Guyana Times - Monday, January 28, 2019

P14

D'Urban Backlands squatters soon to benefit from potable water Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3818

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, January 28, 2019

PPP manifesto to represent the wishes, desires of all – Jagdeo Page 7

Road closures during sitting of National Assembly negatively affect business – Clifford Reis Page 3

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Draft mineral sector policy

Recommendations made for miners' assistance P11 scheme

REO withholds financial P13 information on Region 5’s spending

NDIA to devise plan to combat erosion at P10 Coomacka

Banks DIH Limited Chairman Clifford Reis addressing shareholders at the 63rd Annual General Meeting on Saturday evening at the company’s main branch, Thirst Park, Georgetown

Auditor General has capacity to audit NRF Page 9 – Sharma

Wind tower installed in West Berbice

P12

...says environmental audits to be completed by 2020

GPHC promises impartial investigation into deaths of leukaemia patients Page 11

School of the Nations Principal shot twice

Page 2

B Division Commander P2 meets residents in Bush Lot Village

2 news B Division Commander meets residents of Bush Lot Village C mondAY, January 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

ommander of B Division, Assistant Commissioner Paul Langevine has committed to visiting troubled areas in Berbice with an aim of finding out what is affecting residents as it relates to security.

This was told to the me-

dia during a recent outreach in Bush Lot Corentyne.

On December 31, bandits killed two brothers during a Corentyne robbery; both shot at point-blank range.

Langevine headed a walk to the area which has also been plagued by several armed robberies over the

Commander Paul Langevine interacts with residents of Bush Lot

past few months.

According to him, it is part of his strategy in policing the Division. The aim, the Commander said, was to try to give support to every community and assure them of their safety.

“This is a normal initiative where (we) come out into the communities and speak to people and see what is bothering them and what are their concerns. This will continue in other communities; especially those that are mostly affected by serious crime,” Langevine noted.

He further related that another aim of the outreaches is for residents to feel comfortable with Police as they forge a better relationship with the public.

On November 6, two masked men carrying handguns went into a Bush Lot village home and terrorised two women - robbing them in the process.

That very night two armed bandits also went into another house in the village and robbed the family. There was also a similar incident committed in the next village, Bush Lot Farm, hours later.

On October 14, three armed bandits broke into a building where a Chinese Restaurant is housed and beat the owner during another robbery.

There was also a report of a villager being robbed by gunmen while on the road at Bush Lot in December.

School of the Nations Principal shot twice

S

chool of the Nations Principal, Dr Brian O’Toole was shot on Sunday night at his home.

The School of the Nations Principal was reportedly shot twice in the arm near the front door of his residence.

Guyana Times understands that he is in stable condition at Woodlands Hospital.

According to reports, the school had an emergency meeting Sunday afternoon following the incident whereby a student threat-

School of the Nations Principal, Dr Brian O’Toole

ened to shoot up the school.

More details in Tuesday’s edition.

3 Road closures during sitting of National Assembly negatively affect business – Clifford Reis C news

mondAY, January 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, January 28 – 11:30h-13:00h and Tuesday, January 29 – 12:30h-14:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, January 28 – 10:35h-12:05h and Tuesday, January 29 – 11:50h-13:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers will prevail during the day with sunny conditions in the late afternoon, with partly cloudy skies in the evening. Overall temperatures will range between 21 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 10:16h and 22:51h at maximum heights of 2.32 metres and 2.22 metres.

Low Tide: 16:19h reaching a minimum height of 0.92 metre.

saturDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

06 10 13

22 24 28

FREE TICKET

23 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

05 06 09 20 21 LUCKY 3

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

hairman of Banks DIH Limited, Clifford Reis has disclosed that the road closures during the sitting of the National Assembly have negatively impacted the operations of its Stabroek Branch of the Demico House franchise.

Reis made this disclosure on Saturday during the company’s 63rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Thirst Park, which was held under the theme “The Winning Team; Celebrating People, Inspiring Greatness”.

At the time, he was responding to questions from shareholders before adopting the financial statements of Banks DIH Limited for the year ending September 30, 2018, and the reports of the Directors and Auditors.

One shareholder, in a written question, asked the extent of the effects the road closures during sittings of the National Assembly has on the operation of Demico. In response, the Chairman posited that this issue continues to be a challenge for the company. He noted that several attempts to address the matter have yielded no success.

“As a result of the closure of the roads around Parliament square, the movement of vehicles is restricted, which negatively impacts the transaction of business especially at our Retail Liquor Store and Dry Cleaners,” he stated.

According to the Chairman, the company suffered losses especially in December, which is considered to be the most profitable season for businesses, during the Budget Debates and Consideration of Estimates.

“Business activity, especially during the first two weeks of December, was restricted, resulting in a loss revenues and earnings for that department of Demico House,” Reis told shareholders on Saturday.

Back in June 2017, Government began closing off main roads in the vicinity of Parliament Building to facilitate parliamentary sessions, resulting in major traffic jams across the city as well as inconvenience to not only commuters but businesses as well.

Furthermore, these road closures were and continue to be a security concern as it paves the way for petty robberies and other crimes in the evening hours since persons would have to use other streets which are isolated or unlit.

Meanwhile, at the AGM on Saturday, another shareholder, who is also an employee of Banks, raised the issue of the com-

Banks DIH Limited Chairman Clifford Reis

pany’s long-touted plans of building another housing scheme.

Banks DIH Limited had developed some 50 acres of land at Houston, Greater Georgetown, to provide housing for employees and their families.

D’Aguiar’s Park, Houston, is the fourth such Housing Scheme established by the company, which has since been trying to develop a fifth.

According to the Chairman on Saturday, this plan is still very much in the cards. He explained that they had even attempted, on several occasions, to purchase a few acres of land from the competent authorities to establish another employees’ housing scheme to no avail.

“I’m certain that while this request has not been able to move forward, it’s certainly not for the want of efforts from our part.

We will continue this request to the Government agencies… We hope in 2019, to have some success to be able to satisfy this request for our employees,” Reis asserted.

On the other hand, the shareholders also probed the Chairman on plans outlined in his 2018 report including the new car parking facility at the Demerara Park Area, Thirst Park.

Reis said this facility is expected to bring much-needed relief to car parking problems which currently exists at Thirst Park. He noted that with more employees driving

to work, the need for additional parking has multiplied.

“A proposed multi-storage parking facility will see parking spaces for additional 400 vehicles. Also included in that new construction is space for future development resulting from the planned diversification of the company’s current business model,” he told shareholders.

Moreover, the Chairman, also touched on its ongoing solar energy programme which has seen operations at the OMG on Sheriff Street and Main Street Quick Serve benefitting.

“These departments are now partially powered by solar-generated electrical energy. This has resulted in considerable savings in our electrical power charges. We intend, in the current financial year, to accelerate this programme at our New Amsterdam and Essequibo branches and also to commence the installation of solar panels at selected production plants at Thirst Park. We will continue with this programme until all the departments across this company are fully powered by alternative energy sources,” he posited.

In its 2018 financial report, the local beverage giant recorded a whopping $4.085 billion profit after tax, compared to $3.584 billion in the previous year. This represents an increase of $501 million or 14 per cent.

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guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, January 28, 2019

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana at the crossroads “

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o-confidence motions” are an integral aspect of parliamentary democracy, since it tests the legitimacy of the government by ensuring they have majority support in the Assembly. It was entrenched in our Constitution in Article 106 (6) and (7). But to hear representatives of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), including the Prime Minister, tell it, it is tantamount to an illegitimate overthrow of the Government. But as the courts deal with the rearguard action by the PNC/AFC combine to hold on to power, we need to grapple with the fundamental contradictions of our political system that sustain their actions.

Way back in 1963, the Secretary of the State for the Colonies stated the problem concisely, after the leaders of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP); PNC and United Force (UF) could not reach agreement on a way forward on constitutional measures after ethnic violence had wracked the country: “…the Premier (Dr Jagan) told me that if the British troops were withdrawn, the situation would get completely out of control. The root of the trouble lies entirely in the development of party politics along racial lines….Both parties (PPP and PNC) have, for their political ends, fanned the racial emotions of their followers, with the result that each has come to be regarded as the champion of one race and the enemy of the other.

“The Africans accuse the Government party of governing in the interests only of the Indians, and demand a share in political decisions. On the other side, the Indians accuse the Police, which is mainly African, of partiality towards the Africans and demand the creation of a separate defence force, recruited more extensively from the Indian community, to counterbalance the Police.”

In its proposals, the British pointed out that there was the need, in general, “to protect minorities” and in particular, to address “the racial nature of the problem”. For the latter problem, “the Government should endeavour to rule with the general consent of the population … (and a new armed force) …should be constituted before Independence by the Governor, who would endeavour to ensure that recruits were not drawn predominantly from any one racial group.”

The British recognised that under present conditions, neither the PPP or PNC would be able “to increase appreciably its following among the other racial groups”. They then submitted, “…it must be our deliberate aim to stimulate a radical change in the present pattern of racial alignments. It was therefore my duty to choose the electoral system which would be most likely to encourage inter-party coalitions and multi-racial groupings”. Finally, they concluded, “proportional representation would be likely to result in the formation of a coalition government of parties supported by different races, and that this would go some way towards reducing the present tension.”

Sadly, while the British had a very good diagnosis of what ailed Guyana, their prescription of “proportional representation” alone was inadequate to fulfil the stated goals.

The proposals were fatally flawed because of the British’s prior agreement with the Americans to remove Dr Jagan and the PPP from office. There were no structural changes that went to the nature of the conflict – PR, on its own, was simply a device to allow the PNC and the UF to coalesce and elbow out the PPP. As a consequence of the “Mexican stand-off” that has existed over the last half century, Guyanese politics has become so divisive that today the country teeters on the precipice of becoming a failed state.

In terms of its passage towards democracy, Guyana has now gone backwards by every objective standard, after the gains after 1992 under the PPP regime, which replaced the PNC 28year dictatorship. The PPP, under President Bharrat Jagdeo, for instance, had worked to eliminate the US$2.1 billion debt that had crippled the economy and returned sustained growth.

The refusal of the PNC/AFC coalition to adhere to democratic norms puts Guyana at risk of sliding back into anarchy and poverty.

All Guyanese must practise militant democracy to prevent this possibility, but also insist that going forward our democratic institutions are inclusive of all groups.

A group of pupils from one of the nursery schools in Georgetown all set and ready to perform at the Department of Education’s Mashramani competitions held at the National Cultural Centre on Friday last under the theme, “Celebrate 49 with Victory in Mind – Rediscovering El Dorado.”

Undercover agents target cybersecurity watchdog over Khashoggi murder

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ndercover operatives targeted researchers, who reported previously that Israeli surveillance software program vendor known as the NSO Group sold the software program “Pegasus” to Riyadh to spy on Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s inner circle before his killing, The Associated Press reported on Saturday.

Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post and a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed and dismembered by Saudi agents at its consulate in Istanbul on October 2, provoking an international outcry.

The Kingdom initially denied any role in Khashoggi’s disappearance before acknowledging that he was murdered inside the Consulate, but passed the buck to rogue agents, while insisting that the Crown Prince had no prior knowledge of the matter, an explanation far from convincing for many.

Reportedly, twice in the past two months, the employees of Citizen Lab based out of the University of Toronto became the target of undercover agents and have been interviewed by those who have been contacted by the employees through fake companies and fake identities.

Quizzed for hours about their work exposing Israeli surveillance and the main details of their private lives, the researchers believed they had been secretly recorded.

In October, Citizen Lab revealed that an iPhone belonging to one of Khashoggi’s confidantes was seized by the NSO’s software only months before Khashoggi’s murder.

Omar Abdulaziz, a close friend of Khashoggi, later asserted that the hacking had revealed Khashoggi’s criticisms of the Saudi royal family to the Kingdom’s spies, adding the hacking “played a major role” in his death.

Slain Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

NSO, on the other hand, has long denied that the software was used to spy on Khashoggi, and refused to comment whether it has sold its software to the Saudi Government.

“We condemn these sinister, underhanded actions with the strongest potential phrases,” Citizen Lab Director Ron Deibert said during an announcement on Friday. “Such a deceitful assault on an instructional group just like the Citizen Lab is an assault on tutorial freedom all over the place.”

Citizen Lab has unrolled Statebacked hackers working in locations as far afield as Tibet, Ethiopia and Syria, for years and has been collecting more than two years of evidence against NSO Group’s clients, including countries such as Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The group has drawn consideration for its exposes that these countries have misused Pegasus software.

Meanwhile, the United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial,

summary or arbitrary executions told Reuters on Saturday that her request to have access to the crime scene in Saudi Arabia’s Consulate in Istanbul to lead an independent international probe into the murder of Khashoggi has not yet been replied to from Riyadh.

Agnes Callamard, an independent UN investigator, who begins today a week-long mission to Turkey in the aim to head an independent international inquiry into the murder of Khashoggi, said she had not yet had a reply from authorities of the Kingdom.

“I have requested access to the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul and a meeting with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saud Arabia in Turkey,” Callamard said in an email to Reuters.

“I have also sought permission to conduct a similar country-visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

She added that she will evaluate the circumstances of the crime, and “the nature and the extent of States’ and individuals’ responsibilities for the killing”. (Daily Sabah)

guyanatimesgy.com

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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

Alexander knows that only small adjustments are required by GECOM to host elections

Dear Editor, Vincent Alexander, as a long-standing GECOM Commissioner, has information access and should know that: 1. GECOMS’ automated Crystal Report and List Management System, are linked to the GRO (General Registrar’s Office) database and are configured to deal with a variety of eventual-

ities, including updates to the List and issues relating to snap elections. The institution’s budgets for Capital and Current appropriations always cater for this.

2. Given the constitutional supremacy and live intent, in the event of there being a conflict with any other existing legislation, the necessary adjustments have to be accommodated to bring the

conflicting positions in line with the Constitution. It is therefore correct when CEO Lowenfield reported that the appropriations budgeted for House-to-House activities in 2019 could be used to run off the General and Regional Elections.

3. Registered persons who are 18 years old are automatically included in the Official List of Electors

(OLE) by the automated system.

4. Subject to the submission by the GRO of the list of dead persons, the names are removed from the List after verification by GECOM. 5. The dead cannot vote and while they should be off the List, this is far from practical. Notwithstanding, GECOM and GRO can utilise the interim approach

Are they going to Is this the protection abide by the law? rape victims get?

Dear Editor, The question on everyone's mind is, are they, meaning The PNC-led Coalition, going to abide by the law?

From all indications, they are not prepared to do so, and this poses a problem.

The Opposition Leader has already stated in clear and unambiguous language that the Granger Administration is illegally occupying the seat of Government since the passing of the no-confidence motion, which clearly states that upon the successful passage of that motion, The President and his Cabinet shall resign and call elections in 90 days. Our constitution hasn't changed and this aspect of it must be, I repeat, must be upheld.

We are in the second month of its passage and the PNC Government has shown no signs of resigning nor will they set an election date.

They have shown scant regard for the laws of our country. This is a dangerous precedent being set here. When a party in Government can show such gross contempt for the laws of the State, we know where we are headed.

This means that the Granger Government is not prepared to abide by the rules, so what's next? What

comes next is that upon receiving the decision this week, this vindictive dunce of an Attorney General is going to file an appeal; which means that we are in for another wave of foolishness way up to the CCJ. But wait Mr Williams, I want to ask you a question. Why waste State funds on such nonsense when you full well know that you cannot win but will have to come back to the place where respect for the law of the land is supreme? And my second point is, the people of this great country are watching and they would not be kind to you in the next election so my advice is do the honest thing sir.

My final point is more of a statement of fact, and that is, do not risk Guyana becoming a pariah state. We are already on the brink with that visionless and incompetent rule and you have burdened us these three and a half years.

It is high time for us to break loose from the shackles of slavery in which you have held us. We cry out for rescue! Our only hope is in The PPP/C! Respectfully, Neil Adams

Dear Editor, The recent report of the alleged sexual advantage (rape) committed on the helpless thirteen-year-old who was left in the care of a senior who was supposed to protect and serve but chose to serve in a different way by the media houses has me wondering what their true intentions are.

Kudos to the young girl for confiding immediately in her mother when she returned; good sense prevails and the appropriate actions are being taken.

What is sickening to me is reading that the Prosecutor, whom I'm assuming is also a police, chose not to object to bail being granted to the rapist who is also a member of the Force.

There are numerous cases that are not as serious as that and the prosecutors would find all sorts of reasons for denying bail, and in some cases, should they agree to bail they would ask that the Passport be submitted or the person report to the station every week.

Lo and behold, there wasn’t such a request.

Incidentally, the better judgment of the Magistrate prevails.

Good job, Your Honor.

I have raised my concerns

about the actions of Police Prosecutors’ actions in various court matters by way of Letter to the Editor a while back, but no one sees it fit to address that.

Editor, my main concern is about the way the story was carried in the media. They spared no expense to post the image of the alleged rapist and the address where the horrible act was committed. It’s my humble opinion that secrecy should have been exercised to protect the innocent child. No doubt that residents in the area would easily identify the victim and mixed reactions would be meted out to her.

Is that sensible reporting? It's my understanding that media houses undergo training/seminars or are aware of ways to protect such victims, not pointing them out to the public technically. It just shows that no one is to be trusted, and with so many suicides occurring, I would only hope we don't have any more arising from this carelessness. I guess the media is under the impression that their action is proper protection for rape victims!

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

APNU/AFC Ministers lied to the National Assembly Dear Editor, Several issues have been plaguing Berbicians since the APNU/AFC coalition Government took Office, unfortunately, the coalition is reluctant to address these issues and continues to foster incompetence so it is only appropriate that some of these issues are publicly ventilated despite that they will continue to be unresolved.

The situation of the health sector is at an alltime low, even the dead are not being spared by this Government because of the mismanagement

of persons who are political activists of this APNU/ AFC Government that are placed in key management positions. The refusal of Government officials to explain to the taxpayers of this country is disrespectful.

The Public Health Minister remains a statue in her response to the numerous health-related issues that exist.

The situation at Guyana Water Inc continues to financially destabilise residents since the increases are in excess of 500 per cent or even more. The Government officials of GWI refused to

engage the customers in order to bring resolution. GWI is guilty of damaging public infrastructure and refuses to fix or reinstate them to their original state.

Another issue that is going to contribute to the unemployment that already exists in Region Six is the Cabinet and NDIA hijacking the Regional Budget that was appropriated by the National Assembly for Agriculture and Drainage and Irrigation. The RDC of Region Six was bypassed by Cabinet and secretly transferred the monies to NDIA. Cde Zulfikar Mustapha,

MP, questioned both Minister Holder and Minister Bulkhan in Parliament and both Ministers assured that this would not change since the system is working efficiently. These Ministers are lying to the Guyanese people since the decision was taken before the Budget presentation. This APNU/AFC coalition Government boasts about respect for local democracy but secretly destroys democracy.

Regards, Zamal Hussain

of public notice, to provide a deadline date for the submissions that would speed up the removals.

This time around, no amount of unorthodox spin will be able to bamboozle and bowl the Guyanese electorate. In the period leading up to 1992, the PNC of GECOM was used to give them an extra two years in Government. It was a time they hoped that the ‘freshly’ Desmond Hoyte Government would have won the Elections.

However, such impetuous mal-handing of the electoral mechanism should never be repeated, and particularly when the APNU/AFC Government, with their unbearable taxes, crime, and the spiralling cost of living, seeks to impose their dictatorial, abusive use of power and blatant corruption practices.

The vicious spinner Alexander, at the GECOM end, is attempting to delay the inevitable Elections by pretending that fresh House-to-House registration is required. The present voters’ list is valid until the end of April 2019 and it was recently sanitised with the tenth continuous registration period, together with the Claims, and Objections Cycle. There were simply no objections up to November

12, 2019, for the Local Government Elections when the Government felt that its twisted scheming would fool citizens.

All the talks about seven years are rubbish, as it was the National Assembly that passed the Bill to make sure that the Register of registrants is valid for six months after the Claims and Objection Period. Further, it is GECOM and its commissioners who recognised the Continuous Registration process, as well as the CEO of the Secretariat who pronounced the list to be good enough for Guyana to have Elections.

Alexander knows that only small adjustments are required by GECOM and that these could be achieved to hold the constitutionally appointed National Elections on or before March 19, 2019.

Charrandas Persaud, who was a leading Government personality contended that plans were afoot to pad the voters’ list using false Birth Certificates.

The conniving Mr Vincent seems to be creating time to facilitate this underhanded move and his pronouncements must be rejected by all Guyanese.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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ome on! ALL of us are cutting math. Who wants to go take that quiz? We’re going to take a walk and get lunch instead.

Let’s go!” says the coolest kid in your class. Do you do what you know is right and go to math class, quiz and all? Or do you give in and go with them?

As you grow older, you’ll be faced with some challenging decisions. Some don’t have a clear right or wrong answer – like should you play soccer or field hockey? Other decisions involve serious moral questions, like whether to cut class, try cigarettes, or lie to your parents.

Making decisions on your own is hard enough, but when other people get involved and try to pressure you one way or another it can be even harder. People who are your age, like your classmates, are called peers. When they try to influence how you act, to get you to do something, it’s called peer pressure. It’s something everyone has to deal with – even adults. Let’s talk about how to handle it.

Defining peer pressure

Peers influence your life, even if you don’t realise it, just by spending time with you. You learn from them, and they learn from you. It’s only human nature to listen to and learn from other people in your age group.

Peers can have a positive influence on each other. Maybe another student in your science class taught you an easy way to remember the planets in the solar system or someone on the soccer team taught you a cool trick with the ball. You might admire a friend who is always a good sport and try to be more like him or her. Maybe you got others excited about your new favorite book, and now everyone’s reading it.

Foundation

These are examples of how peers positively influence each other every day.

Sometimes peers influence each other in negative ways. For example, a few kids in school might try to get you to cut class with them, your soccer friend might try to convince you to be mean to another player and never pass her the ball, or a kid in the neighbourhood might want you to shoplift with him.

Why do people give in to peer pressure?

Some kids give in to peer pressure because they want to be liked, to fit in, or because they worry that other kids might make fun of them if they don’t go along with the group. Others go along be-

cause they are curious to try something new that others are doing. The idea that “everyone’s doing it” can influence some kids to leave their better judgment, or their common sense, behind.

Walking away from peer pressure

It is tough to be the only one who says “no” to peer pressure, but you can do it. Paying attention to your own feelings and beliefs about what is right and wrong can help you know the right thing to do. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand firm, walk away, and resist doing something when you know better.

It can really help to have at least one other peer, or friend, who is willing to say “no,” too. This takes a lot of the

power out of peer pressure and makes it much easier to resist. It’s great to have friends with values similar to yours who will back you up when you don’t want to do something.

You’ve probably had a parent or teacher advise you to “choose your friends wisely.” Peer pressure is a big reason why they say this. If you choose friends who don’t use drugs, cut class, smoke cigarettes, or lie to their parents, then you probably won’t do these things either, even if other kids do. Try to help a friend who’s having trouble resisting peer pressure. It can be powerful for one kid to join another by simply saying, “I’m with you – let’s go.”

E v e n if you’re faced with peer pressure while you’re alone, there are still things you can do.

You can simply stay away from peers who pressure you to do stuff you know is wrong.

You can tell them “no” and walk away. Better yet, find other friends and classmates to pal around with.

If you continue to face peer pressure and you’re finding it difficult to handle, talk to someone you trust. Don’t feel guilty if you’ve made a mistake or two.

Talking to a parent, teacher, or school counsellor can help you feel much better and prepare you for the next time you face peer pressure.

Powerful, positive peer pressure

Peer pressure is not always a bad thing. For example, positive peer pressure can be used to pressure bullies into acting better toward other kids.

If enough kids get together, peers can pressure each other into doing what’s right! (kidshealth.org)

E

verybody worries.

Grown-ups do it and kids do it, too. But what should you do about it?

Whether your worries are big or small, you can take these 3 steps: Try to figure out what you’re worried about.

Think about ways to make the situation better.

Ask for help.

Figure it out

Sometimes, you will know exactly what you’re worried about. Other times, you might not know exactly what’s bugging you. Let’s say you’re worried about a teacher who seems mean.

But maybe what’s really bothering you is that you’re having trouble with math.

If you get some help with math, that teacher might seem just fine.

Some problems, like family problems, are big and have a lot of parts. That can make it tough to zero in what the problem is or to pick one part of the problem to try to solve. But being able to focus on your problem – or at least part of it – is the first step to taking action. If you’re having trouble figuring out what worries you, skip to Step 3 and get some help from a parent or another person you trust.

Think of ways to make it better

There is almost always something you can do to help you feel less worried. Sitting there worrying is no fun and it probably won’t solve your problem. But switching to an action mode can help you feel more hopeful.

Grades at school are often a top worry for kids. If that’s your concern, ask yourself these questions: Why are grades important? What do they mean to me?

How do I prepare for class? Do I review my notes even when there isn’t a test the next day?

Do I have a good place to do my homework?

Have I tried different ways of studying, such as rewriting notes, using flashcards, and working with a study buddy?

If your worry is about a fight you had with a friend, you might write down all the actions you could take – from writing the friend a note to inviting him or her over for a game of basketball.

Should you apologise for whatever happened between the

two of you? Once you have a list of possible actions, you can select the one you think is most likely to get your friendship back on track.

But what if you can’t think of anything to do to make your particular problem better? Then it’s time to jump to Step 3 (it’s the next step anyway) and ask someone for help.

Ask for help

Worrying can make you feel lonely. When you’re worried, it can help to find someone to talk to. Sometimes people say, “Why should I bother? He/she can’t do anything about it.” But here are two reasons to give it a shot anyway: You don’t know for sure that no one can help until you share your feelings and let the person try to help.

Just the act of telling someone what’s bothering you can make you feel a little better. Afterward, you are no longer alone with your worries and whomever you told (parent, sister, brother, friend, counsellor) is now is thinking about ways to help you.

A final word about worry

Did you know worry is not all bad? If you weren’t worried (at least a little) about that test, you might not study for it. And if you weren’t worried about getting sunburned, you might not wear your sunscreen.

But some kids worry so much that it keeps them from doing the stuff they need and want to do. If that sounds like you, you know what to do by now: Turn to good old Step 3 and ask someone for help. (kidshealth.org)

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mondAY, January 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP manifesto to represent the wishes, desires of all – Jagdeo

A section of the massive crowd on Saturday

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will soon launch its election manifesto, which will comprise several programmes from its 2015 manifesto aimed at further developing Guyana.

This was according to the Party’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo during his address to thousands of supporters who turned up a meeting at Port Mourant on Saturday.

Jagdeo stated that despite the wealth of experience and competent members within the Party, the manifesto would reflect the best for all Guyana with input from all.

“Get on to the Party so that we can get your ideas included, since we believe that in the programme that we will launch before the elections, your wishes and desires must be reflected and that once we put forward that programme, unlike the APNU [A Partnership for National Unity], that will be our

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

promise to the people of Guyana to fulfil.”

Commenting on Government’s ability to see into the future, Jagdeo referred to the current Administration as a government without a vision.

“When we were in government, we were talking about a green sector, a low-carbon development strategy that will bring

new jobs and new wealth.”

This, he added, was going to upgrade the sugar and rice industries.

“That is what the vision was. You know what they have reduced it now to?

When a reporter asked the President (Granger) ‘How are you going to create jobs in the future,’ he said, ‘We must do things like making pepper sauce and making

cook-up to sell, and making plantain chips…’ That is where we have come from; talking about a future that will create thousands of jobs and new wealth and new infrastructure and a modern country to now selling plantain chips and cook-up rice, you can’t run a country on that…”

As it relates to the Corentyne, the Party leader repeated his promise to reopen the sugar estates that were closed in December of 2017.

Government closed the Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates leaving only the Albion Estate functional.

In fact, 1851 workers were sacked from the Skeldon Sugar Estate, 1181 from the Rose Hall Estate, 1480

from the East Demerara Sugar Estate and 251 from the Wales Sugar Estate.

In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), which had depended heavily on sugar, with the closure of two of the three sugar estates in the Region, all other sectors have been affected.

“People have to earn to be able to put food on their table and sent their children, so that is what we want to see,” the Opposition Leader stated.

During his presentation, Jagdeo also addressed the no-confidence motion, which was successfully passed in the National Assembly.

He explained that the Speaker of the House has already ruled on it – refusing to reverse his decision, but he allowed the court to rule on the various issues

which arose.

The court’s ruling will just serve as a guide for the future the Opposition Leader told his supporters.

“After March 19, this Government becomes unconstitutional, illegal, illegitimate so when they come out here stop calling them Minister, President and Prime Minister after that date.

They are trying to sell the sugar industry now in the few days they have remaining. We said we will not recognise any sale of the sugar industry because the Government is in a caretaker capacity,” Jagdeo added.

Over 5000 PPP supporters turned up at Train Line Dam, Port Mourant, on Saturday, where they were greeted and addressed by the presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali.

8 news RDC roasts NDIA for performance in 2018 V Fighting for mondAY, January 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

ice Chairman of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Dennis DeRoop is concerned about the poor performance of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) in that region last year.

DeRoop’s comments come in the wake of a letter from the NDIA indicating that Cabinet was instructed to give more than $220 million of the region’s $370 million agriculture budget to the NDIA. He was at the time speaking at a special Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting held on Wednesday to discuss moves by the Agriculture Ministry to have the NDIA take over the agriculture budget for that region.

The RDC has since written Communities Minister

relevance…

M Regional Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop

Ronald Bulkan expressing its disappointment.

During his presentation, DeRoop explained that the NDIA will not adequately be able to carry out the functions the Regional Administration,

The clogged Number 43 outfall channel

pointing out that last year it failed the people of Region Six. “The Number 43/Joppa Outfall was not cleared once for last year. We (RDC) had to run the drainage pump at that location. We had to fuel

it and run it for three months every day to solve the drainage problem in Black Bush Polder. Onto today the outfall cannot be excavated.”

He added that the NDIA had paid a contractor in full to excavate the outfall channel at Number 43 Village several months ago.

Meanwhile, also weighing in on the performance of the NDIA last year was Councillor Zamal Hussain who explained that it was the RDC that came to the rescue of rice farmers when the contractor had not cleared canals after being paid to by the NDIA. “And if we look at some of the works that they are doing, they have failed. There are supposed to be nine excavators in this region managed directly by the NDIA, they do the maintenance and everything for it, it is only two working,” Hussain revealed.

He said too that there are thirteen mini-excavators in the region and only two are currently functioning. “If you have to get a gallon of oil you have to go to NDIA in Georgetown, and the machine is down for three weeks.”

Cabinet has taken a decision to have the $114 million from the capital budget transferred to the NDIA along with $108 million from the current budget.

DeRoop explained that apart from projects that are listed in the region’s agriculture budget, there are unforeseen emergency works which the regional Administration also have to oversee.

“Funds from the current program will be spent here.

So if we don’t have any funds we will have to run around with a begging basket when these emergencies come up,” he said.

Husain, however, reiterated that the people of Region Six will suffer if the funds are handed over to the NDIA. Since last year, Guyana Time highlighted proposed moves by Central Government to have the Region Six agricultural budget given over the NDIA. Minister Bulkan had said it was untrue.

During the National Budget debate Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder said there was no intention to do so. “If something is working well there is no need to change it,” Minister Holder told the National Assembly.

…with the PNC

oses Nagamootoo is a pathetic excuse for a politician – even by the not exactly stratospheric standards of that profession!! Promised a piece of the action by the PNC after his PPP cohorts dumped him as an empty windbag, he persuaded his friend, AFC leader Ramjattan, that they wouldn’t end up as “dead meat” after coalescing, as the latter feared. But here he is, reduced to a caricature of Naipaul’s “Mimic Man” politician at the end of a humiliating and inglorious career, writing a weekly column in the Chronicle to defend the PNC! And this week’s contribution– “DEFENCE, DESPERATION AND DESTABILISATION” – illustrates the defence of his own desperation as he tries to tag the Opposition’s follow-up of their successful no-confidence motion as “destabilising” the Government!! So that your Eyewitness isn’t accused (God forbid!) of putting words into Nagamootoo’s mouth, let’s quote him verbatim: “When I heard the leader of the opposition (Jagdeo) saying that the present elected government lacked legitimacy, I could not resist drawing an inference that more attempts would be made to unseat our Head of State and his government.”

Now that you, Dear Reader, have recovered after ROTFL, imagine the deranged and damaged mind that would draw this “inference”!! If Art 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution direct the President and the Cabinet resign after the passage of a no-confidence motion and that elections must be held in three months, what does this say about the “legitimacy” of the PNC Government that insists on “passing” bills like the one on our Natural Resource Fund that’ll impact on future generations down the ages?? That the successful no-confidence motion was of no consequence?

What exactly does Nagamootoo believe the “legitimacy” of a government rests on? He rightfully claims it’s on the vote they received. But we have something called “representative” government – where the people’s representatives exercise their will. Nagamootoo shoots his argument – such as it is – in the foot by confirming that Charrandas was a REGIONAL representative, but wasn’t representing them!! It just proves Nagamootoo’s completely oblivious to the agony of the 4000 Region Six sugar workers who were fired by his government!

So, ignoring the explicit language of Art 106 (6), Nagamootoo says, “It was never contemplated that the President, together with his whole Cabinet, could be removed from office by a simple majority on a motion of no-confidence, but this is what the Opposition wants us to believe”!!!

One wonders why he asserted exactly this intention when he brought his no-confidence motion against the PPP Government of President Ramotar?

Should the Police have charged him with treason for attempting to “unseat” the Government? Like he’s trying to pin on Jagdeo?

…by begging for PM wuk!

The AFC, fresh from the whammy of being unable to blackmail the PNC for more spoils after their disastrous showing at the LGE, met in conclave to plot their relevance. They decided that the best way was to back Nagamootoo as the PM running mate for PNC leader David Granger. Your Eyewitness wonders whether they had a chat with ANYONE from the PNC camp. We know they couldn’t have consulted Granger since the man was getting chemotherapy in Cuba. And we know for sure they didn’t consult with any of the four PNC members who’re hovering in the wings in case Granger’s prognosis plunges.

Now, why would these folk consider Nagamootoo, who’s proven time and again he’s burnt all his bridges in the Indian Guyanese community – the community the PNC needs to take them across the line at the next general elections – as PM material?

All the AFC’s done is to announce Nagamootoo’s on the shelf for another marriage!

…by “fan boying” Granger

Wrote Nagamootoo about Granger after the latter’s speech to the GDF officers, “After I had listened with rapt attention to the Guyanese President… I can say that we are fortunate to have him at the helm”!!

Does he think Granger will fall for his oh-so-obvious “brown-nosing”?

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

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mondAY, January 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Auditor General has capacity to audit NRF – Sharma

…says environmental audits to be completed by 2020 Guyana Limited holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

Guyana will have to audit and verify cost oil claims Exxon will make on its revenue. Exxon is expected to use revenue from its production in order to recoup its capital investment. Whatever remains of this is the ‘profit oil’ Guyana will have to split with the oil company and its associates.

According to Annex C of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with Exxon, precontract cost “shall include four hundred and sixty mil-

T

he Audit Office of Guyana (AoG) is affirming that contrary to questions being raised, it does have the capacity to audit the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), which will hold revenues Guyana gets from its oil and gas sector.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Auditor General Deodat Sharma made it clear that his office had the capacity to complete such audits. With the AG as the external auditor of the NRF, persons have theorised that hiring an international firm was the way to go.

But Sharma also noted that even now, the Audit Office is building its capacity further to audit the Fund.

“I have capacity to do the sovereign wealth fund audit, because it’s basically a financial audit. They put in

money and they spend it.

Spend it on infrastructure, expenses that are normally covered by the estimates,” he said. “I have two officers in British Columbia, on a nine-month programme.

“One will be looking at how prepared are we in terms of oil spill. We are continuing in terms of the active assistance. I will be going shortly to the British Columbia audit office, in order to coordinate. I also went to Norway. And I had a chat with the audit office of Norway and Sweden in terms of how they look at their Sovereign Wealth Fund.”

According to Sharma, he is still in contact with these auditors and as such, the door was open for constant skills transfer. But the AG noted that his office did not have the capacity to do cost

oil audits.

“What I don’t have the capacity to do is to verify the oil and gas money. We are now looking at that. For that, you have to get technical knowledge; you have to get engineers, economists, lawyers, and different people.”

He acknowledged that the Department of Energy has tendered out in order to get the audits done into pre-contract costs. Sharma expressed his hope that this could be completed soon, so that these findings could also be audited.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator, and hold a 45 per cent interest. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum

lion, two hundred and thirty seven hundred thousand and nine hundred and eighteen United States Dollars (USS460,237,918) in respect of all such costs incurred under the 1999 Petroleum Agreement prior to the year ended 2015.”

Environmental audits

The Audit Office had previously announced that it would be carrying out a number of audits to analyse the capacity of the country’s relevant agencies to protect the environment and endangered species of animals.

When it comes to these

environmental audits, the AG noted that efforts were moving apace to have these done. According to Sharma, from discussions with personnel, the audit will be completed by 2020.

“I have an officer in Canada on one programme.

That person will actually complete that environmental audit, (which will find) how an oil spill will affect the turtles (and other fauna and flora). We had a discussion on his planning. He’s going to come back by June and we’re going to complete that audit by the first quarter of next year.”

10 news

mondAY, January 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

NDIA to devise plan to combat Region 2 rice farmers trained extreme erosion at Coomacka to deal with paddy bug

Some of the rice farmers with officials on Saturday in Lima, Essequibo Coast

I Regional Chairman Renis Morian, Councillors and a team of engineers at Coomacka

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ngineers attached to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) are brainstorming effective methods to combat the extreme erosion and flooding at Coomacka, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Recently, a team of engineers, along with Regional Chairman Renis Morian and Councillors, revisited the affected areas with a commitment that works would commence soon to address the issue.

As a result of severe erosion, more than half of the community’s river was deemed impassable and as such, residents have suffered as a result of intense flooding.

However, engineers are

now devising a plan to first stop the erosion and remove the large build-up of sand on the eastern side of the Demerara River.

Morian related that the aim was to bring relief to residents who have suffered first-hand from the devastation. He also pointed to the issue as being a result of years of bauxite mining.

“We were in Coomacka here a number of times, looking at the issue here as it relates to flooding, based on what has been happening in mining over the years.

Well, the Government is moving now to deal with the situation ... What the engineers are looking at is the best way to deal with this.

The key though is that at the end of the day, we want

the residents to be satisfied and feel protected. We want to have the river cleared, so that navigation will be safe and also we don't have backing up of water ... This is the first phase that we're doing,” Morian noted.

In an invited comment, acting NDIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dave Hicks explained that engineers would first design a plan to remedy the issue of erosion, with the implementation expected to take six to eight weeks.

Following this, the river is expected to be dredged.

Regional Councillor Dexter Harding said he would be working closely with the team until the project came to an end.

“I am happy as a councillor in the area that we have movements in relation to solving the problem, appeasing the situation here in Coomacka and I will be working 100 per cent with the team to ensure we have the work for the money and the people are pleased here in Coomacka. This is our objective to see that this’s fixed as soon as possible,” Harding noted.

n light of the recent paddy bug infestation in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has collaborated with the Regional Administration and National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to hold a series of informative sessions with rice farmers.

The meetings are intended to teach and train farmers in the use of chemicals to spray for paddy bugs and management of the pest infestation.

Paddy bugs damage paddy by sucking out the contents of developing grains from the pre-flowering spikelet to a soft dough stage, thereby causing unfilled or empty grains and discolouration. Both immature and adult paddy bugs feed on rice grains.

High paddy bug populations are brought about by factors such as extensive grass near rice fields, wild grass growing near canals, and staggered rice planting.

The insect also becomes active when the rains begin.

Warm weather, overcast skies, and frequent drizzles favour its population buildup.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the first session was held on Saturday, January 26, at the Lima Playground and targeted farmers from the Lima/Coffee Grove district.

Entomologist, Dr Viviane Baharally from the GRDB, provided the necessary guidance to the farmers and advised them on the use of pesticides.

“Paddy bugs are found in all rice environments. They are more common in rain-fed and upland rice and prefer the flowering to milky stages of the rice crop. While it is good to use Fipronil, it must not be used it after the plant would have flowered; only use it for early growth,” she said.

Dr Baharally further explained that one spray will not effectively address this bug’s invasion.

Therefore, she recommended that the rice farmers “use half the chemical and twice the water.

You are to also overlap the spraying which will ensure the wetting of every plant…for example, 15g per acre… We have to also practice block planting which will allow for uniformity and timely spraying of the pests.”

She further said that adult paddy bugs are active during the late afternoon and early morning. Under bright sunlight, they hide in grassy areas.

They are less active during the dry season. In cooler areas, the adults undergo a prolonged development in grasses. They feed on wild hosts for one to two generations before migrating into the rice fields at

the flowering stages. The nymphs are found on the rice plant where they blend with the foliage. There, they are often left unnoticed. When disturbed, the nymphs drop to the lower part of the plants and the adults fly within a short distance.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Denis Jaikaran called on the farmers to form a management committee which will include representatives from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), NDIA, GRDB, Rice Producer’s Association (RPA), Water Users’ Association (WUA) and Miller’s Association to focus on the needs of the farmers in the region and put collective suggestions to the office of the REO for timely action. The idea was welcomed and the farmers committed to establishing a committee comprising representatives from across Pomeroon-Supenaam representing the various farming villages.

Pledging the support of the NDIA was Senior Engineer Nanram Narine who indicated that his entity will work closely with the REO and team in ensuring trenches and canals are clear for the free flow of water.

At the conclusion of the session, a demonstration exercise was conducted in the State-owned rice fields.

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mondAY, January 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Draft mineral sector policy

Recommendations made for miners' assistance scheme – paved hinterland road networks among proposals

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he Natural Resources Ministry has released its draft National Mineral Sector Policy Framework, which covers the years 2019 to 2029. Included in the policy are several proposals for improving the mining sector.

According to the recently released policy document, recommendations include a miner’s assistance scheme, paved hinterland road networks and an Inspector General’s Office for the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

According to the document, “most small scale mining enterprises lack the required level of capitalisation, mechanisation and technical application.” The document notes that assistance could take several forms, including loan and equity-based financing schemes, hire-purchase schemes, donor and Government support schemes and providing financing through cooperation between small and large-scale miners and through buyer credit schemes.

The document gives some details about this proposal, noting that priority treatment can be given to miners without such equipment, to syndicates and other partnership arrangements, as well as the granting of waivers on all duties for targeted equipment.

Providing justification for this proposal, the document recommends miners lodge partial collateral, set at a percentage of the cost price of the equipment. This collateral, according to the policy, could be land, a cash bond or a freeze on the account of a guarantor, with little to no interest on repayments and a grace period before the first payment of instalment.

It also proposes “a repayment scheme that awards points to the miner for gold declarations over a certain amount. The higher the declaration, the more the Government reduces the debt (and a) reward for quick payback of debt in the form of a full transfer of ownership of the equipment to the miner if a large amount of the debt, for example, 80 per cent, is re-

cent lower than the figures from 2017. Additionally, the foreign exchange value of exports processed on behalf of dealers and the Guyana

Gold Board (GGB) came to US$443,961,666.

The GGB has meanwhile projected that for 2019, declarations and exportations will be at 651,000 ounces.

Many have posited that for a country that derives so

much foreign currency earnings from the mining sector, maintaining this sector’s performance is vital for a balanced economy when oil and gas revenue starts rolling in.

(Jarryl Bryan)

GPHC promises impartial investigation into deaths of leukaemia patients – expresses condolences to families

The proposals are aimed at putting the gold mining sector back on the right track

paid within a short period.

Auctioning

The document also recommends auctioning off all reclaimed equipment by the State, with a pre-set floor price to create a level playing field. Besides the miner’s assistance scheme, a proposal is also made for upgraded training and extension services to miners.

The document proposes “building on the experience, outputs (in particular the codes of practice) and recommendations of the GENCAPD (Guyana Environmental and Capacity Development) field studies, the Responsible Mining initiative of Conservation International, and other such projects.”

It also recommends expanding waivers for green mining technologies and expanding the Guyana Mining School. To make more land available, the document also recommends ways of discouraging persons sitting idly on mining blocks, instead of actually mining.

In addition, the document speaks to a national geo-data acquisition and dissemination program. According to the document, national decisions pertaining to the mining sector must rely on objective data collection.

In the case of the poor state of hinterland roads, the policy document acknowledges that this is a challenge miners must grapple with.

It acknowledges that small and medium scale miners could significantly lower their transportation costs with bet-

ter road networks.

Last year, the Natural Resources Ministry had announced that with the support of the GGMC, it would be moving forward with the maintenance of several roads in hinterland communities that were in a deplorable state. These rehabilitative works were to be done in collaboration with the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

At the beginning of June 2018, six road contracts valued at over $650 million were awarded to various contractors for the maintenance of the Rockstone-Mabura, Kurupukari-Annai-Lethem, and the Linden-ItuniKwakwani roads. This is in addition to a previous contract that was awarded to JR Ranch for the Manari Bridge realignment in Region Nine, Rupununi, which was valued at $83 million.

Particularly, rehabilitation of the Linden-ItuniKwakwani Road in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was supposed to recommence at the end of the May-June rainy season. The contracts were awarded for repairs to the roads to International Imports and Supplies to the tune of $239.7 million.

Calls have been made for assistance, whether in the form of better roads or capital financing, for the mining sector for some time. Earlier this month, a drop in declarations for last year compared to 2017 had been announced.

As of December 31, 2018, total declarations from all sources amount to 613,073 ounces, which was 6.22 per

Six-year-old Sharezer Mendonca

Three-year-old Roshani Seegobin

ollowing the recent deaths of three patients who died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after being treated for cancer, the hospital is promising that it will deliver a transparent investigation of its own.

According to the hospital in a statement, GPHC Board Chairperson Kesaundra Alves met with the mother and relatives of Sharezer Mendonca, one of the victims, on Friday. In addition to expressing her deepest condolences, Alves also assured that a thorough and transparent investigation will be conducted.

“The Board wishes to also assure the families of Curwayne and Roshani, and the public, that equally thorough and transparent investigations will be conducted into the circumstances which led to their passing.

The Board and the hospital Administration are adamant that the facts and truth must be established without any hindrance.”

“GPHC understands the extreme distress and pain the families are facing at this dif-

ficult time and their anxieties for answers. The GPHC is making every effort to ensure that these investigations are completed in the shortest possible time.”

At the same time, the hospital warned that it is duty-bound to ensure that due process is followed to ensure the thoroughness and completeness of the investigations. While this is undertaken, GPHC also committed itself to continue to provide support for the families.

“The Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) expresses sincere condolences to the parents, family members and relatives of Curwayne Edwards, Roshani Seegobin and Sharezer Mendonca, the three children diagnosed with leukaemia who died subsequent to receiving chemotherapy at GPHC.” “GPHC is also seeking to provide support to the healthcare professionals involved who themselves are experiencing a considerable amount of trauma and anxiety. We are assured that none of the parties involved acted with

F

any wilful intent to harm these precious patients. This situation is one of unspeakable distress and trauma for all involved,” the release added.

Six-year-old Sharezer Mendonca was taken to the Pediatric Ward on January 3, where she was administered with an injection before undergoing treatment. However, shortly after, Mendonca became unresponsive.

She was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit and then the wards. Michael Mendonca, father of the child told Guyana Times afterwards that his daughter was admitted again to the ICU. He noted that it appeared as though her face was swollen but relatives were not allowed to touch her body. Doctors also indicated that anything could be expected within the next few days. Mendonca subsequently died and the family went through further trauma when her body was reportedly given to the wrong family for burial.

During the same period which Mendonca was admitted, three-year-old Roshani Seegobin visited the said medical institution for cancer treatment but after returning home, her condition deteriorated. She was diagnosed with leukaemia and would usually receive treatment at the GPHC. This publication understands that another child, Curwayne Edwards also passed away during this period after undergoing similar treatment. The drug was reportedly injected into the children's spines. The use of the drug has reportedly since been discontinued.

12 news

mondAY, January 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Wind tower installed in West Berbice an essential ingredient in determining the feasibility of the wind project.

The Ministry’s expectation is that within one to two years of high-quality data from tall met-masts (60-80 meters height), wind project developers can prepare a bankable feasibility report which can then lead to financing of wind farm projects.

The tower consists of: three wind speed sensors at 61 metres, 45 metres and 30 metres, wind direction sensors at 58 metres and 30.3 metres, temperature &

relative humidity sensor at 20 metres, and air pressure sensor 3 metres.

This project is a cooperative effort between the Government of Guyana, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).

The key goal of this project is to promote renewable energy technologies through Guyana’s Sustainable Energy Program in urban and off-grid areas with objectives to increase energy access in Guyana, reduce long-term operational costs (primarily fuel costs) of ongrid generation and reduce

greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector.

Over the next six months, the Hinterland Electrification Company will be installing three more wind towers to facilitate the agenda of instituting renewable energy sources along the coast of Guyana.

Bird Society complains of being sidetracked

…as Govt hires private inspectors for coastline

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Workers installing the wind tower

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he Public Infrastructure Ministry’s Hinterland Electrification Company Inc (HEC) has successfully installed its 60-meter Wind Resource Measuring Station at Onverwagt, Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The importance of this wind tower is to yield quality wind data, which can be used by wind project investors to develop wind farms along Guyana’s coasts.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry recognises that high-quality wind measurement is

resident of the Guyana Amazon Tropical Bird Society, Andy Narine is now lambasting Government for the part it is currently playing in the non-function of his organisation which has been protecting resident birds in Guyana for the past 18 years.

Guyana’s coastline is a corridor for millions of migrant birds coming down from North America during the months of October to March each year.

Guyana Times understands that to prevent these birds from mingling with Guyana’s resident birds which could result in a major health crisis like the spread of bird flu, inspectors would have to provide coastal preservation by monitoring these migrant birds.

According to Narine, since 2004, the bird society has been monitoring these birds that would usually inhabit areas along Guyana’s coastlines, that is, some 265 miles of coastlines and riverain areas where public residents also inhabit.

Due to this fact, Narine is questioning the motive for hiring foreign inspectors thus sidetracking the society which has been protecting any major crisis from occurring.

“We have been monitoring all these birds across Guyana for bird flu, we have been doing all the groundwork as a bird society in Guyana looking out for the health, wealth and safety for birds seeing how we could preserve it…” Narine said.

Further, “If an infection was to break out, our population would go, terrible story would happen. They are disturbing our coastline, if these birds were to come inland and intermingle with our birds where they

Andy Narine

could transfer infection to resident birds where Guyanese take those birds for commercial and recreational exercise and nobody is saying anything about it”.

Narine told Guyana Times that presently, oil giant, ExxonMobil which is drilling for oil offshore Guyana is using personal surveyors not affiliated with the national interest to monitor the coastlines.

As such, the society Head is questioning the reasons for Government allowing private people to do national surveys when his society has been effective.

He is questioning whether the Government is putting every measure in place to ensure that Guyanese are safe in case of a crisis on Guyana’s coastline.

Narine is calling for an urgent meeting with the Government to discuss the issue.

Calls made to the Business Minister for a comment on the matter proved futile.

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mondAY, January 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

REO withholds financial information Lottery Company introduces “Let’s Bet Sports” as of Feb 1 on Region 5's spending

Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Chairman Vickchand Ramphal

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hairman of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) Vickchand Ramphal said reluctance by the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Ovid Morrison to provide information on the region’s finances has resulted in him being unable to give an account for the money spent last year.

In the 2018 National Budget, Region Five was given $4.5 billion to be spent on health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and administration.

“At this point of time I cannot say and that is because of the Regional Executive Officer keeping the region’s account in secrecy,” the Regional Chairman explained.

Communication between the political head of the region and the REO has deteriorated to the point where the Chairman reported to the media that the REO had allegedly been refusing to take his phone calls and also refused to meet with him to discuss the region’s business.

With only three RDC meetings held last year, decisions on priority projects could not have been made at the RDC level, hence, all the spending decisions would have been made without the intervention of the elected officials.

During the year, Regional Administrations acquire savings on some projects. That money is used to undertake emergency work of projects which were kicked off of the budget. The Chairman explained that he was in no position to say what was done with the extra money.

“I wrote him in December requesting that information on savings and the amount of money expended. I have not received any response from him. So the region’s accounts in Region Number Five are being kept in secrecy.”

In June last year, REO Ovid Morrison was chased out of a Public Accounts Committee inquiry after he could not give proper an-

Regional Executive Officer Ovid Morrison

swers as to how he had been spending the region’s money.

Sums totalling $135 million were transferred by two interdepartmental warrants to the Public Health Ministry for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies on behalf of the region.

In one case, $60 million; a financial return received indicated that the full amount was expended.

But the cost was not stated. In the second case, $75 million; the administration received a nil financial return.

Morrison had also attempted to stop the Auditor General from interviewing staff as it relates to financial transactions.

GLC General Manager Tracey Lewis (centre) gets the promotion started

T

he Guyana Lottery Company is pleased to announce the launch of its sports betting product called Let’s Bet Sports on Friday, February 1, 2019.

Over 200 of our authorised agents countrywide will sell pre-match tickets for a number of games; Basketball, Football, Baseball, Cricket and Tennis to name a few and in addition, 50 agents will sell virtual gaming.

The Guyana Lottery

Company has been in operation for over 22 years and is the official lottery company of Guyana. Our gaming product portfolio of Lottery and Instant ticket games has been extended to Video Lottery Terminals (VLT’s) under the brand known as BLAST and our Sports Betting product, Let’s Bet Sports, completes the needs of our players.

To date, the Lottery Company has paid millions of dollars in prizes, contributed millions

in sponsorships and donations, continued to extend our reach to outlying areas and have launched one of a kind promotions.

“Our integrity and commitment to Guyana speaks for itself and we are proud to stand by our motto of “Every Ticket You Buy Benefits Our Country”; to date this has totalled over $7 billion towards social projects as well as youths’ sports and culture”, the company in a release added.

Lethem hosts successful Children’s Mashramani Competition

T

he Children’s M a s h r a m a n i Competition 2019 has begun and the town of Lethem and the rest of the Rupununi have not been left out of the celebrations.

The Department of Education, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) held its regional competition last Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday, schools from within Central Rupununi and as far as Sand Creek and Aishalton converged at the St Ignatius Benab to compete on stage in a number of categories which included Dramatic Poetry, Dance, Costume, Group Dance and Calypso.

Students competed in

the age groups of five to seven, 11 to 13 and 14 to 17 categories. Some of the results of Thursday’s competition are as follows: Costume (5-7): First Place – Arapaima Nursery represented by Taviea Mc Rae with “The Sunflower” and Second Place – Arapaima Primary represented by Dwileen Coates with “El Dorado in Reserve”.

Dance (5-7): First Place Arapaima Nursery performing “The Victory Dance” (Only participant); and Hip Hop Dance: First Place – St Ignatius Secondary (Only participant).

Calypso (14-17): First Place – Aishalton Secondary School; and

Second Place – St Ignatius Secondary School.

Dramatic Poetry (14-17):

First Place – St Ignatius Secondary School; and Second Place – Aishalton

Secondary School.

Dramatic Poetry (57): First Place – Arapaima

Nursery School; Second Place – St Ignatius Nursery; and Third Place – Kumu Nursery School.

Group Dance 14-17: First Place - Sand Creek Secondary School.

The celebrations culminated on Friday with the students competing in the Costume and Road Parade which began at Takatu and moved to Barack Retreat then to Tabatinga Road into School Street and ended at Wadapna Ground.

Students representing schools within Central Lethem and the Rupununi showcased their costumes hoping to impress the judges and spectators while having fun.

14 news

mondAY, January 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

EB residents to benefit from SMART Hospital initiative D

uring the unveiling of the newly-erected billboard in the compound of the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, East Bank Demerara, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence announced that residents along the East Bank will be the first beneficiaries of £38 million SMART Hospital initiative.

According to Minister Lawrence, the project which is currently being undertaken across the country will see residents in that area benefiting greatly from the “Smart Standards”, of the Diagnostic Centre since it is strategically located on the busy carriageway which mostly facilitates passengers travelling from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

“We view the Diamond Diagnostic Centre as a pivotal element within the whole health spectrum and this initiative will certainly provide care at a higher level for those persons who would want to use the services,”

From left are Regional Health Officer, Region Four, Quincy Jones; PAHO representative for the Guyana office, Dr William Adu-Krow; Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence and British High Commissioner Greg Quinn

Lawrence said.

She explained that much work

is being administered into human resources to provide spe-

cialist doctors with the necessary tools, space and accommodation to ensure that patients receive “the best services”.

Further, she noted that 30 healthcare workers were trained to apply the SMART Hospital protocol which includes the hospital safety index and a green checklist standard.

“The Smart Hospital Initiative seeks to link structural and operational safety and disaster resilience with resources, reducing interventions at a reasonable cost-benefit ratio, and reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emission,” PAHO/WHO Director, William Adu-Krow explained.

Adu-Krow further stated that “the project is said to result in enhanced safety standards; a reduction in downtime and damaged hospitals from natural hazards, as well as a reduction in water and electricity consumption”. ` Under the compact brokered with the British Department For International Development (DFID) with (PAHO/WHO) act-

ing as the executing agency, five public health institutions, via the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four); Leonora Cottage Hospital, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Lethem Regional Hospital, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); Mabaruma District Hospital, Barima-Waini (Region One) and Paramakatoi Health Centre, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight) will be redesigned and retrofitted to conform to the SMART blueprint.

Guyana embarked on the SMART Hospital program two years ago which includes retrofitting existing identified health structures and making them resilient to the vagaries of nature including natural disasters.

SMART Hospitals are increasingly viewed as being at the intersection of medicine, information, health, and business using information, communication and technology (ICT) to support healthcare programs.

D'Urban Backlands Squatters soon to benefit from potable water to commence paying”, Dr Van West-Charles reminded.

The Managing Director also instructed residents to desist from constructing their sanitary facilities on the boundary of the conservancy. He added that GWI’s sanitation department will be contacted to assist with the construction of sanitary blocks and septic tanks, in order to employ the correct method of human waste disposal.

Solomon thanked Dr Managing Director of GWI, Dr Richard Van West Charles in discussions with residents of D'Urban Backlands

T

he inconvenience of joining a line to access water and fetching it for long distances will soon be a thing of the past for the residents of Durban Backlands Squatting Area.

This is following an intervention by the Guyana Water Inc to bring relief.

The squatting area aback the Chinese Embassy on Mandela Avenue, which is seeking to become regularised, is home to over 2500 persons.

The residents currently access water from limited makeshift standpipes and the East Demerara Water Conservancy. While regularisation is yet to be done, GWI’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Van WestCharles responded to a request by village representative Mr Kyle Solomon to provide easy access to potable water to the families residing there.

After being made aware of the need in the area, the Managing Director, accompanied by Mr Solomon, Dr Astell Collins of the Ministry of the Presidency and other GWI officials conducted a walk-through in the community on Friday, January 25.

Later that day, a GWI technical team returned to map out the area and de-

termine where lines are to be laid and standpipes to be erected.

On Saturday last, the team held a community meeting with residents to inform them of the works to be undertaken.

GWI’s Georgetown Manager Curtis Niles informed them that works will commence on Thursday, January 31 with the clearing of lands.

Following this, they will move to strategically erect a total of 24 standpipes along the village tracks.

He also noted that some

adjustments will have to be made to some property boundaries so as to facilitate the project.

Dr Van West-Charles advised against tampering with GWI’s infrastructure, noting that such actions are illegal and can cause contamination in the pipeline.

“Once we proceed and we begin to layout, then we can move to the stage where you become customers because you’ll have addresses and we can arrange for you to have access into where you live. However, when that occurs you have

Van West-Charles, Dr Collins and the GWI technical team for promptly fulfilling their request and relieving their prolonged burden of having to fetch water from far distances.

Many of the other beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude to have access to potable, running water for the first time.

Tamika Stephen said “I feel happy because I have 5 children and I does use the water from the blacka so they get ringworm so I car-

rying them to get treatment and sometimes I throw bleach but when I ain’t get money to buy bleach, it raise up back again… I so grateful and happy”.

“I live here a long time, I fetch so much water till my hand corn up so I really glad for the water and I like wear white clothes. I like at the back here and I glad they start put interest in the community”, said Mr Ziggy London, who has been a resident there for over seven years.

Improving access to potable water in Central Rupununi

GWI officials and residents in Kicumbay

P

Dr Van West Charles tours the area

roviding equal access to potable water continues to be a priority for GWI in keeping with His Excellency, President David Granger’s call for equity on the coastland and hinterland.

To this end, GWI’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles and a team of officials conducted a three-day visit to villages located in Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) from January 21 – 23, 2019, to assess their accessibility to potable water while making necessary interventions. The team

plans to visit all 57 communities in Region Nine.

During these visits, GWI met with Toshaos, Senior Councillors and residents to ascertain their current water situation by listening to their concerns and recommendations. One of the concerns raised was the need for water well maintenance since many went without being serviced for long periods.

In Fly Hill, for instance, a well which was dug in the early 2000s only functioned for one day. In other cases, additional water sources and storage tanks were needed, solar panels required repairs, leaks needed

to be fixed and trestles needed to be constructed.

GWI will be revisiting villages such as Mocomoco and St Ignatius since the Toshaos are expected to gather and provide additional data on the villages.

The residents who voiced their concerns and made recommendations have expressed gratitude to the team for their visit and commitment to enhancing their livelihoods through better access to quality water.

Thirteen other villages have been listed to benefit from GWI’s initiative to improve the water supplies in the hinterland.

news

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MONdAY, January 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

What security arrangements should be put into place to protect the public from thieves at bus parks?

Dan Rahim “Undercover Police all around the market and unmarked Police cars to whisk away the criminals because some of the stall holders are condoning this act as well as some taxi drivers.”

Don Singh “It’s not rocket science.

Thieves are afraid of Police, so inundate the parks with Police and city constabularies. Run a few sting operations, put GPS location in a few phones, send a bait to get it stolen and track the phone to the den of iniquity, voila.”

Caesar McAlmont “Increase the Police presence in these areas.”

Sheik Asweem “I believe if bus stops are properly utilised this should alleviate this problem until a proper solution is found.”

General Imran – aka “GI” tops CSM24 Semis

Arif Fareed “More cameras, more security personnel at key locations, more street lights and Police or detectives actually following up on robberies and making arrests and bringing justice to the victims of the attacks.”

S

aturday evening’s Chutney Soca Monarch 24 SemiFinals can only be described as one of the best in the competition’s history.

The RIG, Gulf View, in Trinidad was packed to capacity, the atmosphere was electric with the crowd moving and singing to every song. Patrons spilled over into the side and back car parks as fans tried to steal a glimpse of their favourites performing on stage.

General Imran, aka, “GI”, topped the semi-final round with his mega-hit “Divorce”, followed very closely by the biggest surprise of the night, young newcomer, Amit Sagram at a close second place.

For the very first time in the history of the CSM, more than 20 persons scored over 200 points by the judges, crystalising the fact that the quality of the songs and performances by artistes this year are of a higher standard than past years.

Former CSM Monarch, Ravi B made a guest appearance; flattering the arena, with the crowd singing along with him word for word, proving that he is definitely one of the top stars in the industry.

It must also be mentioned that the outstanding performances from the female contestants who have proved without a doubt that they will also be a force to reckoned with on Saturday, February 16, at the Grand Finals of CSM24 slated for Skinner Park, San Fernando.

Due to the overwhelming results and the quality of music, the producers of the

Amit Sukar “Honestly there isn’t much that can be done to stop this.

What can help though is if everyone watch out for each other. Most times the videos that are caught on cameras; the people around would just stand and look and carry on their business as normal. I know because I was once a victim of this.”

Denisia Liddell “I think people need to be more security-conscious and protect themselves. Don’t walk with purses, phones and other valuables in their hands in certain places because that attracts petty thieves and Police don’t always be around to protect you.”

Sharmane Solomon “Place plainclothes ranks in the vicinity that is most affected so when these instances occur the suspected thieves are easily apprehended or another alternative is to set up a sting operation where persons are used to attract the thieves and when they pounce on their victims, the Police is right there to arrest them.”

Artistes set Lethem on fire at All-Stars Mash Concert

General Imran

show have decided to create a special opportunity and reward artistes by admitting 21 people to the Grand Final this year. They will now face off against defending champions Nishard Mayrhoo and Neval Chatelal.

Prize monies will not be affected by this move but instead, the producers hope to motivate and create incentives to an industry that is clearly on an upward swing.

The following are the 21 names of the artistes that have made it to the Grand Finals of CSM24.

They are Veekash Sahadeo; Wakaman – Keiron Tyron Williams; Adesh Samaroo; Amit; Sagram; Surendra Ramoutar; Nisha Ramsook; Veejai Ramkissoon and Rome; Russel Mohammed; Hitman – Neeshan Prabhu; Andy Singh; Hemlatha Dindial; Kenneth Supersad; Kavita Maharaj; Kavita Ramkissoon; Nigel Gobin; Gi – Imran Beharry; Rikki Jai; Amit Sooknanan and Amit D; Avinash Sookraj – Climaxx; Omardath Maraj And Daddy Chinee.

T

he Mashramani “All-Stars Concert”, on Saturday evening left the residents of Lethem and surrounding communities clamouring for more. The performers captivated the audience with their boundless energy and songs on social issues, politics and the economy among others.

Hosted by the Ministry of Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion at the Tabatinga Sports Complex Ground, the show featured artistes like Michelle “Big Red” King, Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, Reigning Soca Monarch Brandon Harding and Reigning Chutney Monarch Bunty Singh and Kwasi Ace among others.

Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton told the residents that the initiative is aimed at ensuring nationwide inclusion in the Mashramani festivities.

“We had activities in Region One, Two, Six, Five and Nine here tonight.

This is the idea to take the celebration to the different regions so that you can be part and parcel of what everybody is enjoying in Guyana. We look forward to seeing you in the capital city…” he said.

The Minister said that he was impressed with the turnout at the event and the participation between the singers and audience who thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Regional Chairman Brian Allicock noted his satisfaction with the sup-

Brandon Harding

Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts

port shown by residents.

According to Allicock, discussions are ongoing to host similar events in Lethem in the future. Minister Norton also gave his nod of approval to this move.

Last year’s Calypso semi-finals were hosted for the first time in Lethem and received rave reviews from the spectators. In previous years calypso competitions were held in the capital city, Georgetown,

which meant hinterland communities missed being entertained by this extraordinary event As Mashramani activities continue across the country, persons are invited to attend the Banks Calyspo Semi-Final at Union No 53 Village Community Centre, the Carib Soca Monarch Semi-Finals at the LindenGeorgetown Municipal Bus Park and the Chutney Dance Competition in Region Three.

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guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, January 28, 2019

Regional

Nearly 24,000 ordered to evacuate T&T PM off on after Brazil dam burst, 250 missing diplomatic mission

A house is seen after a dam, owned by Brazilian miner Vale SA, burst in Brumadinho, Brazil, January 26, 2019

F

ire-fighters on Sunday called for the evacuation of some 24,000 people from the Brazilian town hit by a deadly mudslide from a ruptured mining dam as rains added to concerns a second dam could collapse.

Sirens began blaring before dawn, triggered by dangerous water levels at a tailings dam still standing near an iron ore mine owned by Vale SA near Brumadinho in Minas Gerais state.

“We have a situation of im-

minent risk, but there hasn’t been a rupture of this dam until now and we are monitoring it,” said Pedro Aihara, a spokesman for the state fire department.

He said they believed the situation was dangerous, but

he could not comment on the actual risk of another dam break. The second dam being monitored is about 50 metres (0.03 mile) from the burst dam and part of a large industrial complex.

The evacuation efforts diverted attention from the search for hundreds of people missing after Friday’s burst dam unleashed a torrent of mud, burying the mining facilities and nearby homes.

“Our work is completely focused on the evacuation,” Aihara said.

Roughly 250 people were still missing after the tailings dam accident, according to a list released by Vale, the second such disaster in less than four years. Most of the missing are presumed dead, officials said.

The confirmed death toll rose to 37 by Sunday morning, according to the fire department. (Excerpt from Reuters)

As nations turn against Maduro, Venezuelan leader parades with military

V

enezuelan President Nicolás Maduro oversaw a display of the army’s Russian hardware on Sunday, with anti-aircraft flak and tank rounds pounding a hillside to show military force and loyalty in the face of an international ultimatum to call fresh elections.

Maduro, 56, is confronting an unprecedented challenge to his authority after Opposition Leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president citing a fraudulent election. Guaido has won wide international support and offers amnesty to soldiers who join him. On Sunday, Israel joined the countries backing the 35-year-old leader.

Early on Sunday, flanked by Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, Maduro watched a platoon of soldiers release volleys of rocket-propelled grenades, machine gun anti-aircraft fire and tank rounds at hillside targets, the Russian ordnance kicking up clouds of dust at the Fort of Paramacay, an armoured vehicle base.

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro takes part in a military exercise in Valencia, Venezuela, January 27, 2019

Maduro said the display showed the world he has the backing of the military, and that Venezuela’s armed forces were ready to defend the country. Maduro says Guaido is taking part in an attempted coup directed by US President Donald Trump’s hardline policy advisers.

“Nobody respects the weak, cowards, traitors. In this world what’s re-

spected is the brave, the courageous, power,” Maduro said as the dust settled on the base.

The show of force was accompanied by a government publicity campaign online based on the slogan “Always Loyal, Never a Traitor”, and followed a high-profile defection by the country’s top military diplomat in the United States on Saturday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

P

rime Minister Dr Keith Rowley does not intend to be cowed into adopting a geopolitical position that is in conflict with this country's principled stand on the crisis in Venezuela.

Issuing a subtle warning that he was not afraid to stand his ground when he meets the United Nation’s Secretary General, Antonio Guterres in New York today, Rowley said, “This small country of T&T, at this time, is called upon to play a role well beyond our size, but well within our competence.”

Accepting that international issues had arrived on the country’s doorstep just seven miles away in Venezuela, Rowley said, “Fortunately for the people of T&T, at this time, in office in T&T is a responsible political party holding executive authority, respecting all, fearing none.”

Rowley made the statements as he addressed the Cabinet and party supporters during the People’s National Movement’s 63rd Gala Anniversary celebrations at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) Saturday evening.

Indicating his role is to join his Caricom colleagues in meetings with Guterres where they would present a unified front, Rowley said, “We go because we are in a position to say to all parties, all actors, all contenders that we stand on principle.

“And it is that commitment to principle that allows us to be able to talk to

anybody and everybody. If we handle ourselves differently, there would be times that we could only talk to our friends and there’d be times when we only make enemies.”

Rowley and Caricom Chairman and Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Timothy Harris are expected to meet with the UN in New York to address the political crisis in Venezuela.

T&T, along with other Caricom nations, has maintained a position of non-interference in accordance with Caricom policies.

Rowley left on Sunday for New York, following which they will meet with Guterres and hold meetings in Washington on Tuesday.

Rowley has spoken out against the Opposition's support of Maduro's political rival Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president of Venezuela during a march involving tens of thousands in Caracas on January 23.

Rowley has previously said Venezuela has serious internal problems, but it is not the business of T&T “or those who have given themselves an authority, to walk into Venezuela by force to fix their internal problems”.

The US Embassy in T&T issued a statement calling Maduro’s presidency ‘undemocratic and illegitimate’ and pointing to Government’s support of Maduro as ‘deeply concerning’.

It was a statement that was roundly rejected by Dr Rowley. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Jamaican truck driver wins US$298.3M New York Powerball jackpot

Peru landslide kills at least 15 at hotel wedding party

A

t least 15 people were killed when a landslide crashed into a hotel during a wedding celebration in south-eastern Peru, officials say.

The impact of the mud and rocks forced the building's walls and roof to cave in while guests were inside dancing.

Twenty-nine people were injured and had to be pulled from the debris following the incident on Sunday in the Andean city of Abancay, officials said.

Local media report that the incident occurred during heavy rain in the area.

About 100 guests were present at the Alhambra

hotel at the time of the incident, the head of Peru's National Civil Defence Institute (Indeci), Jorge Chávez, told local media.

Some 50 people were believed to have been close to one of the walls that collapsed, he added.

Images posted on social media by Indeci showed res-

cuers searching through the rubble and carrying people on stretchers.

The mayor of Abancay, Guido Chahuaylla, said that every effort was made to ensure that rescuers were able to reach those trapped in the rubble. The wounded were taken to a local hospital, he added. (BBC News)

PNP introduces 5 new standard bearers in western Jamaica

T

he People's National Party (PNP) Sunday announced five new caretaker candidates for western Jamaica at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in St James.

The Party said it was ensuring that all constituencies were outfitted with representation of the highest standards and that they have all

been vetted and approved by its Integrity Commission.

Well-known educator Dr Walton Small is the caretaker/candidate in the constituency of St James Southern, while Attorney-at-Law Michael Hemmings will carry the PNP flag in St James East Central.

University of the West Indies lecturer and not-

ed economist, Dr Andre Haughton will be the Party's representative in West Central St James and Andre Hylton, automotive specialist and operator of Andre's Auto Supplies Co Ltd, will represent the constituency of Central St James.

In Eastern Hanover, acclaimed cricketer Wavel Hinds is the caretaker/can-

didate.

Dr Small who lectured at Sam Sharpe Teacher's College and The University of the West Indies, was vice Principal at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School and Principal at Anchovy High and Wolmers' Boys schools.

He also headed the InterSecondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA). (Jamaica Observer)

David Johnson, a Brooklyn-based truck driver, is the sole winner of the near US$300 million Powerball jackpot (Photo: NBC News)

A

Brooklyn truck driver who is originally from Jamaica was the lone winner of last month's US$298.3 million Powerball, the second-largest jackpot in New York state history.

According to a report from NBC News, David Johnson, 56, of East New York, accepted his winnings from Yolanda Vega of the New York Lottery Friday at Resorts World Casino in Queens.

Johnson chose quickpick, and the computer spat out 05, 25, 38, 52 and 67, with Powerball 24.

He chose to take the lump sum, which amounts to US$180 million and US$114 million after taxes.

He said that he did not intend to go back to work, because he was a rich man now and had plans to take care of his family, buy a red Porsche and "a nice house".

(Jamaica Observer)

17

mondAY, January 28, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Jolo church attack: Many “Red scarves” march in Paris against killed in Philippines yellow-vest violence

The bomb attack devastated the church in Jolo

T

wo bombs at a Roman Catholic cathedral in southern Philippines have killed 20 people and injured dozens more, local officials say.

The first blast happened as Sunday Mass was being celebrated at the church on Jolo island, where Islamist

militants are active.

As soldiers responded, a second device was detonated in the car park.

The attack comes days after a majority-Muslim area in the region voted for greater autonomy in a referendum.

No group has so far said it was be-

hind the attack. Jolo has long been a base for militants including those of the Abu Sayyaf group.

The local officials say the first blast happened at 08:45 local time (00:45 GMT) inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which has been hit by bombs in the past.

The second explosion was shortly afterwards on the doorstep of the church.

Local police initially put the death toll at 27 but later lowered it to 20, saying there was double counting in earlier official reports.

In last week’s referendum, voters approved the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in majority-Muslim areas of southern Philippines.

But voters in Sulu province, where Jolo is located, rejected it.

The referendum was the result of a peace deal between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The authorities have previously expressed hopes that the vote could be a political solution to try to end decades of fighting between Islamist separatists and the Philippine army in the predominantly Catholic country. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

Bashir says Sudan protesters trying to emulate Arab Spring

S

u d a n ’ s President Omar alBashir has said protesters in the country are trying to imitate the 2011 Arab Spring and blamed unidentified outside groups for trying to destabilise the region.

During a visit to Cairo on Sunday, where he met Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, al-Bashir said the unrest in Sudan was “an attempt to copy the so-called Arab Spring for Sudan.”

It is Bashir’s second overseas visit since last month, when protests triggered by an increase in bread prices erupted in the country. The demonstrations have also called for al-Bashir, who has been in power for nearly 30

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said he was eager to maintain the close historical ties between the two countries, while al-Bashir said the protests against him were not as bad as they seemed

years, to step down as the country’s leader.

Sisi said he was eager to maintain the close historical ties between the two

countries, while al-Bashir said the protests against him were not as bad as they seemed, accusing outside groups of trying to un-

dermine his rule in what he compared with Egypt’s own experience during its 2011 uprising.

“There are many negative organisations working on shaking the stability and security of the region,” alBashir said at a joint press conference after the meeting.

“We acknowledge that there is a problem, we are not claiming there is nothing but it is not as big as described by some media platforms. It’s an attempt to copy the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ for Sudan.”

Officials say 30 people have died in the protests, however, rights groups have put the death toll at more than 40. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bomb attacks kill 4 Policemen in northern Iraq – Police

A

t least four policemen were killed and 11 wounded by two roadside bombs that targeted Police convoys in separate attacks in northern Iraq on Sunday, the service and med-

ical sources said.

Two died and eight were wounded when a bomb hit a bus carrying Police on their way to work near the town of Shirqat, its Police Chief Colonel Majeed Ghatran said.

Another bomb struck a second group of officers that was heading to the location of the first explosion, killing two and wounding three, he said.

No organisation claimed responsibility for the bomb-

ings.

Islamic State militants have carried out guerrilla-style attacks in the area since their military defeat in Iraq in December 2017. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US Government agencies gear up to restart operations today

U

S Government agencies that had largely shuttered operations for five weeks during a budget standoff said on Saturday they were moving swiftly to resume operations and compensate employees for missed paychecks.

The White House held a conference call with Cabinet department financial officers late Friday to discuss the resumption of Government oper-

ations, while agencies began to grapple with a backlog of management and policy issues.

The partial Government shutdown - at 35 days the longest in US history - led to some 800,000 federal workers going unpaid, including 380,000 furloughed workers.

President Donald Trump on Friday signed a measure to fund the Government for three weeks as congressional negotiators try to

hammer out a Bill to fund the Federal Government through September 30.

Trump had demanded $5.7 billion in funding for a wall on the US-Mexico border, but Democratic legislators refused to include the money.

It will take the Federal Register, which publishes government regulatory actions, weeks to catch up with the backlog of documents, which will delay the start

of public comments on some proposals.

The shutdown is also likely to delay the rollout of Trump’s 2020 budget proposal and congressional hearings on the budget. It is not clear when Trump will deliver his State of the Union Address, but one administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Saturday it is not likely to be until February. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The "red scarves" say they are defending democracy and opposing violence

A

group calling itself the red scarves has held a march in Paris to counter weeks of anti-Government protests by the yellow-vest movement.

The "foulards rouges" is demanding an end to the violence witnessed at yellow-vest (gilets jaunes) rallies.

The gilets jaunes movement grew out of fuel tax protests in November.

But the weeks of TV footage showing clashes with riot police and damage to public monuments have triggered a counter-movement and the red scarves now have about 21,000 followers on Facebook.

More than 10,000 people took part in Sunday's march, Le Figaro reported.

"People are tired of the roadblocks. They are bad for business, and children are prevented from getting to school on time," red scarves

spokesman Alex Brun told French broadcaster RFI. Ahead of Sunday's rally in Paris, the red scarves put out a joint statement with similar-minded groups.

"We denounce the insurrectional climate installed by the yellow vests. We also reject the threats and constant verbal abuse (aimed at non-yellow vests)," they announced in a joint manifesto.

However, according to French media a split has already emerged among the red scarves over whether or not to show support for President Macron.

Some red scarves leaders had urged members not to attend Sunday's rally.

Across France, about 69,000 people took part in the 11th consecutive weekend of yellow-vest protests the Interior Ministry said.

That is about 15,000 fewer than last weekend. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Brexit: No change to backstop, Ireland insists

Protests against the potential return of a hard border have been taking place on the island of Ireland

T

he backstop element of the Brexit plan is “not going to change”, Ireland’s deputy Prime Minister has said.

The proposal - aimed at preventing a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland - played a major part in Theresa May’s deal being voted down by a historic margin last week.

But Simon Coveney told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show that the EU would not ratify a deal without it.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock called the comments a “negotiating position”.

Mr Hancock also denied reports that the Government was “specifically” planning for martial law if the UK left without a deal - but he did not rule it out.

Martial law involves the suspension of normal law, and temporary rule by the mili-

tary. It can include measures such as curfews and travel restrictions.

The UK is set to leave the EU on 29 March, with or without a deal. If a hard border comes about, people and goods passing between Ireland and the UK will need to be checked.

Meanwhile, a leaked diplomatic note seen by the Guardian claims that the President of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncker, has told Mrs May that to revisit the backstop issue she would need to agree to a permanent customs union with the EU. A customs union would mean that no tariffs would be put on goods travelling between the UK and the 27 member states of the EU, but that the UK could not negotiate its own trade agreements with other countries. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, January 28, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

An emotional response will cause havoc. Don’t judge others if you don’t want to be subject to ridicule. Avoid taking action without being fully prepared to deal with the aftermath.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Be smart and charming, but don’t make promises you can’t fulfill. You’ll pick up information quickly and impress onlookers if you show interest, ask questions and are observant.

CANCER

Do something that makes you happy. Start a project that will inspire you to do things differently or make plans to spend more time with a loved one.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Put more effort into learning and into honing your skills. Your presentation style will be impressive. Approach someone you think could benefit from what you have to offer.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Don’t start something you cannot finish. Be honest about your feelings and what you want to see happen. You may not please everyone, but you’ll feel better moving forward.

Expect someone to overreact or evade issues that could change the dynamics of your relationship. When in doubt, ask questions and make suggestions before jumping to conclusions.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You may want to make a change, but first make sure those who will be affected by your choices are on board or at least informed. Be articulate and forthright.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Your actions will speak louder than words. Do your research and look at every angle before you make a decision. An offer may sound amazing, but will fall short in actuality.

SUDOKU

Call in a favor if it will SAGITTARIUS help bring about a positive (Nov. 23- change. Prepare a space conDec. 21) ducive to developing something you want to pursue.

Personal change is encouraged.

Finish what you start.

CAPRICORN You’ll come up with a unique (Dec. 22- idea that can change the Jan. 19) way you live. Hard work will pay off, as long as you don’t act prematurely.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

You can resolve an emotional issue if you communicate openly. A little giveand-take will help you bring about the changes you want to see happen.

Handle your personal and financial affairs yourself. Use common sense when tempted by a pie-inthe-sky idea. A steady pace will help you achieve your goal.

mondAY, January 28, 2019

19

Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal to win record 7th title N

ovak Djokovic won a record seventh Australian Open title and a third successive Grand Slam as he swept aside Rafael Nadal in Melbourne.

The Serb, rarely troubled on his serve, won 6-3 6-2 6-3 for his biggest victory in a major final over his great rival.

Spanish second seed Nadal, 32, looked rattled by the world number one’s intensity and made 28 unforced errors.

Djokovic, 31, won in two hours and four minutes to move clear of six-time men’s winners Roy Emerson and Roger Federer.

A forehand winner down the line brought up two championship points, Djokovic taking the second when Nadal clubbed a backhand long.

Djokovic, who was the top seed, fell to his knees after sealing another triumph on Rod Laver Arena, smacking the court with both hands and screaming towards the

Djokovic continued his fine record of going on to win the tournament every time he has reached the semi-finals, while N a d a l

to become the first man i n

Novak Djokovic of Serbia fires back a forehand

greatest male rivalry.

Most expected a much closer encounter between the pair, whose previous meeting at Melbourne Park had been the epic 2012 final, which lasted five sets and almost six hours.

Quickly it became apparent that a repeat was unlikely in front of a

sky.

T h e reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion claimed his 15th Grand Slam title, moving him outright third ahead of American Pete Sampras in the all-time list, closing in on Switzerland’s Federer (20) and Nadal (17).

Djokovic has now won 13 of his past 16 meetings with Nadal, who has not beaten the Serb on a hard court since the US Open final in 2013.

He leads 28-25 in their record 53 meetings between two male players.

lost for a fourth time in the Melbourne showpiece.

The result meant the 2009 winner was unable

t h e Open era to win all the Grand Slams at least twice and was the first time he had lost a major final in straight sets.

Djokovic said his clinical semi-final win over French 28th seed Lucas Pouille on Friday was one of his best performances on Rod Laver Arena.

Two days later, he surpassed that against the man with whom he shares what many consider to be the

stunned crowd.

Djokovic was as close to flawless as he could have been - dominating on serve, controlling the rallies with crisp groundstrokes, rarely making a mistake and showing incredible athleticism around the court.

His tally of 34 winners and nine unforced errors highlights how high his level was.

The Serb made a fast start by breaking in Nadal’s first service game and, although that was the only

break in the opener, the gulf between the players felt much wider.

He took his first set point after landing a first serve which Nadal could only bat back into the net, wrapping up the opener in only 38 minutes.

More pressure came on Nadal’s serve immediately in the second set, Djokovic eventually going a break up in the fifth game and, after surviving Nadal taking him to deuce in the following game, broke again to leave him serving for a two-set lead.

Djokovic then underlined his dominance by firing down three aces to leave him one set away from the title.

Another break for a 2-1 lead in the third put Djokovic on his way to a comfortable win, before he fought off a break point in the sixth game and then sealed victory on the Nadal serve. (BBC Sport)

Spurs suffer 2nd cup exit in a week Trevor Bayliss says

T

ottenham went out of Tottenham Hotspurs' their second Lucas Moura on the ball knockout competition in four days after defeat by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup fourth round at Selhurst Park.

Having lost a Carabao Cup semi-final to Chelsea on penalties on Thursday, Spurs were 2-0 down inside 35 minutes.

C o n n o r Wickham marked his first start since November 2016 with a goal before a penalty by exSpurs midfielder Andros Townsend doubled the lead.

Spurs missed a penalty before halftime when Kieran Trippier blazed wide.

C o n n o r EFL Cup. Wickham had made six A much-changed league and cup substitute Tottenham side were lackappearances this season prilustre against Palace. or to this tie On the few occasions they It was their third miss did create serious chances, from the spot in two games they could not find a way after Lucas Moura and Eric past Julian Speroni, with Dier failed in Thursday’s the 39-year-old Argentine shootout at Stamford Bridge keeper making crucial saves as Spurs went out of the to keep out Georges-Kevin

tourists must be "tougher" Moeen Ali edges tamely to second slip to fall for a pair

E N’Koudou and Fernando Llorente.

Palace fans celebrated wildly at the final whistle after a first win over Tottenham since 2016 saw them advance to the fifth round for the first time since the 2015-16 season, when they went on to reach the final. (BBC Sport)

ngland must become “tougher” if they are to avoid the collapses that cost them the first Test against West Indies, says coach Trevor Bayliss.

The tourists were bowled out for 77 in the first innings and lost their last six wickets for 31 runs in the 381run defeat in Barbados on Saturday.

England were criticised for a lack of competitive games before the series.

But Bayliss told BBC Sport: “It’s more of a mental thing. We’ve got to say, ‘we’re not giving our wicket away’.”

Part-time off-spinner Roston Chase took 8-60 as England were bowled out for

246 on the fourth evening.

A succession of batsmen fell to loose strokes on a reliable surface at the Kensington Oval, against a bowler whose 42 Test wickets before the match came at a cost of 47 apiece.

Collapses have undermined England’s batting, particularly at the top order, for the past two years, and their first-innings capitulation came only 10 months after they were bowled out for 58 by New Zealand in Auckland.

“We’ve got some homework to do,” said Bayliss, who will step down after four years in charge following the Ashes against Australia in September.

England have responded to their two most recent defeats by winning the next match.

Having lost to Pakistan by nine wickets at Lord’s in May 2018, they won at Trent Bridge by an innings; and followed up a 203-run loss against India at Trent Bridge in August with a 60run victory at Southampton.

“Every time we’ve played like this the guys have come out and played pretty well in the next game,” said Bayliss.

“They’re hurting; they know they haven’t played well. That’ll kick them into gear, or it should do.”

The second Test of the three-match series in Antigua starts on Thursday.

(BBC Sport)

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mondAY, January 28, 2019

Chelsea into 5th Pakistan Captain banned

by ICC over racist comment round as Willian’s P double sinks Sheffield

H

Callum Hudson-Odoi fires home Chelsea’s second goal against Sheffield Wednesday

olders Chelsea comfortably beat Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup with Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring 24 hours after handing in a transfer request.

Winger Hudson-Odoi, 18, showed the type of poise which has led to a £35m bid from Bayern Munich by collecting Andreas Christensen’s diagonal pass and cutting inside before firing past Keiren Westwood for his second goal of the season.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri was rewarded for handing Hudson-Odoi a sixth start of the season as his goal put the result of a feisty game beyond doubt.

Earlier, Willian scored the first of his two goals from the penalty spot, before making it 3-0 after a smart one-two with Olivier

Giroud, who replaced debutant Gonzalo Higuain.

The opener, Willian’s 50th goal for Chelsea, came in controversial circumstances after the visitors had earned their own spotkick 162 seconds earlier, only for it to be overturned

by VAR.

VAR plays its part again

The use of VAR in the FA Cup has caused controversy this weekend, not least because it is only being used where the technology exists at Premier League stadiums.

That led Everton boss Marco Silva to say “it did not make sense” that it was unavailable during his team’s 3-2 loss at Millwall on Saturday, when Jake Cooper appeared to score an equaliser for the Championship side with his arm.

But Sheffield Wednesday will have cursed its availability at Stamford Bridge.

They thought they had a golden opportunity to take the lead, with referee Andre Marriner awarding the visitors a penalty after Ethan Ampadu felled Joey Pelupessy, but once replays showed the Chelsea midfielder got the ball first, the decision was correctly rescinded.

The mood of 6,000 visiting fans worsened when Sam Hutchinson, a former Chelsea player, caught Cesar Azpilicueta’s ankle and Marriner pointed to the spot again.

The decision was reviewed once more but deemed right this time, and Willian ended the drama with a cool finish to Wednesday keeper Westwood’s left. (BBC Sport)

DeChambeau wins 4th title in 9 events

A

merican Bryson DeChambeau claimed a fourth title in nine events as he won the Dubai Desert Classic by seven shots with a tournament-record 24 under par.

England’s Matt Wallace closed with back-to-back birdies to finish second.

Compatriots Ian Poulter and Paul Waring both carded final-day rounds of 64 to tie for third alongside Spaniards Sergio Garcia and Alvaro Quiros.

China’s defending champion Haotong Li was also part of the five-strong group to finish on 16 under par.

But it was a dominant display from world number five DeChambeau, who started the day one

stroke clear and added to rounds of 66, 66 and 68 with an eight-under-par 64 that included an eagle and seven birdies.

The 25-year-old finished 2018 with three PGA Tour titles in four months, winning the Northern Trust, Dell Technologies Championship and Shriners Hospitals for Children Open events, before claiming his first European Tour crown in Dubai on Sunday.

“It’s incredible to get my first win overseas on the European Tour,” said DeChambeau, 25.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry was 10 shots off the pace at 14 under while Matthew Fitzpatrick, who led after day one, finished a further stroke back alongside fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood. (BBC Sport)

The Dubai Desert Classic is Bryson DeChambeau’s first European Tour title

akistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has tion of the code relating to “conduct (whethbeen banned for four matches af- er through the use of language, gestures or ter admitting making a racist re- otherwise) which is likely to offend, insult, mark to South Africa all-rounder Andile humiliate, intimidate, threaten, disparage Phehlukwayo. or vilify any reasonable person... on the baThe International Cricket Council said sis of their race, religion, culture, colour, deSarfraz breached its anti-racism code in a scent, national or ethnic origin”. one-day international in Durban.

In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board Sarfraz, 31, later apologised and claimed (PCB) said in a statement that it had “a zehis words were “not directed towards any- ro-tolerance approach to racist comments and behaviour”, but expressed its “utmost one in particular”.

The wicketkeeper will miss two one-day disappointment” with the decision to ban internationals and two Twenty20 matches, Sarfraz.

The PCB said it believed the matter had all against South Africa. been settled amicably following the player’s “Sarfraz has promptly admitted the o f - apology and said it would seek to reform the anti-racism code at future ICC forums. fence, was regretful of his actions and has isSarfraz’s suspension started with sued a public apology, Sunday’s fourth ODI in Johannesburg and the player will return to Pakistan, with so these factors were all-rounder Shoaib Malik stepping taken into account in as captain for the rest of the when determinSouth Africa tour - even though ing an appropriate sanction,” Sarfraz would have been said the available for the final T20 match on 6 February.

International Back-up keeper Cricket Council’s Mohammad Rizwan, who (ICC) chief exhas taken the gloves in ecutive David Richardson.

Johannesburg, will reThe world main with the squad governfor the T20 leg of the tour. (BBC Sport) ing body o p e n e d an investigation after Sarfraz was caught on a stump microphone using the Urdu word “kaale”, meaning “black”.

Sarfraz will also have to go on an ICC education programme.

Pakistan Captain Sarfraz Ahmed He was charged unwill also have to take part in der a part of the secan education programme

Thurman beats Lopez to retain WBA crown

A

Keith Thurman (right) has won all 29 of his professional fights

merican Keith Thurman retained his WBA welterweight title after a two-year absence from the ring with a points win over Josesito Lopez in New York.

Unbeaten Thurman, 30, has struggled with injuries and last year was forced to surrender his WBC crown.

But he returned to see off compatriot Lopez, with two judges scoring the fight 115-111 and 117-109 in his favour and a third seeing a 113-113 draw.

“The champ is back,” said Thurman, who wants to fight Manny Pacquiao next.

The Filipino great holds a WBA world welterweight title - one rung below Thurman’s ‘super’ world title.

Thurman took early control of the fight at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and floored Lopez in the second round but the 34-year-old challenger had him in trouble in the middle rounds.

Thurman, though, weathered the storm and finished the stronger.

He was fighting for the first time since beating compatriot Danny Garcia in March 2017 to claim the WBA and WBC titles.

Meanwhile in Houston, Texas, WBO light-middleweight champion Jaime Munguia defended his crown against Japan’s Takeshi Inoue with a unanimous decision.

Two judges awarded the 22-year-old Mexican every round with a score of 120108, with one judge giving it to Munguia 119-109. He now has 32 wins from 32 fights.

On the undercard, Puerto Rico’s Jesus Rojas suffered a shock defeat on points to Xu Can of China to lose the lesser version of the WBA’s featherweight title. (BBC Sport)

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Holder becomes the 1st No 1 WI all-rounder since Sobers Holder broke several records and the England attack, fashioning West Indies’ third-biggest victory in terms of runs, at the Kensington Oval, his home ground.

All of this has helped him become the first West Indian

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wo days after becoming only the third man batting at No. 8 or lower to score a Test double-hundred, West Indies captain Jason Holder has emulated Sir Garry Sobers in achieving the top spot among allrounders in the ICC Test rankings.

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Contact our

Circulation Department on Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

than the second-placed Shakib. Holder also made gains on t h e bat-

ting front, jumping from 58th to a career-best 33rd.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich who put on an unbroken 295-run stand with Holder - the

third-highest for the seventh wicket in Test cricket - also moved to a career-best 47th from 61st among batsmen.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach and offspin-bowling allrounder Roston Chase, who also played key roles in West Indies’ memorable win over England, rose to 20th and 41st respectively among bowlers.

to be ranked No. 1 among Test allrounders since Sobers held the top spot in March 1974 in the retrospective rankings.

Holder leapfrogged Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan and India’s Ravindra Jadeja and now has 440 points - 25 more

Pat Cummins, who picked up a career-best match haul of 10 for 42 to rout Sri Lanka in the pink-ball Test in Brisbane, leapfrogged South Africa’s Vernon Philander to third place in the Test bowlers’ rankings.

His 866 rating points are the best by an Australia bowler since Ryan Harris reached 870 in March 2014.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka seamer Suranga Lakmal, who took 5 for 75 at the Gabba and achieved his dream of a five-wicket haul in Australia, moved up two places to 31st. (ESPNcricinfo)

Mocha Village Cup kicks off

GUYANA T TIMES OF THE

21

he second annual Mocha Village Cup Street-ball Championship commenced on Saturday at the Mocha Arcadia Community Centre, East Bank Demerara.

Successful teams moved onto the next round while the teams not so lucky immediately found the tournament’s exit after losing on the opening night.

In the first game, Alwin DeMattos scored in the eighth minute to hand Church Boys a - 0 victory over Top Form. Game two saw Family win 2-0 on penalty kicks against Big Ballers after their match was goalless at regulation time.

One-n-Move then won by the same score line on penalties against Hot Skulls after they battled to a stalemate.

Mervin Squires’ goal for 6-Stars

was the decider against Frontside Warriors in game four while Jermin Junior scored Strike Team’s only goal to secure victory against Mature Ballers.

In game 6, Ballers Empire

held on to the lead to defeat Overseas Based Guyanese 2-1. Nicholas DeSantos and Seon Alfred put the eventual victors

ahead with a goal each in the 15th and 16th minutes while Darius Thumbler pulled one back in the 17th minute for the opposition, but it was not enough to change the course of the match.

Dream Team were on their game in the penultimate match against

Cricketers and eventually prevailed 1-0.

Family returned in the final match of the night to win 2-0 on penalty kicks against Church Boys.

The winner of the competition will pocket $100,000, with the runners-up slated to pocket $50,000.

On the other hand, the third and fourth-placed sides will walk away with $25,000 and $10,000 respectively.

The tournament continues at the same venue on Friday, February 1 with another round of group matches.

Sponsors of the event include the National Sports Commission; Mocha Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC); Guyana Lottery Company; GT Beer, and Royalty Investments and Joinery Services.

CWI develops a Coach Accelerator Programme C

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

WI Head Coach Richard Pybus has a word with Shimron Hetmyer

ricket West Indies (CWI) has developed a new Coach Accelerator Programme to assist in the development of regional coaches, with the aim of preparing them to lead and effectively coach our professional teams.

The programme, which will begin in mid-April, will be individualised, coach-centred, and delivered in the coach’s usual team-coaching environment. CWI will also be using the programme to assist it in its search for a full-time Head Coach for the senior men’s team.

This specialised course is only available to coaches with a minimum qualification of Level III. CWI wants those interested to be made aware of the programme and advises that owing to limited spaces for this course, it will assess the replies received and respond by March 8, 2019 indicating whether an applicant was successful.

While CWI will place value on this succession planning programme in its recruitment drive for a full-time Head Coach, the recruitment process will also consider regional coaches who have been unable to participate in the programme.

Persons can indicate interest by sending a cover letter and CV to the email address recruitment@windiescricket.com by February 8, 2019.

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Golden Jags can fill history books with win against Belize T

he Golden Jaguars have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup this year, says Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde, as he urged fans to come out to support the team in “the biggest match in Guyana’s footballing history” – a final qualification clash with Belize on March 23.

A preliminary squad of 35 Guyana-based Golden Jaguars commenced preparations for the Belize game with fitness tests on Saturday at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence.

The home-based squad, selected by an in-depth GFF selection process involving top local coaches and Federation technical experts, will train three times a week in the run-up to March 23.

“This is a huge moment for our football. March 23 is the biggest match in Guyana’s footballing history,” Forde said in an interview. “We are on the cusp of making history by qualifying for the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time – it’s an incredible opportunity for our players, our football destiny, and our nation.”

“The match against Belize is a moment of national importance. I want to urge all of Guyana to come together as a nation to celebrate football and to support the team.”

After Barbados were docked six points by CONCACAF for fielding ineligible players in earlier qualification rounds, a win over Belize should guarantee the

BCB Under-15 Tournament…

Tucber Park clinch victory in nail-biting affair

Part of the squad during a fitness session

Golden Jaguars make history as the first Guyana senior men’s national team to reach the highest level of regional football competition.

The CONCACAF Gold Cup brings together the top national teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean, and is broadcast live across the Region. As such, the tournament would provide a significant platform for Guyanese football talent to showcase their skills on the international stage.

“This is no time for complacency – we really need the fans to be there as that 12th man for the team. Belize has everything to play for, and we have seen a lot of surprise results in these qualification rounds. We won’t be taking anything for granted,” Forde said.

“But we know we have the talent, and I have every confidence in our players and the backroom staff. Coach

Michael Johnson is working hard with his team – here and overseas – to get the preparations right. We will be ready to deliver a night to remember in March and give the nation something to really cheer about.”

Guyana’s route to the Gold Cup has been far from straight forward and, like all the best journeys in football, not without its fair share of drama.

Their first match – at Leonora against Barbados in round one – ended in a 2-2 draw after two late goals from talented United Kingdom-based Bajan striker Hallam Hope.

The Golden Jaguars then thrashed Turks and Caicos 8-0 away from home in round two, before a disappointing 2-1 loss to French Guiana in Cayenne apparently all but wiped out Guyana’s chances of reaching the Gold Cup. Disappointment turned to national relief on December 6 when CONCACAF ruled that Barbados had fielded

two ineligible players against Guyana – including two-goal hero Hope – and awarded the Golden Jaguars a 3-0 win.

That ruling put Guyana on six points, in eighth place in the qualification league table – which also doubles as the qualification competition for the CONCACAF Nations League.

The top 10 teams qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which features 16 teams and takes place in the United States, Costa Rica and a Caribbean host nation between June 15 and July 7.

The top six teams also qualify for CONCACAF Nations League A, with the teams ranked 7-22 on the table qualifying for League B. The United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, and Honduras have already qualified as the teams that participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying hexagonal league.

Javon Conway

I

t was all excitement at the Rose Hall Canje Ground when Tucber Park held their nerve to complete a thrilling threerun victory.

Tucber Park reigned supreme when they remained undefeated in the New Amsterdam Canje zone. The home team, Rose Hall Canje won the toss and opted to field first under beautiful cricket conditions on a fairly large outfield.

The New Amsterdambased Tucber Park team managed 95 all out in 32.1 overs, with Javon Conway top-scoring with 21, righthander Justin Meghu scored 14 runs and Kevin Kisten chipped in with 12. M

Ramdial had 1-17, A Algoo and S La Rose picked up one wicket each for Rose Hall Canje. But the Tucber Park team believed that the match was not completed until the final ball was bowled; Rose Hall Canje slipped and slid. In pursuit of 96 for victory, Rose Hall Canje approached a Tucber Park bowling road block.

Rose Hall Canje took the game deep with opening batsman Ramdeol scoring a vital 20, but he was unable to take his team across the line and they finished on 92 all out in 42.1 overs.

Tucber Park were disciplined with the ball; Civion Arokium bowled 10 economical overs finishing with 2-19, inclusive of two maidens; Ravishkar Sobhai had 2-8; Niquan Samuels 1-23 in 10 overs; Justin Meghu 1-10; Kevin Kisten 1-7 and D Endore 1-2.

From the matches played in this Under-15 tournament, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) selected a 21man squad that will play a trial match at Albion on February 1. The match is scheduled for a 09:30h start, but players are asked to report for 08:15h dressed in white uniforms. The Berbice Under-15 team that will play the inter-county tournament will be announced after the trial match.

(Brandon Corlette)

Cricket Carnival continues in Antigua with “Myst” Party Stand P

arty people and cricket fans in Antigua will continue the fun for the biggest England tour to the West Indies in ten years, when the second Wisden Trophy Series Test starts here on Thursday, January 31, with West Indies leading the Series 1-0 after a superb performance in Barbados.

Myst Carnival is partnering with Cricket West Indies for all 5 days of the Test match at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds to bring the authentic Caribbean cricket experience. Cricket fans – local, regional and the travelling England fans – will experience just how carnival meets cricket in the Myst Party Stand with nonstop vibe and energy, including Premium drinks & mouth-watering Caribbean cuisine for purchase, Midwicket/side on view of the cricket, Exclusive Party Stand Soca Performances, Best Antiguan DJs, The Sandals Swimming pool to cool down in

Local fans can be a part of this experience for just EC$50 for a day tick-

et booth near the Antigua Recreation Ground, the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket

are available for US$450.

All tickets for visiting international fans can be

Stand, Taslim Gordon says, “When West Indians come together, there is a special

et. All-inclusive day tickets with unlimited drinks and a limited edition party stand T-shirt are available for EC$200. Local fans can buy tickets at the tick-

Grounds and at Myst carnival ticket outlets.

Visiting international fans can get daily tickets for US$100 while 5-day all-inclusive season tickets

bought online through the Windiescricket.com website’s Buy Tickets button or at Zoonga.com/England tour.

Head of the Myst Party

vibe and energy that is created. Add to this, elements of carnival, pulsating Soca music and the game of cricket, you have the magic that has become known as a

Party Stand. Myst will continue to do our part in keeping the game of cricket an exciting experience for all … win, lose or draw.”

Commercial Director, Dominic Warne, is delighted to partner with Myst Carnival “The party stand is a key part of the cricket watching experience in the West Indies and we’re delighted to work with Myst to bring their mix of Cricket and Carnival to enhance the experience for fans and players.

The excitement should move up a level after the great performance in Barbados and we hope the fans come out to turn up the noise and party in Antigua and show the world that it’s our game.”

Ticket prices for all other stands start from US$15 per day/EC$40 with full Test match “season tickets” available too. For non-party stand tickets, local fans can present their local ID and get 50% off the price of a pair of any day or full match ticket.

guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, January 28, 2019

23

Johnson’s captaincy cannot be questioned

– most successful leader in WICB Professional Cricket League

By Brandon Corlette

T

he 31-year-old courageous Guyana Jaguars Captain, Leon Johnson is arguably the best leader currently in the Caribbean. After Jaguars suffered a defeat against the upstart Leeward Islands Hurricanes, it was only their fourth loss since the beginning of the WICB Professional Cricket League that began in 2014-2015. From the inception of the modified Regional Four-Day Tournament that features franchise players, the Leon Johnson-led Jaguars have dominated, winning all four of the championships.

In the inaugural 20142015 tournament, Jaguars registered eight wins in 10 matches and suffered a consolation defeat.

Jaguars lost by almost the smallest of margins when Barbados scraped a victory by two runs.

Guyana Jaguars finished with 148 points as the most successful team of the season, under Johnson’s captaincy. In that tournament, Johnson had a fair tournament with the bat, scoring 465 runs in 14 innings at an average of 33.21, inclusive of two half-centuries.

Johnson and his unit repeated a similar performance in the 20152016 season, playing 10 rounds without a defeat.

Jaguars registered eight resounding wins ending the 2015-2016 season

with 149 points. Captain Johnson led from the front as he played a significant role in the team’s success. In the 2015-2016 season, Johnson had an impressive batting record, scoring 807 runs in 17 innings at a staggering average of 57.64. The elegant left-handed stroke-maker had five half-centuries and two centuries, leading by example.

In the 2016-2017 season, Jaguars reigned supreme, topping the points table with 134.8 points, and winning three consecutive championships. Jaguars registered five victories, but suffered twice in the same season losing to the underdog Leeward Islands Hurricanes. Jaguars lost by four wickets in St Kitts and by 10 wickets to the same Hurricanes team who continue to haunt the dominant Guyana unit. While Jaguars continued to play a premier b r a n d of crick-

et under Johnson’s captaincy, the 2016-2017 season was not a fruitful one for the Captain in terms of his personal performance. Johnson had 323 runs in 16 innings at an average of 20.18 -- inclusive of two half-centuries.

The 2017-2018 season, the Guyana Jaguars were untouchable; the unit secured seven victories without a loss ending the season as champions. Jaguars finished the Four-Day season with their highest points of 166.8. It was the Jaguars fourth straight Regional Four-Day title, with players maturing and playing significant roles in the team’s success. On Johnson’s behalf, he had a good outing with the bat, but simultaneously he lacked the big scores on a regular basis.

Johnson ended the season with 475 runs in 17 innings with one impressive century and three half-centuries. His batting average was on the lower side, of 27.94.

At the half-way stage of the 2018-2019 edition of the WICB Professional C r i c k e t League, f o r m e r ly known as the Regional Four-Day

Leon Johnson high-fives Raymon Reifer after taking a wicket

Tournament, Jaguars continue to be the dominant team. Under the captaincy of Johnson and the instrumental coaching of newly- selected Windies Assistant Coach Esaun Crandon, Jaguars have 85.6 points with four wins and one loss. The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has played a significant role in the team’s success as the entire now-Rayon Griffith-led coaching staff.

However, Hurricanes continued to upset Jaguars; in the fifth round match played at Providence, Hurricanes won by two wickets. Since the 2014-2015 season, Jaguars have only lost four matches, and three of those defeats they suffered at the hands of the Leeward Hurricanes.

It is evident that Jaguars are on the verge of capturing their fifth consecutive championship under Captain Leon Johnson.

His captaincy has remained on point, but his batting is on the other side; after five rounds in the 20182019 season, Johnson has 186 runs with one half-century at an average of 26. He will be aiming to score heavy in the remaining five rounds resuming from January 31 in Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana Jaguars will lock horns with the jaded Trinidad and Tobago Red Force team in the sixth round.

GCB on the move; LBI facility progressing – an ultimate cricket environment taking shape

By Brandon Corlette

T

he La Bonne Intention (LBI) Community Centre Ground is currently in a transformation process, since the lease was approved in January 2018.

At the 2018 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) ceremony, its secretary, Cricket West Indies (CWI) Director Anand Sanasie made the disclosure of the enhancement of the LBI facility.

Sanasie highlighted that the facility would be upgraded to the highest standard, and used for training camps, practice matches and the development of cricket.

With the fast pace at which the work is being done, the Pavilion and Ground are on the verge of completion in 2019.

After that first phase is completed, floodlights may be installed to facilitate the playing of cricket in the night. The familiar LBI Community Centre houses the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence – “the cricket hostel” – where cricketers prepare for and are accommodate for camps and inter-county tournaments among other cricketing activities.

The rear section of the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence – “the cricket hostel” (Brandon Corlette photo)

The cricket hostel that was officially opened in 2010 consists of a well-equipped gym, an indoor net facility, a lecture room and other amenities, including full air-conditioning. This facility has proved

essential and with the entire LBI Community Centre taking shape, cricket will continue to rise in Guyana.

From the Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) Academy Programme,

where players are involved in intense training Mondays through Thursdays throughout the year and are given contracts to the LBI upgrade, these are signs of a Determined Cricket Board. The

franchise league that the CGI introduced has exposed more players, and this facility will benefit all cricketers. Guyana Times Sport visited the LBI Community Centre in the past week and witnessed the significant progress being made.

The players’ pavilion has been painted, with PVC ceilings inserted, modernised windows, and a stage for formal proceedings, thus far.

The play-field is currently filled with truckloads of dirt that will be used to refill the entire outfield to prevent flooding that has occurred in the past. With a cricket facility of such quality in progress, at its completion, it may be seen as a mini-stadium, where First-Class matches will be held.

Currently, the cricket programme in Guyana is admired around the Caribbean, with the Jaguars dominating regional First-Class cricket. Jaguars have numerous players who are capable to play cricket at the First-Class level and beyond.

This upgraded facility will only aid in the development of the game in the country and perhaps, the entire Caribbean.

MONdAY, January 28, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GCB on the move; LBI facility progressing Page 23

– an ultimate cricket environment taking shape The LBI Community Centre’s new and improved pavilion, which is almost complete (Brandon Corlette photo)

Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal to win record 7th title Page 19

Johnson’s captaincy cannot be questioned

– most successful leader in WICB Professional Cricket League

Page 23

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