Guyana Times - Friday, September 14, 2018

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, September 14, 2018

Issue No. 3686

PRICE

Sparendaam land probe

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt digging deeper hole for itself – Jagdeo

Hairdresser jailed for cocaine P8 trafficking

Page 3

9-year-old feeds baby brother rat …toddler dies, poison mother arrested

Cyclist killed by drunken cop in WCD accident

Page 10

Page 13

$80 vat included

Motorcycle bandits strike twice in city Pages 10 & 13 Corentyne underage marriage

13-year-old confirmed pregnant P2 Green paper "prescriptive" pays lip service to Dutch P7 Disease – Ram

Page 14 Banks DIH Chairman Clifford Reis and executives of the company showcasing the company's products to Finance Minister Winston Jordan during a tour of the Thirst Park facility

Brother dies, sister critical in ECD accident

Flashflood hits Essequibo Coast …farmers worried villages about rice crop

Page 2

Page 5

Stabroek Wharf vendors to spend P12 2 years on bus park – Town Clerk …vendors moved to tears after area barricaded

2 news

fridAY, september 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Flashflood hits Essequibo Coast villages …farmers worried about rice crop

Nathram at an emergency meeting on Thursday to seek assistance, especially in the Charity/New Road area.

A promise was made for a team, including the regional engineers, to visit the affected areas today.

At the meeting, rice farmers complained of badly deteriorated dams, faulty kokers, low price paid by millers, late payments and Police harassment.

According to the rice

An inundated yard along the Essequibo Coast

Rice farmers met with acting Regional Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah on Thursday

farmers, due to the heavy rainfall, most of the rice cultivation is under water and

in some areas the grains are germinating. Farmers are fearful of losing their crop.

The farmers said when they tried to salvage some of the crops, the Police are giving them a hard time because the mud on the wheels of the tractors and trailers are deposited onto the roads.

Additionally, the farmers said the millers are taking advantage of the situation and are paying them between $800 to $1200 per bag for paddy. Some claimed that they took loans from commercial banks and may not meet their installment this month.

Corentyne underage marriage

13-year-old confirmed pregnant

F

R

A resident walking in floodwaters in his patio

esidents of several villages on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were faced with floodwaters as inclement weather conditions hit the region.

Communities such as Charity, New Road, Suddie and Aurora suffered the worst of the floodwaters

which even forced some to vacate the lower flat of their homes.

Many residents have complained that their kitchen gardens, rice cultivations and poultry were affected.

Several rice farmers met with the acting Regional Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah and Councillor

ollowing reports that teenage girls on the Corentyne, Berbice were allowed into marriage and one was living with an adult male as if married, one of the two girls has been confirmed pregnant.

Doctors have confirmed that one of the two 13-year-old girls is pregnant.

On Wednesday, Guyana Times had reported that a 13-year-old girl was allegedly wed to an older man over the weekend. This led to the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) promising a probe.

Police on the Corentyne are currently investigating two other cases.

The parents of one of the girls, this newspaper was told, have been assisting the Police with their investigations which led to the arrest of one man.

Over the weekend a man admitted to this newspaper that he has been living with a 13-year-old girl.

Meanwhile, residents on the Corentyne had gone to the Office of the

Prime Minister after they had reported the matter to the relevant agencies and had not been getting a response.

Regional Representative to the Prime Minister, Gobin Harbhajan, explained that he too had tried to get the relevant agencies involved.

“The residents of the community kept calling and complaining they had some priests and pastors also called about an underage girls who would have run away a few weeks ago and then the parents were making arrangements to marry the girls. I passed on that information to the Number 51 Police Station Sergeant and also at the Police Outpost at Number 62 Village, but the complaints continued to come in.”

The age of consent in Guyana is 16.

The age of consent was raised from 13 to 16 on October 31, 2005. Harbhajan added that he is surprised at the way one Police Officer acted when the information was given to him.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken have since assured that the matters will be investigated while the CC&PA is also investigating both matters.

On Tuesday, Director of the CC&PA, Ann Greene, during an interview with Guyana Times stated that the CC&PA currently does not have enough information to conduct the investigation.

“We (are) looking at it but we got to get more information to send the people out. We don’t have exactly where this place is or who these people are. I have it down on the list… I need more information on where we can find this child,” she explained.

Greene noted that this is the first report coming out of the Corentyne, Berbice area after quite some time.

According to her, such cases were more prevalent in years gone by but had decreased significantly due to sensitisation conducted by her agency.

news

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fridAY, september 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 14 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, September 15 – 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 14 – 07:05h-08:35h and Saturday, September 15 – 07:40h-09:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, while clear skies are expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South Easterly to Easterly and East Northeasterly between 2.23 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 07:23h and 19:37h reaching maximum heights of 2.58 metres and 2.56 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:56h and 13:12h reaching minimum heights of 0.53 metres and 0.70 metres respectively.

WEDNESDAY, september 12, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

04 05 18

19 20 26

FREE TICKET

08 Bonus Ball

Thursday, september 13, 2018 DAILY MILLIONS

03 08 14 22 23 LUCKY 3

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Evening Draw

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Sparendaam land probe

Govt digging deep hole for itself – Jagdeo W

ednesday’s questioning of former members of Cabinet under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) regarding the sale and transfer of lands located in Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, popularly known as “Pradoville 2” is paving the way for the Opposition to take actions against Government for various transgressions over the past three years.

This is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at his weekly press conference on Thursday. He told media operatives that the former Ministers were mainly asked about a $13 million road development contract and about their knowledge of property vesting laws.

According to Jagdeo, he is happy with the course that the probe is taking. “[There is] duplicity here but they’re digging a deep hole for themselves…

Trust me, they don’t know what they have done,” Jagdeo asserted.

Insisting that the prolonged probe is only a political gimmick used to distract the public whenever Government is on its “back foot”, the Opposition Leader maintained that he will not settle the matter and will “fight it in court”.

Jadgeo along with other former Cabinet Ministers were summoned to SOCU headquarters on Wednesday for further questioning into the ‘Pradoville 2’ probe.

While Jagdeo did not show up, he indicated that he will be working out an appropriate timing with SOCU. Nevertheless, among those questioned on Wednesday were former

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

“[There is] duplicity here but they’re digging a deep hole for themselves…

Trust me, they don’t know what they have done.” ... “Now each Minister who sat in Cabinet when the illegal contract was approved can now be charged; So each of those persons in Cabinet now will be open to questioning.” ... “Cabinet, now under our laws, only has a no objection role so the Cabinet acted illegally when they approved Patterson’s unsolicited bid that he took to them,” - Jagdeo Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, former Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, former Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir, as well as former Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

The coalition Administration is contending the acquisition of lands in the area by former Government officials is a criminal act because

of the belief that it was sold below market value.

Since then, several former Government officials have been questioned by SOCU and according to some, it is becoming “harassment”.

Nevertheless, Jagdeo revealed that Wednesday’s line of questioning has opened another avenue for the Opposition to take action against Government, particularly with regards to the $150 million contract that was singled sourced to a Dutch company.

Based on a complaint from the Opposition, the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) had probed and found that the sole-sourcing of the contract, which Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson got approved by Cabinet, to LievenseCSO for the feasibility study of the new Demerara River bridge had breach the procurement laws. The Opposition has since sent the matter to SOCU for it to be further investigated and actions taken.

Jagdeo explained that previously, they would have only been able to go after the Patterson for bypassing the tender laws and taking the unsolicited bid to Cabinet.

However, he noted that Cabinet members usually hide under the lid of collective responsibility, but now, SOCU has lifted that veil to

individual responsibilities of individual ministers.

“Now each Minister who sat in Cabinet when the illegal contract was approved can now be charged; not only Patterson. So each of those persons in Cabinet now will be open to questioning…

The Public Procurement Commission investigated this, they found it illegal that somebody got a contract that they shouldn’t have for $150 million. So that when this is investigated now by SOCU, they now have to invite every single member of this Cabinet to ask them about this contract [and] whether they were aware that the procurement laws didn’t give them a right to approve such a contract, including President Granger.

In a way, this new twist will allow us to resolve us another issue,” he posited.

The Opposition Leader went on to say that Cabinet also broke the law when it approved the contract since it has no right of approval.

“We removed that right when we passed new procurement laws for Guyana.

Cabinet, now under our laws, only has a no objection role so the Cabinet acted illegally when they approved Patterson’s unsolicited bid that he took to them,” he contended.

Former President Jagdeo also went on to outline that despite making claims of the PPP stealing about $28-35 billion annually, in the three years the coalition has been in Government, Pradoville is their biggest find of alleged corruption.

On the other hand, Jagdeo said that over the past three years the PPP has gathered a lot of evidence of corruption against this current Administration but efforts to get justice against those responsible Ministers have been met with hurdles such as the Director of Public Prosecution’s nolle prosing criminal charges against five Ministers. To this end, Jagdeo expressed the hope that the SOCU probe against Minister Patterson would not be delayed, adding it is a straight forward matter.

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fridAY, september 14, 2018

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

Need for national discourse

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his newspaper carried a news story which contained shocking revelations about two teenage girls, age 13 from Berbice, who were married to older men and one of whom is pregnant.

The fact that our students, as young as 13 years old, who ought to be at school educating and preparing themselves to face life’s challenges are engaging in such unwholesome and life changing activities is very worrying. Our adolescents will certainly have to face the consequences later down the road of these poor choices.

The resulting problems could be many, for example; severe health complications for both the mother and child and serious social and economic problems.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), although adolescents aged 10-19 years account for 11 per cent of all births worldwide, they account for 23 per cent of the overall burden of disease due to pregnancy and childbirth. The organisation has reported that 14 per cent of all unsafe abortions in low- and middleincome countries are among women aged 15-19 years.

About 2.5 million adolescents have unsafe abortions every year, and adolescents are more seriously affected by complications than are older women.

Many health problems are particularly associated with negative outcomes of pregnancy during adolescence.

These include anaemia, malaria, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, postpartum haemorrhage and mental disorders, such as depression.

Likewise, the social problems, both on families and the community are many. Many girls who become pregnant have to leave school. This has long-term implications for them as individuals, their families and communities. For example, when an adolescent girl becomes pregnant, her entire life is affected as her focus can no longer be her academic studies; she would now have to dedicate all her energies and resources in child rearing and caring. In most cases, the male partner is also similarly affected.

That said, we believe that in many of these cases, especially in girls under 15, such pregnancies are not the result of a deliberate choice but rather an absence of choices, and of circumstances beyond a girl’s control.

Early pregnancies reflect powerlessness, poverty and pressures from partners, peers, families and communities. Hence, there is need for approaches that build girls’ human capital, help them make decisions about their lives, including matters of sexual and reproductive health, and offer them real opportunities so that motherhood is not seen as their only destiny.

Girls need to have access to both sexual and reproductive health services and to the right kind of information so that they can make informed choices about their own lives. In many communities, especially in the Hinterland areas, these services are lacking.

The World Health Assembly had adopted a resolution urging member states to accelerate actions to improve the health of young people. It included these specific measures: reviewing and revising policies to protect young people from early child-bearing; providing access to contraception and reproductive health-care services; and promoting access to accurate information on sexual and reproductive health.

Certainly, it is time that the issue of teenage pregnancy be brought to the fore for discussion and debate at the national level; and more importantly to craft a way forward to deal with the problem. At the same time, it is imperative that the Government and other NGOs step up their campaigns, especially in Hinterland areas where there seems to be a high prevalence of teen pregnancies, some of which occur as a result of the victims being raped.

It is quite unfortunate that in spite of the case referred to earlier being highly publicised via the media, the authorities here have not seen the need to convene a national dialogue on how best to address the issue of teenage pregnancy and its accompanying social and economic problems.

The Essequibo Coast Naujawaan held their annual candlelight vigil on Wednesday evening at the Spring Garden Bhuvaneshwar Mandir to spread awareness on the importance of the younger generation in today’s society, as well as to remember those who would have committed suicide

Whatever happened to due process?

Dear Editor, In January 2018, the Government of Guyana passed the so-called “Whistleblower” Law, because they wanted to be associated with the philosophy of “combating corruption by encouraging and facilitating disclosures of improper conduct” from public and private sector officers.

A week ago, the Attorney General of Guyana urged whistleblowers to come to his office with information so that it can be investigated.

Therefore, it is shocking to have read, on September 10, 2018, that Ms Moshamie Ramotar (no relation to Donald Ramotar, I can confirm), a trained accountant who has served in that role for many years, was fired on the spot over an allegation that she was the whistleblower on some alleged massive acts of corruption.

What kind of people are running the corporate affairs of the Guyana Chronicle?

Whatever happened to due process? Summary dismissal of an employee, and moreso a very senior employee, should only be proceeded with most carefully, and only in exceptional circumstances.

With the perception hanging over this Granger Government that it practises “ethnic preferentialism”, it is important that cases like this be handled judiciously, cautiously, and competently. A person can be summarily dismissed only when that person has taken part in extreme activities like: · fighting at work or other adverse deliberate behaviour that can cause imminent and serious risk to their colleagues’ health or safety; · theft; · fraud; and so on.

Let us assume that the Finance Controller is guilty (I have no evidence to arrive at such a conclusion, but let us humour the General Manager on probation), why

was a Hearing Committee not established to fully ventilate the issue? And even if that Committee found the Finance Controller guilty, the first step is not summary dismissal.

Skilled Human Resource Practitioners would advise that, firstly, you evaluate that person’s personnel file to assess its quality. Based on that assessment and the findings of the Committee, you then decide whether the person should be issued with a stage one penalty (warning letter) or a stage two penalty (suspension letter). Only if the evidence presented unearths activities of an extreme nature do you move to a stage three penalty (summary dismissal).

But, again, I have no evidence to prove that the Finance Controller is guilty, and until she is proven guilty, she must be treated as innocent. Did the General Manager (GM) not learn in his law studies the concept of ei incumbit probatio qui dic-

it, non qui negat (the burden of proof is on the one who declares, not on one who denies)?

Or is this plain, old-fashioned, ghetto-type bullyism?

Those who are pushing this dismissal letter have missed the entire point, and I wonder to what end. The Finance Controller does not have an allegation of misappropriation of public funds hanging over her head.

I am, however, grateful for the fact that the Hon Prime Minister has intervened and reversed this improper decision. But notwithstanding the reversal of this impertinent decision, I am now calling upon the Auditor General of Guyana to swiftly examine the books of the Guyana Chronicle to detect if the financial regulations of Guyana were broken in the pursuance of an agenda to set up a socalled Social Media Unit.

Regards, Sasenarine Singh

Investments to support sugar not a handout Dear Editor, My blood boils with wrath and rage right now. Sugar workers, whose jobs were mercilessly ripped from them

by APNU/AFC, are legally entitled to their severance payments, having earned it by sweat and blood; none of them is asking for a handout, only what they are legally entitled to. The Government, through GuySuCo, was required by law to make those payments immediately after they ripped away the jobs from sugar workers. There are no “ands, ifs, buts”; there is no room for ambivalence; no room for excuses; pay the

sugar workers their severance with interest now.

Instead of telling the sugar workers when they will be paid their overdue severance, behind their backs, President Granger tells his supporters that paying sugar workers is “haemorrhaging” the treasury. In so doing, he abrogates his responsibility to uphold the laws of Guyana. Instead of sitting with his Finance Minister and his Cabinet to determine a way to meet this legal expense, he makes another arrogant excuse. Clearly, paying the sugar workers their legally entitled severance

is too painful for President Granger.

In fact, when the decision was made to close four sugar estates, he was obligated to find a way to make severance payment with immediate effect. Failure to do so then, and failure to still do so now, is reckless, unlawful, and is misconduct in office. As pointed out by a Canadian union leader, the ministers responsible for the non-payment would have been jailed in countries like America, Canada, Europe.

The President did not have the decency to meet with sugar workers and tell

them that they are “haemorrhaging” the treasury. He has steadfastly and egregiously refused to meet the sugar workers. In more than three years, in spite of all the efforts of sugar workers, since the estates were closed, the President, his prime minister and other cabinet ministers never once showed any inclination to meet the sugar workers. Yet, behind the backs of sugar workers and in front of his own supporters, the President constantly bemoans the fact that his Government must pay sugar workers their severance. continued on page 5

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News

“Don’t join the bandwagon; Brother dies, sister critical in ECD accident pay up and build” – Housing

The parents of Sunil Sukhnandan on Thursday evening at their Ogle home

A

quiet Thursday night became unsettled following a horrific fatal accident which involved two siblings near the Ogle Gas Station on the East Coast of Demerara. While details are sketchy, the parents of six-year-old Grahams Hall Primary School student Sunil Sukhnandan confirmed that their son lost his life in the fatality that occurred just before 18:00h.

His 17-year-old sister,

Venesha Sukhnandan, was rushed to hospital in an unconscious state, and is said to be critical. Following the accident, persons began sharing on social media photos from the accident scene, which showed the siblings lying helplessly on the public road. Reports are that as the two children were crossing the road, a vehicle struck them head on. Public-spirited persons rushed the two seriously injured children to the

Investments to...

Clearly, he considers the payments unfair and undeserving.

The President could think what he wants; it does not change the fact that sugar workers earned severance, and there is no room for prevarication.

As President Granger, his prime minister, and their Cabinet continuously complain of the money the Government has to invest in sugar, they conveniently ignore that sugar pumped close to $100 billion into the treasury to support Government expenditures during the 1980s, including expenses to subsidise bauxite, pay public servants etc.

Even now, sugar pays billions for non-sugar drain-

from page 4

age and irrigation.

Investments to support SUGAR are not handouts or subsidies, as this Government wants people to believe -- a lie they deliberately have promoted to their supporters.

They have demonised sugar and the sugar workers. The President leads in this awful charade, characterising sugar workers as parasites.

This plain political discrimination is the kind of behaviour that forces the UN to include Guyana in a “shame list” that now includes 38 countries.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where the boy was pronounced dead on arrival. His sister remains hospitalised, reportedly suffering from fractures to her neck and back.

Her father, told Guyana Times that she has to undergo several scans before doctors can comprehend the full extent of her injuries.

Meanwhile, the boy’s mother, Radika Narine, was overwhelmed with emotion at the realisation that she had lost her young son. The couple parented seven children at their ocean front home at Sea Dam, Ogle East Coast Demerara.

The father said his son did not attend school on Thursday because of the rain. He added that at about 17:40h, he sent his daughter to purchase some items from a nearby shop, and her brother begged to go with her. The father said he permitted the boy to go, but never could have imagined that his children would encounter an accident.

“I tell them be careful pon de road…when I get the message I was bathing, and when I tidy up and reach out on de road, them gone with them at the hospital,” the father recalled.

The fisherman added that the family had lived in Industry, ECD before taking up residence at the small wooden shack they call home on the Ogle Sea Dam. His wife and daughter would sometimes assist him in selling shrimps. (Shemuel Fanfair)

Minister tells new land owners

Minister Patterson-Yearwood with residents at the Region Three RDC office

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inister within the Communities Ministry with responsibility for housing, Valerie Adams PattersonYearwood has advised residents of Region Three (Essequibo Island- West Demerara) to work towards paying off their lands and begin building as soon as they receive their titles.

The Minister was delivering remarks to residents moments before she distributed close to 100 house lots to families in the region at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office on Thursday.

The Communities Ministry has made available house lots in the Tuschen Phase two and Block 8 areas for applicants.

“I encourage you not to join the bandwagon. You are here, and I believe the reason why you are here is that you need a house lot. And because you need a house lot I

am going to give you a house lot,” the Minister is quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information.

She said persons must aid in the process by utilising the house lots as too often persons who are allocated house lots leave the land to become overgrown with bushes. The Minister said there are countless persons who would give anything to

have those very plots of land.

The lots distributed cost $92,000 for low-income earners and $500,000 for middle-income.

Gopaul Sanasie said he had applied for his house lot 10 years ago. While he was allocated a plot of land at Stewartville and paid for it, he was never shown the land. “I was waiting for this for 10 years now since I applied. And with the Minister being here, I guess this is the fastest thing that could have ever happened,” he said.

Amidst tears, Raymond Khan and his wife Nalinie Etwaroo said they had applied for a house lot since 1989; however, they were never fortunate to be allocated a land.

“We squat and build a little house and live in it on the dam. We are happy for the Government to give us our land, we are really thankful,” the couple said.

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By Barbara W Sarnecka, PhD

D

o you remember a Dr Seuss story called The Zax? It’s about two creatures called Zax who meet while walking in opposite directions. The story describes how “It happened that both of them came to a place, where they bumped. There they stood. Foot to foot. Face to face.” In the story, neither Zax is willing to budge, so the two just stand there forever.

But what if the story had ended differently? Imagine that instead of staying put, one Zax bows and moves aside, allowing the other Zax to pass.

Now ask yourself two questions: Which Zax do you think has higher status?

Which Zax do you like better?

Most people agree that the bowing Zax has lower status.

Bowing (prostrating oneself, making oneself smaller) is a sign of deference, as is moving out of someone’s way. This is true not only for humans, but also for chimpanzees, wolves, and a range of other species. Among humans, even 10-month-old infants recognise bowing and moving aside in this context as a sign of lower status.

Now consider the second question: Which Zax do you like better? When we ask adults, most say they like the bowing Zax – the one who ends the conflict by being a little bit humble and going a little bit out of his way.

But what about toddlers?

If you haven’t spent time with a toddler recently, this is the age sometimes called the “terrible twos” – a time when many children have trouble managing their feelings and behaviour. It is also the age when children begin to interact with peers, which means they experience for the first time conflicts not unlike those faced by the Zax – who gets a toy; who gets to sit in the best

Foundation …for human toddlers the end does not justify the means

chair; who gets to pick a book to read; and always, always competition for the attention of caregivers.

In a recent series of experiments in my lab at the University of California, Irvine, we probed toddlers’ thinking about winners and losers, bullies and victims.

The work was published earlier this week in the journal “Nature Human Behavior”.

In these experiments, toddlers watched a scene in which two puppets had conflicting goals: One was crossing a stage from right to left, and the other from left to right. The puppets met in the middle, Zax-like, and stopped. Eventually, one puppet bowed and moved aside, letting the other one pass by.

Then we offered both puppets to the toddlers and asked who they liked. The result: 20 out of 23 toddlers picked the higher-status puppet – the one that did not bow or move aside, but stayed upright and continued on its way. It seems that toddlers like winners better than losers.

But then we asked another question: Do toddlers like

winners no matter how they win? Recent work with bonobos (Pan paniscus, also called pygmy chimpanzees) shows that bonobos tend to like the winner of a conflict even when the winner hinders someone else from reaching their goal, or pushes someone else out of a territory.

Human social hierarchies

We wondered whether human toddlers feel the same way. So, in another experiment, we showed toddlers a puppet show very similar to the one described above. But in this experiment, the conflict ended not because one puppet deferred to the other, but because one puppet knocked the other one down and out of the way. Now when we asked toddlers which one they liked, the results were different: Only 4 out of 22 children liked the winner.

(A series of follow-up experiments ruled out alternative explanations for the findings.)

What do these studies suggest about human nature and psychology? Human social hierarchies are in many respects similar to the hier-

archies of other species. But whereas most other species have hierarchies based on dominance (such that the biggest, strongest or fiercest individuals have the highest status), humans also form hierarchies based on prestige – where individuals can gain status not only for being big and fierce, but also by providing benefits (eg, nurturing, knowledge or resources) to others.

An old saying goes that “Everyone loves a winner.”

The data suggests that children already love a winner by the age of 21-31 months.

This does not necessarily mean that the preference is innate: 21 months is enough time to learn a lot of things.

But if a preference for winners is something we learn, we appear to learn it quite early and without any explicit coaching.

Even more interesting, the preference for winners is not absolute. Children in our study (unlike bonobos) did not like a winner who knocked an opponent down. This suggests that already by the age of 2131 months, children’s liking for winners is balanced with other social concerns, including perhaps a general preference for nice or helpful people over aggressive ones.

More studies will be needed in order to specify exactly which aspects of a social scene toddlers pay attention to, and how they decide whom to approach and whom to avoid.

But in a time when the news is full of stories of public figures who practise greed and self-dealing, who celebrate winning at all costs and kindness not at all, we find these results heartening. Human children are different from chimpanzees, wolves, or bonobos. Humans understand dominance, but we also expect strong individuals to guide, protect, and nurture others.

In 2018, this feels like good news. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

By Michael A Ellis

T

he rapidly increasing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) makes finding out what causes it even more vital. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs), ASD now afflicts 1 in 59 children (and 1 in 37 boys) in the United States. By contrast, 1 in 150 children were affected in the year 2000.

Other studies suggest that current prevalence may be even higher.

The quick and easy answer to the cause of autism is, “We don’t know.” However, we do have more understanding than t h i s ,

although the answer is complex.

The current understanding of ASD is that there are multiple causes of ASD, not a singular cause of all cases.

We currently know of many genetic disorders that have ASD associated with them: fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, and neurofibromatosis. The knowledge of these genetic disorders and their association with autism has led many scientists to believe that the cause of ASD is primarily genetic. The heritability of ASD was estimated by scientists to be about 90 per cent. But, at present, the known genetic disorders that increase the risk of ASD make up at most 25 per cent of cases.

Investigations into the genetic causes of ASD have been less fruitful than expected, so some researchers have turned to studying potential environmental causes.

As such, more recent studies have shown the heritability of ASD to be between 37 per cent and 50 per cent, making the environmental causes of ASD more significant than the genetic ones. However, it should be noted that any illness is caused by the complex interaction of genes with the environment. Each person’s cause of ASD may have a different degree to which genetics and the environment play a role.

The environmental causes of ASD have remained somewhat elusive, and proving causality may be impossible.

However, researchers have found some significant correlations of environmental contributors with ASD. We

know that there is an increased risk for ASD in children born to mothers over 35 and to fathers over 40 years of age.

Other risk factors are closer spacing of pregnancies, prematurity, low birth weight, and being a first-born child.

An infection during pregnancy or a prolonged fever also increases the risk for having a child with ASD. Certain other exposures during pregnancy have been correlated with ASD as well: rubella infection, first-trimester exposure to thalidomide, valproic acid (Depakote for seizures or bipolar disorder), terbutaline use to stop premature labour, and untreated phenylketonuria.

There has been growing

concern a n d evidence for an association of ASD with pesticides, phthalates (found in plastics), perfumes, air pollution, other chemicals, and electromagnetic fields. Further, experts have already known that mercury, lead, arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and toluene are toxic to humans and cause neurodevelopmental disorders.

Thus, it would not be surprising if we found that a chemical or combination of chemicals did cause or dramatically increase the risk of ASD. About 85,000 chemicals have been manufactured in the US and of these, 2800 are used in high volume with little information about their developmental toxicity.

Several studies have shown that those with ASD have changes in genes that are involved in detoxifying the body from harmful chemicals. This would make those persons more at risk of toxicity and adverse effects from these chemicals. One review of the literature regarding environmental toxicants found 92 per cent of 37 studies showed an association between ASD and environmental exposures such as pesticides, phthalates, PCBs, solvents, toxic waste sites, heavy metals, and air pollutants. The strongest evidence in the studies appeared to be with pesticides and air pollution. Exposure to toxicants in the water supply or mothers’ eating of fish (increasing mercury exposure) was not supported as an increased risk for ASD. It should be noted that these studies show a correlation and do not prove causality. (Excerpt from psychologytoday)

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fridAY, september 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Green paper “prescriptive” pays lip service to Dutch Disease – Ram …Govt’s coverage ‘public relations’ gimmick

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A section of the audience at the forum organised by the GMSA on Thursday

utspoken attorney and accountant Christopher Ram has dubbed the Government’s coverage of the Green Paper “public relations and propaganda” and not serious consultations.

He told a forum organised by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) on Thursday to discuss the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) that the paper leaves more questions than answers.

“It is not a Green Paper, it’s a White Paper. A Green Paper tells you what your

options are and various variables, what are the advantages and disadvantages,” he explained.

However, he claimed that the document is “very prescriptive.” In other words, it actually outlines what the Government plans to do. He argued that that is not consultation.

“And we are also speaking against the background of inadequate information.

We still don’t know things about the contract and there is an elephant in this room and we are not addressing it,” he said.

Ram, pointed to a host

of things that are yet to be done, including information being released about the prospecting license, the production license, a depletion policy, and no local content policy.

“I think the paper has paid some lip service to the Dutch disease particularly as it relates to the impact on exchange rate, inflation, unemployment, balance of payment, unbalanced development. We have already seen the Dutch disease here,” he added.

The outspoken accountant told the forum attended by persons from civil soci-

ety that the distinction must now be drawn between the theory and the practice.

“We are gone a far way with a Natural Resource Fund…And we are seeing the economy already suffering from the Dutch disease…We have said, we talked about the resources curse. There is nothing saying how to do you prevent it,” he further pointed out.

He continued, “I am, not sure what there consultation process is, who is taking the notes, and do we have a committee in the Ministry of Finance for the Government to consider recommendations and to decide? Because unless we do, we are hearing that government is going ahead with legislation by the last quarter of 2018.

They are not waiting on us.”

Ram stressed that “Unless you put good mechanisms in place nothing is going to work” and added that he believes that “the best sovereign wealth fund you can have is a well-managed economy and a proper structured country.”

Using Singapore as an example, he said that that country is not one that is natural resource blessed but still has one of the best economies and SWFs in the world be “because it “runs

its economy well and puts aside its money.”

Veteran trade unionist and General Secretary of the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) Lincoln Lewis who was part of the panel said that the Government has failed to engage the Guyanese people in active consultation to hear from them what they would like to see done with the resources from the oil and gas sector.

Meanwhile, University of Guyana lecturer Carol Webster said there is need for a clearer rules set out in the Fund that will guarantee sustainability and the equal distribution of wealth.

The discussion covered issues such as the guiding principles for a SWF; how the SWF should be utilized and mechanisms for doing so; governance mechanisms, and oversight and management of the SWF and the role of civil society and the private sector. Forum also included a representative of the Finance Ministry Sonya Roopnauth.

The Green Paper on the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), which will deal with the question of management of anticipated oil revenues starting in 2020, was laid in the National Assembly

Chartered accountant Christopher Ram

in August. Government has said that legislation in relation to the fund could be laid in Parliament before the end of the year, as indicated in Budget 2018.

It said that the proposed legislation addresses two main issues: stability of the economy, and saving for future generations. Advice on this fund is being sought from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo recently said he still did not agree with the model being proposed for the Fund, which could cater for a representative from the Opposition.

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fridAY, september 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Hairdresser jailed for cocaine trafficking

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aren Petuela Stuffle, a hairdresser of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was on Thursday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of trafficking 1.42 kilograms of cocaine, which she had stashed in her vagina and stomach.

At time of her apprehension, on Sunday at the CJIA, the hairdresser was scheduled to board a flight bound for New York. A search conducted by CANU ranks on her person resulted in the narcotics being unearthed.

The woman was further questioned, and admitted to swallowing 100 pellets, which she subsequently excreted at a city hospital.

The charge Stuffle faced detailed that while being an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on September 9, 2018, she attempted to smuggle the cocaine out of the country in form of 100 pellets which she had stashed on her person.

The 48-year-old defendant admitted to the charge, and told the court she had

been paid US$400 and had her airfare paid in full in order to traffic the narcotics.

She told the Chief Magistrate she does not want to waste the court’s time, and apologised for her action while stating, “I would never do this again!”

Stuffle has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, and fined $2.3 million for the offence.

Based on reports, several other persons linked to the bust have been arrested, and are currently in Police custody assisting with investigations.

Since the Judiciary ain’t broke…

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Jailed: Karen Stuffle standing inside the Police detention facility at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

…then it’s a fix!

resident Granger has said that Opposition Leader Jagdeo must “justify” his rejection of his (Granger’s) nomination of Justice Kenneth Benjamin for Chancellor of our Judiciary and Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards for our Chief Justice. Now, the law governing appointing of the Chancellor and Chief Justice is pretty clear about appointments, and is governed by Article 127.

Section (1) declares, “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

Nothing there about either party offering “explanations” for their choice, is there? Section (2) explains if there’s no AGREEMENT on these substantive appointments; then, after “meaningful consultations by the President with the Opp Leader, the former can make ACTING appointments.

President Granger appointed Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards as ACTING Chancellor and Justice Roxane George as ACTING Chief Justice when the incumbent ACTORS retired. He waxed eloquently about this being a banner day for Guyana with two women occupying the top two judicial positions!! His sacred cow, Simona “I is” Broomes, gushed, “I believe, as well, that the elevation of two women to these distinguished positions is a reflection of the determination of the administration of President David Granger to enrich the lives and enhance the profiles of Guyanese women.”

But then, seeking to nominate SUBSTANTIVE appointees, President Granger selected Justice Kenneth Benjamin of Belize for the Chancellorship, and effectively demoted Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards to Chief Justice. Justice Roxane George was tossed out on her ear!!

Not surprisingly, not only did the Opposition Leader reject Granger’s choices – which he claimed came from the pool of applicants – but so did the Bar Association!!

Justice Benjamin, after all, had been accused by the Belize Bar of delaying justice for litigants (and thus denying justice!) by sitting on cases for two to five years!!

The matter was raised in June 2016, and Benjamin replied, "I have regrettably accumulated a number of reserved judgements over an extended period of time. It is embarrassing, and I accept full responsibility." He then promised to complete two cases per week and remove the backlog by mid-September. He actually completed THREE! Or one per MONTH!!

The matter was raised again by the Bar the following year, 2017 – the year Granger nominated him for our top spot. Benjamin allowed as to how the matter had caused him "much anxiety and distress”, and he’d use his vacation to correct the situation. He begged that "the patience and understanding of the Bar is craved."

Belize is still craving, since the backlog’s still there!! Since Granger’s raised the matter of ‘explanations’ from Jagdeo, shouldn’t he first explain why he chose Justice Benjamin?

Is it because he’s an ex-GDF Officer who’d served under him?

…it’s contempt for women

But Granger also owes an explanation to the women of Guyana, whom he said had now been facilitated by him to break the “glass ceiling”. We don’t expect any reprimands from Simona Broomes; they have to protect each other’s backs!! (Will the PNC ever look into the Broomes’ churlish behaviour at Amazonia now that the ball has been tossed into their court by Granger?) But what about other women’s groups, now that Granger feels “explanations” are necessary in the matter of top judicial appointments?

Where exactly have either Justice Cummings or Justice George shown that they’re not “fit and proper” to be confirmed in their positions substantively?? Last week, CNN showed a documentary of the life of Justice Ruth Ginsberg and the obstacles she faced to get into the US Supreme Court. But she overcome them by fighting for equal rights for women for over fifty years – and winning!!

It appears Guyana’s still run by an “old boy’s network”, and women have to accept being second class.

Even when they’re first rate! Explain why?

…Granger is miffed

Justice George earned President Granger’s ire when she ruled against his interpretation that the GECOM Chair must be a judicial person.

That’s her “perception”, he sniffed!! And she’s yesterday’s news!! And Granger need to explain why!

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

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fridAY, september 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jagdeo renews calls for impartiality model for GECOM

...willing to discuss issue with President

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is insisting that any changes to the composition formula used by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will have to be a model that encompasses impartiality.

Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo posited that he is willing to have discussions with President David Granger on a new formula for the composition of the elections body but only if that new method would ensure impartiality at GECOM. “We’re not reticent to discuss anything but we are going to be very cautious to ensure that a formula that we have now enshrined in our Constitution, which empha-

sises impartiality and joint participation in selecting the Chairman, that that formula is not undermined in favour of one that will remove that consensus or impartiality,” he stated.

At a press conference two weeks ago, President Granger said the ‘Carter Forumla’ that currently guides the composition of GECOM has exhausted its usefulness and that he will include it on the agenda to discuss with the Opposition Leader during their planned talks.

The ‘Charter Formula’ refers to the composition of the Commission, which is comprised of six Commissioners – three from the Opposition and three from the Government’s side – and a Chairman appointed

by the President in “meaningful consultations” with the Opposition Leader.

This method was devised by former United States President Jimmy Carter following the controversial 1992 elections.

However, President Granger has faced heavy criticism when he unilaterally appointed retired Justice James Patterson as the new GECOM Chairman last year after rejecting three lists of six nominees submitted by the Opposition Leader.

This had once again reinforced the need for electoral reform, something which the Head of State recognises but told media operatives at his press conference on Friday that it would require consensus on both sides.

“Yes we could consider

Man robbed, shot by bicycle bandit at wake house

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n East Bank Demerara man is now nursing a gunshot wound to his right leg after he was shot during a robbery on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred at about 21:00h at the Beterverwagting/Triumph area, East Coast Demerara.

The injured man has been identified as 62-year-old Allan Ramjit of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.

It was reported that Ramjit had gone to at-

tend a funeral at his inlaw’s house and later that night, he was standing on the bridge outside the yard when the lone suspect approached on a bicycle.

The perpetrator whipped out a handgun and pointed it at Ramjit, ordering him to hand over his valuables. However, Ramjit resisted and the suspect discharge a round, hitting him to his right leg.

Upon being shot, the victim fell to the ground and the suspect then relieved

him of two cellular phones before making good his escape on his pedal cycle.

The injured man was picked up by relatives and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were treated and sent away several hours later.

Meanwhile, the Police have since launched an investigation into the incident and are looking for the suspect. A spent shell was retrieved from the scene.

Gun, ammo uncovered at Charlestown storage bond

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The shotgun which was found

olice are investigating the discovery of an unlicensed shotgun and 10 cartridges which were found at a storage bond on Saffon Street, Charlestown, on Thursday. It was a staffer who uncovered the illegal weapon and ammunition upon routine packing at the facility. The Police were subsequently contacted and took the weapon and ammunition into their possession.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

the reform of GECOM, we are still working under the Carter Formula which we generally agreed to have exhausted its usefulness. It’s like having a cricket match with one umpire from each team… it is not a formula for consensus, it’s almost a formula for gridlock. So there needs to be a change…

So I’m in favour of reform but we must adopt the ar-

chitecture, we must adopt the procedures which are in place for other constitutional commissions,” the Head of State had asserted.

However, Jagdeo on Thursday said he will have to seek clarity from the President as to his proposed model.

“The President said we could use the model of other constitutional bodies and

somehow there has been, in the minds of a few people, what those constitutional bodies are, which model. There are several constitutional bodies and most of these do not require two-thirds support of the National Assembly to be put in place – because I saw some comment that we should go with that model. So I have to seek out from the President which of these constitutional bodies he is talking about when he said we should use those as the model,” the Opposition Leader indicated. for decades now, election observer groups both internationally and regionally have been insisting that while GECOM’s purpose for existence is to administer free and fair electoral processes, Guyana should consider reforms that would reduce or eliminate the politicised composition of the election body in order to ensure independence and impartiality.

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fridAY, september 14, 2018| guyanatimesgy.com

Cyclist killed by drunken Cop in WCD accident S

ixty-four-year-old cyclist Conrad Alleyne of Lot 33 Hague, West Coast Demerara was struck down on the Boerasirie Bridge by a vehicle being driven by a Police Superintendent attached to the ‘D’ Division (West Bank DemeraraEast Bank Essequibo) on Wednesday at about 19:20h.

Rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, he was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he succumbed to his injuries.

Alleyne’s body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Police information revealed

he had consumed more than the legal limit of alcohol. He has since been taken into Police custody.

Less than two weeks ago, Akemo Anthony Bristol of Lot 338 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, a 23-year-old father of one, died following a collision on Mandela Avenue

that the Superintendent, who was driving motorcar PTT 992 in an easterly direction along the northern side of the bridge, said he felt the vehicle had struck something, and

upon inspection he saw the cyclist lying on the bridge with injuries about his body.

However, a breathalyser test conducted on the Superintendent showed that

with a GPF vehicle being driven by a Police rank, who also was said to be under the influence of alcohol.

Based on information received at that time, the Police Constable and Bristol were both proceeding along Mandela Avenue when the collision occurred. The impact

reportedly flung Bristol into a nearby gutter, while his motorcycle ended up under the minibus.

Extracted from the gutter with visible injuries about his body, Bristol was rushed to the GPHC, but succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention.

Education Month signature event postponed until 2019 …Ministry says planning team was “busy” with strike

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signature event to celebrate this year’s Education Month, which is observed in September, has been called off, since the planning officers were “busy” addressing the teachers’ salary woes.

This was explained to Guyana Times on Thursday by one of the Ministry’s Public Relations Officers, Murtland Haley.

According to Haley, the planning officers were engaged with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and were unable to make the necessary plans for the exposition, which was dubbed the signature event.

Haley explained that the expo was supposed to be hosted at D’Urban Park from September 14-16, and was being held with the intent of providing an opportunity for patrons to get a better understanding of how the Education Ministry functions. He said persons would have been able to enter the expo and make queries among other things.

Additionally, the Expo would have seen the par-

Education Minister Nicolette Henry

ticipation of international partners such as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The organisations would have had the opportunity to highlight the work they have been doing in Guyana, as well as actively engage those visiting the event. The idea of the exposition is to “touch ev-

ery Guyanese and make them aware of what is happening in education,” Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson said during a recent interview. He noted that the inter-agency participation is necessary since education is not about a person but rather it about everyone.

The expo was eliminated from the list of activities to celebrate this year’s Education Month, which is being held under the theme “Education for A Good Life Through Innovation and STEAMS” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Spirituality).

Nonetheless, the first Education Month activity is slated for tomorrow in Region One (Barima-Waini), where hinterland children will engage in a Career Guidance, Science and Mathematics Fair at the Regional Education Office in Mabaruma.

A number of other activities are also scheduled to commemorate the month, which includes a career extravaganza, educational fairs and steel pan school performances among others, across the country.

Customs broker robbed of motorcycle

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wenty-one-year-old customs broker Samuel Luke of Stevedore Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown was deprived of his motorcycle at about 21:30h on Wednesday when two men pounced on him and confiscated his vehicle.

Reports are that Luke had just turned his motorcycle onto

the bridge leading to his yard when he noticed two men riding a black CJ motorcycle approaching him. The pillion rider reportedly hopped off this machine, walked up to Luke and demanded his keys.

Luke initially refused to deliver, but the perpetrator dealt him a lash to his head with the handgun he was

brandishing, before discharging a round in the air; scaring Luke, who immediately handed over the keys.

The man then jumped onto Luke’s bike, and the duo sped away west on Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt.

Police have since launched an investigation into this incident.

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fridAY, september 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

24-hour medical service being provided to Venezuelan refugees

Young people have got to step up come November 2018!

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

C

Introduction ritical Local Government Elections (LGE) are approaching, and provide a chance to act. Things that we took for granted, such as the appointment of the GECOM Chairman and the promotion of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, have been transformed into a “pappy show,” as unprofessional people attempt to impose their ways on the nation in their pursuit of a path that lacks integrity.

The policies of the Granger regime are being skewed more and more to serve a particular group; not necessarily Afro-Guyanese, but a particular class interest within that group. The teachers’ strike confirmed this position, as we saw the Granger regime abandoning mostly working class Afro-Guyanese women to instead divert the cash to make multi-million-dollar payouts to the small cabal that surrounds the regime; a cabal that is tied to the regime because of its ruthless ambition and its so-called “I” consciousness. This group that the Granger regime serves includes mainly ex-GDF and ex-Police officers -- members of a small group within the PNC leadership, including their family members and business buddies.

These facts illustrate why young people matter more today. Team Granger promised them jobs in 2015, but has instead totally shut them out from the system. After three years, only the top three percent (mainly ex-military, top PNC leaders, their families and their business buddies) continue to be given wanton opportunities to draw the hog’s share from the Treasury, while the other 97 percent have to settle for the crumbs.

This teachers’ strike was a great awakening of a kind that Guyana has not seen in a very long time. That strike provided the reassurance that the Millennials are reading the headlines, are figuring out this great PNC swindle, and are ready to take action against those who are perpetuating the swindle.

From the graph below, the Millennials are now the largest voting bloc in the upcoming LGE, and most likely will be in 2020. They constitute some 46 percent of the voting population, and if the first- time voters are added to that pool, then those who choose to ignore them will do so at their own peril.

The youths of Guyana, who constitute close to 60 percent of the voting population, must step up and vote in these LGEs. Failure to vote would saddle young people with leaders like Patricia Chase-Green and Oscar Clarke, whose ideas are totally out-of-sync with their class interest. This is the time for the youths to sign on, volunteer to get the votes out, run as candidates for their respective groups; and if all else did not happen, JUST VOTE SOLIDLY FOR THE YOUTHFUL CANDIDATES! My direct appeal to the youths is this: reject those who think they have a legal title over you because of your ethnicity.

Let your vote speak to those who use race and ethnicity to control you, because racism cannot feed you. All that you want is proper representation. It is time to send a strong signal to those who were given a chance, like Ms Chase-Green, but failed to deliver, yet hide under the cover of “kith and kinism”.

It is time for them to go, and if their political sponsors are not interested in sending them packing, then it is time to use the vote to show them “who is boss,” by voting like a boss. It is time to break ranks and vote for more youthful candidates to run your local government system, and this is not an attempt to tie you to any political party.

For example, I see no reason why 26-year-old Akeem Peter, who is a member of the PNC, cannot run the Georgetown City Council better than Ms. Chase-Green. After all, the standards she set were grossly deficient, thus it will not take much to remedy those.

Do you think Ms. Chase-Green is worried about the job situation among the youths? Do you think she is concerned about creating a city that is user-friendly to the increasingly youthful Georgetown population? Do you think she is interested in listening to you by quashing the Parking Meter Contract? Do you think that she cares if the market stinks, once she finds the millions of dollars to pay Hammie Green’s security bills?

CONCLUSION All these relate to Town Council and NDC matters, and the more energy we can inject into the system at these levels, the better for Guyana. It is time for the young people to step up come November 2018.

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

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

enezuelan refugees who have escaped the economic crisis in their country and are residing in Region One (Barima-Waini), Guyana, are being provided with 24-hour medical service.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Thursday, Region One Chairman Brentol Ashley explained that the initiative was made possible via collaboration with the Public Health Ministry, to send medical personnel at key areas. In this way, the refugees would be able to access basic healthcare facilities.

“The region would have been saddled with the responsibility to look after these persons and with the support from the Ministry of Public Health, we have health teams in five areas providing 24 hours of health services to persons,” said Ashley.

The Chairman noted that additional support was also given by providing fuel for the construction of camps and permanent housing structures for those who are envisioning the idea of making Guyana their home.

A GDF rank along with some of the Venezuelan refugees in Region One last week

“We have been able to provide fuel and lubricants to several communities to cut materials to construct camps and in some cases to start helping those who are settling to have houses and clear the lands and so forth. We have also been helping them with janitorial.”

Guyana Times was informed that the number of persons has grown to over 600 and is slowly increasing.

While the region has been experiencing good weather conditions so far, supplies have been easily distributed to the affected persons.

“We’re still having persons

in the villages like Khan’s Hill and the others that are currently residing there. The number hasn’t increased significantly but it’s over 600 persons. We’ve not yet expected the bad weather so supplies are arriving just fine for the last few days. Supplies were supplied to Khan’s Hill, Kamwatta and Whitewater.”

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and Food For The Poor (FFTP) are presently distributing food supplies to the areas. However, other entities have made their contributions during the initial migration in July.

“We’ve been assisted by CDC and Food For The Poor.

In the initial stage of it in July, we would’ve had assistance from Hand-In-Hand Insurance Company and also some public spirited citizens who would’ve donated clothing and so forth. [International Organisation for Migration] IOM would’ve helped with some non-food items to several of the communities,” said Ashley.

In July, it was reported that only about 268 refugees were present in the area after they would fled the initial food crisis but after the lack of basic amenities and health care, more persons sought refuge in Guyana.

In response to the influx of returning migrants, Government had also established a multi-sectoral committee to coordinate the national response and assistance to the Venezuelans. Local public officers also underwent a one-day training workshop on the international best practices to prepare them in assisting migrants and protecting them from abuse and exploitation.

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fridAY, september 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Stabroek Wharf vendors to spend 2 years on bus park – Town Clerk …vendors moved to tears after area barricaded

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endors who ply their trade in the dilapidated Stabroek Market Wharf area will be accommodated at minibus parks for at least two years, until the wharf has been rehabilitated.

This is according to Town Clerk Royston King, who on Thursday hosted a press conference following a cordoning off exercise undertaken just hours before at the deteriorated wharf.

“It (bus parks) is going to be a temporary area, but it (the vendors’ sojourn) is going to be long; because I don’t see the facility, the wharf, being restored and modernised in less than two years. It’s going to take about two years or more (for modernisation of the wharf to be accomplished),” King said.

He nevertheless assured

will have to face the strong winds for another three to four weeks, until those bus parks are properly prepared for them.

The Town Clerk noted that although the vendors would not be permitted to use the wharf to vend, the M&CC is seeking to permit vendors with perishables to use in front of the Stabroek Market to sell off their goods until their newly designated area is ready.

A vendor detailing her woes while displaying her perishables

that some $25 million will be used by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to prepare the bus parks for those vendors; and he declared this a worthwhile investment.

“The investment is going

to be worth it out there for the vendors. That’s going to be worth it, I think, because at least it will give them a chance to continue making a livelihood,” King offered.

The relocated vendors

Tearful vendors Several vendors who ply their trade in the Stabroek Wharf area were brought to tears on Thursday morning, when they were confronted

by City Hall staffers cordoning off the entrances to their vending area.

This move came approximately two weeks after the M&CC had issued a notice informing the vendors of their plans to remove them from the deteriorated area in order to facilitate rehabilitation works there.

When this publication visited the area, staffers of the M&CC were hard at work installing the barricades, much to the displeasure of the affected vendors.

They complained that they have no issue with being removed from the area, especially since it cannot be disputed that the wharf is in a deplorable state. They were, however, dissatisfied with City Hall's move to displace them without providing an alternative area to accommodate them. This was related by a number of the vendors.

A male vendor who said he is the sole breadwinner for his home complained, “All these things we have here (are) perishables. The boat come Wednesday, they know well they want to close off this market like this, they should at least give de peo-

A blocked entrance to the Stabroek Market Wharf

ple a chance. Tell we, ‘Well, we putting you out there’, or, ‘We carryin you and put you in the toilet to sell’,” he expressed.

Moved to tears, the man explained that he has three children to maintain. “They takin a bread outta we mouth! Where we gun go?!

We got to get somewhere!” he lamented.

A plantain vendor who is a single mother explained, “I don’t have a problem (because) they move us. The beauty about it is that I want they come and tell we that we moving from Point A to go to Point B. We know we have to move, but they ain’t tellin us where we goin. I am a single parent; I have mortgage (to pay) and I have my daughter going to a secondary school”.

Elderly vendor Glasgow (only name given), who has been vending in the wharf area for over 40 years, said: “We glad to find somewhere to go. We need to move because it’s dangerous. Yes, we need to move; but where to go? It will affect my livelihood, because I got a lot of demands when the month come. Ah got bills to pay, ah got mortgage to pay, and I have a lot of things to look after”.

A vendor whose only name was given as Jackie, who retails salted fish among

other things, told Guyana Times, “We would be happy if we could get somewhere fuh sell. I sellin here over 20 years. They give we a notice for 14 days, but them ain’t relocate we nowhere else as yet”.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry (MPI) has reportedly undertaken to rehabilitate the Stabroek Market Wharf, which has been in a deplorable state for many years.

Several bus parks have been relocated to facilitate upgrade works to accommodate the vendors, including the Route 42 (Grove/Diamond to Georgetown) Park. A number of other parks were later relocated to facilitate the same venture, specifically to alleviate the traffic congestion in the area.

Bus drivers in the various operating zones have since been placed in different areas, but they have strongly condemned this development because of criminal activities and other inconveniences allegedly associated with those new areas.

In fact, on Tuesday, the Timehri (Route 42) minibus operators were displaced after their new park was flooded. Due to heavy rainfall experienced on Thursday, the flooded situation remained unchanged when this newspaper visited the area.

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fridAY, september 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jagdeo questions ToRs used to hire Dept of Energy staff

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ith the recent announcement made

by President David Granger of the establishment of an energy ministry by 2020, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has now questioned whether the Government has a Terms of Reference (ToR) in place for the hiring of person in this field.

He noted that the newly appointed Head of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe now has the responsibility of selecting candidates from the Department. But the Opposition Leader noted that nothing has been said about what the Department will actually do.

“What are its Terms of Reference (ToRs)? You have to get ToRs before you even recruit people. How do you even recruit people, when you don’t know what they are coming to do? The ToRs of the Department must guide the skill type you re-

cruit,” he added.

Nevertheless, Jagdeo noted that Government is moving ahead with recruiting people. “In the meantime, look at the newspapers, look at the incompetence and hundreds of millions of dollars… urgency in auditing the pre-contract cost.

That money could pay all the teachers.”

In August, Government appointed Matthew Wilks, a senior oil and gas business developer and negotiator to serve as the Oil and Gas Adviser in the Department of Energy.

Wilks, who has 32 years of experience in the global oil and gas industry, will offer critical advice to Dr Bynoe who is an environment and resource economist.

During the President’s third press conference, he noted his Administration’s intention to establish a ministry that would be responsible for the oil and gas sector but on Wednesday told

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

reporters on the sidelines of an event that the ministry would be established before 2020.

He stated that the present configuration of Cabinet is determined by the Cummingsburg Accord, a sweetheart agreement that brought the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) together as a coalition to contest the May 2015

Elections.

Based on the present configuration, Granger said it is not likely that after three years in Government, a new ministry would be created. “I think at this stage after three years we wouldn’t want to add a new ministry, particularly as the Department of Energy is now being established in terms of its organisation, administration, legislation,” he explained.

Cabinet in March officially approved the creation of an Energy Department that would oversee Guyana’s oil and gas sector. Ministerial

responsibility for the sector was stripped from Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and given to Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

Government said the reason for this change was mainly to bring some organisational structure to the sector that will look at legislation to be introduced, negotiation with potential investors, exploration and production licences, public communication, and the engagement of experts, among others.

They also assured that energy-related responsibilities lying with Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson would remain untouched for now, especially responsibility for the Guyana Power and Light.

Trotman, and indeed the Government, has received much criticism for the way the budding oil sector is being handled. There have, in the past, even been calls to have Trotman removed from his position.

The main reason for this was because of the discov-

ery that Government had stashed in a private account in the Central Bank; US$18 million it had received from ExxonMobil as a signing bonus.

Though this discovery was made since last year, the Government has made no attempt to have the money placed into the Consolidated Fund. Many have argued that Article 216 of the Guyana Constitution dictates that all public revenue be placed in the Consolidated Fund.

Trotman was also criticised for his handling of the oil contracts between Government and ExxonMobil.

Even the Government’s own adviser on petroleum, Dr Jan Mangal, has been sceptical of Guyana’s two per cent royalty on earnings from oil sales, which he said is low compared to global standards.

While Dr Mangal has not objected to the 50 per cent profit share Guyana will receive, he does believe that the generous tax concessions and two per cent royalty is nothing to boast about.

9-year-old feeds baby brother rat poison Bandits rob mechanic, …toddler dies, mother arrested

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The house where the toddler, his brother and mother lived

hockwaves are rippling through the West Bank Demerara (WBD) village of La Grange, following the death of a one-yearold, who met his demise after he was reportedly fed carbon tablets (rat poison) by his nine-year-old brother. The dead child was identified as Andre Keron Tappin of Lot 18 La Grange Public Road, WBD. While information was still being gathered on the ghastly killing, Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan confirmed reports that young Tappin was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by his mother after she observed he was vomiting on Wednesday.

Reports stated that the child would usually be left in the care of his nineyear-old brother on numerous occasions. Guyana Times was told that the nine-year-old boy sometimes misses school to care for his brother. This was said to have irritated the older brother, who decided to feed the pills to his baby brother.

It was only after the

mother noticed the toddler’s condition that she was informed of what had transpired. It was reported that the nine-year-old admitted to what he had done. The baby was meanwhile rushed to the hospital but not much could have been done to save his

life and he subsequently died. The mother was taken into custody at the Den Amstel Police Station where she is said to be assisting the Police with their investigations.

When this publication visited the village, some of the neighbours seemed to have not had much interaction with the family and one man said he had only heard of the incident after the toddler’s death.

Another individual, who knows the detained woman explained that the mother of the child was very soft spoken. It was not clear what role the father of the nine-year-old played but reports stated that he informed the boy’s teachers that he would not attend school on Thursday.

escape with motorcycle

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errick D’Agrella of the Georgetown ward of Campbellville was relieved of his cellphone valued $50,000 and his Honda motorcycle, CJ 4341, which he was riding while traversing Plum Park, Georgetown when armed bandits pounced on him at about

21:10h on Tuesday.

According to information relayed to Guyana Times, the 35-year-old mechanic was riding his motorcycle when he heard behind him a loud explosion which caused him to stop.

As he did so, two men rode alongside him on a sim-

ilar vehicle, and the pillion rider pointed a handgun at him as he proceeded to search his pockets. This pillion rider then hopped onto D’Agrella’s motorcycle, and the duo sped away.

A report was made to the Police, and an investigation has been launched.

14 news Finance Minister CAL supports First Lady’s tours Banks DIH “Shoes that Grow” project F fridAY, september 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

inance Minister Winston Jordan described his most recent visit to Banks DIH Limited’s Thirst Park headquarters, as one that makes the case for the promotion of local products and local enterprises.

He told the Department of Public Information after the more than one-hour tour, that the trip is, “consistent with the Government’s promotion of local businesses and continuing efforts to make sure these businesses

added that the company has been doing quite well in certain overseas markets with “critical products” and “we applaud them for this.”

He stated that wherever Banks can be supported in its expansion, the Government will be “quite happy to do so.” The Finance Minister reiterated that Government is keen on widening the “Grow local, buy local” campaign so it will put local companies on the footing where they can compete with foreign

product lines, delivery services and a 400-capacity elevated car park with distribution outlet below.

The issue of certain taxation measures was also raised with the Finance Minister. Reis added, “not only with Banks but with other companies and he has given us the undertaking that he will review these areas to see what the possibilities are.”

The Banks DIH Chairman emphasised that he is “bullish” about

First Lady Sandra Granger (second left) stands with CAL’s Chief Executive Officer, Garvin Medera (right); CAL’s Senior Marketing Manager Alicia Cabrera (second right); and Interim General Manager, Georgetown, Carl Stuart (left) on Thursday

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Finance Minister Winston Jordan, along with Banks DIH Chairman Clifford Reis (fourth from left) and executives of the company

are strengthened, and allowed to grow so that they will be part of the diversification of the economy.”

Noting that “quite a lot is happening at Banks,” Minister Jordan said Government is quite happy that sales have been growing “to such an extent that they have a very extensive programme to align their products to international standards and their plants and machinery also.” He

competitors “fairly and effectively.”

The visit was welcomed

by Banks DIH’s Chairman Clifford Reis. He said during the tour, the company’s future plans were discussed, saying “We explained to him that we have a programme for the next five or seven years, which is going to take us into 2025.”

Reis explained that some these plans include expanding its ice-cream plant,

the beverage giant’s future given that its planned expansion is estimated to be around $2 billion but which will also be funded in-house.

The visit was another in a series conducted by the Finance Minister to local manufacturers to get a first-hand look at their operations and have frank discussions with their management teams.

aribbean Airlines (CAL) is partnering with First Lady Sandra Granger to transport for free, shoes from New York to Guyana for her “Shoes that grow” project.

A team from CAL, the State-owned airline of Trinidad and Tobago, met with the First Lady on Thursday at her State House office.

After the meeting, CAL’s

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Garvin Medera informed the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Information and Press Services Unit that an agreement was signed to pave the way for this new collaboration.

Medera said there is no established time frame for the period to which the service will be provided. He disclosed too that CAL is also willing to give support

to other projects undertaken by the First Lady.

“Shoes that grow” are specifically designed to ensure that they fit children as they age; the shoes are expandable. CAL’s Senior Marketing Manager, Alicia Cabrera and Interim General Manager, Georgetown, Carl Stuart, were also present at the meeting.

Linden NGOs assist over 300 students with school supplies

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Linden-based, non-governmental organisation (NGO) – ‘For the Children Sake Foundation’ (FTCSF) in collaboration with the Linden Fund USA – rendered assistance to over 300 students from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) with their School Ready Supply

children in Region 10 live in poverty and arrive on the first day of school without the supplies they need to learn. As such, he said by partnering with selected organisations, friends and other corporations nationwide, the School Ready Supplies programme directly delivers school supplies to those

to not only have another back-to-school drive but we are pleased to be privileged enough to increase the number of children we brought relief to. Three hundred and seventy-two bags were distributed not only in Linden but in other communities like Ituni. So we were fortunate to expand and we hope

Students pose with members of FTCSF and Linden Fund USA

programme.

As part of its annual back to school drive, the FTCSF,through this collaboration was able to assemble backpacks and other school supplies which went towards assisting the less fortunate children from various communities within the region. Vernon Todd, founder of the NGO, said the organisation was able to secure 372 backpacks under the programme.

He explained that many

students who are less fortunate.

Tisha Campbell, Director of FTCSF, who also spoke at the distribution of the school essentials said in her remarks that last year 300 backpacks were distributed to vulnerable families. This, she noted, is to ensure every child, regardless of circumstances gets to start the new school term with much-needed learning necessities.

"This year, we are pleased

in the coming year more support would be garnered from privileged families and community members who understand the need and see fit to assist,” she said.

Campbell also emphasised on the organisation's continued support of vulnerable groups. She added that it was a privilege to be able to aid families and pledged the organisation's continued support in assisting families in any way possible.

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fridAY, september 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

84 graduate from Industry Region 10 schools Skills Training Programme going smart,

Ministers Nicolette Henry and Raphael Trotman among the In-STEP graduates

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he Natural Resources Ministry closed its Industry Skills Training Enhancement Programme (In-STEP) on Wednesday with a graduation ceremony at the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Training Centre, Port Mourant (GTCPM). The programme, launched by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman in June, saw the inaugural batch of 84 former sugar workers and young people graduating with distinctions, credits, and passes.

In-STEP was a collaboration between the Ministries of Natural Resources,

Agriculture and Education. It was developed and proposed to the Natural Resources Ministry by the GuySuCo Training Centre (GTC) in February of this year.

The programme, funded by the Natural Resources Ministry at a cost of $4.5 million, included 120 hours of training being facilitated on Fridays and Saturdays at the GTCPM. It provided the participants with certified competency training in the basics of motor vehicle servicing and repairs, refrigeration, electrical installation, welding and fabrication.

Present at the ceremony was Education Minister

Nicolette Henry, who highlighted that retraining experienced workers is necessary in order to meet the needs of 21st Century industries that are emerging in Guyana.

The Minister told the graduates that this training will allow them to participate directly in the sustainability of the nation’s development, and they are now ready to gain employment to support the direct and indirect services of the petroleum, mining, agriculture and other economic sectors.

“The fact that you are here proves that you understand the power of your own growth and recognise the

benefits of life-long learning. I congratulate you all on this exemplary achievement, may you go on to create diverse industries right here in Guyana that yield maximum productivity for your chosen industry or your own innovative companies,” she said.

MNR Project Coordinator of In-STEP, Mariscia Charles, speaking on behalf of the Ministry expressed satisfaction with the pioneering project. She further noted the Ministry’s commitment to providing training opportunities to develop the skills of Guyanese. Charles assured that the Natural Resources Ministry remains committed to partnerships and to working with citizens across the country at every level.

The technical training programme forms part of GuySuCo’s Alternative Livelihood Programme for the over 4000 sugar workers who have been dismissed in the downsizing of the sugar industry.

The participants who have completed the InSTEP initiative are now eligible for entry into the New Amsterdam and Corentyne technical institutes to further develop their skills and become employable.

UN bodies strengthen cooperation to help C'bean fulfil 2030 Agenda

Alicia Bárcena

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he Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) says its executive secretary, Alicia Bárcena, has met with the United Nations Under-Secretary-General in charge of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Liu Zhenmin, in strengthening cooperation in order to assist the region in fulfilling the UN's 2030 Agenda.

“During the meeting, both UN entities reaffirmed the cooperation ties that unite them and renewed their pledge to continue working together to help the global organisation's member countries to advance on fulfilling the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to confront the main global economic challenges,” said ECLAC. At the meeting, in which

representatives from the 11 substantive areas that make up ECLAC participated, Liu was accompanied by Navid Hanif, Director of DESA's Financing for Sustainable Development Office.

ECLAC said Bárcena and Liu agreed on the need to combine efforts, increase exchanges and strengthen joint initiatives that allow for taking the needs of countries that are pursuing more sustainable development to the main bodies for follow-up of the 2030 Agenda in the

United Nations — particularly the high-level political forum, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the General Assembly.

“The UN system must be prepared to help its member countries along their path toward sustainable development,” Liu said. “We have the responsibility to expose countries what are the challenges ahead of us, and we must especially avoid and prevent a new global crisis. This is a very critical moment.”

Liu said that ECLAC and

DESA will continue strengthening cooperation “since we work in the same areas and on the same goals,” according to ECLAC. Bárcena reaffirmed that DESA is one of ECLAC's main allies and insisted on the importance of the 2030 Agenda's follow-up mechanisms, such as the regional forums, among them the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, which will hold its third session in April 2019. (CMC)

solar in 2019

Keane Adams

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tarting in 2019, the Region 10 Department of Education will be focusing on the green initiative and bringing schools on board to rely on renewable energy.

Regional Education Officer of Region 10 (ag) Keane Adams says solar panels will be installed in more schools in the new year. Another transition the department will be making is to transform traditional chalkboard classrooms into smart classrooms which will revolutionise learning to meet the standards of a technological educational sector.

“That is one criterion we are trying to fill, come 2019, we will have more solar energies in all schools and in 2019 too, we will have smart classrooms where children will be better able to interact, it will no longer be chalk and talk, so we are getting there,” Adams told the Department of Information.

For this new term, most schools were given a facelift, allowing the children to commence the new school term in a cleaner, brighter and more conducive environment. The focus, according to Adams, was the beautification of sanitary blocks, the physical infrastructure

and the overall aesthetics of the school, so that children, as well as teachers, can feel more comfortable and learning can be done more effectively.

“I am happy and elated that children are better accommodated because for Region 10, we would have exhausted our budget for furniture and equipment, schools are better equipped.

We are not 100 per cent, but we are better than where we were six months ago.

We are a bit more comfortable,” Adams is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

The schools that would have seen extensive refurbishing are the South Amelia’s Ward, Pine Street, Republic Avenue, Kwakwani Water Front, Kwakwani Park, Retrieve Nursery Schools, the Mackenzie and Watooka Day Primary Schools and the Christianburg Wismar and the Linden Foundation Secondary School as well the Mackenzie High School amongst others.

Refurbishing works include tiling, painting, ceiling, replacement of equipment and furniture and other improvement works to the physical structure of the school.

France admits torture during Algeria's war of independence

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rance acknowledged for the first time it was responsible for systematic torture during the Algerian war of independence in the mid-1950s.

President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that Maurice Audin, a communist pro-independence activist who disappeared in 1957, "died under torture stemming from the system instigated while Algeria was part of France".

Macron, who paid a visit to Audin's widow on Thursday, was also set to announce "the opening of archives on the subject of disappeared civilians and

soldiers, both French and Algerian".

During the 1954-62 war, which claimed some 1.5 million Algerian lives, French forces cracked down on independence fighters in the colony ruled by Paris for 130 years.

Starting with former President Jacques Chirac in 2003, French leaders have at various points denounced the suffering that the occupation of Algeria caused the Indigenous population, before walking back or tempering their statements.

But none until Macron, however, acknowledged France's responsibility in

France President Emmanuel Macron

the torture of Algerian detainees. During the war, the

French Government censored newspapers, books, and films that claimed it had used torture. After the war, atrocities committed by its troops remained a taboo subject in French society.

Macron, the first President born after the conflict, sparked controversy on the campaign trail last year by declaring that France's colonisation of Algeria was a "crime against humanity".

He later walked back the comments calling for "neither denial nor repentance" over France's colonial history.

An assistant professor at the University of Algiers, Audin was 25 when he was arrested at his home - likely

by French soldiers - accused of harbouring communist independence fighters.

The father-of-three was tortured repeatedly in a villa in the Algiers neighbourhood of El Biar. Josette Audin was told 10 days later her husband had escaped while being transferred between jails.

This remained the official version of events until 2014, when Macron's predecessor, Francois Hollande, acknowledged Audin died in detention. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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guyanatimesgy.com

fridAY, september 14, 2018

Around the World

Kofi Annan’s funeral: World leaders bid farewell to ex-UN chief

Funeral ceremonies in Ghana are usually elaborate affairs. Ghana’s traditional rulers came with magnificent ceremonial umbrellas to pay their respects as drumming echoed through the funeral venue as Ghanaians celebrated Annan’s life. Red and black are the traditional colours of mourning in Ghana. Annan’s body lay in state after it arrived from Switzerland

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orld leaders and royalty have paid their respects to one of Africa’s most famous diplomats, Kofi Annan, at his funeral in his home country of Ghana. It is the climax of three days of mourning which saw thousands of Ghanaians file past his coffin as it lay in state in the capital, Accra.

Annan died on August 18 in Switzerland at the age of 80. He was UN Secretary General from 1997 to 2006, the first black African to hold the world’s top diplomatic post.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for helping to revitalise the international body, during a period that coincided

with the Iraq War and the HIV/Aids pandemic.

Speaking at the funeral, current UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said Annan was an exceptional leader who saw the UN as a force for good. “As we face the headwinds of our troubled and turbulent times, let us always be inspired by the legacy of Kofi

Annan,” Guterres said.

“Our world needs it now more than ever,” he added. The former queen of the Netherlands, Princess Beatrix, and her daughter-in-law Princess Mabel, who were close friends of Annan, were among the mourners.

The king of Ghana’s Asante people, Otumfuo

Nana Osei Tutu II, awarded Annan the title Busumuru in 2012 to honour his role as an international diplomat. Busumuru is one of the swords attached to the monarch’s Golden Stool, or throne.

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo described Annan as “one of the truly iconic figures of

modern times”. “The outpouring of tributes from the world over is an accurate measure of the man, a man who gave his life to making peace where there was conflict, to defending the voiceless who were powerless, to promoting virtue where there was evil,” he said. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Barbados finds replacement gas supplier Nearly 40% of female with Trinidad refinery set to close suicides occur in India

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arbados has found a new supplier for petrol now that the Trinidadian Government is planning to shut down its oil refinery, according to Energy Minister Wilfred Abrahams.

But while the Government will try for a cheaper deal, it certainly has no plans to pay more for the refined fuel, and there will be enough stocks from the old supplier to last un-

til a new import deal is in place, Abrahams told online newspaper Barbados Today.

The Government’s oil importer, the Barbados National Oil Company Limited (BNOCL), is to sign a new petroleum contract by November with a fresh supplier but Abrahams is mum on the identity of that supplier. The unidentified supplier is to replace Trinidad and Tobago’s State-owned oil refinery, Petrotrin, which

Port of Spain announced last month it was closing due to increasing financial losses, leaving 1700 jobless.

BNOCL currently imports gasoline from Petrotrin and sells Barbadian crude oil to the Trinidadian refinery. Bridgetown is to receive its final Trinidadian shipment this month, enough to cover local needs way into November, the minister said.

Barbados has been ex-

porting some 260,000 barrels of crude oil to Trinidad yearly, just above a third of its annual imports of 720,000 barrels, or 60,000 barrels of petrol per month.

BNOCL’s petrol storage capacity is 80,000 barrels.

Diesel and fuel oil are sourced from outside of the region with kerosene being imported by oil companies SOL and Rubis, BNOCL said in a statement. (Excerpt

from Caibbean360)

Syria war: Turkey ‘reinforces military posts in Idlib’

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The region is home to 1.4 million people displaced from other parts of Syria

urkey is reportedly reinforcing its military observation posts inside rebel-held Northwestern Syria ahead of an expected government offensive. Activists saw a convoy heading towards some of the 12 posts set up last year under a “de-escalation” deal with the government’s allies, Russia and Iran.

Turkey supports rebel factions trying to overthrow

President Bashar al-Assad.

Meanwhile, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar warned that an offensive would lead to a “humanitarian tragedy”.

A sharp increase in hostilities and fears of further escalation have led to the displacement of more than 38,500 people since the start of September, according to the UN. An estimated 2.9 million

people, including one million children, are living in parts of Idlib, Hama and Aleppo provinces that are controlled

by Turkish-backed rebels and jihadists.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UKbased monitoring group, said a Turkish convoy entered Idlib via the Kfar Lusin crossing on Thursday. The convoy then split in two, it added, with one part heading

towards the northern Hama countryside and the other going towards the countryside near the central Idlib town of Maarat al-Numan.

Activists from the pro-opposition Edlib Media Center also posted a video online showing what they said were Turkish armoured vehicles and a lorry transporting a tank moving along a road leading from Kfar Lusin.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Specialists blamed the trend on early marriage – one-fifth of Indian women still marry before the age of 15 – along with male violence against women and other symptoms of a deeply entrenched patriarchal culture

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early two in every five women in the world who kill themselves are Indian, according to a Lancet study published this week that says the country’s suicides rates constitute a public health crisis.

The rate of Indian women who die by suicide has fallen since 1990, but not as fast as elsewhere in the world, and now represents 36.6 per cent of global female suicide deaths, the report in the UK medical journal found.

Indian women who died by suicide were more likely to be married, to be from more developed states and, by a large margin, aged below 35.

“It shows girls in India are in serious trouble,”

US, Cuba officials discuss mysterious embassy health incidents

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S and Cuban officials met at the State Department on Thursday to discuss the mysterious health problems that have affected more than two dozen American Embassy personnel, a situation that led to a reduction in staffing at the Havana mission and a chill in ties between the nations.

“There’s a briefing taking place between some

of our colleagues from our various bureaus. They are having meetings with the Cuban Government to discuss some of the medical issues that our people have experienced,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told a briefing.

Nauert, who declined to discuss details about the meeting, said the talks involved medical personnel

and experts on the situation, as well as officials from the Cuban Government.

At least 26 Americans have been affected by a mysterious illness at the US Embassy in Cuba with symptoms that included hearing loss, tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, vertigo, headaches and fatigue, a pattern consistent with mild traumatic brain injury, State Department officials

have said.

The illnesses, which first appeared last year, were initially described as the result of sonic attacks or health attacks. NBC News reported earlier this week that US officials believe the health problems may have been caused by sophisticated electromagnetic weapons.

NBC, citing administration officials and congressional aides, said the US

military had been trying to reverse-engineer the type of weapons suspected of causing the damage. The FBI and intelligence agencies declined to comment on the NBC report.

Nauert said the State Department has made no determination about who or what caused the health attacks. Cuban officials have denied involvement. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

said Poonam Muttreja, the executive director of the Population Foundation of India, a public health group. She and other specialists blamed the trend on early marriage – one-fifth of Indian women still marry before the age of 15 – along with male violence against women and other symptoms of a deeply entrenched patriarchal culture.

The suicide rate among Indian women was three times higher than what might be predicted for a country with similar geography and socio-economic indicators, the researchers said.

Muttreja said research carried out by her organisation had shown that 62% of surveyed women believed it was legitimate for their husbands to beat them.

The researchers speculated the link between suicide and marriage was due to the burdens of youth motherhood, the low social status afforded to wives in some households, the lack of financial independence and exposure to domestic violence.

Around one in four men in the world who die by suicide are Indian, roughly the same proportion as in 1990, the study said.

Suicide was also the leading cause of death for young people of both genders but was worse for women. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

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friday, september 14 2018

erbice get ready for one of the most exhilarating chutney shows coming your way on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at the Berbice Family Fun Park (Feroz Service Station) at Number 6 Village, West Coast Berbice.

The show titled “Chutney Soca Fete” will feature Pritivi Bheem out of Trinidad and Tobago. She is known for one of her most popular hits “Sham Sundar” which has taken the Caribbean by storm.

The show will also feature some of the best Guyanese in the business. These include reigning Chutney King Bunty Singh; former Guyana Chutney Monarch, Pooran Seeraj; 2018 Chutney Monarch finalist, Steven Ramphal and veteran in the game, Cecilia Samaroo.

Also taking the stage are Ganesh Kasinath, AW Lyrical, Vicardi Singh and Guyana’s Number One Crossover band, the Shakti Strings Orchestra. Adding some flavours to the event are the Berbice Delight Dance Troupe and Diva’s Dance Troupe.

In addition, the fabulous and glittery Joey Ghansham

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uyana’s own Arielle Ming is on a mission to be featured as the Covergirl on the world-renowned magazine, MAXIM. Once she appears on the cover, she will earn herself US$25,000.

But she cannot do it by herself. She needs the support of her friends and family in Guyana and those from around the world. This Guyanese beauty feels she has what it takes to become the new face of MAXIM and needs your vote to get her closer to achieving her goal.

The first round of voting commenced on September 10, 2018, and will conclude on September 26. Once she makes it past the first round, she will enter another stage where she will compete with 30 other finalists. There, she

will be in the house as the emcee of the proceedings as well “Party Boss” WR Reaz and Selector Andy.

Advance tickets cost $1000 and more at the gate. For ticket information, contact the organisers on telephone numbers 648-8247, 227-7065, 327-5534 and 654-3700.

The concert is promoted by Shakti String Events and it is one that you don’t want to miss.

Gates open at 18:00h and the show gets underway at 20:00h.

is expected to bring her ‘A Game’.

All you need to do to vote for Ming is to visit www.maximcovergirl.com/2018/arielle-ming and login with your Facebook account.

Voting is FREE and may be done once a day until the end of the competition.

There is also the Warrior Vote which may be purchased. For each US dollar donated, the Guyanese beauty will get one vote. The proceeds go to the Homes for Wounded Warriors.

You can also follow her on Facebook as Arielle Ming and Instagram evolve_ you_fitness for updates on her progress throughout the competition.

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friday, september 14, 2018

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wenty-year-old Denoila Bristol is a gym and personal trainer by profession, model by passion and teaching is her career.

She grew up in the mining town of Linden, 3rd Street, Silvertown and later moved to Georgetown at the age of six.

Currently, she is the founder and owner of Insane Fitness which was established on July 3, 2018, and entails personal training and group sessions for weight loss, toning and mass gain.

As it pertains to modelling, she was trained in Trinidad in June 2015. However, she re-migrated to Guyana and is now attached to KAST Talent Management; founded by Khamisi Slowe.

She is fearless and fierce in the arena of modelling.

She always thinks of herself as the best, putting aside all issues and worries and just working in her given space to showcase her beauty, boldness and now, baldness.

She has managed to balance her busy schedule with various sports and her studies. “So modelling is never just about face and definitely is not just for ‘the

‘D

ays Like Dese’ -- a new sitcom aired on local television channels, was initially launched with a pilot episode in May 2017. Episodes one to six in Season One were aired from June to November 2017.

At a red carpet event on June 29, 2017, at the National Cultural Centre preceded the airing of episode one.

Season two consists of six episodes, which began airing on September 7 and will continue until the end of November.

Two episodes will be aired per month on eight channels.

The new airtimes will be Fridays at 20:00h on Atlantic Cable, Fresh Channel 1; Saturdays at 20:00h on NTN-69 and 20:30h on TVG-28; Sundays at 19:00h on HBTV-9 and 20:30h on HGPTV-67 and Mondays at 18:30h on Cable26/Ch77 (Berbice). It will also air at 19:00h on MTV-65.

dunce and idle people’ as you would mostly hear,” she added.

With all the passion she has for modelling and sports, she managed to show the entire world beauty and brains go hand-in-hand by obtaining 15 subjects (inclusive of nine Grade Ones, three Grade Twos and three Grade Threes).

She described herself as a ‘pusher’ who knows how to get things done.

“I was never born with a “gold spoon” in my mouth and I love that aspect of my life. It teaches me to be independent and dedicated but to never be laid back,” she added.

A happy life is a healthy life and as such, she will continue to be the reason “behind” people’s healthy lifestyles, a nurturer and educator to young children and the bold, beautiful and educated young woman in-front of the cameras.

Because of the ongoing Caribbean Premier League cricket tournament being aired on NCN 11, the programme will be aired on Saturday, September 15 at 20:05h instead of September 16 as per schedule.

“Days Like Dese” is produced by GEMS Theatre Productions, written by Randolph Critchlow and directed by Randolph Critchlow and Gem Madhoo-Nascimento.

The actors in episode one are Nuriyyih Gerrard, Mark Kazim, Simone Dowding, Kirk Jardine, Rajan Tiwari, and Simone Persaud. Joining them in the second episodes are Ron Robinson, Lavonne George, Makayah Smith, Safira AbrahimWilliam, Mark Luke-Edwards, Brian Goodman, Olivia Rodrigues, Paul Budnah and Joel Ghansham.

“Days Like Dese” is a 30-minute sitcom that delves deep into the daily lives of a

diverse ‘socially responsible’ middle class Guyanese family -- the Rupauls. The sitcom inspects and highlights the intricacies of family and community interactions through blurred racial and social lens.

The sitcom through its intentionally diverse and mixed casting intends to remind us of how connected we really are as Guyanese. The Rupaul family exists not only in a racial blender but a social and generational one; as we get to see how the youth and the older folks try and sometimes struggle to bridge the generational and social gaps.

Viewers will feel connected with this family as they journey with them, traversing terrains that may sometimes be considered controversial but always palatable. It is family oriented with a lot of educational information mixed with the comedy.

T

he place to be this Saturday is in New Amsterdam, Berbice, for the grand opening of Club Privilege -one of the most modern night clubs in Berbice. The club is situated in the Leisure Inn Hotel.

However, the grand opening is expected to be massive with invitation only. Those who are the lucky invitees will be treated to the best of former Chutney Monarch Kris Persad, also known as “KI” out of the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and soca sensation, Nailah Blackman.

Both artistes are known for their versatility and energetic performances. The guests will also have an opportunity to mix and mingle with the artistes. It will be a night of pure class, excitement and sophistication.

Come experience the state-of-the-art lighting, sound and cozy ambiance. However, apart from the two highclass artistes, Deejay Gully Ras and Selector Diamond will be in the house. In addition, Trinidad’s most energetic deejay, P Star Perry, will make an appearance.

The trio is well versed in their juggling skills and will undoubtedly have the audience hitting the dance floor with their excellent mixes. The place to be on Saturday is definitely Club Privilege, New Amsterdam -- the Home of Stars!

I

t is not every day you celebrate 100 and to mark this momentous occasion, Deejay Golden Chyld is having one of the grandest birthday celebrations this year. The event is set for Saturday evening at Mitra’s Bar in Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara.

The event is expected to be a ‘blue and white affair’ since there will be Carib specials all night. In addition, there will be mouth-watering bar-b-que on sale all night.

Music for the event will be provided by Sniper Entertainment, Determine Sound, Team MMR and Deejay Juggler. The birth night bash is sponsored by Carib, Seeta’s Bar, Westsiderz Entertainment, Terror Barber Shop, Slick Tint Shop, Desmond Bus Service Cut Masters Barshop, and Duck Katel Butchery.

fridAY, september 14, 2018

19

Cornell Murray says men do not Worcester’s du Preez unable to get preferential treatment talk after throat injury

B

ritain’s Jamie Murray has rejected claims of men being treated more leniently than women by umpires.

Serena Williams was docked a game by Portuguese official Carlos Ramos for verbal abuse during her US Open final defeat against Naomi Osaka last week.

The American claimed it was “sexist,” and her view was endorsed by former champion Billie-Jean King, who said there was a “double standard”.

Murray said it was “a bit far-fetched” to say men are treated differently.

Williams was seeking to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, and was facing 20-year-old Osaka at Flushing Meadows in her first major final.

The 36-year-old had already had a point penalty for smashing her racquet, and a code violation for coaching, when she was penalised further for calling Ramos a “thief” and a “liar” in New York.

Speaking on the eve of Great Britain’s Davis Cup match with Uzbekistan in Glasgow, US Open mixed doubles champion Murray told BBC Sport: “I think the umpire did what was within his rights.

“Coaching is common, a lot of people a r e

doing it, some people aren’t getting called for it. To get called in a Grand Slam final was perhaps a bit tight, but I think the reaction was pretty overboard.

“I’ve seen a lot of people get called for coaching before, and you might have a grumble and stuff, but you get on with it.”

Ramos will umpire Croatia v USA in the Davis Cup this weekend.

Speaking before the tie, US captain Jim Courier told the

Jamie Murray

AP news agency: “It’s been polarised and in some ways politicised. But we have no doubt that Carlos was just enforcing the rules as he sees them.”

American player Steve Johnson added: “Look, I don’t want this to come out the wrong way, but he enforced rules that have been enforced on me over the years.

“I’ve never been called for coaching, but the racquet abuse, the verbal abuse, that’s just part of the sport. I think a lot of it maybe got over-amplified because it was the finals of the US Open.”

Women’s governing body, the WTA, supported Williams, and chief executive Steve Simon said the umpire showed her a different level of tolerance over her outbursts than if she had been a man.

The International Tennis Federation, meanwhile, defended 47-year-old Ramos and said he acted “at all times with professionalism and integrity”. (BBC Sport)

God Given’s talent gets Luca Cumani’s name back in serious-win frame

L

uca Cumani’s daughter, Francesca, was five when the trainer recorded his first win in the Park Hill Stakes, with Alma Ata in 1988. Three decades later, she was asking the questions as an ITV pundit here on Thursday, after her father’s sixth success in the race with God Given, which came three years to the day after the previous Group Two victory on his long and distinguished CV. Cumani’s drought at Group One level is longer still, and dates from July 2015, when Postponed took the King George at Ascot. A few months later, Postponed’s owner, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, moved all 35 of his horses from Cumani’s Bedford Lodge to Roger Varian’s stables less than a mile away in Newmarket, when the 42-season veteran has since struggled for success in the best races.

God Given, though, will offer her trainer a realistic chance to add to a total of more than 50 Group One and Grade One wins when she heads to Ascot in October for the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.

She had several lengths to find with the Varian-trained Pilaster, the 6-5 favourite for the Park Hill, on their form in the Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood in August, but she seemed

Jamie Spencer and God Given (left) winning the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster

to benefit from a slow early pace. That gave her a chance to use her finishing speed inside the final quarter-mile and then hold off Horseplay and Pilaster by a neck and the same.

“If she didn’t win today, we’d have gone to France for a Group Two; but now there’s no point,” Luca Cumani said. “Her last race will be at Ascot, and then she’ll probably go to stud and make beautiful babies.”

Aidan O’Brien picked up his third juvenile Group Two event of the British season as Fleeting, a 12-1 chance, stayed on to win the May Hill Stakes. The winner appreciated every inch of the one-mile trip, and will now be stepped up to Group One company either in the Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket or the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp on Arc day in early October. (The Guardian)

C

ornell du Preez, the Worcester and Scotland back-row, has revealed he is unable to talk, and must remain in hospital for the next four weeks as a result of the serious throat injury he sustained on the opening weekend of the Premiership season.

Du Preez has undergone multiple operations after he was taken to hospital in Birmingham following the injury suffered in Worcester’s defeat by Wasps on 1 September.

The 27-year-old had been on the pitch for barely five minutes when the injury occurred as the result of a collision with the Wasps captain, Joe Launchbury.

While it was initially suspected he had suffered a broken larynx, Worcester said on Thursday that the South African-born Du Preez had sustained a fractured cricoid (the cartilage just below the Adam’s apple) as well as a damaged voice box.

The Worcester director of rugby, Alan Solomons, said Du Preez is “making good progress,” but there is no timeframe set on his return for the club he joined from Edinburgh in the summer. Du Preez added on his Instagram page that he cannot speak for the duration of his stay in hospital.

He wrote: “On the 1st of September I fractured my cricoid [Adam’s apple]. I also damaged my voice box, so I won’t be able to speak at all for the next 4 or so weeks. I will be in hospital until then. We really want to thank @worcswarriors, friends and family from all over the world for the unbelievable support that (has) been received. It’s been overwhelming.”

It is unclear whether Du Preez, who has six Scotland caps, will require further surgery, but Solomons added: “Cornell is making good progress, and is receiving the best treatment in hospital.

Everyone at the club sends him their best wishes, and we will continue to support him at this difficult time. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

Last season, the Harlequins fly-half Demetri Catrakilis also suffered a serious throat injury, and was sidelined for almost six months. He was unable to talk for a week, and regularly saw a speech therapist during his rehabilitation. He said: “To get back to playing, you have to overcome quite a few negative thoughts; and injuries can happen to any part of your body. This has changed my perception of life, because there was a stage when I didn’t know if I was going to survive.” (The Guardian)

Cornell du Preez

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

fridAY, september 14, 2018

Rounds 1 and 2 of the GCB/CGI cancelled due to inclement weather

I

Deonarine Seegobin, Chewroy Kendall, Traven France, Romain Muniram, Keon Morris, Sachin Singh, Yeudister Persaud, Vishaul Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Trevon Griffith.

Coach is Orin Bailey and Assistant Coach/Manager is Rohan Sarjoo.

nclement weather has forced cancellation of the 2018 GCB/CGI Jaguars One-Day League which was scheduled to begin on 14th September, 2018 starting with round 1.

Round 2 has also been cancelled, and proceedings will now commence at Round 3.

The tournament will commence on Monday, 17th September, 2018 with West Berbice playing Lower Corentyne at Bush Lot, WCB; while East Bank will battle East Coast at Enmore.

Upper Corentyne will face Georgetown at GCC, and West Demerara will go up against Essequibo at Everest in Georgetown.

The tournament will be played on a Round-Robin basis, also known as an “all-playall” format. The team with the highest combined points at the end of the tournament will be declared its winner.

The teams are as follows: Upper Corentyne: Lloydel Lewis, Joshua Ramsammy, Trishan Ramsarran, Andy Mohan, Omesh Matura, Eon Hooper, Shawn Perreira, Demetri Cameron, Alex Algoo, Sylus Tyndall, Devendra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Clinton Pestano.

Stand-by: Antonio February, Jonathon Rampersaud, Ryan Ramdass, Rameshwar Chatterpaul, Gavrav Ramesh.

Coach is Winston Smith, and Assistant Coach/Manager is Leslie Solomon.

Lower corentyne: Jonathon Foo, Seon Hetmyer, Sasenarine Sukhu, Jason Sinclair, Nial Smith,

West Demerara: Ronaldo Renee, Safraz Esau, Mahendra Dhanpaul, Travis Persaud, Malcom Hubbard, Navindra Persaud, Aaron Sewpersaud, Raymon Reifer, Akshaya Persaud, Romario Shepherd, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Richie Looknauth.

Coach is Rayon Griffith and Assistant Coach is Dhanpaul.

Manager is Omar Hussain.

Kassim Khan, Keith Simpson, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Kelvin Umrao, Karan Arjpaul, Veerasammy Permaul, Raun Johnson.

Stand-by: Trevon Stanislaus, Sharaz Ramcharran, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Royston Crandon, Devon Clements.

Coach is Julian Moore, and Assistant Coach/ Manager is Kwesi Maltay.

West Berbice: Arthley Bailey, Kevin Jawahir, Raffel Estriado, Steffon Adams, Keith Fraser, Ceon Glasgow, Heeralall Bridgela, Stephen Harris, Javed Karim,

Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Kevin Sinclair.

Stand-by: Quacey McPherson, Leon Andrew, Carlston Nurse, Andrew Dutchin, Waquar Hassan.

Coach is Andre Percival and Manager is David Black.

East Coast Demerara: Ameer Khan, Dambuka Nqando, Rajendra Chandrika, Kamesh Yadram, Brian Sattaur, Clive Andrews, Gajanand Sukhanana, Eshwar Singh, Ramnarine Chatura, Javier Spencer, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Bhaskar Yadram, Joshua Persaud.

Stand-by: Pradesh Balkishun, Chanderpaul Ramraj, Andrew Samaroo, Yuvraj Dyal, Mahendra Doodnauth.

Coach Esuan Crandon and Assistant Coach/Manager is Latchman Yadram.

Georgetown: Andre Stoll, Steven Sanka, Kellon Carmichael, Ovid Richardson, Franchet Duncan Clark, Ashmead Nedd, Qumar Torrington, Adrian Hinds, Leon Johnson, Christopher Barnwell, Ramaal Lewis, Robin Bacchus, Raymond Perez.

Stand-by: Steven Jacobs, Dexter Soloman, Dwain Dick,

Ravi Shastri asks for warm-up matches before Australia Tests

F

ollowing their horrendous 4-1 defeat to England, India Head Coach Ravi Shastri has revealed that the team management has requested the BCCI to arrange for “a couple” of warm-up matches ahead of their fourTest series in Australia, which begins on December 6.

In an exclusive interview with ESPNcricinfo, Shastri also made it clear that he was leaving the UK in a “positive” frame of mind, and had not received any communication from the board to review India’s 4-1 series defeat in the Pataudi Trophy.

Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding, on Sky Sports during the Test series in England, had said India captain Virat Kohli had elaborated on why he felt warm-up games weren’t always useful.

Oppositions in such games, he said, were often of poor quality, and pitches dissimilar to the ones prepared for the Test matches. In those circumstances, he felt intense practice sessions were often a

Virat Kholi chats with Ravi Shastri

better way to prepare.Shastri has now agreed that warm-up matches may not be a problem; however, he said it was not always possible to play as many warm-up matches as the team would like, given the choked international calendar.

“If you have two or three games against weaker sides, we don’t mind, because it is

a game,” Shastri said. “But when you have a schedule as tight as this, and when you have a memorandum of understanding that has already been formulated, with a choc-abloc calendar, there is very little you can do.

“Now, we have requested for a couple of (warm-up) games in Australia before the Test series. Ideally, we would

want two three- or four-day games before a Test series,” Shastri said. “But do you have the time? For example, we have a T20 series in Australia preceding the Test series. There is a 10-day gap before the first Test. These are things that have been approved earlier. It is not in our control.”

The 4-1 defeat in England has led numerous critics to question the role of India’s support staff, including Shastri. He, however, said he has full faith that India’s support staff could lead the team in the right direction. In his closing comments Shastri went on to state, “People are entitled to their opinions. As long as we know the job we are doing, and we are honest to our jobs; as long as, (being) support staff, we are helping players channelise their energies in the right direction, we are not worried about what critics say.”

India start their Australia tour with a three-match T20I series beginning on November 21. This leaves them with only a ten-day gap before the first Test.

Omesh Daniram, Ray Newton.

Coach is Bharrat Mangru and Assistant Coach/Manager is Clive Grimmond. Assitant to Coach and Manager is Michael Franco.

Upper Demerara/East Bank Demerara: Ershad Ali, Gavin Singh,

Essequibo: Kevon Boodie, Ricardo Peters, Akini Adams, Mark Williams, Nealand Codhagan, Leoryan Ramlakhan, Chitram Persaud, Joshua Persaud, Keemo Paul, Antony Adams, Kemol Savory, Ricardo Adams, Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Stand-by: Quintin Sampson, Pamesh Parsotam, Khandhiya Ramkarran, Ronsford Beaton, Tulsieram Permnauth Coach is Ryan Hercules, and Manager is Nankishore Andrews.

UG Trojans into semis vs DCC F

ollowing their defeat to DCC in the first division by the remarkable heroics of Guyana’s very own Christopher Barnwell, the University of Guyana Trojans will have to face their old foes in the NBS 2nd Division 40-over semifinal at DCC, starting at 10:30am.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport, Captain of the Trojans, Melroy Stephenson, said, “Well, on the 2nd division tournament, we fancy our chances. Thus far in the competition, we have invested, winning all 7 of our matches to date. We anticipate a keenly contested match against DCC, but on this occasion we expect to come out on top in the first division semifinal. It took a Herculean effort by senior West Indian player Chris Barnwell to overcome us, but with Barnwell not playing 2nd division, we don’t foresee a repeat by the Queenstown-based side. As a result, we should be progressing to the finals, and wait whoever wins between Police and GCC. We are quite confident, but not complacent”.

Asked who the DCC should be watchful of, Stephenson said, “In the tournament thus far, Omesh Danram has been sensational as he has scored the only

UG Trojans Captain, Melroy Stephenson

hundred thus far, representing the students. A few other batters who a lot can be expected of are Linden Austin, Ershad Ali, Dwayne Dodson and myself, with my highest score being 57. In the bowling department a lot will be expected from our bowlers Ershad Ali, Dennis Heywood and Ray Newton, since both Newton and Heywood are our leading bowlers, with Ali having a 5-wicket haul to his name thus far”.

With the UG Trojans currently having to prepare for a T/20 tournament in Suriname before they return to play the NBS 2nd Division 40-Over semifinal, there is bound to be tons of experience gained, and confidence to return and face DCC.

sports

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ports tourism, now attracting much needed attention worldwide, is seemingly the next big initiative for Guyana.

To assist in boosting this rapidly growing sector, veteran cricket commentator and sports consultant Joseph “Reds” Perreira has taken the initiative to compile a list of sports tourism projects in which the tourism sector can invest.

Speaking from decades of experience in the field of sports, Perreira posited: “I feel it’s time that the Guyana tourism officials implement a sports tourism programme that would allow Guyana to join the Caribbean nations and the rest of the world in benefiting from this expanding niche market.”

He cautioned that the success of a sports tourism programme would need the support of a department strictly dedicated to sports tourism, even though situated within the Ministry of Tourism.

This department can work alongside other national sports associations, and receive support from organisations with a mandate to promote Guyana through tourism, such as the Guyana Tourism Authority, travel companies, embassies, high commissions, and the national press.

Perreira has said that to commence a sports tourism programme successfully in Guyana is not by any means reinventing the wheel. Such programmes have already been done by many Caribbean nations, both small and large.

However, for such a programme

to be successful, it must have full support and commitment from the national associations, the individuals, the Guyana Private Sector and the Chamber of Commerce. Events might be named after, he said.

“Reds” has indicated his availability to bring the relevant stakeholders together, to confirm their interest in order to begin a sports tourism programme. He has also noted that the initiative can be promoted at the World Travel Market in November, and events can be hosted as early as in 2019.

Proposed events:

1) The Clive Lloyd Club 20/20 (Cricket) Target areas: the Caribbean, UK, USA and Canada 2) Rugby International Magnificent Clubs Sevens Target areas: the Caribbean, Central & South America, UK, USA and Canada 3) Caribbean Club Basketball Festival Target areas: the Caribbean, USA, Canada, Central & South America 4) 69-mile Cycling Endurance Race from Blairmont to Georgetown (to honour cycling greats George Cumberbatch and Boogie De Freitas) Target areas: The Caribbean, Central & South America, USA, Canada, and UK 5) Athletics and Cycling on the Avenue (Main Street, Georgetown) Target area: The Caribbean 6) Caribbean Squash Singles’ Festival Target area: the Caribbean, USA, Canada and UK The following events should also be included; they have been established without an official sports tourism programme.

7) Schoolboys’ Boxing and Youth Tournament Target area: the Caribbean, USA, Canada, UK and Europe 8) South American 10K 9) The Hockey Club Festival 10) Guyana’s November Motor Racing Meet 11) Ride Guyana Experience -- from Corriverton to Parika: a cycling experience crossing three rivers and ending at the mighty Essequibo.

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“Reds” Perreira explores sport tourism possibilities for Guyana

Joseph “Reds” Perreira

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he University of Guyana cricket team, the UG Trojans, will be departing these shores on September 20 to participate in the 2nd Cyril Bonar Memorial T/20 Cricket Competition, to be held at the DR Snelle Park in Paramaribo, Suriname between September 22nd and 23rd.

The matches are scheduled to be played on September 22, 2018 from 9:30 am to midnight; and September 23, 2018 from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm. Guyana’s very own Tremayne Smartt, part of the current West Indies Women’s T/20 World Championship Team, is expected to be there. Smartt, a right-arm medium bowler, has an impressive economy rate of 5.51, and best bowling

The University of Guyana Cricket team (Trojans) will compete in the upcoming tournament

figures of 3/9 at the T/20 level.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Coach of the UG Trojans, Kenroy Joseph, said, “The team is expected to win the tournament, simply because we have been doing commendably in all formats of cricket at present, plus the team spirit is high”.

Joseph warned that the Trojans should not be taken for granted, although it is known that the other teams have made them a study.

He said the recent GCA first division tournament, in which the Trojans had participated up to the semi-final stage before being defeated by the DCC because of Christopher Barnwell’s heroics, produced players that should definitely be feared in the upcoming tournament.

Those outstanding players are Omesh Danhram, Ershad Ali and Linden Austin, all of whom are valuable all-rounders who have performed well in the GCA cricket.

He said the most impressive characteristic of his feared players is their pace lineup, which can claim wickets early in the power play overs with the likes of Ray Newton and Suresh Danhia leading the charge from the front.

The squad participating in the 2nd Cyril Bonar Memorial T/20 Cricket competition is made up of D Dodson (Capt) L Austin, O Danhram, E Ali, D George, S Dhania, R Newton, D Heywood, G Matthew, P Persaud, M Persaud, N Bollers and K Greene.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

fridAY, september 14, 2018

Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers Invitational league to kick-off in October …tournament excludes private institutions and lessons

T

he Petra organisation have again shown their worth by launching an inaugural under-18 schools football competition that would benefit schools in Georgetown, Linden, the West and East Coasts of Demerara, East Bank Demerara and Berbice.

The Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers Invitational tournament is being sponsored by the namesakes of the competition, and will run from October 6 to December 9, with each of twelve participating schools playing eleven preliminary games before heading into the knockout rounds.

Speaking at the launching ceremony on Thursday, Co-Director of Petra, Troy Mendonca, gave a synopsis of the vision of yet another school tournament.

“This tournament is in keeping with Petra’s vision of assisting with the development of the sport through the school system. Our focus in this tournament is to bring together the twelve best teams in the country (to compete) in a league format,” Mendonca explained.

Mendonca revealed that, in the coming years, he is looking to better the structure of the competition with a more organised qualifica-

tion process, wherein the best teams from each region would be competing.

Jacqueline James, representing the Tradewind Tankers, disclosed that the company, based in Spain, works in collaboration with Guyoil to ship commodities to Guyana. She said the company has been doing a great job at discharging its corporate social responsibility.

“We at Guyoil see our corporate social responsibility as a very important aspect of our business and giving back. So we are pleased today not only to be giving back, but to be associated with youths; because, as a company, we see sports playing a holistic part in (youths’) education,” she stated.

Guyoil Marketing Executive Ashmin John went as far to note that the national oil company is committed to seeing the schools projects completed and winners receiving the cash prizes they had won.

“Guyoil would like to go further and say whatever project the winning team chooses, we will be there to support you. If you want to paint a new room in your school, we will be there to help you. We want to be that involved in your projects,” John revealed.

it would do well to improve the level of competition displayed.

“Since last year, we were touting the idea of having foreign teams come into the country to play; so it’s very good motivation for you, the students, who will be vying to see if you can come within the top two schools, to see if you can qualify for that tournament,” Fraser said.

A turn in the tides

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca

Heightened competition

For some of the participants in the 54-match competition, playing will not stop at the final match. As disclosed by the Petra organisation, the winner and runner-up of the competition would each have a chance to test their skill at a higher level.

The Petra organisation, earlier this month, launched the KFC Football tournament, consisting of four school teams. It is slated to kick off in December.

Mendonca has divulged that the Shiva Boys Hindu

College in Trinidad and Tobago and the Annai Secondary School would both be competing in the tournament, and he has promised that the last two local teams competing in the tournament would be revealed in a timely manner.

“So the two best teams from this tournament will join those two other teams for three days of football in December,” Mendonca explained on Thursday.

Stating that inclusion of the two local teams is a great idea, Ministry of Education representative Nicholas Fraser noted that

Aside from all the pomp and splendour associated with the launching ceremony, the Petra organisation revealed a critical fact about the competition that may receive mixed responses in the near future.

“Unfortunately, at this point in time, I would like to mention that we will not be inviting institutions such as Sir Leon, Chase, Morgan, Buxton Masters, since we think that their practices do not align with our philosophy,” Mendonca has announced.

Mendonca was careful to note that the stipulations are all in good faith.

“However, we would like to go on record in recognition of their (mentioned schools) efforts that contribute to the growth of the game,” he said.

The announcement

caused smiles to light up the faces of both teachers and players from the public schools present, many of whom had expressed that the inclusion of the ‘lessons’ institutions gives those institutions an unfair chance at winning the tournaments.

“I’d like to congratulate the Petra organisation for making this decision, because the Government schools have been suffering at the hands of the private schools, who take the students from you and play you the same year. So I’d like to congratulate you for making that bold move,” Lodge Secondary School teacher Leon Bishop expressed.

The twelve teams in the tournament are: Annandale Secondary, Friendship Secondary, Vergenoegen Secondary, Uitvlugt Secondary, Berbice High School, Wismar/ Christianburg Secondary, The Bishops’ High School, Lodge Secondary, St. Rose’s High School, Dolphin Secondary, Queenstown Secondary and Queen’s College. The tournament will kick off on Saturday, October 6, and will be played on Saturdays and Sundays at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

NSC donates to special needs schools

D

irector of Sport, Christopher Jones, yesterday donated to special needs schools in Guyana a number of sporting gears totalling over one million dollars.

These donations were done in the Boardroom of the National Sports Commission on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

A statement released by Jones detailed that the NSC is committed to sports for the benefit of all, and will ensure that all athletes, despite their physical wellbeing, are able to participate in sports.

Further, Jones said, since 2015, the AFC/APNU Sport believed that everyone should have access to re-

Director of Sport Christopher Jones and representatives of the various special needs schools in Guyana

sources, despite their physical capacity.

He said the NSC, in 2015, set aside funding to support participation of females and the differently-able; thus, in 2016, the NSC was able to hold its first annual special school sports, which has now been made an annual event.

For 2018, the event will be held over two days at the

National Gymnasium and at the Guyana Defence Force Ground, on the 18th and 19th of October, 2018.

Jones emphasised importance of the value of the items handed over. He said that even though they may not seem much -- referring to Braille Cards and Braille Domino – they should be cared for. Beneficiaries of

the items presented were: the Harold B Davis School, The Ministry of Education Unit for the Blind, The Guyana Society for the Blind CXC Students, Saint Barnabas Special School, Special Needs School of the East Bank and The David Rose Special Needs School.

The various schools represented at the event ex-

pressed gratitude to the NSC and Director Jones, as Tessa Fernandes, representative of Saint Barnabas Special School, said that because of the NSC, her children can now continue to excel more in the area of sports, and create opportunities for themselves in the sporting arena. (Timothy Jaikarran)

guyanatimesgy.com

fridAY, september 14, 2018

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Defending champs get last chance at finals against fired-up Patriots

C

urrent CPL champs Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) will tonight slug it out with a spirited St Kitts and Nevis Patriots side to determine who will sit on the sidelines and who advances to battle the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) for the Hero CPL 2018 Championship.

Despite having the advantage of playing at home, the TKR will be mentally shaken, having suffered back-to-back losses to the Warriors a few nights ago, the most recent being in a thrilling 2-wicket encounter. Considering that the TKR had this season lost one of their encounters to the Patriots before rebounding with a win, it is reasonable to surmise that their nerves might just be a little jagged going into this encounter.

The Patriots had replicated a similar result at Providence when they stunned the Jamaica Tallawahs the very next night by the same two-wicket margin. While Sohail Tanvir smashed the winning runs for a six, Ben Cutting did the same as he muscled a big six to seal a win for his team; thus setting up a juicy contest.

A n t o n Devcich was the hero with a blazing half-century, while the

Patriots’ top-order, including skipper Chris Gayle, Fabian Allen, Evin Lewis and others, were among the prominent scor-

Darren Bravo

ers.

T K R have the advantage and the drive, given they are defending champs; and after

their two losses, will have one more chance to prove their might.

Much will revolve around their batting, due to their contributions to date. Colin Munro, the leading run-scorer, will need to rebound after not making any significant scores in the last two games. So, too, would his countryman Brendon McCullum, who also failed. If the Kiwis click, TKR could post a huge total, or chase one.

Veteran Denesh Ramdin is a big-match player, and given his form, he could play a big role in the middle along with Darren Bravo. The left-hander was in amazing form early on, but has since been playing more of an anchor role. A return to his backyard in a change of venue could reignite his fire.

S o u t h African Colin I n g r a m looked decent in Guyana, but his reputation as a big player and a power-hitter will be tested on Friday night.

Skipper Dwayne Bravo will also need to polish his

Cheryshev passes anti-doping tests

S

pain’s anti-doping agency has closed its investigation into Russia and Valencia winger Denis Cheryshev, which was occasioned after his father Dmitri had told Russian media that his son had taken an injection containing a “growth hormone” to treat an injury.

“The AEPSAD has closed the investigation. The decision has been communicated to the player, the Russian antidoping agency, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA),” a spokesman for the Spanish Agency for Health Protection in Sport, which is responsible for the fight against doping, said.

Cheryshev, who scored four goals in Russia’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals, has denied ever taking a banned substance. “I have never used any prohibited substances, and you don’t even have to think twice about it,” he said during the World Cup. On his official Twitter account, the player on

Thursday shared a letter from the AEPSAD, which stated that the case had been closed after “no signs of irregular conduct were found”.

The investigation stemmed from an interview which Dmitri Cheryshev gave to Russian publication Sport Weekend during the World Cup. In that interview, he was quoted as saying that in the run-up to the tournament, his son had received an injection containing a “growth hormone” to treat an injury.

The Russian Football Union (RFU) had said at the time that the treatment the player received had been a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, which is legal; and that the journalist had

incorrectly interpreted Dmitri Cheryshev’s words.

Cheryshev joined Valencia on loan from Villarreal in August.

He scored in Russia’s 2-1 win at Turkey in the UEFA Nations League last Friday. Valencia’s Director General Mateu Alemany said on Wednesday the club was unaware of the investigation, adding he believed the player’s father had been misquoted.

“We haven’t been notified about what has been published.

If the player was involved in an investigation, then they [the agency] should have told the club and the player,” Alemany said.

“We have had no communication in any form. He was subject to controls at Villarreal and at the World Cup. After reading everything, I think it’s an error in the transcription, because growth factors are not the same as growth hormones.” (Reuters) Denis Cheryshev scored in Russia’s 2-1 win at Turkey in the UEFA Nations League last Friday

game in both departments, and could also come to the party playing at home.

The bowlers will most likely be Ali Khan, Sunil Narine, Kharry Pierre, Kevon Cooper and possibly all-rounder Javon Searles.

All the TKR bowlers, especially Khan and Pierre, have been match-winners throughout the tourney, and could prove a pride of lions in a big game such as this.

Gayle’s men have been good with the ball, but their last performance saw the

Tallawahs rack up 191, punishing a quality bowling attack. Cutting will be the X-factor, and as a consistent wicket-taker this season, he could play another huge role; w h i l e p a c er Sheldon Cotterell, C a r l o s Brathwaite and possibly spinner Hayden Walsh Jr could account for the options.

With much to play for, both teams will be coming out with guns blazing. TKR will not want to choke in their backyard and ruin their third shot at a place in the finals, while a loss will cer-

tainly dethrone them. The Patriots, meanwhile, would want to keep their fire going and knock out the champs as Ben Cutting

they push closer to the finals.

The action is expected to bowl off from 20:00h. The Hero CPL 2018 final match is due to be played at the ground in Tarouba, St Kitts and Nevis.

Colin Munro

fridAY, september 14, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Page 23 Chris Gayle

Defending champs get last chance at finals against firedup Patriots

Ali Khan celebrating a Trinbago wicket

Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers Invitational league to kick-off in October …tournament excludes private institutions and lessons

Co-Director of Petra, Troy Mendonca; Jacqueline James; Marketing Executive of Guyoil, Ashmin John; and Ministry of Education representative Nicholas Fraser are flanked by players in the upcoming tournament

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