Guyana Times - Monday, December 3, 2018

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“We will create the environment for businesses to grow” – Harmon P14 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3765

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, December 3, 2018

Budget 2019 has nothing for poor, marginalised – audit firm ...says budget tailored along neo-liberal, pro-business lines

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

P7 Govt’s concept of Green State misguided – Jagdeo

Page 9

Guyana should oppose sale of Scotiabank to Republic Bank – economist Page 3

Over 350 dismissed sugar workers received no severance payout Page 11

Woman kills reputed husband during argument

Journalist shoots man who allegedly attacked P7 him

Allegedly P2 drunken motorists escape unhurt in ECD collision

P11 Teacher allegedly beaten by secondary school student

Page 2

PNC Chairperson’s comments “unnecessary distraction” – AFC leader Page 12

Govt bans P13 parties, social events at Kingston beachfront

2 news Woman kills reputed husband during argument mondAY, december 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

up and said this is what she use … it’s a long knife that she use and about over three inches went in he chest … these people don’t think in these times, in they rage they does just act … they could’ve lived to fight another day,” the neighbour stat-

ed.

Relatives of the dead man were heard arguing while a sister told this publication that “two lives were lost here today instead of one”.

The suspect, a mother of four (three from a previous

relationship and one with Roberts), was later led into a police vehicle, which left the scene.

The man’s body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home to await a post-mortem.

Allegedly drunken motorists escape unhurt in ECD collision The house in which the murder occurred

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Family members who gathered at the scene

heated argument turned deadly on Sunday afternoon when a woman armed herself with a knife and stabbed her reputed husband to death at their Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home.

Victor Roberts, 38, of Lot 41 Prince Williams Street, Plaisance, was stabbed once to his chest by the suspect, who was identified only as “Melissa”.

The couple were heard arguing moments before the

heinous crime was committed. According to reports, it has become a norm for the two to fight. The man reportedly operated a grocery shop in the village.

When Guyana Times visited at the scene on Sunday, the handcuffed suspect was in a distraught state as she was being grilled by investigators.

Persons who gathered at the scene stated that this was the second time the now dead man was attacked and stabbed by the woman.

The murder suspect

“This is the second time that she bore he … if you done bore me one time, you think I would wait around for you to bore me again?” one neighbour questioned.

Another neighbour who reportedly witnessed part of the incident stated that the murder could have been avoided.

“He get a severe jook, I saw the knife and I pick it

wo motorists who were seemingly intoxicated escaped unhurt on Sunday afternoon after they collided with each other on the Plaisance Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

They were reportedly drag-racing when the accident occurred.

The two motor vehicles PSS 2303 and PJJ 1617 collided just after 16:00h.

Guyana Times was told that as a result of the speed,

The wrecked vehicles after the accident

both men lost control of their motor cars and crashed into each other. As a result of the collision, the two vehicles were badly dam-

aged.

The men were taken into Police custody, as an investigation was launched.

news

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mondAY, december 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, December 3 – a night retraction at 01:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, December 4 – a night retraction at 02:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, December 3 – 14:00-15:30h and Tuesday, December 4 –14:15h-15:45h.

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, with clear to cloudy skies expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 01:25h reaching a maximum height of 2.48 metres.

Low Tide: 07:15h and 19:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.80 metre and 0.72 metre respectively.

saturDAY, december 1, 2018

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

Guyana should oppose sale of Scotiabank to Republic Bank – economist …says local banks should be given 1st option to acquire operations

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he sale of Scotiabank’s operations in Guyana to Republic Bank should not be allowed, according to former Presidential Advisor, economist Ramon Gaskin.

Gaskin believes that the sale to Republic Bank would only allow that banking institution to dominate the local banking sector in Guyana, which could be unhealthy for the financial sector.

The Trinidad-based Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) said it had entered into an agreement to acquire Scotiabank’s banking operations in nine Caribbean countries.

It said banks being acquired were located in Guyana, St Maarten, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Further, the purchase price is US$123 million, which represents US$25 million consideration for total shareholding of Scotiabank Anguilla Limited; and a premium of US$98 million over net asset value for operations in the remaining eight countries.

Gaskin said, “I think that this proposed sale of Scotiabank in Guyana to Republic Bank should not be allowed by the Government of Guyana and the Governor of the Central Bank.”

The outspoken economist told Guyana Times that before Scotiabank ventured into any arrangement with Republic Bank, it should have consulted with the Government.

“Now that is putting the Government and the Governor in an awkward position of opposing it and all of that. I think they erred in not consulting with the appropriate authority before getting into it and it shows a lack of respect in my opinion to the authorities here,” he said.

Gaskin further added that the Central Bank and the Governor of the Central Bank must bear in mind that many deposits and savings for the Guyanese people remain with Scotiabank. “I look to the Governor to take actions that are appropriate, necessary and urgent to put people to ensure that the savings of Guyanese people are secured,” he advised.

But more importantly, Gaskin believes since Scotiabank wants to exit the Guyanese market, there should be an option for local entities to acquire the banking operations.

“They shouldn’t sell to any foreign bank. There isn’t any reason why the local Guyanese business people can’t get together and take it over from them. They

appointed” that Scotiabank would decide to sell its operations “without any form of consultation” with the regulators or the Finance Minister of that island nation.

The Guyana Government, on the other hand, has said the agreement “raises a number of issues for the banking sector in Guyana and for the public which the Finance Ministry, the Bank of Guyana and the Government of Guyana will need to carefully consider”.

“Further the FIA addresses as well the issue of ‘fundamental changes’ as it relates to mergers and transfer of assets or liabilities. The agreement raises a number of issues for the banking sector in Guyana and for the public which the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Guyana and the Government of Guyana will need to carefully consider,” the Finance Ministry said.

The Ministry stated that these include Republic Bank currently holding 35.4 per

Former Presidential Advisor and economist Ramon Gaskin

can build a Guyanese bank with developmental features to help finance agriculture and small business.”

Local banks

According to him, this could be done in partnership with the Government and/ or with a foreign bank, with the local bankers having a majority.

He noted that Republic Bank’s acquisition of the Guyana National Cooperative Bank and Guyana Agricultural Bank back in the 1990s helped hugely to build the bank to its current state.

However, he was persistent in his recommendation that Republic Bank should not be the only bank that should be given priority to acquire the local Scotiabank operations.

The Antigua and Barbuda Government has taken a similar stance and said that it was “deeply dis-

Republic Bank takes over Scotiabank’s operations in Guyana and other Caribbean countries

The Ministry in a statement said that “this move is not Guyana-specific and is part of a region-wide refocusing by Scotiabank” and that it has also taken note of the statement by RFHL that the agreement is “subject to all regulatory approvals”.

It posited that the Financial Institutions Act (FIA) has clear stipulations regarding “acquisition of control” and requires approval of the Bank of Guyana following the submission of an application and due diligence being conducted.

cent of the banking system’s assets and 36.8 per cent of deposits, which the acquisition would increase to 51 per cent of both assets and deposits. “This raises concerns about an over-concentration of banking services, market domination and the ‘too big to fail’ risks,” the Ministry said.

It added that it would also have to take into consideration “the effect on competition and the potential for Republic Bank to have too much influence on pricing of banking products and rates.”

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mondAY, december 3, 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

City Hall’s Augean Stables

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n September 17, the Local Government Commission (LGC) issued a statement, which, inter alia, declared: “Consequent on the receipt of several complaints on the administration and operations of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC), the Local Government Commission has constituted a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that will examine, advise and report on any or all irregularities that may exist within this local government body.”

It announced that the Town Clerk Royston King had been sent on “administrative leave” and that the Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the one-man CoI, in the person of past Chancellor of the Judiciary, Retired Cecil Kennard were to: “1. Investigate the administration and operations of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown; 2. The reason for and the process by which a motion of no confidence on the Town Clerk was dealt with by the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown; and 3. Generally, to investigate any matter that may be brought to the attention of the Commissioner during the Inquiry that would adversely affect the administration and operation of the Municipality of Georgetown.”

Most citizens of the country breathed a sigh of relief that at long last some relief might be forthcoming from the daily litany of scandals and corrupt practices exposed in the media, but invariably swept under the carpet. From the time of their election, M&CC had operated as if they were a law unto themselves, even as billions were transferred from the Consolidated Fund by the coalition Government to bail them out.

After three months of hearings, which were riveting for their sordid and salacious details of venality and corruption, Justice Kennard submitted his Report to the Chairman of the LGC, Vibert Mingo. Citizens would now be turning their eyes to the LGE to take action since Justice Kennard did not mince words in his recommendations.

It was also a further indictment on the M&CC that the CoI recommended that the previous recommendations of the Keith Burrowes Report and those of the consultant firm, Sandra V Jones and Associates be implemented immediately.

It is clear that the M&CC had no interest in running City Hall on sound management principles, but rather saw it as their private money cow. Kennard recommend a forensic audit be conducted into all transactions between April 1, 2015, and October 31, 2018.

Noting it was “the easiest of recommendation to make”, the CoI cited Town Clerk Royston King for gross misconduct, abuse of office, recklessness, dishonesty, conspiracy, and misappropriation of funds and recommended he be terminated, and criminal charges be laid against him in respect of his actions. It noted that the former Mayor, Patricia Chase Green appeared to have committed the tort of misfeasance and should be dealt with condignly.

The Acting Town Clerk, Sharon Harry-Munroe was cited for dereliction of duty and incompetence; Assistant Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick for dereliction of duty and incompetence; Internal Auditor Omodele Umojo-Newton for incompetence and conspiracy; Chief Constable Andrew Foo for dereliction of duty and incompetence; Human Resources Manager Paulette Braithwaite for incompetence; City Engineer Colvern Venture for incompetence and dereliction of duty; and Rashid Kelman for conspiracy.

The CoI found evidence that contracts were awarded to friends and associates of key officials of the Council, such as the son of the Mayor, the son of the Chairman of the Finance sub-committee, the friend of the son of the Mayor, and friends of the Town Clerk and the Mayor. It noted that under the Companies Act, Section 93, contracts can be set aside for the failure to disclose interest in same.

Finally, the Report charges that, “It also appears as if there is collusion between the Mayor, the Town Clerk and the Chairman of the Finance and Human Resource Management Committees”. Because of this we believe the former Mayor should be asked to resign immediately from the Finance Committee to which she had again being appointed.

The cleaning of the Augean Stables at City Hall must now begin forthwith.

The world’s largest indoor Buddha statue, which is 30 metres high and weighs 600 tonnes, in the Yun Tian Gong complex (The Guardian)

Khashoggi's WhatsApp messages may offer clues to killing – CNN O ver 400 private WhatsApp messages sent by Jamal Khashoggi last year to a fellow Saudi exile may offer fresh clues to the killing of the dissident Saudi Journalist, says a report.

In his conversation with Canadabased activist Omar Abdulaziz – accessed by CNN – Khashoggi describes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (also known as MbS) as a “beast” and a “pac-man” who would “devour all in his path, even his supporters”.

“Arrests are unjustified and do not serve him [logic says], but tyranny has no logic, but he loves force, oppression and needs to show them off. He is like a beast “pac man” the more victims he eats, the more he wants. I will not be surprised that the oppression will reach even those who are cheering him, then others and others and so on. God knows,” Khashoggi wrote, according to CNN. The messages shared by Abdulaziz with CNN include voice recordings, photos, and videos. The conversation reveals the two were planning an “online youth movement”, CNN reported.

Abdulaziz believes the messages between him and Khashoggi were intercepted by Saudi authorities in August, two months before Khashoggi was killed by Saudi officials inside their consulate in Istanbul.

Abdulaziz told CNN he plans to join a lawsuit against an Israeli company that reportedly invented the software to hack his phone.

He told the American broadcaster that the phone’s hacking “played a major role in what happened to Jamal”. “The guilt is killing me,” he said.

Prince Mohammed arrives in Algeria

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed on Sunday arrived in the Algerian capital, Algiers, after a brief visit to Mauritania earlier in the day.

The Saudi Crown Prince was re-

Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

suming a tour of Arab countries after attending the G20 summit in Argentina.

Before attending the G20 summit, he had visited the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and Tunisia.

The official Algeria Press Service said the Algerian-Saudi investments and trade relations such as the oil and petrochemical sectors would be discussed during the two-day visit.

Saudi State TV showed footage of the crown prince’s plane arriving in the Mauritania capital Nouakchott.

Erdogan: Saudi Chief Prosecutor has not shared intel with Turkey

Turkey has no intention of harming the Saudi royal family, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, adding that holding those responsible for the killing of Saudi Journalist Khashoggi would also be beneficial for Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at a press conference at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Erdogan said the Saudi Crown Prince had sent his chief prosecutor to Turkey to investigate the Khashoggi killing, but he had not shared information with Ankara.

Erdogan said the killing of Khashoggi has been a test for the whole world.

Turkey has evidence documenting Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and a critic of Saudi Arabia’s de-facto ruler, was killed in seven and a half minutes, Erdogan said. He said Ankara has shared this evidence with all countries who requested it, including the United States, Britain, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

However, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Saturday he has seen all the intelligence possessed by the United States on the killing of the Saudi Journalist and repeated that no direct evidence links Crown Prince Mohammed to the incident.

“I have read every piece of intelligence that is in the possession of United States Government,” Pompeo said in an interview with broadcaster CNN in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

MbS communicated with adviser during Khashoggi killing – WSJ

The Saudi Crown Prince sent 11 messages to his closest adviser, who reportedly oversaw the operatives who killed the Journalist, in the hours before and after the murder on October 2, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The Journal said on Saturday it had reviewed excerpts of an intelligence file that was classified as “highly confidential”, which cites electronic intercepts and other covert information between Prince Mohammed and his aide, Saud al-Qahtani.

However, the content of the messages between the two parties is unknown.

“To be clear, we lack direct reports that the Crown Prince issued the order of murder,” the assessment notes, according to the Journal.

The assessment reports that Qahtani, who supervised the 15-man team that killed Khashoggi, was also in direct communication with the team’s leader in Istanbul. (Al Jazeera)

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

Can the new Mayor make a difference?

Dear Editor, I was looking at the new Mayor of Georgetown for the year 2019, Mr Ubraj Narine, and immediately my reaction to the news was a long, deep sigh. The reason for my lamentation is the fact that the new mayor was flanked by two known characters; current Mayor, Patricia Chase Greene and Mr Oscar Clarke.

Green and Clarke are already ex-officio members of the new finance committee of the Council whose stewardship so far have been utterly tainted by corruption.

With such a cabal of corrupt officials on the Council, and in particular, members of the finance committee, one wonders what the new mayor can do, if anything at all, surrounded by so great a multitude of vile people.

That corruption, for certain, was engineered and fostered by the very same group who placed him there. I am speaking of felons, persons found guilty of grand theft and other mis-

conduct in public office by a Commission of Inquiry.

The only thing left now is for their indictment in a court of law.

So, one wonders what this latest election to the grand office of mayor is all about? Is this The APNU's new charade to show that the much talked about "cohesion" is truly on the move, or must we conclude that the young face to the Mayor's position is just another window dressing? The point is, when you are surrounded by such dead weight how much of a takeoff flight can Mr Narine make? This is the burning question.

Comrade Narine might be well intentioned in his approach to the office, and might want to infuse new ideas, all for the wellbeing of the citizens of Georgetown, but can he, or rightly put, how effective would those ideas be? These are the burning questions the ordinary citizen is forced to ask?

Can he really make a difference?

To make those new and progressive ideas work, Mr Narine will soon be on a collision course with the old Guard in The PNC on that Council. It means that the new mayor would be stepping on the toes of his so called PNC friends and we are quite familiar with that real case scenario. It means that he would soon be faced with a no-confidence vote which would see an abrupt end to his tenure as mayor.

So, again I pose the question, will he be another Uncle Tom like Moses Nagamootoo who now embraces all the filth he once derided when he was with The PPP or will he break free and become a patriot? Only time will tell.

In this regard, I urge The Pandit to read more of The Ramayan and possibly baptise all his APNU friends in "nuff dye water" to cleanse their corrupt minds and wash away their burdensome sins. I rest my case.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

PrEP helps to strengthen the entire HIV care continuum Dear Editor, P r e - E x p o s u r e Prophylaxis (PrEP) is medicine that can reduce the chance of getting HIV by more than 90 per cent and can reduce the chances even more when combined with condoms. The medication works by stopping HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout the body if there is exposure to the virus, and it has been proven to be safe and effective in high-risk groups all over the world. For the last four years the World Health Organization (WHO) has been recommending PrEP as an additional HIV prevention choice, but uptake in the Caribbean has been slow, but steadily increasing. Currently, Bahamas and Barbados are the only two countries which provide PrEP to persons who meet the criteria for use, but Suriname, St Lucia, Grenada, Cuba and Jamaica either provide PrEP to certain populations or have plans to start provision in 2019.

Guyana’s Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD

Guyana) conducted an assessment on the knowledge, attitudes and delivery preferences on PrEP among men who have sex with men and transgender persons earlier this year, and from the focus groups held in five regions, it was found that 60 per cent of the participants had never heard of PrEP before. This was especially the case for persons who lived outside of Region Four. Once persons became aware of it, however, almost everyone was interested in taking it for their personal protection.

This led to the conclusion that there is the need for a lot more education and sensitisation on PrEP, especially involving NGOs within this effort, and that the time has come for the provision of PrEP within the Guyanese public healthcare system.

Starting PrEP in Guyana will entail the use of a medication that is already present in the country and that is already procured at a fairly low cost. Studies in other countries have demonstrated that the savings a country receives from the HIV infections avoided by using PrEP makes it a cost-effec-

tive prevention measure.

The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “Know your status”, which emphasizes HIV testing as a strategy that also empowers people to make choices about HIV prevention so they can better protect themselves and their sexual partners.

Before persons can be placed on PrEP they must know their status because the medication is only for HIVnegative persons. Being on PrEP helps to strengthen the entire HIV care continuum in the country because persons must present for initial and regular testing, increasing engagement with the health service system and also providing opportunities for linking any HIVpositive persons into care and treatment. Know your status so that you can know whether you should be using PrEP as an additional prevention measure to continue to stay HIV-negative.

Yours faithfully, Dr Nastassia Rambarran Dr Roger Welch and Joel Simpson (for SASOD Guyana)

Nothing will change at City Hall Fly Jamaica refusing to refund ticket cost after crash

Dear Editor, I wanted to bring to your attention a situation that has arisen with Fly Jamaica after the recent plane crash in Guyana.

The airline company operated flights out of Toronto to Guyana using only a single aircraft which was involved in the incident.

Since then, the company has cancelled flights to Guyana and has stopped selling tickets. I had purchased a ticket before the incident to travel to Guyana on December 21 and return to Toronto in January 2019.

I contacted Fly Jamaica to find out if my flight would be cancelled and if I could get a refund. They claimed that the flight will not be cancelled and therefore I will not be getting a refund. Since they only have the one aircraft, it is doubtful that they will re-

sume flights from Toronto any time soon.

My problem is that I still want to take the trip, which I have scheduled vacation time-off from my job for, but I cannot make any other arrangements at this time because Fly Jamaica could not guarantee whether they will have another aircraft operational before December 21st.

There are other options to travel to Guyana that would allow me to visit my family, but I can't purchase another ticket because my funds are tied up for a flight that I paid for which may or may not be cancelled.

I know I am not the only one in this situation because Fly Jamaica has made no effort to reach out to its customers and they have not released any information to the press either. I hope this message

will bring to light the ongoing situation of Fly Jamaica taking advantage of their customers.

Sincerely, Mohendranauth Ganesh

Dear Editor The damning report into the affairs of City Hall is out and makes for interesting reading. Will the Town Clerk be dragged off to face SOCU/ SARA in respect to the undervalued land he sold?

With all the shenanigans levelled against the former chief citizen, one would have thought it would’ve been in-

conceivable for any position, particularly with regards to finances, to be foisted upon this individual.

Was the position of the all-powerful Town Clerk compensatory? From where I stand nothing will change... we can expect more garbage contractors' strike, more late payments of salaries to staff, etc.

From all accounts, the hierarchy of City Hall practised what was blatantly and openly preached at another forum recently - giving wuk to persons of a certain ilk.

Lord please help us in this lost and confused land.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

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hen we’re struggling with something, it’s natural to turn to others for help. Helping each other is all part of the giving and receiving that makes up good relationships.

Getting help sounds simple.

But it’s not always easy to do.

Sometimes we stand in our own way without realising it.

Certain beliefs or ways of thinking can make it hard to see opportunities for help.

Here are some examples of the kinds of attitudes that can stand in the way – and ideas on how to get past them.

Obstacle 1: Believing that needing help is a sign of weakness Asking for help shows maturity and confidence. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

You know what you need and you’re not afraid to reach out for it.

For example, instead of thinking: I don’t want my coach to find out I can’t nail that move in case he thinks I shouldn’t be on the team.

Change it to: I’ll show my coach how committed I am to the team – and how hard I practice – by asking him to share tips on how I can improve.

Obstacle 2: Thinking you don’t deserve help or support Everyone needs help now and then. No one can – or should – handle everything alone. Accepting help can strengthen friendships and relationships. Everyone feels

Foundation

good when they can support a friend!

For example, instead of thinking: I’d really like to find out how Katy is coping with her parents’ divorce, but she’s so popular and busy I’m sure she doesn’t have time for me.

Change it to: I’ll ask Katy if she has time to talk and let her know how much her perspective means to me. Maybe some of the stuff that happened to me can help her too.

Be choosy about who you ask to help, though. Share your feelings or a problem with someone who listens and cares – not someone who judges, criticises, or blames you. Most of the time we can guess which way people might react. But on rare occasions, they catch us off guard. If you do get rejected, it’s not because of anything you did.

It’s what’s going on with the other person.

Tell yourself: If Katy says no, she might not be ready to talk about her own experiences. If she’s rude, then I’ll know from the start that she’s not friend material.

Obstacle 3: Not speaking up to ask for help Sometimes you’re lucky enough to have people in your life who see what you need and offer to help before you ask. Usually it’s a parent or a close friend. But sometimes when we need help, we have to ask. The best approach is to be clear and direct, like saying, “I’m having trouble with this.

Can you help me?”

For example, instead of thinking: I’m afraid my friends won’t want to hear that my boyfriend pushed me – they already think I’m ignoring their advice about him being too controlling. And I don’t want to worry my mom.

So I’ll just keep this to myself for now.

Change it to: I’ll tell my friends they were right and I’m starting to worry about my boyfriend’s behaviour. I’ll ask them to help me figure out what to do and how to tell my mom.

Obstacle 4: Waiting for someone else to make the first move It’s not always easy for other people to see when we need help. Maybe we’re putting on a cheerful face to mask the problem or giving off a vibe that we don’t want to talk. Don’t wait for someone to read your mind or notice what you need. Ask. For example, instead of thinking: I really wish Shanya would ask about the scars on my leg so I can talk to someone about my cutting. I know she suspects, but maybe she doesn’t really care.

Change it to: I’ll tell Shanya what’s going on and say I could really use some help.

Obstacle 5: Giving up too easily If help doesn’t get us what we expect right away, it’s tempting to give up. But getting help takes ongoing

effort. It might take multiple attempts.

For example, instead of thinking: You’d think the college prep adviser would know right away what’s best for me!

He’s supposed to have all this experience, but now that I’ve met him I wonder if it’s all just a big waste of time.

Change it to: My first meeting with the college prep adviser was a little disappointing. But it will probably take him some time to get to know my personality and which college is the best fit.

I’ll give it two more meetings before I make a decision. I’ll also try harder to share what I want and not expect him to read my mind.

Why asking for help is important None of us can go it alone.

The people who believe in us remind us that we have what it takes, that we matter, and that we’re loved. But sometimes we just have to reach out and ask for that help. Our friends and family love us, but they can’t always know what we want, especially if we are putting a brave face on things.

Because it can be hard to reach out for help, don’t hesitate to reach out and offer support to another person if you think he or she needs it.

Giving and receiving help are great life skills to learn. They help us learn character qualities like empathy and generosity, as well as understand other people better. (kidshealth.org)

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Bullying is a big problem

very day thousands of teens wake up afraid to go to school.

Bullying is a problem that affects millions of students, and it has everyone worried, not just the kids on its receiving end. Yet because parents, teachers, and other adults don’t always see it, they may not understand how extreme bullying can get.

Bullying is when a person is picked on over and over again by an individual or group with more power, either in terms of physical strength or social standing.

Two of the main reasons people are bullied are because of appearance and social status. Bullies pick on the people they think don’t fit in, maybe because of how they look, how they act (for example, kids who are shy and withdrawn), their race or religion.

Some bullies attack their targets physically, which can mean anything from shoving or tripping to punching or hitting, or even sexual assault. Others use psychological control or verbal insults to put themselves in charge. For example, people in popular groups or cliques often bully people they categorise as different by excluding them or gossiping about them (psychological bullying). They may also taunt or tease their targets (verbal bullying).

Verbal bullying can also involve cyberbullying — sending cruel texts, messages, or posting insults about a person on Facebook or other social sites.

How does bullying make people feel?

One of the most painful aspects of bullying is that it is relentless. Most people can take one episode of teasing or name calling or being shunned at the mall.

However, when it goes on and on, bullying can put a person in a state of constant fear.

Guys and girls who are bullied may find their schoolwork and health suffering.

Amber began having stomach pains and diarrhoea and was diagnosed with a digestive condition called irritable bowel syndrome as a result of the stress that came from being bullied through-

out ninth grade. Mahfooz spent his afternoons hungry and unable to concentrate in class because he was too afraid to go to the school cafeteria at lunchtime.

Studies show that people who are abused by their peers are at risk for mental health problems, such as low self-esteem, stress, depression, or anxiety.

Bullies are at risk for problems, too. Bullying is violence, and it often leads to more violent behaviour as the bully grows up. It’s estimated that one out of four elementary-school bullies will have a criminal record by the time they are 30.

Some teen bullies end up being rejected by their peers and lose friendships as they grow older. Bullies may also fail in school and not have the career or relationship success that other people enjoy.

Who bullies?

Both guys and girls can be bullies. Bullies may be outgoing and aggressive. Or a bully can appear reserved on the surface, but may try to manipulate people in subtle, deceptive ways, like anonymously starting a damaging rumour just to see what happens.

Many bullies share some common characteristics.

They like to dominate others and are generally focused on themselves. They often have poor social skills and poor social judgment. Sometimes they have no feelings of empathy or caring toward other people.

Although most bullies think they’re hot stuff and have the right to push people around, others are actually insecure. They put other people down to make themselves feel more interesting or powerful. And some bullies act the way they do because they’ve been hurt by bullies in the past – maybe even a bullying figure in their own family, like a parent or other adult.

Some bullies actually have personality disorders that don’t allow them to understand normal social emotions like guilt, empathy, compassion, or remorse.

These people need help from a mental health professional like a counsellor, social worker, psychiatrist, or psychologist. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

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mondAY, december 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt’s concept of Green State misguided – Jagdeo

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pposition Leader and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo has zeroed in on the coalition Government’s plan for a ‘Green State’ which he described as absurd.

Jagdeo reminded that the general concept of a green state would see emphasis being placed on earning revenues for a country, catalysing different kinds of investments and other initiatives.

However, he pointed

out that under the David Granger-led Government, focus instead was placed on spending finances and incurring costs to the State using taxpayers’ money.

He said that the Government “missed the bus” entirely on this issue, as he referred to Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s 2019 Budget speech, which stated measures to support the Green State agenda.

These include waiving import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) on new

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Journalist shoots man who allegedly attacked him

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ournalist and news anchor of HGP Nightly News Travis Chase was on the other side of the news following his arrest on Sunday morning after he allegedly shot a labourer in Kitty, Georgetown.

The media personality has since been released as Police continue to probe the incident in which a .32 weapon was reportedly used.

Guyana Times understands that Chase and the now injured man, Jimmy Ramgobin, 28, are known to each other. Ramgobin, who has no permanent place of residence, was reportedly kicked several times by the reporter after which he was shot to his right foot.

A police source confirmed that the incident occurred about 04:30h at De Abreu Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, Ramgobin reportedly fell asleep on the parapet in front of the house belonging to the girlfriend of the Journalist.

He was subsequently awakened by Chase, who allegedly kicked him several times to his ribs.

Chase, however, indicated to Police that he was

morning hours, since he resided at Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Chase also related that he was not the owner of a .32 weapon, but Police later confirmed that the reporter’s weapon was lodged.

Safety concerns in journalism?

Popular Journalist and news anchor Travis Chase

attacked by the man who began to hurl bottles at him and in retaliation, he whipped out his “licensed firearm” and discharged the weapon which hit Ramgobin once.

The injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted and his condition was listed as stable. At the scene, a spent .32 shell was recovered.

When contacted, the Journalist had claimed that he was not involved in any shooting incident and he had no reason to be in De Abreu Street, Kitty in the

Chase is the second Journalist in as many weeks to be revealed to be in possession of a firearm. In the past, Chase had complained of being followed by Police operatives after he was in receipt of information of an alleged plot to assassinate Head of State, David Granger last year.

Chase had told a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the allegations that he had accompanied the whistle-blower to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters and claimed that former A Division Commander Clifton Hicken had advised him to be careful after he explained to him that “Police operatives” on “motorbikes” were following him at nightspots, and had also staked out Nightly News and his home. turn to page 10

equipment and changing the wear and tear schedule of the Income Tax Act to allow for the write-off of capital expenses within two years.

Also, the Government hopes to amend the Customs Act to include relief from customs duty for cars with a capacity equivalent to 2000 cc in watts; the first schedule of the Customs Act and Schedule 2 of the VAT Act to exempt change-over kits and waive the Excise Tax on all-electric motorcycles.

But Jagdeo said the coalition Government was still finding it hard to accept the fact that the PPP/Civic’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) was a sound initiative.

“They cannot embrace it now … The LCDS was a framework intended to map the path of a new growth trajectory in a non-polluting way.”

The Opposition Leader also reminded that the Green State Development Strategy would only put pressure on the treasury, and if his party was re-

turned to office, it would be automatically scrapped.

“It will add cost. I disagree with its fundamental premise. The premise which brings cost to the country versus earning money for the country … The LCDS was an economic strategy. It earned money for Guyana. Their strategy is so far about expenditure from our treasury. That is why we disagree with it.”

Jagdeo, the mastermind of the LCDS, which secured him international recognition and led to him being conferred with the “Champion of the Earth” award by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said that under the LCDS, there were specific areas that were targeted for development purposes across Guyana.

“We said we are going to spend US$10.5 million on Amerindian land titling.

It solved a problem. Two, we will spend US$17 million on ICT (Information Communication Technology) in the hinterland. We would spend x amount of money like US$80 million on the hydropower by buying down equity,” he explained.

Further, the Opposition Leader added that there were also plans to create a centre for biodiversity studies and establish an adaptation plan. “We searched into crops that were flood and bug resistant. We set aside money for small loans and grants too to individuals in various sectors. It was about 20 initiatives and we were earning money doing that, we weren’t taking

money from taxpayers’ money.”

As such, the former Head of State argued that the Green Strategy was more about cost to the Guyanese public. “Right now, they are talking about planting trees and all of that. They missed the whole point that that was an economic strategy to adjust to the future. That’s why conceptually, we have a major difference,” he added.

He noted that several foreign consultants were hired to review the strategy for advice and further input, and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) requested to be part of it.

Jagdeo, who was the first President of that body, said he has seen a lot of what has been used before in the Green Strategy.

“The speeches would tell you, (David) Granger… the first year he went into Parliament. He keeps saying one thing over and over again. It does not change.

Same old thing,” Jagdeo stated, noting that the Strategy would not bring any substantial benefits to Guyana but put pressure on taxpayers’ dollars.

Jagdeo noted that the Strategy has not received the approval of the National Assembly, while noting that it was still at its conceptual stage. Nevertheless, he said, “That is a political initiative of (David) Granger until it has parliamentary approval as far as we are concerned. In all likelihood, we will scrap it as soon as we get into office, because it makes no sense. It will only add cost. That’s all.”

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mondAY, december 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Victoria Village celebrates 179 years

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ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, who attended the recent commemoration ceremony in Victoria Village, on November 29, is adamant that for development to be impactful, it must reach the grassroots.

The AG said development should permeate through villages. “It is the philosophy of your government that the economies of the village must be revived if people-centred development is to be prioritised,” AG Williams said.

He further stated that Government was, therefore, committed to improving the economic infrastructure.

“Roads, bridges irrigation and electricity to support village economies, including the development of your farmlands.”

On November 7, 1839, Plantation Northbrook, now Victoria village, was purchased by 83 free men and women from five plantations: Ann’s Grove, Dochfour, Enmore, Hope and Paradise.

Describing Victoria Village, as the

The Golden Arrowhead being hoisted at the anniversary celebration

mother of the village movement, the Attorney General said that simple financial transaction, by unlettered men and women, transformed the then colony of British Guiana.

“The purchase of a single plantation, and conversion into a village laid the foundation for the establishment of a nation,” AG Williams said.

According to a report posted by the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Minister also told villagers that Government was stimulating entrepreneurship and enterprise in order to invigorate the economies of villages, particularly in developing cottage industries and small- and medium-scale enterprises.

“Your government is supporting the continued quest of people for economic independence.”

He said Government viewed villages as important to generating jobs and wealth for the people of Guyana, while noting that the reintroduction of Local Government Elections (LGE) in 2016 was a first step in the empowering of villages to having a greater say in the management of their communities.

Blame game…

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…by Nagamootoo on sugar workers

ust when you thought the drama over Volda Lawrence’s frank avowal of her government’s “PNConly employment policy” would be dominating Moses Nagamootoo’s attention, he devoted his Chronic column to blaming sugar workers for the medical challenges that led to his triple by-pass last February.

At the time, your Eyewitness thought it was the PNC’s shredding of the Feb 14, 2015 Cummingsburg Accord, which had promised a Prime Ministership on steroids, but had instead delivered Larwah!

Lest your Eyewitness be accused of putting words into the PM’s mouth let him quote the latter verbatim: “Earlier this year, sugar was a big lump in my heart and had driven me to a near-death experience. But, as I look back, I can say for sure that the decision to sever some estates was a sensible one, and the three factories that remain, like my triple-heart surgery (in Feb 2018) has done for me, have been given a new lease on life.”

Is this guy for real? The closure of Wales and the tossing of 1300 of its workers into the streets (the remainder were ordered to Uitvlugt, 20 miles away) was revealed by this paper in December 2016. Four months later, Nagamootoo’s boss, David Granger announced in Berbice three other plantations would be shuttered – Albion, Rose Hall and Enmore and another 4000 workers would be thrown onto the breadline. Where was Nagamootoo to avoid heart palpitations then?? Sleeping like Rip van Winkle, after a long bout with Bush Rum? Or did he think Granger was joking, since he, Nagamootoo, had boasted to those same Berbice workers he’d persuaded Granger in 2015 to change his mind on shuttering sugar. Granger up to then had been consistent on his sugar policy and his temporary “change of heart” was obviously pure expedience to have the AFC and Nagamootoo overcome their “dead meat” fears.

But in January 2018, before Nagamootoo’s palpitations, his Party Chairman and cohort, Khemraj Ramjattan had offered his rationale for sugar’s closure to some Enmore workers who’d been fired the preceding December: “Probably it was destined that way. Probably God wanted it that way that we have to make the decision now…The thing need certain closures…so what is the big deal?” Yup! That’s right – he blamed God!!

Now Nagamootoo must be a real sensitive fella to have had cardiac palpitations when his landsman Ramjattan could dismiss the matter so cavalierly. But then again, at the time Ramjattan was blaming God, Nagamootoo’s son-in-law Tony Joseph was inspecting Skeldon Factory with the Indian firm Srinath Ispat hoping to buy it over.

Was it Government’s rebuff of that gambit that possibly caused Nagamootoo’s palpitations rather than sugar workers’ plight?

…by Nagamootoo on Constitutional Change

Before and during the 2015 elections, “Constitutional Change” was the mantra of Moses Nagamootoo and the AFC. Nagamootoo took personal charge of this promise to the people – and why not? If successful, among other far-reaching changes, the coalition’s Manifesto promised a diminution of the President’s powers; his separate election and a Prime Minister whose powers would be heavily augmented. Not bad for the man who’d be occupying the PM’s seat and had gotten Larwah!!

Within three months of taking office, Nagamootoo set up a Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform under the stewardship of eminent lawyer Nigel Hughes to take recommendations from the citizens of our fair land.

After months of diligent hearings, the recommendations were handed over to Nagamootoo.

By mid-2017, he submitted “An act to establish a Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission to assist the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform” to Parliament. He’s now blaming the latter Committee for the stasis on Constitutional Change!

What was he doing up to now? Sleeping like Rip van Winkle? Or does he like Larwah?

…by Nagamootoo but not on Volda

Now that PNC Chair Volda Lawrence has declared the PNC will be using Government jobs as the honey to attract Indian Guyanese support, shouldn’t Nagamootoo be blaming her for putting the final nail in the AFC’s coffin?

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

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mondAY, december 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Budget 2019 has nothing for the Report into Fly Jamaica poor, marginalised – audit firm crash presented to Cabinet ...says budget tailored along neo-liberal, pro-business lines

– Govt condemns theft, says allegations bad for country’s image

The Fly Jamaica aircraft after landing

Finance Minister Winston Jordan during his marathon budget presentation

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n a candid assessment, Audit firm Ram and McRae have called out the recently presented 2019 budget for having little to no provision for the poor, women and gender issues, and other critical matters like the Berbice Bridge, now headed to court after a Government takeover.

In its annual publication of Budget Focus, the firm, founded by anti-corruption advocate Christopher Ram, acknowledged the provisions in the budget for people with disabilities, the employed and self-employed, and Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s stamina for having presented the almost-fivehour-long budget speech uninterrupted.

According to the firm, however, the budget “is silent on women and gender issues; single mothers; the unemployed, including the recently unemployed; the National Insurance Scheme, and the Berbice Bridge which the Government took over earlier this month.”

“These inevitably lead us to conclude, as we did last year, that this Administration does not seem to regard income and wealth inequality as serious issues; and accordingly there is nothing in the Budget that could be considered a pro-poor step,” the firm stated.

According to the firm, the 2019 budget in fact seems to have been prepared along neoliberal lines that would

The founder of the Ram & McRae auditing firm, Christopher Ram

limit Government’s role in certain aspects of the economy that could benefit the private sector.

The firm noted that the policies suggest Government is hopeful that the benefits of the business-friendly measures will trickle down to the rest of the economy. According to the firm, however, such measures are more likely to foster inequality and dissatisfaction among the populace.

“Yet the Minister appeared not only confident, but comfortable that the business community would welcome the measures. On the other hand, it did not seem to faze him that the market vendor, the single mom, and the unemployed and others who struggle at the lower rungs of the social ladder may view the Budget very differently,” the firm stated.

“Despite the exhaustive agenda identified by the Minister, there is no place for the poor, the unemployed and the marginalised, whose interest will lie in trickledown economics,” it added in its publication.

While Ram and McRae has observed that the budget seems to be tailored for the private sector, even the private sector has criticised the Government for missing crucial measures, such as lowering the cost of fuel.

Immediately following the budget presentation, Executive Director of the Georgetown

Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Richard Rambarran, had said that although the private sector was happy to see some money coming back in the hands of the consumers, it is extremely disappointed that the Government has made no move to remove or reduce the excise tax on fuel.

“What is very worrying is that the excise tax on fuel and the nature and cost structure of the fuel remain the same, which is something the private sector certainly could have done with a reduction in,” he said.

He explained that, in 2018, fuel has had a debilitating effect on the private sector because of its multipurpose. He noted that it is not only used in manufacturing, but in every other aspect of business.

“It is used in distribution, it is used in just about every single aspect of the production and distribution line; and as such, there should be something, or there should have been something, which addresses fuel costs,” he noted.

Rambarran had further related that the Government needs to be more serious about the development of a green economy, and not just talk about developing a green economy. He identified the lack of advancement in this area despite the Government repeatedly talking about the Green State Development.

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he report into the emergency landing of the Fly Jamaica aircraft has been presented to Cabinet even as Government condemned the alleged theft committed by fire fighters.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon revealed that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson presented the report, complete with details on the incident, to cabinet. Harmon also noted that Cabinet was briefed about the alleged theft.

He noted that these allegations have tarnished Guyana’s international image. However, the Minister acknowledged subsequent reports that the fire fighters in question have been charged and released on bail.

“The Minister briefed Cabinet on a number of details, including persons who sustained injuries. He also reported that there were alleged acts of theft by firemen who first arrived at the scene. Cabinet noted the report and expressed the wish that those injured receive a speedy recovery,” Harmon detailed.

“Cabinet also condemned as reprehensible the (allegations against the) firemen who allegedly stole personal items belonging to the

crew, noting that (these allegations have) seriously tarnished Guyana’s image,” Harmon said.

The Fly Jamaica aircraft had taken off from CJIA on November 9, 2018, destined for Toronto, Canada. It is understood that the flight encountered hydraulic problems after some time, and returned to Timehri, where it crash-landed.

The tragedy has claimed the life of 85-year-old Rookhia Kalloo, a pensioner who was on the flight.

The Flight Data Recorder (Black Box) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (Pink Box) have both since been sent to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States.

In fact, NTSB was one of several safety, transportation and regulatory bodies from both local and overseas that were included in an investigative team probing the emergency landing of the aircraft.

This was according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, who during the 99th Sitting of the National Assembly a week ago had revealed that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is conducting an independent investigation into the incident.

“GCAA will be conducting this investigation,” Patterson had explained.

“As indicated, 128 persons were on board. On evacuation, a total of 10 passengers were taken to the Diamond hospital with the assistance of CJIA ambulance, while the others were examined at CJIA. An independent investigation is ongoing in examining the aircraft and operations on the morning of the accident and review of the standard operating procedures.

“The Jamaican Civil Aviation Authority and the National Transportation Safety Board of the United States were notified. An investigative team has been established, including of the GCAA representing the state of occurrence, the US National Safety Board representing the state of registry, and commercial airline engineers representing the manufacturers,” Patterson had added.

Besides these agencies, Patterson revealed, the Canadian Transportation and Safety Board and the AIG Regional Cooperation Mechanism (ARCM) were also subsequently advised and invited to provide technical assistance to the GCAA.

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mondAY, december 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana will be no way better off with oil and gas …if culture of mistrust, indecency is not changed – former advisor

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il may increase Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which will result in economic growth and the potential for improved services and infrastructure, but it will not change the culture of mistrust and ethnic tension that plagues our politics and our people.

This is according to former Social Policy Advisor to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, Dr Kwame Gilbert. He said, “We are thankful to God for the oil and the possible blessings it brings. But there are some things oil will not fix.”

Dr Gilbert, who is also a faith-based leader, said there was an urgent need for this state of affairs to be corrected. Nevertheless, he said in spite of the protracted political tension and socio-economic challenges facing Guyana, there is an undeniable aura of anticipation regarding the promised

oil wealth.

“As a people, Guyanese have endured much domestically and regionally, and it is truly high time that there is a reversal of the national fortune. As a son of Guyana, I too am excited and optimistic about the future of our country, but cautiously so,” he added.

The former advisor told Guyana Times of a personal experience he had which led to that conclusion. On returning to Guyana from Canada after three years, Dr Gilbert said this dawned upon him on his arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

“At the Immigration Department, we (my son and I) queued up along with the other passengers and shortly thereafter were joined by passengers from another flight that had just arrived.”

After being in the queue for about 10 minutes with very little movement, Dr Gilbert said his attention

Former Social Policy Advisor, Dr Kwame Gilbert

was drawn to the source of the delay.

“There were 10 or 12 available windows, but upon examination, I realised that there were only four immigration officers working.

With four officers serving in excess of 300 passengers, frustration was inevitable,” he recalled.

He said the situation

worsened when the line stopped moving altogether and he realised that immigration officers were congregating in a small huddle. “It seemed that a senior officer found that time most appropriate to conduct a departmental meeting. Later, I realised that what really was transpiring was a changing of the shift. Yes!!”

Dr Gilbert said in the middle of serving two flights, the shift changed, which unavoidably involved all of the necessary handing=over protocols, while the passengers waited.

“I could not help but consider in that moment that with a spanking new airport terminal, some things must change with respect to how service is rendered to those

visiting our lovely country.”

The former Government Social Policy Advisor told this publication that the prediction and expectation is that over the next few years, Guyana will certainly see an influx of visitors, thanks to oil and gas. “While oil and gas may change our economic fortunes, if our attitude to service remains the same, then we are no better off really,” he asserted.

He said too that the reckless manner in which drivers use the roadways continued to contribute to the many accidents. “The level of lawlessness, inconsideration and selfishness has never been this high.

Avoiding a collision takes every bit of skill, dexterity and constant prayer.”

Further, Dr Gilbert observed that the absence of concern for other road users was unbelievable and appalling and in some cases, constituted reckless endangerment.

“I came to the sad conclusion that this is one other thing that oil will not fix. Oil may improve our economic standard of living, but it lacks the ability to restore the common human decency of respect, care and concern for each other,” he added.

Oil, he noted too, may make life a bit easier for many Guyanese struggling to make ends meet, but it will not remove the dogeat-dog mentality that has emerged in a people caught in survival mode. (Samuel Sukhnandan)

Journalist shoots man who...

During that CoI, retired acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, who had represented the interests of the Guyana Police Force, questioned Chase’s motives for pursuing the assassination plot story.

Chang suggested that Chase harboured animosity towards the Police because they had brought a larceny charge against him when he worked at a for-

mer news entity where he was accused of stealing a camera. Chase had denied harbouring any animosity towards the Police and had testified that while he was employed with the news entity, senior Policeman Mitchell Caesar came to his workplace and informed him that he was charging him with larceny.

Chase testified that after he could not find or produce

from page 7

the receipt for the camera, he opted to plead guilty and pay a “hefty fine” for the offence. He had, however, expressed that this matter was “personally motivated”.

Only last week, persons turned to social media after news started to spread that the Journalist had been kidnapped. There were other instances when Chase claimed that his life was in danger.

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mondAY, december 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Over 350 dismissed sugar workers received no severance payout

By Shemuel Fanfair

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f the 4763 sugar workers who were made redundant by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) as part of that State entity’s restructuring programme, more than 350 who formerly were attached to the Wales Estate did not receive severance payment on Friday, as others across the industry did.

This was revealed by former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy after a careful investigation into the severance payout to Wales Sugar Estate workers.

The National Assembly had, in early November, given approval for almost $2.5 billion to be released to cater for the remaining severance due to 4,723 sugar workers.

Government had, earlier this year, opted to pay some workers half of their severance, with the remaining half to be paid in the latter part of the year.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) announced last week that Government had kept its promise to pay out the remaining fifty percent of severance to those receiving amounts in excess of $500,000 by the end of 2018.

In fact, Prime Minister

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

Moses Nagamootoo had given all assurances that the Wales workers, who previously were prevented from receiving severance pay by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)-filed court action, would receive their outstanding benefits. He also said, via DPI, that Government would respect the ruling of the court and pay interest of between four and six per cent on the outstanding amounts.

“Of course we recognise that there is an order from the court which says we pay interest on the amount due, and so we will be paying the

interest, which comes up to about $85 million. We are not there to deny the sugar workers…we had to be able to ensure that we have the money, and not dig a deeper hole,” he stated late last month.

Contrary to these assurances, Guyana Times has recently been informed that several Wales cane harvesters involved in that very court case were not paid their severance, which has been paid to their other ex-colleagues.

“We ain’t get no severance; we really punishing. Right now I only getting two-day work,” a former sugar worker disclosed. A father of three, this worker is one of over 300 workers involved in the court case against their former employer, in which it is contended that GuySuCo was acting unlawfully by compelling employees to travel 22 miles from their point of origin to work at Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara.

Accordingly, the workers refused to take up employment at Uitvlugt before the Wales Estate ceased operating in December 2016. As such, they were left both without jobs and severance, as GuySuCo’s timeframe in which they were told to make a decision had passed.

President of GAWU,

Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Komal Chand, has confirmed what other sources have relayed to Guyana Times, having noted that, indeed, those former Wales Estate workers have not been paid.

“They did not pay them despite [the Prime Minister] saying they would receive their pay. I know that they paid some of them, but those were the ones who had to get the other portion of their severance,” the official disclosed on Sunday.

A separate source familiar with the payout revealed that the payments for the unpaid set of Wales cane harvesters have already been calculated, though it is

unclear why the ex-workers remain without their legally entitled benefits as outlined in the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA).

In a DPI report on Friday, the entity said it visited Wales and Enmore Estates, where former workers turned out early. At the Enmore Community Development Ground, several welcomed the receipt of severance payments.

Clifton Nedd, a retrenched worker, “expressed his satisfaction” with the payment, noting that it came just in time for the holidays. “Well, I feel very good, because I was waiting a very long time, and now everything happened,” he said.

“I am happy about it, because when they paid the first half a lot of people comment about it, but I say that every disappointment does be for a good,” said Marlene Licorish, who has started selling homemade chips to make a living.

Retrenched Enmore Estate worker Sheldon Younge told the Department of Public Information that, following the closure of the estate, he has been operating his own business.

Other workers were quoted as saying that, since the closure of the estates, they have been adjusting, with

some of them seeking employment with private companies.

Numerous former workers were gathered outside the Wales Estate’s administrative building, including Joseph Persaud, who “welcomed” the final payment and said he was currently doing cash crop farming. Ramphal, who had been employed with GuySuCo for 23 years, said he would still like to get into farming, despite already finding work in general construction.

Some of the former workers disclosed that they would be investing their payouts.

Rohan Sugrim from Wales Estate, who had been with GuySuco for twelve years, said he would use some for the Christmas holidays, and “invest some” in the New Year.

DPI’s report claimed many also benefited from alternative livelihood programmes designed to equip them with skills to seek employment in different areas, such as sewing, cosmetology, caring for the elderly, catering, mechanical and electrical works, and small business management.

However, Guyana Times has been reporting that many of these very workers are finding great difficulty in obtaining consistent and well-paying employment.

Teacher allegedly beaten by secondary school student

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school teacher had to seek medical attention on Saturday after she was attacked and beaten by a student of the Number 8 Secondary School on the West Coast of Berbice.

The injured woman, Gangadin Sebarat-Isaacs, acting Head Teacher of the Number Five Primary School, was reportedly heading home when the incident occurred.

She recalled that she --

along with her three children, aged 11, five and 3 years old -- had just left her mother’s home when the suspect, a 16-year-old, saw her walking in the company of her children and approached her. The teacher said she pulled her 3-year-old to the side as the two older ones stepped in front of her.

“He passed the two of them and he stop in front of me, so I ask him if he don’t see.” She related

that the teenager walked into her son and then pushed her down to the ground. She noted that as she was on the ground, the fifth form student bend over her and kissed her on her lips.

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

Number Five Primary Head Teacher Gangadin SebaratIsaacs

hurting, my skin that he cuff and so hurting…,” the teacher explained.

Guyana Times understands that this lad had previously been charged for his alleged implication in a series of offences that are being investigated.

It has also been reported that after the teenager was arrested, his parents contacted someone in authority and he was released.

Another fifth form stu-

dent of the Number 8 Secondary School had, in September, also attacked a teacher.

That teacher had allegedly been put in a vice and dragged around the school compound before two male teachers had come to her rescue.

That teacher was at the time attempting to protect a second form student from the physical advances of a male fifth form student.

12news

MONdAY, december 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

PNC Chairperson’s comments “unnecessary distraction” – AFC leader ...says no discrimination, favouritism in Cummingsburg Accord

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eader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Raphael Trotman, has conceded that the employment comments made by People’s National Congress Chairperson Volda Lawrence are an unnecessary distraction.

Lawrence, who is the Public Health Minister, was quoted in the media as saying, among other things, that her party should place more focus on providing jobs for friends and party supporters.

“The only friends I got is PNC, so the only people I gon give wuk to is PNC; and right now I looking for a doctor who can talk Spanish or Portuguese, and ah want one that is PNC,” she had said last week.

After the comments, much furore had erupted, with some citing discrimination in hiring practices and others saying the comments were made at a “private” party gathering.

As controversy re-

PNC Chairperson and Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence

mains a burning issue, Trotman, in a statement issued on Sunday, stressed that when A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the AFC had signed the Cummingsburg Accord, favouritism was not envisioned. The PNC is the main partner in APNU, which is itself a coalition party.

“In the Accord, we joint-

ly subscribe to pursue a common vision and pathway that put Guyana and all Guyanese first, without a resort to discrimination or favouritism in any form.

We look to President David Granger, in particular, to articulate that vision on behalf of Government and his party; and most recently this was done at the Biennial Delegates Congress of the PNC. The AFC’s position on equality is well known and recently restated, whereby the AFC believes in and espouses equal opportunity for all Guyanese, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, political persuasion or sexual orientation. The AFC believes that all Guyanese are entitled to share equally in the benefits of the state,” Trotman stressed.

Trotman, who formerly was a PNC member, said he has known and worked closely with Lawrence for 25 years, and during that time she has “never shown racial or political partisanship, but

Natural Resources Minister and AFC leader, Raphael Trotman

in fact has worked tirelessly as politician and as a minister of Government for the betterment of people of all walks of life and all backgrounds.”

“We believe that the PNC Chair’s widely reported statements were made in the aftermath of the hotly contested Local Government Elections, and have created

an unnecessary distraction at this time,” he stressed.

Just last week, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo condemned Lawrence’s statement made at Congress Place, Sophia.

In fact, based on some other remarks made at that very event, Jagdeo told reporters that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) could file a complaint with the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).

Regarding the giving of jobs to friends within the PNC, Jagdeo explained that Lawrence can be charged for violating labour regulations which speak to non-discrimination in hiring practices.

However, Lawrence later announced through her party that she was standing by her words, which include comments about her only providing employment to supporters of her party.

In the PNCR statement, she affirmed that she stands by her views, which were made in regard to jobs and oppor-

tunities. A section of the document stated that “The People’s National Congress Reform stands by her views on the issue of jobs and unemployment, that measures are being put in place for the young and industrious to be afforded the opportunity of becoming self-employed or gaining meaningful employment.”

She has not yet addressed the controversial remarks that she allegedly made. However, in her defence, Lawrence has said she was only defending that Guyanese must be bilingual -- referring to the PNC Spanish or Portuguesespeaking doctor she was desirous of providing care for her.

Lawrence’s alleged remarks saw her criticising members of her party for inside bickering; which, according to her, if not rectified, will cost the Coalition Government the 2020 General Elections.

Auditors presently reviewing HEYS programme

T

he Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry is awaiting an audit of the progress report for its flagship youth programme, the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) following a request which was approved to conduct same.

The request was made following the release of the 2017 Auditor General’s Report, which pointed out that the Ministry had failed, on its part, to present progress reports during the auditing period which would have supported expenditure.

The AG’s report stated that the sum of $865.11 million was spent to pay stipends to 1900 youths for the period January to December of the year under review.

Monies were also spent for printing training docu-

One of the persons who benefited from the HEYS programme

ments, the launch of Phase II of the programme, to cover meals and accommodations as well as travelling for the execution of the training programme.

However, progress reports as well as financial reports for Cohort Two were prepared well in advance and available for scrutiny by the relevant personnel.

Cohort Two of the programme, according to reports available and submitted for review, began in July 2017 with the training of facilitators, while the

training for youths followed in August, with some 1965 youth from 108 villages participating in the one-year programme.

Two hundred and eleven facilitators provided the necessary guidance for the youths over a six-month period. The programme was administered by a 19-member administrative staff

component.

Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Valerie GarridoLowe, who has direct responsibility for youths across the hinterland, expressed her disappointment with the report, but was confident closure would be brought to the matter.

Meanwhile, the last two years have seen tremendous accomplishments made by the nation’s Indigenous youth with approximately 3901 being empowered to embrace a better life.

Cohort Two of the programme alone would have seen 1302 successful businesses established, participants actively involved in youth business summits, and youths highlighting their achievements to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) with five successfully receiving $100,000 each for their marked success.

Among the major achievements was Malvany Laud of Silver Hill, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) becoming a supplier of cassava bread to Mattai’s Supermarket Ltd. Her first 100 packs of the product were delivered to the Supermarket in July 2018.

Several youths who successfully completed the programme have advanced to higher learning, while others have made themselves available to serve on their respective village councils.

Following a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

analysis, the Strengths – transformed village economies, support from regional system, establishment of small businesses and promotion of entrepreneurship – and Opportunities – potential to improve livelihood, gather large pool of youth, poverty reduction, produce a new breed/brand of leaders and increase educational opportunities – by far outweighed Weaknesses and Threats.

One, therefore, can categorically conclude that the HEYS programme is achieving its objectives.

However, to ensure this is maintained, the co-coordinator, along with the monitors and workshop facilitators, have been visiting all 220 villages and communities that continue to benefit from the programme and providing the necessary business advice, management skills training, marketing guidelines as well as mentoring.

Notwithstanding several challenges, the devoted HEYS team led by a dynamic leader in Junior Williams and the entire Ministry, which is led by Ministers Sydney Allicock and Garrido-Lowe, are satisfied by the results based on evidence of significant economic and social progress.

Based on newly-acquired information, the HEYS programme is now more than ever in demand, with villages calling for a return of the programme. Minister Garrido-Lowe said discussions have already begun for a third cohort in 2020.

13 GSDS being reviewed by Cabinet – Harmon news

mondAY, december 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

…says National Oil Spill Plan also being reviewed

By Jarryl Bryan

A

fter a long interval, the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) has been presented to Cabinet, with public consultations on the document expected to begin soon after.

This is according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who was at the time addressing the media at a post-Cabinet briefing. He noted that the presentation detailed to the Ministers how the Strategy would work.

“Cabinet received a presentation of the Green State Development Strategy, which was proposed as an economic development strategy for the Guyanese people, which provided a vision and a model for development over a 20-year period from 2020 to 2040,” Harmon related.

“Cabinet was advised that the Strategy had as its key objectives managing the natural wealth resources, supporting economic resilience, green inclusiveness, and economic diversification.

The presentation also detailed the manner in which the Strategy would be implemented and the expected benefits to various sectors of

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

society as well as its overall impact on the future sustainable development of Guyana as a green state.”

According to Harmon, the entire Cabinet thereafter made a decision that the next step would be to present the Strategy for public consultations and review. Pressed for information on exactly when these consultations would be held, Harmon said that they would be early in 2019.

“In fact, there were two sets of deliberations done at Cabinet,” Harmon related. “It (the GSDS) is now being fine-tuned and once that

is done, Cabinet approves of the adjustments made, it will go out for the public consultations and review.”

When the GSDS was first introduced, it was billed as a framework that would “build” on the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) designed by the previous Administration to protect the environment while receiving financing.

According to the framework document, a critical element will be the sustainable management of natural resources. In fact, one of the Strategy’s goals is the mandatory reforestation of mining sites.

According to the document, it will aim to “conserve an additional two million hectares through Guyana’s National Protected Area System, continuing to use its monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system”.

It also plans on “continuing promotion of the Iwokrama as a dedicated place for research “to develop, demonstrate, and make available to Guyana and the international community systems, methods and techniques for the sustainable management and utilisation

would be examined and consulted on since last year.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has been strong in criticising the framework.

The LCDS, which the coalition Government says the GSDS is built on, was Jagdeo’s brainchild as President. According to the Opposition Leader, a major issue with the GSDS is that unlike the LCDS, it lacks strategies for Guyana to earn revenue.

Oil spill plan

Department of Energy Head, Dr Mark Bynoe

of the multiple resources of the Tropical Forest and the conservation of biological diversity.”

In the document, it is stated that a combination of conservation and sustainable management of forests will form the crux of the Strategy. It is noted that attracting additional international support for avoided deforestation through reforms in timber industries will include reduced-impact logging.

The framework document had initially stated that the elements of the Strategy

On the matter of the National Oil Spill Plan, Harmon informed reporters that the document was still being reviewed by the Department of Energy. In fact, he said the Department was reviewing all matters related to the oil and gas sector.

“Having access to additional capacities and capabilities in that agency, the plan, of course, is going through several changes now. Since then we’ve had a new head of the Environmental Protection Agency.

“And he has brought on board some very important skills in looking at these is-

EPA Executive Director, Dr Vincent Adams

sues,” Harmon continued.

“So, I believe in a very short space of time, we’ll be able to tell you where that is. But I know it is going through some additional reviews based on these new skillsets.”

In October, energy expert and scientist Dr Vincent Adams was appointed Executive Director of the EPA. His appointment came at a time when questions were being raised about the agency’s ability to regulate oil companies in Guyana, from an environmental stand point.

Govt bans parties, social events at Kingston beachfront

T

he time for frolicking and gyration at the Kingston beachfront area has come to an end following a Governmentimposed ban announced by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) on Sunday.

In a notice published in the press, the MPI, under a ‘cessation on use of the Kingston foreshore for certain events and activities’ statement, made it clear

that “approval will not be granted” for the area which lies between Fort Groyne and Camp Street to be used for activities that could generate noise above permissible levels.

The area will not be used as a venue for entertainment and/or social and other events which involve the use of loud audio and video systems, including those installed in motor vehicles; and for events “character-

ised by crowd generated noise”.

This is in keeping with Government’s recent drive to clamp down on operators and business owners who facilitate sounds that exceed the provisions stated in the Guidelines for Noise Emission into the Environment.

The MPI’s statement outlined that the organisers are now “duly notified” of the annulment of their approv-

Marriott Beachfront in Kingston, Georgetown

als, and that organisers are “advised” to use alternative venues and operate with the relevant regulations for use in public spaces.

It has also been noted that neither members of the public nor Government agencies can use any sea or river defence reserve without first getting approval from the Sea Defence Board.

“All persons and entities, including Government agencies, desirous of utilising any section of sea or river defence reserve are required to apply to the Sea Defence Board for approval. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in legal action (being taken) against the violators involved, in conformity with Chapter 64.02 of the Sea Defence Act,” the MPI has noted.

During last month, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan posited that revoking the licences of some music operators was being considered. He said the Police should be targeting unlicensed operators, in keeping with the campaign to clamp down on noise nuisance. However, most places

visited by Police ranks were reportedly licensed businesses.

Guyana Times reported that push cart vendors had protested the move, since their livelihoods would be in jeopardy. Nevertheless, the Public Security Minister made it clear that Government intended to take the profit out of “illegal activity”, those being the bars that play loud music; the carts which sell their video and tape recordings; and persons who play loud music from cars.

This clampdown comes against a 02:00h curfew wherein bars must cease operating and not conduct any business beyond that time.

The enforcement of these measures has not been sitting well with many sections of society, especially the business community which sponsors and hosts the very events that are being curtailed. In fact, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar, told Guyana Times late last month that he hopes the Police would be fair in

clamping down on noise nuisance.

“If people are breaking the law (by) playing music to an unacceptable level of loudness, and are causing discomfort to the neighbours and people in the surrounding periphery, the Police have to enforce what the law is. What I’m hoping for is that whenever this does happen, it happens in an even manner, and not an uneven manner. If we’re going to enforce something, do it across the board. If we’re going to do it, I’m hoping that the Police, when they have to enforce a law, they do it across the board,” Indar had noted.

Owner of Seeta’s Bar, Seeta Gosahai, had explained that Police officers had visited her business place on Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown and she had been forced to close earlier that the normal time.

She claimed that only her establishment had been targeted, and other establishments where music was being played louder continued playing their music late into the night.

14 news

mondAY, december 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

“We will create the environment for businesses to grow” – Harmon

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon addresses the gathering at the Gaico Construction and General Services Incorporated’s Annual Christmas Dinner and Staff Award Ceremony held at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown

M

inister of State, Joseph Harmon on Saturday evening assured the Private Sector that the Government would continue its efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses to grow and thrive.

Speaking at Gaico Construction and General Services Incorporated’s Annual Christmas Dinner and Staff Award ceremony, held at the Pegasus Hotel, Minister Harmon said when businesses grow and thrive, the Guyanese citizenry benefits.

“I have leaned on Gaico heavily to provide employment and they have risen to the challenge. Mr Komal Singh has big plans for his company and as a Government; we will continue to provide the environment for businesses to grow.

We will create the environment, so that you can continue to grow and provide the employment for our Guyanese people as we work to provide a good life for all of our people,” he said.

Minister Harmon also used the opportunity to laud Singh, noting that there was a need for more businessmen like him as he has proven time and time again that service to his community and country was more important than profits.

“I can attest to Komal’s work in the community in which they live. He has worked tirelessly with the Civil Defence Commission as the representative of the Private Sector Commission, particularly during the last hurricane season. He dropped all of the accolades he has and decided to work as a

Guyanese to bring the power of the Private Sector to the work which the CDC had to do. Komal, in spite of all that he has achieved, has remained grounded in Region Three in Canal Number One, where he continues to make a contribution.

Gaico has single-handedly elevated these communities to a height we never saw before. When there was flooding in Canal, he came out with his team and put the company’s assets at the NDC [Neighbourhood Democratic Council] and the people in Canal and so these are qualities you do not always associate with people who made it well in business. He has risen from a taxi driver to one of the most successful businessmen these days,” Minister Harmon said.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, in brief remarks, stated that the success of Gaico must be applauded as it has risen from humble beginnings to be one of the most reputable Guyanese companies.

“There is an expectation today, especially among young people, that you can jump into business today and be super rich tomorrow, but Gaico has shown us how much grit it takes to take a business from its inception to success. We know Gaico is now a very reputable company, but a Guyanese company most of all and we want to celebrate Gaico,” he stated.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Komal Singh said that while his company started from humble be-

Minister Harmon shares a light moment with CEO Komal Singh and his wife, Gaitri Singh, as businessman Roshan Khan looks on

ginnings, it has grown over the past 27 years and now offered services such as oil spill response, civil work, marine works, salvaging, dredging and manufacturing of asphalt.

By 2019, the company is aiming to build a modern wharf facility, which will see approximately 100 persons employed. Priority, he said, will be given to workers who were laid off by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

“We are in the process now of developing a wharf facility and we are also in the process of developing a hazardous waste management facility. Our plan is to have a hazardous waste management facility where we bring in waste oil, pro-

cess it and reuse it. We hope by the end of 2019, we can have that facility up and running. We are hoping to create at least 100 jobs by June/ July when we finish the first phase of the construction of that facility.

Our priority is to give the jobs to those who would have lost jobs from GuySuCo,” Singh said.

Additionally, he thanked and applauded the Government for the recent announcement that corporate taxes would be reduced from 2019.

The event was also attended by Vice President and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Social Protection Minister Amna Ally and Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams.

“We will be in every community repairing your roads” – Patterson

T

he sum of $38.5 billion has been budgeted for Public Infrastructure in 2019, a 10 per cent increase when compared to 2018.

Seventy-two per cent of the total will be pumped into capital projects, while the remainder will go towards maintenance and repairs.

Appearing on the “Budget In Focus” programme on the National Communications Network (NCN), Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson explained that next year, some $2.9 billion would be spent on miscellaneous and

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

urban roads in the 10 towns and all of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) throughout the country. The total amount reflects a 33 per cent increase when compared to 2018.

“We are pleased with the increase. Over the years, we would have done a total assessment of all the roads and so the extra 33 per cent will result in a lot more roads being done this year. Persons have been complaining that they need roads, street lights, drainage, playfields and community centres. We heard them, and

One of the deplorable roads in Timehri – Alliance Road

I would like to call my budget ‘I heard you’, that’s my theme since we are going to go to each and every community that has requested roads.”

Some of the areas to benefit include Lima Sands and Suddie – Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); South Ruimveldt Gardens and Park, Lodge, East and West Ruimveldt, Albouystown, Charlestown, and Agricola – Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Angoys’ Avenue, Hope Town – Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Mahdia – Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo); Mabaruma – Region One (Barima-Waini), and Parika/Goshen road in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) , just to name a few.

Additionally, the Ministry

will also be collaborating with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to construct and rehabilitate roads in developing housing schemes including Parfaite Harmonie, Diamond, Herstelling, Grove and Providence.

According to the Public Infrastructure Minister, a total of $2 billion will be invested in the hinterland on the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of a number of roads, dams, and trails.

In 2019, Minister Patterson said, the Ministry has prioritised the Wainaina, Yakarita and Bartica-Potaro roads, Karasabai to Kato, Ituni to Kwakwani, Kwakwani to Orealla and the Linden to Lethem roads.

The Ministry will also be taking over responsibility from

the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association to maintain the roads previously under their management.

“We will ensure that we keep all of these trails passable for the economic activity of these agencies in 2019,” Minister Patterson assured.

“We have a full programme for 2019, and I will be reviewing the projects myself and confirming that they will reach the intended inhabitants,” he emphasised.

One of the transformational projects the Government will be pushing next year is the commencement of the East Coast to East Bank (Ogle to Diamond) road linkage. This project is being funded by the Government of India at a cost of approximately $25.2 billion (US$120 million).

According to Minister Patterson, the initial stages of the project catered for a single-lane road; however, after a further assessment was conducted it was decided that a four-lane road would be more feasible. As part of the project, several communities will also be linked including those along Aubrey Barker Road, Eccles, Mocha and Diamond. Further, the 2019 Budget also included sums for a study to be conducted on a road from Diamond to the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Minister Patterson made it clear that the East Bank bypass road was not a new project because it was in discussion for a number of years, but “under this government, we have revamped it and we will execute it”.

The Minister said that these projects fell under the Ministry’s 2025-2030 plan for public infrastructure in Guyana.

15

monDAY, december 3, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

What are your thoughts on the $300.7B 2019 Budget presented

by Finance Minister Winston Jordan at the National Assembly?

Anuja Seenarine “Being a student, I am of the view that the Budget presented last Monday did not cater much for students and schools and the services that should be provided in this modern age. I also believe that employment opportunities were very limited and this is oppressing, since thousands of persons are completing their education every year. There are some [employment opportunities] in the oil industry, but this is not definite for [at] least a few years from now.”

Nickola Sam “Even though this was an immense budget, the youths continue to be left out in the cold, since there was no mention of job creation or anything to do with finding jobs for the youths. I think this government totally forgot about the youths in Guyana.

And it is because of that reason in particular that they turn to crime.”

Mark Gill “I don’t really know much about the 2019 Budget, but from what I’ve seen I can say we are improving bit by bit. The figure is one that is big, but after that money is allocated into different sectors and other initiatives, etc, it doesn’t seem to be enough anymore, but the Government is trying their best and we must give them credit for their efforts, but, at the same time, there is room for some improvements.

So, yes, I, as a citizen, am grateful, but in the future, the budget can be larger and keep increasing.”

Eon Daniels “I think the budget – it’s good from the years before, it is satisfying because it increase and more can be done within the country and for the citizens of the country.

With the budget presented, it can be clearly seen that our economy, our country are getting somewhere; we are slowly but surely getting to our desired position, and we must commend the Minister and the Government as a whole.”

Shabazza Douglas “I think this far it’s a peoplecentred budget; however, I’m worried as to the trickledown effect in the market and supermarkets.”

Jamain Hatton “I think it’s a step in the right direction. I applaud the Government on its continuous increase in the minimum wage and would really hope they follow through on their promise of working with the GPSU [Guyana Public Service Union] for that “living wage”.”

Ian Campbell “Given the usual culture of misappropriation of funds and not the most transparent accountability of Guyana’s resources ever since I would’ve developed political sense, I am not surprised of a fictitious surplus budget.

There is little to no integrity as it relates to the numbers. I am mostly concerned about is the commitments to the word of raising the salaries as prior agreed upon during 2018.”

Shawn Peniston “A comprehensive budget … one that truly reflects the Government’s increased effort at meeting the demands of Guyanese.”

Malissa Nurse “I am so disappointed in this government; they care nothing about the welfare of the Guyanese people.

My thoughts on the budget are that they just care for themselves and nobody else.

You have to look at it on a longterm basis; yes, I know we had increases in some major sectors, but we still need to be on the lookout for the welfare of Guyanese people and don’t let the big numbers fool us.”

Shaunell Wilson “The budget seems to be bigger, but it didn’t really do anything much for Guyanese as usual…so what’s the use of a bigger budget if the people aren’t really benefiting from it?”

Ronald Austin Jr “It is people centred and puts more disposable income in the hands of workers, this means the Private Sector and the people will have a great Christmas. It is a workingclass budget. Well done, Winston Jordan; well done, Government of Guyana.”

Delroy Marks “A historical budget … as a young Guyanese, I am happy the opportunities await the youths in 2019 Budget.

The good life continues as promised by Government…”

16

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, december 3, 2018

Regional

Mexico’s new President takes aim at violence during 1st day in office

O

n his first full day in office, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador defended a plan to end lawlessness with a new national guard, an initiative that risks upsetting some supporters who favour a less militarised approach.

In a Sunday morning speech, Mexico’s first leftist President in decades continued to pivot from an emphasis during the campaign on peaceful reconciliation and even amnesty for some involved in the country’s gruelling drug war to a more traditional approach defined by more soldiers and Police.

“We must adjust to a new era,” he said, flanked by generals at a military base in the capital, while emphasizing that his security policy will also respect human rights.

In the first phase of his plan, a 60,000-strong national guard force made up of army, navy and other federal Police will battle crime while a constitutional reform will be pursued to cement the new strategy.

Lopez Obrador has said the strate-

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador takes part in an Indigenous ceremony during the AMLO Fest at Zocalo Square in Mexico City, Mexico, December 1, 2018

gy will be put to a public vote, likely in March.

A second phase will add additional military forces to the effort.

“The people of Mexico need their armed forces to address this grave problem of insecurity and violence right now,” said Lopez Obrador, often turning toward the uniformed officers assembled behind him to address them

directly.

“We’ve opted for this plan because we trust the armed forces,” he said.

Over the past dozen years, Mexican security forces have toppled some high-profile drug kingpins, but more than 200,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands more disappeared since a military-focused approach was initiated in 2006. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Chaguanas Mayor urges citizens to help Cuban refugees

C

haguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodhan is appealing to nationals to assist the Cuban refugees living a warehouse in Warrenville, Central Trinidad.

Boodhan made the call after visiting the refugee camp on Sunday morning, where he distributed snack bags to the children living there with their parents.

Boodhan was in the community visiting families whose homes were damaged during the flooding on October 20 in the Kelly Village and Warren areas, but took the opportunity to also visit the refugees.

He said at the end of the day the Cubans were human beings and deserved to be treated as such. He was also concerned about the welfare

Female refugees go through clothing donated by members of the public at the refugee camp in Central Trinidad Sunday

of the handful of children at the facility who are not receiving any level of formal education.

The Cubans have been given the warehouse to use

by Central businessman Churchill Akaloo while they

seek to continue their fight for asylum in another country.

Akaloo was heartbroken after several of the refugees reached out to him when they were released from prison last month. A

group of 78 of them were sentenced to two days in jail after they pleaded guilty to blocking the pavement outside UN House in Port-ofSpain, where they were protesting over the Government and the UN’s failure to address their situation.

Speaking to Guardian Media Sunday, Akaloo said there are 170-plus Cubans now staying at the warehouse. He said some of them have been in T&T for more than four years.

Akaloo said, “I wondered what they were doing for the last four years in this country.”

Akaloo said people who want to contribute clothes and food can do so directly through him rather than going to the refugee camp.

C

sidering all options, without offering details.

The Canadian Government said Thursday it had allowed employees currently in Cuba to return home, if they wanted to.

Canadian and US authorities initially suspected an attack using some sort of acoustic weapon, which led to heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and the Caribbean island nation. But Ottawa later concluded that to be “unlikely.”

American doctors and officials have pointed to “a new type of a possible acquired brain injury” outlined in a February issue of Journal of the American Medical Association by health experts at the University of Pennsylvania, who treated 21 US diplomats. (Excerpt from AFP)

B

usiness tycoon Lawrence Duprey has been blocked by the High Court from disposing of over TT$1 billion in assets, including three mega estates and a local insurance company, after a freezing injunction was sought by the company’s former subsidiary in the Bahamas over a failed land development in Florida.

This new injunction, granted by Justice Ricky Rahim to British American Insurance Company (BAICO), blocked Duprey from attempting to sell off Motor One Insurance Company and over 700 acres of land that fell under the former CL Financial boss.

The proceedings stated that Gary Dumas, another one of Duprey’s business partners, confirmed that sale of a valuable cocoa estate was discussed with a foreign buyer and that

J

amaica and Jamaican companies emerged the big winners at the just-concluded World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony held in Lisbon, Portugal Saturday night, by winning eight of the coveted awards.

Notably, Jamaica received the World’s Leading Beach Destination and World’s Leading Cruise Destination for 2018, a release from the Tourism Ministry disclosed.

In highlighting the significance of the awards, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, who, along with Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Chairman John Lynch were present at the Gala, said: “I am truly proud to have been able share in this moment which highlights that Jamaica’s tourism product is of the highest quality and remains top of mind for millions of visitors who come to our shore.

“Jamaica competed with the best of the best across the globe and has emerged a global winner acknowledged for the hard work and innovation being done in the sector.”

Senior adviser/strategist in the Ministry,

Delano Seiveright noted that several Jamaican entities received the remaining awards, including, “the World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa, 2018 – Fleming Villa at GoldenEye, Jamaica; World’s Leading Villa Resort 2018 – Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica; World’s Leading All-inclusive Company 2018 – Sandals Resorts International; World’s Leading Family Resort Brand 2018 – Beaches Resorts; World’s Leading Caribbean Attraction Company 2018 – Island Routes Caribbean Adventures and World’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator 2018 – Chukka Caribbean Adventures.”

The Ministry said the event marked the climax of the WTA Grand Tour 2018 — an annual search for the finest travel and tourism organisations in the world.

Government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media from across the globe were in attendance.

The WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. (Excerpt

from Jamaica Observer)

Pledge to take the country forward – Barbados Foreign Trade Minister

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Canada to reassess Cuba presence Bahamas firm owed debt over diplomat brain injuries unearths T&T sell-off plan anada said Saturday it will send a delegation to Cuba next week to re-evaluate its presence there after another diplomat was diagnosed with a mysterious brain injury that has affected several dozen North American envoys to the island.

Since 2016, 13 Canadians and 25 Americans have all reported similar unexplained symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, headaches, hearing and vision complications, a loss of balance, nausea and an inability to concentrate.

“A delegation of senior officials will return to Cuba next week to review Canada’s current operations and determine how we can further reduce the risks to our diplomatic staff,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Richard Walker told AFP. He said Canada was con-

Jamaica sweeps World Travel Awards

Duprey was in the country for a short time which coincided with the sale of the land.

“Mr Duprey’s alleged reason for being in Trinidad, ie, to sign papers for an appeal is unconvincing. His signature would not be required to file an appeal,” BAICO lawyers said in the injunction.

Dumas, BAICO said, has also confirmed the sale of smaller pieces of land.

The injunction freezing Duprey’s local assets was obtained against him by BAICO’s lawyers late in October and now gives him very little control over what was once his vast wealth. According to the new terms of this injunction, Duprey is allowed some US$500 per week as living expenses and the judicial manager of BAICO must approve any legal expense before it is incurred. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

A

Minister in the Foreign Trade Ministry, Sandra Husbands

s the nation of Barbados is seeking to make an economic recovery, Barbadians are being asked to make a determination as to how they can help in taking the nation forward and to actually make a pledge to do so, in celebration of 52 years of Independence.

The call came last week from Minister in the Foreign Trade Ministry, Sandra Husbands.

“I want to encourage Barbadians. I want to say something to you. We have a future to craft. November 30th is the day on which we celebrate our Independence and … we tend to focus primarily on our traditional foods, on our traditional music, wearing our national colours. But I want Barbadians this November to make this Independence

one with a difference. We have come through a very difficult time, but recovery is ahead. But recovery calls for each one of us (to do our part),” Husbands remarked.

“So this Independence, I am asking each Barbadian to make a pledge as to what you will do to help take the nation forward. Make a pledge as to what you can do to help further our economic development. Make a pledge for what you can do to help in the community, in the society, by giving part of your time back to help build up our communities, to help take care of our children, to help take care of the elderly,” she added.

Husbands meanwhile noted that she will be going all out for her constituency of St James South and her country, doing all she can “as a faithful servant”. (Excerpt

from Barbados Advocate)

17

mondAY, december 3, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Macron tells PM to hold talks after US, China agree on worst unrest in Paris for decades trade war ceasefire after

France's President Emmanuel Macron, France's Interior Minister Christophe Castaner and Paris Police Prefect Michel Delpuech arrive to visit firefighters and Riot Police Officers the day after a demonstration, in Paris, France, December 2, 2018

F

rench President Emmanuel Macron ordered his Prime Minister on Sunday to hold talks with political leaders and demonstrators, as he sought a way out of nationwide protests after rioters turned central Paris into a battle zone.

Riot Police on Saturday were overwhelmed as protesters ran amok in Paris’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, torching dozens of cars, looting boutiques and smashing up luxury private

homes and cafes in the worst disturbances the capital has seen since 1968.

The unrest began as a backlash against fuel tax hikes, but has spread.

It poses the most formidable challenge yet to Macron’s presidency, with the escalating violence and depth of public anger against his economic reforms catching the 40-year-old leader offguard and battling to regain control.

After a meeting with members of his government on Sunday, the French

presidency said in a statement that the President had asked his Interior Minister to prepare security forces for future protests and his Prime Minister to hold talks with political party leaders and representatives of the protesters.

A French presidential source said Macron would not speak to the nation on Sunday despite calls for him to offer immediate concessions to demonstrators, and said the idea of imposing a state of emergency had not been discussed.

Arriving back from the G20 summit in Argentina, Macron had earlier rushed to the Arc de Triomphe, a revered monument and epicentre of Saturday’s clashes, where protesters had scrawled “Macron resign” and “The yellow vests will triumph”.

The “yellow vest” rebellion erupted out of nowhere on November 17, with protesters blocking roads across France and impeding access to some shopping malls, fuel depots and airports. Violent groups from the far right and far left as well as youths from the suburbs infiltrated Saturday’s protests, the authorities said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump, Xi summit

C

hina and the United States agreed to a ceasefire in their bitter trade war on Saturday after high-stakes talks in Argentina between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including no escalated tariffs on January 1.

Trump will leave tariffs on US$200 billion worth of Chinese imports at 10 per cent at the beginning of the new year, agreeing to not raise them to 25 per cent “at this time”, the White House said in a statement.

“China will agree to purchase a not yet agreed upon, but very substantial, amount of agricultural, energy, industrial, and other product from the United States to reduce the trade imbalance between our two countries,” it said.

“China has agreed to

start purchasing agricultural product from our farmers immediately.”

The two leaders also agreed to immediately start talks on structural changes with respect to forced technology transfers, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft, services and agriculture, the White House said.

Both countries agreed they will try to have this “transaction” completed within the next 90 days, but if this does not happen then the 10 per cent tariffs will be raised to 25 per cent, it added.

The Chinese Government’s top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, said the negotiations were conducted in a “friendly and candid atmosphere”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Climate change: “World at crossroads” Newly-wed Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have Hindu ceremony warning as key talks begin

F

our senior figures behind efforts to limit climate change have warned that the planet "is at a crossroads" as key talks opened a day early in Poland.

In a rare move, four former Presidents of the United Nations-sponsored talks called for decisive action.

The meeting in Katowice is the most critical on climate change since the 2015 Paris agreement.

Experts say that drastic cuts in emissions will be needed if the world is to reach targets agreed in Paris.

Negotiators at the COP24 conference convened a day early because they are under pressure to make progress.

This Conference of the Parties (COP) is the first to be held since the landmark Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) re-

port on limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 Celsius came out in October.

The IPCC stated that to keep to the 1.5 Celsius goal, Governments would have to slash emissions of greenhouse gases by 45 per cent by 2030.

But a recent study showed that CO2 emissions are on the rise again after stalling for four years. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Record number of Bahraini women elected to Parliament

B

ollywood star Priyanka Chopra and US singer Nick Jonas are marrying in a Hindu ceremony, a day after exchanging vows according to Christian tradition.

The couple are celebrating their nuptials with friends and family at the lavish Umaid Bhavan Palace in the Rajasthani city of Jodhpur.

Jonas and Chopra got engaged in the summer after a whirlwind romance.

On social media, they said their wedding was an "amalgamation" of their families, faiths and culture.

They shared pictures of the traditional mehendi ceremony, in which Chopra had her hands and feet decorated with henna by the women of both families. There was

Priyanka Chopra shows Jonas her hands decorated with henna

also a cricket match between Team Priyanka and Team Nick ahead of the wedding.

People magazine said Saturday's Christian ceremony was officiated by Jonas's father Paul Kevin

Jonas, a pastor. Both the bride and groom wore Ralph Lauren outfits, the designer tweeted.

The ceremony was followed by fireworks. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Burundi warned after exPresident Buyoya arrest warrant

Many said the latest election will be remembered for breaking the glass ceiling in Bahrain [File: Reuters]

A

record number of women have been elected in Bahrain's elections in what officials say is an historic achievement that has broken the glass ceiling of representation in the country's Parliament.

By the election's second and final round of voting on Sunday, a total of six women were voted in, doubling the number of female legislators

in the tiny Gulf kingdom.

"The 2018 elections are historic for Bahrain," Mohammed al-Sayed, spokesperson for Citizens for Bahrain organisation, told Al Arabiya English news channel.

"We will certainly have more women in Parliament, and this is a source of pride for all Bahrainis as we believe in equality and the

important role played by Bahraini women in society and politics," he continued.

Sawsan Kamal, Zainab Abdul Amir, Massoma Abdul Raheem and Kaltham Al Hayki joined Fawzia Zainal and Fatima Al Qatari, who were elected in the first round on November 24.

The total number of seats for Bahrain's Council of Representatives is 40. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

Ex-President Pierre Buyoya has in the past reacted angrily to a suggestion he was connected to Melchior Ndadaye's killing

T

he African Union (AU) has warned Burundi against moves to jeopardise peace efforts after an international arrest warrant was issued for ex-leader Pierre

Buyoya and 16 other officials.

They are accused of being behind the 1993 assassination of the country's first elected Hutu President.

The killing of Melchior

Ndadaye triggered a brutal ethnic civil war.

Buyoya, an ethnic Tutsi, says it is a ploy to stir up divisions and shift attention from the current crisis.

More than 300,000 people died in a 12-year civil war between the minority Tutsi-dominated army and mainly Hutu rebel groups.

Buyoya – who has seized power twice in the last three decades with the backing of the army – is a respected diplomatic figure on the continent.

He was involved in the peace process that ended the civil war and led to the election, in 2005, of former Hutu rebel leader Pierre Nkurunziza as President.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, december 3, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

If you are intent on making a change, focus on self-improvement instead of trying to alter someone else.

Don’t neglect your responsibilities or you will face criticism.

Share your thoughts and make plans or arrangements to visit or talk to an older relative who would appreciate the gesture. A kind action will get you in the festive spirit.

Don’t leave anything to chance. If you trust in someone, you’d better be sure that he or she doesn’t have ulterior motives. Moderation will be in your best interest.

You’ll find the perfect way to update your image or a special outfit for a festive event. Romance is on the rise and can lead to a closer bond with a loved one.

Keep life simple. You may feel like getting into the spirit of the season, but putting your health first will help you avoid a bug that’s spreading through your community.

You’ll do best if you are out and about. Shopping, attending business functions or making changes to your legal or financial papers will help you avoid domestic problems.

Taking a short trip or LIBRA (Sept. 23- making plans to travel Oct. 23) during the holiday season will lift your spirits. The information you are offered will open your eyes to a situation you are facing at home.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — BRIEFING

SUDOKU

(BRIEFING: BREEF-ing: Giving precise instructions or essential information.)

Average mark 22 words

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

The personal changes you put into play will be well-received. Whether it’s adopting a new look, decorating your home or doing something for an old friend or relative, it will be gratifying.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Take care of responsibilities and get ahead. The time you put in now will pay off when you want to spend time with friends and family as the year comes to a close.

Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 27 or more words in BRIEFING? The list will be published tomorrow.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SATURDAY’S WORD — HYPOCRISY horsy

pricy

chirp

crisp

ship

hypo

prosy

choir

crispy

shop

physic

psych

chop

crop

spicy

pish

psycho

coir

rich

spry

porch

pyric

copy

ropy

posh

orchis

corps

rosy

posy

chip

cosy

scrip

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Take a wait-and-see approach when dealing with anyone who tends to be unpredictable. A practical attitude will help you deal with any uncertainty that comes your way.

Look at and make changes to personal documents that may be time-sensitive.

Taking care of business before you move on to more pleasurable activities will ease stress.

A little nurturing will go a long way. Make a promise to someone special, and don’t renege. Aim to end the year on a high note and in better financial shape.

mondAY, december 3, 2018

19

Wilder retains WBC heavyweight over Fury after split draw H

e’d spent the first 11 rounds of Saturday’s heavyweight title fight mostly boxing the ears off Deontay Wilder, frustrating the undefeated American champion with a stubbornly effective jab and deft movement, even surviving a ninth-round knockdown to roar back in the championship rounds. Yet in one moment of shocking violence, a slashing Wilder left hook early in the 12th, all of it came undone.

The supine Fury’s eyes slowly rolled back into his head as referee Jack Reiss counted to five while Wilder celebrated a certain victory in a neutral corner. At six, Fury jolted to life and moved to get up. By nine, he’d made it to his feet and convinced Reiss to allow him to continue.

“I had a holy hand upon me tonight,” Fury said after the fight. “And it brought me back.”

In the end Fury, who bravely made it to the final bell, fell short in his bid to regain the world heavyweight championship he’d never lost in the ring as Wilder retained his WBC title in a white-knuckle split draw at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.

Mexico’s Alejandro Rochin scored the fight 115-111 to Wilder, Canada’s Robert Tapper had it 114-112 for Fury and Phil Edwards of the United Kingdom called it even at 113113. (The Guardian scored it 115-111 to Fury.)

But the 30-year-old former champion’s improbable revival

Deontay Wilder celebrates after flooring Tyson Fury for the second time in their 12-round Heavyweight draw

from a public bout with mental illness, as he ballooned from 260lbs to nearly 400lbs during a 31-month layoff, left him deeply gratified late Saturday night even as he disputed the result. After never defending the titles he captured when he ended Wladimir Klitschko’s decade-long title reign three years ago this week in Düsseldorf, Fury was a winner on Saturday simply by climbing through the ropes. That he nearly sprung one of the great comebacks to reclaim the heavyweight crown in the division’s centuries-spanning history almost felt secondary.

“It’s not been any secret what I’ve been doing out of the ring,” Fury said. “I’ve been living like a rock star.

Robben to leave Bayern Munich at end of season

B

ayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has played in three Champions League finals while at the club Arjen Robben says he will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season after 10 years with the German champions.

The Dutch winger, 34, has scored 98 goals in 198 Bundesliga games for Bayern, winning seven league titles and a Champions League trophy.

“I can say that this is my last year and it is good like that,” said Robben, who added that he was not retiring.

“The club moves on and I may move on. It is the end of a very good and long period. I won’t stop completely yet.”

Robben, who played in the 2010 World Cup final as the Netherlands lost to Spain, played for Groningen, PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea and Real Madrid before joinArjen Robben ing Bayern in 2009. (BBC Sport)

That ain’t a great thing, by the way, because I’ve had a very low time doing it. I’ve fought back from suicide and mental health [issues] and depression and anxiety. And I wanted more than anything tonight to show the world that it can be done. Anything is possible with the right mindset.”

Fury (27-0-1, 19 KOs), facing live fire against an elite opponent for the first time in more than three years, used feints and a confident left jab to score from the opening bell. He looked even more comfortable in the second, stepping closer into the pocket and throwing his gloves skyward to bait the champion. He continued the gameplan into the third and fourth, using head and upper-

body movement to keep Wilder, a devastating puncher who had finished all but one of his professional fights inside the distance, off balance and tentative.

Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs) was able to land occasional shots and they were frequently the heavier ones, as evinced by the trickle of blood that appeared from Fury’s nose in the fourth.

But the 33-year-old American managed to land virtually no punches in combination in the first half of the bout as Fury methodically stayed clear of Wilder’s right, the most devastating weapon in the sport. As Wilder confessed: “It felt like he had baby oil on him.

He was slippery.”

Fury, who out-weighed

Wilder by 44lbs at Friday’s weigh-in, continued to use the jab effectively into the second half of the fight: as an offensive weapon, as a rangefinder, as a buttress. By then it appeared Fury was in command. The Alabama native’s eye was swelling and it was clear his only apparent plan was hoping Fury would walk into a right hand.

“I started overthrowing my right hand because I really wanted to get him out of there,” Wilder said. “I started overshooting it, to the point where I started hyperextending my right arm. Elbow started hurting and everything.”

In the ninth Wilder landed a short series of rights that sent Fury down in a heap. The challenger appeared unhurt when he rose and smartly wrapped up Wilder as he attempted to close the show and by the end of the round it was Fury who had the upper hand against his punched-out opponent.

Fury’s bearings had completely returned in the 10th and 11th rounds as he came forward throwing the jab with authority, doubling and tripling it up. When the bell sounded, Fury was three minutes away from a seemingly impossible comeback from the abyss.

Then came the final round when Wilder sent Fury’s 6ft 9in, 256½lb form crashing to the deck out cold on descent about 40 seconds in. It didn’t seem like the challenger was going to beat the count as he

lay nearly motionless before a crowd of 17,698 in full throat, but somehow Fury worked himself upright. He hung on for dear life for the next minute but he regathered once more and by the end of the round he had Wilder gassed and reeling.

“I don’t know how he got up,” said Wilder, who landed 71 of 430 shots (17%), compared 84 of 327 for Fury (26%), according to CompuBox’s punch statistics. “I don’t know why they didn’t start the count earlier.”

He added: “I really thought I had him out of there.”

Wilder, who retained the WBC title for an eighth time, earned a career-high minimum purse of $4m compared to $3m for Fury, with both fighters’ takehomes likely to swell once the pay-per-view receipts are tallied. Yet it was immediately clear the prospect of a rematch could do even bigger business.

“I think it was a great fight,” Wilder said. “We need to do it again. We need to do it again in America, [but] it doesn’t matter to me … We’re the best in the world. The respect was mutual.”

Fury also expressed interest in a rematch, though he believed he should have won on the night. “We’re on away soil, I got knocked down twice, but I still believe I won that fight,” Fury said. “I’m being a total professional here. I went to Germany to fight [Wladimir] Klitschko and I went to America to fight Deontay Wilder. God bless America. The Gypsy King has returned.” (The Guardian)

Woods says desire still strong and describes 2018 as ‘incredible’

T

he 2018 season had been “incredible”, Tiger Woods said on Sunday after completing his final round of the year.

Speaking at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, Woods said his desire was as strong as ever but acknowledged that his middle-aged and much-operated-on body was not able to do all the things his younger self could.

“The desire hasn’t changed.

It’s just the body is sometimes unwilling to respond to what the mind wants,” the 14-times major champion told Golf Channel.

“That’s just part of the injuries I’ve had and the aging process and trying to deal with that and compete.”

It was at the World Challenge 12 months ago that Woods returned to competition, more than seven months after having two discs in his l o we r spine fused.

Nobody knew at the

time how his back would hold up to the rigors of a full schedule but it came through better than even he expected.

Woods contended several times, including at the British Open and PGA Championship majors, before he ended a five-year victory drought by winning the Tour Championship in September.

“It was an incredible year, to go from where I was at this point last year to where I am now,” he said.

“I’m so blessed and so thankful to have the opportunity to have everything turn my way.”

Woods finished second-last in the 18man field at the World Challenge, an unofficial event he hosts at Albany on the island of New Providence.

He said he had been feeling under the weather for much of the week.

“Hosting the event and trying to play well, I haven’t done a very good job of playing well but it was nice to finish off on that back nine and actually do something positive,” he said after picking up four birdies over the final nine holes.

Though his playing is done for the year, Woods cannot relax just yet.

He is scheduled to leave later on Sunday for Australia for promotional obligations for next December’s Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.

(Reuters)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

mondAY, december 3, 2018

Arsenal fight back to beat Tottenham in fiery derby A

rsenal’s relentless attacking performance to overpower Tottenham was a “special” moment, says Unai Emery.

His side extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches, moving above Spurs into the top four, with a display that reflected the outstanding work the Spaniard has done since succeeding Arsene Wenger.

Despite his satisfaction at beating their arch-rivals in his first north London derby, Emery has challenged his players to continue improving.

“It is a very big victory; we showed our supporters and we gave them the victory because it is a very special match against Tottenham, for us it is special also,” the Arsenal manager said.

“But above all it is three points, like against Bournemouth last weekend.

“We need to continue our process, creating our way. I want to do more.”

Arsenal’s fast start drew early reward when PierreEmerick Aubameyang put them ahead from the spot after Jan Vertonghen’s hand-

“It was difficult for the team to show the energy that we normally show.”

Origi’s late goal stuns Everton

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the first player to reach 10 goals in the Premier League this season

ball.

Yet Spurs, against the run of play, were ahead before the break. Eric Dier glanced home Christian Eriksen’s free-kick to equalise, sparking a melee involving players from both sides with his celebrations in front of Arsenal’s fans, before Harry Kane scored from the spot after Rob Holding was penalised for a chal-

lenge on Son Heung-min.

Emery introduced Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey at the start of the second half to dramatic effect.

The Welshman set up Aubameyang’s magnificent finish and the France striker’s deflected shot beat goalkeeper Hugo Lloris from the edge of the area to put Arsenal ahead with 16 min-

utes left.

The outstanding Lucas Torreira ran clear to wrap up Arsenal’s win and Spurs’ misery was complete when Vertonghen was sent off for a foul on Lacazette.

“Until they scored the third goal I think the game was even, after that we started to pay,” Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

Liverpool’s Divock Origi scored a bizarre 96th-minute goal in sensational circumstances as a terrible Jordan Pickford error gifted the Reds victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.

It sent his manager Jurgen Klopp sprinting onto the pitch to hug goalkeeper Alisson and the fans into raptures, but was cruel on Everton, who had at times played the more adventurous football in a lively encounter.

The 232nd meeting between the city rivals was heading for a draw when Pickford mishandled a sliced Virgil van Dijk shot that had ballooned high up into the air.

It seemed set to land on top of his net, but the England keeper clawed the ball back down from above his crossbar and spilled it out to Origi.

A late substitute making

his first Premier League appearance since August 2017, all the Belgian striker had to do was nod into an empty goal to secure a win that consolidates Liverpool’s second place, two points behind defending champions Manchester City.

In the 87th-minute Origi had missed what looked to be the golden late chance to seal victory when he smashed against the bar from three yards, unable to convert a ball bouncing loose from a corner.

It was Origi’s third goal against Everton - his best record against any side for Liverpool.

And it was the fifth Premier League injury-time winner Liverpool have scored against Everton again, they have not scored more against any other side in the Premier League era.

The Toffees remain without a victory in their past 18 meetings with the Reds, and are winless at Anfield this century.

They stay sixth in the table, eight points below Tottenham in fifth and Arsenal in fourth. (BBC Sport)

Tamim, Shakib 'Europa League 2': Uefa confirms back in squad new tournament from 2021 for WI ODIs

S

hakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal have returned to Bangladesh’s ODI side for the three-match series against West Indies, which starts from December 9.

Both players had missed Bangladesh’s previous ODI series, against Zimbabwe in October, due to fitness issues.

Shakib made his return from a finger injury by leading the Test side to a 2-0 win over West Indies.

Tamim, w h o suffered multiple injuries, has taken longer. He had fractured his wrist during the Asia Cup in September and then missed the West Indies Tests due to a side strain.

He was named in the BCB XI squad for a one-day practice match against the West Indians on December 6.

Their inclusions have forced Najmul Hossain Shanto and Fazle Mahmud out. Mahmud had made two ducks against Zimbabwe. With the return of Tamim and Shakib, the Bangladesh team management will have a problem of plenty in the top order. They

will have to pick one out of Imrul Kayes, Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das as Tamim’s opening partner, with Shakib set to bat at No. 3. Among the three contenders, Imrul had a good run recently, emerging as the top run-getter in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, scoring 349 runs in three matches with two centuries and a fifty. (Cricinfo) Bangladesh Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nazmul Islam, Mohammad Mithun, M o h a m m a d Saifuddin, Abu Hider, Ariful Haque.

In: Shakib A l Hasan, Tamim Iqbal Out: Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Fazle Mahmud Tamim Iqbal

A

third European club competition with the working title 'Europa League 2' will be introduced from 2021.

One English team will enter the play-offs of the new tournament, while Scottish sides may miss out on Europa League places in a reshuffle.

As part of Uefa's 2021-2024 cycle, the Europa League will be halved in size to 32 teams with an extra playoff round between the group stage and last 16.

The new tournament will be played on Thursdays alongside the Europa League.

Every country's champions will still enter the Champions League, but only teams from the 15 top-ranked countries will go into the Europa League group stages or qualifiers.

That means teams from leagues below that level - which at the moment would include Scotland, Wales

Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin confirmed the news after their meeting in Dublin

and Northern Ireland, excluding their champions - would go straight into 'UEL2' qualifying rounds.

The new competition and Europa League will have the same format eight groups of four teams with the

winners going into the last 16. There will be a play-off before that round for the teams who finish second in the group and sides who finish third in the groups of the higher tournament.

The winners of the tournament will qualify for the following season's Europa League.

The Champions League format does not change.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: "The new competition makes Uefa's club competitions more inclusive than ever before. There will be more matches for more clubs, with more associations represented in the group stages.

"This competition was born out of ongoing dialogue with clubs through the European Club Association."

At least 34 countries will have teams in a group stage, compared to 26 at the moment. (BBC Sport)

Rahm wins World Challenge by 4 strokes in Bahamas

T

wo months after beating Tiger Woods at the Ryder Cup, Jon Rahm won his hero’s tournament on Sunday, surging to a four-stroke win at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Rahm started the final round tied with Tony Finau and Henrik Stenson but turned it into a one-horse race with a sevenbirdie seven-under-par 65 at Albany on the island of New Providence.

He finished at 20-under 268, while American Finau (69) birdied the last to claim second place on 16 under.

Englishman Justin Rose (65) was another shot back in third.

Swede Stenson faded with a 71 to finish six shots back in fourth place in the elite 18-man field.

Finau hung within striking distance of Rahm until a poor tee shot at the 14th led to a double bogey and pretty much sealed the deal for the Spaniard.

“I can say that ball-striking-wise it’s pretty much where I want it to be,” a

satisfied Rahm told Golf Channel.

“It’s about as perfect as it could have been today.

I played so solid tee to green, didn’t make any mistakes.

“If you can capitalise on the five par-fives and the two driveable par-fours, which I did on all of them today, you can have a good chance and that’s what happened.”

Rahm was part of the winning European Ryder Cup team in September and played his part by beating Woods in the singles.

“That Sunday with Tiger is still the most emotional, most important moment of my golf career,” said Rahm, 24, who has been ranked as high as second in the world in his still young career.

“I pretty much started crying when I was shaking his hand ‘cause that meant so much to me to play against Tiger Woods in

the Sunday match.

“A couple of months later to win his foundation’s event, this is really special.”

Rahm’s victory is unofficial on the PGA Tour, though the tournament awarded world ranking points.

To u r n a m e n t host Woods finished secondlast, a distant 19 s t r o ke s behind Rahm.

(Reuters)

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21

Brathwaite questions shot selection after latest West Indies collapse

K

raigg Brathwaite bemoaned another West Indies batting collapse after his side were thrashed by an innings and 184 runs by Bangladesh in Dhaka.

After losing the first Test by 64 runs, the Windies failed to salvage a draw from the two-match series as they were thoroughly beaten inside three days.

Having allowed Bangladesh to amass 508 in the first innings, the tourists were then skittled out for 111 and managed to add another 213 after following-on.

Shimron Hetmyer again showed his quality with a defiant 93, but Brathwaite’s side crumbled against the spin of Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan.

“It was very disappointing,” said Brathwaite. “Our bowlers did a good job but the batting let us down.

“Some of the shots weren’t the best. Most of the games we were 30odd for three. It put the batting order under a lot of pressure.

“It wasn’t good for us at all. I can’t blame the wicket. Some of the shot selection wasn’t good at all, especially [Saturday] evening.

“Test cricket is a mental game.

Five-hundred on the board with the ball spinning on the first day. We could have had some talks.

“Mentally we probably weren’t there, especially [Saturday] when we lost five wickets quickly. We have to do better as batsmen, even myself. We can’t consistently be 30 for three. We have to hold up our hand and do the job. Simple.”

Brathwaite endured a miserable

Kraigg Brathwaite

series at the top of the order – averaging just 5.50 from four innings – and he acknowledged he must improve to give his side firmer foundations to build upon.

“I am very disappointed,” he added. “I didn’t have a good series in India, so I was looking to lead the batting.

“But it didn’t happen. I have to keep strong and try to lead the batting in the next series [against England in July].”

Shakib delighted with Bangladesh response

Shakib Al Hasan praised Bangladesh for bouncing back from their series whitewash against West Indies in July to return the favour in Dhaka.

The Tigers claimed their biggest Test win and first by an innings on Sunday as Mehidy Hasan’s 12 wick-

ets secured a 2-0 triumph.

In their defeat in the West Indies four months ago, Bangladesh were bowled out for 43 – the lowest Test total since 1974.

It was an 11th Test series without victory for Bangladesh, a run that was extended against Zimbabwe prior to West Indies’ arrival on the subcontinent.

That run is now over, though, after Shakib’s men dominated the series with bat and ball, no more so than in Dhaka where they raced to victory by an innings and 184 runs inside three days.

“We obviously had a lot to prove after losing to them in that manner [in July],” he said. “I think we have done that at least at home.

“I would thank my team-mates and the coaching staff, for believing that it was possible. I was quite demanding of my players in this

series. I wanted a lot from them. I think everyone contributed in their own way, but I saw everyone really wanting to contribute to the win.

“This is the first time we enforced the follow-on in more than 100 Tests in 18 years, which is definitely something special. We haven’t done this against smaller teams, so to do it against a higher-ranked side is an achievement.”

He added: “We never expected such a performance in the West Indies. We held discussions after the Test series defeat there, and then came back strongly in the ODIs and T20Is. “Since we didn’t do well in the Tests [there], we had this opportunity to do well at home. We wanted people to at least understand that it was a performance in their home conditions, and see that we could do the same in our home conditions.

“Our batsmen have done well on good wickets. In this game, they believed in the plan put in front of them. We no longer prepare flat wickets on which we are expected to score 500 and draw the game.

We try to win every game, and this changed mindset has taken us to a better place as cricketers.”

Attention now turns to the limited-overs matches between the two sides – three ODIs and three T20Is – with Bangladesh restoring Shakib to the squad after he missed their most-recent 50-over series with Zimbabwe due to a finger injury.

Tamim Iqbal is also back after struggling with a fractured wrist and side strain in recent months.

(SportsMax)

Jamaica Cricket Association to introduce player-ranking system in 2019 T he Jamaica Cricket Association is to introduce a ranking system across all age-groups for players seeking to get selected to the national programmes.

JCA CEO Courtney Francis says the system to be introduced early in the New Year will bring transparency to the work of selectors and give players a clearer idea of where they stand.

He explained how players will be ranked within the new system.

“The initial depth chart will be based on experience, players who have had performances at a certain level. So the selectors will determine who will be the number-one players in their respective catego-

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Jamaica cricketers will have a rank system

ries. Moving forward, these categories will be updated every four months, so the performances in local cricket and regional cricket and so on will be taken into consideration to give persons a rating as per their performances as to who is in form or who is not in form and those adjustments will be made accordingly,” Francis said.

If two players have similar rank-

ings then fitness will determine who is more likely to be selected, Francis said.

While admitting that the new system does not completely eradicate subjectivity, there will be a more scientific approach to how players are ranked and ultimately selected. It will also allow players to have a greater appreciation as to where they stand in the selection

process and receive useful feedback on what areas of their game are in need of improvement.

“Persons will now know where they are and when they are not selected they can ask more objective questions and give the selectors an opportunity to give reasons as to why they picked player ‘A’ over player ‘B’,” Francis said. (SportsMax)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

mondAY, december 3, 2018

BCB/Pepsi First Division Tournament…

Sinclair’s ton powers Rose Hall Town to title

By Brandon Corlette

I

mpressive batting from Kevin Sinclair, Clinton Pestano and Kevlon Anderson led Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gagdets to a 202-run victory over Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje Berbice when the final game of the Pepsi First Division Cricket Tournament was held last Saturday under the auspices of the Berbice

the toss and opted to bat first. Batting with finesse, Kevin Sinclair hit 130, while Kevlon Anderson and Clinton Pestano scored contrasting half-centuries.

The ever-explosive Kevin Sinclair and Junior Sinclair gave the match a perfect start, posting 58 runs for the opening partnership.

Kevin dominated the stand, hitting the Young Warriors bowlers effortlessly on the quick Albion outfield. When

Kevin Sinclair

Rose Hall Town players celebrate the wicket of Vishaul Mohabir

Clinton Pestano launches one out of the Albion ground

Cricket Board.

This match was played at the Albion Sports Complex ground on the Corentyne, starting on a sunny Saturday afternoon and ending in a cool night in which heated cricket was played before an impressive crowd of passionate Berbice spectators, who flocked the Albion Sports Complex to witness the game unfold. Overwhelming favourites Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets won

Junior was trapped in front LBW by Trevon Stanislaus for 18, teenage sensation Kevlon Anderson partnered Kevin.

The Young Warriors bowlers were put to the proverbial sword by tremendous strokeplay from the teenagers, with Kevin scoring boundaries at will while Kevlon supported him brilliantly. Showcasing maturity at an early age, the pair batted for approximately 30

overs.

In over 39, Young Warriors bowlers removed Kevin for a masterful 130, which included 15 fours and 3 sixes on the fairly large Albion ground. The platform was already laid with the score on 219-2 when the dangerous Clinton Pestano joined forces with the wellset Kevlon. The third wicket fell with the score on 234, with Kevlon departing for a well-composed 76.

Displaying the temperament needed for the 4-Day game of cricket, Kevlon Anderson hit only three boundaries in an innings that spanned over 30 overs.

Pestano then hit the Young Warriors bowlers some lusty blows in the latter part of the innings, registering five timely fours and four huge maximums in his explosive 59.

The final six Rose Hall Town batsmen added 26 runs when the innings end-

NBS 2nd Division 40-Over Tournament…

ed on 318 runs in 49 overs.

It was carnage for the Young Warriors bowlers.

Former Berbice under 19 spinner Trevon Stanislaus picked up 3 for 65 in his ten overs; Suresh Dhanni picked up 2 for 64, while the other bowlers shared wickets among themselves.

Chasing a daunting target, and having to bat under lights, the Young Warriors openers Alex Algoo and Vishaul Mohabir trotted out to the crease with intention of scoring briskly. It took Rose Hall Town bowlers a short moment to get the early breakthrough. A spectacular catch from National player Eon Hooper led to the demise of Vishal Mohabir (00) with the score on 10.

Guyana under 19 batsman Alex Algoo (07) fol-

lowed soon after, being removed by Keith Simpson; but University of Guyana Trojans player Linden Austin, batting at number three, consolidated the innings with Seon Hetmyer, who scored 16 and was dismissed with the score on 49-3 with Rose Hall Town having the edge.

Young Warriors wickets tumbled in clusters, and they were eventually bundled out for 116. Austin and Stanislaus were the only batters reaching 20 in a poor batting display.

Rose Hall Town bowlers shared the wickets. Shawn Pereira snatched 3-23, while Eon Hooper and Kevlon Anderson picked up two wickets each.

2 major Golf Opens to end off 2018 – school programmes to resume in January 2019

GNIC brush aside Diplomats W

T

he GNIC Second Division Team romped to a five-wicket win over the Diplomats Sports Club (DSC) in a low-scoring encounter as the New Building Society (NBS) 2nd Division 40-Over cricket tournament got underway on Saturday at the GYO ground.

David Dick led the way for the GNIC, who bowled first and were able to restrict the opposition to 106 in 19.4 overs.

Dick, the opener, top scored with 44, as his team raced to 107-5 in 14 overs. Only two batsmen reached double figures for Diplomats earlier in the day, as opener Claudius Fraser put up little resistance for his 25, and he received some support from H. Blackman, who also chipped in with 25.

GNIC’s opening bowler Jeremiah Benjamin finished with two wickets, including that of Fraser; while off-spinner Ryan Shun and leg-spinner Clairmont Duesbury cleaned up the middle and lower order.

Shun finished with 3-14 from 4.4 overs after doing the damage in his last two overs, while Duesbury, who got his two wickets in his first two overs, finished with 2-15 from five overs.

In reply, Dick struck three maximums and an equal amount of boundaries before he was removed. Shun contributed 14 while Shone De Souza made 20 in the chase to help seal the victory.

Medium pacer Sean Hughes and leg-spinner Michael McCalmont led Diplomats with two wickets each.

David Dick

ith 2018 nearing its end, Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) President Aleem Hussain has confirmed that two major Open tournaments will be hosted, with the one sponsored by Banks DIH being set for this Saturday.

Golfers will wrap up a successful 2018 with next weekend’s annual event being followed by the ANSA McAL Open. With close to 40 tournaments already held in 2018; three times the amount compared to previous years, Hussain told Guyana Times Sport on Sunday that the local golfers have admitted their game has risen tremendously, thanks to the number of games played.

The LGC President said due to the consistency of Opens, which were run off from the first week of January up until now, the golfers have been in tremendous form, and it reflected in their game when they dominated the Surinamese National Open in October, before saving their ‘A’ games for the 2018 LGC Open

Aleem Hussain

Championships held in November.

Speaking on the various programmes, which saw golf being introduced into the curriculum of schools as well as that of the University of Guyana (UG), Hussain confirmed that all golf programmes will recommence in early January of 2019, with more emphasis being placed

on making the sport more integrated with students.

Also, ongoing upgrades on the greens/course and infrastructure will continue, as the LGC plans to turn the facility into a full-fledged country and golf club.

According to Hussain, the LGC would also be hosting its first big wedding on the greens of the club on January 5, 2019. He said the move was pleasing as it was in keeping with the club’s dream of being a multi-purpose sport and recreational facility.

Hussain has expressed profound gratitude to the MACORP executives and LGC members for their continued support and dedication shown throughout the year and going forward. He noted that the Machinery Giants have been the reason behind the success of the golfers raising the bar in terms of their game, as well as the phenomenal shape the course has managed to maintain despite torrential weather afflicting the country this year. (Clifton Ross)

guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, december 3, 2018

23

Mehidy 12-for scripts record Bangladesh win S u n i l Ambris with his second delivery. In his next over, he had Roston Chase caught at cover by Mominul Haque, leaving West Indies at 29 for 4.

Hetmyer, who had struck one six before lunch, began the second session with a pull off Mehidy over midwicket before launching Taijul for two successive sixes over long-on in the 19th over.

Hetmyer w a s

Mehedy Hasan Miraz spun webs around the Windies batsmen twice on his way to 12 wickets

N

early five months after being beaten 2-0 in a pace-dominated series in the West Indies, Bangladesh served up revenge on a spinning platter to the same opponents with an innings-and-184-run win

in the Dhaka Test to complete a 2-0 series win. The victory was their first innings win in Test cricket.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz underscored the supremacy of spinners with his match figures of 12 for 117, sur-

3

SCOREBOARD

Bangladesh 1st Innings – 508 West Indies 1st Innings – 111 Windies 2nd Innings KC Brathwaite (c) lbw b Shakib Al Hasan 1 KOA Powell st †Mushfiqur Rahim b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 6 SD Hope c Shakib Al Hasan b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 25 SW Ambris lbw b Taijul Islam 4 RL Chase c Mominul Haque b Taijul Islam 3 SO Hetmyer c Mohammad Mithun b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 93 SO Dowrich † c Soumya Sarkar b Nayeem Hasan 3 D Bishoo c Soumya Sarkar b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 12 KAJ Roach not out 37 JA Warrican c & b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 0

SH Lewis lbw b Taijul Islam 20 Extras (b 6, lb 3) 9 TOTAL all out (F/O) (59.2 Overs, RR: 3.58) 213 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (KC Brathwaite, 0.5 ov), 2-14 (KOA Powell, 3.6 ov), 3-23 (SW Ambris, 10.2 ov), 4-29 (RL Chase, 12.4 ov), 5-85 (SD Hope, 27.4 ov), 6-96 (SO Dowrich, 32.2 ov), 7-143 (D Bishoo, 41.4 ov), 8-166 (SO Hetmyer, 45.2 ov), 9-171 (JA Warrican, 47.3 ov), 10-213 (SH Lewis, 59.2 ov) BOWLING: Shakib Al Hasan (143-65-1), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (20-2-59-5), Taijul Islam (10.21-40-3), Mahmudullah (1-0-60), Nayeem Hasan (14-2-34-1) Reuslt: Bangladesh win by an innings and 184 runs

passing his own record for the best bowling figures for Bangladesh.

Mehidy took nine wickets on the third day, the most by a Bangladesh bowler on a single day, and all 40 West Indies wickets fell to the Bangladesh spinners, a first for a bowling side in a two-Test series.

Mehidy completed his second five-for in the game by dismissing Jomel Warrican caught and bowled for a duck, which was West Indies’ ninth, before Taijul Islam took the wicket of Shermon Lewis to complete the win, after the No. 11 had added 42 runs for the tenth wicket with Kemar Roach.

Amid innings totals of 111 and 213, Shimron Hetmyer was the only West Indies batsman to stand out, striking nine sixes and a four in his 93 off 92 balls. His tally of sixes was the most by a batsman in Tests against Bangladesh, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s eight sixes in Chittagong in 2014.

The rest of the line-up

couldn’t withstand the pressure created by the Bangladesh spinners.

Kraigg Brathwaite’s wretched tour of the subcontinent concluded when Shakib had him lbw for one before the lunch break. In four Tests in India and Bangladesh, Brathwaite totalled only 48 runs, averaging 6.

Kieran Powell’s response to spin remained poor too: in the second innings, he charged at Mehidy, only to miss and was stumped by Mushfiqur Rahim, who had dropped him in the bowler’s previous over.

T a i j u l Islam, who had bowled only one over in the first innings, then got into the game.

Trapping

dropped on 40 by Mushfiqur, but he went after Shakib, hitting three sixes in the 36th over, even as West Indies lost Shai Hope and Shane Dowrich.

Hetmyer entered the

nineties with his ninth six but off the very next ball, he drove a catch straight to Mohammad Mithun at long-off, giving Mehidy his 11th wicket. Roach at No. 9, struck seven fours in his unbeaten 37 off 49 balls but his innings only delayed the inevitable defeat.

West Indies’ first innings had lasted just 51 minutes on the third morning, after resuming from 75 for 5. Mehidy took four of those five wickets, starting with a caught-and-bowled that sent Hetmyer back for 39, after the batsman in Mehidy’s first over of the day.

Hetmyer and Dowrich added 57 for the sixth wicket in the first innings, and after Hetmyer fell, Mehidy had Devendra Bishoo brilliantly caught

by Shadman Islam at silly mid-off, when the batsman struck the ball firmly into his lap. Kemar Roach was Mehidy’s sixth, caught at deep mid-on after Shakib had dropped his caughtand-bowled chance in the previous over. Dowrich was out lbw to Mehidy for 37 off 75 balls before Shakib wrapped up the West Indies first innings by dismissing Shermon Lewis for his third wicket. West Indies’ first innings included the unique feat of the top five all being bowled by spinners, a first in Test cricket, as they slipped to 29 for 5 in 12 overs on the second evening. (ESPNcricinfo) Guyanese batting sensation Shimron Hetmyer narrowly missed out on an emphatic ton

2018-19 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships

Jaguars wing out as Regional 4-Day bowls off Thursday W

ith little to prove and a lot to achieve, reigning 4-time Regional 4-Day champs Guyana Jaguars depart these local shores today for St Lucia, where on December 6 they will battle the Windward Volcanoes in the 2018-19 season’s opener.

Guyana have reigned supreme for the past 4 seasons of this tournament, and have even gone unbeaten throughout a previous season; but they will now have a more significant piece of history looming should they be able to capture/retain their title for the 5th straight year.

With the team selected and players fit and ready, the Jaguars will be favourites this season, although they have gone through minor changes due to some of their stars being on international duty.

The Jaguars still retain most of their championship players, who have cemented themselves as the seniors despite no player having reached 35 years in age.

Lone newbie selectee Tevin Imlach was given his cap, so to speak, after he was named in the Jags 13 on Friday. The team had broken up into two sides and had

a positive frame of mind, and was looking to play a high brand of cricket when they commence their title defence.

Griffith credited the players for putting their hands to the proverbial wheel during the practice games, as he said it allowed them to spend time in the middle and get their feet moving.

Johnson, meanwhile, pointed out that it is important to not get carried away by records or matches won. He said that playing responsible cricket and sticking to the script will continue the flow of success the team has managed to endure over the seasons.

The team is expected to get themselves conditioned between today and Thursday’s clash against the Volcanoes. (Clifton Ross)

Leon Johnson and his men will be on a quest to show why they are the most dominant 4-day unit in the last four years

conducted a pair of 3-day practice games, wherein several of them showed glimpses of good form.

Two centurions, opener Trevon Griffith and skipper Leon Johnson, as two of the senior players in the side, have signalled their no-nonsense intentions early.

Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who is likely to partner with the in-form Griffith come game time, was also among the runs in the practice game with a solid half-century. The players utilised the 6 days of competitive cricket to get themselves into Test

cricket mode, after recently completing a near-successful Regional Super50, where they made it to the finals.

Earlier in the week, both Johnson and Assistant Coach/ Manager Rayon Griffith told this newspaper that the team was in

Guyana Jaguars team:

Leon Johnson (captain), Vishaul Singh (vice-captain), Trevon Griffith, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Akshaya Persaud, Christopher Barnwell, Clinton Pestano, Romario Shepherd, Keon Joseph and Tevin Imlach

mondAY, december 3, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

BCB/Pepsi First Division Tournament…

Sinclair’s ton powers Rose Hall Town to title Page 22

Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets winning team

Mehidy 12-for scripts record Bangladesh win Page 23

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