Guyana Times - Friday, March 15, 2019

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Issue No. 3864

THE BEACON OF TRUTH friday, MARCH 15, 2019

Opposition writes int’l bodies to not recognise Govt after March 21

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Essequibo man found guilty of P8 raping 7year-old girl Page 3

Private criminal charges filed

Chair, Govt Commissioners vote for GECOM to pay their legal fees

Page 7

Blind Society to engage P18 GECOM on inclusiveness for elections

Trainee P18 teachers still to receive salaries after 5 months Waini River boat mishap The Trinidad cinema and entertainment complex MovieTowne held its grand “Hollywood to Bollywood” themed VIP opening ceremony on Thursday evening at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

The US$45M investment will have eight state-of-the-art screens with some of the latest 2D and 3D Digital Cinema Technology, Dolby Surround audio technology, and luxurious seating with a capacity of 2000. The project was initiated under the PPP/C Administration in 2014, but was finally completed despite a number of setbacks.

In photo, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge is being assisted by MovieTowne Chairman Derek Chin to cut the ceremonial ribbon. Also in photo are Ministers Joseph Harmon, Dominic Gaskin and Winston Jordan. The theatre is expected to be officially opened on Tuesday, March 19

Page 5

Court of Appeal urged to order elections to be fixed

Religious scholar gets 45 years for raping lad

2nd body P2 found, more passengers feared missing

Page 8

Tomb raiders hit Berbice Page 17 graveyard, money stolen from coffin

Cane Grove P18 cattle allegedly stolen, killed for meat

2 news

FRIday, MARCH 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Protesters refuse to remove blockade prohibiting access to RUSAL operations – say will not stop until Russian company meets their demands

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ven as loggers and other workers employed at RUSAL complained about being affected by the blockage of the Berbice River, the protesters are not giving up that easily.

In fact, Ephraim Velloza, Branch President of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU), which is representing the dismissed and displaced bauxite workers of Aroaima, told Guyana Times on Thursday that the wire ropes and other items used to block the waterway will only be removed when RUSAL gives in to the Union’s demands.

These demands include the reinstatement of the 91 workers who were dismissed and displaced as well as an increase in workers’ salaries. They also want this agreement to be legal and binding.

“There is nothing we can do at the present moment, but the persons them can talk to the Government or talk to RUSAL, let them loose their strong hold. So there is nothing that we can do at the present moment, but let them go and talk to the people, like the Minister of Natural Resources, talk to

will go and where it will go from there. They could call us, decide to accept us, but when we reach at the round

table, they don’t appreciate our support and they could do otherwise. If RUSAL does not adhere to our proposals,

then we will continue and probably take it to the next level,” Velloza added.

Waini River boat mishap

2nd body found, more passengers feared missing

A The blocked Berbice River

the forestry department and let them put the pressure on RUSAL. So that RUSAL can release their strong hold, because we are in this thing, because RUSAL has been dealing [with] us unfairly,” Velloza stated during a telephone interview.

He explained that the situation was not only affecting the workers but the surrounding communities.

“The loggers they are purchasing from the communities. Now if we open and let the loggers pass they won’t make any contribution back to the communities, because they already paid

their royalty and I feel if somebody is paying a rent or a royalty, they are supposed to be taken care of or looked after. Now they are coming and calling on us and we are in this plight, they are doing the wrong thing, because I think that they should call on the people in authority.”

The GB&GWU is scheduled to meet with RUSAL today to commence their first round of talks on this ongoing issue; however, this does not necessarily mean that RUSAL will be offering anything much, Velloza further stated.

“We don’t know how it

second body that had been unaccounted for following a boat explosion some 10 miles off the Waini River mouth in Region One (Barima-Waini) on Sunday last has been recovered.

Reports are that the body of the male passenger was discovered on Wednesday afternoon around 16:00h, but up to press time, his identity had not been confirmed.

According to Region One’s Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley, the possibility exists that there might be two other passengers missing following the boat mishap.

He told Guyana Times that the search was still on for those two individuals.

The vessel was transporting both Guyanese and Venezuelans when the incident took place and at this time, it is uncertain as to the nationalities or identities of

the two other persons who are feared to be missing, he said.

Additionally, Ashley stated that at this point it was still unclear whether the Venezuelans who were on the boat were entering Guyana illegally.

The Venezuelan boat, which departed the Bolivarian Republic around 04:30h, on Sunday caught afire as it was heading to Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

The medical staff at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital had reported on

the same day of the incident that 20 persons, including an elderly woman who was first rushed there for treatment, had been accounted for. However, shortly after, news spread that there were missing persons who had initially been on board the boat when the explosion took place. Two persons died following the incident.

Meanwhile, the severely-burnt elderly woman is presently a patient in the Burn Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The 72-year-old Essequiban is said to be in stable condition at present.

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FRIday, MARCH 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Opposition writes int’l bodies to not recognise Govt after March 21

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

Friday, March 15 – 10:00h-13:00h and no retraction on Saturday.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, March 15 – 10:25h-11:55h and Saturday, March 16 – 11:55h-13:25h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers will give way to sunny intervals in the afternoon, followed by clear to partly cloudy skies in the evening. Overall temperatures will range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 11:05h reaching a maximum height of 2.25 metres.

Low Tide: 17:23h reaching a minimum height of 0.93 metre.

wednesday, march 13, 2019

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

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

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ith just six days remaining before the 90-day deadline expires to host national elections, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has written several international bodies requesting that they do not recognise the Coalition Government after March 21.

Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Thursday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed that letters have been written to the Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

“In all three cases, we are requesting that these agencies not recognise the Government of Guyana after March 21.

There are other issues we’ve raised in the letters; we give them a detailed briefing as to how the Government has deliberately been slowing down the process of complying with the Constitution; how they’ve acted in bad faith throughout, even at the engagements we’ve had; and so we’ve brought the international organisations up to speed on those things, and we’ve requested non-recognition of the Government,” Jagdeo asserted.

He noted that these international bodies have acknowledged receipt of the letters but did not indicate their positions on how they will treat the Government post March 21.

Nevertheless, Jagdeo said, they will be following-up with these bodies. In fact, he disclosed that he had already contacted the Secretary General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin La Rocque, and plans to do the same with the heads of the other organisations.

In addition, the Opposition Leader pointed out that over the coming days the Opposition will also be re-engaging the diplomatic community to discuss, among other issues, non-recognition of the Coalition Government. The first meeting is expected to be held sometime today.

But even as the PPP Opposition continues to lobby the international community, questions were raised about the party’s past attacks on diplomats here.

Referring to the controversial ‘feral blast’ delivered by the PPP administration against the United States (US) envoy back in 2014, Jagdeo explained that “It was not the concern about a statement on local government elections that triggered what may seem

as a harsh response from the Government at that time. It was the personal comments in relation to (former) President Donald Ramotar, and that we take strongly… The international community has always been involved in Guyana on the democracy front…so urging them to be involved now is nothing new.”

Further, he reminded that back in 2016, President David Granger, as Opposition Leader then, had called for international sanctions against Guyana if the PPP administration did not reconvene Parliament after the prorogation, to face the no-confidence motion.

“He called for sanctions against Guyana (in 2014), and today he’s saying, when the external forces say that you have to have elections and you have to respect the constitution… he’s lecturing about “mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs”,” Jagdeo noted, while referring to the Head of State’s comments during the accreditation ceremony of new US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch, who said on Wednesday that her country will continue to support “genuinely free and fair” elections in Guyana.

The Opposition Leader further spoke about the “non-interference” versus the “non-indifference” concept adopted in the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

“They have a new principle of non-indifference as opposed to the non-interference in the domestic affairs of member states… When there is a serious threat to legitimate order… the world and the African Union will not have an indifferent approach… and we all recognise that in Guyana there is a threat to legitimate order; that the Government will become unconstitution-

President David Granger

al…” he asserted.

Meanwhile, during the media briefing, Jagdeo disclosed that last week he received a telephone call from former US President Jimmy Carter, and took the opportunity to update him on the looming political crisis.

“I did not mention it last week that we had a conversation because President Carter said to me he was trying to get onto President Granger, and did not want, as soon as I get the call, go in the media and talk about. So I give him enough time for that, and I thought it was necessary for Guyanese to know that I received a call and I spoke with him, but I prefer to keep a little quite on the content at this point in time, until I hear back from him as to whether he had spoken to President Granger,” the Opposition Leader noted.

While it is still unclear whether the former US President had since contacted the Guyanese Leader, the Government, in a statement on Thursday, said that Jagdeo’s interpretation of the Constitution is flawed, and that President David Granger will remain President until the new president is sworn in. More so, the release stat-

Former US President Jimmy Carter

ed that the members of the Coalition Government have not resigned.

“There is no provision in the Constitution of Guyana which requires the President to resign or demit office following the passage of a no-confidence motion… [Jagdeo’s] statement is patently flawed and must be rejected outrightly,” the missive from the Government stated.

Since the December 21, 2018 passage of the motion of no- confidence against the APNU/AFC Coalition, calls have been made by various stakeholders, including foreign diplomats here, for the Government to abide by the Constitution and set a date for elections.

In fact, earlier this week, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, reminded that the clock is ticking on the constitutional three months’ deadline for holding elections. This deadline expires next Thursday.

Representatives from the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) have also echoed similar calls in February for the Guyana Government to adhere to the Constitution.

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FRIday, MARCH 15, 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

Consumers in a digital world

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orld Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), celebrated today, March 15, is an opportunity to promote the basic rights of all consumers, to demand that those rights are respected and protected, and a chance to protest against the market abuses and social injustices which undermine those rights. The theme for 2019 is ‘‘Trusted Smart Products”.

Digital technology is having a dramatic impact on consumers around the world, creating many new benefits including better communication, access to information and greater choice and convenience.

“From smartphones to wearable fitness trackers, to voiceactivated assistants and smart TVs, many of the products we use are increasingly becoming connected by default,” Consumers International noted. “This World Consumers Rights Day we will be highlighting what consumers want and need from a connected world and how important it is to put them at the heart of the development of these digital products and services.”

Whilst consumers undoubtedly benefit from these technologies, there are questions about how to improve the quality of services, which online services and products consumers can trust and what happens to the data they share online.

It is estimated that by 2020, 52 per cent of the world’s population will be online – this means the number of people accessing the Internet will have grown tremendously.

Technology has given many consumers more choice, convenience and information, but important issues remain.

Guyana will join in the observance to mark the occasion, which brings together more than 200 member organisations in more than 100 countries to champion the rights of consumers everywhere. Undoubtedly, there are important issues to be addressed, for instance, what is digital consumer trust and how can we build it?

Throughout the course of her tenure, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes has pointed to the benefits of E-commerce and encouraged persons from all backgrounds and profession to use the Internet as a way of finding online markets. She expounded on her belief that Information and communications technology (ICT) would deliver the transformation within the Guyana, noting too that enhanced connectivity will facilitate opportunities for business development, research, and education. Certain services at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) are already available online and the Minister assured that the objective is to place every single public service online including drivers’ licences; business compliance certificates; land, housing, mining and forestry permits among others.

While it is clear that efforts are underway to give those not yet connected a chance to do so, at an affordable cost, the challenge is in ensuring everyone’s data is kept safe and secure and to help consumers know which services they can trust. Integral to this is consumer protection and empowerment.

If Guyana is to progress along the digital trajectory, consumers will be required more than ever, to give personal information such as bank account details, credit card details, email addresses, identity details or medical information when accessing goods and services online.

When this information is lost, or stolen, the effects can be serious. Consumers, therefore, need to be aware of their rights and what actions can be taken. Local consumer protection bodies in Guyana, including the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Public Utilities Commission and the Competition and Consumers Affairs Commission should be lauded for their continued efforts to sensitise the public on their rights and for dissemination of pertinent information. These entities have also recognised that in this digital age consumers need to be protected more than ever, and have charged service providers to find secure and reliable ways of utilising data and to address the challenges by developing strategies that will lead to a trustworthy digital world for all consumers. It is now up to businesses to create more reliable and secure means of conducting business.

Port Parika on the East Bank Essequibo. Commuters and goods leave this port for several villages along the Essequibo River including Supenaam, Bartica, Wakenaam and Leguan

An illegal government has no place in society Dear Editor, I give wholehearted support to former President and Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on the statements made at Babu Jaan. He was just expressing the wishes of the people of this country in clear clarion tones -- that we are not, I repeat: that we are not -- going to put up with an illegal party and government anymore. The sooner the PNCcontrolled Coalition gets this message, the better.

And if they think we are joking, or this is some idle threat, then let Granger allow the expiry date of March 19 to flit by? March 19th is the D-Day for Granger and this illegal regime, and dire would be the consequences, It was Nigel Hughes, who said that whenever Dr Jagdeo speaks he ought to be taken seriously, and it seems that this stark reality has not registered in the minds of the PNC so far.

So they persist with this nonsense that there is no looming constitutional crisis; that the Government is intact and nothing un-

toward would befall the regime. Well, they are ever so wrong!

For starters, we are going to be in the streets heckling, shouting them down, whenever they come out to fool the people. We are going to chase them out! That is what we will do to a regime that does not want to go. That is what you do to a government that is illegal, and whose sole intention is to rig the election to stay in power.

We are going to petition the Courts, Caricom and the International Community to hold them up against the standard, which is the Constitution of our country.

We will peacefully protest, we will prevail!

The International Community will revoke visas and institute travelling bans on the ministers, their families and close associates. They will freeze, if not confiscate their bank accounts, because they would have been illegal. See what took place in Zimbabwe, and closer home in neighbouring Venezuela? These

are the consequences the PNC would have to endure when they do not respect the Constitution. When illegal regimes decide to squat, they do so at their own peril!

It is the PNC’s belief that the International Community, (especially the USA) “loves” them so much that they would prop them up at all cost, never mind their illegal actions.

Well, they need to wipe that thought out of their minds, because the reality of that situation is the USA is utterly embarrassed by their actions and want them out.

Their behaviour has become so obnoxious that even their friends in the ABC countries do not want to see them, far less to have to spend any time longer with them.

The USA has seen them for who they are -- a brainless, greedy and grasping bunch that can be compared to Mugabe in Zimbabwe.

Their time for a second chance has long gone past the endurance level, and something radical has to be done to get rid of them.

Further to our discus-

sion is the sobering thought that we are going (we have already begun) to instruct those permanent secretaries not to affix their signatures to any document purporting to pay those squatters after March 19th, because the law requires them to do so. And if they break the law, which some of those political appointee PSs are inclined to do, we will drag them before the court to recoup monies owed to the state.

There are a slew of options available to the Opposition post March 21, which would not be pleasant for the regime. However, let me sound the alarm to the underlings in Government: please heed our warnings, because Granger will not be there with the court costs to get you out of trouble.

Granger wouldn’t be in a position to use state funds - he would be safely tucked away behind the presidential immunity. He that hath an ear, let him hear!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Granger and history Dear Editor, Mr David Granger is made out to be above the fray. In the chat groups, even ‘neutral’ persons say that it’s not his fault there is corruption in this current Government. In particular, the Ministers are blamed for everything; from the drugs bond scandal to the Durban Park fiasco.

The list of woes of this Government is too long to be encapsulated in one letter; or, for that matter, in one paper. It all started with a vulgar increase in salaries

for the Government members. Was Mr Granger NOT aware of this? Did he NOT sanction this vulgarity? OF COURSE HE DID! The Drugs Bond fiasco: a minister was removed and given another ministry, maybe giving the impression that he was culpable. But then the same Government continued to pay to a supporter tens of millions of dollars for the rental of a bottom house.

Was Mr Granger NOT aware of this? Did he NOT sanction this vulgarity? OF

COURSE HE DID! Every single misdeed of this Government has to be laid directly at the feet of Granger, President of Guyana. If he is not culpable, then why did he do nothing about it? He is definitely not above the fray.

The latest fiasco, in which he is trying to say, “Oh, it’s not me!” Elections!

Can Granger, President of Guyana, tell this nation and me why the Guyanese taxpayer gives GECOM BILLIONS of dollars EVERY year, if not for them

to be READY at all times?

What are they doing, sleeping and collection money until elections? What salary is Patterson, Chairman of GECOM, collecting?

What is the salary of the CEO, Deputy CEO and all the highly paid officials of GECOM? Why are we paying them if NOT to be ready at ALL TIMES? Or at least to be ready in 3 months?

That’s what our constitution says – Elections MUST be held within 90 days of a successful no-confidence motion! continued on page 5

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fridAY, march 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Court of Appeal urged to order elections to be fixed

– as Chancellor promises to send out notices on decision

I

n closing arguments for the validity of no-confidence cases, which came to an end on Thursday at the Court of Appeal, Attorney representing the Opposition Leader, Anil Nandlall, urged the three-member panel of judges to order elections to be fixed, given the impending constitutional crisis.

Nandlall said the court has limitless powers to do that which is necessary to correct what he described as a clear violation of the Constitution. He cited the successful passage of the no-confidence motion, and argued that the court have to step in now.

“The court has the power to do that which is necessary, and to ensure that this court can order elections to be fixed, because that is what the Constitution contemplates by March 21,” he said.

He deemed it unfortunate that the issue had to be taken to the court, but continued, “Yours Honours, this court (Appeal Court) has a duty (the judiciary) has a duty under the doctrine of the separation of powers to guard our Constitution and to ensure that all of its creation act in the manner con-

for continuity and the relationship between all these agencies for the Constitution to work,” he added.

Financing

Justice Rishi Persaud

templated and provided for by the Constitution.”

In explaining the role of Government in holding an election, Nandlall said the President has to issue the proclamation, fixing the date for elections and dissolving Parliament.

However, he explained that none of these developments has taken place, although the motion was carried.

“It doesn’t mean Government must hold elections. It means that they should initiate the process for the electoral machinery to begin its natural course.

GECOM can’t start the process; that is why there is need

The former attorney general also brought news arguments regarding the financing of general and regional elections, stating that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), as a constitutional body, receives lump sum financing under the Constitution.

“It is one of those agencies enjoying overarching financial independence. They can use their monies as they see fit, but it must be tempered. They must exercise this right judiciously and lawfully, and must take into account the laws of the land,” he asserted.

And if, by some constitutional event, a process is triggered that requires an election, the attorney said, it is a constitutional duty of GECOM to alter its agenda accordingly to accommodate the holding of elections within the constitutionally prescribed time.

“And it doesn’t need the President to babysit, it nor the executive. Because it is an independent body, and

Justice Dawn Gregory

this court, as the guardian of the Constitution, because when they depart from their duty they are departing from their mandate in which the Constitution has imbued them with, set out in Article 160 (6) and (7),” Nandlall submitted in his arguments.

Nandlall also raised the point that GECOM has the responsibility to hold elections, and the court has a duty to ensure that the Constitution is obeyed in this process. “Not the executive.

The executive has no business requesting work plan and that sort of thing. That is why

GECOM must always be in a state of readiness, because our law prepares them. If the Constitution wanted such discretion be given to GECOM, the framers would have put it there.”

In responding to other arguments made by several of the Government’s lawyers, Nandlall told the court that although they have attempted to make the issue complex by arguing what is a majority from what is meant by a simple and absolute majority, it does not change what the issue boils down to, and that is a majority meaning 33 is more than 32 votes.

“Don’t fall into error and read into what is not there,” he told the Appeal Court judges, rejecting the arguments about fractions being applied to the situation of the no-confidence case.

Nandlall also submitted in his arguments that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was qualified to take a motion of no-confidence, based on Article 170 of the Constitution, which authorises any member of the National Assembly to table a motion in their name.

In conclusion, Nandlall said the arguments from the Government side have been

Acting Chancellor, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

conflicting. He said, “It is like shooting a shotgun with scattered bullets, hoping that something will stick.”

Contingency Fund

During Thursday’s closing arguments, Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams told the court that going to the Contingency Fund to finance the holding of elections is not a viable alternative. According to the AG, by law, that fund could only be accessed in cases of an emergency, such as a disaster, and this cannot be done when the Parliament has still not been dissolved.

Turn to page 7

Granger and Expand your vision history... from page 4

Granger, President of Guyana, does not have the capacity, it seems, to be separate from Granger, the leader and strongman of the PNC! This is a travesty in itself. As PNC strongman, he looks out for his party, but as PRESIDENT of Guyana, he MUST look out for ALL Guyanese and all of Guyana. He must, first and foremost, uphold the Constitution of Guyana.

He is definitely not doing that. He often said his idol is Forbes Burnham, and he seems to have re-established the paramountcy of the PNC. GECOM is clearly taking its instructions from him and his party! He, the PNC strongman/President, chose a biased person to be chairman of GECOM. This was proven over and over and over by the way the

chairman uses his casting vote -- always in favour of the PNC. So GECOM is no longer balanced, it is 4 PNC and 3 PPP/C! Mr Granger, history will judge you harshly. Your attempts at ignoring the Constitution of our fair land and not performing your duty as President will be recorded for posterity, and your name will always be tarnished! Your antics and tricks will be dissected in classrooms, and students of history and democracy will be taught how not to behave in politics in a democracy.

You still have a chance to do the right thing by the Constitution and by the Guyanese people! Just DO IT! History will be the judge!

Sincerely, Vishwa Mahadeo

Dear Editor, I am quite pleased to hear Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan suggesting that the licences of hotels caught involving themselves in trafficking in persons (TIP) would be revoked. For too long, the character/future of women has been destroyed by this unscrupulous act because of their vulnerability, and with the crisis in Venezuela, women are being taken advantage on, and I personally believe this is the most sensible thing the Minister ever suggested since taking that portfolio.

At present, the authorities are doing an amazing job combating this wanton plague affecting the good name of our country. They have a long way to go, and society should assist to show that it cares. There’re many people offering jobs, and when the women go, they are

being taken to strange areas, threatened, and forced to do whatever the crooks desire.

But, then again, I will be looking on to see if this suggestion ever materialises; because, in Guyana, we have many in authority who partake in this illegality when it suits them, and I hope suggestions are not being put forward to betray us.

Editor, the recent incident with the part-time hotel at Parika caught the media’s attention, but following the story, I didn’t see any action being taken against the hotel for allowing an underage school girl into the hotel.

I believe that’s a criminal offence, and appropriate action should have been taken.

Similarly, there are many places harbouring underage children during school hours, and when caught, no action is being taken against them. We have too many school drop-

outs and lots of places/people creating an environment to welcome them and make them temporarily satisfied with their actions/judgment.

The relevant authorities should explore the possibilities of persecuting them to

the full extent of the law. At present, the school drop-outs’ rate is extremely high, coupled with the increased usage of drugs, crime and AIDS Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

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friday, march 15, 2019

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D

o you ever find yourself getting really irritable for almost no reason?

Or suddenly feeling down without knowing why? Going from sadness to anger to joy in a matter of minutes can make many teens feel as though they’re losing their grip. But why is the feeling of being on an emotional roller coaster so common among teens?

Dealing with constant change and pressure is part of the answer. Getting good grades or wanting to be better in sports or other activities can be a concern for many teens.

It might feel as though there just isn’t enough time to do everything.

Being a teen means struggling with identity and self-image. Being accepted by friends feels extremely important. Teens also may notice, for the first time, a sense of distance from parents and family. You may feel you want to be on your own and make your own decisions, but it can also seem overwhelming and even a bit lonely at times.

As fun and exciting as this time is, it also can be a time of confusion and conflict. It can take a while for teens – and their families – to feel comfortable with the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Another important cause for mood swings is biology.

When puberty begins, the body starts producing sex hormones. These hormones –

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Foundation

oestrogen and progesterone in girls and testosterone in guys – cause physical changes in the body. But in some people, they also seem to cause emotional changes – the ups and downs that sometimes feel out of control.

Understanding that almost everyone goes through mood swings during their teen years might make them easier to handle.

When it’s more than just a mood Feeling irritable or shorttempered can be signs of depression. So can feelings of boredom or hopelessness.

Many people think of depression as feeling sad, but depression also can bring feelings of moodiness, impatience, anger, or even just not caring.

When depression gets in the way of enjoying life or dealing with others, that’s a sign you need to do something about it, like talking to a counsellor or therapist who can help you deal with it.

Also, if you ever feel like hurting yourself, that’s more than just a bad mood and you need to tell someone.

Taking control Here are some things you can do that might make those bad moods a bit easier to handle: Recognise you’re not alone. Although not every teen experiences mood changes to the same degree, they are common.

Catch your breath. Or count to 10. Or do something that lets you settle down for a few moments, especially if you’re feeling angry or irritable. Try to look at the situation from the point of view of a wise observer.

Talk to people you trust.

Friends can help each other by realising that they’re not alone in their feelings. Talking to parents is important, too.

Parents can share their own experiences dealing with bad moods. Plus, they’ll appreciate it if you try to explain how you feel instead of just slamming a door. Teachers and counsellors are often good resources, and a doctor can help sort through questions about development.

Keeping feelings inside can make them seem much worse.

Exercise. Regular exercise produces more betaendorphin, a hormone that

controls stress and improves mood. Go for a run, play some tennis, ride your bike, or punch a punching bag.

Get enough sleep. Though it can be hard to find enough time, getting adequate rest is very important. Being tired can lead to more sadness and irritability.

Create. Get involved in some sort of project, like starting a journal or diary, building something out of wood, or starting an art or music piece. Writing can help you organise and express your thoughts and feelings and will make things more manageable.

Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation; the important thing is just to get your thoughts on paper. Do the same thing with paint, sculpture, music, or other art forms. Put your feelings into your artwork.

Cry. There’s nothing wrong with crying; in fact, it often makes a person feel better.

However, if you find that you are sad, irritable, bored, or hopeless much of the time, or if you just can’t seem to shake the blues, you might be depressed and need help from a counsellor or doctor. If you’re feeling stressed or angry a lot of the time, getting help could be very useful for you.

Wait. Just as you can get into a bad mood for what seems like no reason at times, that mood can also pass. If your negative mood sticks around too long, though — or if it’s interfering with the way you deal with friends, parents, school, or activities — then you may want to talk to a school counsellor, parent, or therapist about what you can do to feel better. (kidshealth.org)

Continued from Thursday

Your doctor will probably suggest ways to stay away from the allergen or prescribe a medicine for you to try.

Allergy medicine can be pills, liquids, or even sprays for your nose. If your allergies aren’t too bad or if you can avoid the allergen completely, you might not need to take medicine – staying away from the allergen might be enough to control your allergy.

If your symptoms don’t get better by staying away from allergens and taking medicines, an allergist might recommend allergy shots.

These shots make your immune system less sensitive to the allergens and can make you feel better.

Unfortunately, shots and most medicines don’t help with food allergies. People with food allergies have to learn to avoid any foods that have the ingredients they’re allergic to. Your parents and your doctor can help you read the ingredients on food labels.

Luckily, many kids outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, and soy. But allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, and seafood may last a long time, or not go away at all.

Fighting on the allergy front You might not be able to control your allergies completely, but you can do yourself a favour by avoiding anything that causes your allergy symptoms.

Pets. If you are allergic to an animal, you might have to find a new home for your pet. If you can’t do that, it can help to keep pets out of your bedroom, have someone bathe them at least once a week, or have the animal live outside. You’ll also want to avoid pets at other people’s homes.

Dust mites. If dust mites are your trouble, your mom or dad can use special covers for your bed and wash your sheets and blankets in very hot water to get rid of them. Keeping your room neat and clean also will help. Store stuffed animals or other stuff that attracts dust somewhere other than your room.

Food allergies. If you have food allergies, always read food labels to check the ingredients and learn the different names for the food allergen. Even though you may have eaten a food before, always check the label because ingredients may change. If you’re not sure about a food, don’t eat it. Instead, ask a grownup if it’s safe. Your mom or dad can help teach you which foods and ingredients you should avoid.

Also, your parents can help you pack safe snacks for occasions away from home when everyone else might be having something you can’t, such as peanut butter ice cream. Then, instead of feeling left out, you can snack along with your friends – without risking an allergy attack and, even worse, having to go home early! (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

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Private criminal charges filed

Chair, Govt Commissioners vote for GECOM to pay their legal fees

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uyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n ( G E C O M ) Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson and the three coalition-appointed Commissioners on Thursday afternoon approved a motion for the Elections Body to pay their legal fees in a case where private criminal charges were filed against them for violating the Constitution.

Patterson, along with the three coalition-appointed Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman, is expected to make his court appearance today at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where they would be arraigned.

The charges, which were filed by Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin on behalf of

PPP/C Commissioner Bibi Shadick

Marcel Gaskin on March 12, 2019, stated that the four defendants, during the period of December 22, 2018 and March 9, 2019, conspired to breach Article 106 of the Constitution of Guyana,

which provided for the holding of General Elections in Guyana within three months from December 21, 2018.

However, on Tuesday, Patterson used his casting vote to approve a motion for the Commission to pay the legal fees after the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)-appointed Commissioners voted against it resulting in gridlock.

Moments after this decision was taken, PPP/C Commissioner Bibi Shadick told the media that they were called to a meeting on Thursday, where they were prepared to discuss a motion about how GECOM could proceed to have Regional and General Elections in a timely manner without violating the Constitution.

According to her, things took quite a different turn as the other members of the Elections Body brought forward a motion concerning legal fees.

“We spent like almost an hour trying to say that GECOM must pay for lawyers to represent those people who sit down there to violate the Constitution.

Oh, and the vote is taken, we (PPP/C-appointed Commissioners) said no and the vote was taken with the four Commissioners voting for themselves that GECOM will pay their legal fees. So, all of this nonsense that is going on here is like hijacking this Constitution that we have and then GECOM must pay to represent the people who are hijacking it and this is absolute nonsense,” she stated.

Court of Appeal urged to order...

“There is a Parliament, and it has not been dissolved, so that cannot happen…the first choice would be to go to the Contingency Fund and not the Consolidated Fund.

If the court restores the cabinet, then 99 percent of the problems will be resolved.

I am asking this court to set aside the decision of the Chief Justice that the cabinet is no more after March 21,” he stated.

Williams also argued that it won’t qualify as an emergency fund either, because the no-confidence motion came before the most recent budget was debated in the National Assembly. He not-

ed that Christopher Ram, who filed one of the cases, asked for the Cabinet to be removed, but as an accountant, he must be aware that a financial bill cannot go to the House without a Cabinet in place.

Meanwhile, one of the lead attorneys representing the Government in the no-confidence cases, former Attorney General of Grenada and now Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill, Barbados, Dr Francis Alexis, sought to explain the legal position of the administration.

He said that based on the research of the Government’s

legal team, in the case of Guyana, where there is an odd number of 65 seats in the National Assembly, there has to be a vote that results in practically thirty-four members voting in favour of the motion.

Plus one

“There is a two-stage process. The first stage, you divide the total membership of the house, 65 by two, you will get 32 and a half. That figure has to be rounded up to 33.

The research of the Attorney General and his staff here in Georgetown proved that conclusively,” he explained.

The attorney said the next

stage, which he described as the “plus one stage,” is applied when the 33 members’ votes are rounded up and then one is added to it.

He made reference to the appeal case called Kilman v. Speaker of Parliament of Vanuatu, where in a 47 member National Assembly, the majority was 24 plus one making it 25.

“It makes no difference whether the fraction is upfront, whether the framers said one-third or one-half, or whether the fraction results from the dividing of the total membership of the house into two…;once you get to a fraction, you have to round

GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson

Meanwhile, the PPP/C Commissioners once again walked out of the meeting after the other members on the Elections Body ignored the motion put forward about holding Regional and

General Elections to proceed along the lines of house-tohouse registration.

The emergency meeting on Thursday was summoned following a letter that was dispatched by President David Granger requesting an elections work plan in the shortest possible time. After more than two months, GECOM has been unable to put together an elections work plan to submit to the Head of State.

At GECOM’s last statutory meeting on Tuesday, the Opposition Commissioners were forced to walk out after the Government Commissioners were discussing house-to-house registration instead of planning for elections that are constitutionally due by March 21.

(Kristen Macklingam)

From page 5

it up to a whole number, and you add one. That, in a nutshell, is what we are asking the court to do,” he added.

Dr Alexis claims that in Chief Justice Roxane George’s ruling, she got to 33 and did not add the one.

He claims that without adding the one, the submission is not yet completed and the motion is not passed in accordance with Article 106 (6) & (7) of the Constitution of Guyana.

Further, lawyers representing the Government had varying views, starting with the fact that they submitted to the court that the Act that amended the Constitution

to bring in the no-confidence vote is unconstitutional. They also argued that the no-confidence vote does not exist in the Constitution, while others presented arguments about what is a majority.

Presiding over the cases were acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory.

At conclusion of Thursday’s hearing, the acting chancellor said notices would be sent with a decision shortly. She did not provide a date. (Samuel Sukhnandan)

8 news

friday, MARCH 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Religious scholar gets 45 years for raping lad

T

he Muslim scholar who was accused of sexually molesting nine boys between 2011 and 2012 was on Thursday unanimously found guilty of one of the nine charges by a 12-member jury in the High Court.

Thirty-three-year-old Nezaam Ali of Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown has been sentenced to 45 years’ imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singh on Thursday for raping a 9-year-old boy in 2011.

The charges allege that between December 2011 and January 2012, Ali, being a teacher attached to the Turkeyen Masjid, engaged in sexual activity with the children, abusing a position of trust.

During the trial, Ali pleaded with the jury for mercy, as he further denied committing the offence by stating that he has an erectile dysfunction, and as such could not have raped the boy.

His Attorney, Stanley Moore, in a plea of mitigation, further pleaded for

Jailed: Nezaam Ali

mercy, revealing to the court that, according to evidence, the child involved in the rape allegation did not suffer any psycho-social trauma.

However, the prosecution team, Tuana Hardy, Teriq Mohamed and Abigail Gibbs, had strong objections to Moore’s plea, and reiterated that Ali had betrayed the trust of the victim.

Taking note of this objections, Justice Singh told Ali that he had taken ad-

vantage of the underprivileged child, and accordingly handed down the 45 years’ sentence.

Ali is yet to answer to eight other counts of rape at the High Court. Those are expected to come up next month during the new session of the Demerara Assizes.

Ali, of Lot 268 Section ‘C 5’, South Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, was first charged back in 2012 with raping the nine boys. However, after being committed to stand trial in 2013, the matter was stalled for some time after birth certificates and medical certificates for the lads had gone missing from each of the nine files.

The parents and relatives of some of the alleged victims had in the past publicly expressed their frustration at the situation. One parent had even claimed that there was a deliberate attempt to drag the matter out.

In 2017 however, there was a turn of events when the DPP’s Chambers in a

letter ordered that the case be reopened. Ali was later re-committed to stand trial at the Demerara Assizes in 2018.

Ali is being represented by Attorneys-atlaw Stanley Moore and Latchmi Rahamat The mother of three of the alleged rape victims had told sections of the media that persons had been taking photographs of her sons and she regarded this act as bullying.

Shortly after his previous committal, Ali’s then lawyer, Nigel Hughes, had filed in the High Court an action to have the committal overturned. This was rejected by the court, and it was ruled that the committal would remain.

Essequibo man found guilty of raping 7-yearold girl

T

hirty-seven-year-old Essequibo Islands’ resident Clinton Anthony Doris was earlier this week found guilty of raping a seven-year-old girl by a 12-member jury at the High Court on Wednesday.

Particulars of the charge stated that he engaged in sexual activity with the child on March 27, 2014 at Essequibo Islands. The accused is expected to be sentenced on March 28, 2019.

Doris was represented by Attorney Ravindra Mohabir, while the State’s case was presented by Prosecutors Lisa Cave, Sarah Martin and Seeta Bishundial.

The matter was presided over by Justice JoAnn Barlow at the Sexual Offences Court.

The facts of the case revealed that the child victim was lured into a house by Doris, who claimed that he had “sweetie” to offer her.

After entering the home, the child was raped by Doris and left to make her way home. The child then told her parents what had transpired when she was questioned after she returned home crying.

As a result, the sevenyear-old girl was taken to the Police station and a report was made. Thus Doris was arrested and charged.

Signalling…

A

…”free and fair elections” professor from the US War College in Washington – which advises the US administration on global strategy -- visited Guyana late last month. He opined, “In the context of Guyana’s current constitutional crisis, Washington has both an important role to play and a complex set of strategic imperatives to consider in doing so.” Your Eyewitness was pleased that he wasn’t coy but “told it like it is” in true “realist” style.

The gentleman noted that in the interviews he had with Guyanese leaders (the owner of Oases qualifies?) they all stressed the actions of the US back in the 1960s, but advised that the US had now moved on from the imperatives of the Cold War and was today more concerned with corruption in those running the Government – now and in the future.

Stability is needed in light of Exxon pushing us into the ranks of the world’s top 20 oil producers.

In terms of the politics evolving after the NCM, the analyst opined that “recent APNU-AFC attempts to avoid or postpone an early election do not, for me at least, seem to pass the common-sense test. The challenge for the U.S. is not to allow its good relationship with the Granger government to lead it into condoning behaviours that could undermine the credibility of advocacy of healthy democracy elsewhere.” He had to be referring to the US strong advocacy for the return of democracy via “free and fair elections” in next door Venezuela and in the hemisphere.

Against that background, we must view the newly accredited US Ambassador, Sara-Ann Lynch, urging President Granger for “genuinely free and fair elections” very significant. The Ambassador is clearly in consonant with the professor’s observation that the US must be seen as not speaking “with a forked tongue” on its promulgation of democracy as a pillar of its foreign policy strategy.

As your Eyewitness has pointed out in this space before, corruption of the electoral process is the threshold issue in Guyana if we’re ever to entertain hopes of controlling “corruption” writ large. After all, while the Government’s supporters will close their eyes to the patently transparent efforts of the administration to stall the elections, they know this can only be because the PNC needs to buy time to implement some scheme on rigging the elections, originally scheduled for 2020.

And it’s this knowledge of the Govt corrupting the most important value of Guyanese – the power to freely select our governors – that causes Guyanese, from Minister to commoner, to excuse corruption in other sections of national life.

Let’s support the US Ambassador’s call for free and fair elections, and head off corruption at the pass.

Rally on March 21st!! Constitution Supremacy Day!! …sacrifice Your Eyewitness notes the irony of four Government Ministers – including VPs Greenidge and Ramjattan -commemorating the 1913 killing of 15 sugar workers and wounding of another 56 by the colonial police! Those workers were then protesting the high-handedness of the planter class, who wanted to wring blood out of stone to extract as much profits as they could, and violate the contract with the workers. But this Government has fired over 7000 sugar workers countrywide and doomed them to destitution, since no alternative employment was created.

Trying to keep life and limb of their families and children, some workers went to fish on the abandoned estate of Skeldon – and were forced to pay for “the privilege”!!

Your Eyewitness is willing to wager that, since the estates were closed, more than 15 have already perished through depression, suicide or malnutrition and its attendant illnesses. And this is a “Guyanese” Govt??

Yet these Govt Ministers could utter platitudes of being inspired by the sacrifices of 1913!

Irony is lost on these philistines. …scampishness So now we have the former Deputy Chief Elections Officer of GECOM – who should know about these things – vouchsafing that there’s no question the organisation was always in a position to conduct elections in 90 days!!

What says Patterson now??

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

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friday, MARCH 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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ulab jamun doesn’t need any introduction! In its authentic preparation, mawa is the key ingredient, but it’s not generally readily available and you need to prepare it at home. So to make things easier, this step-by-step photo recipe explains how to make julab jamun with milk powder. The main difference between gulab jamuns made from milk powder and gulab jamuns made from mawa is the texture; milk powder gulab jamuns have little porous texture from inside while mawa gulab jamuns have smoother texture.

If you are staying at a place where mawa is not easily available or you don’t want to make it at home, we recommend you try this gulab jamun with milk powder recipe as milk powder is easily available at every grocery store. Making gulab jamun

with milk powder requires the person to be comfortable with cooking and experienced, since it requires perfect dough consistency and deep-frying for perfect texture. With detailed explanation of each step and tips given below, you will be able to make melt-in-the-mouth gulab jamuns at home in just 30 minutes.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 3 green cardamom pods 1½ cups water 1-2 drops of lemon Juice, optional 1/2 cup milk powder 1 tablespoon Maida (all-purpose flour)

1/8 teaspoon (a small pinch) baking soda 1 tablespoon ghee 2-3 tablespoons milk Oil or ghee, for deep-frying

Directions:

Place 1 cup sugar, 3 green cardamom pods, 1½ cups water and 1-2 drops of lemon juice in a deep pot or pan. Lemon juice is added to pre-

vent the syrup from solidifying when it cools.

Cook over medium flame until the mixture reaches 1/2 string consistency or turns a little sticky while stirring occasionally. It will take around 8-10 minutes to reach the required consistency. When the syrup is ready, turn off the flame.

Place 1/2 cup milk powder, 1 tablespoon maida and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda in a wide mouthed bowl. Mix well with a spoon and add 1 tablespoon ghee.

Mix well. Use your hand to mix it so that ghee mixes evenly with milk powder.

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons milk evenly over mixture and gently mix it.

If required, add few more tea-

spoons of milk and mix lightly.

Mixture should be soft. It may be sticky but do not worry about it. Do not over mix or knead the mixture, just lightly mix it.

If you over mix it, gluten forms and jamun will turn dense and will not absorb the syrup properly.

Grease your palms with oil and divide mixture into marble sized small portions (around 9-10). Take each portion and make a round crack-free ball from it. If cracks appear, it means the mixture is dry. Add a teaspoon of milk (or few drops of milk) to the mixture, mix well and make the ball. Do not make larger balls as their size will increase to almost double after deep-frying and soaking in syrup.

Heat the ghee or oil for deep-frying in a deep kadai or a small pan over medium flame. When oil is medium hot, pinch a small portion of the mixture off and drop it into hot oil, if it comes upward immediately without changing its colour, the oil is medium hot and ready for deep-frying. (If it comes upward immediately and turns brown, then the oil is too hot and needs to be cooled a bit; if it doesn’t come upward then the oil is not hot enough and needs to be heated little bit more.)

Slowly drop 3-4 balls (according to the size of a kadai) from the side of the pot and reduce the flame to low.

Stir gently with a slotted spoon and deep-fry over low flame. Within 2-3 minutes, the colour of the balls will start to turn light gold.

Deep-fry until they turn golden brown, it will take around 6-7 minutes.

Transfer them over to a kitchen napkin to absorb

excess oil using a slotted spoon. Maintain the temperature of oil by increasing or decreasing the flame to medium or low.

Increase the flame to medium and deep-fry the remaining balls.

Heat the syrup for 3-4 minutes and add deep-fried jamuns. Keep the jamuns in syrup for at least 2 hours before serving to allow them to absorb the syrup properly. You will notice them increase in size as syrup gets absorbed. Jamuns are ready for serving at this time.

Tips and variations

* To reduce the cooking time, before starting to make balls from the mixture, start heating ghee or oil for deep-frying in a deep kadai or a small pan over medium flame so that when the balls are ready, the oil will be hot enough for deep-frying. * If you overcook the syrup by mistake, it will turn hard when it cools. If that happens, add a little water, stir well, and cook again for a few minutes to get the right consistency. * Do not over mix or knead the mixture into dough to prevent jamuns from turning hard. * Do not change the quantity of baking soda to prevent them from turning chewy. * Deep-fry the jamuns over medium-low flame for proper frying. * Add saffron strands or rose petals to syrup for variation in flavour.

Taste: Sweet with mild fragrance of cardamom Serving ideas: Serve warm gulab jamun with vanilla ice cream as a dessert at a party or serve it as a sweet with a meal.

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M Soat Auto Sales is an ongoing Guyanese success story. Our guiding principles and humble beginnings revolve around personal honesty and integrity.

We believe in strengthening our communities, one neighbourhood at a time,

serving our customers as if they are family and rewarding hard work.

These things are as true today as they were when we were founded in 1986.

Today, because of our massive network, BM Soat Auto Sales is one of Guyana’s largest ve-

hicular sales providers.

We offer our clients a wide variety of brands and models to choose from and

try to ensure that we meet their demands.

We comprise three showrooms in different locations with staff that are willing to assist and address any concern customers may have.

What does this mean to our customers? We are there when you need us.

BM Soat Auto Sales is now a household name and is recognised as a countrywide leader in the car sales industry.

We value our employees and customers as members of our family.

Presently, BM Soat Auto Sales continues to drive success through a simple, yet powerful set of beliefs to remain the leader in car sales, as well as sustainability and innovation.

S RAIGHT A

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FRIday, MARCH 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mechanic slapped with fraud charge

The year 2018 – the worst export performance in Guyana?

By SASE Singh, MSc - Finance, ACCA

T

he economic collapse of the Guyanese economy in 2018 did not happen because of some natural disaster or civil war, but rather by the colossal economic mismanagement of the state of affairs by Team Granger. In just a few years, Team Granger did enough damage to the export capacity of the nation to cause 2018 to be the year with the worst export performance in our recorded history.

We measure the efficacy of the export sector by a ratio called “Exports to GDP”. In layman’s language, this translates to the value of exports measured as a percentage of the size of the economy. Exports at the end of 2018 were US$1.372 billion, compared to US$1.435 billion in the previous year (a decline of US$63 million). The reason-massive decline in sugar exports, followed by gold and timber.

Using figures pulled from the World Bank and the Statistical Bureau, I was able to compile this time series on Exports-to-GDP from 1960 to 2018. In 2018, the Exports-to-GDP ratio was 40.3 per cent, the worst performance in our recorded history. Guyana has gone backwards since 2016, and is now worse off with respect to the export sector than at independence. In 1966, the Export-toGDP ratio was 54.9 per cent.

The key ingredient for economic buoyancy remains the expansion in the export sector, but Guyana seems to be sitting on a “KANGALA” with Team Granger. The worst three-year period of Exports-to-GDP occurred between 2016 and 2018 (averaging 43.5 per cent). The second worst was the period 2013 to 2015 (the Ramotar years) and then 1983 to 1985 (the back end of the Burnham years). The best three years occurred between 1992 and 1994 when Guyana was exporting goods and services that were valued at an average of 115.1 per cent of its GDP, more than double the performance in the Granger years. That was followed by the period 1995 to 1997 (the Jagdeo years) and then 1998 to 2000 (again the Jagdeo years).

If one were to compare average Export-to-GDP performance in the PPP years vs. the PNC years, the information is quite revealing.

Under the PPP years, the average Exports-to-GDP was 75.6 per cent compared to the PNC years, which averaged out at 59.8 per cent. If the horrible Ramotar years were extracted from the PPP performance, it would show that the PPP’s average exports-to-GDP were over 80 per cent. In 2017, there were only 12 countries in the world that had a better performance than what the PPP produced from 1992 to 2011.

Clearly, under the PPP, the economy was exporting more; the economy was more energised, and it was generating more foreign currency to satisfy the needs of the private sector.

If one were to reflect on the Jagdeo years, the Exports-to-GDP were 79.8 per cent, which meant that the Jagdeo team contributed to the greatest sustained period of economic growth in the entire history of Guyana. No other President has done this good for Guyana when it came to exports growth and economic growth.

In the final analysis, the Guyanese economy has some major structural defects that are not getting the type of attention they deserve because Team Granger is too focused on an elusive witchhunt. Over the last 80 days, this Team was even more distracted by the need to stay in power using subterfuge and deception, which clearly leaves them with little thinking time to focus on the key policy needed to aid the required economic transformation.

What Guyana needs is leadership and a team that understands the big issues confronting the nation, like the underperforming export sector; and a menu of measures to deal with them. Guyana continues to face low technological adaptation and a grave absence of technology-intensive foreign direct investments ON LAND. What is happening in the oceans will bear fruits for Guyana, but the human impact, especially on those in the poor and working classes, will remain negligible. Thus we must focus on value-added adaptation ON LAND. The world is not interested in raw sugar, raw gold, and raw logs anymore. The world today demands a value-added version of these products; and, over the last three years, there were minimal investments in these sectors to really position the export sector where it needs to be – at 80 per cent of the GDP. Today, in spite of the economy expanding, it is a book figure that is not backed by large increases in new, hard wealth trickling down, and therefore there is less to go around in an environment where the few at the top, especially the politicians, grab the most. This is no way to Please your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com. drive long share term human development.

mechanic of Fourth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown was on Thursday slapped with a fraud charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Adrian Cole, 35, pleaded guilty to the charge stating that he was willing to refund the Virtual Complainant (VC) in full if he was given the opportunity.

It is alleged that between September 29 and October 6, 2017 at Campbellville, Georgetown, while being solely entrusted by Harvey Suddand with $325,000 to purchase a vehicle transmission, Cole converted the same to his own use and benefit.

According to Police facts, the VC is the owner of a pickup and had given a total of $325,000 over time to purchase the transmission to fix his vehicle.

Cole allegedly collected the money, but failed to purchase the transmission. As such, the matter was reported to the Kitty Police Station where an investigation was carried out, and the mechanic was subsequently arrested and charged.

In court on Thursday, the defendant told the court that

he had already begun to repay the money, but this was denied by the VC, who indicated that they were negotiating

when the suspect disappeared.

He was placed on $20,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, providing he

makes payment arrangements with the victim.

Cole will return to court on March 28, 2019.

16 news “We will not harm your wellbeing” – Jagdeo to public servants friday, march 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has assured that the People’s Progressive Party is not going to let public servants suffer after March 21, when the Government becomes illegal and the country goes into a constitutional crisis.

He has promised instead to go after President David Granger and his cabal of ministers, for flouting the Constitution just so they can hold on to power.

At his weekly press briefing on Thursday, the Opposition Leader indicated that from the inception, his party had committed to not let the people of Guyana suffer, and this will not change despite the unprecedented

situation the country has found itself in.

“I made it clear when I went to Parliament the first time, I said we will be the type of Opposition that will seek to bring benefits to the people, not hardships to them; that we’re not going to do anything to harm your livelihood and your wellbeing, like when the US Government recently had a shutdown… But we can’t do that in Guyana, we can’t do that to public servants… So we expect, and we will insist, that the hospital keeps functioning and that the Police and the army and our public servants have an income at the end of the month,” Jagdeo asserted.

The Opposition Leader did note, however, that the Opposition will continue to go after those top officials who insist on breaching the Constitution of Guyana.

“So we will limit who we target, because it’s not the public servants who’re breaching the Constitution, it is Granger and his cabal of ministers, who want to hang on to power for themselves, for the privileges and perks, and for the corruption you see; and therefore it would be unfair to target other groups of people,” he contended.

Jagdeo went on to say “…

we will target the Ministers and we’ll target the President and we will target the Prime Minister; not with violence, because we don’t believe in violence. But we will target them with protests (because) they believe that they can stay there with impunity and with legal action (in the court).”

According to the Opposition Leader, should the PPP/C get into office, then they will ensure that the current Coalition Government officials are held responsible for any expenditure they incur during this period when the Government should have resigned.

“Any trips, etcetera, they will have to pay back for all of those things, because we need them to understand that you can’t stay with impunity to enjoy privileges in violation of the Constitution,” he stressed.

Furthermore, Jagdeo noted that once the March 21 deadline passes, a series of actions will be rolled out against the coalition Government, starting with intense protests.

“They will be targeted with protests and a whole range of action, but we’re not going to be violent…

Next week, I will outline to you what are some of the additional measures we intend

APNU/AFC Coalition Cabinet

to put in place after March 21… But I want (to assure public servants) because I had a lot of calls from public officials who are uneasy whether they will be paid and whether the crisis will affect them getting their salaries at the end of the month. They have nothing to fear,” he insisted.

Jagdeo added that only those public servants who are complicit with the coalition Government in “this thievery that’s going on” should be fearful. “And any person who collaborated with the Government in

this regard, they will face the consequences too,” he warned.

To this end, the Opposition Leader urged the Secretary to the Treasury to ensure that outside of the basic expenditure for the routine functioning of the Government, no other monies should be spent. He further cautioned that none of the privileges enjoyed by ministers should be funded, and that no contracts be issued in this period. He reiterated that those would be reversed should the PPP/C get into office.

Over the past weeks, several stakeholder bodies have been coming down on the APNU/AFC Government for not adhering to the Constitution, which mandates that the President and Cabinet resign and call elections within 90 days upon the passage of a no- confidence motion.

However, the Grangerled Administration has long insisted that there is no role for a “caretaker” Government and that they would continue to be in office until a new President is sworn-in.

News

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friday, march 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Put Guyana first” – Man remains in ICU after Police shooting CIOG urges politicians

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ressure continues to mount against the Coalition Government as Guyana is now less than a week away from a potential crisis, with calls pouring in this time from the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) for responsible politics to be practised.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the religious organisation noted that the country is on the precipice of an economic metamorphosis unparalleled in its history, and as such reminded all across the political divide of the Prophetic Narration, which states: “Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you will be questioned about those under his rule: the ruler is a shepherd, and he will be questioned about his subjects; the man is a shepherd in his family, and he will be questioned about those under his care; and the woman is a shepherd in the house of her husband, and she will be questioned about those under her care… Thus, every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for those under his care.” (Al-Bukhari) Against this backdrop, the CIOG calls on the country’s political leaders to exercise “restraint and to practise responsible politics,” pointing out that Guyana is under the care of the political leaders and they need to safeguard the nation, including

its people and resources.

It noted that Islam places great emphasis on the dignity of human beings, regardless of their gender or race or status.

The Quraan says: “We have bestowed dignity on the children of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of our creation.” (Quran 17:70) As such, the religious organisation outlined, dignity comprises rights and implies duties.

Human beings have a right to life, right to freedom of religion, right to freedom of lifestyle, right to labour, right to security, and right to family; these rights are secured. It added, too, that the Quran says that all human beings are created equal by the One Creator, and are all shepherds of their families, communities, and country.

“A momentous opportunity has been provided for our politicians (and their followers) to behave responsibly, with morality, dignity and integrity; to be the guardians of honour and truth

and right; to communicate with respect and in good faith. In so doing, they will demonstrate that they have put Guyana first, and have raised the standard of political discourse in our country and set an example for the entire world and generations to come.

Let us cooperate, unite, love, and respect. This is the teaching of Islam,” the CIOG implored.

Immediately after the no-confidence motion was passed on December 21, 2018, both President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had initially committed to following the provisions outlined in the Constitution, facilitating early elections and engaging in dialogue with Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo; but they have since changed their position.

Nevertheless, in less than one week, the constitutional deadline for holding elections will expire, throwing the country into uncharted waters. Some experienced political analysts, including distinguished lawyers, have predicted that the country will head into a constitutional crisis if Government does not uphold the law and call elections.

But President Granger has been insisting that he has to be guided by readiness of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) before he goes ahead and set a date for elections.

Injured: Mahesh Brijpaul

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ahesh Brijpaul, a 25-year-old machine operator of Lot 14 Gour Persaud Avenue, Number 79 Village Corriverton, was allegedly shot

by Police and remains a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Days have passed, and the Police have not issued a release on the shooting incident; and despite efforts made to get information, the officials remain tightlipped.

The shooting incident reportedly occurred on March 7 during an intelligence-led operation at Line Path Corriverton.

Eyewitnesses told Guyana Times that the young man had purchased a beer from a bar, and sitting outside when he was approached by another man, who told him that he had a package for him. Brijpaul refused to accept it, claiming that he had no package to collect.

Police have since claimed that a wrapped package suspected to be cannabis was found at the scene.

Soon after, gunshots were heard. Upon checking, Brijpaul was seen lying on the roadway with a suspected gunshot wound.

He was taken to the Skeldon Hospital, and was later transferred to the New

Amsterdam Hospital.

Ashley, the injured man’s sister, posited that the Police have not provided much information to the family.

“As soon as we heard, we hurry and get ready to go to the hospital; and when we reach, we see them pushing him to go for X-rays. A Police (rank) was there, and when we ask him what happen, he say that there was a shootout. He said my brother fired the first shot, and then they returned fire.”

She has said that even if that were the case, the Police have not found the firearm Brijpaul allegedly had in his possession.

The bullet reportedly hit Brijpaul in his back and damaged his intestines. Doctors were able to successfully remove the bullet, but were forced to also remove parts of his intestine during the five-hour-long surgery.

His mother Venita Dindyal has stated that her son is shackled to a bed in the Intensive Care Unit.

She recalled her son telling her that he was at the bar and was approached by a friend, and after the conversation the friend left, and then a car drove up and the men inside told him not to move, and that they were the Police.

“He tell me that none of them look like Police because none of them had on uniform.

So he start to walk away, and then he feel like a bullet fly past his ears and he start to run, and then he get shoot in his back. He say when he fall down the Police come and start kicking him in his face and stomach…”

Dindyal explained that her son claimed he was placed into the back of a canter and taken to the hospital after another beating.

“We just want to know what happened.

We are not defending him. We don’t know what the circumstances were, we just want to know what happened and why,” the crying mother has stated.

Tomb raiders hit Berbice graveyard, money stolen from coffin

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he tomb of 60-year-old Roopnarine Kowlessaw was on Thursday morning found vandalised with the man’s body outside the grave and the money that was pinned on his clothing missing.

The man was buried on March 1 at the Number 65 Village Cemetery.

On Thursday, the body was reportedly found lying in front of the tomb with the casket alongside it. Residents in the area recalled hearing banging sounds and dogs

Dead businessman: Roopnarine Kowlessaw

barking.

His son, Budram told Guyana Times that when he and other relatives visited the tomb on Wednesday, it was already broken into.

“When we came here, we saw three tiles broken and chisel marks and a small hole at the top.”

He, nevertheless, proceeded to the airport to drop off his relatives who had come for the funeral. Then on Thursday morning, “When I came, I saw that the casket was in front of the tomb and the body out-

The tomb that was broken into

side, so I bring a man and we put in back the body and fit up back the tomb,” he revealed.

The matter was reported to the Police and an investigation was launched. According to Budram, three of the six handles from the casket were also removed.

He explained that in excess of US$300 was missing, but G$400 was found on the ground next to the body. The dead rice farmer and businessman were reburied that same morning.

18 news

fridAY, MARCH 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Starr Computers to soon open Blind Society to engage GECOM on kids’ discovery department inclusiveness for elections

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tarr Computers Inc will soon open its new Kids Discovery department, which is expected to accelerate more modern classrooms in Guyana through the use of technology.

The new department, located in a section of Starr’s Brickdam location, is scheduled to be opened next month.

According to President of Starr’s, Mike Mohan, the department will be providing smart devices which children from as young as four years old would be able to use.

“On the left hand side of the store you might have noticed an innovation centre; that is a new department we are going to be opening up. We are going to be launching it at the end of the month. We are going to be targeting education and the development of modern classrooms in Guyana,” Mohan revealed.

This would be possible with the introduction of Starr’s economy tablets, which will be sold at affordable prices.

By combining Lenovo with other laser technologies, Starr has developed a new, modern classroom solution. As such, the computer company will also be offering a larger variety of Lenovo products than what has been on offer

A for the past 14 years.

“The most important thing about Lenovo in Guyana is that they give us tremendous support, so that we could give the customers best type of products that (they) want. Lenovo, towards the end of 2018, (became) the largest manufacturers of computers. This company has been going places, they keep on innovating every year, they keep on changing and upgrading, and they have gotten a much wider variety of choices,” Mohan said.

Mike Thornburn, Caribbean Hybrid Representative of Lenovo, said the company is currently preparing, as

Guyana is soon to benefit from the oil and gas sector, to produce high end work stations.

“We partner with oil and gas companies around the world currently, and we produced really high-end work stations that offer them the ability to scale and go out there and find more oil and gas specifically. And so what we are doing with Starr Computers is working with them to ensure that they are ready with parts in Guyana, so that if anything goes wrong, they can service them; and to make sure that they stay up and running throughout that process,” Thornburn explained.

Trainee teachers still to receive salaries after 5 months

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he Education Ministry has a system wherein new teachers who enter the system are made to wait three months before they are paid their first salaries. However, the waiting has been over five months for one teacher, who recently reached out to this newspaper to highlight her struggles in the system.

Having fallen in love with the job as a child, the teacher, who requested her name be withheld, said she started attending the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) last year, before she secured

a job at a primary school in Georgetown. She said she was forced to leave college because of a few struggles she encountered.

Having secured a job, the teacher thought she would have been able to enjoy her career, but it has become nothing but a burden on her, as she is faced with financial troubles.

This teacher, who resides at Supply, East Bank Demerara, explained that her job requires her to make her own teaching aids as well as finance other teaching supplies for her classroom.

She noted that upon visiting one of the Ministry’s offices, she was told that there was a “mix up” with her appointment letter and there were no records of her on the pay rolls.

According to her, although she has been teaching for the past five months, she never received her appointment letter until a few weeks ago.

She explained that she was told the letter was supposed to be dropped off at 68 Brickdam, Georgetown, but it was dropped one of the Ministry’s other location on Brickdam.

Furthermore, she com-

plained that upon enquiring about her salary, an official told her, “Probably next month”.

The teacher argued that she has been making it her duty to get to work on time every day since October, but finds the Ministry’s system exploitative.

Another teacher told she is facing a similar situation, as she has been working for six months without pay.

A senior Public Relations Officer attached to the Ministry, Brushell Blackman, explained to this newspaper that teachers and other staffers in the Ministry are usually made to wait after three months to be paid, since their profiles are usually processed by the Public Service Commission, which verifies documents among other things.

Blackman said he could not speak as to why those teachers have not been paid, but promised to look into the matter.

s Guyana prepares for National and Regional Elections, the Guyana Society for the Blind will be ensuring that systems are in place to allow for its members to vote.

President of the Society, Cecil Morris, told Guyana Times on Thursday that they are planning to engage the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to discuss concerns regarding persons with disabilities, particularly those who are visually impaired.

“There is a problem with voting, because we always seem to have this misunderstanding on polling day.

We’re in the process of engaging GECOM so that we can work those challenges out. We hope that before elections we can have those matters corrected,” Morris stated.

He explained that during the last General Elections in 2015, templates were introduced for them to put over the ballot and vote.

However, the templates were not utilised by officers at the polling booths.

“There was a process that was started since the last elections, (wherein) a template is given to the persons at GECOM so that it could be put over the ballot paper and persons could vote. It was given out the last time, but a lot of the polling agents did not make use of it. We would really appreciate if they could make use of it,” the GSB president posited.

The GSB are also calling for the polling stations to be on the ground floor of buildings, to cater for persons with physical disabilities.

“One of the concerns with persons with a physical disability is that, when they vote, the polling place is up in a building. So we’re ask-

Guyana Society for the Blind President Cecil Morris

ing GECOM to make certain moves so that polling stations are on the ground floor, so that persons can have easy access to (them).”

Consequent to the passage of the no-confidence vote on December 21, 2018, elections have become constitutionally due before March 21.

The Opposition Commissioners at GECOM have been unsuccessfully pushing for the elections body to get ready for elections within the constitutional deadline. In fact, they presented a plan at last Friday’s meeting outlining how polls can be held before the current voters’ list expires on April 30, 2019.

However, that proposal was rejected by Government, and the Commissioners on Tuesday walked out of the statutory meeting at GECOM after the issue of house-to-house registration was on the agenda instead of General and Regional Elections as mandated by the Constitution of Guyana.

On Wednesday, President David Granger asked the elections body to submit a work programme at the earliest time possible.

Cane Grove cattle allegedly stolen, killed for meat

A

Cane Grove farmer is now counting his losses after several of his cows were killed by unknown persons on Wednesday evening.

Owner of the cattle, Gopaul, told Guyana Times that he would leave the animals at the backlands in the evening and would return for them in the morning. However, upon returning on Thursday morning to check on the cattle, only one calf was found.

The man decided to file a report at the Police station, and was advised by officers on duty to conduct a thorough search for the animals.

Upon returning to the area, the man said, he dis-

covered remains of the cattle. Only the internal organs and heads were found, indicating that the animals were rustled to the location and killed for their meat.

“When I went back, that’s when I see them, and only the parts that they didn’t want was there; so like they kill them for the meat and left what they didn’t want,” Gopaul noted.

The man said he returned to the Police station, but little attention was paid to the matter.

The farmer noted that it is a common issue in his community, and many persons have lost their cattle in similar fashion.

He said he has lost a sig-

nificant amount of money, and is trying to ascertain who could have committed the act.

Only one of the cows was discovered alive, and even that one had suffered some cuts.

“This is not the first time. This thing happening steady. I can’t say is who, and nobody is putting a stop to this matter. The one that I get back get a cut, so I think this one manage to get away,” Gopaul said.

Just over two weeks ago, more than one dozen head of cattle were shot and killed in the backlands between Numbers 54 and 58 Villages, Corentyne, Berbice in the wake of rice farmers complaining that animals have been destroying their crops.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, MARCH 15, 2019

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very year around this time, the Guyana National Stadium is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours as Inspired Inc hosts its annual Phagwah Mela, where Guyanese from all walks of life gather to celebrate the event.

Holi, the festival of colours, will be held on Thursday, March 21, and while various groups will be hosting melas, the Guyana National Stadium is expected to be packed to capacity. Not only will those in attendance take the opportunity to partake with the powders and water, they will be entertained by several local and international artistes.

On this note, Guyana’s Baboo, Terry Gajraj will be in the house. He will be accompanied by Randy Ramdhin and Marissa out of the USA. The local line-up includes Reigning Chutney Monarch Steven Ramphal along with AW Lyrical Williams. As usual, the Ishara Dance Group who are known for their energetic performances will also share the stage.

There will also be skits and other cultural pieces. The artistes will be backed by the Shakti Strings Orchestra. For those who are lovers of seven-curry, there will be lots on sale as well as sweet meats.

There will also be other items on sale. The event this year is sponsored by Caribbean Airlines, the Social Cohesion Ministry, INDI spices, Star Party Rentals, Big Pops Trucks and Spares, and Puran Brothers Disposal Services.

Admission to the Guyana National Stadium is absolutely free.

Gates will be opened at 14:00h.

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he Crab Wood Creek (CWC) Shri Krishna Mandir will host its Annual Phagwah Mela on Wednesday, March 20 opposite the Mandir. The event will feature live performances by Ameet; popular dholak player Versuhka and Lady T out of Suriname and several local artistes.

The local line-up includes Mona Singh, Nitesh Sahadeo, Prince Arijit Singh, Richard Chattergoon, Omesh Sahdeo, Chris Ramphal, and Artie Sookhai. The emcee for the event will be Pandit Dave. Apart from the singing line-up, there will be several guest performances including from Malcolm the Dancer, CWC Shri Krishna Mandir Dancers, Team Extreme Dancers and members of the Faristey Dance Group. Dave Tassa Group will also be in action.

There will also be lots to eat and drink, including sweet meats and seven curry. Music will be provided by Crystal Clear Band while sound and lighting will be provided by Crown Vibez.

Admission to the Phagwah Mela costs $200. Showtime is 18:30h.

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ang Rasiya 2019, the Guyana Dharmic Sabha’s Annual Phagwah Mela returns to the Arthur Chung Conference Center on Saturday March 16th, 2019 at 4:30pm.

An annual prelude to Holi, the festival of spring, the Dharmic Sabha’s event will showcase some of Guyana’s finest artistes on stage; from popular TV Singing Show Emerging Voices, Seasons 1&2 Artie Sookhai – Khelawan, Shivanand Singh and Richie Hansraj, the talented winners of Kala Utsav Naya Kumari, Suraj Singh and Raveena Ramroop along with Mona Gowkaran and Sookrane Boodhoo. The evening of entertainment will also feature the much acclaimed Dharmic Nritya Sangh of the popular show theatrical production Naya Zamana.

Always a treat for foodies and culinary connoisseurs, Rang Rasiya 2019 will be the place to sample a delicious feast of sweetmeats, savories, Indian curries and more. Patrons can savour hot pholouri, baiganie, samosas and potato balls made on the spot. Face painting, mehendi, shopping for abrak and abeer, games for the children make the event appropriate for the entire family.

Patrons can also win a trip for two to Aruwai Resort by taking a chance in the raffle. Tickets cost

$500 and are available at the gates. Children under 5 years are free. No alcohol is allowed. Parking tickets are also available at the gate.

Enjoy a festive and fantastic prelude to Holi or Phagwah with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha – Rang Rasiya - this Saturday!

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s countrywide Chowtaal Samelans continue on Sunday March 17th at the Betterhope Mandir, ECD, Sand Reef Mandir, Central C/tyne, Crabwood Creek Mandir, Upper C/ tyne and Reliance Mandir, Essequibo. Phagwah Melas will be held at the Reliance Mandir Canje on the 17th at 3:00pm and Essequibo at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground on the 24th, March.

Holika Dahan, the burning of Holika is on the 20th March at the Camptown Ground, C/ville.

On Phagwah Day, Holi Utsav will be held at the new venue, Softball / Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue, opposite the National Park and East of the Everest Ground. Holi Utsav features Nishard Mayroo of Trinidad and Tobago along with top Guyanese singers, Sookrane Boodhoo, Mona Gowkaran, Ganindra and others. Color throws and powder giveaways. Gates open at 16:00h. and admission is free.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, march 15, 2019

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eggae superstar Buju Banton is confirmed to perform in Guyana on May 25, 2019 as part of the Guyana Independence Carnival celebrations.

Over the past couple days, much excitement has been generated after a few popular social media sites leaked information that Banton was expected to perform in Guyana in

May. Well, now it is coming directly from the horse’s mouth, to say: he is coming.

After seeing how excited Guyanese were to see Buju, High Frequency Entertainment, in collaboration with King Leo Promotion and the Guyana Carnival Committee, decided that it was a great opportunity to make Guyana a part of the “Long Walk to Freedom” tour.

Banton, whose “Long Road to Freedom” tour was announced late last year, listed many countries in the Caribbean, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Kitts, Suriname, Grenada and his home country of Jamaica as concert sights; finally, Guyana is on that list.

Banton, who has always referred to Guyana as one of his

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a k e

Mainstay Resort will be hosting its 10th annual Car and Bike Show and After Party on Saturday, April 20 at the Resort’s b e a c h in Mainstay/Whyaka Village on the Essequibo Coast.

This year, the cars and bikes will compete in 18 categories. These include best car, best sound, best SUV/Bus, loudest sound, best bike, best classic vehicle, best super bike and the loudest sound SUV/ bus.

Registration cost $4000 and forms can be uplifted at Lake Mainstay Resort offices in Georgetown and Essequibo; Gutty’s

G

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mpire Media Inc will be hosting Guyana’s premier DJ competition, “Art of War 2019”, in July this year. As we prepare to do so, the organisers said, we have partnered with XL Energy Drink and launched on March 4, 2019, an inaugural DJ battle tournament called “Lock the Scene”.

The objective of this tournament is to bring young and unknown DJs on the dancehall scene. It will run for two months and at the end, the winner will receive $100,000, a spot in “Art of War 2019” and ambassadorship for XL Energy Drink. Since its commencement, the tournament has generated much interest.

Fans came out to Swag City in West Ruimveldt (formerly Ballers Bar) to witness their favourite DJ do battle.

Kicking off the tournament in week one was DJ Derrick of Blazing Fire Sound out of Linden with a victory over DJ Famous of Pier 1 Sound

from Georgetown; and DJ Guy from Bartica conquering his opponents DJs Jameel and Hardcore out of Ricochet Sound in Georgetown.

Week 2 saw another Lindener DJ Bandit of Spotlight Sound being triumphant over DJs Hype of Roses International Sound from Georgetown and DJ Chappy out of Bartica vanquishing his contenders DJs Lance and Rich of Dynamite Sound from the West Side.

Up next Monday, DJ Kevin of Royalty Vibes from the West Side will face off against DJs Red Man and Jermaine of TnT Sound; and Shocking Vibes Sound will do battle against Fabulous Sound from the East Coast of Demerara.

The winners of each week will face off against each other and the best two will go to the finals.

The action starts from 22:00h every Mondays at Swag City in West Ruimveldt. Be sure not to miss out on the excitement!

favourite countries to perform in, in the Caribbean, has not performed here for over 12 years; however, he will return with his full band to give his Guyanese fans a long overdue and highlyanticipated concert.

The reggae superstar is known for hits such as “Untold Stories”, “Wanna Be Loved”, “Champion”, “Deportees”, “Not An Easy Road” and much more.

Tickets went on sale on Wednesday via the Internet. General admission tickets cost US$25 while the VIP tickets cost US$150 and the VVIP tickets will be available at a cost of US$200 each.

For those who wish to purchase their tickets online, you can go to IAMLEGENDCONCERT.COM/I-AM-LEGEND-GUYANA Stay tuned to social media sites @guyanacarnival and website www.guyanacarnival592.com for more details.

Variety Stall – Charity; G&P Jaigobin & Sons Supermarket – Henrietta; Cellular Plus Store – Anna Regina; Anil Cell Phone Store – Anna Regina Market; Derick Photocopy Shop – Anna Regina Post Office and Universal Pharmacy – Suddie.

The forms can also be downloaded from the Resort’s Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/lakemainstay Deadline for registration is April 18, 2019. The event will see more than $1 million in cash prizes and trophies. However, as it gets dark, Pream’s Mega Sound will take charge of the After Party. The master of ceremony and commentator will be Ravi D. In addition, there will be several exciting games for the kids and more so, food courts and beverage bars.

Admission to the event will cost $1000

olden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation proudly presents Rang ke Rang: Phagwah Mela & Bazaar + Katahar Curry Competition at the Reliance Veda Centre on Sunday.

There will be special performances of popular folk and classical hits by the Golden Om Dance Troupe, along with Berbice’s best artistes and musicians, and participants from Kala Ustav and Emerging Voices fame.

It will be an evening for the entire family filled with chowtaal singing, games, and the most significant Bhakt Prahalad play.

Patrons can expect to satiate their taste buds

for adults and $500 for children. The actual event will commence at 18:00h, but the gates will be opened at 15:00h.

The 10th Annual Lake Mainstay Regatta is sponsored by Castrol Oil, Banks Beer and Stag Beer.

For further information, please call telephone numbers: 592-226-2975, 592-771-4957/59/60.

with delicious vegetarian snacks and samples from the highly-anticipated fourth Annual Katahar Curry Competition.

The current champion Ganesh Persaud secured the title in 2017 and 2018. Will he be dethroned?

Participants are judged on aroma, appearance, flavour, originality and overall presentation. Lots of cash prizes and trophies are up for grabs.

Gates open at 15:00h. No alcohol will be allowed on the premises. It promises to be an evening of colours, music, food, and the true spirit of Holi. Tickets cost $200.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, MARCH 15, 2019

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2019 Regional Women’s Championships….

Trinidad a well-drilled opponent says Coach Mangru – Guyana’s strength is in bowling department

By Brandon Corlette

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eam Guyana are gearing up for their first round match against Trinidad and Tobago in the 2019 Regional Super 50 leg of the two-format Women’s tournament. In an exclusive interview with this daily publication, team Guyana Head Coach Bharat Mangru, a qualiGuyana Women’s Head Coach fied CWI Level-3 Bharat Mangru Coach, highlighted that the practice sessions the team had undergone focused on the tech-

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nical aspects of the players.

On Thursday last, the Guyana team were engaged in a practice match among males at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground at Bourda. “In our practice sessions, we have been working on our batting and bowling. Additionally, we wanted to bowl against a left-right batting combination,” Mangru disclosed.

The Guyana team that were engaged in training sessions at the Enmore ground two days earlier this week had an opportunity to play a competitive game prior to the commencement of the tournament, scheduled for Sunday March 17.

“The bowling of this team is probably our strength, and things are coming into place for the girls,” Mangru explained. “Team Guyana are aiming to score respectable targets with the bat.

W e are looking to bat 50 overs and score some

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Lead fast bowler Tremayne Smartt

250-270 runs, that will be a respectable total to defend in any regional match,” Mangru stated.

Guyana squad consists of youthful and experienced players. Mangru shared his sentiments on the composition of the squad, “The good thing is that we have the most experienced fast bowlers in the Caribbean in Tremayne Smartt and Erva Giddings. The two other fast bowlers in the squad are young players that Smartt and Giddings had shared their experience and knowledge (with),” he explained.

Mangru added, “In the batting department of the team, we have an established player in Shemaine Campbelle, among other Windies selectees in Shabika Gajnabi and Sheneta Grimmond, who have also lent their experience to the younger players. It’s about six teenage players in the team, and the other eight experienced players have supported the youngster thus far.”

With Guyana opening their Super 50 campaign a g a i n s t Trinidad and Tobago, the Head

Coach shared his views on their opponent. “I think the Trinidad and Tobago team is a well drilled team, because they play more female cricket than any other team,” Mangru highlighted.

The entire camp is confident of playing against Trinidad, the ladies are reminiscing on their triumph over this same opposition in 2018, when Trinidad were bowled out for 70-odd runs and Guyana won by seven wickets.

Team Guyana squad reads: Shemaine Campbelle (Captain), Akaze Thompson (Vice Captain), Tremayne Smartt, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, P l a f f i a n a Millington, L a s h u n a Toussaint, S h e b i k a Gajnabi, Cherry Ann Frazer, Mandy M a n g r u , Kaysia Schultz, Melanie Henry, Lafona Gilgeous, and Afruica Gentle.

This team will be led by Manager Carol Nurse and Coach Bharrat Mangru.

Trinidad and Tobago team reads:

Merissa Aguilleira (captain), Reniece Boyce (vice-captain), Anisa Mohammed, Britney Cooper, Lee Ann Kirby, Felicia Walters, Stacy Ann King, Shania Abdool, Samantha Bissoon, Caneisha Isaac, Rachel Vincent, Karishma Ramharack, Mikaela Jodhan, and Leandra Ramdeen.

MC Gill Superstars Sports Club to host LGC to host Robert & softball and dominoes competition Ravi Birthday Golf Classic

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Captain Shemaine Campbelle

MC Gill Superstars Sports Club to host softball and dominoes competition

T

he action all goes down on Saturday, March 30, 2019 as the MC Gill Superstars Sports Club will be hosting a grand 7-a-side flood light softball cricket competition, fish fry and domino competition at the Okoo Cricket Ground at Canal #1. The day of fun will commence at 15:00h sharp.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport Travis Persaud who is spearheading the event with the help of members of the club, said, “We are currently restoring our club’s cricket ground. We (have) already (finished) with the landscaping. We need funds to put up a fence for the ground and build two sightscreen. The old fence was taken down because it was rotten. We would just like for everyone to come out and support this fund-raising. It is a worthy cause; we need all the help we can get, because we are in the process of getting funds to assist us in the reconstruction of the fence for the venue”.

Persaud also said that thus far 12 teams have registered for the cricket competition, while for the domino competition 6 teams have registered.

The domino and cricket competition will carry a registration fee of $10,000 per team, the winner of the cricket competition will receive a first place prize of $100,000 whereas the domino champion will cart off $40,000.

Some of the sponsors of this event are Sudesh Persaud, Anand Persaud, Abdool Razack, Rameshwar Persaud, Manesha Gurudatt and Chicanand Shiwram.

Persaud has said, “I would like to express thanks to everyone who have been supporting us, and also thanks to all the sponsors. There are 15 more days left before this event, and if anyone else would like to donate anything towards this fund-raising, please feel free to contact me on 6499496”.

Food and drinks will be on sale.

Pandit “Ravi” Rabindranath Persaud

A

ction in hosting a unique golf tournament in honour of Counsel Robert Hanoman and Pandit ‘Ravi’ Rabindranath Persaud, who are celebrating their birthday, will commence this Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) at 12:30 p.m.

These two personalities became acquainted by golf, and have remained united by the game which they have been playing for over 20 years.

This is an exceptional occasion for Counsel Hanoman, who feels that his game is certainly at its best level.

He has shot his career best net score of 63 in

Counsel Robert Hanoman

the tournament which he won last February.

Hanoman praises the President of the LGC for the coaching he has received, and has words of deep gratitude for the help of team Macorp, which over the past year has also aided in improving his game.

Pandit Ravi, who among his many roles sits on the Integrity Commission, hosts TV programmes, and is a spiritual advisor to many, including Counsel Robert Hanoman, is a top performer on the golf course. He has won several major tournaments, including first place in his flight in the prestigious Guyana Open.

Both gentlemen have, over the years, made significant and outstanding contributions to the Lusignan Golf Club. Pandit Ravi has ensured ground improvements in addition to serving in several executive positions, and Counsel Hanoman has provided legal guidance and direction continuously, in addition to consistent and voluntary financial assistance that they both have provided by means of sponsorships and other areas of Club development.

This weekend’s 3-flight Medal Play tournament promises to be among the LGC’s top events this year, as it will feature all of the best players in Guyana coming out to celebrate and support these gentlemen on the occasion.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd nest net in each Flight, as well as Nearest To The Pin and Longest Drive.

The public is invited and welcome to observe this tournament FREE of charge. For further information, interested individuals can call LGC on 592-220-5660.

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friday, march 15, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Boxers gear up as time winds down to Pan Am qualifiers

By Jemima Holmes

W

ith less than a month away from the Pan American Boxing Qualifiers in Managua, Nicaragua, a hopeful group of Guyana’s amateur boxers are training day and night in order to be ready for what the tournament holds.

The Guyana Boxing Association’s Technical Director, Terrence Poole, spoke extensively on the team’s training. “Things are shaping up. The boxers are attending training sessions regularly, and most of them are adapting well to the training sessions.”

A seven member team will be jetting off to Managua, Nicaragua for the Pan

American qualifiers from April 2-11.

While only 5 local boxers will represent the land of many waters, a total of nine boxers are in training with hopes of making the cut. Colin Lewis (Light-Welterweight), Desmond Amsterdam (Middleweight), Keevin Allicock (Bantamweight), Jamal Eastman (Lightweight), Sean Griffith (Flyweight), Markember Pierre (Light –Heavyweight), Astion Niles (light-Heavyweight), Julius Kesney (Flyweight) and Clairmont Gibson (Bantamweight) are among the optimistic group of boxers who are currently in training.

Judging from several successful Caribbean

Coach Francisco Roland overseeing a bit of sparring between two boxers

Championships hosted by the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association in 2018, Poole explained to this publication, the boxers are steadily improving.

“That was all part of the preparation for the Pan American qualifiers. And you would notice the results getting better and better all the time,” he declared.

GFF shortlists national team ahead of Suriname engagement

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n 18-man Golden Jaguars squad has been announced to play the Suriname Senior Men’s National Team this Saturday as the Golden Jaguars wrap up their training matches before Guyana’s final CONCACAF Nation’s League Qualifier against Belize on March 23.

The squad, while predominantly Guyana-based, includes two Internationalbased players – Sheldon Holder and Walter Moore respectively. The latter arrived in Guyana on Monday last.

The squad also includes two goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders and four forwards.

Guyana-based Assistant Coach Charles Pollard spoke to the criteria used to inform selection of the 18 shortlisted players: “Selection was down to hard work. Over the eight weeks, the players have demonstrated dedication, willpower and good atti-

tude towards the programme.

Fitness was one of the key areas considered. They rose from an amateur level to an almost professional level in this regard. Tactical awareness was also another element considered, which is one of the areas there is still some work to be done in; but the players have been showing great improvement towards the playing philosophy.”

Saturday’s match, scheduled for the Pierkhan Stadium in Nickerie, Suriname from 16:30hrs or 15:30hrs (local time), will see the team playing a stronger opponent

following previous training matches with Regional Member Association teams and one from an elite club.

Pollard said while the results are not the key focus, “an overall good performance will be required.”

Among the technical squad are: Head Coach Michael Johnson; Assistant Coach Charles Pollard; Goalkeeper Coach Eon De Veira; Team Doctor Dr. Kojo Sandiford; Physiotherapist Quacy Paddy; Head of Sports Science Wilson Toledo; Head Of Recruitment, Faizal Khan; Team Operations Manager

Rawle Adams; Equipment Manager Trevor Burnett, and Assistant Equipment Manager Levi Braithwaite.

The training matches are part of the preparation for Guyana’s final CONCACAF Nations League qualifier against Belize at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora.

The Shortlisted squad includes: Alex Murray Akel Clarke Sherwin Skeete Walter Moore Kevin Layne Quincy Adams Solomon Austin William Europe Trayon Bobb Leo Lovell Clive Nobrega Vurlon Mills Pernel Shultz Kelsey Benjamin Gregory Richardson Dellon Lanferman Delroy Fraser Sheldon Holder

GTTA names 15 for 2019 Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships

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…Association appealing for corporate support

he Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has named Guyana’s power packed National Junior and Cadet teams that would be representing Guyana at the Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships, scheduled for April 11th to 18th 2019 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The teams were named following the successful hosting of the National Junior Table Tennis Championships staged at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on the weekend of March 1st-3rd 2019.

The championships will be used as the qualification event for the Pan American Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships scheduled for Cancun, Mexico in June 2019.

These championships engage male and female players aged 18 years and 15 years and under respectively.

Guyana’s most formidable challenge will be posed by the 15 years and under boys

team, which have an abundance of talent. There is the National Boys 18 and 15 years and under Champion, Jonathon Van Lange of The Bishop’s High School. There is also the immensely talented Kaysan Ninvalle of Chase Academy; and there are the talented St Stanislaus College student Isaiah Layne and The Bishops’ High School product Krystian Sahadeo.

There are some challenges which the association will have to navigate in the 18 years boys division, given that most of the players are approaching the examination cycle. As such, this team will come from newly graduated Immigration officer and national 18 years and under 2018champion Nicholas Romain; the talented and determined Jamal Nicholas, Terrence Rausche,

Multi-talented Niran Bissu and Yuedistir Persaud Newcomer emerging talent Crystal Melville will be participating in the girls 15 years and under category.

This is her

Kaysan Ninvalle Crystal Melville Isaiah Layne Nkechi Mc Crae Krystian Sahadeo

second time being Jonathan Van Lange named on the national table tennis team, after being selected in the under-13 Jasmine Billinghi years in 2014.

The GTTA met parents Boys 18 years and Under on Tuesday 11th March to Girls 18 years and Under discuss the plans and support Nicholas Romain mechanism for Guyana’s parNeveah Clarkston ticipation.

Jamal Nicholas Full list selected players: Aneka Philips Boys 15 years and Under Terrence Rausche Girls 15 years and Under Niran Bissu Jonathan Van Lange Yuedistir Persaud Thuraia Thomas

Guyana’s preparations are being boosted by the presence of Cuban Coach Francisco Roland, who has a wealth of knowledge in the sport.

When Guyana Times Sport visited the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown, Roland was busy teaching the Guyanese a few new tricks.

And in the opinion of Coach Poole, the Cuban is going above and beyond his duty.

“To be honest, Francisco is working overtime. He recognised some of the deficiencies in the boxers, and he’s trying his best to see how he can get them to adapt. We know it’s Spanish he’s speaking, but he tries his best. Making me his interpreter, we try to get it over as best as possible to the boxers, and they’re very adaptable in the situation,” Poole explained.

According to Poole, the Cuban boxing coach is doing well to introduce the pugilists to new techniques despite the language barrier. “…because we know Cuba’s reputation in boxing; so there’s a lot of experience, a lot of techniques, a lot of tactics that he would be bringing that we might have been lacking in Guyana,” Poole explained.

Noting that the Guyanese contingent will have an uphill task ahead of them when they come up against the likes of Cuba, Canada, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela and hosts Nicaragua, Poole disclosed that both coaches are focused on the technical aspect of the sport. He revealed one of the key areas of practice.

“One of the things we would like to see is that the boxers are fully conditioned.

They must be able to box three rounds comfortably without getting tired. That’s one thing we’re working on in terms of getting them conditioned, (then) three rounds would be easy. And (there are) some other techniques, (like) when you must attack and when you must defend.”

Coaches Poole and Roland will accompany the five boxers to Nicaragua for the Pan Am Qualifiers. Boxers Keevin Allicock and Desmond Amsterdam are expected to make the final five.

Depending on the success of the local pugilists at the Pan American qualifiers and Pan Am games, Coach Roland will have his stay in Guyana extended to prepare boxers for other international engagements.

GMR&SC prepares to host drag championship…

Work on strip extension nears completion

T

EKanoo Nissan GTR

he Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) being led under a new executive committee has focused primarily on the installation of a launch pad and extension of the drag strip as it aims to elevate the standard of local motor racing.

Thus the launch pad was completed at a cost of approximately $13million and after raising funds for the extension of the strip, as such work commenced this week, as they aim to make next Sunday’s first round of the Drag Championship.

On March 13, a release from the GMR&SC noted that the project was near completion, just mere days after the club confirmed work had begun as the project was near completion.

Local business establishment, Mohamed’s Enterprise, the base of Team Mohamed’s band of drag racers and bikers, will fund the extension.

Head of the club, Rameez Mohamed, in the release expressed thanks to all the sponsors and their continued support.

“The end of the strip where

the drags stop has a huge drop and for the high-powered cars reaching that speed and dropping off would be dangerous,” he noted.

However, thanks to the company’s intervention, the March 24th event will be the first time a recorded quarter-mile run will take place at South Dakota’s drag strip.

The highly anticipated action will be a sight to see as Mohamed’s Enterprise (Team Mohamed) will be featuring its brand new EKanoo Nissan GTR, the EKanoo which was built by Bahrain’s EKanoo Racing can do a quarter mile in a scant 7.168 seconds at an incredible 209 mph.

Compared to a stock Nissan GT-R Nismo, the EKanoo GT-R’s quarter-mile time was almost a full four seconds quicker.

The record-holding GT-R has a fully-built motor from drag racing specialist Magnus Motorsports, a chassis assembled by Josh Ledford of Late Model Racing, and a host of other top-dollar racing parts installed and fabricated by EKanoo Racing.

This is the third owned GTR by Team Mohamed.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIday, march 15, 2019

23

Team Evolution evolves with KFC

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he Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise has recognised the outstanding cyclists from Team Evolution.

“Cycling is becoming a noticeable sport in Guyana, and our future as a cycling nation looks very encouraging with the current generation of talented youths who are involved in the sport. KFC (is a) family brand that values individuality, hard work, honesty, commitment, and last but not least, having fun. KFC (is offering) support to develop the Guyanese reputation of producing world class athletes, such as Evolution Cycling Club, who shares similar values”, a release from KFC has said.

In the release, Paul Subryan stated that KFC is confident the series of races throughout the year will be an exciting exhibition of skills and competition that will result in a thrilling experience for all cycling fans.

“KFC takes this opportunity to wish Team Evolution and its competitors well, and we urge the Guyanese public (to) support and experience many of the thrilling races that will occur throughout the year 2019.”

The following cyclists are members of Team Evolution: Marlon “Fishy” Williams is probably one of the most synonymous name in Guyana’s cycling today. He started at the tender age of 14, and after only three years of cycling, he went

on to be the first and only Guyanese to have won the Caribbean Senior Road Racing Championships.

He has successfully raced for a number of teams throughout the Caribbean in his extraordinary career. He was instrumental in persuading the current principals to form Evolution Cycling, and has successfully ridden for them for a number of years. After a short hiatus to attend to personal matters, he is slowly finding his way back to the sport he loves, and is bent on resuming his winning ways in the near future.

Stephen Fernandes first rode consistently ten years ago, following a stellar career as a national hockey and squash player. He was sidelined from hockey due to knee issues, and had to find another sport to maintain his fitness.

Cycling fit the bill perfectly. He rode creditably in the veteran category from 2014 to 2017, taking a short break in 2018 before resuming his training this year. Stephen, a principal and founder member of Team Evolution, is looking to regain his fitness and competitive drive this year to once again become a force in the veteran category.

Andrew Arjoon, the third of the Evolution principals, is a former national squash player, who turned to cycling after multiple knee injuries ended any hopes of playing squash consistently. After

Denise Jeffery

a creditable third in his first-ever park race and a bad crash in his first road race, he turned to managing the club and team’s participation in racing events. While he enjoys training with his team mates and other cyclists, his work and travel commitments preclude more consistent training to make racing a reality. He still lives in hope.

Paul De Nobrega entered the cycling scene in 2010. His main motivators were his brother Ricky and two of his uncles -- Joe and the late Errol Gonsalves -- and coach Wayne Henry, who served to inspire and sponsor him. His as-

cent in cycling has been nothing short of meteoric, having won the Caribbean Junior Championships by 2012, and following that achievement with the national accolade of Junior Sportsman of the Year in the same year. Paul’s tenure with Evolution over the past two years has been successful, to say the least, and he has been the runner-up in the national points standings for the past two years.

He is training hard to improve his performances in order to represent his country at the highest levels and to take top honours in the national points standings.

Christopher “Chicken Legs” Griffith started cycling at the tender age of 12 in the BMX category, placing 3rd in his first-ever race.

After spending 4 years in the BMX category, he moved on to the road bike category as a junior. He rode for Team Alanis for over 4 years before joining Team Evolution, where he won his first-ever senior race in his first race for Evolution.

He attributes his success to the motivation and training received from local cycling legend Robin Persaud. Christopher is working hard towards a top three finish in 2019, after finishing a commendable 5th overall last year.

Denise Jeffrey is a former national squash player and mother of four children who have all represented Guyana in squash and motor racing. She is now primar-

ily a competitive triathlete who joined Evolution to enhance her cycle training. She has been known to cycle with the men with little to no difficulty, even leaving some of them behind in the process, much to their dismay. Her training continues this year with the aim of entering triathlons in Canada and the USA, and the possibility of competing in local events.

Keith Fernandes, another principal and founder of Evolution Cycling, started cycling in September 2008 as a way to get fit. He started at the same time as his cousin Stephen. As he became fitter and faster, he decided to try his hand at racing. He started racing in 2009, and won for the first time in the Park in 2010. After an inconsistent year of training and racing in 2018, he has found a renewed drive to compete in 2019, and is looking to win his first road race.

Amrit Sankar, one of the original and most enthusiastic members of Evolution, started his cycling career over ten years ago on a mountain bike, and graduated to a road bike a couple of years after.

He has been racing for a couple of years now, and enjoys travelling around with his teammates and the sheer thrill of the competition.

Amrit is looking forward to racing as much as possible, in order to enhance his race craft in support of the veterans’ division.

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Guyana Jaguars’ fast bowlers breaking new barriers

– quickies grabbed 126 wickets combined this season

By Brandon Corlette

I

n terms of wickets taken in the 2018-19 season of the Regional 4-Day Tournament, Guyana Jaguars’ fast bowlers have had the most fruitful season since inception of

t h e modified version of the tournament in 2014-15.

After their 10 round matches this season, those quickies had grabbed 126 wickets combined, with Romario Shepherd leading the charge with 37 wickets; Raymon Reifer grabbing 26 wickets; Clinton Pestano raking in 22 scalps; Keemo Paul snaring 20 wickets; Sherfane Rutherford taking 10 wickets; Christopher Barnwell accounting for

Clinton Pestano

8 wickets and Keon Joseph taking 3 wickets.

This season saw Shepherd, Paul and Reifer finishing with five-wicket hauls. Shepherd’s 10-match season figures were 37 wickets taken in 257.3 overs, of which 67 were maidens.

His best innings’ figure was 5-24; his bowling average 20.13; his economy rate 2.89; and he had best match figures of 8-76, and a strike rate of 41.7.

Raymon Reifer had bowling figures of 26 wickets taken in 146 overs. His best bowling figures were 5-20.

He had a strike rate of 33.6, and a bowling average of 15.69. His economy rate was 2.79 and his best math haul in the six matches he played this season was 9-42 against Barbados Pride.

Windies fast bowler Keemo Paul had season figures of 20 wickets taken in three matches with a bowling average of 17.40.

His best match figures were 10-129.

Clinton Pestano had bowling figures of 22 wickets tak-

en in seven matches at a bowling average of 24.36.

His best match haul was 6-95.

In the inaugural WICB/ Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament, played in 2014-15, the Jaguars’ fast bowlers had grabbed 46 wickets combined.

Jaguars were then known as the spin-dominant unit. Ronsford Beaton and Christopher Barnwell each had 14 wickets that season, Raymon Reifer had grabbed 8, while Keon Joseph had picked up five wickets.

The fast bowlers had shown improve-

ment in the 2015-16 season, registering 64 wickets combined.

Left-arm seamer Reifer had 22 wickets, Beaton had 17 and Barnwell had 14, while Keon Joseph had 11 victims.

Jaguars’ fast bowlers continue to strive in the Regional tournaments, maintaining their supremacy in the Caribbean 4-Day championships. In 201617, seven fast bowlers were used at different points in the season. They picked up 89 wickets combined as follows: Raymon Reifer, 36;

Keon Joseph, 24; Romario Shepherd, 11; Keemo Paul, 10; Christopher Barnwell, 6; Shurfane Rutherford and Clinton Pestano, one each.

It was another fruitful season for the fast bowlers.

In 2017-18, Jaguars bowlers reached greater heights when they grabbed 104 wickets in one season. While the veteran leftarm spinner dominated the wickets columns, the quickies picked up wickets in tandem. Keemo Paul had his best season then, grabbing 42 wickets. Sherfane Rutherford had 22 wickets, Romario Shepherd and Keon Joseph each had 15, while Raymon Reifer had 10.

The Jaguars fast bowlers are obviously improving their perfor-

Raymon Reifer

mance with each passing season. How many more wickets will they add to

their tally in the 2019-20 season of the CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament?

Bangladesh cricketers escape from mosque shooting in Christchurch

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few players from the Bangladesh team have been put in a lockdown at the Hagley Oval dressing room in Christchurch after they survived a shooting attempt at the Al Noor Mosque, according to reports on Friday (March 15).

The incident took place around 13:45h local time when some of the team members had gone to pray near the venue while members of the coaching staff, with a few players, were at the hotel.

“The players are shaken up but fine. I spoke to one of them shortly after (the inci-

dent). They didn’t see anything but heard gunshots.

They were at the ground (Hagley Oval) and just started running,” strength and conditioning coach Mario Villavarayen revealed after the incident.

“The coaching staff were all at the hotel. The players just started running when they heard the shots. I don’t know how many (shots) there were. This happened at about 1.45pm.”

The schools and hospitals in the area too have been placed in a lockdown with the authorities asking people to stay indoors. (cricbuzz)

friday, march 15, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

2018-2019 Regional 4-Day Tournament…

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Guyana Jaguars’ fast bowlers breaking new barriers – quickies grabbed 126 wickets combined this season

Boxers gear up as time winds Bangladesh cricketers down to Pan Am qualifiers escape from Page 22

mosque shooting in Christchurch

Getting the work done! A glimpse of the intense practice sessions at the Andrew “Six Head” Lewis Gym

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