Ministry is aware that such issues must be addressed frontally.

Additionally, Minister Garrido-Lowe noted that visits will be made to the village in the coming weeks to meet with the women folk to ensure

they are empowered “not only financially or economically, but also educate them in regards to their rights.

The Ministry has much more to do to ensure that the Indigenous peoples learn their rights, learn about domestic violence, the Amerindian Act and incest.

Even the teenagers in the schools, we also have to ensure that the Ministry of Education disseminates information to the primary schools with regards to what is appropriate behaviour in terms of touching. It’s a journey we have taken and we will ensure we complete it,” she added.

To date, two welfare officers are currently employed in Region One (Barima-Waini), one in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and four in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Meanwhile, both Ministers have expressed regret for this unfortunate incident and assured that the Ministry will provide the necessary assistance to the relatives of the now dead man during this difficult time.

The passing of Toshao Lewis has put a dent on the village’s governance structure.

Venezuela tried to land...

That being said, he also noted that Guyana remained open to dialogue with Venezuela; dialogue that does not infringe on the case currently before the ICJ. Thus far, Venezuela has refused to participate in the ICJ process.

“We have reiterated our invitation to Venezuela to join Guyana in seeking a peaceful, just and final resolution of the controversy by participating in the proceedings before the International Court of Justice, presenting all of its claims and defences to the Court, and accepting the final judgement of the Court, in compliance with Article IV (2) of the Geneva Agreement and the binding decision of the Secretary General,” Greenidge stated.

On December 22, 2018, ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary announced it was suspending the 3D seismic tests it started only a month ago in Guyana’s Stabroek Block; after the ap-

pearance and approach of the Venezuelan navy caused the company’s seismic vessel to pack up shop and vacate the area.

Ramform Tethys, the vessel in question, is owned by Norwegian company Petroleum and Geo Services (PGS). The company was contracted by Exxon to carry out tests and acquire seismic data.

The incident came at a time when Guyana has an ongoing territorial integrity case with Venezuela. Since Guyana submitted its memorial on jurisdiction to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year, a date was in turn set for the Venezuelan Government to submit its own counter memorial.

This was revealed during the 2019 Budget debates by Greenidge. According to the Minister, April 18, 2019, has been set for Venezuela to submit its counter memorial.

From page 9

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

Venezuela has been against oil exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where multiple oil deposits were found by ExxonMobil, and has since renewed claims to the Essequibo region.

On January 30, 2018, Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres concluded that the Good Offices Process – which the parties had engaged in for almost 30 years, but it failed to achieve a solution to the controversy – and chose the ICJ as the next means of settlement, for which Guyana has long been advocating. Sir Shridath Ramphal and Ambassador Audrey Waddell are assisting Minister Greenidge.

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fridAY, January 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Drug shortage hits Guyana to host CRIC Convention this month WCD health centres …UNCCD training fair to kick-start event A

S

The West Demerara Regional Hospital

everal health centres across the West Coast of Demerara have been facing significant drug shortages for the past month thus causing some to worry they would have to purchase basic medications.

The issue started at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) and continued as a trend at the Leonora Cottage Hospital and the Meten-Meer-Zorg Health Centre.

Sources at the WDRH confirmed on Thursday that many individuals, primarily senior citizens, were diagnosed with their respective illnesses and were forced to leave without any medication.

“We have people coming in here and we having Panadol to give them.

Old people who need medications are being turned away, because we can tell them what’s wrong, but we can’t really help them, because they need the drugs,” a medical professional told Guyana Times.

He explained that this matter was of concern, since some rural families depended on public healthcare.

“These people need their blood pressure and cholesterol and other medications.

Just today we had a complication with a child and the parents had to go and buy the meds, because we don’t have it to give them.

It’s a public hospital and we should be able to provide these pills at least,” he explained.

Meanwhile, other patients shared similar sentiments on Tuesday about other services being provided at the Leonora Cottage Hospital and also hinted that the Hospital lacked medical personnel to attend to patients.

Adding to that, accident victims are usually trans-

ferred to the WDRH during the night owing to a lack of doctors.

Councillor of Constituency Four (Zeelugt), Poorandai Sukhu informed this publication that patients have complained of a medicine shortage at the Meten-Meer-Zorg Health Centre. During visits to the clinic, basic drugs are not supplied and patients are told that “they do not have”.

“People complain that when they go, they are not getting any medicine which should be provided, and then they have to do without or go and buy,” she said.

Last year, doctors and nurses at the Skeldon

Hospital staged a sit-in and refused to see patients given a shortage of drugs and lack of basic equipment for them to carry out their duties.

Since they had no tools to down, the staff at the Accident and Emergency Unit simply refused to see patients who turned up at the facility.

During that same period, workers at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) downed their tools, staging a three-hour sit-in as a result of the same issue.

Immediate intervention was sought by contacting the Public Health Ministry to temporarily dispatch some drugs.

s the new year progresses, Guyana will be embarking on discussions to fight drought and other land-related issues as plans are now on stream to host the 17th session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC), spearheaded by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Commencing on January 28 through January 30, stakeholders from around the world will gather at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown to participate in the event.

At present, a committee was established by the Government to oversee plans to successfully host the event smoothly.

CRIC is referred to as a subsidiary body of the Conference of Parties (COP) and Guyana is the first English-speaking Caribbean country to have acceded to membership of the CRIC Bureau. This event is anticipated to identify the country as a leading sustainable

developer among other such nations.

With talks on desertification and its impactful influence on economies, a two-day training fair for National Focal Points and UNCCD stakeholders will be convened on January 25 and 26.

This fair is backed by the Soil Leadership Academy, which was established under the UNCCD to support stakeholders on their passage to Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). Some of the areas to be covered include LDN Project Development and ways in which such projects can be funded.

For this, organisations who are interested in providing donations to these projects are also welcomed.

Special attention will be paid to drought and the approaches which can be used once the area is monitored.

The importance lies within practices which can alleviate droughts beforehand via improvised techniques in farming and land management. Agencies that have successfully managed to ex-

ecute these procedures will be present to address any concerns.

Sections of the module to be used also tackle integrating gender into policies for LDN, including “gender-responsive projects”. As it relates to sand and dust storms, the guideline will educate on how to assess a country’s vulnerability towards such occurrence with provisions for the economic impact assessment.

The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission has posited that there was much to look forward to in 2019, with the hosting of the Guyana-Brazil Joint Border Commission Conference in the first quarter of this year.

Throughout the year, emphasis will be placed on implementing the Sustainable Land Development and Management Project in keeping with their outlined responsibilities.

In the strategic planning for 2019 to 2023, a review of policy documents is expected to roll out as well as a national policy for Geographic Information Systems.

Anna Regina Municipality Pound back in operation the unclear ownership of the animals.

The Mayor said that as a result of the non-functioning of the Pound, the stray animals became a threat to road users, but with it back in full operation, the issue would be addressed.

The newly-elected Mayor pledged to look at all avenues of development Newly-elected Mayor Rajendra Prabhulall addressing the Council on Thursday

A

fter being out of operation for a long period, the Anna Regina Municipality Pound is back in operation.

This was revealed by the town’s Mayor, Rajendra Prabhulall during its statutory meeting on Thursday.

Residents, especially drivers within the township, had been complaining of the many stray animals roaming the roadways, especially at nights and causing many accidents which were not reported owing to

within the township. He called on Councillors to be friendly with their constituency, to work closely with the residents, especially the business people, and, most importantly, to make time to go out and listen to the many problems that residents face and deal with them in a holistic manner.

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fridAY, January 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Disappearance” of payment contracts, untimely payments worry Region 10 Chairman

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egion 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Chairman Renis Morian on Thursday noted that he was concerned about the disappearance of payment contracts, as well as the untimely payments made by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to persons for services.

He shed light on the issues as the Council hosted its first statutory meeting of 2019 at its office in Linden.

According to the Regional Chairman, payment contracts are being misplaced at the office which has led to the duplication of the contracts and payments.

Addressing Councillors on numerous challenges faced by the Council, Morian pointed to the issues, noting

A section of persons at the statutory meeting

that these should be corrected in 2019.

“Another area that is troubling us in the Council is the area of contracts…

contracts keep disappearing,” the Regional Chairman noted.

He also pointed to instances where he would

have to redo contracts for payments at least twice, only for it to be misplaced again. More specifically, Morian highlighted one instance where one contract was prepared three times and two separate payments for the amount was issued.

“I discovered, two payments come... Two payments come to the person...

Somehow, we ain’t getting it right... Something ain’t right in the contracts area... we’re missing too many contracts...” he stressed. As such, Morian asked that the Regional Executive Officer (REO) and Deputy REO look into the area of contracts.

“Payments got another issue... We got problems

with payments... When you equate us with other regions, this region lagging behind in terms of the time we take to pay people... people, they ain’t conscious that these people work for this money and they want their payment,” Morian continued.

In this regard, he said he spoke with Finance Minister Winston Jordan and requested training for staff and for diagnostics to be carried out to see where strengthening is needed.

“I had a talk with the Minister of Finance and he asked me to put it in writing and I did put it in writing that I’m very dissatisfied that we ain’t getting it right where payments are con-

cerned. People coming and row... and they got some people ain’t want supply things to us anymore because of the whole issue of payments taking too long. Now we got to correct that in 2019,” he stated.

The REO Orrin Gordon said another contributing factor is the timely release of funds from the Central Ministry but noted that regardless, the system has to come up to scratch.

“So while sometimes the document is downstairs (at the office) we are waiting on the releases to come... but that does not negate the fact... we need to ensure the payments are made faster,” he said.

4 babies born at NA Hospital Region 2 farmers affected on New Year’s Day

by low rainfall

…NDIA working to restore irrigation to the Coast …farmers urged to exercise restraint given limited water supply

Janice Daniels and her baby at the New Amsterdam Hospital

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The level of irrigation water is insufficient

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ice farmers on the Essequibo Coast are being advised to be judicious in the use of irrigation water over the next few weeks as the water level of the Tapacuma Conservancy has dropped significantly as a result of minimum rainfall during this rainy season.

A release from the Agriculture Ministry stated that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has said that despite its pumps working beyond the scheduled operating hours, the level of irrigation water in the main canal continued to be insufficient to adequately service all rice fields in both the front and backlands areas.

NDIA Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Engineer Nanram Narine said that the low level of rainfall this rainy season has significantly affected the Authority’s irrigation water supplies.

“As a result, the water level in the Tapacuma Conservancy is very low. We are utilising the Dawa Pump Station to pump water from the Pomeroon River into the

Tapacuma Conservancy.

We have also extended the pumping hours and, should the need arise, we will have to extend those hours further,” Narine said.

While the Authority is working towards ensuring that farmers in the front lands – who are the ones mainly affected – receive sufficient irrigation water despite the cost, NDIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Flatts is urging farmers to be responsible with their water usage.

“We are cognisant of the additional cost this will incur to a system already constrained at this time of the year, but, at the same time, we are aware that the livelihoods of many rice farmers would be affected if their fields are not properly irrigated and we are working to ensure that does not occur,” Flatts said.

This year, NDIA has been awarded a budgetary allocation of $7.5 billion to be used to execute its capital and recurrent projects.

In this regard, vulnerable areas such as Pomeroon and Friendship, East Bank

Demerara will receive $30 million each for rehabilitation work to reduce flooding in 2019.

The NDIA continues to plan and implement systems to adapt the highly-vulnerable and high-risk areas of the country to the effects of climate change while developing new areas for agriculture purposes.

The Authority currently oversees the operation of 134 drainage pumps in Guyana.

In 2019, the NDIA will add 11 new fixed pumps and three new mobile pumps, and rehabilitate eight pump stations in the D&I network. This will benefit approximately 39,000 acres of rice and cash crop cultivation, and cattle, in addition to the nearby villages.

Residents in Hampton Court and Devonshire Castle in Region Two, Den Amstel in Region Three, Hope and Nooten Zuil in Region Four, Trafalgar and Mora Point in Region Five and Rose Hall in Region Six will soon benefit from the placement of the fixed pumps within their communities which will help to restrict flooding.

our babies entered the world on New Year’s Day at the New Amsterdam Hospital, five fewer than the nine delivered in 2017. In 2016, there was one birth and in 2015, five babies were delivered on New Year’s Day. This year, a 21-yearold mother was the first to give birth to a bouncing baby boy. Janice Daniels, of Lot 1 Number Two Village, Berbice, gave birth to a 2.7 kilogram boy about 00:03h.

The baby was delivered by Midwife Travis Jonas, who also did two other deliveries.

This is the second child for Daniels. The young mother was high in praise for the nurses at the maternity unit. Her due date was set for January 18, but she was admitted one day before

delivery.

“My first delivery was easier than this one. Then I

busy with other mothers, so they couldn’t spend so much time with me,” she added.

Sabita Singh gave birth to the second New Year’s baby: a 3.3kg girl, her third child. Singh, of Block 9 Bath Settlement, said she was advised by the maternity unit at the Fort Wellington Hospital to have her delivery done at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

The 36-year-old mother said this was because of the number of years which had passed since her second child. She noted that it came as a surprise when she went into labour since her due was January 13.

However, she is happy

Sabita Singh and her daughter

had nurses to rub my back when it was hurting, but now the nurses were all

Malinie Neville with her first child at the New Amsterdam Hospital

to have delivered a baby on New Year’s Day. Finally, 21-year-old Malinie Neville delivered her first child at 00:40h.

Neville, of Number 73 Village, Corentyne, went to the Skeldon Hospital on December 23, after a premature rupture of membranes (PROM) which is typically referred to as the water bag bursting. She was then referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Meanwhile, Roxanne Marray, 19, of Rose Hall Town, gave birth via caesarean. Her 3kg girl was born at 08:28h.

“Anybody will be glad to give birth on the first day of the year,” she said.

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fridAY, January 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Skeldon Hospital without telephone service – purchases mobile phone to contact doctors on call

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he telephone service at the Skeldon Hospital was disconnected due to the non-payment of bills, thus forcing the administration of the medical facility to purchase a mobile phone in order to keep in contact with doctors.

“GTT will cut you off automatically if you don’t pay your bills and a hospital is a very important and crucial institution so the phones must be working because if someone wants to call for an ambulance… There are institutions where communications must always be readily available,” Region Six

Chairman David Armogan told the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on Thursday.

It has been three weeks since the telephone service has been disconnected. In addition, the mortuary is also non-functional. Administrator of the Hospital, Sherla Scott, who is a Regional Councillor, questioned whose responsibility it is to pay the bills for the medical facility.

“We are disgusted with complaints coming to us as Councillors hearing that the administration is unable to pay our contractors who would have done work for

Administrator of the Skeldon Hospital, Sherla Scott

$5M tax credits for remigrants – amended Customs Bill will tighten loopholes in remigrant scheme clear up a backlog of refunds where people keep asking GRA for their monies and they cannot get it”.

the region and also unable to pay our bills. I would like to find out who or which department is responsible for the public. When this goes out in the public, the information is so twisted that real person is not dealt with or nobody is aware of who is responsible,” she outlined.

Scott said contractors who did work at the hospital have to wait for months before they are paid. She noted that the contractor who did work at the institution’s mortuary is still to be paid months later and in now withholding his services.

“This is not the first contractor I would have had encounters with venting their frustration over us at the RDC not meeting payments. How do we ask persons to give us services and we are unable to pay them.

The Skeldon Hospital has one phone line and that is the line that every person depends on; especially the Accident and Emergency Unit.”

Scott, who sits on the coalition side of the House, explained that the hospital has on numerous occasions enquired about payments and are always told that they are waiting on cheques.

“They are so many cheques to be asserted to and nobody knows if the cheques for Skeldon are ready.”

According to her, on Wednesday a decision was taken to purchase a cellular phone and phone cards so that the hospital can contact doctors who are on call whenever there is an emergence. She also noted that hospital staff has to use their personal cellular phones to make calls on behalf of the hospital.

The situation, she explained, had been in existence for the past three weeks and a decision had to be taken since they were not satisfied with the response they have been getting from the regional administration.

“It is an administrative problem which is affecting

the system,” Armagon added and as such, he is committed to ensuring that the issue is solved and the root of the problem is addressed.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Kim Stephens did not take the blame for the woes at the medical facility.

The REO explained that the vouchers are sent to the sub-Treasury department and she has no control over that department.

In response, the Regional Chairman stated, “I hope that this matter can be sorted out very quickly because people in that community don’t have jobs since the sugar estate has been shut down; they are all poor now and have no money and so we have to provide a level of service which we are obligated to provide. This is not a favour we are doing for the people; they all pay taxes. It is taxpayers’ money and we cannot allow administrative bugling to affect the lives of people.”

Bartica Regional Hospital gets CT scanner – $11M water ambulance commissioned

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

O

ne of the loopholes in the re-migrant scheme is now tightened with the amendment of the Customs Bill. The amendment of the Bill was moved by Finance Minister Winston Jordan on Thursday in the 112th sitting of the National Assembly of the 11th Parliament.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Jordan highlighted that the amendment proposes a tax credit of $5 million to be given to the re-migrants. He said this allows the re-migrant to bring as many vehicles as possible but once it exceeds the credit amount, they will have to pay the difference in duties.

“You do not have to worry anymore about the vehicles being in your possession for six months, you can come to Guyana and you can buy your vehicle within six months of arriving in Guyana. This allows us to get around all the chicanery of trying to show that you had it in your possession for six months,” the Minister explained.

The scheme, he said, has not worked well, especially as it relates to the question of who exactly is a re-migrant and if those individuals comply with the criteria of a re-migrants. Minister Jordan added that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has its limitations and find it hard to ensure that every re-migrant is

complying with the laws.

In addition, the Finance Minister underscored that many re-migrants use the scheme to bring home vehicles and televisions among other things to be sold with those individuals spending less than two weeks in the country. However, the Bill seeks only to deal with vehicles.

Upon investigation, the Minister said it was found that some persons failed to fulfil many of the criteria to be regarded as a re-migrant.

Students will also benefit from the amendment, Minister Jordan pointed out. He noted that they too can qualify as re-migrants if they can show that they had attended continuously, for at least three years, an educational institution abroad.

Such persons will be given all rights and can have access to all rights including purchasing of vehicles when they return home.

The Minister said that despite the amendment to the Bill, the scheme will continue as it is the Government’s aim to attract persons from abroad, especially as oil and gas production nears.

Another amendment to the Bill will see the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) paying citizens all Income Tax refunds owed. The monies due, however, will not come from budgeted sums, but from current revenue collected. The Minister noted that “hopefully this will

Regional Health Officer of Region Seven, Dr Edward Sagala

R

esidents of Bartica, and by extension Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), and other nearby regions can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that a computerised tomography (CT) scan will soon be operationalised.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), after the complete installation of the CT scanner at the Bartica Regional Hospital, persons in need of scans from Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Seven, Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) can access the service free of charge.

Dr Edward Sagala, Regional Health Officer of Region Seven emphasised the importance of having such a critical piece of equipment functioning in that part of the country.

“This is a sensitive piece of equipment which is a necessity in any modern medical institution. With medical specialists now operating and working at the Bartica Hospital this will facilitate a speedy diagnosis of conditions

that are complex so that we can institute necessary medical treatment.”

Dr Sagala also reflected that “persons who needed this service, would have had to go straight to the Georgetown Hospital or a private institution and there they had to spend money, it’s not cheap, it’s expensive,” he said.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence stopped at the hospital while in Bartica to receive an update regarding the installation of the machine. She was pleased to learn that the residents of Bartica and nearby villages will soon be able to access the service.

The building, which houses the CT scanner, was constructed to specification at a cost of $30 million.

RAD-AID in 2016 handed over two new CT scanners valued at approximately US$200,000 to the Public Health Ministry, which at that time determined that one will be placed at the Bartica Regional Hospital and the other at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital.

Meanwhile, Bartica received a newly commissioned water ambulance. The emergency water transport was handed over to the town by Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence. It was built by local contractor Sunrise Marine Incorporated.

The water ambulance, costing approximately $11 million, is equipped with all that is needed for the vehicle for its use in the effective delivery of healthcare services in the riverine regions.

This ambulance will mainly transport emergency cases and referrals from Bartica to Parika after which the patient is transported from Parika to the Georgetown Public

The $11 million water ambulance which has been commissioned for Bartica

Hospital.

Also, training for river ambulance operators has started and continues to ensure they effectively deliver the requisite services.

According to Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford, the need for the water ambulance was cited since 2006, however, priority was never given to the means of transport by the previous Administration.

“We have been back and forth with this particular project and it started since 2006 since then we visualised that we needed a river ambulance… This ambulance will effectively evacuate persons not only from Bartica but those nearby riverine communities.”

During a brief commissioning ceremony, Minister Lawrence delightfully noted that it was Bartica, and by extension the entire region, which made the step for the acquisition of the water ambulance.

She added that it will not only aid in referrals from Region Seven but also Regions Two, 10 and islands in Region Three. More importantly, Minister Lawrence highlight-

ed that the regional hospital is staffed with specialists and geared with services that cater to cases requiring emergency intervention. These include high-risk maternity cases, accidents and emergency cases among others. The water ambulance will simply aid in transporting those patients in need of a higher level of care.

Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Holbert Knights said after long periods of consideration, “we finally have been able to get the right boat with the right equipment.”

Regional Chairman Bradford agreed that the commissioning of the water ambulance is a dream come through.

It was also noted that the operation of the water ambulance will eliminate the need for the region to contract and rent boats as was the norm for many years. With gratitude, Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall said, “The people of Bartica now have another reason to celebrate.”

He explained that over the last three years, the region’s health sector has undergone tremendous improvement and Bartica has benefited significantly.

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Regional

Brazil wants to move embassy to Jerusalem, push reform at WTO

T

he national security adviser to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday that the leader wants to move Brazil’s embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, but that logistical considerations were standing in the way.

Retired Army General Augusto Heleno, Bolsonaro’s top adviser on security, did not elaborate. But the country’s powerful agriculture sector is opposed to moving the embassy from Tel Aviv and angering Arab nations that buy billions of dollars’ worth of Brazilian halal or “permissible” meat each year.

Separately, Bolsonaro met Thursday with the head of the World Trade Organization, Roberto Azevedo, who said the new Brazilian Government’s

Minister of Institutional Security Augusto Heleno is seen before a meeting at the Secretariat of Security and Coordination Presidential Cabinet in Brasilia, Brazil, January 3, 2019

sharp rebukes of globalism were shared by many other countries and that the trade body was making changes.

Azevedo met with Bolsonaro the day after Brazil’s new Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo

sharply rebuked globalism, saying that under his watch the country would fight for change at multilateral institutions like the WTO. Araujo’s words were not a threat, Azevedo said.

The far-right Bolsonaro

has dramatically changed Brazil’s diplomatic alliances, rejecting the emphasis on South-South relations that the leftist Workers Party pushed when it held the presidency from 2003 to 2016.

Bolsonaro, an avid fan of US President Donald Trump, has deepened ties with the United States and Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Brazil for Bolsonaro’s Jan. 1 inauguration, and after the pair met Netanyahu said that Bolsonaro told him that moving the embassy was a matter of “when, not if.”

Security adviser Heleno said on Thursday “there is a clear desire that this happens, but there has been no decision on a date.” (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Mexican experts discover first temple of god depicted as skinned human corpse

M

exican experts say they have found the first temple of the Flayed Lord, a pre-Hispanic fertility god depicted as a skinned human corpse.

Conquistadors sacrificed and eaten by Aztec-era people, archaeologists say Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History said Wednesday the find was made during recent excavations of Popoloca ruins in Puebla state.

The institute said experts found two skull-like stone carvings and a stone trunk depicting the god, Xipe Totec. It had an extra hand dangling off one arm, suggesting the god was wearing the skin of a sacrificial victim.

Priests worshipped Xipe

A skull-like stone carving and stone trunk depicting the Flayed Lord

Totec by skinning human victims and then donning their skins. The ritual was seen as a way to ensure fertility and regeneration.

The Popolocas built the temple at a complex known as Ndachjian-Tehuacan be-

tween AD 1000 and 1260 and were later conquered by the Aztecs.

Ancient accounts of the rituals suggested victims were killed in gladiator-style combat or by arrows on one platform,

then skinned on another platform. The layout of the temple at Tehuacan seems to match that description.

Depictions of the god had been found before in other cultures, including the Aztecs, but not a whole temple.

Susan Gillespie, a University of Florida archaeologist who was not involved in the project, wrote that “finding the torso fragment of a human wearing the flayed skin of a sacrificial victim in situ is perhaps the most compelling evidence of the association of this practice and related deity to a particular temple, more so to me than the two sculpted skeletal crania.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

Colombia coca production: US ‘deeply concerned’ by rise

U

S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he is “deeply concerned” about the increased production of coca leaf, the raw material for cocaine, in Colombia.

At a meeting with Colombian President Ivan Duque, Pompeo said the two countries would try to reduce coca production by 50 per cent by 2023.

Colombia has already vowed to step up its coca eradication programme. A recent UN report said the amount of agricultural land used for coca crops in Colombia had hit record levels.

The country has fought for years to tackle cocaine production, with the US providing about US$400 million (£318 million) annually to help combat the producers and traffickers.

Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, while the US is the world’s largest consumer. Duque thanked the US for its support in the drugs war. Speaking last month, Duque said that more than 80,000 hectares of illicit crops had been eradicated in 2018. The government says it

Over 100 illegal Haitians apprehended in The Bahamas

Some of the 124 Haitian migrants boarding a bus to be transported to a detention centre

A

total of 124 Haitian migrants were apprehended earlier this week by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) after they were discovered in Bahamian waters.

The Haitians – 107 males and 24 females – were in a 40-foot sail sloop which was intercepted around 03:00h, approximately eight miles South of New Providence.

The migrants were all handed over to immigration

officials for further questioning.

The RBDF has apprehended or assisted in apprehending over 400 Haitian migrants in 2018. Those migrants have since been charged before the courts for illegal landing.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force said it remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity of The Bahamas and keeping borders secured. (Caribbean360)

Jamaican fisherman dies, buried in Nicaragua after 22 days adrift

R

eports have surfaced out of Nicaragua that a Jamaican boat captain is now dead and buried in that country, after he and two others were rescued by locals after spending 22 days adrift in waters off the northern Caribbean country.

The dead captain has been identified as Joshua Strekley, 44.

According to reports, the two survivors Clifton C Edwards, 43, and Reid Derreique Anthonio, 45 said that they set sailed from St Thomas in Jamaica on December 10, 2018 to the fishing bank known as Murrant Cay Saumont Bank.

The two explained that after having travelled 30 miles out to sea, they were surprised by a strong storm that damaged the left side of their boat. The fishermen said they were left without fuel and food, until they ran aground on the Halouver coast, 30 miles South of Puerto Cabezas in Nicaragua, where they were helped by the community members.

The residents reportedly took Strekly to the health post in the town, where he died and they decided to bury him. The surviving fishermen were subsequently sent to immigration authorities for their return to Jamaica. (Jamaica Observer)

US suspends search for Haitian child, suspected smuggler off Florida

T

President Ivan Duque (left) and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met in the coastal city of Cartagena

aims to remove another 100,000 hectares in 2019.

But Colombia says more money is needed to persuade farmers to switch to less lucrative, legal crops. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) issued statistics in September that

showed coca production acreage in Colombia in 2017 was the highest ever recorded.

The total area given over to cultivation – about 171,000 hectares – was an estimated 17 per cnet higher than 2016. (Excerpt from BBC News)

he US Coast Guard has stopped searching for a nine-year-old Haitian child and a suspected migrant smuggler in the waters off Florida.

Authorities say the child and the Bahamian national were among 11 people aboard an 18-foot (5.5 metres) boat that capsized Sunday during an apparent migrant smuggling venture. A good Samaritan found nine people in the water roughly 45 miles (70 kilometres) east of the Palm

Beach County coast, about halfway between Freeport in the Bahamas and Jupiter, Florida.

The search was suspended Wednesday evening after 69 hours. Coast Guard crews searched over 4100 square miles (10,600 square kilometres) by air and by sea.

Captain Aldante Vinciguerra said the search was a reminder of the “reckless regard” smuggling networks have for the migrants they are transporting. (Jamaica Observer)

17

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guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Iran rejects US Nancy Pelosi elected US House Speaker, reclaims gavel to lead Democrats' new majority warning against

N

ancy Pelosi was officially elected the new House speaker on Thursday in a majority vote by the House of Representatives on the first day of the 116th Congress.

She defeated the Republican nominee Kevin McCarthy, winning 220 votes. McCarthy becomes the House minority leader.

As House speaker, Pelosi will regularly face off against President Donald Trump and will preside over an emboldened and energized Democratic majority that is poised to launch aggressive oversight of the President and his administration.

One of the most immediate challenges confronting Pelosi as leader of the new House Democratic majority will be the fight over the President's long-promised border wall that triggered a standoff be-

House Speaker-delegate Nancy Pelosi raises the gavel after being elected as House Speaker as the US House of Representatives meets for the start of the 116th Congress inside the House Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on January 3, 2019

tween congressional Democrats and the President and resulted in a partial government shutdown, which is now in its second week.

Pelosi also makes history as she reclaims a title she previously held when she served as the first and so far only female House

speaker from 2007 to 2011.

A small, but vocal, faction of Democrats initially worked to derail Pelosi's bid to become the next speaker following the 2018 midterm elections, but no challenger against her ever emerged and she ultimately succeed in winning over many of her critics.

Twelve Democrats voted for others besides Pelosi, including former Vice President Joe Biden.

Pelosi has already outlined a plan for Democrats to pass a legislative package later in the day on Thursday to re-open shuttered parts of the government. Contrary to the President's demands for US$5 billion for a border wall, however, the legislation does not provide any new wall funding, setting up an early confrontation between the new Democratic majority and the administration. (Excerpt

from CNN)

space launches, ballistic missiles

I

ranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif rejected a US warning against carrying out space vehicle launches and missile tests, saying on Thursday they did not violate a UN resolution.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a pre-emptive warning to Iran earlier on Thursday against pursuing three planned space rocket launches that it said would violate a UN Security Council resolution because they use ballistic missile technology.

“Iran’s launch of space vehicles – & missile tests – are NOT in violation of (Resolution) 2231. The US is in material breach of same and as such it is in no position to lecture anyone on it,” Zarif wrote in English on Twitter.

(Reuters)

Russian gas explosion death toll N Korea diplomat in Italy hits 39 as rescue operation ends missing, S Korean MP says, after asylum report

Rescue workers clear the debris at the site of an apartment block collapse in Magnitogorsk city

T

he number of dead from a New Year's Eve gas explosion in a Russian apartment block jumped to 39 on Thursday as rescuers finished searching for bodies in the rubble of the partially collapsed building.

Russian official Alexandre Tchouprian said that 38 of the 39 bodies had been identified and no more were expected to be found at the site in the Ural mountains city of Magnitogorsk.

Nearly 900 people involved in rescue and recovery efforts braved temperatures as low as minus 27

degrees Celsius to search through mangled concrete and metal at the site.

Six people including two children were rescued at the site, but no survivors have been found since Tuesday when a 10-month-old boy was retrieved in what officials described as a "New Year's miracle".

The explosion tore through the 10-storey building in the industrial city nearly 1700 kilometres east of Moscow in the early hours of Monday. The Soviet-era block was home to about 1100 people and the explosion destroyed 35

apartments, leaving dozens homeless.

A bridge had been built to reach higher areas and one of the building's walls was taken down as it was threatening to collapse on rescue workers. On Thursday, residents of other parts of the building were to be allowed to enter their apartments, in half-hour stretches, to recover some belongings, the ministry said.

All the survivors were in a stable condition, said the office of Chelyabinsk regional governor Boris Dubrovsky, who visited several of them in hospital on Thursday.

The Health Ministry also said that Vanya, the baby boy rescued on Tuesday, was recovering in hospital.

His condition was "stable, with some improvement", Russian news agencies quoted the ministry as saying.

The boy was found in his cradle after rescuers heard him crying from under the rubble. He was brought to his mother, who had survived the blast, and then flown to Moscow for treatment. (Excerpt

A

North Korean diplomat who was until recently acting ambassador to Italy has gone missing, a South Korean Member of Parliament said on Thursday, after a South Korean newspaper reported he was seeking asylum in the West.

The diplomat, Jo Song Gil, disappeared with his wife after leaving the embassy without notice in early November, according to Kim Min-ki, a South Korean lawmaker who was briefed by the National Intelligence Service.

Earlier on Thursday,

the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper, citing an unidentified diplomatic source, said Jo, 48, had applied for asylum to an unspecified Western country and was in a "safe place" with his family under the protection of the Italian government.

A senior diplomatic source in Rome said Italy's foreign ministry knew nothing about the reports. A second diplomatic source said the ministry had no record of Jo seeking asylum in Italy. The source added that North Korea had announced in late 2018 that it was sending a new envoy to

T

ty and, on Thursday, China's top prosecutor said they had "without a doubt" violated the law. Separately, three US citizens were accused of committing "economic crimes" and barred from leaving China in November.

Victor and Cynthia Liu, who are the children of a fugitive businessman, and their mother, Sandra Han, have reportedly been detained since June. The new advisory warns of so-called exit bans which prohibit foreign citizens from leaving China.

It says the bans have been used "coercively" to "lure individuals" back to the country.

from Al Jazeera)

It also adds that US citizens have been detained for years and subjected to harassment while under an exit ban.

The latest advice also warns of "special restrictions" on those who hold dual USChinese citizenship. Dualcitizenship is not allowed under Chinese law, and the state department has warned that US-Chinese nationals can be detained and denied US assistance in China. It advises travelling on a US passport with a valid Chinese visa and asking officials to notify the US embassy immediately if you are detained or arrested. (Excerpt from BBC News)

(Excerpt from MSN)

Sabarimala: India's Kerala paralysed amid protests over temple entry

US issues fresh travel warning after China detentions he US State Department has urged Americans to "exercise increased caution" when travelling to China after a spate of high-profile detentions.

Its updated advice warns that US citizens have been arbitrarily prevented from leaving the country.

The warning comes as two Canadian citizens remain in detention in China. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested last month as relations between the two countries worsened.

The pair face accusations of harming national securi-

Rome.

Kim told reporters he had some information about the case but could not discuss it.

If confirmed, Jo would join a slowly growing list of senior diplomats who have sought to flee the impoverished, oppressive North under the rule of Kim Jong Un. Jo took up the acting envoy post in October 2017 after Italy expelled then-ambassador Mun Jong Nam in protest over North Korea's nuclear and long-range missile tests in defiance of UN Security Council sanctions.

Police used tear gas to break up protests

Violent protests have paralysed the southern Indian state of Kerala after two women made history by entering a prominent Hindu temple. Schools across the state are closed and public transport too has been suspended. One person was killed in clashes on Wednesday.

The Sabarimala temple was historically closed to women of "menstruating

age" - defined as between 10 and 50. The Supreme Court revoked the ban in September, which prompted outrage.

On Wednesday, Bindu Ammini, 40, and Kanaka Durga, 39, entered the shrine around dawn and became the first women to do so. Thursday saw a second day of protests across the state.

Right-wing groups, sup-

ported by India's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), demanded a state-wide shutdown. They wanted schools, colleges and businesses to remain closed as a sign of protest.

The state government, which supports the Supreme Court ruling, stepped up security and deployed police across the state for protection. But fearing violence, schools and shops were closed. And buses did not run as protesters blocked highways and other roads.

In total, more than 700 people were arrested on Wednesday and Thursday.

Sixty police officers were injured, more than 80 public buses were damaged and at least a dozen police vehicles were attacked.

Violence broke out in several cities and towns on Wednesday as groups of protesters clashed with police, who fired tear gas to disperse crowds. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

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fridAY, January 4, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Touch base with someone who usually gives you good advice. Once you get an overall picture of a situation, you’ll know exactly what to do next. Don’t act in haste.

Discipline and persistence will pay off. Look at what you are trying to accomplish and put your heart and soul into achieving your goal. Celebrate your success with a loved one.

Think big, but live within your means. Don’t let temptation get the better of you. An idea you have can help you make a financial gain. A partnership looks promising.

Don’t get drawn into someone else’s drama. Do your own thing, make personal improvements or start a new creative endeavor. Anger will be a waste of time.

Have fun, but don’t leave out someone who counts on you. Keep the peace by sharing the wealth and making others feel welcome and at ease. A short trip or physical activity is favored.

Don’t let the actions of others stand in your way.

If you focus on what’s important, you will accomplish what you set out to do.

Share with a loved one.

You’ll face opposition if LIBRA (Sept. 23- you are too vocal about your Oct. 23) plans. Don’t start an argument or get drawn into one.

Do your own thing and avoid conflict to come out ahead.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Get involved in something worthwhile. Helping out in your community or doing something nice for an older or younger friend or relative will lead to an unusual reward.

A change at home will SAGITTARIUS lead to personal growth.

(Nov. 23- Your openness will give Dec. 21) someone a chance to take advantage of you. Don’t share personal information or passwords.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

Personal improvements CAPRICORN should be made that will (Dec. 22- help you use your skills and Jan. 19) experience to be the best that you can be. It’s a new year and a chance to start over.

Call in favors and make AQUARIUS adjustments to the way you (Jan. 20- do things. An opportuniFeb. 19) ty will be too good to turn down. Don’t make a decision without consulting a loved one first.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Pay more attention to the PISCES (Feb. 20- way you look and how you March 20) present yourself to the world at large. Keep your opinions to yourself and avoid sensitive issues.

FRIdAY, January 4, 2019

19

Another Pujara ton makes Australia toil T

he wise, old man born in our times, Cheteshwar Pujara was everything Australia didn't want him to be Thursday. The 30-year-old beat the daylights out of the hosts with his third hundred of the series, and his 18th overall in Tests, as India capitalised on winning the toss by racking up 303 for 4 at stumps on Day 1 of the fourth and final Test in Sydney.

Pujara came to the crease in the second over, after KL Rahul's latest edge to the slip cordon meant he'd set sail on the path to bunnyhood, becoming Josh Hazlewood's wicket for the fourth time in Test cricket.

Pujara met everything with a dead bat in the morning session, and had an able accomplice in Mayank Agarwal. The 27-year-old opener picked up his second half-century in as many Tests, scorching the off-side with his unbelievable punches through cover to make up for Pujara's boring solidity at the other end.

The gorgeous strokes, though, paved the way for some tough runs for Mayank.

He was peppered with short balls on either side of the lunch break, and his back-foot play looked circumspect, especially against Mitchell Starc's pace and angle from over the wicket. He was even hit on the helmet by a rising short ball. Mayank's fault lay in how he tried to hop and defend every short ball, unlike Pujara's classical sways and ducks at the other end –- notwithstanding a helmet blow he copped from Hazlewood. The opener managed to survive with soft hands though, staying back and playing the ball late until he had Nathan Lyon bowling to him. The hard work was done; he had hit a gorgeous straight six off Lyon's first ball of the over when he wanted to do it again, and fell prey to greed at long-on.

Virat Kohli and Pujara survived the rest of the afternoon session, batting for the most part like they did in Melbourne, where a slow-paced but solid 170-run stand set the match up for India. And amid all the tough work under the sun, things unravelled further for Australia towards the end of that session, when Marnus Labuschagne, brought in as a leg-spinning all-rounder who bats at three, conceded three boundaries to Pujara off three long hops in an over, undoing hours of hard work in a matter of minutes.

Hopman Cup: Britain's Boulter & Norrie defeat Serena Williams & Frances Tiafoe

K

atie Boulter and Cameron Norrie beat Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe in the mixed doubles to give Great Britain victory over the US at the Hopman Cup. The Britons fought back to win 3-4 (2-5), 4-3 (5-4) 4-1 in Perth after Norrie had stunned Tiafoe in the singles and Boulter had lost to Williams.

GB were already eliminated from the team event, but the win is a confidence boost before the Australian Open.

The first Grand Slam of the year starts on January 14 in Melbourne.

Britain finished their Group B campaign with two wins and a loss, but it is not

enough to progress to the final, with defending champions Switzerland having already booked their place.

They can, however, take great encouragement from their showing, having followed up their surprise opening victory over Greece with this win over much higher-ranked opponents.

World number 90 Norrie started the day with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-0 victory over Tiafoe – who is ranked 51 places above him – before world number 97 Katie Boulter put up a fight in the second set of her 6-1, 7-6 (7-2) defeat by former world number one Williams.

"She's a champion so to actually share the court with her is such a privilege,"

The British duo celebrate a point

Boulter, 22, said.

The United States failed to progress from the group after three defeats, despite 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams winning all three of her singles matches.

The 37-year-old, who was watched by her one-yearold daughter Olympia from the stands, said the event had been great preparation for her bid to win an eighth Australian Open title.

"It was perfect – it's just like this in Melbourne," Williams said on the tournament website.

"It's the exact same sun and it gives me so many problems. After you serve, you are blind for the next two points." (BBC Sport)

Pujara had earned these cheap runs a relief, as he helped put on an unbeaten by nullifying Lyon to the hilt, using his 75-run stand for the fifth wicket by the feet and working singles in the absence end of day's play. Pujara breezed past of silly point – a fielder that's worked 1000 deliveries in the series, got past against Pujara in the past but a fielder the landmark, and grew more aggressive Lyon won't adamantly have. There was by the minute – as if outbatting Kohli in nothing more that Lyon could have runs and run-rate wasn't enough. done in the absence of rough outside Kohli won a great toss, it must be the right-hander's off-stump, especially said, and the courage to bat first on against a batsman who's played him so a green-tinged pitch had now given well right through the series. way to bowling last on a worryingly Australia produced the breakthrough drying pitch against Australia, with two soon after tea, when Kohli was strangled spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep down the leg side by a short ball from Yadav to run in all day. And with Pujara's Hazlewood. Ajinkya Rahane's innings masterclass headlining Day 1, the onus then assumed inflated importance, is now on Australia to deny India their with his duel against Lyon, the bowler first series win Down Under. (cricbuzz) who's troubled him the most, holding key. There wasn't any reverse swing on offer – of course, India 1st Innings Fall of wickets: 1-10 (KL Rahul, 1.3 ov), 2-126 (MA Agarwal, 33.6 as many eye-rolling 3-180 (V Kohli, 52.5 ov), critics would say after MA Agarwal c Starc b Lyon 77 ov), 4-228 (AM Rahane, 70.2 ov) Newlands – which KL Rahul c Marsh b Hazlewood 9 Bowling 130 is why Starc banged CA Pujara not out MA Starc one short to Rahane, V Kohli (c) c †Paine b 18-0-75-1 23 got the ball to kick Hazlewood JR Hazlewood up, and brushed the AM Rahane c †Paine b Starc 18 20-7-51-2 39 glove on the way to GH Vihari not out PJ Cummins Extras 7 (lb 2, w 5) the 'keeper.

19-3-62-0 303/4 (90 Hanuma Vihari's TOTAL NM Lyon Overs, RR: 3.36) quick-fire innings of Yet to bat: RR Pant †, RA 29-5-88-1 M Labuschagne 39 off 58 runs in the Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, 4-0-25-0 middle-order came as Mohammed Shami, JJ Bumrah

SCOREBOARD

Sky Plus Incorporated Horse Meet, 2 days remaining…

Trophy Stall on board T

he most-anticipated horse racing event of 2019 will kick off on January 6, 2019, so there are only two days remaining for all preparations to be completed. The Sky Plus Incorporated Promotion Group Horse Race will be held at Number 36 Village, Macedonia Estate, Corentyne.

On Sunday, the card will consist of seven races and over $4 million in cash, trophies and other incentives will be up for grabs, with over 35 horses competing thus far and more than 10 sponsors on board.

The Trophy Stall at Bourda Market, which is one of the leading trophy and engraving entities in Guyana, continues to make good on its many promises. The entity, with outlets now in Bourda Market, City Mall, South Road and soon to be opened in Port Mourant, Berbice, through its Managing Director, Ramesh Sunich, has made a significant contribution to the Nand Persaud Karibee Rice Mega Sprint Classic Horse Race Meet. The event is organised by the company’s Sky Plus Promotion Group. The Trophy Stall has consented to donate

the Champion Jockey and Champion Trainer trophies along with other incentives for other outstanding participants on the day.

This event is sponsored

by ANSA McAL; Exotic Style Trucking Service; Mikey's Trucking Service; the Rupert Family of Johanna Black Bush Polder; Tejnarine Jainarine – rice farmer of Yakusari Black Bush Polder; 4 r Bearings and Belt of Georgetown; Prem's Electrical of Georgetown; K

Persaud Trucking Service; Think About The Future Trucking Service; Anil Deonarine – rice farmer of Crabwood Creek; Navindra Roopnarine (Jones) of Black Bush Polder and as of recent, Trophy Stall.

Persons interested are asked to make contact with Mohini on 600-4728 or Amanda on 618-5966.

The Sky Plus Incorporated Promotion Group is a subsidiary of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

FRIdAY, January 4, 2019

Aiden Markram and Duanne Olivier put South Africa in full control at Newlands

A

iden Markram was torpedoed by Shan Masood's final ball of the first day at Newlands, but his 78 from 96 balls, nevertheless, ensured that South Africa claimed the opening honours in the second Test, as their batsmen capitalised on the efforts of Duanne Olivier and his fast-bowling cohorts to take a huge stride towards a series-winning victory.

Despite wandering from the crease with a slightly bewildered look, after Masood's skiddy stump-rattler had ended a serene innings, Markram had more than played his part in cementing South Africa's dominance. He added 67 for the second wicket with Hashim Amla, who reached the close unbeaten on 24, and made a green-tinged wicket look distinctly less threatening than it had seemed while Pakistan's batsmen were subsiding to their third sub-200 total in as many innings this series.

Along the way, Markram struck 14 fours and a six, most notably a series of sweet punches through the covers that oozed class and timing. With four centuries in his first 10 Tests, but a highest score of 19 in his last six innings dating back to the tour of Sri Lanka in July, this was a timely return to form from one of South Africa's brightest batting talents, and one that he surely believed would be set to continue for a second day.

Markram proved especially adept at waiting for his scoring opportunities against a talented attack, led once again by the returning Mohammad Abbas, who was his usual relentless self with the new ball, but who encountered a trio of opponents – Dean Elgar included – who were determined to sell their wickets more dearly than their counterparts had done in the first two sessions of the match.

Elgar was Pakistan's only other scalp in a hard grind of an evening session, as Mohammad Amir found some extra lift outside off for Sarfraz Ahmed 8-162 (Yasir Shah, 46.3 ov), 9-163 (Mohammad Abbas, 47.6 ov), 10to gather a grazed 177 (Shaheen Shah Afridi, 51.1 ov) edge. He fell for 20 BOWLING from 30 balls, but DW Steyn 15.1-3 -48-3 in helping Markram VD Philander 11-3-36-1 add 56 for South K Rabada 10-2-35-2 Africa's first wicket, D Olivier 15-3-48-4 Elgar ensured that South Africa 1st Innings that single partnerAK Markram b Shan Masood 78 ship was worth more D Elgar c †Sarfraz Ahmed than Pakistan's first b Mohammad Amir 20 five wickets comHM Amla not out 24 bined.

Extras 1 (lb 1) In what was osTOTAL 123/2 (30 Overs, RR: 4.1) tensibly a tightYet to bat: TB de Bruyn, F ly-fought contest du Plessis (c), T Bavuma, Q at Centurion last de Kock †, VD Philander, DW week, it had been Steyn, K Rabada, D Olivier Pakistan's twin toFall of wickets: 1-56 (D Elgar, 11.5 tals of 181 and 190 ov), 2-123 (AK Markram, 29.6 ov) that condemned BOWLING their bowlers' efforts Mohammad Amir 8-2-25-1 to futility. And afMohammad Abbas 9-0-45-0 ter losing the toss at Shaheen Shah Afridi 9-1 -34-0 a grassy Newlands, Yasir Shah 3-0-14-0 those same batsmen Shan Masood 1-0-4-1 were forced to con-

SCOREBOARD Pakistan 1st Innings Imam-ul-Haq lbw b Philander 8 Fakhar Zaman c Bavuma b Steyn 1 Shan Masood c †de Kock b Rabada 44 Azhar Ali c Amla b Olivier 2 Asad Shafiq c Elgar b Rabada 20 Babar Azam c du Plessis b Olivier 2 Sarfraz Ahmed (c) † c †de Kock b Olivier 56 Mohammad Amir not out 22 Yasir Shah c du Plessis b Olivier Mohammad Abbas c †de Kock b Steyn 0 Shaheen Shah Afridi c †de Kock b Steyn 3 Extras 14 (b 8, lb 2, nb 1, w 3) TOTAL 177 all out (51.1 Overs, RR: 3.45, 254 minutes) Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Fakhar Zaman, 4.5 ov), 2-13 (Imam-ulHaq, 7.1 ov), 3-19 (Azhar Ali, 11.4 ov), 4-51 (Asad Shafiq, 18.3 ov), 5-54 (Babar Azam, 19.5 ov), 6-114 (Shan Masood, 32.3 ov), 7-156 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 44.2 ov),

Aiden Markram and Duanne Olivier starred for South Africa

front their demons from the outset.

South Africa's attack had been reinforced by the return from injury of Vernon Philander, whose record at Newlands is second to none. And sure enough, when both Philander and Dale Steyn struck to remove Pakistan's openers inside the first eight overs, the tone for another dispiriting performance had been set.

Fakhar Zaman, camped on the front foot against Steyn of all people, was duly startled by his bouncer and gloved a reflexive prod to slip, before Philander scalped his 50th wicket at Newlands with a perfect wicket-to-wicket nipbacker that would have clipped the top of Imam-ulHaq's off stump.

A scoreline of 13 for 2 quickly became 19 for 3 as Azhar Ali deflected an Olivier lifter to first slip, to depart to the paceman for the third time in as many innings, and though Asad Shafiq threw the bat with some success to help bring up Pakistan's fifty, he was undone by an offstump thunderbolt from Kagiso Rabada that fizzed at pace to Elgar at third slip.

One over later, Babar Azam had joined the procession, as he attempted to drop his hands to Olivier, but instead offered catching practice to Faf du Plessis in the cordon, but as the sting went out of the new ball, so Sarfraz and Masood found the going to be considerably less

Trojans set to defend title at University Games in Colombia – urge UG administration to build better sports policy

T

he University of Guyana Trojans have recorded many wins over the 2018 period in many of its sporting activities – more importantly, earning the right to be called the Under-23 Rainforest Water/ Malta Supreme/Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League champions.

Having won the League in emphatic fashion, the Trojans are currently preparing for the University Games in Colombia in May 2019. In 2018, the Trojans won the University Games in Curaçao. As defending champions, they are now faced with the uphill task of keeping their title and hope to come out successful in the 2019 season.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, UG Trojans Coach Warren Wilson said, “While winning the GABA League was an excellent boost to our morale, the teams we will have to face off against are on a whole different level, so we don’t want to overestimate our chances. We will not take

The UG Trojans pose with officials, including Coach Warren Wilson (extreme left)

any of the teams for granted and continue to train as per norm; therefore, we are incorporating fitness into our team preparation at the moment”.

According to Wilson, his team promote togetherness thus it is reflected as fruits of their hard work, but the team will require the experience of their senior players such as Kadeem Peterkin and

Jonathan Browne, who will be integral to the team’s energy, as the younger players will emulate their style of play.

Wilson also stated that in terms of difficulties faced, he was waiting to see the improvements when the University reopens as to what kind of relationship the administration will foster with the team as they are in need of assistance,

with regard to them having new equipment. In closing, Wilson said, “I think the administration needs to seriously consider building a stronger sport policy that will encompass full-time coaches, more logistical support and incorporating sports as a part of students’ curriculum.” (Timothy Jaikarran)

fraught than their team's earlier efforts had implied.

With a swatted six off Rabada, and five further fours of silky intent, Masood had been settling into the innings of the day thus far until he was undone by a critical

lapse in concentration. On 44, he offered up a tentative jab as Rabada angled one across his bows, and Quinton de Kock obliged with a full-length dive in front of first slip.

Sarfraz, fully mindful of his team's lack of spine at Centurion, brought up a fighting fifty from 67 balls, but the fight back wasn't built to last.

On 56, he attempted one ramp over the cordon too many, and with the tail exposed, South Africa's quicks swarmed in. Olivier quickly accounted for Yasir Shah, via a flat-footed prod to second slip, and would have wrapped up his five-wicket haul had Amir been athletically caught by de Kock running back.

Instead, Steyn ripped in to finish with three wickets of his own, and pass the mantle over to his batsmen. Despite the anticlimactic finish to Markram's day, they did not disappoint. (ESPNcricinfo)

Ershaad Ali reflects on his cricket season

Ershaad Ali being awarded the cricketer of the year award

T

he new year has now commenced, cricket season will begin once again. Players will continue to face the test of a lifetime as they fight to keep their form while others will fight for form with both bat and ball.

Ershaad Ali, who was recently awarded for his outstanding performances with bat and ball while representing the University of Guyana Cricket Team in the 2017/2018 season, continues to hold fast to his beliefs that in 2019 he would surpass his successful 2018.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Ali said, “If I am to compare my season last year as compared to the rest, I can say off the bat that it has been extremely good.”

Ali, who is a left-handed middle-order batsman and right-arm leg-spinner has aided the team in many of their exploits as he has earned himself the reputation of being a consistent all-rounder.

Ali made scores of 96 against the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), which has the likes of one of Guyana’s most destructive all-rounders in Christopher Barnwell and 59 against Transport. For the Second-Division Tournament, he made an impressive 49

in the semi-final of the New Building Society (NBS) 40Over tournament against DCC. Despite losing, as of recent in the 2018-2019 season, Ali topped all his previous performances as he made a blistering 161 against Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) in another losing effort.

He explained, “Well, for me it's training and having the right mindset to score big and confidence; well, when I bat I normally talk to myself, so that pays out for me.

Bowling once again is training: hard hitting the right areas in practice and confidence again comes in as it is reflected for the season as I got two hundreds – highest being 161 against MYO lately, taking my tally to two centuries, four fifties , three five-wicket hauls and I got Cricketer of the Year for UG.” In closing when asked about his coaches’ role in his game, Ali said, “He's played a big role – always telling me to ‘keep training, build yourself to bat long, you have to be mentally and physically fit to make big scores’ and always supports me in anything I want to do.”(Timothy Jaikarran)

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21

BCB/New York Business Group Under-19 Tournament

2019 BCB cricket season commences – 30-man Berbice Under 19 squad will be selected December, 2018 had already started the 2019 edition of the Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15 and Ramnaresh Sarwan Under-17 tournaments.

Technically this under-19 tournament is the third for 2019 as the BCB strives to start early preparation for the Guyana Cricket Board Inter-County Tournaments at the junior levels.

The Tournament is being sponsored by a group of overseas based Guyanese businessmen who resides in New York. Albion Community Centre Cricket Club over the Kevlon Anderson (Brandon Corlette photo) years has been responsible for obtaining the he Berbice Cricket Board on Thursday sponsorship and hanJanuary 2, 2019 bowled off its much hec- dling the finances for this auspicious tournament. tic 2019 cricket season with the hostSixteen teams will participate in the ing of the New York Business Group Under-19 Tournament dividing into three Zones. Zone ‘A’ Tournament. A vibrant Berbice Cricket Board in consists: Blairmont Community Centre Cricket

T

Fixtures as follows: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Round 1 - Thursday 3rd January, 2019 Blairmont Com Centre Cricket Club vs D’Edward Cricket Club @ D’Edward Achievers Cricket Club vs Paradise Cricket Club @ Paradise Tucber Park Cricket Club vs Edinburgh Cricket Club @ Edinburgh Mt Sinai Cricket Club vs Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club @ Mt Sinai Kendall’s Union Cricket Club vs Young Warriors Cricket Club @ Kendall’s Union Albion Com Centre ‘A’ vs RHT Pepsi ‘B’ Cricket Club @ Albion Port Mourant Cricket Club vs RHT Pepsi ‘A’ Cricket Club @ Port Mourant No. 73 Cricket Club vs Albion Com Centre ‘B’ @ No. 73

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8)

Round 2 - Friday 4th January, 2019 Blairmont Com Centre Cricket Club vs Paradise Cricket Club @ Paradise Achievers Cricket Club vs D’Edward Cricket Club @ Bush Lot. Kendall’s Union Cricket Club vs Rose Hall Cricket Club @ Canje Tucber Park Cricket Club vs Mt Sinai Cricket Club @ Mt Sinai Edinburgh Cricket Club vs Young Warriors Cricket Club @ Cumberland Albion Com Centre ‘A’ vs Albion Com Centre ‘B’ @ Albion RHT Pepsi ‘A’ Cricket Club vs RHT Pepsi ‘B’ Cricket Club @ Area ‘H’ Port Mourant Cricket Club vs No. 73 Cricket Club @ Port Mourant

Club, Achievers Cricket Club, D’Edward Cricket Club and Paradise Cricket Club. Zone ‘B’ will feature Tucber Park Cricket Club, Mt Sinai Cricket Club, Edinburgh Cricket Club, Kendall’s Union Cricket Club, Young Warriors Cricket Club and Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club. The final zone, Zone ‘C’ comprises: Albion Community Centre Cricket Club ‘A’, Albion Community Centre Cricket Club ‘B’, RHT Pepsi Cricket Club ‘A’. RHT Pepsi Cricket Club ‘B’, Port Mourant Cricket Club and No. 73 Cricket Club.

Three teams from Zones B and C will advance to the Quarterfinals along with two from Zone A. The first two editions of the tournament were won by Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘A’ who easily defeated Albion Community Centre and Blairmont Community Centre in respective years. Defending champions, Rose Hall Town Pepsi will once more start as favorites with players like Junior Sinclair Kevlon Anderson, Jonathan Rampersaud, Chanderpaul Govindan and Jeremy Sandia in their powerful lineup. Players like Kevin Umroa, Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Isaiah Thorne, Alex Algoo, Gevon Schultz, Garfield Benjamin, and Leon Swammy have the experience to dominate this year’s tournament for their respective teams.

The Berbice Cricket Board will be using the early rounds of the Tournament to select a 30 man training squad for the upcoming G C B Inter-county Tournament based on performances. Fixtures for the first two rounds are Thursday 3rd and Friday 5th January, 2019.

Leon Swammy

PMTC’s Mentore, Ross cop major awards at 2018 ceremony S

hemroy Ross and Candacy Mentore were respective crowned Male/Female Volleyballers-of-the-Year as the Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) recently hosted its Awards Ceremony for 2018; at the PMC Hostel in Berbice.

PMTC has been among the top volleyball clubs in the country and arguably the most dominant in Berbice, having won a number of tournaments this year. The ceremony was hosted by former Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) President Levi Nedd who is also the current President of the Guyana Volleyball Association (GVA), having being elected late 2018.

The former national player turned coach lauded the club for its continued success which seems to be growing with each pass-

ing year. Although 2018 was difficult for the club having faced challenges which are normal; Nedd nevertheless believes that it was important to use the negatives to make for a success.

Among other areas discussed was the clubs financial report along with aspects regarding the overall areas being tabled; as they enter 2019. Among those prominent players awarded included; Renaldo Bobb who bagged the most Promising Male player award; Hannah Hicks most promising Female player; Ravi Rampartab the most dedicated male player.

For the ladies, Philana Simpson won the most dedicated female player award; while son of GVF President Levi Nedd Junior won the most disciplined player; Samuel Fraser was given the most consistent male

Awardees pose following the awards ceremony

player trophy.

Former BVF Pr4sident Gregory Rambarran, BVA member Errol Fingall both hailed the club for its growth and success during their re-

spective speeches; while Ross who is also the new PMTC President further reiterated words of the aforementioned Meanwhile, GVF will be

hosting its maiden Diamond Mineral Water male and female Beach Volleyball Tournament at the Marriott Beach Front this Sunday from 08:00h.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

FRIdAY, JANUARY 4, 2019

BCB/Ivan Madre 100 Balls final

Young Warriors, Rose Hall Town to clash in tomorrow’s final – match to play at Albion Sports Complex

By Brandon Corlette

T

he long-awaited Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Ivan Madre 100 Balls final has been rescheduled due to the inclement weather in the Ancient County. In the much-anticipated match, the first ball will be bowled at 16:30h on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at the historic Albion Sports Complex, in a day-night fixture.

In 2018, the Anil Beharry-led sport organisation, Young Warriors, had risen from down under gaining entrance to two FirstDivision finals in the space of one month after being a dormant club. Early in 2018, the dream of Warriors making a First-Division final was out of reach, but determination took the Canje giants to two finals.

The Young Warriors team may include the West Indies superstar Shimron Hetmyer, and his older brother, Seon Hetmyer. In the batting department, spearheaded by the Hetmyer brothers; hard-hitting National Under-19 batsman Alex Algoo; the brother

Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets team

of Gajanand Singh, Ishwar Singh and dependable all-rounder Suresh Dhani will offer support. Leftarm fast bowler Devandra Ramoutar, Berbice Under-19 spinner Trevon Stanislaus and University of Guyana Trojans player Linden Austin are among the bowlers in the Young Warriors team.

Meanwhile, Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets will be led by Shawn Pereira, who will rely on the services of the former First-Class player and impressive off-spinner Eon Hooper. The West Indies

Under-19 selectee Kevlon Anderson is expected to do the bulk of the batting with his former Guyana Under-19 teammates Kevin Sinclair and Junior Sinclair. The dynamic duo of Vidal Crandon and Jason Sinclair will add experience to the youthful but capable batting lineup that includes Guyana’s youngest franchise player in Jonathan Rampersaud.

In the bowling department of Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets team, former Guyana Under- 19 fast bowler Sylus Tyndall is

expected to make his return to add seam variety, in the absence of Clinton Pestano.

The spin dominant Rose Hall Town team will be spearheaded by leg-spinner Shawn Pereira, left-arm spinner Keith Simpson, and off-spinners Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair and Eon Hooper.

The Albion Sports Complex is a pitch suitable for spinners and both teams are well equipped with such weapons. It will be a cracking match tomorrow; with excellent weather in the Ancient County, the Albion Ground

will b e lit by some h i g h - q u a l i t y Vidal Crandon cricket.

Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets will start as overwhelming favourites having defeated the same Young Warriors team in both FirstDivision finals in the latter part of 2018.

Hockey team GFF mid-season transfer window opened take on “T Trinidad T

aken from an initial 40-member shortlist, a team of junior hockey players are currently in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago to test their strengths for the first time on artificial turf.

When the announcement of the two-tournament tour came back in October of 2018, Coach Robert Fernandes had expressed optimism for the team’s prospects, basing it on the fact that the selected players had performed exceptionally in their recently-concluded National Indoor Junior Championships.

“These players produced such a high level of quality, entertaining hockey that it drew crowds that were on par or even larger than some of our senior tournaments. I’ve never worked with a squad that has this much talent and depth,” Fernandes had stated.

Fast forward to 2019, a 13-member team (inclusive of Coach Fernandes) is at their peak and have travelled to Trinidad and Tobago. Not looking to put their focus on just winning, Coach Fernandes is focused

on getting the team au fait with the turf and conditions.

This is in hopes o f giving the team enough international exposure in o r der for them to be ready for the Pan Am stage. The Pan Am stage is critical since it is the doorway to the Indoor World Cup. The first tournament that the team are participating in is the Ventures International Indoor hockey championship, which has begun and will conclude on January 6. The team will then see a break between their two tournaments, but will not be resting. In fact, the players will be utilising their time to get further acquainted with an indoor turf.

The second tournament that the Guyanese team are enlisted in is the University of the West Indies (UWI) Indoor championship, which will run from January 1013.

The team includes: Nickel Ashby, Jamarj Assanah (C), Paul D’Andrade(GK), Shakeem Fausette, Shomere Garnett, Tevisarid Garnett, Omar

H o p k i n s o n , Kareem McKenzie, Nandalall Persaud, Meshach Sargeant, Warren Williams and Samuel Woodrofe.

Kareem McKenzie, Meshach Sargeant and Omar Hopkinson were all a part of Guyana’s last junior team that competed at the quadrennial Pan Am Junior tournament in 2016, while senior player Jamarj Assanah, who is ahead of the batch in experience, will participate in anticipation of his involvement in 2020.

The Guyana Hockey Board has a packed international schedule as it will be looking to jet off the senior male and female team to Canada in March this year.

The females are expected to come up against Belarus and Canada while the men will be involved in a tri-nation tournament against Canada and Russia.

he Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) mid-season transfer window is a crucial opportunity for clubs and players to make sometimes life-changing decisions about their football careers and therefore, we take this opportunity to encourage the relevant stakeholders to initiate and process transfers in a timely manner to avoid the usual last-minute requests.”

This remark was made by Ian Alves, GFF’s Competitions Director, as the one-month transfer window opened on January 1 to accommodate player transfers, both locally and internationally. Alves urged both clubs and players to educate themselves about the transfer process prior to engaging same so as to enable them to facilitate the transfer in a quick and efficient manner.

A Domestic Transfer, in order to be considered procedurally correct, must involve the former club, the player, the Former Regional Member Association (RMA), the new club, and the new RMA (in the case of a transfer out of the former Association). Unless and until all of these entities are informed and involved, and provided that none of these raise any legitimate concerns with the attempted transfer and refuse to concur or approve the transfer, the transfer is incomplete.

The new Club has the recourse of seeking the intervention of the relevant RMA, or subsequently the GFF, if it is of the view that the transfer is being unjustly hindered by the former Club or the relevant RMA. In the case of international transfers, the process begins at the new club, which requests and initiates the process via the International Transfer Matching System (ITMS) follow- ing discussions with the former clubs.

The process for the Domestic Transfer is as follows: 1. The new club confirms the player has an interest in the transfer and, if so, the new club makes contact with the former club to negotiate the transfer agreement 2. If it’s agreed upon, the new club collects the transfer document from the relevant RMA 3. Each entity involved fills and signs their allocated part of the form; namely, the player, the former club, and the new club.

4. The form is then submitted to the relevant RMA, which confirms the authenticity of the involvement of each party 5. Everything being in order, the RMA approves the transfer and gives a copy to the new club 6. If the player is being transferred across RMA, the new club takes their copy of the form to their new RMA so that the player can be registered within that RMA and cleared for participation as a player of that club.

It is important to note that the GFF is the RMA for Elite Clubs.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIdAY, JANUaRY 4, 2019

23

“We took a lot of positives coming from sports last year” – Yearwood – ExxonMobil to continue supporting sports in 2019

A

fter a strong year of corporate sponsorship and playing a major role in the expansion of athletes and sports in Guyana; ExxonMobil’s Community Relations and Communications Manager Nicholas Yearwood hailed 2018 as s super year for the company; hinting that 2019 could be even bigger.

Yearwood told Guyana Times Sport during an exclusive on Thursday that the company which has been responsible for headlining the financial, economic and tourism arenas during 2018; are geared towards the development of sports in Guyana.

He described 2018 as a good year for the company and its sporting endeavors, adding that it was great to be impactful in something so crucial as the sport fraternity.

“We took a lot of positives coming from sports last year (2018), we had a lot of good feedback from

The Petra organisation was among the beneficiaries of ExxonMobil’s sponsorship in 2018

the youth because they appreciated the involvement throughout the summer period when people complaining that there wasn’t much to do”, Said Yearwood.

Exxon has been a ma-

jor sponsor in 2018, backing most of the major sport fraternities such as, Motorracing, football, hockey and cricket in transforming already exciting tournaments into the next level of sports

and entertainment for Guyanese.

The company was the marquee sponsor of the 2018 finals stand local franchise the Guyana Amazon Warriors; who proudly

flaunted logo and name on their 2018 season official playing kits.

With major tournaments such as the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), one of the Caribbean’s main and biggest sporting events each year as well as the recent Futsal tournament; attached to their names, Yearwood said it has been a great journey thus far as they seek to widen the dimension in reaching all disciplines.

“Supporting the country through the Hero CPL was great, also developing youths thought different capacities is something we are quite happy to do it here in Guyana”, he added.

Despite sport being on the rise, and Guyana making more stride internationally, regionally as well as right here in the backyard; corporate sponsorships remains a key factors in most if not all of the locally-based sport fraternities agenda. With corporate

support, more can be done to aid in the expansion of athletes and sports associations and with the recognition of the value of sponsorship; Yearwood concluded by confirming 2019 could see more good things in stock for sports in Guyana.

He further confirmed that the proposals received last year were all evenly and thoroughly reviewed and the company was indeed satisfied with the contents of the proposals; thus their immediate support of the various endeavors they successfully attempted last year.

“We saw a lot of values in the proposals we received, every single one was evaluated evenly and we saw an opportunity to get involved and be impactful so we took it and we will continue to do it. We do have a strategy to get more involved and we do have plans to be more present than we were last year “. He ended.

Windies cricket in good hands: Navin Bidaisee

– Trinidadian youth cricketer emulates Chanderpaul

By Brandon Corlette

S

uch a bright but blooming career the 18year old Trinidad and Tobago youth player, Navin Bidaisee is among the gifted and promising cricketers in the Caribbean. The Trinidad and Tobago under 19 captain who sat down in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Times Sport informed this reporter that he always admires the West Indian great Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

“He was always my role model” the Trinidadian left handed batsman disclosed.

In the 2018 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional under 19 tournament, Bidaisee was appointed captain of the Trinidad team in what he recalled as a successful campaign.

In the three-day format that was won by the Trinidad and Tobago in the 2018 CWI Regional under 19 tournament, Bidaisee accumulated 222 runs in the three matches he played. The elegant left-handed stroke maker had an excellent average of 55.5 with two half-centuries alongside his name. His highest score in that tournament was a swashbuck-

ling 93 against Jamaica under 19.

The left handed opening batsman who was born on January 24, 2000 bowls leg spin, is a resident from Alphonso Street, Biche, Trinidad and Tobago.

“Education is a key part of our holistic development in Trinidad and Tobago and it is taken quite seriously by the nations’ youth cricketers as the majority are in highly regarded schools in the country and succeed both on the field and in the classroom, though it's very tedious” the Trinidadian youth player explained. Bidaisee was fortunate to represent Trinidad and Tobago under 15s, under 17s and under 19, in the process where he was once a West Indies under 19 selectee. Bidaisee is motivated by his parents, Alvin Bidaisee & Cheryl Kalipersad, with his father Alvin being is main motivator and personal coach from the beginning. Navin who started playing at age 3, highest score is 136* against Carapichaima Secondary School. He attended the elite Queens Royal College where he wrote the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) where

he successfully graduated. While enjoying a great youth career, he furthered his studies at the Hillview College where he is presently a second year Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) student.

Virat Kohli, arguably the best batsman in the world, is Navin’s favourite international player while his local heroes are Red Force’s opening batsman Jeremy Solozano who notched up a century in the ongoing CWI Regional 4-Day tournament and the current Red Force captain Imran Khan.

Bidaisee’s short term goal is

to break into the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force senior team and to further represent West Indies teams.

The talented youth player, who is also a mystery leg-spinner, has a best bowling figure of 5-5 against Fatima College. In the 2018 CWI Regional under 19 three-day tournament, Bidaisee followed up his 222 runs with 12 wickets at a bowling average of 16.5 and his best bowling figure being 4-31. The Calcutta Sports Club player, Bidaisee has been amongst the noticeable young players in his country and he will be one for the future.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com The Petra Organization was among the beneficiaries of ExxonMobil’s sponsorship in 2018

“We took a lot of positives coming from sports last year” – Yearwood Page 23

– ExxonMobil to continue supporting sports in 2019

GFF mid-season Young Warriors, Rose Hall Town transfer window to clash in tomorrow’s final opened – match to play at Albion Sports Complex BCB/Ivan Madre 100 Balls final

Page 22 Page 22

Young Warriors team (Brandon Corlette photo)

GFF Competitions Director Ian Alves

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