Guyana Times - Friday, March 22, 2019

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Issue No. 3871

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIday, MARCH 22, 2019

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Opposition Leader reminds President, Govt illegal from today

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

No-confidence Motion

Top Cop calls for “calm” as Appeal Court hands down P2 decisions today …PPP urges GPF to deal condignly with disruptive elements

…says November timeline for elections “unacceptable” …President says election date to be announced “shortly”

Clothes vendor executed in …previously charged Albouystown for murder, robberies

Influx of Venezuelans

Region 1 RDC says situation could lead to ‘crisis level’

…as Chairman calls emergency meeting with stakeholders P16

Page 17

Pages 12&13

Drug shortages at health facilities a result of poor management – former Health P15 Minister …says political approach to managing the health sector a downfall

Thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life turned up at the Guyana National Stadium to partake in the celebration of Phagwah/Holi on Thursday (Dexter Ceres photo)

2 dead, 23 injured US sanctions Congo election in separate accidents officials Page 17

See stories on pages 8, 16 & 17

Carter Center urges political Page agreement for early election 14

“Turn your life around” – Chief Magistrate tells P17 teen Teen dies in mining pit accident P8

2 news

Friday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

No-confidence Motion

Top Cop calls for “calm” as Appeal Court hands down decisions today …PPP urges GPF to deal condignly with disruptive elements

P

olice Commissioner Leslie James on Thursday implored that the “current calm, peace and tranquility” should remain throughout the nation as the decisions in the No-confidence Motion appeals are handed down today.

In a statement on Thursday, the Top Cop said the leadership and members of the Guyana Police Force have noted social media notions of a “seeming intention to disrupt the current calm in our society.”

“May I warn that anyone found in breach of the law will be dealt with in a condign manner. The Force’s membership throughout the 10 administrative regions is on high alert and endeavours to prevent and respond to any eventuality,” the Top Cop said.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday took to social media saying that he has learnt of reports that there are a few officers, “who are repeating to the ranks of the Guyana Police Force the lies, emanating from the [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] APNU/AFC camp, that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) plans violent protests. I urge those doing this to desist from doing so and to continue to act professionally.”

According to the Opposition Leader, the people of Guyana have a right to peacefully protest the “usurpation of the Constitution by an administration that would be illegal as of midnight tonight (Thursday).”

“I have sought to contact

the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, to inform him of these reports and to reiterate the Party’s full support for the Guyana Police Force, in dealing condignly with anyone who is involved in any act of violence, including damage to property,” Jagdeo said.

Protests

While the Opposition plans to organise protest action across the country, Jagdeo said these protests will be peaceful, declaring “we are very different from the PNC (People’s National Congress).”

“We will not burn a single building in the city as they did or anywhere in the country.

We will not damage public infrastructure. We will not beat people on the streets or harass them. We will not do anything that will harm our public servants, Policemen and women; soldiers, doctors, teachers from going about their daily business,” he explained.

Rather, the Opposition Leader said, “Our target will be narrowly focused on the illegal President, illegal Prime Minister, and the illegal Ministers. That is where we would focus on. Not to pursue violence against them but to make life very uncomfortable for them who have been occupying offices illegally and violating the Constitution…Who now for their own self-interest will push our country into a crisis which may have implications for territorial integrity putting our country at risk because you want to hang on to power.”

Today, the Court of Appeal will rule on the on all the appeals of the High Courts’ rulings.

Last month, Government asked the Appeal Court to set aside the judgements made by the Chief Justice and filed a series of appeals.

In the first case of AG v Speaker of the National Assembly and Opposition Leader, which deals with the 33 to 32 majority that was used to pass the No-confidence Motion, Williams is arguing that “there was a miscalculation of the majority of all elected members as required under Article 106 (6) of the Constitution for the Government to be defeated on a vote of no confidence”.

Meanwhile, another case was AG v Christopher Ram, who had successfully sought to have the High Court validate the no-confidence resolution and have Government comply with constitutional provisions to demit office and call elections no later than March of this year.

The Chief Justice had upheld both cases, ruling that the no-confidence vote was validly passed, and that Cabinet should have resigned.

However, Williams in his appeal is claiming that the Chief Justice made an error in both of these rulings.

In addition, Appeals were also filed by the lawyers appearing for State Minister Joseph Harmon; while a cross appeal was filed on behalf of Christopher Ram and an appeal was also filed on the dual citizenship issue.

news

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Friday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Friday, March 22 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, March 23 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, March 22 – 05:15h-06:45h and Saturday, March 23 – 05:55h-07:25h.

Opposition Leader reminds President, Govt illegal from today …says November timeline for elections “unacceptable” …President says election date to be announced “shortly”

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected to prevail throughout the day, followed by clear skies in the evening.

Overall temperatures will range between 20 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 05:28h and 17:49h reaching maximum heights of 2.90 metres and 2.89 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:23h and 23:41h reaching minimum heights of 0.29 metre and 0.38 metre respectively.

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday reminded the coalition Government that it becomes illegal at midnight, having failed to host General and Regional Elections within 90 days of the passage of the No-confidence Motion.

This comes on the heels of Government announcing on Wednesday that President David Granger will soon name a date for elections, though polls were constitutionally mandated to be held by March 21, 2019.

The President’s impending announcement was indicated in a letter sent to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday. It was sent by Minister of State Joseph Harmon on behalf of the Head of State, who is currently in Cuba where he has been receiving treatment for NonHodgkin lymphoma.

In the correspondence, reference was made to the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice James Patterson, letter to the President in which he indicated that the agency would not be able to hold polls until late November when an official list of electors is available.

As such, the President informed the Opposition Leader in the letter that he intends to set a date for elections within that timeframe. “… His Excellency, the President, intends to shortly name a date for General and Regional Elections in Guyana within the framework provided by the Chairman of the Elections Commission,” the letter stated.

However, in a response on Thursday, Jagdeo pointed out in a letter addressed to the Minister of State that the timeline given by GECOM is “unacceptable”.

He further reminded that at midnight on Thursday, the coalition Government becomes illegal, having failed to hold elections within the constitutionally mandated timeline following the December

21, 2018 passage of the Noconfidence Motion.

“I reiterated that the timeline outlined by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, in his March 19, 2019 letter, is totally unacceptable. I, therefore, request that you remind President David Granger that at midnight tonight (March 21) his Government becomes illegal,” the Opposition Leader said in his letter to Government.

According to Article 106, the President and his Cabinet has to resign and call elections within three months or at a later date agreed upon by two-thirds of the National Assembly.

Jagdeo had previously committed to extend the deadline pass the 90 days but only if the President set an elections date

before April 30, when the current voters’ list will expire.

However, despite mounting pressure on President David Granger to set a date for polls before Thursday’s expiration of the March 21 deadline, the Head of State had insisted on awaiting the elections body to guide him on their level of readiness before executing his presidential responsibility.

But GECOM had previously indicated that it cannot hold elections before the March deadline and has voted to do house-to-house registration which will conclude in November. In fact, the Chairman in a letter to the President on Tuesday informed him that polls cannot be held before late November 2019.

“I would proffer that the Commission would be in a position to conduct General and Regional Elections no earlier than late November 2019 with an official list of electorate having a qualifying date of 31st October, 2019,” Justice Patterson indicated to President Granger.

He went on to explain in the correspondence that since the elections body is continuing with its normal work programme, that is, the holding of house-to-house registration, it will need some $3.5 billion to host elections and as such, “no election date should be contemplated less than five months after these funds are placed at the disposal of and under the control of GECOM”.

Turn to page 8

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guyanatimesgy.com

Friday, MARCH 22, 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

90 days have passed N

inety days have now passed since the No-confidence Motion was passed, seeing the collapse of the David Granger-led Administration.

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

On December 21, 2018, the Administration suffered a humiliating defeat in a No-confidence Motion brought by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP). The motion was carried as a Government Member of Parliament voted with the PPP. From the second day following the success of the motion and from what is evident publicly, it appeared that the Government was not too keen to implement the necessary mechanism to meet the 90-day requirement as mandated by the Constitution. Instead, it has resorted to the courts.

Today the Court of Appeal will rule on those challenges filed by the Government. Over the past 90 days, prominent and ordinary citizens continue their calls on the Government to respect what the supreme law of the land dictates and as expected – for the Government – nothing happen before the court rules.

A plethora of excuses, including absurd Mathematics, are used to support its case despite the unambiguity of the Constitution on a no-confidence motion and its ensuing process.

In the same manner, in keeping with their action as if the No-confidence Motion never happened, for the Head of State, it seems to be business as usual. Over the past 90 days also, there appeared to be no dissimilarity in the action of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

He would be excused during the time of his illness.

That aside after he returned to work, 31 days after the no-confidence motion, there was nothing on his agenda to address the constitutional requirement for the holding of elections. For the GECOM Chairman, who is a retired Judge, it can also be interpreted as if the passage of the Noconfidence Motion never happened.

In 2015, General and Regional Elections were held about a year and a half earlier than constitutional due. The reasons for that should be revisited and in doing so, it would present a particular context of the current political situation facing the country. Donald Ramotar was President at that time, having come to office in 2011 with a minority Government; the first and only Executive President thus far to be in that unenviable position.

A leader is made and remembered for hard decisions taken in the best interest of the nation. President David Granger can rise above his Party’s grab to stay in power and call the election. He can announce that in the best interest of Guyana and Guyanese, he will not continue to pursue this current path.

At one point he said that if the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is ready, he will call the elections.

Despite GECOM’s delay, it recently indicated that the voters’ list can be cleaned implying readiness. With that in mind, he can seek the Opposition’s support today for an extension.

In doing so he will remove any ambiguity over his concern for the welfare of the country in the context of his recent statement of fully exhausting the courts.

In other words, he must act Presidential since he is not the President of APNU/AFC but for all of Guyana. That is what he stated when he was sworn in at Parliament Buildings in May 2015. The President in one action can still salvage the nation’s image.

These children enjoyed the festival of Phagwah/Holi on Thursday at the Indian Culture Centre, Bel Air, Georgetown

Questions about the HPV vaccination programme Dear Editor, The Ministry of Public Health in Guyana has stepped up its campaign to administer the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to children in schools. There is much being said about the vaccine and the programme, both by those implementing it and those who appear to be affected by it, such as parents.

As a parent of two very young children, one of whom is in nursery school, I am not yet directly confronted by the choices facing other parents.

I do, however, share some of their concerns, and have questions of my own that I’d appreciate being answered before being confronted by those choices.

On Sunday last, March 17, 2019, the media ran a double page message from the Ministry of Public Health, addressing HPV and the vaccine being provided. I have also seen the consent form received by some parents in respect of the vaccine. From these pieces, and against the background of information obtained from other sources, I would appreciate if the following questions can be addressed by the Ministry.

My first question is in relation to the manner in which the programme is being implemented. There is information that parents from at least one school were informed that the Head Teacher gave permission for nurses to administer the vaccine to the children of that school. Those parents were also informed that if they do not want their children to receive the vaccine, they must write a note to the school, indicating this. I am aware that other schools are sending permission slips, but is the Ministry working to ensure that all schools follow this protocol?

I would also like to know if parent-teacher meetings have been utilised in educating parents about this programme.

My other questions deal with the transmission of HPV.

One permission slip sent to parents states that, “The HPV vaccine is the only guaranteed way to prevent cervical cancer in women”, while the double page message in the newspapers states that, “Contrary to popular belief, HPV is not spread only through sexual contact. It is also spread through direct skin to skin contact with an infected area or bodily fluids”.

Apart from the fact that the American Cancer Society says that HPV is not the only cause of cervical cancer, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says that HPV is sexually transmitted and the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it is transmitted through intimate sexual contact. Though it is clearly stated that this is not limited to penetrative sex/sexual intercourse, the only exception to transmission by sexual contact with the genital area of an infected person identified is mother-to-child transmission during delivery, which is said to be very uncommon and is nevertheless as a result of contact with the genital area of the mother.

This gives rise to two questions. First, considering that both WHO and the CDC say that HPV is transmitted through intimate sexual contact/contact with the genital area, is it true that HPV is also transmitted via bodily fluids?

And if so, through which bodily fluids can it be transmitted?

Second, in light of the fact that HPV is said to be transmitted through intimate sexual contact, would having sex with only one person, who only has sex with you, also be a ‘guaranteed way’ to prevent cervical cancer (caused by HPV)? The double page message appears to say this at No. 3, under ‘How can I prevent any HPV related infection?’, where it says that everyone can be protected from HPV infection if they only have sex with one person during their

lifetime, and their partner does not cheat. However, this is listed after getting vaccinated and using a condom, the latter of which admittedly cannot guarantee protection.

It is therefore not clearly stated that two persons only having sex with each other throughout their lifetime is a guarantee means of preventing transmission.

To be clear in respect of my question in the paragraph above, if persons abstain from sexual activity (not just intercourse, but any genital contact) until marriage, and then remain faithful to each other in marriage, isn’t this a ‘guaranteed way’ to prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV, as well as every other sexually transmitted infection? And if this is so, isn’t the message to parents on those consent forms misleading, especially if that is all that they ever hear about HPV? I understand that the general thinking is: abstinence until, and faithfulness in, marriage is not common, but shouldn’t persons who hold and live by such values, who desire to share such values with their children, benefit from the full information, instead of being scared into consenting to what the Ministry desires to do?

If it is that HPV is only transmitted through some form of sexual activity, part of the responsibility of the Ministry should be to inform the public of the importance of the choices that we make in this respect, as well as the benefits of making certain choices and potential harm of making others. This is particularly so since HPV is only one STI of many.

Previously, when the focus was primarily on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), condoms were the most popularised means of prevention (even though it was also not an absolutely guaranteed way to prevent HIV transmis-

sion). However, persons who had sex with condoms to prevent HIV transmission were constantly putting themselves at risk for HPV transmission, against which condoms are far less effective. It is clear, then, that the information that using a condom was practising ‘safe sex’ was not only misleading, but was, and continues to be, harmful.

Now that HPV has risen to the fore, and the HPV vaccine has been developed, the public is being told that children must be vaccinated to protect against transmission of this STI. I assume that condoms will still be promoted to prevent transmission of HIV and other STIs (though still not a guaranteed means of prevention, according to the CDC).

Is it possible that another STI may then require another means of ‘guaranteed’ protection? If abstinence until, and faithfulness in, marriage would guarantee protection against those STIs and all others as well, isn’t this still valuable information that should be highlighted to the public?

And if the time to decide whether children should be immunised against an STI is while they are in schools, before they become sexually active, shouldn’t it also be imperative to educate them at this stage on the potential consequences of the choice to become sexually active or not?

It is not for the Ministry to decide whether persons will choose to abstain and/or be faithful. It is the responsibility of the Ministry to arm persons with the best information available, to enable them to make informed choices for themselves.

It is in this light that I write, requesting and hoping that the Ministry would address the questions and concerns raised above.

Sincerely, Kurt Da Silva Interested parent

guyanatimesgy.com

Friday, MARCH 22, 2019

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

GECOM guilty of discrimination and bias Dear Editor, The ERC’s Report on GECOM’s hiring practice is devastating and humiliating for GECOM. Although the ERC did not explicitly say it, their description of the behaviour of GECOM’s high officials exposes a scandalous, shameful, disgraceful example of political malfeasance.

Clearly, GECOM had something very sinister to hide. They stonewalled the ERC by a total refusal to submit evidence. Their non-cooperation was nothing but an inability to defend themselves from the charge of Commissioner Robeson Benn -- that GECOM are practising bias and discrimination in their hiring practice.

One thing is clear: senior officials of GECOM violated the law; cooperation with the ERC is not an option, it is required under the law. Failure to meet with the ERC and failure to submit documents requested by the ERC are both unlawful.

GECOM is a constitutional, statutory body; it is not, and never was envisaged to be, another talk shop. It is a body with powers to reprimand. GECOM’s officials must be charged for not complying with the ERC’s requests for interview and for submission of documents.

Whether people are hired or not hired because of their ethnicity or because of their perceived political belief, it is equally reprehensible and it is unlawful. In this context, therefore, was Vishnu Persaud denied the job of Deputy Chief Elections Officer because he was an Indo-Guyanese, or because he was not affiliated with the PNC (APNU/AFC), or is there any other reason?

The ERC’s report is unequivocal: the non-renewal of Mr. Persaud’s contract or his non-hiring had nothing to do with his qualifications; his experience; his previous performance at GECOM, particularly in the relevant job; or his behaviour and inter-personal relationships.

The ERC Report did not say it explicitly, but an objective examination of the ERC Report reveals that Mr Persaud was not hired because GECOM held that Persaud’s ethnicity was a negative, and this was compounded by his record of political impartiality.

Persaud’s Indo-Guyanese ethnicity and his fierce political independence disqualified him in GECOM’s eyes. Even as GECOM try their best to be the loyal poodle of President Granger and APNU/AFC, as they abrogate the Constitution and refuse to prepare for elections as mandated by the Constitution, they are caught red-handed in the scandal of bias and discrimination.

Even as the ERC tried their best to be generous and not ascribe ulterior,

ugly motives on GECOM’s part, GECOM are guilty of discrimination and bias.

The facts are incontrovertible. GECOM rejected the most qualified, most experienced, and the highest-scoring, highest-ranking candidate for the position of Deputy Chief Elections Officer. GECOM never had a problem with Persaud’s previous performance as the PRO and as the Deputy Chief Elections Officer. The ERC Report stated as follows: “Dr Surujbally was quite vocal. He described Mr. Persaud’s performance as PRO and as DCEO as very good. Persaud “held the fort as CEO on several occasions”, and was “an excellent scribe for the commission for 12 years.

Further, apart from his very good work-related performances, Persaud was described “as being of good character; who employed tact, prudence, wisdom and honesty” in the discharge of his duties. Dr. Surujbally posited that Persaud has “vast institutional knowledge and memory” of the workings of the commission, he and could “vouch for his academic qualifications.”

But the ERC report did not only provide the exact

words of Surujbally praising Persaud’s work, the report cited the testimony of Keith Lowenfield, the present CEO: “In summary, the CEO described Persaud in good terms, good, interpersonal relationship, good work performances and job in his capacity as DCEO and undertook varied responsibilities associated with other jobs. The CEO concurred with the expression by the former Chairman that Persaud was “his best man, bright young fellow, best man for the company” and “yes, best for the benefit of the agency”.

In spite of his qualifications and experience and his excellent job appraisals, vouched for by Persaud’s senior bosses, GECOM instead appointed a candidate that had no experience in elections. The rejected candidate happens to be an IndoGuyanese, and he has had no history of being close to any political party. The appointed candidate happens to be an Afro-Guyanese and is known to be closely-associated with the PNC. So why did GECOM choose Ms Myers over Vishnu Persaud? Some say it is because of politics, others say it is because of race.

Whichever it is, each is equally a potent poison pill, each is equally reprehensible; and in Guyana, either one is a crime.

The ERC Report chooses to leave the conclusion up to people, but the report is filled with disgusting, scandalous, shameful examples of misbehaviour and political malfeasance by GECOM. One of the clear messages in the ERC Report is the unequivocal non-cooperation by senior GECOM officials. The Chairman of GECOM promised to address concerns and bring documentation to a meeting with GECOM. He never showed up, and he never delivered most of these important documents.

Ms. Roxanne Myers, the person who was appointed as Deputy Chief Elections Officer, never showed up for an appointment with the ERC. Importantly, the Human Resources Director, Ms Marcia Crawford, refused to meet with the ERC. Not only did these officers not show up, they promised to deliver documents and never did. In addition to these officers not submitting documents, the Government

commissioners made spurious allegations about the qualifications and job performance of Mr. Persaud without any documentation of their claims. They promised they would submit the documentation.

The ERC never received those documents. The fact is that even if the ERC did not feel inclined to state the

obvious, GECOM discriminated blatantly against Persaud. GECOM can pick their poison pill; race or politics; either way they are guilty of bias and discrimination, and must be held accountable.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

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friday, march 22, 2019

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

How’s your day going?

or your chest moving as you breathe?

Sit for a few minutes, just paying attention to your gentle breathing. See how relaxed you can feel just sitting, breathing in and out.

When your mind starts to wander and think about something else, gently guide your attention back to your breathing.

B

eing mindful helps people do better in just about every part of life, like focusing on homework or feeling less stressed out. Practising mindfulness a little bit every day helps you to build this valuable skill.

These exercises help you practise mindfulness in four different ways. Try doing all of them.

As you do each exercise, you will probably find that your mind wanders after a minute or two. That’s normal – minds do that. Your job is to gently bring your attention back to the thing you are focused on. The more you practise doing that, the better you train your brain to pay attention.

If you have your eyes open, notice how the orange looks. Pay attention to whether the skin is smooth or bumpy. If you hold it firmly, is it squishy?

Slowly peel your orange, paying attention to how it feels in your fingers.

Notice the juiciness, and whether the inside of the orange smells different from the outside.

Is your mouth watering? Go ahead and taste your orange. Notice how it feels on your tongue, and against your teeth. Notice the flavour, the texture, and the juiciness as you chew each piece slowly. Take your time as you chew, taste, smell, and feel each bite of your orange.

Mindful eating You can do this with an orange, an apple – or even something as tiny as a raisin. The idea is to really pay attention to what you are eating.

Let’s say you decide to do mindful eating with an orange. Your job is to eat the orange slowly, without rushing. You can do this mindful eating exercise with your eyes open or closed.

Start by holding your orange. Roll it in your hand. Notice how it feels.

Hold the orange near your nose. What does it smell like? Take a whiff of the bittersweet smell of the orange peel.

Mindful breathing With this exercise, you focus your attention on breathing. You want to pay attention to your breath in an easy way – on purpose, but not forced.

Sit up in a comfortable way. Close your eyes.

Notice your breathing as you inhale and exhale normally. Just pay attention to your breath as it goes in and out. Can you feel the place where the air tickles your nostrils?

Pay attention to how the breath gently moves your body. Can you notice your belly

Mindful walking This exercise is about paying attention to how your body moves as you walk slowly.

To start, pick up one foot and take a step forward, in slow motion. Pay attention to how you naturally keep your balance.

Now walk in slow motion, step by step.

Notice how your arms and legs and feet move. Pay attention to how your knees bend and straighten, as you lift one foot and then the other, nice and slow.

Breathe in and out, in time with your steps. See if you can keep your attention focused on walking slowly, step by step, as you relax and breathe.

Whenever your mind wanders, gently guide it back to your s-l-o-w motion moving. Keep breathing, in and out, as you enjoy moving in slow motion.

Mindful word Think of a word that seems calm or soothing. This could be a word like “peace” or “love” or “peaceful” or “snowflake” or “sunlight” or “hum” or “calm”.

Think the word to yourself. Say it silently and slowly in your mind. Say your word to yourself with each breath you take, in and out. Keep your attention gently focused on your word.

When your mind wanders, guide your attention back to your word, and keep saying it gently and slowly while you relax and breathe.

Can you do this for a whole minute?

Can you do it for five minutes?

When you practice, you will probably notice that you feel calm and relaxed. If you keep practising, you might start to notice that it’s easier to focus your attention on things like schoolwork or listening. You may begin to feel calmer and more patient in your everyday life. You may find that when little things go wrong, you can handle them better. (kidshealth.org)

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efore you keep reading, take a moment to think about some of the things that happened to you today. Even better, grab a pen and write down a few specific events.

So what did you come up with? Was it mostly positive stuff like: “My day’s going great! My grandmother made me pancakes for breakfast!” Or did your mind land on what went wrong: “My grandmother cooked breakfast and it made me so late. I hate Thursdays!”

Optimism is healthy

Researchers have spent a lot of time studying people who think positively. It turns out that an optimistic attitude helps us be happier, more successful, and healthier. Optimism can protect against depression — even for people who are at risk for it. An optimistic outlook makes people more resistant to stress. Optimism may even help people live longer.

The best thing about optimism is you can learn it, even if your outlook tends to be more pessimistic.

Optimism v pessimism

Optimism and pessimism are mind-sets — ways of thinking and seeing things. Optimists see the positive side of things. They expect things to turn out well.

They believe they have the skill and ability to make good things happen.

You’ve probably heard people who tend to see the faults in everything called “pessimists”. A pessimist is more likely to expect things to turn out poorly or to focus on what didn’t go well.

People aren’t always optimistic or always pessimistic, but most people tend to lean toward one of these thinking patterns. The good news is, if you tend to be more pessimistic, you’re not destined to always think that way. We can all become more optimistic by adjusting the way we see things.

Optimism helps people succeed

Optimism goes beyond seeing the bright side of a situation or expecting good things. It’s also a way of explaining what has already happened.

When something good happens, optimists think about what they did to make the situation turn out so well. They see their abilities as permanent, stable parts of themselves. They think of how this good thing can lead to other good things.

When things don’t go as expected, it’s the reverse: Optimists don’t blame themselves.

They see setbacks as temporary.

When something goes wrong, optimists link it to a specific situation or event, not their capabilities. Because they don’t view setbacks as personal failings, optimists are able to bounce back from disappointment better than pessimists.

Here’s an example: Griffin and Jake both try out for the basketball team during sophomore year.

Neither makes the final cut. Both feel disappointed, but they handle it differently.

Griffin is an optimist. He thinks: “There was a lot of talent at the tryouts and only a few openings.

That pushed me to practise hard and I played my best – it felt good!

The coach gave me great feedback.

I’m going to work on the things he suggested and watch all the games this season. That way, I’ll have a better chance next year.”

Griffin is focused on the specific situation, not on personal shortcomings. He doesn’t see the situation as permanent. He fully expects to get on the team next year and is already thinking of how to make that happen.

Jake tends to be more pessimistic. He thinks: “No wonder I didn’t make it – I was the worst one at tryouts and the coach doesn’t really like me. I never get a break. I might as well face it, I’m just not a great athlete.” Unlike Griffin, Jake takes the setback personally. He blames himself, but he also sees outside factors (the coach, life) as working against him. Even worse, he lets this one event make him doubt his athletic abilities altogether.

Which guy is more likely to feel discouraged longer? Who is more likely to practise more and try again? Who is more likely to give up?

Optimism builds resilience

Optimism lets us see disappointing events as temporary situations that we can get past. It strengthens us to try again rather than give up. It allows us to keep our goals and dreams in play so we can act on the motivation to keep working toward them. Because of this, optimistic people feel more in control of their situations and have higher self-esteem.

Pessimism influences us to take disappointments and rejections personally. It also makes them seem more permanent than they are. A pessimistic outlook exaggerates the negative aspects of a situation so they overshadow anything positive. Pessimistic thinking makes it harder to cope when things don’t go as hoped.

Realistic optimism

Optimism isn’t about seeing everything as rosy. Optimists don’t ignore problems or pretend life is perfect. They just choose to focus on what’s good about a situation and what they can do to make things better. Optimists have true confidence because they’re prepared: They know they need to study if they want to ace a tough test. They know they can’t make the basketball team without practising.

Optimism goes hand-in-hand with action. It’s about finding a healthy balance of positive and realistic thinking. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

news

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Friday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Constitutionally mandated elections

Every local option was exhausted to resolve issue – Opposition Leader

H

aving been unable to reach a compromise with the coalition Government regarding a possible date for the next General and Regional Elections, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said the only option left is to internationalise and lobby international organisations, countries and bodies for their support.

Jagdeo maintained that there is nothing wrong with doing so. The former Guyanese Head of State said as a patriot, it bothers him that “we can’t resolve our own issues.” The Opposition Leader said he has exhausted every possible means available to him to try to work on a solution to the matter.

“Sometimes when you meet all the good-faith efforts and you don’t have a party that is willing to engage like this Government… they started off by saying that we respect the passage of the No-confidence Motion and now they are coming up with all spurious reasons why it shouldn’t apply.”

Jagdeo said he felt that President David Granger and his Government were never keen to listen to his party’s concerns, and was insisting that it is business as usual. “In the clear face of a crisis, how do you make a breakthrough because they don’t listen to us. I’ve asked for several meetings. You would recall the two meetings I’ve had how far apart

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

they came,” he told a recent media conference.

In addition to that, the Opposition Leader pointed to the fact that when he met with the President, he had made a proposal to him.

And instead of consulting with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to find out whether his proposal was realistic, instead he repeated the same old excuses.

“Clearly, that is not engagement and when in countries people at the national level refuse to respect the Constitution as they have done in two cases; the GECOM Chairman’s (James Patterson) appointment being one. How do you at the domestic level get them to comply, except approach the international community for sanctions,” the Opposition Leader said, giving his reason for doing so.

Jagdeo pointed to 2014

when President Granger, who was the then Opposition Leader, called for sanctions for Guyana when the issue was not even close to what has transpired now. “… That situation that was practically harmless, when (Donald) Ramotar pirogue the Parliament because he had the right to do so.”

Besides that, the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) General Secretary said there is also an international principle when it comes to issues such as human rights, free and fair elections, and freedom and universal values. He said many countries have in some way or the other accepted these core values.

“The guardians of which must be the multilateral institutions, the global community as well as the domestic politicians and if democracy or human rights and freedom are infringed upon at the local level in these areas, then you have to seek the support for these universal values,” he asserted.

Jagdeo will be seeking to get personal sanctions against the President, Prime Minister, Ministers, the GECOM Chairman and Government-appointed GECOM Commissioners.

“We have seen sanctions of various kinds done by the international community on organisations, Government or personal actions… I am more in favour of personal sanctions because when you

sanction a country, the people all suffer.”

Jagdeo said he will be comfortable if the Commissioners are banned from travelling to certain

international jurisdictions and their bank accounts are frozen. He said, too, that he will be seeking sanctions against the Executive when it becomes illegal after the

March 19 deadline.

Jagdeo said he has met with the Carter Center twice already and has made this known his position.

8 News

Friday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teen dies in mining pit accident A

teenage miner is now dead after the mining pit in which he was working caved, in covering him with rubble.

Dead is 18-yearold Emanuel Narine of La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Reports are that the now dead miner was working along with others in a mining pit at Oko Baramally, Sand Hill Backdam, Region 10, when the pit caved in, completely covering him.

This newspaper was told that the impact of the rubble falling on the teen broke his neck and caused his demise.

The teen’s brother, Orwin Narine, took three hours before he was able to reach the Police to report the incident.

Due to the location and the amount of slush, Narine’s body was left in the backdam for almost two days before it was retrieved.

Police “F” Division Commander, Kevin Adonis,

A mining pit in Guyana’s interior

told Guyana Times on Thursday that the young man’s body is presently at the Lyken Funeral Parlour in Georgetown.

A Post Mortem will be performed on Narine’s body today (Friday) to determine the cause of his death.

Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into the matter.

Last month, 17-yearold Mazaruni miner Romeo Ruben lost his life when the walls of a mining pit in

which he was working caved in at Gold Hill Backdam, Upper Mazaruni.

Another miner, 54-yearold Timothy Hunter of Jawalla Reservation, Upper Mazaruni, lost his life on January 31 last.

Based on information received, Hunter along with others were working in the pit when a wall suddenly collapsed, covering him in the process. The other workers reportedly attempted to get him from under the debris,

but by the time they did, he had already succumbed.

On December 27, 2018, an 11-year-old boy who was working illegally in a mining camp died when the mining pit caved in on him.

Shortly before this, Lennox Douglas, 33, of Canvas City, Wismar Linden, met his demise when a portion of rocks from a mining pit reportedly fell onto his head.

He was rushed to the Issano Health Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries.

His death came on the heels of two other mining-related deaths that recently occurred in Mowasi Backdam, where Shawn Anthony James, 32, of Aishalton Village, Rupununi, and Deon Sproston, called “Jersey Joe”, of Lot 133 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, lost their lives after the pit they were working in also cavedin.

Pedal cyclist dies in Region 9 accident

A

pedal cyclist is now dead following an accident with a motor pick-up along the Wowetta Main Road, North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Wednesday afternoon.

Dead is 40-yearold Jennifer Williams of Wowetta Village, North Rupununi.

Reports are that the accident occurred at about 17:30h, as the motor pick-up was proceeding in the eastern direction along the centre of the Wowetta main road, where Williams, who was on her bicycle at that time, and the vehicle collided. According to the Police, the cyclist reportedly made a sudden dash from south to north to cross the road, and

in the process the front left side of the motor pick-up collided with the rear wheel of Willams’s bicycle.

As a result of the impact, the cyclist fell onto the road surface and received multiple injuries about her body.

Williams was picked up and rushed to the Annai Health Centre.

As a result of the extent of her injuries, she was

transferred to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where she died while receiving medical attention.

The driver of the motor pick-up, identified as a Central Rupununi resident, is presently in Police custody. He is said to be assisting with the investigation.

Opposition Leader reminds...

From page 3

However, the Opposition Commissioners on GECOM have blasted the unilaterally appointed Chairman for sending the letter to the Head of State without discussing the contents with the Commissioners.

Some experienced political analysts, including distinguished lawyers, and civil society bodies have predicted that the country will head into a constitutional crisis.

But President Granger contends that there will be no crisis and that he will remain in office until a new President is sworn in after elections.

But even as coalition continues with its ‘business as usual’ approach, it has been accused of using the courts to delay their exit from office.

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George in January had ruled that the No-confidence Motion was validly passed in the National Assembly and that Government is resigned.

However, the coalition has appealed the High Court’s rulings and the Court of Appeal is expected to hand down its decision on these proceedings today at 15:00h.

Nevertheless, Jagdeo has already engaged several international bodies and the diplomatic community here to not recognise the coalition Government after March 21.

The ABCE community has been vocal on the political situation in Guyana, calling on Government to uphold the Constitution.

Darkness…

“D

…at noon arkness at Noon” is the title Arthur Koestler gave to his allegorical novel that really described the imposition of brutal Stalin’s dictatorship over Russia. It alludes to the darkening of the skies when Christ was crucified at midday; something precious was being sacrificed. Today, a similar darkness has descended over Guyana, as our Constitution is being crucified by David Granger and his PNC in their bid to “fulfil the legacy of Forbes Burnham”, as promised by the present party leader.

Our Constitution describes the conditions we set on the Government for their actions when we conferred on them the power to oversee the state, which we created to facilitate our quest for a harmonious and prosperous society. But power is always seductive to those who don’t see it in terms of the greater good, but for their own personal aggrandisement and gain. The caretakers always have the potential to become dictators; and because of this, we, the people, always have to be vigilant to protect and defend our Constitution.

While some of you, dear readers, may accuse your Eyewitness of being hyperbolic, you should remember that dictatorships – including the first PNC dictatorship – weren’t built during the darkness of night, but in broad daylight, as its supporters closed their eyes to his early violations of the Constitution that had been conferred by the British in 1966. And it all had to do with gaming the elections process.

In 1967, some thought it was an innocuous innovation to compile a National Registration list (NRR) of all Guyanese over 14 years. Desmond Hoyte, a member of the elections Commission, swore it had nothing to do with an electoral list when PPP member Janet Jagan raised the question. But lo and behold, it was soon announced that the voters’ list would indeed be extracted from the NRR!! The law was only then amended to allow this!! And the rest is (our sordid) history.

So, against that background, when Granger -- he is no longer “President” Granger -- today insists his PERCEPTION of the Constitution allows him to UNILATERALLY appoint the GECOM Chair, and the latter is allowed to stack the organisation with PNC partisans, he is refusing to heed the crystal clear command that “the President and Cabinet” SHALL resign after the passage of an NCM; and when he refuses to set a date for elections and constructively confers that responsibility to his GECOM Chair, then there has to be a “darkness at noon”. That darkness is even more stygian when, as in Venezuela, the military is dominated by loyalists to the now illegal PNC regime.

But we can, by our peaceful expressions, show these usurpers that they have to go!! …from 1992 If we need to understand the mindset of the PNC towards power, we just have to look at the letter in the press from old PNC strongman Hamilton Green. He rejected the efforts of the Carter Center to mediate in the present constitutional and governmental crisis. He intoned, “The thought of the Carter Center’s continued involvement in our political affairs is an anathema…the involvement of a group with roots in the deep south of the United States can hardly contribute to the dreams and aspirations of Guyanese to be one people, one nation, with one destiny.”

So MLK, also from deep south Alabama, Georgia, can also teach us nothing?

But we know where Green is coming from, don’t we??

When, in 1992, the free and fair elections mediated by the Carter Center indicated the PPP was winning, he marched with a PNC mob and invaded the Elections HQ, and President Carter had to be evacuated. It took a call from the White House to Hoyte to call in the troops to quell the riot.

Granger, of course, brought back Green into the fold, and even awarded him with the Order of Roraima!! …in multiculturalism Ah…the illegal regime really jumped into Phagwah!!

Now, will they introduce Indian and Amerindian music to join steel pan in the National School of Music?

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

News

9

FRIday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana has vast untapped resources – US Ambassador ...tells Private Sector potentials are enormous

I

n a welcome reception hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Guyana Inc for newly-accredited United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch on Tuesday at the Marriott Hotel, the new envoy showered praises on the Chamber for the rapid growth it has made since its launch last year and said she was thrilled to engage with it immediately.

Globally, AmCham promotes and creates bilateral trade, business opportunities, and partnerships. And the US Ambassador said these objectives are among top priorities for her mission. “So, it is very gratifying to have a local partner committed to the same goals. We see a long future of continued economic cooperation between the United States and Guyana and we will do all we can to expand economic opportunities and promote growth across all sectors,” she stated.

Ambassador Lynch pointed out that Guyana’s Private Sector is carving out its role in a new and exciting era in the country’s development trajectory. Lynch said AmCham-Guyana has already had several notable successes, from taking the organisation from a mere idea to an official affiliate in record time and exponential growth of its membership since its August 2018 founding. “…to its already diverse and impactful civil engagement, AmCham-Guyana has shown that it intends to be an active stakeholder committed to seeing growth and development in Guyana. Both American and Guyanese companies will benefit from the dedication and commitment of this organisation, as will the

people of Guyana and the United States,” she added.

The Ambassador also highlighted another collaborative effort from this year between Guyana’s Private Sector and the US Embassy.

Last June, the Private Sector became part of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (or OSAC) by setting up its own Country Council. These councils focus on issues, including business and information security, as well as intellectual property rights.

“What initiatives like AmCham, and OSAC show is that Guyanese businesses and entrepreneurs are being pro-active in positioning their country to engage successfully in the global business environment. The Private Sector is not only reaching out and building linkages and cooperation with businesses and organisations across the world, it is also looking at how to become more competitive and develop strong and innovative local content for emerging markets. For this, I commend you,” the newly appointed Ambassador said.

Meanwhile, President of AmCham-Guyana, Zulficar Ally, in his address to the gathering noted that the organisation now has 45 active members and seven committees through which members can participate.

Further, AmCham is also an associate member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean, which received the fattest acceptance in history.

Ally revealed that partnerships between local companies and that of the United States have already begun to bear fruit. In addition to that, AmCham has also made significant stride in ensuring that it is be-

comes a diversified and gender neutral organisation.

Oil sector

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch addressing a large crowd of Private Sector representatives, politicians and entrepreneurs on Tuesday at the Marriott, with President of AMCHAM, Zulficar Ally at the back

With the recent oil discoveries, now totalling an estimated 5.5 billion barrels, and which have catapulted Guyana onto the global stage; Lynch said the country’s economy is much more than oil. This, she said, is evident in the fact that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has seen positive growth for at least the last 10 years.

Lynch said foreign investment is likely to greatly increase in the coming years. “Guyana has vast untapped resources, so the potential is enormous.

Together with sound democratic governance and an independent and active civil society, the Private Sector here has the opportunity to thrive, and Guyana has the opportunity to become one of

the wealthiest countries in the hemisphere.”

The US envoy also commended the move being made to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund. She said no matter what the future holds for the law itself, having a Sovereign Wealth Fund in place from the first day of production is needed to protect 100 per cent of the people’s patrimony. This includes not only profits from the oil that has already been discovered, but also from new discoveries.

However, Lynch also said prudent management of incoming revenues will ensure that investments by the Government in its people do not simply last for as long as oil is pumped out of the ground, but beyond that, for the next 30, 50, even 100 years, through the creation of diverse new industries and projects.

10

FRIday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

World Water Day 2019:

Leaving no one behind

S

ustainable Development Goal 6 is crystal clear: water for all by 2030.

By definition, this means leaving no one behind. But today, billions of people are still living without safe water – their households, schools, workplaces, farms and factories struggling to survive and thrive.

Marginalized groups – women, children, refugees, indigenous peoples, disabled people and many others – are often overlooked, and sometimes face discrimination, as they try to access and manage the safe water they need.

This World Water Day is about tackling the water crisis by addressing the reasons why so many people are being left behind.

The theme for World Water Day 2019 is ‘Leaving no one behind’.

Today, billions of people are still living without safe water – their households, schools, workplaces, farms and factories struggling to survive and thrive.

To ‘leave no one behind’, we must focus our efforts towards including people who have been marginalized or ignored. Water services must meet the needs of marginalized groups and their voices must be heard in decision-making processes. Regulatory and legal frameworks must recognise the right to water for all people, and sufficient funding must be fairly and effectively targeted at those who need it most. (www.worldwater-

day.org)

11 friday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

12

friday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyan

By Rupa Seenarine

tival the following day.

hagwah denotes a kaleidoscopic and unified celebration which has been a traditional festival in Guyana, rooted since the arrival of indentured immigrants to the shores of Guyana from India in 1838.

Since then, the practice has been alive in communities across the country – a highly anticipated national holiday which unites people of all backgrounds. In Guyana, Phagwah is much more than a celebration; it is a colourful explosion that can only be experienced to realise what is resonated among one another on this day.

On Thursday, Guyanese from all spectrums would have celebrated the national holiday with their family and friends. The day began typically with persons venturing out of their homes to visit persons within their neighbourhood and conveying good wishes. Others would even travel far distances to greet family and loved ones.

A scented, coloured liquid called Abeer is sprinkled and brightly dyed powder called Abrack is smeared on their faces. Throughout the day, sweet meats would also be shared along with traditional Indian dishes.

In India, Phagwah is seen primarily as the welcoming of spring after many winter months and also the ending of the Hindu calendar in the month of Phalgun or March.

On the religious side, it is the recognition of good over evil that is linked to this festival that is the ancient story of Prahad and his father, King Hiranyakashipu.

The story unfolds when Hiranyakashipu demanded that the dwellers of his kingdom worship him instead of God. Prahald, however, refused to do so which resulted in many efforts by the King to kill his son.

The King had a sister called Holika, who could not be harmed by fire, so she was ordered to sit in a pyre with Prahalad so that he could be killed. This backfired and she was burnt to ashes while the young boy escaped unharmed.

For this, it is customary that 40 days before Holi is celebrated, a tree representing Holika is planted and burned in the form of a bonfire on the eve of the festival, signifying the destruction of evil. The Holika Dahan ceremony is usually witnessed by worshippers before the celebration of the spring fes-

Over at the Swami Cultural Centre in Bel Air, the Commission kick-started the series of multicultural perform company of members of the dip Government officials, Minister tarians and the general public.

Children of all ages w ly hooked on the vivid shades green and purple while other water guns with colourful liqu ed the arrival of persons who white attire. Within an instanc came unrecognisable and joine mation.

Indian High Commissione Venkatachalam Mahalingan throughout his years in the cou is seen as a rainbow nation, w a combination of all cultures. him, this custom which started India, has made its way not only ern side, but to countries suc Malaysia, Fiji and Trinidad an Mahalingam reminisced du Holi in Guyana by saying, “Gu a rainbow nation and it is a tion truly. Guyana is a small g globe. Undoubtedly, Holi is a g force as it is a day to forget and Chowtaal singing, primari ing this period, were also perfo accompaniment of drums and metal bases sometimes held strings.

While being showered with hues, former President Bharra also among those who recogn spring festival has evolved si one that is celebrated by every “My message is to wish al happy Holi, especially Hindu this festival has a special rel cance. For others, it’s more a p tional festival as we’re please one is enjoying it,” former Pres Jagdeo told the gathering.

His words were followed Affairs Minister Carl Greenid ed that, “Phagwah has become promoting greater trust and un

P

Rainbow nation

13

22, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

wing day.

Rainbow nation

the Swami Vivekananda tre in Bel Air, the Indian High kick-started the event with a ticultural performances in the embers of the diplomatic corp, officials, Ministers, parliamenhe general public. of all ages were primarithe vivid shades of red, blue, urple while others filled their ith colourful liquid and awaitl of persons who showed up in Within an instance, they too benisable and joined in the ani-

gh Commissioner to Guyana, m Mahalingan related that s years in the country, Guyana ainbow nation, where there is n of all cultures. According to om which started in Northern de its way not only on the southto countries such as Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. am reminisced during his last na by saying, “Guyana is called ation and it is a rainbow nayana is a small globe within a btedly, Holi is a great unifying day to forget and forgive.” singing, primarily sung durd, were also performed with an nt of drums and jaals; two flat sometimes held together with

ng showered with powder of all President Bharrat Jagdeo was hose who recognised that the al has evolved significantly to ebrated by everyone. age is to wish all Guyanese a especially Hindus. For them, has a special religious signifihers, it’s more a part of our nal as we’re pleased that everyg it,” former President Bharrat he gathering. s were followed by Foreign ter Carl Greenidge who statgwah has become a vehicle for eater trust and understanding.

When examined more closely, I think many of the differences which affect our society can be mended through greater understanding, trust and cooperation.”

People’s Progressive Party Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali also expressed his wishes to the public, noting that it is also a time for reflection.

“I hope that the colour of love, the colour of unity, the colour of togetherness will be with us and that we use this celebration of Holi 2019 to reflect on the country, on the future and the prospects of a better Guyana,” Ali said.

Drums playing classical music were accompanied by popular Holi music, bringing out the inner child in adults, who also spared no chance to enjoy themselves.

Meanwhile, other customary events included the grand culmination at the Providence Stadium, where thousands of persons would turn up for the social aspect of the event in the afternoon. There, the sound of drums filled the air along with speakers blasting Holi favourites, like the evergreen Rang Barse and Holi Khelay Raghubeera.

This event continues to be the most-anticipated one and sees persons from all regions of the coast.

Others took the opportunity to head over to the Kala Utsav spectacle, organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. The familyoriented programme did not disappoint those who were up for immersing themselves in a sea of flamboyant colours. Some were completely drenched in Abeer, which completely stained their attire and bodies. The event, once hosted at the Dharmic Kendra, has been moved to a number of locations to facilitate a growing number of persons.

The joyous atmosphere was filled with live performances from the Dharmic Nritya Sangh dancers, all bedecked in bright spring colours and accompanied by other local artistes.

Apart from these distinct locations, streets were seemingly crowded with swarms of people, where this celebration would last for more than one day.

While this festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil, it also provides a sense of new beginnings as depicted with the blossoming of flowers during the spring season, leaving the gloomy winter days behind.

14 NEWS

FRIday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Carter Center urges political agreement for early election The full statement from the Carter Center reads as follows:

A

Carter Center delegation led by Jason J Carter, Chairman of the Carter Center’s Board of Trustees, has been in Guyana this week, meeting with key stakeholders to learn about the current challenges facing Guyana and to assess whether the Center could assist Guyanese going forward.

The Center’s visit comes at a critical moment.

Guyana could move into a time of constitutional uncertainty after March 22, which marks the end of a three-month period following a contested vote of no confidence and the deadline to hold elections, unless there is a political agreement about the way forward and either a National Assembly vote or a court decision to approve an extension of the electoral timeline.

From its conversations with senior political leaders on both sides, the Guyana

Elections Commission (GECOM) Secretariat and Commissioners, and a variety of other stakeholders, the Carter Center provides the following comments: * President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo have a shared desire to have elections in the shortest possible time, consistent with law and pending judicial decisions. * Because March 21, 2019, is a national holiday, under Guyana’s Interpretation and General Clauses Act, the constitutional three-month period following the no-confidence vote would expire on the following day, March 22, 2019. * The Carter Center reiterates its support for Guyana and urges all sides to find an agreed-upon way forward to establish an early election date. The Carter Center hopes the National Assembly is able to convene no later than March 22 to authorise an extension of the election timeline and to

avoid a period of constitutional uncertainty. * GECOM Commissioners recognise that the current voters list is “bloated.” A primary concern is the likely inclusion of significant numbers of Guyanese living overseas.

GECOM Commissioners hold different views about whether or not to conduct a new house-to-house registration exercise to address this concern.

* GECOM’s chief electoral officer has prepared various scenarios for election timelines, and in the event that a new house-to-house registration is not required, elections could be organised in July or August.

Conducting a new houseto-house registration would mean an election would not be possible until late November. * Given the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the vote of no confidence and the constitutional requirement for early elections, there are several steps that could be considered to try to mitigate con-

cerns about the voters list while scheduling elections as early as possible, including: o Using data from the Ministry of Immigration, GECOM could prepare a reference list of Guyanese who are currently overseas (for three months or longer) and also included on the voter registration list. The voters on the reference list would not be removed from the registration list (other than through already existing legal procedures like, for example, the claims and objections process). But the reference list would be made available to party agents and scrutineers to facilitate enhanced review of these names during the electoral process, both during the claims and objections period and on Election Day, serving as a deterrent to multiple or substitute voting. o The reference list would supplement safeguards already in place in Guyana’s electoral administration to protect against multiple voting. As The Carter Center has recognised in the past, Guyana’s existing safeguards are strong and consistent with international standards for democratic

elections. o In addition, GECOM could consider providing resources to expand the number of political party agents and scrutineers who can monitor the electoral process before, during, and after Election Day. These efforts could be complemented by a strong presence of international observers and domestic citizen observers to enhance transparency. * The Carter Center is aware of pending decisions from the Court of Appeal and that these decisions may be appealed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). In the event that final court rulings invalidate the vote of no confidence, elections would not need to be held this year.

Prior to the delegation’s visit, former US President Jimmy Carter spoke with President Granger and Opposition Leader Jagdeo, both of whom indicated they would welcome a Carter Center team. The delegation is led by Jason J Carter, President Carter’s grandson and Chairman of the Carter Center’s Board of Trustees, and includes David Carroll and Brett Lacy of the Center’s Democracy Programme.

S RAIGHT Walter Rodney speaks. What is underdevelopment?

By SASE Singh; M.Sc. - Finance, ACCA.

A

s a side project, I have been re-reading a book called “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”, to better understand the question, ‘Why is my homeland so rich, yet so underdeveloped?’

You see, if policymakers cannot comprehend such elementary foundations of human development as highlighted in this book, they will forever remain unfit to deliver on the needs of the people. This is not my column today, I am just the pen, since I will be quoting extensively from the writer of this book, the greatest of Guyanese thinkers, Dr Walter Anthony Rodney, in memory of his birthday - March 23, 1942. He would have been 77 years today if agents of Congress Place did not snuff out his life.

When asked this question, Rodney pointed us to a young Ugandan who said the per capita income of his country “camouflages the fantastic difference between what was earned by his poor peasant father and the richest local family”.

What this Ugandan and Rodney were telling us is that there is nothing to celebrate about economic growth when we have 50,000 Guyanese families today living in poverty.

Rodney believed that to truly get rid of poverty and underdevelopment, a nation must do things like “giving land to the landless and removing the inequities in income”.

This is where the education and social security systems each play a massive role. Students at East La Penitence or Charity Secondary, for example, must never be allowed to fall through the cracks, with no pathway towards becoming trained individuals. It is not for a lack of ability that some of these children end up in the jails; it is because Guyana does not have the social infrastructure to identify them and mentor them into being the best that they can be. Yet we have spent an average of Gy$300 billion on education in the last 10 years. The system has failed our youths, and must be reconfigured.

For Guyana to transcend the development divide, where we can boast of a people with value-added work ethics, who are trained and ready to engage in heavy industry and scienceefficient food production systems, we must focus more on those at the bottom of the ladder. Rodney explained to us: “It is typical of underdeveloped economics that they do not concentrate on these sectors (industry and agriculture) that generate growth and raise production to a new level altogether”.

If one were to observe the epicenter of science, industry, and technology in rural Berbice and Demerara (sugar factories), one would observe that they were cut down to their knees, and therefore we cannot expect human development until an alternative is put in place. Right now there is no alternative, but the sugar factories were still closed. Yet these people in Team Granger would ask why 2018 was the worst year ever since independence when it came to export performance? They are delusional people who are living in denial.

Dr Rodney highlighted that in underdeveloped nations, “Savings that are made within the economy are mainly sent abroad, or are frittered away in consumption, rather than being redirected to productive purposes”. He further stated that “much of the national income which remains within the country goes to paying individuals who are not directly involved in producing wealth, but only (in) rendering auxiliary services – civil servants, merchants, soldiers, entertainers.” Rodney further stated that “What aggravates the situation is that more people are employed in those jobs than are really necessary to give efficient service; and to crown it all, these people don’t reinvest in agriculture or industry. They squander the wealth created by the peasants and workers by purchasing cars, whiskey, and perfume.” BINGO! Isn’t this exactly what the Granger Team has done? They shuttered four producing sugar estates, which directly pruned the industrial and agricultural capacity of Guyana, and offer no sensible alternatives. That process immediately signalled to the local private sector that it was time for them to rein in their investment projects, and that started a process of capital flight from Guyana to safer overseas environments. It also curtailed remittances from abroad. Now we have a situation where, under Mr. Granger, the public service, including the security services, has expanded by some 9 per cent, but remittances are down, exports are down, foreign reserves are down, investments are flat, consumption is flat, and we expect buoyancy in the economy.

Using Dr Rodney’s words, “Every African (in our case Guyanese) has a responsibility to understand the system and work to overthrow it”. Guyana was blessed to have such a profound thinker as Rodney walk its mudlands. May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory and intellect forever percolate all share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com. ofPlease our minds for generations to come. RODNEY LIVES!

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friday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Drug shortages at health facilities a result of poor management – former Health Minister

…says political approach to managing the health sector a downfall

T

he chronic, endemic shortages of medicines and medical supplies, as well as the poor warehousing of medicines, are as a result of poor management obtaining in the public health sector.

This is according to former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, who on Thursday told Guyana Times that the “corrupted and over-priced” medicine procurement system and the non-functioning of the Ophthalmology Centre at Port Mourant, with a total absence of cataract surgeries in Regions Five and Six, are due to the political approach by the APNU/AFC coalition Government in managing Guyana’s health sector.

“The truth is that APNU/ AFC deliberately abandoned many of the protocols in place and many of the quality programmes already in place, for political reasons. The clo-

Selfmedicating, treatment accounts for thousands of deaths worldwide

…counterfeit medicines being purchased online

T

here has been an estimated 700,000 deaths worldwide for malaria and tuberculosis over the past few years, and those have been attributed to counterfeit medicines. Through globalisation and the rise of the Internet, more and more persons have come to believe it is safe to purchase pharmaceuticals online.

However, this is far from the truth, says Jeremy Jobson, an Executive member of the pharmaceutical manufacturing giant AstraZenica, which is partnering with Guyana’s Analyst Food and Drug Department to help the country secure itself against the threat of falsified and substandard medicinal drugs.

“As far as pharmaceuticals are concerned, there are a lot of people out there selling prescription medicines illegally, and (those medicines) do not meet legal requirements. The estimated figure (of) deaths worldwide in this regard is a very large figure, and it could be more.

The issue is that when someone dies, we do not know if it is because of the medicine they took, and that is why they die, or if it is because of the illness,” Jobson stated.

Turn to page 16

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

sure of the New Amsterdam Hospital Mortuary, the frequent down time for X-rays and laboratory equipment, the downtime for dental clinics and for operating rooms…

These are all examples of the poor management that has become endemic in the public health sector,” he stated.

Dr Ramsammy added that many of the success-

ful initiatives that the former administration had put in place were quashed when the new administration took Government.

However, those initiatives that were abandoned by the Government of the day are now being “picked up again, as they now try to reinvent the wheel,” he said.

“I see they are working on the Essential Drug List.

This is critical and it is necessary. But it was in place, and while it is an opportune time to revise the EML, what is the sense if standard medicines are still not available? For example, right now there is a shortage of metformin, a diabetes medicine,” he said.

The former Health Minister lamented that the package of publicly guaranteed health care service has been abandoned among other initiatives that were in place to propel the health

sector, not regress it.

“The workplace programme was abandoned, and now they are talking about bringing it back. The home care programme that we piloted in Region Six (and)) the HIV and TB Programme across Guyana were abandoned. The Mental Health Programme no longer exists; vector control is today almost non-existent; the HPV vaccination programme introduced in 2010 has been totally mismanaged.

What has happened to the Pneumococcus-13 vaccination programme?” he enquired.

He reiterated that the replacement of a professional approach to the development of the health sector with a political approach has had a traumatic impact on health care in Guyana, and that unless this step can be corrected, the health system in the country is bound to fail.

16 news

FRIday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Several injured in separate accidents in city

This composite photo shows the bus and car which collided at High and Princes Streets

I

t was chaos at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) on Thursday afternoon when friends and relatives of the more than 20 victims, who were injured in separate accidents across Georgetown, gathered.

Luckily, there were no fatalities up to press time but some victims were said to be critical with severe injuries, including broken limbs.

At about 17:30h, a route

42 minibus, BXX 4165, and a motor car, PNN 3115, collided at the corners of High and Princes Streets, Georgetown, leaving several persons injured.

Guyana Times understands the minibus was proceeding South on High Street when it collided head on into the left side of the car, which was heading East on Princes Street, just outside the Infinity Gas Station.

At the time, there were

14 passengers including the driver and conductor in the bus. Most of them received injuries but most were reported minor. The car had four occupants and this newspaper was told that one of the backseat passengers is in a critical condition.

At the scene, a Princes Street, Georgetown resident told this publication that they heard a loud impact and upon investigating, saw the car facing downwards in

a nearby drain and the bus, which reportedly toppled several times before coming to a halt.

Meanwhile, another accident in Kitty, Georgetown, resulted in a motorcyclist being detained and a pedestrian nursing lacerations about his body.

Guyana Times understands that sometime around 17:40h, a motorcyclist struck a pedestrian in the vicinity of Seeta’s Bar on Station Street, Kitty and rode away.

However, traffic ranks on Vlissengen Road managed to apprehend the perpetrator and he was taken into custody where he is assisting with investigations.

Additionally on Thursday, a teenager was thrown off his motorcycle after he collided with a motorcar on Mandala Avenue, Georgetown. This news-

Influx of Venezuelans

The Police transported several injured persons to hospital where friends and relatives of the accident victims gathered

paper was told that the 14-year-old received lacerations to his body and he too was taken to the city hospital for treatment.

There was also another accident involving a Police Officer who just came off duty. While the details of this incident are sketchy, this publication was told that the officer had just gotten off duty and was a pillion rider on a motorcycle when

they were struck.

The officer, who sustained minor injuries, also sought medical attention at the GPHC along with the rider but up to press time, the nature of his injuries were unclear. Friends and relatives gathered at the hospital claimed they had not received any updates on his condition at the time of being approached by this newspaper.

Region 1 RDC says situation could lead to ‘crisis level’ Premature twins incident …as Chairman calls emergency meeting with stakeholders being investigated – GPHC CEO

A

s the number of Venezuelans coming here continues to increase, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One (Barima-Waini) called an emergency meeting involving all stakeholders to discuss ways in which they could address the plethora of issues they face.

Regional Chairman Brethnol Ashley told Guyana Times that the meeting was held on Tuesday and involved the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, the Officer in Charge of the Police in the region, and other officials. They looked at ways of addressing the rise in criminal activities and possible health risks.

Ashley had previously expressed worry over the fact that the region lacks resources to cater for the individuals who are seeking refuge there. The Chairman stressed on the lack of human resources, adding that shortages of drugs and other medical supplies continue to plague the region due to the increase in persons coming into the region.

“The Government hasn’t intervened in the way we would want them to… that is to ensure that homesteads are constructed for the migrants, among other things,” Ashley stated, adding that the situation on the ground

Region One Chairman Brethnol Ashley

is larger than what has been reported and the region’s capacity to respond is limited.

He said, “While it might seem as something not to worry about, it is something that concerns us because the large numbers of migrants that are here, currently pose a security and health threat.

The regional office plans to visit some of the areas in which they are located.”

According to Ashley, the RDC has received more complaints of these migrants getting involved in certain illegal activities and break and entering into business places.

But the Regional Chairman

said if that is not enough, citizens in the region have complained of being harmed and harassed by some migrants.

But what the Regional Chairman is also worried about is the fact that these migrants pose a major health risk to residents in the region, asserting that sanitation and hygiene are very important. At present, the region is being affected by a dry spell, with most communities not being able to access potable water.

“We worry that if these migrants are not placed in an environment where they are proper sanitary facilities and water, it could be a recipe disaster and possible health issues… I would want to say that if this is not addressed soon, it could become a crisis,” he told Guyana Times.

Based on the discussions held between the officials of the RDC and the other stakeholders, several visits will be made to the villages and communities where these migrants are staying. Once an assessment is done, a report will be sent to Central Government with not only concerns but recommendations.

On Wednesday, the Department of Public Information reported that 140 Venezuelan migrants arrived in Georgetown on

Self-medicating, treatment accounts...

He explained that there is no sure way of knowing what resulted in the deaths of ill persons who have used illegal medicines (illegally sold medicines). Some of these medications may have little active ingredients for illnesses, while some may have none. In some cases, other ingredients in those falsified or substandard drugs may do more harm than good to an ill person, he clarified.

Jobson said that one of the main reasons why the illegal

trade of such medicines takes place is because “it is a lot easier” to do so while making a lot of money through selling small quantities of such drugs at high prices.

“It is a (low-risk, profitable) business for criminals,” he added.

In Guyana, the practice of self-medicating continues, as a number of persons who suffer from some form of illness continue to utilise herbal or “home-made” remedies when they are unwell, instead of seeking advice

the same day on the MV Barima, which departed from Kumaka. Citizenship Minister Winston Felix informed the DPI that the migrants were documented, immunised and taken to the Guyana Police Force’s Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

It was also reported that of the total number of migrants, about 70 of them had connections, whether relatives, friends or acquaintances, in the city; into whose care those persons have since been released. An additional 66 who do not have any connection on the coast, remain at Eve Leary where they are being provided with meals.

“We are seeking to source… long-term arrangements for them in terms of accommodation… but so far we are in control of the situation. We have assistance from the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and IOM (International Organisation for Migration) and we are managing the situation with their support,” Minister Felix said.

Additionally, Spanishspeaking Guyanese are on hand to translate the needs of the Venezuelan migrants as well as their concerns to the relevant authorities.

From page 15

from medical practitioners.

Just last year, PAHO/WHO Resident Representative in Guyana, Dr William Adu-Krow, made the call for Guyanese to desist from such an unsafe practice, especially those suffering from malaria.

According to Dr AduKrow, merely purchasing or obtaining medicines from facilities that are not certified would most likely result in the medicinal drugs being completely useless, or not effective. In fact, it could exac-

erbate the condition of the sick person, he emphasised.

“Self-diagnosis and treatment is a very dangerous practice. It takes 18 to 25 years to develop one antibiotic, and in the last 18 years there has been no major breakthrough in terms of an antibiotics. The bugs are winning. We are abusing the system, we are abusing our knowledge. And assuming that we have a bug that does not respond to any of our known antibiotics; then what do we do?” he asked.

T

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation has launched an investigation into a recent matter wherein twins were pronounced dead at the medical facility while one of them was still alive.

Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, retired Brigadier George Lewis, told Guyana Times that all incidents which occur at the hospital are subjected to an investigation with a mindset of correcting any fault on the part of the hospital. “(For) every incident that occurs at the hospital, we do an investigation with a view to correct any deficiencies if (any) did occur,” Lewis briefly asserted. He, however, did not say anything on the status of the investigation.

The twins were born to Bhagmattie Budram of Hope West, Enmore on Thursday last at about 11:00h, and one of the babies had died.

However, both children were wrapped to be taken to the mortuary when the discovery was made by their grandmother that one of them was breathing.

“She give birth to two babies on Thursday at around 11:00h, and then the nurse came out and told me that she was okay but the babies is not okay. I waiting to see her till 03:00h, and then they tell me that the babies dead. I went in to see them, and when I open the bag and touch them, the baby start moving and I tell the nurse,” Sahadeo said.

Etwaroo explained that the nurses reportedly walked away when she informed them that one of her grandchild was alive. She said she pleaded with the nurses to equip the infant with an oxygen supply and place her in an incubator, but they allegedly did not budge. The child was left there until sometime later, when the

The breathing baby who was initially pronounced dead

other shift of nurses arrived to address the issue.

Budram and the child remained at the hospital, and on Saturday at about 04:00h, relatives received a call, informing that the second child had died.

This publication was told that documents provided by the hospital on Thursday stated that both babies were stillborn. The medical facility then provided subsequent documents for the second death on Friday, while requesting that the first set of documents be returned to the hospital.

Earlier this week, Etwaroo disclosed that the family are planning to engage the medical facility to determine what exactly happened to the children.

According to her, the family are still stunned at the events which unfolded.

“We really want to know what happen. They never call us. We want to know why they didn’t put this baby in the incubator,” she explained.

This incident follows a recent matter wherein three children succumbed after undergoing chemotherapy treatment at GPHC. The hospital later confirmed that doctors had administered the injections intravenously instead of by intrathecal administration.

News

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FRIday, MARCH 22, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Clothes vendor executed US sanctions Congo election officials …says they obstructed vote in Albouystown …previously charged for murder, robberies T P olice in Georgetown are on the hunt for a male suspect who shot and killed a former murder and robbery accused on Thursday in Albouystown, Georgetown.

Dead is 26-year-old Collis Collison, a clothes vendor of Lot 68 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

He was celebrating his birthday on Thursday when he was killed at about 14:45h at Barr Street, Albouystown.

Investigations into the fatal shooting are in progress and up to press time, the Police were still hunting the shooter.

According to Police reports, Collison was standing on Barr Street, when the suspect approached him brandishing a firearm. The suspect then shot Collison and fled the scene.

The Police said the injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public spirited citizens. However, he died at about 15:26h while receiving treatment.

His body is presently at the GPHC mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination excepted to be done today.

Collison is a known character to the Police and has been slapped with various charges over the years but was never convicted.

Back in May 2011, he

Dead: Collis Collison

was charged for the murder of Linden businessman Albert Joseph, called “Bolo”, who was killed during a robbery at his business place.

He was subsequently freed of this charge in November 2014 in the High Court after the trial Judge upheld a no-case submission from his lawyer.

Collison was also charged with two counts of armed robbery committed in Linden on Nigel Hescott and Rajindra Tiwari, who were robbed of their gold chains valued $160,000 and $250,000 respectively.

The now dead man was also fingered as part of a gang which had been trailing and robbing incoming passengers from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The racket was busted

in October 2015 when they reportedly traced an off-duty Police Officer, who had picked up a relative from the airport, to his Kitty home. It was reported that having observed a vehicle following him, the off-duty rank inform his colleagues, who then went to his Kitty home and waited for his arrival.

The vehicle which had been following the officer from the airport stopped a corner away from the rank’s home and two of three occupants exited. A stand-off subsequent ensued between the ranks who were waiting outside the residence and the bandits. This resulted in two of the perpetrators receiving injuries.

Collison was subsequently slapped with two counts of discharging a loaded firearm at the Police as well as possession of an unlicensed .38 revolver and ammunition. However a year later in November 2016, he was freed of these charges as a result of the prosecution’s lack of evidence.

Prior to his release, Collison had testified several times in the Commission of Inquiry into the March 2016 Camp Street Prison fire and unrest at the Georgetown penitentiary which resulted in the death of 17 inmates and left several others, including prison officers, injured.

1 dead, 2 injured in Corentyne accident

A

father of one was killed while two others were injured after the car in which they were travelling slammed into a bus shed at Number 43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) in the wee hours of Thursday.

Dead is Kenrick Matheson of Number 43 Village. The identities of the two injured men are yet to be released.

Reports are Matheson, along with his cousin and a friend were returning home at about 02:00h when the ac-

Dead: Kenrick Matheson

cident occurred. Matheson’s cousin was driving the car at the time of the accident.

Guyana Times was told that as the men journeyed home, the cousin who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol lost control of the car and crashed into the bus shed. Matheson, who was reportedly the front seat passenger, sustained injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Skeldon Hospital Complex.

The driver along with the friend remain hospitalised as Police continue their investigation.

“Turn your life around” – Chief Magistrate tells teen

T

he Director of Public Prosecutions on Wednesday advised that the two robbery charges instituted against Alvin Lewis be withdrawn.

These revelations were made after the victims in the matter declined to provide evidence.

In dismissing the cases at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, the Chief Magistrate placed the 18-year-old under the supervision of a probation officer.

Further, Magistrate

McLennan before dismissing the charges cautioned the teen and advised him to refrain from stealing and instructed him to “turn his life around.”

The teen was charged with two counts of robbery; in one of the incidents the Virtual Complainant was allegedly brutalised.

It is alleged that Lewis on February 14, 2019, at Queen Street, Rosemary Lane, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, robbed Shamar Marks of an

$110,000 phone, a $45,000 gold chain and $50,000 in cash.

The other charge against him alleged that on February 11, at Queen Street and Rosemary Lane, Tiger Bay, Georgetown; Lewis, while in the company of others, robbed Robert Daniels of two cellphones valued $175,000 and $239,000 in cash.

During or immediately after the robbery, it is alleged that Lewis used personal violence against Daniels.

he United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on three senior officials from Democratic Republic of Congo’s electoral commission, accusing them of corruption and obstructing December’s presidential election.

The US Treasury said in a statement that the commission’s organization of the Dec. 30 election, which led to Congo’s first ever transfer of power via the ballot box, “failed to ensure the vote reflected the will of the Congolese people.”

Even so, the statement stopped short of calling into question the legitimacy of President Felix Tshisekedi’s victory, despite what sources told Reuters was outright rigging to deny runner-up Martin Fayulu the win.

The US sanctions target commission President Corneille Nangaa, Vice President Norbert Basengezi and Marcellin Mukolo Basengezi, an adviser to Nangaa and son of Norbert Basengezi.

Nangaa and Norbert Basengezi were not immediately available for comment.

Marcellin Mukolo Basengezi could not be reached for comment.

The Treasury statement focused on what it said were efforts by the three “to obstruct and delay preparations” for the election, which had originally been due in

File photo: President of Congo’s National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI), Corneille Nangaa, speaks during a press conference announcing the results of the presidential election in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, January 10, 2019 (REUTERS/Jackson Njehia)

2016, and corruption related to procurement of voting machines and other materials.

Former President Joseph Kabila was required by the constitution to step down in December 2016 following an election to choose his successor, but the commission repeatedly postponed the vote, citing logistical obstacles.

Treasury said the three officials facilitated the delays by embezzling money meant to finance the vote into shell companies and accused Nangaa and Norbert Basengezi of bribing justices on Congo’s top court to approve an election delay in 2016.

It also said that commission officials, under Nangaa’s leadership, inflated by as much as $100 million the cost of electronic voting machines “with the intent to use surplus funds for personal enrichment, bribes, and

campaign costs to fund the election campaign of Kabila’s candidate.”

Kabila’s preferred candidate, former Interior Minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, finished a distant third in the official results.

Congolese sources in contact with Nangaa and other senior government officials told Reuters that Fayulu actually won the election but that top officials instructed the commission to award the vote to Tshisekedi, who the Kabila’s camp viewed as less hostile to its interests.

Kabila and Tshisekedi’s camps both deny the vote was rigged.

The United States sharply criticized the conduct of the election but eventually recognized Tshisekedi’s victory and said it was committed to working with his Government. (Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, March 22, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

When opportunity knocks, be quick to answer.

Make the most out of every offer that comes your way to discover that you have unexpected attributes.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Pay attention to the way you look, how you present yourself and how you treat others. A kind gesture will lead to an interesting offer.

CANCER

Emotionally driven spending or buying someone’s affection is not a good idea. Use your imagination to come up with a plan that will keep you busy and out of trouble.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

WORD GAME

A change of pace will turn into an unexpected opportunity. What you discover is best kept to yourself until you have had time to iron out any unforeseen problems.

Make home improvements, pay down debt and spend time with loved ones. A kind gesture will spark someone’s interest.

Romance is in the stars and will enhance your personal life.

Excess of any kind will lead to emotional uncertainty. Let your intuition guide you when dealing with personal and domestic matters.

You can find a way that’s best for everyone.

A little pampering will go a long way. Update your image or spend time with someone who makes you feel good to ease stress.

Romance is highlighted.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Make changes that will lower your overhead and alleviate any tension that’s building up between you and someone you live with. If you compromise now, you will get what you want at a later date.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Change should lead to personal growth, improved appearance and better relationships with the people you see daily. Don’t let someone from your past swoop in and disrupt your life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Put emotions aside when dealing with friends and relatives. Listen carefully and offer suggestions, but don’t take the reins. You are best off focusing on situations closer to home.

SUDOKU

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t take a risk that could end in insult or injury.

Get along with others and get involved in events that are geared toward helping others. Opportunity will find you.

Knowing when to help and when to stand back will make or break your day. Don’t let an emotional situation ruin an opportunity. Balance and integrity will help you maintain the status quo.

friday, MARCH 22, 2019

19

Cricket insurance booms after players scramble to protect IPL riches O verseas cricketers in the Indian Premier League have been scrambling to insure themselves for massive sums because the rewards are greater than ever.

IPL players earn more for one match than in any other sport in the world – with the recent global sports salary survey suggesting they receive a pro-rated £274,624 per game on average, far ahead of the NFL (£138,354) and the Premier League (£78,703).

However, with players’ payments structured so they get 50% of their salary merely for showing up fit for the tournament, several players from England, South Africa and the West Indies have recently taken out personal insurance against injury in other matches that would jeopardised their IPL income.

One company, Vantage Sports Finance, said that such insurance policies had mushroomed from one or two before the IPL last year to a “significant number”this year.

“In the last month, our cricket business has underwritten more than 20% of the total value of all the overseas players’ contracts from England, West Indies and South Africa – a figure more than $4m,” said the chief executive of Vantage, Paddy O’Clery, adding that most players were not aware they could insure themselves this way until recently.

“Players have become much more clever and informed,” O’Clery said. “They know that once you have been auctioned, you are entitled to half the fees for the tournament if you arrive fit and ready to play. And that if they injure their knee, say, in during a Test or one-day series beforehand and aren’t able to play, they could easily forfeit a six or seven-figure sum.”

Michael Vaughan, who is a nonexecutive director of Vantage and has been advising some cricketers on the issue, said players were only being sensible given some earned more in an eight-week stretch playing in the IPL compared to their income for the rest of the year.

The former England captain said: “There is serious money to be made in IPL these days – not only through playing but with huge commercial contracts for those players who do well, so it’s only sensible to get insured.”

Vaughan predicted that such insurance policies would become even more common as more players became cricketing free agents, focusing solely on the white-ball game. “It is fully justifiable to me,” he added. “I am a Test cricket diehard, I love the game and if you can play all three formats, great. But I wouldn’t blame players coming up if all they only focused on the shorter formats, because

Semenya case verdict postponed until end of April

IPL cricketers earn a pro-rated £274,624 per game – far more than NFL and Premier League players

there are so many more opportunities out there.

“These days I wouldn’t argue against any young kid who said: ‘I am just going to focus on the white-ball game.’”

However, Vaughan insisted that he certainly didn’t think Test cricket was dead – yet. “I see it going from five days to four days to shorten it and make it a bit more impactful, and I am sure there will be more monetary rewards coming to Test cricket with the cricket championships starting in September,” he said.

“There has never been a better time to

Injured Rashford out of England matches

E

Caster Semenya flanked by her legal team at the hearing in Lausanne

C

aster Semenya will have to wait until the end of April to hear whether her high-profile legal case against athletics’ governing body has been successful after the court of arbitration for sport confirmed it would be delaying its verdict.

The case, which is hugely contentious and legally complex, was heard over five days in Lausanne month with a verdict originally expected by 26 March, six months prior to the World Championships in Doha.

However, in a statement, Cas confirmed that since the hearing both parties had filed additional submissions and materials and agreed to postpone the decision until the end of April. It added that no specific date had yet been set for its decision.

The Olympic 800m champion decided to take the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to court over its proposals requiring female athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs) – who are often born with male testes – to take hormone suppressants, arguing that the policy was

discriminatory, unfair, and potentially posed a health risk.

However, the IAAF maintains that its policy is solely about creating a level playing field for all women, so that success is based on talent and hard work. It maintains that because testosterone confers significant advantages in size, strength and power from puberty onwards, it is fair to require DSD athletes to reduce their testosterone to below five nanomoles per litre (nmol/L) for at least six months if they wanted to compete internationally at distances ranging from 400m to a mile.

Central to its case is that over 99% of females have around 0.12-1.79 nmol/L of testosterone in their bodies – while DSDs like Semenya are in the male range of 7.7-29.4 nmol/L. Previously Cas has accepted that higher levels of testosterone could provide an advantage. However, it has put the onus on the IAAF to show that DSD athletes have a significant performance advantage that outranks any other natural characteristic.

be a cricketer. A huge amount of money has come into the game but in 10 or 15 years’ time it will be like football. People will think: ‘I can’t believe they only earned $1m 15 years ago’ – when come 2030 it will be more like $4m-$5m.”

This year’s IPL tournament, which includes England’s Johnny Bairstow and Sam Curran, will not be shown on Sky Sports after Star TV UK confirmed it had the rights.

Fans can also watch the tournament via the Hotstar streaming service that costs £11.99 a month. (The Guardian)

ngland striker Marcus Rashford will miss the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro with an ankle injury.

Gareth Southgate said he has known the Manchester United man would miss the first match for “a couple of days”.

He added that he would have “no problem” in selecting teenagers Jadon Sancho or Callum Hudson-Odoi instead.

“There’s no hesitation we’ll play someone we think suitable,” Southgate said.

“It is a good opportunity for the others. We have loads of creative players.

There is real competition for places.

“If players miss games there is no guarantee they will get back in. It is a challenge for the group.”

Winger Hudson-Odoi has been on the fringe of the Chelsea this team, making six Premier League appearances but all from the bench.

Southgate admitted that while fellow 18-year-old Sancho’s situation at Borussia Dortmund, where he has played 26 Bundesliga games, is preferable, it would not be decisive in his thinking.

“People have asked ‘what’s the selection policy?’ In the end the players have to have the quality to play in the shirt,” he added.

“Ideally they will have played a few games for the clubs. But what we see is people in different positions.”

Rashford’s withdrawal is the latest injury to hit England’s squad.

Liverpool full-back Trent AlexanderArnold pulled out on Wednesday with a back problem.

Midfielders Fabian Delph and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and defenders John Stones and Luke Shaw, have also withdrawn.

Hudson-Odoi and Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse have been called up in recent days.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will start the match against the Czech Republic on Friday.

Following Friday’s match at Wembley Stadium, coach Southgate’s squad travel to Montenegro for their second qualifier on Monday. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friday, march 22, 2019

Jaguars officially honoured at appreciation ceremony – Shiv bats for Cameron

By Brandon Corlette

A

n appreciation ceremony was held on Wednesday last for the Guyana Jaguars, five times’ consecutive Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional 4-Day champions, at the Grand Coastal at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

From Shivnarine Chanderpaul revealing his support for incumbent Cricket West Indies President Dave Cameron and Emmanuel Nathan to CWI Chief Selector Courtney Browne highlighting why few Guyanese are in Windies teams, the event can reasonably be described as eventful.

The event was graced with the presence of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and CWI Director, Anand Sanasie; Assistant Director of Sports, Melissa Dow-Richardson; and Windies’ Assistant Coach Esuan Crandon, among other cricket officials.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Shivnarine Chanderpaul declared his great appreciation for the work the present cricket administration has been doing.

This statement contradicted what former Windies captain Darren Sammy had said on Wednesday last as he lashed out at those very administrators, encouraging the Caribbean to vote against Dave Cameron for President, and for Richard Skerritt for change.

Himself a former Windies captain, Chanderpaul, the most successful Guyanese cricketer, declared, “I observed the recent development regarding the upcoming CWI elections that (are) slated for Sunday March 24, in Jamaica, and would like to endorse the Cameron/Nathan ticket”.

The humble Guyanese said, “Over the past

Team Guyana Jaguars

5 years, with the introduction of the franchise system, it’s (been) quite an improvement in cricket in the Caribbean. Mr Cameron, despite the many challenges, has been able to stabilise Windies Cricket, and he deserves a chance to continue the growth and development.”

Further, he lauded the players in the Guyana Jaguars team and the Guyana Cricket Board administration for introducing contracts and other amenities for players.

Reflected on his time as a player, Chanderpaul said: “We never had too much in place. I had to find my own money to go to Georgetown, and I could not afford to travel to the country on a daily

GMR&SC go ‘Hand-in-Hand’ for drag race meet

L

ocal insurance company Hand-in-Hand have said their investment in motorsport is for the long run.

The company, through Marketing Co-ordinator Shafeena Juman, contend they are interested in development of motorsport.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, the management and staff of Hand in Hand, we would like to say that we are happy with everything that GMR&SC (have) been doing, and we are proud of the initiative that they have been taking,” Juman said.

She added, “We are extremely excited to see what is going to go down with the new strip and the new Nissan GTR.” Meanwhile the club had a briefing last evening for all drivers, specifying that all competitors for both cars and bikes must be registered with medicals.

Cars were seen testing on the venue yesterday

The Nissan GT-R and the rail car in action

ahead of Sunday’s meet, and the unofficial feedback is one of pleasure.

The interest in local drag racing coming from international competition has now been revived with the installation of the pad. That, along with the fact that the strip is being extended from 1000ft to 1320ft or a quarter-mile, is also something that the local dragsters are keen on trying.

Competition is expected from Suriname.

Ticket prices for fans desirous of witnessing the action will cost $1000 for adults and $500 for children.

Other sponsors include Mohamed’s Enterprise, BM Soat Auto Sales, Motor Trend Service Centre, Delco Ice Factory, Trans-Pacific Motor Spares, Supreme Ventures, Air Services Limited, PowerLine Auto, Cyril’s Taxi, Omega Brokers, E-Networks, Prem’s Electrical, Miracle Optical, Choke Gas Station and Super Bet, R. Kissoon Contracting Services and Top Brandz Distributors.

Edward “Screw” Richmond Schools U-18 Football Tournament…

Linden Foundation, Mackenzie High romp to victories

W

hen the 11th edition of the Edward Screw Richmond Schools U18 Football tournament was staged, day two encounters on Wednesday at the Wisburg Secondary School ground saw Linden Foundation Secondary winning for the second time when they defeated hosts Wisburg Secondary 1-0.

Mackenzie High won for the first time when they scored a 2-0 win over Harmony Secondary.

Today another two matches are slated to be played at the tournament venue, the Wisburg Secondary School ground. In the first game, at 14:45hrs, Mackenzie High and

basis”, Chanderpaul explained.

He urged the present crop of players to be grateful for what they have now, concluding his remarks by saying that, “The board is doing a lot and the results have shown, we should be happy.”

When he had the opportunity to speak, Courtney Browne lauded the Guyana Jaguars team for their successful journey and their discipline shown in the cricket arena. Browne then cleared the air in regard to the selection policy of Windies Cricket teams. “Selectors are given dates when teams are supposed to be selected, and we have to abide by those rules,” he declared.

He heaped praise on the CWI Franchise system

that now has 10 rounds of matches. This, he said, gives the selectors a platform and a great opportunity to identify players in the Caribbean.

Without doubt, he said, the Professional Cricket League Courtney Browne has shown improvements in cricket in the West Indies, but Browne emphasised on the importance of players performing consistently.

Controversy was introduced when Browne declared that CWI do not believe in chopping and changing players and coaches. However, he said this does not mean that outstanding players in Anthony Bramble (580 runs) and Romario Shepherd (37 wickets) would not play for Windies.

“You gotta keep plugging; you gotta work hard; and I repeat, opportunity will always come”, Browne declared.

Guyana Jaguars has been well led by Leon Johnson who has been the winning captain on each of the five occasions. The players were honoured with medals and the trophy for their stellar performances in the CWI Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day tournament. They now equal Jamaica’s record for winning a title for the fifth consecutive time.

Birbal Contracting Establishment T20 bowls off in Wakenaam on March 31

T

he Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) and Birbal Contracting Establishment have teamed up for the staging, on March 31, of one of the most anticipated round robin T20 tournaments to be held on that island.

The inaugural tournament, which was launched on Tuesday, March 19, at Trophy Stall, Bourda Market, will be contested by seven teams in two zones, with the top two from each zone going through to the semifinals.

The teams participating in the tournament are Sans Souci Jaguars, Sans Souci, Good Success, ‘G’ Square Cavaliers, Zeelandia, Maria’s Pleasure and Noitgedacht.

CEO of Birbal Contracting Establishment, Abdel Birbal, a former resident of Wakenaam, said he is happy to be associated with sports development and to be able to give back to the place of his birth. He said that sports play an integral part in the development of youths, and would help them to become well rounded individuals.

He spoke about the importance of fitness and discipline, and wished the

Secretary of the WCC, Nazeer Mohamed (right), accepting the winning team trophy from Abdel Birbal

teams well. He lauded the WCC for the role they have been playing in promoting the sport, and added that he is looking forward to an exciting and successful competition.

Also at the launching was secretary of the WCC, Nazeer Mohamed, who expressed gratitude to Birbal for his commitment, and said the draw would short-

ly be made to determine the zones. He disclosed that the players are excited about the venture, and added that the WCC is looking forward to continued support from Birbal.

Two matches will be played simultaneously at two venues, Wakenaam Community Centre ground in Good Success and at Zeelandia.

Linden Technical Institute face each other; while in the next game, at 16:00hrs, Wisburg Secondary will take on New Silvercity Secondary In the latest results in this tournament Shedrack Mackenzie was the player to net the lone goal for his side, Linden Foundation Secondary, as they beat Wisburg from his 25th minute goal.

In the other game, Lebron Deflorimonte and Zidaine McIntyre were the scorers in the 23rd and 51st minutes respectively. They ensured the Mackenzie High win against Harmony.

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The Tallawahs to remain in Jamaica – sources

T

wo-time Hero CPL champions, the Jamaica Tallawahs are to remain in Jamaica, sources close to the franchise have told Sportsmax.

TV. The owners of the franchise had been mulling going in search of greener pastures after consecutive seasons of huge losses but they have reportedly decided to remain in Jamaica following weeks of negotiations that have largely been positive.

In January, Sportsmax.

TV broke the news that the Tallawahs were seriously considering pulling out of Jamaica.

Jamaica Tallawahs CEO Jeff Miller told Sportsmax.TV then that time was running out on his organization to confirm where they will be playing in the

CPL from 2019 onwards.

Miller revealed that it costs

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Jamaican government has not provided the kind of financial

support that would make it feasible to continue.

Last year, he said, the Tallawahs organization lost US$1.8 million and lost USD$1.5m the year before that.

“We have some options and we want to exercise those options. We have given the government some deadlines and they have failed to meet all these deadlines we have given them over the last three months,” said Miller.

“We just can’t continue in the way we have in the past. We have no support.”

However, in recent weeks negotiations with local stakeholders seemed to have arrived at agreements that will see the franchise remaining in the country for the foreseeable future. (Sportsmax)

Former Windies skipper Sammy lashes out at Cameron, backs Skerritt-Shallow slate

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21

Chris Gayle (left) and Darren Sammy have a chat

F

ormer West Indies captain Darren Sammy has added his voice to a throng of former players throwing their support behind the duo of Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow ahead of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) president elections on Sunday.

BCB/RHTY&SC/GBTI Secondary U-19 Tournament…

Berbice High and Port Mourant Secondary surge ahead

P

lay in the Berbice Cricket Boardorganised Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club/Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Region 6 InterSecondary School Cricket Tournament continued recently with several schools advancing to the next round.

The tournament is being played among seventeen secondary schools in the region and forms part of the BCB’s well-structured developmental programme for youth cricketers.

Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) is also using the Tournament to promote its highly successful Say No to Drugs, Suicide, Crime, Alcohol and Tobacco message to schools.

The RHTY&SC /Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Inter-Secondary School Tournament started five years ago, but was limited to teams in the Lower and Central Corentyne area. This year, the Tournament was expanded to all secondary schools in Region 6.

Berbice High School have defeated Lower Corentyne Secondary by 6 wickets.

Batting first, Lower Corentyne Secondary scored 85-6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Tameshwar Mahadeo top- scored with 20, while Leon Cecil and Neil Tilkaram both made 12. Bowling for Berbice High, Rajendra Beharry took 3-13.

In response, Berbice High School scored 86-4 in 17.5 overs. Zeymul Ramsammy and Abdul Ramsammy scored 23 and 25 runs respectively, despite Cecil’s 2 for 16.

Meanwhile, at Port Mourant Ground, Corentyne Comprehensive High

defeated Black Bush Secondary by 153 runs.

Corentyne Comprehensive High scored an impressive 211 for 4 in 20 overs, with Gourav Ramesh scoring 71 and Tyrese Sealey with 57 leading the scoring.

Bowling for Black Bush Secondary, Latchman Chandradeo took 2 for 33.

Black Bush failed to chase the total, and ended on 58 all out in 12 overs, as Tyrese Sealey bagged 4-13 and Gourav Ramesh grabbed 4- 9.

At Albion Ground, Lower Corentyne Secondary defeated Winifred Gaskin Secondary by 112 runs. Lower Corentyne made 178-4 in 20 overs. Leon Cecil, 50, G. Harris, 23 and Neil Tilkaram, 23, were the main contributors.

In reply, Winifred Gaskin folded for 56 all out in 12.4 overs, as Vijay Gopilall’s 2-14 and Tilkaram’s 3-18 helped to defend the total.

At Port Mourant Ground, Port Mourant Secondary created a huge upset by defeating Corentyne Comprehensive High by 4 wickets. Corentyne were only able to post 100 all out in 18.2 overs, as the in-form Matthew Pottaya bagged 3 for 18 and Rampertab Ramnauth, 2 for 1.

Needing 101 for victory, Port Mourant ended on 101-6 in 17.3 overs. Top scoring were Rampertab Ramnauth with 50 not out, Jai Tika with 24, and Naresh Veersammy with 12 not out. Bowling for Corentyne were Mahendra Gopilall, who took 2 for 17, and Darren Brijadder, who 2 for 20.

Two former captains of the regional team Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards and a former fast bowler Andy Roberts have already thrown their weight behind the challengers. In endorsing the candidates, the former captains seemed to offer very little praise for the current admiration, despite many pointing to numerous achievements. Sammy, who last played for the regional team in 2016, sang a similar tune.

“Do not be fooled again by Cameron and Nanthan,” Sammy said via a Facebook Live post.

“Do not believe in any last-minute political propaganda. Cameron only cares about himself, and he cares little about West Indies cricket and the cricketers. I have worked under the leadership of both Dave Cameron and Emmanuel and I can honestly say for sure these two do not have the cricket at heart. And for this reason, I am asking the CWI voters to do the right thing this coming Sunday in Jamaica and vote for change,” he added.

“Twelve years in leadership is enough to see what Cameron can do, or has not done and that is why I am supporting Ricky Skerritt and Kishore Shallow as they look to make the change, the well-deserved change in West Indies cricket and its administration. Do the right thing. It’s time for change. Cameron, your time is up.

Vote Skerritt and Shallow. Do the right thing.”

Sammy and Cameron have not always seen eye to eye with the outspoken former captain criticising the administration, in a post-final interview, after claiming the T20 World Cup title in 2016. (Sportsmax)

PKFF to host annual Easter Games programme

P

ort Kaituma Football Foundation’s (PKFF’s) 10th annual Easter Weekend Football Games gets underway at the Port Kaituma community ground from April 20 and runs until April 22.

Eight of the best male football teams from Matarkai will battle for championship honours, while two female teams will be given the opportunity to put to rest all speculation as to which team is the best female team in the region.

According to Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sherlon Rodrigues, the fixtures approved and released will see Five Star United duke it out with Seabi Champion, while Flood Warrior will be taking on Oronoque FC on night one.

Easter Sunday will see Arakaka FC battling Fitzburg Gunners and Matthews Ridge going up against PKSS United FC in the morning, with the semifinals slated for the evening.

The action will then be concluded on Easter Monday with the finals.

The events promoter is urging all football and sport-loving fans to deck out in their Easter weekend wear and bring out the entire family to witness the best footballers from the west in action.

Special thanks are being given to the following entities, who continue to pour their support for youth and sports development: the Guyana Football Federation, Ansa McAl, Banks DIH, International Imports and Supplies, Platinum General Store, New Image Barbershop, Marlon Boyer and others.

Also to be hosted is the annual Cheddi Jagan Memorial Males’ Hardball and Female Softball cricket competitions, which are slated for the Aruka River village of Hobodeia in the Mabaruma sub-region on March 24th, commencing at 8:00 hours.

According to the organiser, the competition is creating a stir among rival teams, which include Barabina, Wauna, Yarakita, Hitoquai, Hobodeia and Sebai among others.

The Sebai female cricket team are slated to compete in the upcoming event

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friday, march 22, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

READY TO ROAR!

Guyana, Belize gearing up for thrilling encounter

The challengers! From left: Belize’s Captain Woodrow Wes, Krisean Lopez and Head Coach Palmero Salas Guyana’s Head Coach Michael Johnson taking a photo op with Keanu Marsh-Brown, Akel Clarke and Samuel Cox

B

oth the Guyanese and Belizean National Football teams have promised to bring their ‘A’ game to the Leonora Track and Field Centre on Saturday evening, March 23, as both teams fight for a place in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Whichever team is successful would have a chance to compete with higher ranked teams in the CONCACAF body, such as USA and Mexico.

With the fate of both the Golden Jaguars and their challengers lying in the 90-minute encounter which is slated for tomorrow, at a pre-match engagement with the media on Thursday afternoon, Golden Jaguars’ Captain Samuel Cox spoke on the improvements that the team has made since the

last Gold Cup qualification.

“Last Gold Cup qualification we went out to Jamaica after being 2-0 up, and now we find ourselves an opportunity where it could really take us to a next level. So, from my time being inside the programme for the last five years, I’ve seen unbelievable progression; and now, with a new crop of players, under a new staff, we feel that we’re ready now to go to the next level,” Cox explained.

The defender revealed that the team can be described as well-oiled and ready to achieve the best possible result.

“The boys are prepared, we train well, we just now know we got to do the business and create history this coming Saturday,” he said.

Meanwhile, Belizean

Head Coach Palmero Salas has promised an exciting encounter, despite the end result.

“I don’t like to promise nothing! It’s the last game, we are ready to play the game, I don’t know what will happen in the game; but Guyana has good team, we have good team, the population will go to watch the game. Exciting game!” he explained.

On the other hand, while noting that the Golden Jaguars are ready to roar, Head Coach Michael Johnson reiterated his belief that this is the best Guyanese team yet.

“The training session has been excellent. The way the boys have played; trained with and without the ball; team spirit; the camp has been exceptional, and as Sam Cox has said, you know this is probably one of the best groups or squads that we’ve assem-

bled. So we’re really excited about the game, and (are) looking forward to making history,” Johnson noted.

When both head coaches were questioned about their knowledge of their opponents, Golden Jaguars’ Johnson was tight-lipped but answered in the affirmative, stating, “I know about them.”

Palmero Salas, howev-

er, disclosed that he has limited knowledge on the Guyanese outfit. “We don’t have too much information for Guyana,” he stated.

Taking into account what is at stake on Saturday, the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora will come alive as soon as the first whistle is sounded at 6.30pm. Tickets for the game are priced at $1500.

GFF partners with minibus association for fan transport to Guyana/Belize showdown

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the United Minibus Union have teamed up to provide extensive, convenient and affordable transport options for football fans to travel to and from Saturday’s crucial CONCACAF Gold Cup/Nations League qualifier involving Guyana against Belize at the Leonora National Stadium, West Coast Demerara.

GFF Competitions Director Ian Alves and UMU President Eon Andrews have agreed a timetable for fans designed to ensure a capacity crowd for the most important match in the history of Guyana men’s senior national team.

“We are grateful to our partners in the minibus sector for understanding the importance of this match for the entire nation. We have agreed an impressive timetable that gives safe and reliable transport options, so that fans can travel to and from Leonora in large numbers,” GFF President Wayne Forde said.

“We expect a capacity crowd on Saturday, as the entire nation gets behind the Golden Jaguars on their way to the

Gold Cup. Remember to wear your yellow!” he advised.

A win against Belize should guarantee the Golden Jaguars participation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time. The Gold Cup is the premier international tournament for the Caribbean and North and Central America.

The Lady Jags have competed at the regional equivalent tournament in 2010.

Buses will be available across locations in Georgetown, East Bank Demerara and East Coast Demerara, with return fares ranging from Gy$1200 to $1500.

Tickets for the match are

being sold at G$1,500 at the following locations: Andrew’s Supermarket – Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt; The Guinness Bar – Durban Street, GT; West Indian Sports Complex, Robb Street; Nice Restaurant, below Space Gym, Croal Street, GT; Pegasus Hotel Guyana; KFC Outlets – Regent Street and Mandela Avenue.

Fan jerseys are also available at the GFF Secretariat in Campbellville; the Pegasus Hotel, and Giftland Mall, with options for men, women and children ranging from Gy$2,500 to $5,000.

Match time is 18:30hrs.

GABA/Let’s Bet Sports Knockout Tournament…

Kobras, Eagles advance

T

he Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (GABA)/Let’s Bet Sports First and Second Division Knockout Tournament commenced under lights at the Burnham Hard Court, with the Kobras and the Eagles advancing to the next round of the first division.

In the first matchup of the night, the Eagles wasted no time in defeating the Pacesetters 7466. The Pacesetters stood little chance against the mighty Eagles’ lineup, which was boosted by the in-form Travis Belgrave.

The victorious Kobras

The first quarter ended with the teams deadlocked at 14, but the Pacesetters took control of a fast-paced second quarter and ended the half at 35-32. Eagles then worked their way to the lead, and narrowly overtook the Pacesetters 51- 49 going into the final quarter.

For the Eagles, it was a must-win game, even though they were two-points ahead, they still were in the danger zone. So they switched things up and began to play more offensively, making the necessary passing and converting them into valuable baskets at key

moments in the game, to take the final period 23-17.

After an intense first match, the Kobras went on to pummel the Nets 83-54, wasting no time in allowing their opponents to catch their breaths. The onesided affair saw the Nets show a glimmer of hope in the first ten minutes, when they trailed, 20 -17.

From then it was complete domination for the Kobras, who continued to outscore the opposition at every turn.

The Kobras will now face the Eagles on March 26 at 20:30 hrs.

23

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, march 22, 2019

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup…

Gajnabi’s grit, Mangru’s magic lead Guyana to 1st win

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Guyana girls have finally registered a victory in the Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup tournament, completing a 131run defeat of a jaded Leeward Islands team at the Enmore Community Centre ground.

A sparkling run-a-ball 78 from Shabika Gajnabi led the Guyanese to 240-9 in 50 overs, while Mandy Mangru followed up her 35 with the bat with 4-22 to restrict the Leeward Islands to 109, scored in 34.5 overs.

It all began in glorious sunshine at the Enmore Community Centre, where faithful supporters bedecked in colourful wear gathered to witness Guyana play the Leeward Islands and hopefully emerge victorious. The Leeward Islands won the toss and elected to field first on a dry pitch supporting spinners. Opening batters Mandy Mangru and Sheneta Grimmond had the best opening stand for the Guyanese in this tournament. The duo added 72 runs for the opening wicket, when Grimmond was out caught in the leg-side for a shot-filled 37 from 36 balls, hitting six timely fours.

Sheneta Grimmond hit six boundaries during her 37

Mandy Mangru bowling during her 4-22

2 4 0 9 in 50 overs, with 44 extras on offer.

Bowling for the Leeward Islands, Seneldo Willet had 3-30 in f i v e overs, while The big fish gone! Leeward Islands celebrating the wicket of Shemaine Campbelle (Brandon Corlette photos)

That brought to the crease the in-form Guyana captain Shemaine Campbelle, who did not last long. She was out legbefore to Rozel Liburd for five, with the score on 94-2. Mandy Mangru, however, stood firm in her marathon innings of 35 from 87 balls as she batted for 131 minutes.

Mangru and Shabika Gajnabi added 49 runs to the score before the Guyanese were reduced to 143-3 when

Mangru fell for a well-played 35. Gajnabi, the Corentyne girl from Chesney in Albion, played her shots in fearless fashion, although she lost her partners in Akaze Thompson (10) and Melanie Henry (02), who both fell to Seneldo Willet.

At 183-5, Tremayne Smartt came to the crease to partner her fellow Berbician Gajnabi, who was already blazing away on a half-century. Gajnabi and Smartt added 48 valuable runs

to the score before Smartt was bowled by Melicia Clarke for a run-a-ball 21, after batting for 30 minutes.

The special Gajnabi innings of 78 runs from 78 balls lasted 109 minutes, as she hit seven boundaries before she was out bowled with the score on 225.

The 250-run mark was out of reach after the Guyanese batters failed to rotate the strike in the middle overs. Nevertheless, the hosts reached a respectable

M e l i c i a Clarke grabbed 2-22 in six overs.

In reply, Leeward Islands had a poor start, as the everconsistent Erva Giddings got the early breakthrough, removing Jenisen Richards for a duck with the score on 5-1.

The Leeward Islands team were further reduced to 17-2 in the eighth over when the impressive Tremayne Smartt uprooted the stumps of Jamella Mc Clurle.

Wickets continued to fall for

t h e Leeward Islands, but the big hiccup came when the Guyanese struck thrice with the score on 67, with off-spinner Mandy Mangru and Akaze Thompson bowling in tandem. Mangru was brilliant, ending with 4-22 in 7.5 overs; while Thompson had 2-26 in a complete bowling effort.

Shabika Gajnabi was awarded player of the match for her stellar innings and the catch of the day, which she took at the edge of the boundary.

Guyana will play their next match against the undefeated Barbados on Saturday March 23 at the National Stadium at Providence.

Magnificent Matthews leads Barbados to 8-wicket win over Jamaica – Trinidad and Tobago register 51-run win

Afy Fletcher during her half-century

Deandra Dottin on the go

T

he ever consistent Hayley Matthews led from the front with a superb 108 in the Barbados team’s victory over Jamaica at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground at Bourda.

Led by Stafanie Taylor, the Jamaicans won the toss and opted to bat first, scoring 214-7 in their quota of 50 overs. Captain Stafanie Taylor led the charge with an impressive 80 from 117 balls, while her deputy, Chedean Nation, batting at number four, scored 31.

The Jamaicans’ score was boosted by the 50 extras bowled by the Bajans

at the historic GCC Bourda Ground.

Bowling for Barbados, Shamilia Connell had 2-34 in nine overs, Shanika Bruce had 2-32, and the ever-consistent Hayley Matthews grabbed 2-36 in her 10 overs.

In reply, the Barbados strong batting outfit had already reached the half-century mark in the eighth over. Kycia Knight and Hayley Matthews put on a show for the Bajans, adding 80 runs for the second wicket partnership. Continuing to showcase her class, Matthews followed up her 91 in the last round with a

breathtaking 108 from 101 balls, which came in 120 minutes and included 14 fours and two sixes.

The job was all over when Matthews departed, out bowled by Nation.

Knight and Deandra Dottin put the icing on the cake, and Barbados ended on 2192 in 35.3 overs -- an innings that lasted 2 hours and 16 minutes.

The defending champions have thus maintained their supremacy with three straight wins, and will meet hosts Guyana on Saturday at the National Stadium.

In the other fixture,

played at the Everest Cricket Club, Trinidad and Tobago won their third consecutive match, defeating Windward Islands by 51 runs. Batting first, Trinidad and Tobago racked up 257-5 in their 50 overs, with half-centuries coming from Rachel Vincent and Stacy Ann King.

The Trinidadians lost opener Felicia Walters for one, but Vincent and King added 72 runs in a fruitful second-wicket partnership.

The right-handed Rachel Vincent was dismissed by lone warrior Afy Fletcher when she was trapped in front, but the experienced

campaigner Stacy Ann King settled in nicely and ended with a well fought innings of 79 from 129 balls, after batting for 173 minutes.

Reniece Boyce hit some lusty blows in her unbeaten 43 to lead the Trinis to 257-5.

In reply, a complete bowling effort restricted the Windward Islands to 2066 when their 50 overs expired. S Adams and Afy Fletcher hit 59 and 57 respectively. Leana Ramdeen and Karishma Rambarack had two wickets each for Trinidad.

(Brandon Corlette)

Action from Trinidad and Tobago

friday, march 22, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup

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Gajnabi’s grit, Mangru’s magic lead Guyana to 1st win Page 23

Magnificent Matthews leads Barbados to 8-wicket win over Jamaica – Trinidad and Tobago register 51-run win Hayley Matthews celebrating her ton (Jemima Holmes photos)

Go Gajo! Shabika Gajnabi in her stride at Enmore during her 78 (Brandon Corlette photo)

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Playing a poor READY TO ROAR! innings? Shiv Guyana, Belize gearing bats for up for thrilling encounter Cameron

– Jaguars officially honoured at appreciation ceremony

Ready to go! Guyana’s Captain Samuel Cox sharing a light moment with Belize’s Captain Woodrow Wes

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