Guyana Times - Monday, March 11, 2019

P14

Calls for “balance” re-emphasised at Linden’s Women’s Day observance Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3860

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONday, MARCH 11, 2019

PRICE

Cheddi Jagan’s 22nd death anniversary

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Government has no vision – Jagdeo tells Babu Jaan

Family of P11 Sharezer Mendonca to sue GPHC – wants licences taken away from medical personnel involved

Page 3

“Our ethnic P14 differences should not be exploited for narrow purposes” – Minister Harmon

Domestic turmoil will intensify past March 21– Ramkarran …says Guyana faces a high degree of uncertainty

Page 8

1 dead, another missing as boat explodes off Waini Coast

Porter killed in Kara Kara P2 accident identified as Plaisance resident

Page 7

Berbice man killed after losing control of pick-up P2 The vessel, which was transporting passengers, moments after it exploded at the mouth of the Waini River, Region One

Cutlass-wielding man killed by Page 7 Police

DDL Group records $2.3B increase in 2018 Page 13

P10 Govt seeks assistance of “expert” to lead Charrandas ‘probe’

2 news Berbice man killed after Porter killed in Kara Kara accident losing control of pick-up identified as Plaisance resident monday, MARCH 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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The vehicle which Jaggit was driving at the time of his demise

Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB) man lost his life early Sunday morning after the motor vehicle he was driving turned turtle along the Experiment Public Road, West Coast Berbice.

The dead man has been identified as 23-year-old Yognarine Jaggit of Lot 3 D

Bath Settlement, WCB. Based on information received, the man was driving at a fast rate when he lost control of the vehicle.

The vehicle reportedly toppled several times and came to a halt on the other side of the roadway.

The injured man was pulled from the wreckage

in an unconscious state and rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was treated and transferred to New Amsterdam but subsequently succumbed.

An investigation was launched into the fatal accident.

he porter who was killed on Saturday after he was crushed by a container truck in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) has been identified as 25-year-old Jovon Jommol Anthony of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Anthony was pinned by the truck he was working on in the vicinity of the Karakara toll booth and the Guyana Forestry

Commission at Mackenzie, Linden.

It was reported that the motor lorry which was driven by 28-year-old Floyd Rodney of 121 Ogle Street, Triumph, ECD, stopped to allow the now dead man to disembark to pay the toll.

After doing so, he reportedly jumped back on the lorry’s gas tank which is situated on the left side while the truck was still in motion.

The porter reportedly lost his grip, causing him to fall between the lorry and trailer and as a result he was run over by the trailer.

He received numerous injuries about his body and was pronounced dead on the spot by a doctor attached to the Linden Hospital Complex. The driver was taken into custody and was said to be assisting with the investigation.

Unidentified man crushed to Pillion rider critical following death motorcycle accident

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he pillion rider is in a critical state at the Georgetown Public Hospital following a motorcycle accident along the Enmore Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The injured woman has been identified as 25-year-old

Kimberley James of Nabaclis, Sideline Dam, ECD. Guyana Times understands that the driver of cycle CH 923 was proceeding at a fast rate when he lost control.

As a result, the motorcycle reportedly crashed.

James received injuries

and was rushed to the hospital where she was admitted in a serious state. The driver of the motorcycle has since gone into hiding.

The police have launched a manhunt for him.

Investigations are ongoing.

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n unidentified man, who attempted to jump out of a canter, was crushed to death on the Annandale Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Sunday morning.

The canter, GHH 3986, was at the time being driven by a Paradise, ECD resident. The victim, however,

was reportedly in the tray of the vehicle and beckoned for the driver to stop.

As the driver slowed down, the man attempted to jump out of the tray but slipped and fell onto the roadway.

The left rear wheel of the vehicle reportedly ran over his head.

The driver quickly stopped, picked up the injured man and rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver has since been taken into Police custody and an investigation was launched.

news

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monday, MARCH 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Monday, March 11 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, March 12 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, March 11 – 06:40h-08:10h and Tuesday, March 12 – 07:10h-08:40h.

Cheddi Jagan’s 22nd death anniversary

Government has no vision – Jagdeo tells Babu Jaan

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Low Tide: 13:14h reaching a minimum height of 0.56 metre.

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PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali (Inset) addressing the gathering on Sunday at Babu Jaan as the Party observes the 22nd death anniversary of its founder, Dr Cheddi Jagan

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he current Administration, which was given a threemonth lease of life following the successful passage of the no-confidence resolution in the National Assembly on December 21, has no vision.

This was reiterated by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo during his address to thousands of PPP supporters at Babu Jaan, Berbice on Sunday as the Party observed the 22nd death anniversary of its founder, Dr Cheddi Jagan.

The annual pilgrimage to the memorial site of the former President is attended by Party supporters who have been attending over the past two decades, as Jagdeo outlines how the Party continues to keep Dr Jagan’s policy alive. On Sunday, he did not disappoint them.

“Dr Jagan waited for 28 years to return freedom to Guyana. We can return it faster, because people are more educated and their children are educated and also they have more means of combination. They can get involved in the fight using social media and now they are not fearful of this government, so we can all play a part in returning our country to what it was,” Jagdeo stated.

Guyana can only progress under the PPP, Jagdeo told the gathering. Even if the coalition Government were to win the soon-to-beheld Regional and General Elections, Jagdeo said Guyana would be thrown into a state of anarchy.

“Assuming a miracle happens and they win the elections, do you think Granger would suddenly be invested with a vision for Guyana – a visionless man? Do you think he will leave State House to walk among people? No! Do you think some of them would be less corrupt? In fact, more corrupt. Do you think another term could solve the incompetence in that geriatric cabal? They can’t offer us anything,” he told his supporters.

Guyana, he added, can only be managed with a programme and a vision and with younger people work-

ing with older people. “That is what the PPP is offering,” he said.

Government, he stated, is aware that the PPP will win massively at the next elections.

“They use to say at the last elections that they will throw us in jail, well many of them will be in jail in the future because of actual corruption – not rumours of corruption and that is a big fear of theirs. They have two massive fears. One is when they go around the country, they are not getting support. Look at what happened at the last Local Government Elections: right across Guyana, we won more than 60 per cent of the votes. We got 47,000 more votes than APNU [A Partnership for National Unity] and AFC [Alliance For Change] combined. So they are very fearful, because now when they go to people on the ground, they are asking them, ‘“Where were you over

the past four years?”’

The other fear plaguing Government at this time is that of losing the elections.

The Government has nothing to offer, the Party’s General Secretary stated.

According to the former Head of State, the PPP has always been on the side of the people.

He noted that the right to vote was fought for and won

by the PPP in 1953.

“We stayed strong through those dark days when democracy was snatched from us and when the Government behaved with impunity and when people were jailed for what they eat and what they said. There was no freedom of expression,” Jagdeo noted. turn to page 7

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monday, MARCH 11, 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

Constitutions and controlling governments

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ur Constitution mandates that elections for a new Government be held by March 21, but the PNCled Government has cavalierly refused to comply with this mandatory stipulation, and has instead thrown up an increasingly bizarre number of excuses why it should not do so. The citizens of this country have to appreciate the fundamental role of our Constitution in sustaining our national existence, and that they cannot permit the traducing to which it has been subjected by the parties now clinging on to power. Constitutions describe the allocation of state power among the various branches, as defined by the Constitution itself; prescribe the rules by which those powers would be conferred, and also include procedures by which the Constitution may be altered. In a fundamental sense, therefore, it is, or should be, the embodiment of the social contract crafted by the peoples of a country for their governance.

It is ironic that the British, who have done so much to entrench the idea of modern constitutions as written rules by which all citizens of a state have to be governed -- the rule of law -- themselves do not have a written constitution.

The anomaly, however, should remind us that rules, in and of themselves, may be necessary, but are not sufficient to ensure the consent of the governed. The rules have to be embedded within, and be supported by, a wider political culture that gives life to the rules.

We, as a people, are now presented with the opportunity to live out the meaning of what it takes to defend a constitutional order governed by the rule of law, and not to revert to a short and brutish Hobbesian “state of nature”.

Western constitutionalism arose out of the struggle for personal freedom and escape from arbitrary political will.

Guyanese should certainly resonate to this struggle, since, in our short half-century of independence, we have been subjected to that Hobbesian state under the PNC between 1968 and 1992. Constitutionalism is a foundation stone of Liberalism, where, as mentioned already, political authority is exercised according to law, which is to be obeyed by all, including the members of the government, who cannot depart from it by whim.

By definition then, a constitutional government is a limited government. James Madison (1751-1836), one of the framers of the American Constitution, sums up the essence of constitutionalism in his Federalist 51: “But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels no government would be necessary. If angles were to govern men neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed: and in the next place oblige it to control itself.”

Madison thus recognised, as we Guyanese should be doing right now, that the fundamental problem of organised society is of the use and abuse of power - how men may best prevent its abuse, and direct it to good ends. We just have to consider all the fine sounding promises about “law and order” which are now being breached at the very top.

As descendants of slaves and indentured slaves, we should appreciate that no Government must flaunt the Constitution.

This tendency is exacerbated when a country has groups that are racially or ethnically different, as in the case of Guyana, since it becomes so much easier to demonise the “other” and resort to extreme measures to assert one’s position.

The Constitution, then, must be regarded as a social contract agreed to by the Government, and which defines the Government’s legitimate political actions. This implies that all state power emanates from the people, and that sovereignty and all reserved powers remain with the people.

Constitutionalism makes us naturally free and rightbearing individuals who need and establish governments; but which we can, may, and must control when they break the rules of the Constitution.

A scene from the theatrical presentation “This Is Us” that was held at the National Cultural Centre over the weekend. The play was written by Neaz Subhan and was promoted by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) as it forges harmony and good relations among all ethnic groups

Guyana’s unavoided crisis

By Bruce Golding

G

uyana is now deep in the throes of a constitutional crisis. It didn’t have to be there.

The Government lost a no-confidence vote in Parliament on December 21.

Section 106 of its Constitution requires that in such an event, “the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months or such longer period as the National Assembly shall, by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly, determine”. That three-month period will expire on March 21.

In an article published in the Jamaica Observer on January 6, I had expressed the hope and optimism that the issue would be carefully managed. That optimism was then well founded. Both the Vice President and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, and the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo made mature and calming statements in Parliament immediately after the motion was passed.

The following day, President David Granger agreed to a request by Mr Jagdeo that they meet to discuss the next steps.

From optimism to despair That optimism has been shaken by subsequent developments. First, despite the initial assurance by Mr Nagamootoo that fresh elections would be held as required by the Constitution, the Government challenged the validity of the no-confidence vote in the Supreme Court.

Having failed there on January 31, it took the matter to the Court of Appeal, which is scheduled to hear oral submissions on March 15. It is uncertain when it will hand

down a decision. At the same time, however, it refused the Government’s application for a stay of the Supreme Court’s decision and the effect of the no-confidence motion until the appeal is determined.

Constitutionally, therefore, the March 21 deadline still stands.

The Government has signalled that if the appeal is dismissed, it will be taking the issue to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). It could be several months before the matter is finally decided.

The constitutional crisis arises because the time for initiating the procedures for elections to be held by March 21 has passed. The Representation of the People Act stipulates that nomination day must be not less than 32 days before Election Day. Nomination Day, therefore, would have had to be no later than February 17.

The Opposition contends that the Constitution does not give the courts any authority to extend the time within which the election must be held and that only the National Assembly, by a two-thirds majority vote, can do so. Up to now, the Opposition has remained adamant that it will not facilitate such a vote. Guyana is now facing a major rupture in its constitutional arrangements.

GECOM’s shifting positions The crisis has been exacerbated by the positions taken by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). A month ago, it stated that it would need 148 days to complete preparations for conducting the election, which would place it well beyond the March 21 deadline.

Although more than 11 weeks have passed since the no-confidence motion, it does not appear that GECOM has

begun any preparations at all for holding the election. Nor does it seem to have any intention of doing so because two weeks ago it announced that it would be reverting to its original work plan for 2019, which includes conducting a national house-tohouse voter registration exercise. Given Guyana’s huge land mass, which is 20 times the size of Jamaica’s, such a process could well last until next year when a general election would normally be due.

GECOM itself has been plagued by controversy and setbacks. The Constitution requires that its membership comprise six persons, three each nominated by the President and the Leader of the Opposition and a chairman acceptable to the President and chosen from a list of six persons submitted by the Leader of the Opposition.

In 2017, President Granger rejected the six names submitted by Mr Jagdeo. Two subsequent lists were submitted, but were similarly rejected and Mr Granger then proceeded to unilaterally appoint a chairman. The Opposition unsuccessfully challenged the constitutionality of the appointment in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal and is awaiting a final decision from the CCJ. To complicate matters, the Chairman — who is 85 years old and who exercises the deciding vote when, as is often the case, there is disagreement between the political representatives — has been in poor health and resumed work toward the end of January after being on medical leave for almost two months. To complicate matters even further, the Chief Elections Officer was admitted to the Caribbean Heart Institute just over a week ago

after complaining of chest pains.

The stalemate has already attracted international attention. Diplomatic representatives in Guyana have twice met with GECOM. A team from the Carter Center also visited Guyana last month to have consultations with GECOM. There has been no word of any engagement by Caricom or the Organisation of American States, for both of which any disruption in the functioning of democracy in a member state should be a matter of great and immediate concern.

It is to be recalled that in January 2001 when the Supreme Court declared the 1997 elections to be null and void on the grounds that the requirement for each voter to present a national identification card — a change that had been supported by both the Government and Opposition — was in breach of the Constitution, it was Caricom’s intervention that secured an agreement between both sides for fresh elections to be held within two months.

Guyana’s turbulent past Guyana has had an unfortunate history of turbulence in electing its Government.

The 1961 election, which was won by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) then led by Dr Cheddi Jagan, was accompanied by mass protests, a general strike and widespread violence in which several persons were killed.

British troops were sent in to restore order.

Following the 1964 election in which the People’s National Congress (PNC) joined with the United Force to form a majority in Parliament, Dr Jagan refused to hand over power and had to be unceremoniously dismissed by the Governor. continued on page 5

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monday, MARCH 11, 2019

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

Let good sense prevail for Guyana’s sake T

Dear Editor, he key legislation providing the authority and mechanism for house-to-house or other activities in lieu of maintaining an acceptable List of Voters include The National Registration Act Chapter 19:08, The National Registration (Residents) Regulations and Amendments Chapter 19:08 and the Elections Law Amendment Act No 2 of 2001. These legislations inform the embodiment of GECOM’s training manual for election staff and for the Continuous Registration process since the laws came

into existence.

In relation to house-tohouse registration, Section 6 (4) (a) of the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 states: “The Commissioner may establish an office situated at such place in any district, and at which there shall be received the applications for registrations of persons who are at the qualifying date resident therein or in such part thereof…..

No divisional registrar is required to visit houses in any district or part thereof (as the case may be) in relation to which an office is so established.”

Additionally, Section 6 (A) states that “the Elections Commission shall use the official list of electors from the 2001 General and Regional Elections as the base to commence continuing registration. Provided that at any stage the Commission may undertake such verification as necessary by a means to be determined by the Commission”.

It is widely known that GECOM, over the years, has set up a sufficient number of such registration offices around the country.

More importantly, they conducted nine rounds of

Continuous Registration since 2015 using the foregoing legal basis. This was in an effort to update and cleanse the List of voters (Register of Registrants), in the lead up to the two Local Government Elections. The real impetus towards the activation of Continuous Registration process, however, was driven following 2008 by the PNC/R and AFC parties in advancing a mechanism they felt would achieve positive results in the event of snap elections based on the majority in the National Assembly.

While in principle there may have been a 7-year

Commission policy of updating the list through house-to-house visits, the parties in Government rejected it when the time came around. They contended at the time that the Continuous Registration process was a legally approved option which the Commission can use to update the list as required.

Citizens must, therefore, dispel the sudden convenience of this approach by Alexander and crew.

The Leader of the Opposition recently presented President Granger with another opportunity to act in the interest of

Guyana with a measure of inclusiveness. His meeting with GECOM officials, although somewhat farcical, promises no useful respite.

There is still time, however, to put Guyana first and call the election using the current list with its updates of persons achieving the voting age of 18 at the shut-off date. GECOM has 32 days before April 30 for nominations by parties, which gives a deadline of March 28, 2019.

Let good sense prevail for Guyana’s sake!

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Has GECOM been doing its job since Mr. Patterson was sworn in as Chairman?

M

Dear Editor, r. David Granger is quoted in the press as saying that “the current voters’ list is bloated”. Hid words contribute to the school of thought that Guyana needs house-to-house registration in 2019. But how authentic is this position?

Let us not lose focus on the fact that GECOM has two primary roles: maintaining a clean National List of Registrants (NRR),

from which the voters’ list is extracted; and secondly, hold periodic elections.

Have the GECOM personnel been doing their jobs since Mr. Patterson was foisted upon the nation as the Chairman? I leave you, the readers, to answer that question, but let us examine this situation.

Between May and July 2018, GECOM ran a continuous registration process to update the NRR. This translates into verifying all

claims to add to the NRR all NEW PERSONS who were 14 years and older at the July 2018 cutoff date.

Those persons had to be Guyanese citizens by birth, descent, naturalisation, or by being a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more.

Also, during that same period, members of the public had the power to object to those names that were ineligible to be on the voters’ list

Guyana’s unavoided crisis...

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he four succeeding elections over the next 20 years (1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985) were all won by the PNC, but the results were bitterly disputed amid charges of electoral malpractices. Local political agitation, as well as pressure from foreign governments and international organisations, led to major constitutional and electoral reforms in the early 1990s.

For more than 25 years since then, Guyana’s elections have been relatively peaceful and credible.

The PPP was returned to power in 1992 and maintained that position in the subsequent elections held in 1997, 2001 and 2006. In the 2011 election, the PPP won the presidency but the PNC joined forces with smaller parties to control the National Assembly — the first time in which Guyana had to function with a governmental arrangement where the executive and legislature were controlled by different parties.

In the 2015 election, the PNC-led alliance secured a narrow victory, winning by less than one per cent and securing a 33 to 32 majority in the National Assembly.

It was this narrow majority and the flipping of a mem-

ber of the alliance that resulted in the no-confidence vote in December.

The current stalemate has hardened. A meeting between President Granger and Mr Jagdeo last week yielded very little, with Mr Jagdeo insisting that the setting of a firm and early date for the election is a sine qua non of any further discussions. He argues that with GECOM having conducted the Local Government Elections last November, it should have no difficulty in managing an early general election.

Breaking the logjam Guyana faces two options in resolving the impasse. One is to declare the earliest possible date for the election, taking into account the time reasonably required by GECOM to make the necessary preparations. This would provide a basis on which the Opposition would no doubt be inclined to facilitate a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly for extending the March 21 deadline. If this is done within the next few days and prior to the deadline, the integrity of the constitutional arrangements would be preserved.

(the dead, for example). But, more importantly, there is a government agency called the GRO that is duty bound to provide to GECOM a list of all the registered dead persons, in order to facilitate those names being removed from the voters’ list.

So let us pick sense from

from page 4

This would mean — in effect if not in actuality — the Government abandoning its challenge in the courts of the validity of the no-confidence motion. The two principal grounds on which the challenge has been mounted are (a) that 33 does not constitute a majority of 65 since it exceeds one-half of the votes in the National Assembly by only one-half; and (b) that the inclusion of the votes of persons who hold dual citizenship and were therefore not qualified to sit and vote in the National Assembly effectively nullifies the no-confidence resolution.

Case law on both points suggests that the challenge is unlikely to be upheld by

the courts.

The second option is for the election to be placed in abeyance pending the outcome of the legal challenge. This would be entering upon uncharted waters and the legitimacy of the Government beyond March 21 would certainly be called into question. It would also run the risk of inflaming political tensions and returning Guyana to the political turbulence of 50 years ago.

As I suggested in my previous column on the issue, Guyana cannot afford that regression and the instability it would cause. Too much of the promise of a much brighter future is at stake. (Jamaica Observer)

nonsense: If all the eligible 14- year-old and older persons are on the NRR as at July 2018, and the GRO had done its job, why are we complaining about the quality of the list? If GECOM did a good job in July 2018, then clearly the list is not bloated, but has been properly sanitised and is valid under the law until the end of April 2019, since those 14-year-olds are only 15 years today and are not even eligible to be on the voters’ list If we were to compare the Guyana list with those

of some other CARICOM countries, we would find that Mr. Granger’s conclusion lacks scientific reasoning and his position is most unreasonable.

According to a study done by the global NGO IDEA (Sweden), many of the other CARICOM states have a higher percentage of their population on their respective voters’ list, as seen in the graph.

So what does this tell us?

Regards, Sasenarine Singh

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MONday, march 11, 2019

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Foundation

Assertiveness What is assertiveness?

Assertiveness is a healthy way of communicating. It’s the ability to speak up for ourselves in a way that is honest and respectful. Every day, we’re in situations where being assertive can help us – like asking someone on a date, approaching a teacher with a question, or doing well on a job or college interview.

Being assertive doesn’t come naturally to everyone.

Some people communicate in a way that is too passive. Other people have a style that is too aggressive. An assertive style is the happy medium between these two.

Here’s what it means to be assertive: You can give an opinion or say how you feel.

You can ask for what you want or need.

You can disagree respectfully.

You can offer your ideas and suggestions.

You can say no without feeling guilty.

You can speak up for someone else.

Why does it matter?

An assertive communication style can help us do the things we want to do. But it goes further than that: Being assertive shows we respect ourselves and other people.

People who speak assertively send the message that they believe in themselves. They’re not too timid and they’re not too pushy. They know that their feelings and ideas matter.

They’re confident.

People who are assertive tend to make friends more easily. They communicate in a way that respects other people’s needs as well as their

know”, “I don’t care”, or “it doesn’t matter” when someone asks what you want. Stop yourself.

Practise saying what you’d prefer, especially on things that hardly matter. For example, if someone asks, “Would you like green or red?” you

own. They tend to be better at working out conflicts and disagreements. People who give respect get respect in return.

How to be more assertive Being assertive is a matter of practicing certain communication skills and having the right inner attitude.

Some people are naturally more skilful when it comes to being assertive. Others need more practice. But everyone can improve.

Here’s how: Start by considering which communication style (assertive, passive, or aggressive) comes closest to yours. Then decide whether you need to work on being less passive, less aggressive, or simply need to build on your naturally assertive style.

To work on being less passive and more assertive: Pay attention to what you think, feel, want, and prefer.

You need to be aware of these things before you can communicate them to others.

Notice if you say “I don’t

can say, “I’d prefer the green one – thanks.”

Practise asking for things.

For example: “Can you please pass me a spoon?” “I need a pen – does anyone have an extra?” “Can you save me a seat?” This builds your skills and confidence for when you need to ask for something more important.

Give your opinion. Say whether or not you liked a movie you saw and why.

Practise using “I” statements such as: “I’d like...”

“I prefer...” or “I feel...”

Find a role model who’s good at being assertive – not too passive and not too aggressive. See if you can imitate that person’s best qualities.

Remind yourself that your ideas and opinions are as important as everyone else’s. Knowing this helps you be assertive. Assertiveness starts with an inner attitude of valuing yourself as much as you value others.

To work on being less aggressive and more assertive: Try letting others speak

first.

Notice if you interrupt.

Catch yourself, and say: “Oh, sorry – go ahead!” and let the other person finish.

Ask someone else’s opinion, then listen to the answer.

When you disagree, try to say so without putting down the other person’s point of view. For example, instead of saying: “That’s a stupid idea,” try: “I don’t really like that idea.” Or instead of saying: “He’s such a jerk,” try: “I think he’s insensitive.”

Find a role model who’s good at being assertive – not too passive and not too aggressive. See if you can imitate that person’s best qualities.

Even naturally assertive people can build and expand their skills. To work on improving a naturally assertive style: Find role models who are good at being assertive – not too passive and not too aggressive. See if you can imitate their best qualities.

(You’ll notice this is the same tip we give for helping with a style that’s too passive or too aggressive. That’s because we never stop learning!)

Notice where you’re best at being assertive. People behave differently in different situations. Many people find that it’s easy to be assertive in certain situations (like with friends) but more challenging in others (like with teachers or when meeting new people).

In tougher situations, try thinking, “What would I say to my close friends?”

When you speak assertively, it shows you believe in yourself. Building assertiveness is one step to becoming your best self, the person you want to be! (Excerpt from

kidshealth.org)

guyanatimesgy.com

Too passive?

Too aggressive?

Or just right?

H

ow do you know where you fall on the assertiveness scale?

Here are some examples: Paula has a style that’s too passive. If you ask Paula what movie she wants to see, she’s most likely to say, “I don’t know – what do you want to see?”

She usually lets others decide things, but later she regrets not saying what she wanted. It bothers her that her friends do most of the talking. But when Paula tries to break into the conversation, she speaks so softly that others talk over her without realising.

Janine has a style that’s too aggressive. Janine has no trouble speaking her mind. But when she does, she comes across as loud and opinionated. Janine dominates the conversation, often interrupts, and rarely listens.

If she disagrees with you, she lets you know – usually with sarcasm or a putdown. She has a reputation for being bossy and insensitive.

Ben has an assertive style. When you ask for Ben’s opinion, he gives it honestly. If he disagrees with you, he’ll say so – but in a way that doesn’t put you down or make you feel wrong. Ben is interested in your opinion, too. He listens to what you have to say. Even when Ben disagrees with you, you still feel he respects your point of view.

The problems of being too passive People who act too passively often end up feeling taken advantage of. They may begin to feel hurt, angry, or resentful.

When you hold back what you think and feel, others don’t get to know or understand you as well as they could. The group doesn’t benefit from your input or ideas.

If you start to feel like your opinions or feelings don’t count, it can lower your confidence and rob you of the chance to get recognition and positive feedback for your good ideas. This can even lead to feeling depressed.

The trouble with being too aggressive People who come across as too aggressive can find it difficult to keep friends. They may dominate conversations

or give their opinions too boldly and forcefully, leaving others feeling put off or disrespected.

People with an aggressive style may get other people to do things their way, but many times they end up being rejected or disliked. They often lose the respect of others.

Why isn’t everyone assertive?

Why do some people have assertive communication styles when others are more passive or aggressive? Part of it’s just personality. The habits we develop or the experiences we have are another part. But we also learn to be assertive, passive, or aggressive from watching how others act – especially the people who raise us.

Here are some things that can influence people to act too passively: a lack of confidence in themselves or the value of their opinions worrying too much about pleasing others or being liked worrying whether others will disagree with or reject their ideas and opinions feeling sensitive to criticism or hurt by past experiences when their ideas were ignored or rejected not developing the skills of being assertive Things that can influence people to act too aggressively are: being overconfident focusing too much on getting their needs met and their opinions across not learning to respect or consider other people’s views or needs not learning listening skills or how to ask for input from others Things that can lead people to act assertively (“just right”) are: self-confidence believing their opinions count, their ideas and feelings matter, and they have the right to express themselves being resilient (able to deal with criticism, rejection, and setbacks) respecting the preferences and needs of others having role models for assertiveness knowing their ideas were welcomed or assertiveness rewarded in the past (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

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MONday, MARCH 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

1 dead, another missing as boat explodes off Waini Coast

Government has no vision...

from page 3

A section of the gathering

The burning boat off the Waini Coast on Sunday morning

T

he body of one person has been recovered while another is missing and fear dead after a speedboat, carrying nearly two dozen passengers, exploded on Sunday morning off the Waini Coast.

The incident occurred sometime after 07:00h about 10 miles off the Waini River mouth in Region One (Barima-Waini).

Guyana Times understands that the boat was ferrying approximately 21 passengers from neighbouring Venezuela to Charity on the Essequibo Coast when the incident occurred. Both Guyanese and Venezuelans were on board the vessel at the time.

Divisional Commander

Kevin Adonis confirmed the tragic incident, but could not divulge further details. He told this publication on two occasions, “The ranks are still out there.”

Nevertheless, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley told this newspaper that 19 persons on board the vessel have been rescued while one body was discovered. The deceased, he stated, is said to be a Venezuelan.

Meanwhile, one of the survivors – an elderly Venezuelan woman— was severely burnt during the explosion and was rushed to the Mabaruma District Hospital.

Up to late Sunday evening, arrangements were being made to have her

medevacked to the city for further treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to reports, the two outboard engines backfired, causing a fire. This created panic among the passengers.

As the flames quickly spread throughout the vessel, the passengers were forced to jump into the water. Some attempted to swim to the shore, which was in sight, while others were picked up by rescuers.

The elderly woman, who is said to be in her 70s, had held onto the burning vessel as it sank; hence, she sustained first-degree burns.

An investigation was immediately launched into the explosion.

Cutlass-wielding man killed by Police M

ere hours after a security officer was shot thrice by police ranks during a cutlass attack, he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Dead is 47-year-old Mark Johnson of Lot 13 Nurney Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Based on information received, on the day in question police were patrolling the area when they were stopped by a relative of the now dead man who alleged that he attacked her with a cutlass. Earlier, she claimed that he threw several glass bottles at her home.

However, the ranks went to the home of the now dead man and called out to him.

He showed himself to the police while reportedly bran-

Dead: Mark Johnson

dishing a cutlass. He was given several warnings to dispose of the cutlass but instead, he reportedly made advances to the police.

Again, he was ordered to put down the cutlass but he refused. One the ranks reportedly discharged a round to scare off Johnson but he continued in a menacing

way towards the ranks.

It was at this time, Guyana Times understands that another police discharged five rounds in Johnson’s direction.

As a result, he was struck three times - once to his right ankle, one time to his right upper thigh and once below the right knee. All the bullets entered and exited.

He was picked up and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital but was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was admitted a patient. He, however, succumbed while receiving medical attention.

The three ranks have reportedly been placed under close arrest as investigations continue into the fatal shooting.

He related that many persons could not eat certain food products without being viewed as a criminal under the Administration that the PPP/Civic took over from in 1992. During that era, many Guyanese fled owing to discrimination and lack of opportunities.

“It was the PPP fighting to return democracy again in that period. We led that long struggle and we were patient, but we knew just as we know that you cannot suppress the will of the people for very long. They will ultimately prevail. So, as we won in 1992, in a few months’ time, we will win again and continue to take this country forward,” Jagdeo said while noting that all of the social and economic gains Guyana has realised over the past two decades were now being eroded in less than four years of APNU/AFC rule.

Meanwhile, the Party’s Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali told the crowd that over the past two months he has been on the ground to hear the plight of the people.

“People are losing hope.

Whatever party they are from, the story is the same.

People are losing hope. Hope is gone because of bad governance and because of poor economic development and programmes in our country,” Ali said.

He asked supporters to commit to ensure that the PPP is returned to government and have hope restored to Guyana.

Ali pointed out that across Guyana there were problems affecting the populace – from the farmers in Regions Five and Six being affected by paddy bugs to the residents in Region Nine not being able to access essential medical supplies.

The current Administration, he added, is placing its focus on the wrong things, he noted.

“They give priority in the budget on increased dietary, lavish lifestyles and overseas travel. They should be focusing on restoring the 37,000 jobs lost over the past three years.”

On that note, Ali reiterated his promise to reopen the sugar estates when the PPP

returned to office under his stewardship.

In an address, which was punctuated with relevant quotes from the late Dr Jagan, the Presidential Candidate said the PPP has a track record of being with the people during difficult circumstances.

“Democracy is the foundation. We must all commit to the safeguarding of this democracy,” he quoted Dr Jagan from one of his speeches. Ali also spoke of attempts by the coalition Government not to demit office or to call elections which are constitutionally due in 10 days.

“It is not about politics: it is about safeguarding democracy ad safeguarding Dr Jagan’s legacy,” he said. “I will be with you on that struggle and we will overcome,” he promised.

Prior to the addresses, wreaths were laid at Dr Jagan’s monument. Also addressing the rally were former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Women’s Progressive Organisation General Secretary Sheila Veerasammy.

8 news

MONday, MARCH 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Domestic turmoil will intensify past March Misstating...

21– Ramkarran – says Guyana faces a high degree of uncertainty

W

ith less than two weeks before the coalition Government becomes illegal, former Speaker of the National Assembly and Attorney-atLaw Ralph Ramkarran has said that Guyana’s future seems to be uncertain owing to the fact that there is no clear indication when elections could be held.

Referring to the meeting between President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, which yielded no results, Ramkarran said it was clear that the issue has now gone beyond what the Constitution says and means, as it relates to the passage of a no-confidence motion.

In his weekly “Conversation Tree” blog, the prominent Attorney wrote that it was now clear more than ever that the President’s failure to fix a date for elections is because A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) intended to remain in office for as long as possible.

“This is aided by the majority on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) who have voted, and will no doubt continue to support, a new registration exercise. A nationwide, house-to-house registration exercise will last into next year,” he added, something that Jagdeo has stated repeatedly.

Former House Speaker Ralph Ramkarran

Ramkarran, therefore, believes that if the APNU/ AFC’s effort to hold political power succeeds, it will hold elections between May and August next year, when its term of office would have otherwise lawfully ended.

With the no-confidence vote, it has now clearly become a matter of political life and death.

“If the electoral list is the problem, the National Assembly can extend the life of the current list beyond April 30. The Elections Commission already has power to remove the names of persons who have died.

The list of deceased persons is expected to be provided by the Registry of Births and Deaths.”

He claimed that since 1992, systems accepted by all have been in place at polling stations to prevent unauthorised persons from voting. There is, therefore, little or no danger that im-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger met on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. However, that meeting ended in a stalemate as Granger failed to set a date for elections

personation at polling stations of persons who have left Guyana will take place.

Ramkarran, therefore, concluded that none of the fears expressed by political parties about elections since 1992 have a basis in reality or have materialised. Only one party, according to him, has had a history of election rigging in Guyana and that party is the People’s National Congress (PNC).

“And it was able to do so, because it held political power and was protected by the West. The fears about a ‘credible’ list, now being used as an excuse by the President for not calling elections, are politically manufactured for the purpose of delaying the elections,” he opined.

Sanctions

Ramkarran said it was

no secret that new elections were not going to be held willingly by the Government.

But he said it must be reminded of the potential harm of taking Guyana down a path, which violates the rule of law and the Constitution of Guyana – which may incur international sanctions.

“It appears that the Government is prepared to accept these consequences, because the delay is vital to its survival. This Government, unlike the last PNC Government between 1985 and 1992, takes its inspiration from Forbes Burnham, the Founder Leader of the PNC. PNC Governments led by Forbes Burnham survived elections rigging and authoritarian rule,” he added.

He said the APNU/AFC no doubt believed that, like the PNC in the past, it could not only weather any storm that its violation of the Constitution incurred but that its very existence depended on it doing so.

He suggested also that the Government may also be relying on the perceived sympathy with which it was viewed by Western capitals.

Oil and the interests of oil producers, he noted, would be looming large in the calculations of the West in their decisions about Guyana.

Despite this, however, concerns being expressed by countries about democracy in other countries are no longer considered to be matters of the internal affairs of the subject country. And that is the reason why sanctions are now imposed routinely against countries that violate constitutional order.

Ramkarran used Venezuela as an example where severe international sanctions have been imposed. He said aside from the Government’s apparent grit to resist potential international sanctions, which it may be hoping that sympathy from the West may spare it, Guyana still faces a high degree of uncertainty.

…message of Holi Moses Nagamootoo started out as a hack at the Mirror under Janet Jagan, and it looks like he’ll be finishing his career (such as it is) as a hack at the Chronic under David Granger. In his column this week, he does his bit to justify his boss’s trampling of the Constitution. After all, he has skin in the game, since he stands to lose his super salary and perks!!

The salvage efforts have ranged from their AG, Basil Williams, asserting that the “Constitution is illegal!!” to their President coyly claiming that GECOM, and not he, sets the elections date!! But here comes Nagamootoo with another wacko suggestion: He invoked the Hindu Festival of Holi, or Phagwah, and declared, “For many, not to have an election during Phagwah is itself a triumph of good over evil.” He was referring to the fact that March 21, the day that General Elections were supposed to be held, is also Phagwah Day. Could you believe that?? Not to obey the Constitution of our country, Art 106 (6) -- which declared that “elections SHALL be held 3 months after a successful no confidence motion” – is “a triumph of good over evil”?? But since Nagamootoo has taken pains to inform the nation that he’s not Hindu, your Eyewitness will give him the benefit of the doubt, and enlighten him a bit on what Holi really is all about!!

Seems there was this King named “Hiran” for short, who was granted great powers because he’d performed the necessary austerities. But his powers immediately went to his head, and he started to throw his weight around and oppress the people something terrible, thinking that because of his powers, he couldn’t be removed. Well, his own son, named Prahalad, decided to do something about it, and invoked the great source of his father’s power (named “Nara” for short) who immediately removed Hiran and his tyranny!! Phagwah celebrates victory over a tyrannical ruler!!

Now, since Nagamootoo applied Phagwah to our present political imbroglio (incorrectly), your Eyewitness will set him straight not only on the original story, but on its present application. There is this President named “Grainj” for short, who was granted great powers because he won the appropriate number of votes. But his powers immediately went to his head, and he started to throw his weight around and oppress the people something terrible, thinking that because of his powers, he couldn’t be removed.

Well his own MP, named Charrandas, decided to do something about it and invoked the great source of Grainj’s power (named “Constitution” for short), which immediately ordered Grainj and his Cabinet to resign.

And this is what no one can stop!!

…PNC’s modus operandi Moses Nagamootoo keeps on talking about his “50 years with the PPP and Cheddi Jagan”. Most recently, in his last column, he said, Cheddi “would never encourage the rascality of vote buying, crossing the floor, and other acts of political immorality of which he has been a victim.” What he didn’t say was that the fella who practised all that “rascality” on Cheddi was Burnham – the man whose “legacy” Granger has promised to fulfil!! And that he’s now working his butt off for Granger to stay in office!!

Nagamootoo went on: “He (Cheddi) would never celebrate the removal of a lawfully-elected government through complicity, trickery and betrayal, and other foul means, and claim premature elections as a victory.”

But these are just concrete “rascalities” that Burnham practised, aren’t they?? In 1964, Burnham and the PNC removed the PPP through “complicity” with the Brits to change the electoral rules to PR; “trickery” with the Yanks on his ideology, and “foul means” with the CIA!!

He never needed “premature elections”, since he rigged all elections from 1968!!

…his motivation Nagamootoo can’t contain his bitterness at not becoming President. In his column he whined, “Bharrat Jagdeo…first received the presidency as a gift”.

Shouldn’t he say why, after 50 years with the Jagans, they didn’t give him that “gift”??

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

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MONday, MARCH 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bandits terrorise, rob Vergenoegen family – 1 arrested with illegal gun, ammo

A

Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), family was left traumatised after they were beaten and terrorised by three unmasked bandits on Saturday evening at their home.

The incident occurred sometime around 19:30h at the Lot 13 Vergenoegen residence. According to the police, the two males and one female bandits managed to make good their escape with a quantity of cash and jewellery as well as other valuables.

Guyana Times understands that the ordeal lasted for about 30 minutes during which a businessman, Mohan Persaud, his wife and children, including his 10-year-old son were brutally assaulted by the perpetrators.

Speaking with this newspaper, the 45-year-old businessman recalled that he was sitting in a hammock in the yard along with his 10-year-old son while his wife was in another hammock nearby and his 22-year-old daughter was sitting on the stairs when he heard the gate open.

Persaud explained that his view of the gate was blocked by the canter so he could not see what was happening, but when he looked under the canter, he saw the feet walking into the yard.

“Two men and a lady come and they stand up in front me. One ah them ask if ‘you’s the fish man that does do drugs’ and I tell them no, that how me does buy and sell fish. Them turn and say ‘you’s the one we looking for’ and by time that, all three ah them pull out one, one gun from them waist,” the man recounted.

He said that upon seeing this, his daughter, who was on the step, ran upstairs and one of the perpetrators chased after her. The young woman rushed into a bedroom, where another one of her brothers, 20, was on his phone.

“She holler ‘thief’ and meh big son duck under the bed but before she could go under the bed too, de bai scramble she and bring she back outside.”

Back downstairs, the man said that the other male bandit and the female took him, his wife and young son into a room on the lower flat and asked for money.

“I tell them ‘we nah get money’ and then them tell we fuh empty the barrels. I tell them ‘we nah get nothing in here, is only old clothes” but he say ‘I know you get money, you search’.

So I empty out some of the clothes.”

According to Persaud, while he was taking out the clothes from the barrel, the male bandit turned to his small son and threatened him.

“He say ‘Alright, he done’.

Then he asked what religion

ah me and meh say Hindu so he turn and say ‘Offer ah prayer for he (son)’. I beg he don’t do anything but he put the gun to (my son) head and pull two times. I turn my face and then my wife say “Ayuh nah kill he, come I gon give ayuh the money’. The girl (bandit) left with meh wife and carry she upstairs.”

The man said the lone bandit who remained with him started to “cuss up” An injured Mohan Persaud and ordered him that the car he stopped for to empty the barrel to see if assistance collected the banthere was money inside. He dits and sped off the scene. further related that the banThe man said that the fedit then gun-butted his head male bandit left one side of and blood started to ooze out.

Upon seeing the blood, Persaud said his son started to scream but the bandit pushed him with the gun.

The man said he tried to shield his son but was stuck again to his neck by the perpetrator, who then ducttaped his hands and feet together and put him to lie on the floor.

He recalled that while being bound, he was kicked repeatedly to the side of his head as he tried to shield his 10-year-old son.

The bandit then knelt on his son’s stomach. He further recalled that the unmasked perpetrator snatched off a band and a ring from his hand. Persaud noted that after some time, the female bandit returned downstairs with a red bag which he usually kept money in and showed it to the male bandit. The businessman said he had approximately $4 million in the bag including foreign currency.

“The bandit then say ‘Alright, we gotta get the jewellery now’ and he left she with the gun pon me and meh son, and he went upstairs.

As the bandit was emptying the barrels, Persaud said he threw the clothes on top of him. At that moment, he made attempts to free himself. Soon, he added, the bandit joined his two other accomplices in the upper flat. He eventually managed to free himself and rushed out to get help. He screamed for help but due to loud music in the area, his efforts proved futile.

In a desperate attempt to save his family, he stopped a car and begged the driver to assist in alerting the police but by this time, the three bandits were seen leaving the yard.

Persaud said that the bandits discharged several shots in the air as they escaped.

He told Guyana Times,

The ransacked room in which Persaud and his son were held during the ordeal

her footwear behind, while one of the male bandits ran out barefoot, also leaving his pair of “rubber slippers” behind.

Persaud said that they called 911 twice but did not get through so he had to call a relative who is a police officer.

He said that after the police came, they were helpful

and transported them to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. However, he related that while on the way, he spotted a white Raum with a PRR registration number and alerted the officers.

The ranks managed to intercept the vehicle. A search was conducted on the vehicle and six live rounds of ammunition and an unlicenced pistol were unearthed.

According to the busi-

nessman, during the detainment, the suspect – whom he observed had on a pink shirt; the same as the person who was driving the vehicle that picked up the bandits – was resisting arrest and the cops had to fire a shot in the air to restrain him.

The police said that the suspect is in custody assisting with further investigations.

10 news Govt seeks assistance of “expert” to lead Charrandas ‘probe’ T MONday, MARCH 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) is presently engaging an expert in the investigation of Former Member of Parliament, Charrandas Persaud to advise on the evidence gathered over the past weeks.

The probe surfaced after Persaud voted in favour of the opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion which toppled the Government on December 21, 2018.

While the Police have been tightlipped on the investigations, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan disclosed, “The police has asked an expert on matters dealing with this issue to give some advice on all the statements so far taken, whether these can be tantamount to any violations of any sort”.

Hours after his “yes” vote, Persaud boarded a plane at the Eugene F Correia Airport, where he left the country for Canada.

According to reports, a

Former APNU/AFC MP Charrandas Persaud

Canadian diplomat, along with Peter Ramsaroop had obtained protocol passes to see Charrandas off.

Ramsaroop’s support of Charrandas has resulted in a suspension of the protocol pass over an alleged security breach. This order came from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) although the airport insisted there was no breach of protocols.

Ramjattan stated that the investigation extends to

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

Ramsaroop and any violations which could have occurred. He maintained that the probe is not politically motivated and it is one of the reasons the expert was called in.

“It does not only include the Charrandas investigation but also includes an investigation as to how people like Peter Ramsaroop can find themselves on airside of the airport and if there are violations there…and what are the violations of con-

Peter Ramsaroop

ventions or laws and that is what we’re investigating,” Ramjattan noted.

He further stated, “There is nothing political about that. We do not want to see people who do not have the authority to be on airside, being on airside because it could be an unruly horse if strangers are allowed to be there. That is all part and parcel of getting some expert advice on matters dealing with airports and all of that”.

This contradicts events which unfolded just a few days ago, in which Ramsaroop was detained for more than eight hours by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in relation to the Charrandas

probe.

Based on the type of questions he was being asked by investigators, Ramsaroop concluded that the activity was all “political”.

After the interrogation, he told Guyana Times that it was clear that investigators were attempting to “bully” and “intimidate” him, insisting that he can only be released after he gives a statement.

The PPP affiliate said he visited Police headquarters at about 08:30h in the presence of his Attorneys Mark Conway, Sanjeev Datadin and Sase Gunraj. He was asked about 10 “odd” questions, all of which he refused to answer.

“They started out with questions such as which political party I am affiliated with, what is my role in the political parties of Guyana.

And then they went on to other questions in relation to the Canadians,” he outlined.

“From the beginning of the first question, which was ‘which political party I am affiliated with’, I realised that this is political harassment…to get me in there to intimidate me,” Ramsaroop added.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has since dismissed allegations which surfaced after Ramsaroop was seen in the company of Persaud, saying that the businessman is free to befriend whomever he wants to, even if it means someone from the opposite side of the house.

“Peter is free to be friends with Charrandas, and also a member of the PPP. Charrandas has lots of friends on our side and we have lots of friends on APNU’s side so there are lots of people who have friendships across the political spectrum… I’m not going to distance the party from people because they have friends among other races and among other parties.

That’s what we’re trying to encourage, better relationships across politics,” the Opposition Leader stated.

Furthermore, Jagdeo asserted that categorically there were no inducements from the Opposition to sway the former Government MP’s vote. He also rubbished allegations by Attorney General Basil Williams that the PPP has conspired with five other parliamentarians on the coalition’s side.

Employee’s motorcycle stolen from Giftland parking lot

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n employee attached to a jewellery store in the Giftland Mall is now seeking the public’s assistance to locate his motorcycle which was reportedly stolen from the Giftland Mall parking lot on Thursday evening.

Guyana Times understands that the employee, Kemraj Outar, of Lot 589 Section C Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, parked his motorcycle bearing registration numbers CJ 4933 in the parking lot before heading

to work.

Outar, however, discovered that his motorcycle was missing after signing off his shift at Sooraj Jewellery.

He said he searched the entire parking lot for his motorcycle but came up empty-handed. He then made a report to the Police.

The Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage showed a male sitting on the missing motorcycle in the afternoon hours. The video also showed another man riding up on a similar mo-

torcycle; the two exchanging cycles and then casually riding out of the parking lot between 18:30h to 21:30h.

The footage was subsequently handed over to the Police and a manhunt has been launched for the two suspects.

Outar is, however, pleading with the public to contact him with information which may lead to him finding his motorcycle.

Contact can be made on phone numbers 612-0375 and 219-1532.

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MONday, MARCH 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Family of Sharezer Mendonca to sue GPHC – wants licences taken away from medical personnel involved

By Samuel Sukhnandan

N

ow that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has completed its investigation into the death of Sharezer Mendonca, 6, who is one of three children that died after receiving pre-chemotherapy treatment at the hospital in January, the family plans to sue the institution for wrongful death.

Guyana Times spoke with the aunt of Sharezer, Sherry Ann Mendonca, on Sunday who related that they are going ahead to file legal action since they are of the view that her untimely death could have been avoided had the doctors and nurses paid careful attention to what they were doing.

At a press conference on Friday, it was revealed that instead of intrathecal administration of the drug vincristine, the doctors who treated Mendonca and two others, administered it intravenously. It was this that led to the adverse reactions of those three children and ultimately, their deaths.

“What they basically called us to tell us is that the matter was concluded by the Ministry of Public Health and it came back as the same, that she died because the drug was not properly administered, and that

Dead: Sharezer Mendonca

the personnel was sent on administrative leave since the incident,” the aunt explained.

However, Mendonca claimed that every day after her niece’s death, they still saw most of the doctors who were directly involved in the case reporting for work as per usual. Interesting also, was Mendonca’s claim that no representative from the Ministry or PAHO was present during the meeting.

She recalled that representatives from both organisations were present before the investigation commenced, but when the results were shared with the family on Friday, only the Medical Director, Chief Executive Officer, the quality control personnel and another hospital official were present.

Now that the GPHC has come under the spotlight for this issue, Mendonca said that she would advise anyone seeking medical care at the GPHC to be extremely careful. “Too many things are happening and they are saying it was a mistake like it’s a norm. That was my niece! And people have families.”

She continued: “While it remains the primary healthcare facility in the country, people must be careful because they would be surprised to go in there with a minor issue and they could end up with a larger problem by the time they are finished there. You could lose your life”.

Licence

of Guyana. Mendonca, therefore, believes that it is the responsibility of the Council to ensure that all medical personnel practice medicine in the most professional and safest way possible. And unless they are reprimanded for shoddy work, these issues will continue to happen.

“We want their licenc-

Responsibility

On the other hand, the GPHC has taken full responsibility for Sharezer’s body being given to the wrong family resulting in an unauthorised autopsy.

Eventually, the family had discovered the body, which was on its way to Parika, be-

Georgetown Public Hospital

Mendonca said that her family plans to push for the licences of those directly involved in her niece’s death to be revoked so that they do not practice medicine again. She said it could happen to anyone and this is the best way of ensuring that it does not happen to anyone else.

According to her, based on information she has received, that decision will have to be made by the Medical Council

es to be taken away, so as to set an example so that something like this wouldn’t happen again. They would have to think twice before doing something. No malpractices should be allowed to continue….it should leave little room for them to make mistakes because they are dealing with people’s lives and people loved ones,” she asserted.

ing transported by a family from Bartica in place of another deceased young girl.

Mendonca said the hospital officials have made a commitment to review this process.

The family is now waiting for the GPHC to release all the medical records so that it could get a private pathologist to do an independent assessment of the body to determine the cause of death.

Once that is completed, they will be able to file for a death certificate and proceed with the lawsuit.

Mendonca has claimed that they were offered compensation from a senior hospital official to bury the matter. But the family said they are not looking for any financial compensation, rather, they want to know what really led to Sharezer’s untimely demise.

Sharezer was taken to the Paediatric Ward of the GPHC on January 3, 2019, where she was administered with an injection before undergoing treatment, but became unresponsive. She was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where her face started to swell and she later succumbed.

During the same period which Mendonca was admitted, three-yearold Seegobin visited the said medical institution for cancer treatment, but after returning home, her condition deteriorated. The leukaemia patient usually received treatment at the hospital.

Another child, Curwayne Edwards, also passed away during this period after undergoing similar treatment.

12 news

MONday, MARCH 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Timehri roundabout Contribution of women main focus at expo for completion this month – Patterson

S

STEM Guyana’s booth at the expo

T

The Timehri roundabout during its early stages

he country’s second roundabout is expected to be completed this month, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said.

Patterson, during a brief interview with Guyana Times, said that the works have been progressing well and the facility should be completed shortly.

“It’s being done at the moment, it should be finished shortly, most likely this month (but) I can’t tell you which day,” the Minister informed.

Meanwhile, he noted that the Ministry is still trying to come up with the final design works for the Kitty roundabout which was commissioned since June 2018.

The final works would include the landscaping of the $74 million structure.

According to him, “It was not part of any contract or anything like that, it’s a service which we are looking to do so it hasn’t tendered as yet

but we will get to it. There are various options so we are just consulting. We had several artist impressions which we haven’t decided on and when we decide on the final one we will know the cost and how we gonna do it”.

He added that several persons from the general public have sent in suggestions for the design of the structure. Although the Ministry just wanted to put in flowers, he said that he is considering the suggestions received from all over the country.

With regards to the Mandela Avenue/Sherriff Street Georgetown roundabout, Patterson informed that the site is currently being prepared.

Back in January, Head of the Ministry’s Work Services Group (WSG), Geoffrey Vaughn told Guyana Times that the project is not only nearing completion but work should also commence shortly on the access road compo-

nent.

“That is about 80 per cent completed,” Vaughn revealed when asked for an update on the project, adding that the contractor has been able to resolve the issues he encountered with utility infrastructure.

“The access road, (the contract) should be awarded shortly. Work should commence either early in February or later down (in the year),” the Public Infrastructure Ministry official added.

In Auditor General Deodat Sharma’s 2017 report, it had been reported that the contractor, Gaico, was given advance payments totalling $30.8 million with $628,568 being paid to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) as withholding tax.

The contractor, who was awarded the contract out of 11 bidders, was supposed to construct a single-lane rural roundabout and bypass road.

everal organisations displayed their products and services while spreading messages of women empowerment as the International Women’s Day Concert and Expo opened at the Everest Cricket Ground on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

Among them were the Caricom Secretariat, the United Nations, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, High Commission of Canada, European Union, High Commission of India, Women Empowering Women, Guyana Office for Investment and the Ministry of Social Protection, among others.

Women of all ages not only feasted their eyes on the products displayed but also participated in a onehour Zumba exercise class and were exposed to information on women and reproductive health, entrepreneurship, academic programmes, among other meaningful information to benefit women’s growth.

P u b l i c Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes in her address, said while the event highlighted the daily challenges women face, it also focused on the solutions and programmes

available to address those issues and the many opportunities available to women.

“It’s a good thing for us to stop and pause and think about the challenges we have and how we can do better. I think in Guyana, we need to depend more on our women to take us out of this crisis. Women have an ability to discard the baggage from the past and support each other,” Minister Hughes said.

She further stated that every year, the celebration of women in Guyana will be bigger and better, with effective sensitisation to eliminate challenges they face.

Speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Commissioner of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Nicole Cole said works are in the pipeline to enforce legislation that will represent women in all types of matters.

“We are calling for ongoing specialised training on the Sexual Offences Act and the Domestic Violence Act for judges, magistrates, police officers and others involved in the Criminal Justice System. On March 5, there was the launch of the forensic psychology training for the Judiciary, that

launch was done in collaboration of the University of Guyana Health Science and UNICEF because forensic psychology is an area we need persons to be skilled in,” Cole said.

British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn said the High Commission will work to help enhance and promote events that will boost women empowerment.

“Everybody who inhabits this country and works in this country should be advocates for equal rights and gender equality. My sister and mom brought me up and they fought through the system in the United Kingdom to pursue development.

Everyone in Guyana needs to be committed and active to help promote equality and not accept abuse of all kind.”

The British High Commissioner noted that the event provided the opportunity to not just sensitise the public on how the Commission functions, but to give Guyanese partners a chance to grow and educate others.

Later in the afternoon, Trinidadian artiste Nailah Blackman and Guyana’s very own Poonam Singh and Calvin Burnett entertained the gathering.

13

news

MONday, MARCH 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

DDL Group records $2.3B increase in 2018 – strong growth seen in local, int’l markets

L

ocal beverage giant, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Group, recorded its highest ever revenue last year, pegged at $21.862 billion.

In a statement on Sunday, the Group announced that this reflects an increase of $2.378 billion or a 12 per cent increase on the total revenue of $19.569 billion earned in the previous year.

The Group’s profit after tax was $3.279 billion DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo in 2018 compared to $2.6 pared to $3.38 the previous billion in 2017, an increase year. of $679 million, or 26 per According to Chairman cent. While its profit before of the DDL Group, Komal tax for the year was $4.362 Samaroo, in the 2018 billion compared to $3.551 Annual Report, “It is with billion in the previous year, great pleasure that I anan increase of $810 million, nounce to shareholders that or 23 per cent. the 2018 financial year was Additionally, earnings another very successful per share was $4.26 com- year with excellent perfor-

mance from our Group.

Revenue, both local and international, continued to show encouraging growth while significant progress was made in key areas of diversification”.

The company further revealed that for 2018, shareholders’ funds increased by 16 per cent.

Capital expenditure totalling $2.187 billion, incurred during the year, was all financed by self-generated funds.

Additionally, bank borrowing, in the form of loans and overdraft, was reduced by $1.437 billion from funds generated by the Group in the year. The net debt to equity ratio at the end of the year improved from 0.13:1 in 2017 to 0.06:1 in 2018.

An interim dividend of $0.25 a share was paid in

Police being trained in drug awareness – Police Narcotics Branch Head

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s reports continue to surface about drugs being found in various schools across the country, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is upping the ante in training more ranks in the field of drug awareness in order to monitor these schools at least once a month.

This is according to Head of the Police Narcotics Branch, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, who on Saturday told the media that the GPF hopes to make a positive impact in curbing the issue of drugs being distributed in schools.

“As part of our drug demand reduction strategy, 25 ranks across the GPF are on training right now dealing with the drug awareness reduction education programme. Those ranks will be going back to respective divisions and be responsible for going to schools across the regions to spread the “don’t get involved” slogan. This is to minimise the use of young people, students getting involved in drug use,” he explained.

Senior Superintendent Simon stated that only recently, the GFC in collabo-

Kurleigh Simon

ration with the Education Ministry and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) paid a visit to President’s College in this regard.

“We interacted with over 200 students because it was believed that maybe drug usage is taking place in President’s College. So that is part of our drug reduction strategy and we are going to continue training police ranks so that you could have ranks as much as possible to visit maybe every single school. Maybe that rank will be responsible for going there on a weekly or monthly basis to conduct those training programmes.”

According to the Senior Superintendent, the trained

officers who will be deployed throughout the length and breadth of Guyana should be able to make a positive impact on the situation of school children using drugs.

“The more educated you are, the better choices you make,” he added.

Less than six months ago, Deputy Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Lesley Ramlall had confirmed that investigations by his Unit led to the discovery of ecstasy in at least five schools across the country.

Referring to it as a “worrying trend”, Ramlall at that time said that children came forward and admitted to utilising the recreational drug, which led to the arrests of some persons.

He also divulged that the schools at the centre of the drug usage were located predominantly in Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Presently, according to reports from the Education Ministry sent to CANU, these two regions continue to be at the top of the list in this regard. (Kristen Macklingam)

December 2018.

The Directors have recommended a final dividend of $0.85 per share which, if approved by the shareholders at the upcoming annual general meeting, would result in a total dividend for the year of $1.10 per share.

In the previous year, the dividend payment totalled $0.80 per share.

On the other hand, DDL, during 2018, focused on capital projects that support the core business as well as projects that are a part of the ongoing programme of diversification.

In fact, the company commissioned a barrel ware-

house facility back on March 16, 2018. The construction and commissioning of this new barrel warehouse serves to increase rum ageing capacity by another 30,000 barrels.

Meanwhile, in October, preparatory work for the construction of a new and modern blending plant was started. This plant will uti-

lise the latest digital technology to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and will also replace the existing blending operations.

This new blending plant, which is estimated to cost some $465 million, is expected to be completed by the end of June 2019.

14 news Calls for “balance” re-emphasised at Linden’s Women’s Day observance T MONday, MARCH 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

he theme of this and we must be presyear’s observance of ent to make deciInternational Women’s sions that affect us”, Day, “Balance for better” was Adams-Yearwood re-emphasised on Friday, as said. the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) M a n a g i n g hosted a celebration to hon- Director of GWI, Dr our women.

Van West-Charles The event, which was in his remarks also hosted at the Watuka club spoke of the imporlawns in Linden, Region 10 tance of recognising (Upper Demerara-Berbice) the approach of “balsaw officials reflecting on the ance” and working struggles and achievements towards it to achieve of women in the workplace a better society. and elsewhere in the quest to “Recognising achieve balance. that if we embrace This was done against the this approach of balbackdrop of live entertain- ance, we’d have betment performances. Speaking ter homes, and to at the event, Minister within have better homes the Communities Ministry, as a country we have Valerie Adams-Yearwood as a society to deal Minister within the Communities Ministry, emphasised the need for all with one of the major Valerie Adams-Yearwood of society to work together in scourges of domescompany, in playing its part, achieving this “balance”. tic violence; we’d have better has embarked on ensuring “If we’re going to have bal- workplaces; we’d have better that its programmes are straance, it would take each and communities; we’d have bettegically organised to bring every one of us, not only the ter regions, we’d have betbalance. women, not only the men but ter countries and we’d have a In understanding balance, all of us to be involved in this better world”, he added. he said it is important to unprocess...Achieving balance The GWI boss added that derstand the determinants of will take action on every part. the road to gender equality imbalance as he pointed to It will take the removal of still requires a collective vithe difficulties faced by wombarriers that are set up,” she sion to provide us with a susen in accessing water. stated. tainable future. He said the Linden Mayor, Waneka Noting that it is Arrindell in her renot going to be easy, marks reflected on she encouraged womthe evolution and en to take up the chalchallenges of women lenge and men to be in taking up places more understanding. in the workplace, notThe Minister furing that “Each time ther stated that while a woman stands for some women are herself, she stands for afraid to venture out all women”. and fulfil their poten“I have always tial, there are some been taught that our who are bold, as she men should be there pointed out that womto protect us. When en can offer much and what caused this more than just being trend to change is not caregivers. the issue today. The She said womissue today is the fact en can be submissive that when women rewhile still fulfilling alised that they were their potentials. The unable to depend fully Minister also made on men to provide for calls for women to be their basic needs they more involved in deciwillingly stepped up sion-making. and started to infil“We must have trate the workforces,” the opportunity to Arrindell said. excel like the man...

She also comto be equal, if we’re mended women, notequally qualified, we ing that though they must have the equal are taking up places pay...Men, give us a in the workplace, they chance...Women must A staff member of GWI being honoured by the still find time to take be decision makers company care of their children.

Arrindell said the theme could not be more fitting, as the soil is now ripe for women to expand, excel and create change.

“I believe that the women of yesteryear could not deny

that their world was not going to survive if they did not step in...Just imagine what the world would be like if they did not rise to the challenges, and I thank God that they did because I would not

have been here if it was not for those women.”

GWI also presented a number of women with bouquets, hampers and tokens as a symbol of appreciation.

“Our ethnic differences should not be exploited for narrow purposes” – Minister Harmon

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inister of State, Joseph Harmon on Saturday evening stated that the ethnic differences of Guyanese must not be exploited for narrow or political purposes.

Harmon was at the time speaking at the launch of the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) “This is us” theatrical play held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

“While we cannot deny the instances of racial tension in our history, we can boast that we have not reached the levels of the ethnic conflicts that exist in many parts of the world. However, we live in a polity where there is the tendency to exploit our ethnic diversity for narrow self-interests, with little consideration for the negative effects on our efforts to forge national unity, national unity that is so crucial to the sustainable development of our country and to the establishment of strong bonds of nationhood,” he said.

The Minister called on all citizens to remain vigilant and shun any attempt to promote ethnic strife. He said that in May 2015, when the David Granger-led Administration took office, it was recognised that Guyanese longed for national unity. As such, the new Government established the Department of Social Cohesion, the first of its kind in this hemisphere.

“President David Granger and his Administration sought to ensure that the work to promote peace, harmony and national unity would be fully supported at the highest level of the State apparatus. As a conse-

quence, this Department was placed within the Ministry of the Presidency. The work of the Department of Social Cohesion has, from its inception and continuing to this moment, reflected the Government’s resolute and unswerving commitment to ethnic harmony and national unity. Testimony of this commitment was further evident in February 2018 when the re-constituted Ethnic Relations Commission was sworn in by President Granger. These policy positions and concrete actions by the coalition Government were clear manifestations which demonstrated that the Government was not paying lip service to the cause of good and genuine ethnic relations,” Harmon added.

It is for these reasons, he said, Government values the existence of the ERC and recognises its importance.

“These functions include a broad range of actions and interventions such as education, monitoring and reviewing of the ethnic landscape, and above all, to ensure there is ethnic harmony and social cohesion in the country, a task that is supreme and one of which the Government will continue to provide full and unwavering support,” he noted.

The State Minister continued: “We cannot afford to squander the bright future that imminently beckons, we cannot allow negative ethnic considerations and actions to stymie our progress or thwart our efforts to forge ahead in unity. This is our time, this is our opportunity to consolidate and accelerate the renewal of

Guyana and it behoves every Guyanese in their homes, communities and regions as well as the diaspora, to remain vigilant and look out for any attempt to promote ethnic strife and exploit our ethnic differences for narrow purposes,” he stated.

Member of Parliament Priya Manickchand, who represented Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, echoed similar sentiments. She called on Guyanese to live in unity.

“Our children should be taught that they can celebrate their differences even while they are living in unity. I don’t wish for my children or grandchildren or our future generations to grow up in a society where they will still have to deal with this issue even after we are gone,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the ERC, Reverend Dr John Smith in his remarks said that the ERC celebrated its 17th anniversary on Friday but was reconstituted by President Granger thirteen months ago.

The ERC, he said, has recognised that much work has to be done and as part of its work programme, it has decided to use theatre to promote its messages. Theatre, he posited, provides the environment for serious messages and conversations to take place without offending anyone.

The event was also attended by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder and Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma.

news

15

monday, MARCH 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

New executives appointed to association of municipalities T

he Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM) recently hosted its annual elections where a new executive body was elected to the Board.

Outgoing Vice Chairman in the organisation and Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshal told Guyana Times that Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell was elected as the new President while Kirk Fraser from New Amsterdam was elected to serve as Vice President.

The Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore, was selected as GAM’s new secretary while New Amsterdam’s Mayor, Winifred Heywood, was elected as treasurer. Three

others were chosen to sit on the Board as committee members.

The new body has been appointed to represent their municipalities and ensure capacity-building for the successful functioning of the various Local Authority Areas.

Meanwhile, a Municipal Councillor and committee member of GAM said he feels that the coalition faction of GAM was trying desperately to hijack the associ- Linden Mayor and new GAM President ation.

Waneka Arrindell

“ L a s t December, I was present at the executive meeting called by the President of GAM, Mr Carwyn Holland, who was the former Mayor of Linden and witnessed the classless display from the booted former Georgetown Mayor Chase-Green. She had to be spoken to firmly by Mr Holland in his usual classic way as she was doing everything she could to make a case for her to be named President of GAM,”

the Councillor said.

According to the source, “It also seems as if the secretary who is the Mayor of New Amsterdam was deep in the collusion and the raucous led to a postponement of the elections but the other aspects of the meeting went on”.

The Councillor explained that he was barely given a last-minute invitation while being sure that none of his fellow People’s Progressive Party (PPP) comrades would attend since the association had degenerated to a farce since the departure of Holland.

“Now it seems like a power grab is going on with Chase making a case and the new Linden Mayor

Arrindell suddenly finding a love for GAM. As Opposition Councillors, we supported the association under the last leadership because they were open and transparent, but with what I am seeing this may be the end of GAM”.

The Councillor said he was made to understand that the organisation hosted a pre-meeting recently in the city “and suggested Arrindell and Bartica Mayor Marshall be the President and Vice President over the New City Mayor Narine as they claim he lacks experience”.

He said he is now left to wonder if Narine was bypassed for the position because of his race.

CDC delivers more aid to Venezuelan migrants

T

he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) continues to render assistance to the Venezuelan migrants crossing Guyana’s borders in an effort to escape

the social and economic crisis in their homelands.

O n Saturday, March 9, twelve mi-

grant families in Kamwatta, Barima-Waini (Region One)

Migrant families receiving hampers from the Civil Defence Commission

received much-needed hampers from the CDC. Additional supplies are currently being mobilised to be delivered to communities in the region in the coming week as well as in Region

Seven.

The National Multi Sectorial Coordinating Committee, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), has been providing relief to migrants in the bor-

der regions. Over the last few months, Guyana has seen an increase in the number of Venezuelans crossing the border to escape the political and socio-economic crisis in their homeland.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

MONday, march 11, 2019

Regional

Venezuela’s Maduro thanks St Lucia on alert amid reported military for defeating ‘coup’ dengue deaths in Martinique

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enezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has praised the armed forces for staying loyal to him and defeating a “coup” led by the United States and Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó.

During a rally, Maduro also blamed Venezuela’s widespread power cuts on “cyber attacks” by the Opposition.

His remarks came during a day of protests in the country by pro-Government and Opposition groups.

In the capital Caracas, some supporters of Guaidó scuffled with Police.

Maduro has retained the support of the military and close allies, including Russia and China, since Guaidó declared himself interim President on January 23.

Speaking outside the Miraflores presidential palace, Maduro referred to Guaidó as “a clown and a puppet” of the US.

H

President Nicolás Maduro told supporters to celebrate “antiimperialism day”

“They invited the armed forces to carry out a military coup and their reply was clear – they have defeated the coup plotters,” he said.

President Maduro has repeatedly accused Guaidó of trying to mount a coup against him with the help of “US imperialists”.

Meanwhile, Police were out in force during an Opposition march in the city.

Some protesters pushed against police in riot gear shouting “murderers” and officers responded by firing

pepper spray at them.

Addressing the rally, Guaidó announced he would embark on a tour of the country and summon all his supporters to attend a mass protest in Caracas “very soon”.

“We are going to come, all of Venezuela to Caracas, because we need all of them united,” he said.

Guaidó, who leads the Opposition-controlled National Assembly, has been recognised as interim President by more than 50 countries. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Family “desperate” over woman missing in Guatemala

T

he family of a 23-yearold British woman missing in Guatemala say they are “desperately worried” for her safety.

Catherine Shaw, from Witney, Oxfordshire, had been travelling and was reported missing on March 5.

She was last seen the day before and had been staying in the San Pedro, Lake Atitlan area of the Central American country with a friend, the Lucie Blackman Trust said.

Her parents Ann and Tarquin said her disappearance was of “great concern”.

“She has always been really good about keeping in touch and informing us of her whereabouts and activities,” they said in a statement released through the Trust.

“So this is unusual behaviour which gives us

Catherine Shaw had previously visited Mexico and California

great concern for her safety.

Please help us to find her.”

Shaw has been travelling since September and had previously visited Mexico and California.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman confirmed it was supporting the family of a British woman and were “in contact with the local authorities as they search for her”.

In a video posted on Twitter by the Trust, her

mother urged her to get in touch, while her father added: “Your friends, your family are all really worried about you, please come home sweetheart.”

Trust chief executive Matthew Searle said the “first few days are vitally important” because those who may have seen something could still be in the area.

“We urge anyone who may have any information, no matter how small, to get in touch as soon as they can,” he said.

“They could hold the key to bringing Catherine home.”

The trust, which provides support for the families of people who go missing while abroad, said Mr Shaw was travelling to San Pedro to join the search with volunteers in the area. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T&T: Couple found nude, dead

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34-year-old woman and her 31-year-old common-law husband were found dead in Sangre Grande, Trinidad early Sunday morning.

Police reports indicate that they responded to a re-

port of gunshots being heard at Moolchan Street, Guaico, Sangre Grande about 03:00h.

When they got there they found the couple, identified as Onika Crafton and Jamarrie John, nude and

shot multiple times.

In a separate incident a man identified as Toongie Depiza was shot dead on the Boardwalk in Chaguaramas on Saturday night.

More on these incidents as they become available.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Man held after robbery of 2 J’cans in Trinidad

T

he Police have held a 26-year-old man after he robbed two Jamaicans in the town of Arima in Trinidad.

The Police report that late Friday, the Jamaicans – a man and a woman – were standing at a bus terminal

in Arima when they were approached by two armed men.

The Jamaicans were robbed of their immigration documents, cell phones, cash and jewellery.

The suspects then escaped.

The victims notified the Police who stopped and searched the 26-year-old, who was seen walking in Arima.

Most of the stolen items were in his possession.

He was then taken into Police custody. (CMC)

ealth officials in St Lucia have issued an alert in light of reported deaths due to the mosquito-borne disease, dengue, in the neighbouring French island of Martinique.

“We are asking persons to be on guard, be on the alert,” said Chief Medical Officer, Dr Merlene Frederick-James.

“At this point in time, we are not seeing an increase in dengue cases, but as we said other countries in the Region are noticing an increase, countries that are near to us, the French territories are noticing an increase; hence, we need to

be on the alert.”

According to FrederickJames, with most of the population being under 10 years old, health officials are concerned as they have not been exposed to the disease, especially the type-3 variation.

“And this is definitely a concern when persons who have not been exposed,” she explained.

“When a disease enters a country where persons have not been previously exposed, it means that these persons haven’t developed antibodies and it is quite possible that you may have a larger outbreak as a result of that

because you have more persons who are susceptible to the condition.”

Cases of dengue normally spike during the rainy season, said FrederickJames, who added that although it has been relatively dry on the island, there has been some showers.

“So we need to be on guard,” she said.

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) recently issued a warning about the possibility of a dengue outbreak in the Region. (Excerpt from CMC)

telephones and sit in watch rooms”.

She was speaking at an International Women’s Day symposium organised by the Bureau of Gender Affairs in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston on Friday.

The forum was held under the theme: “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change”.

Buckle said increased recruitment of females as fire-fighters in Jamaica is consistent with the growing trend across the Caribbean and globe.

She pointed out that in

the United States, females represent 7.3 per cent of firefighters, and account for 3.1 per cent and four per cent of the complement in the United Kingdom and Canada respectively.

“We are making strides in this male-dominated profession, drifting from the coast of marginalisation and towards the isle of equality, as opportunities for all women present themselves,” she added.

Meanwhile, Buckle said the JFB has developed a Sexual Harassment Policy as part of measures to safeguard the welfare of female firefighters. (Excerpt from Jamaica

Jamaica fire brigade recruiting more women

T

he Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is reporting an increase in the number of female recruits.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Julian Davis Buckle cited, as an example, the 22 women comprising the latest cohort of 130 recruits now in training to become fire-fighters.

Additionally, she said, women are stationed in every department and occupy key positions, including instructors, incident commanders, sub-officers, and turnout officers.

This, the JFB officer indicated, “is a far cry from a few years ago when we were confined to answering

Observer)

Cuba taps into high-end luxury tourist market

I

n Havana, there’s a shop selling a camera for more than US$25,000 – roughly 850 times the average monthly wage in Cuba.

The eye-popping sum earned predictable scorn on social media, but it begins to make sense when seen through the lens of the island’s fledgling bid to tap into the luxury tourism market.

The exclusive camera store and other boutiques featuring A-list brands like Versace and Armani are located in a shopping gallery on the ground floor of the swanky Gran Hotel Manzana.

The mere existence of the shops certainly seems incongruous in a country that has been governed as a one-party communist State since 1959, and where the average wage is US$30 a month.

But the hotel isn’t exactly looking for locals to buy

A tourist stands by the swimming pool on the rooftop of the Gran Manzana Hotel in Havana, on February 11, 2019 (AFP photo)

in – it attracts “a clientele of private airplanes... princes and celebrities”, according to General Manager Xavier Destribats.

The Gran Hotel Manzana, the first-ever five-star establishment in Havana, opened in 2017 in a sumptuous historic building that was, at the beginning of the 20th century, the island’s first shopping mall.

The property run by Swiss group Kempinski is “the first genuine luxury hotel in Havana,” said Destribats.

“It’s the first hotel with a 1000-square-metre spa,” he said. All the rooms are at least 40 square metres (430 square feet), with prices ranging from US$370 for a basic room in low season to US$5000 for the presidential suite. (Excerpt from AFP)

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, march 11, 2019

17

Around the World

Ethiopian Airlines plane crash: India announces general election No survivors among 157 on board from April 11, results on May 23

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one of the 157 people on board a new Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed on Sunday morning en route to Nairobi from Addis Ababa have survived, the airline said.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, took off at 08:38h (05:38 GMT) and lost contact with air traffic controllers six minutes later.

It crashed near Bishoftu, southeast of the Ethiopian capital, killing all 149 passengers and eight crew members on board, Ethiopian Airlines said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear what caused the crash of the plane, which had been delivered to the airline in November.

According to Ethiopian Airlines’ CEO Tewolde Gebremariam, the pilot, who had been working for the carrier since 2010, sent out a distress call shortly af-

I

Ethiopian Airlines’ CEO Tewolde Gebremariam in the wreckage lifting a piece of plane debris at the bottom of a large crater in an empty field

ter take-off and was given clearance to return.

Ethiopian state media said more than 30 nationalities were on board flight ET 302.

They included 32 Kenyans, 18 Canadians, nine Ethiopians, eight each from China, the United States and Italy; seven each from France and Britain; six from Egypt; four each from India and Slovakia,

among others.

Ethiopian Airlines said it set up a committee with all stakeholders concerned to conduct forensic investigations and identify the victims.

The Boeing 737-8 MAX is the same type of plane as the Indonesian Lion Air jet that crashed last October, 13 minutes after the takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. (Excerpt from

ndia has announced the dates for a national election that will see close to 900 million voters cast their ballots in nearly a million polling booths - the world’s biggest ever democratic exercise.

In a press conference in the capital New Delhi on Sunday, the country’s Chief Election Commissioner, Sunil Arora, unveiled the timeline for India’s mammoth seven-phase election to be held on April 11, 18, 23, 29 and May 6, 12 and 19.

The counting of votes will be held on May 23.

Elections will also be held simultaneously to four

State assemblies -- Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha -- along with the parliamentary polls. Jammu and Kashmir will not be going to polls in this exercise although the State has been under central rule since the State Government collapsed in June 2018.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be running for a second term against a group of opposition parties, led mainly by Congress President, Rahul Gandhi, the latest scion of the Gandhi-Nehru dynasty.

The two leaders are the strongest challengers from

Al Jazeera)

T

Campaigners say the new bill is an attempt to increase censorship

T

The Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the US, are fighting to clear Baghuz of militants

million people, and generated billions of dollars from oil, extortion, robbery and kidnapping.

After five years of fierce battles, local forces backed by world powers have driven IS out of all but a few hundred square metres near Syria’s border with Iraq.

Sunday’s attack began at about 18:00h local time (16:00 GMT), with air strikes aimed at weapons

stores.

SDF and coalition planes are involved in the assault, and the militant camp is now ablaze.

But the SDF has said before that it had launched a “final assault”. After intense air and artillery strikes on March 1, the alliance said it had to slow down the offensive “due to a small number of civilians held as human shields”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

are expected to force May to seek a delay to Brexit which some say could see the 2016 decision to leave the bloc reversed. Others argue that, without a delay, Britain faces an economic shock if it leaves without a deal.

The United Kingdom’s labyrinthine crisis over EU membership is approaching its finale with an extraordinary array of options including a delay, a last-minute deal, no-deal Brexit, a snap election or even another referendum.

The Government has previously tried to use the risk of Brexit being reversed as

a way to convince eurosceptics to back May’s deal despite their deep reservations about it.

The opposition Labour Party’s Brexit spokesman, Keir Starmer, said his party should support staying in the EU if there was a second referendum.

The Sunday Times said May was battling to save her job as aides were considering persuading her to offer to resign in a bid to get the deal approved. The newspaper also said Cabinet Ministers had spoken about whether to insist she goes as early as this week. (Excerpt from Reuters)

housands of people in Russia have protested against plans to introduce tighter restrictions on the internet.

A mass rally in Moscow and similar demonstrations in two other cities were called after Parliament backed the controversial bill last month.

The Government said the bill, which allows it to isolate Russia’s internet service from the rest of the world, will improve cyber-security.

But campaigners say it is

an attempt to increase censorship and stifle dissent.

Activists say more than 15,000 people gathered in Moscow on Sunday, which is double the estimate given by the police.

Some protesters chanted slogans such as “hands off the internet” and “no to isolation” while others gave speeches on a large stage.

The Government says the so-called digital sovereignty bill will reduce Russia’s reliance on internet servers in the United States.

B

It seeks to stop the country’s internet traffic being routed through foreign servers.

A second vote is expected later this month.

If it is passed it will eventually need to be signed by President Vladimir Putin.

Russia has introduced a swathe of tougher internet laws in recent years.

On Thursday last, its Parliament passed two bills outlawing “disrespect” of authorities and the spreading of what the Government deems to be “fake news”.

And last year, campaigners took to the streets to protest the media watchdog’s attempt to shut down the encrypted messaging service, Telegram.

Russia’s main security agency, the FSB, said at the time that Telegram was the messenger of choice for “international terrorist organisations in Russia”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

President Bouteflika arrives in Algeria amid mass protests

Brexit in peril as PM May faces heavy defeat rexit could be reversed if lawmakers reject the Government’s exit deal, British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt said on Sunday after two major eurosceptic factions in Parliament warned that Prime Minister Theresa May was facing a heavy defeat.

Just 19 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29, May is scrambling - so far unsuccessfully - to secure last-minute changes to an EU exit treaty before Parliament votes on Tuesday on whether to approve the deal.

If she fails, lawmakers

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Russia Internet freedom: Thousands protest against cyber-security bill

SDF attack Islamic State group’s Syria enclave Baghuz he US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have launched another assault on the Islamic State group’s last enclave in Syria.

Head of the SDF media office, Mustafa Bali, tweeted their troops were in “direct violent clashes”.

Islamic State militants are centred in the town of Baghuz in eastern Syria.

Once the village is taken, the US and its allies are expected to formally declare the end of the “caliphate” proclaimed by IS in 2014.

Despite the loss of territory, the group is still seen as a major security threat capable of mounting attacks in the region and worldwide.

The group once controlled 88,000 sq km (34,000 sq miles) of territory stretching across Syria and neighbouring Iraq, imposed its brutal rule on almost eight

a field of hundreds of political parties from across the culturally and geographically diverse country of 1.3 billion.

Modi, whose right-wing party won an outright majority in the 2014 election, enters the race in a strong position and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hopes to defeat Gandhi’s Congress once again.

His Hindu nationalist political machine is riding on Modi’s personal popularity and an array of emotive issues, including renewed hostility with nuclear-armed rival Pakistan.

Students protest against Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in Algiers, Algeria

A

lgerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika returned home on Sunday after spending two weeks in a Swiss hospital, State television said, while protesters have massed at home in the biggest threat to his 20-year rule.

An Algerian Government plane transporting the President arrived at Boufarik

military airport just southwest of the capital. Top Algerian officials often use that airport.

Tens of thousands of Algerians of all social classes have been demonstrating against Bouteflika’s decision to stand in April’s election, rejecting a stagnant political system dominated by veterans of the independence war against France which ended

in 1962.

In the clearest indication yet that the generals sympathise with protesters, the chief of staff said the military and the people had a united vision of the future, State TV reported. Lieutenant General Gaed Salah did not mention the unrest.

Bouteflika’s ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) party urged all sides to work together to end the crisis and promote national reconciliation, Ennahar TV said.

But there are no signs Algerians are prepared to heed that call after rejecting Bouteflika’s offer to limit his term after the election.

Cracks are appearing in what has been described as “the fortress” around the ruling elite, with a growing number of Bouteflika’s allies, including members of his ruling FLN party, joining rallies urging him to step down. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONday, March 11, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Look for the safest route and get moving. Feeling passionate about something will fuel the fire and help you reach your goal.

Don’t trust someone who is trying to take charge.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Pay close attention to what others are doing, and keep your distance from anyone pledging to do the impossible. A partnership will be laced with uncertainty, confusion and empty promises.

CANCER

Call in people you trust to help you get things done.

An unusual relationship will have more to offer than you first thought. Pick what works best for you.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Look for new ways to conquer old problems. Call in favors from people you have helped in the past. Don’t risk injury trying to do something without needed assistance.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Take a closer look at what others are doing.

Don’t make a decision based on what you are told.

Following someone who is pushy will end up costing you emotionally.

Do what makes you happy. Don’t give in to someone who is overreacting or using unfair tactics to get you to do things differently. Use common sense and form stable partnerships.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Consider what you want and work quietly on your own to avoid interference.

A joint venture will lead to a disagreement and end up costing you emotionally and financially.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You’ll be drawn to a unique individual who opens your mind to interesting concepts and possibilities. Discover what works best for you, instead of following someone’s prompts.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Stick to simple and doable projects. Work toward a goal that will advance you, not someone else.

Verify information you are given before you take action.

SUDOKU

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Change will bring new and exciting opportunities your way. Dress up your residence to suit your needs.

Put comfort and convenience first, but don’t let temptation lead you to overspend.

Think twice before you get involved in something that may not be legitimate.

You are better off chasing your own dreams instead of signing up to help someone else.

A change will be premature. Make sure you have covered every angle before you agree to something questionable. Know your limits and boundaries to make the right decision.

monday, march 11, 2019

19

Premier League: Liverpool fire 4 past Burnley L iverpool maintained the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City by coming from behind to beat Burnley in tricky conditions at Anfield.

The Clarets took a shock sixth-minute lead when Ashley Westwood scored direct from a corner, although it appeared Reds’ goalkeeper Alisson had been impeded by James Tarkowski.

But the hosts were only behind for 13 minutes before Roberto Firmino tapped in after Tom Heaton had fumbled Mohamed Salah’s cross.

In a first half played in strong wind and hailstorms, Liverpool took the lead when Sadio Mane curled a shot past Heaton.

Firmino scored his second following Heaton’s poor clearance and Burnley pulled one back late on through Johann Berg Gudmundsson from six yards out.

But there was no fightback as Mane then went around the Clarets’ keeper in injury time for his second and Liverpool’s fourth to seal the win, which leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side one point behind City with eight league games of the season remaining.

Chelsea salvage late penalty to draw against Wolves Eden Hazard scored a stoppage-time equaliser to rescue a point for Chelsea against Wolves at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard curled into the bottom corner in the second minute of added-time to deny Wanderers a memorable victory and ensure Chelsea remain unbeaten in the Premier League since their 6-0 thrashing at Manchester City last month.

before Higuain failed to convert when the ball flashed across the box following a corner.

It was hard to see Chelsea scoring as the game entered added time but Hazard showed neat skill to turn away from Ruben Neves and finally beat Patricio from 18 yards.

Roberto Firmino has now scored 10 or more goals in all four of his Premier League seasons with Liverpool

Maurizio Sarri’s future at the club had been brought into question following that defeat, but this point keeps the Blues well in contention for a top four place.

Raul Jimenez finished off a swift counterattacking move to put Wanderers ahead with their only shot on target nine minutes into the second half.

That looked to be enough, particularly when substitute Willian saw his curling effort well saved by Rui Patricio late on, but Hazard struck to salvage a draw with his 16th goal of

the season.

Despite only managing two attempts on goal all game, Wolves may feel aggrieved at only securing a point having defended diligently, restricting Chelsea to half-chances and efforts from distance.

Chelsea only had one shot on target during the first half, an effort from Gonzalo Higuain from a tight angle that was comfortably pushed behind by Patricio.

Maurizio Sarri’s side improved after going behind, with Pedro having a shot tipped over

Arsenal hand Ole Gunnar 1st Premier League defeat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suffered his first Premier League defeat since being appointed Manchester United’s interim manager as Arsenal leapfrogged their opponents to move into the top four.

Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka beat David de Gea with a swerving shot from outside the penalty area, which the United keeper was expected to stop.

Romelu Lukaku hit the bar while the game was goalless, when it appeared easier to score, and Brazilian midfielder Fred struck a post for United.

Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno also produced two crucial saves to keep out Lukaku, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doubled the hosts’ lead from the penalty spot after Fred’s foul on Alexandre Lacazette.

Soon after Arsenal’s second goal, a fan ran on to the pitch and shoved United defender Chris Smalling before being removed by stewards.

The Gunners have won seven out of 10 topflight games in 2019 and are one point behind north London rivals Tottenham, who sit third in the table, with eight games remaining.

United, who started the weekend in fourth, drop to fifth in the race for a Champions League spot next season.

Australia register record chase to level series against India

I

ndian crowds usually tell a story. Between stunned silence at every big shot from Australian bats and booing of their own, Rishabh Pant for a missed stumping, they narrated a tale of everything gone wrong: of their first failure to defend a total of 350 or more, and that too with 13 balls to spare. It was almost like spoilt wine had been served in the middle of a party. Shikhar Dhawan announced return to form with his personal best, a delightful 143; Rohit Sharma was there with him for a 193-run stand, they managed to reach 358, but once the dew set in - and you should expect it in north India - their bowlers and fielders lost the plot.

Australia found new heroes to go with the old: Pat Cummins’ five-for reduced what looked like 380 to 358, Usman Khawaja followed up his Ranchi century with a 91, Peter Handscomb registered his maiden ODI hundred, but most stunningly of all, Ashton Turner, who probably wouldn’t have played if Marcus Stoinis hadn’t injured his hand, shocked India with an unbeaten 84 off 43 balls. Just get a hang of it: Australia lost captain Aaron Finch for a two-ball duck; they were soon reduced to 12 for 2, the asking rate crossed eight an over in the 13th over, 8.5 in the 26th, 9 in the 29th and 10 in the 43rd. The intent of the 192-run stand between Handscomb and Khawaja was questioned as the asking rate soared, but Turner and dew changed the equation completely.

Virat Kohli’s tactics will be questioned once again. He had two options as Australia began to stich a partnership from 12 for 2. Go for the kill with your strike bowlers or wait for a wicket to fall and then unleash your wicket-takers. Both plans have merit: you can get the part-timers out of the way and then give the main bowlers the tough job or you can try to strike early when the ball is dry.

Kohli usually prefers the former - as is shown in how he keeps his best bowler for the last over, often not even needing it - and he did the same here.

Kohli was dealt a rough hand by the dew. In the previous game he chose to field because of the anticipated dew that didn’t eventuate. Here he batted, backing his bowlers to be good enough even if the ball got wet. Not on this night.

The target was a distant thought when Handscomb joined Khawaja. They managed to get to 47 for 2 by the end of the Powerplay. Seven of the next 10 overs - the ball still dry - were bowled by Kedar Jadhav and Vijay Shankar. Kohli later said it would have been more difficult for Jadhav and Vijay with the wet ball so he backed his best bowlers to do that job. Handscomb and Khawaja couldn’t afford to take too many risks at that moment, but they managed to take 22 runs off Jadhav’s first three.

On a skiddy pitch, with the dew setting in around the 25th-over mark, the wristspinners - playing together thanks to the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar in place of Mohammed Shami - didn’t look effective. Risk-free accumulation continued. Khawaja preferred

the various varieties of the sweep, Handscomb brought out the rarely-seen-these-days chip shot; when he wanted to attack, he targeted the shorter straight boundaries.

Possible panic stations were hit by the end of 30 overs: India still had two overs from the fifth bowler, the main spinners had been defanged by the conditions and the excellent batting, the asking rate had plateaued at around nine. Wickets were needed but there were no thoughts on how they could be bought. And then Handscomb took Jadhav apart, hitting two sixes and a four in the 33rd over and entering the 90s; 155 off 17 overs now.

With bums a little squeakier, Kohli had to pull out the big gun much sooner than he would have liked. Back came Jasprit Bumrah, out came a bouncer, and Khawaja fell to the hook shot. Rebelion thwarted, you would have thought, but Glenn Maxwell seemed in no mood to bend the knee. A switch hit ended Maxwell’s innings in the 37th over; with 130 still required, those who didn’t follow the BBL would have thought India had reclaimed the game. That’s when Turner announced himself.

During this BBL, Turner went from being a bits-and-pieces player to being an accomplished finisher. Now was his time. He had the conditions. And he went boom. His default option when he wanted to hit big was down the ground. He picked Kuldeep Yadav’s wrong’un, when he went straight over his head first ball of the 41st over. As the six-hitting refused to abate, meetings between Kohli and Rohit began to get longer, hand-waving got more frenetic, and the crowd became the most desperate.

It began in the 39th over. Handscomb left his crease, was beaten by Kuldeep in the air, looked set for a stumping but the ball brushed his pad and changed the direction, making Pant’s job difficult. The crowd, however, didn’t want to make an allowance for that deflection. They began to chant the name of MS Dhoni, who is resting for the last two matches of this series. It would get uglier at the start of the 44th over. Seventy-two were required in seven overs, Turner had reached 38 off 27, and Pant missed a stumping down the leg side. This time the Dhoni chants were followed by loud booing. Kohli, fielding at the boundary, let his disappointment become apparent, too.

Turner didn’t look back, though. First, he took Bhuvneshwar apart, scoring 20 in the 45th over; then he ramped Bumrah for a crazy six to condemn him to 16 runs in the 46th; when Bhuvneshwar went for 18 in the 47th, it was game over. Two more catches went down, but they probably wouldn’t have mattered. What will make it worse for Kohli and India is that Australia did this not to parttimers but to their best bowlers.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the home side, though. In what should be a big positive, Dhawan came out of his minor slump with his highest ODI score. Giving him company for most of

3

SCOREBOARD

India Innings (50 overs maximum) RG Sharma c Handscomb b Richardson 95 S Dhawan b Cummins 143 KL Rahul c †Carey b Zampa 26 V Kohli (c) c †Carey b Richardson 7 RR Pant † c Finch b Cummins 36 KM Jadhav c Richardson b Cummins 10 V Shankar c Maxwell b Cummins 26 B Kumar c †Carey b Richardson 1 Kuldeep Yadav not out 1 YS Chahal c & b Cummins 0 JJ Bumrah not out 6 Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 5) 7 TOTAL (50 Overs, RR: 7.16) 358/9 Fall of wickets: 1-193 (RG Sharma, 30.6 ov), 2-254 (S Dhawan, 37.4 ov), 3-266 (V Kohli, 39.4 ov), 4-296 (KL Rahul, 42.6 ov), 5-314 (RR Pant, 45.3 ov), 6-331 (KM Jadhav, 47.6 ov), 7-344 (B Kumar, 48.6 ov), 8-351 (V Shankar, 49.3 ov), 9-352 (YS Chahal, 49.5 ov) BOWLING PJ Cummins (10-0-70-5) JP Behrendorff (10-1-61-0) JA Richardson (9-0-85-3) GJ Maxwell (8-1-61-0) A Zampa (10-0-57-1) AJ Finch (3-0-22-0)

Australia Innings (target: 359 runs from 50 overs) AJ Finch (c) b Kumar 0 UT Khawaja c Kuldeep Yadav b Bumrah 91 SE Marsh b Bumrah 6 PSP Handscomb c Rahul b Chahal

117 GJ Maxwell lbw b Kuldeep Yadav

23 AJ Turner not out 84 AT Carey † c Dhawan b Bumrah 21 JA Richardson not out 0 Extras (b 4, lb 8, w 5) 17 TOTAL (47.5 Overs, RR: 7.5) 359/6 Yet to bat: PJ Cummins, JP Behrendorff, A Zampa Fall of wickets: 1-3 (AJ Finch, 0.4 ov), 2-12 (SE Marsh, 3.3 ov), 3-204 (UT Khawaja, 33.1 ov), 4-229 (GJ Maxwell, 36.1 ov), 5-271 (PSP Handscomb, 41.1 ov), 6-357 (AT Carey, 47.4 ov) BOWLING B Kumar (9-0-67-1) JJ Bumrah (8.5-0-63-3) V Shankar (5-0-29-0) K Yadav (10-0-64-1) KM Jadhav (5-0-44-0) YS Chahal (10-0-80-1)

his effort was Rohit, who seemed more relieved than his struggling partner. Opening together for the 100th time, they went on to become India’s second-most prolific association in ODIs. Dhawan did all the right things as he hit out selflessly well before the 40th over, after which an extra fielder goes out. He took 39 off the last 15 balls he faced.

Kohli’s rare failure - he was batting at No. 4 to accommodate KL Rahul - and Australia’s plan to take out the straight boundaries by bowling short meant India couldn’t go much beyond what was a conservative expectation after the start they had had. (ESPNcricinfo)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monday, march 11, 2019

3-time world cycling track champion commits suicide at age 23 K

Kelly Catlin (left) won three straight world titles as part of the USA women’s team pursuit squad

elly Catlin, a member of the U.S. women’s pursuit team that earned silver at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, has passed away at age 23.

Catlin’s father, Mark Catlin, broke the news in a letter sent to VeloNews Sunday morning. Mark Catlin said that Kelly had passed away Friday night at her residence in California. Mark Catlin said that Kelly died by suicide.

“There isn’t a minute that goes by that we don’t think of her and think of the wonderful life she could have lived,” Mark Catlin wrote. “There isn’t a second in which we wouldn’t freely give our lives in exchange for hers. The hurt is unbelievable.”

Kelly Catlin split her time between the track and her pro road career—she raced with the Rally UHC Pro Cycling Team. She was also pursuing a graduate degree in Computational Mathematics at Stanford University. Catlin recently wrote a journal on velonews. com describing the ways in which she split her time between the three pursuits.

“Being a graduate student, track cyclist, and professional road cyclist can instead feel like I need to time-travel to get everything

done. And things still slip through the cracks.

This is probably the point when you’ll expect me to say something cliché like, “Time management is everything.” Or perhaps you’re expecting a nice, encouraging slogan like, “Being a student only makes me a better athlete!” After all, I somehow make everything work, right? Sure. Yeah, that’s somewhat accurate. But the truth is that most of the time, I don’t make everything work.”

Catlin hailed from St. Paul, Minnesota, and attended high school in Arden Hills, just north of Minneapolis. A 2016 profile in the Star Ledger described her as a multi-talented teenager who was the youngest of a set of triplets.

“She is an accomplished violinist who spent spare time while training in Colorado Springs memorizing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, all 35 pages of it.

She rides a unicycle, can sculpt and draw horses with great detail, favors Creedence Clearwater Revival, may become a pathologist like her father and considers a square of dark chocolate decadent.”

Venus surges, defending champ Osaka nervous but wins at Indian Wells

V

enus Williams fought back to down third seed Petra Kvitova 4-6 7-5 6-4 and reach the BNP Paribas Open third round on Saturday, while Naomi Osaka got her title defense off to a flying start with a straight sets win over Kristina Mladenovic.

World number one Osaka beat Mladenovic 6-3 6-4, the win under the stadium court lights sweet revenge for the reigning U.S. and Australian Open champion after she lost to the same opponent in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships first round last month.

Osaka said it was the first time she had felt the pressure of defending a title.

“I’ve never been a defending champion before so I was pretty nervous and I’m glad I got the win,” the Japanese 21-year-old said.

American Williams, 38, turned back the clock in the final two sets at Indian Wells, dialing up the speed on her first serves and playing stout defense to seal a win that looked unlikely when she was down a double break in the second set.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion threw her arms in the air and let out a roar when Kvitova sent a ball long on match point — the Czech’s 56th unforced error of the day.

Williams tipped her hat to the two-time Wimbledon champion after the hard-fought contest.

“She has been playing so well and you never know what’s going to come off her racket,” a beaming Williams said in front of a fawning crowd as night fell on her native Southern California.

“I was just happy to have your energy to get pumped up. I just love the battle.”

Earlier, another American, Madison Keys, blew a late lead to fall 3-6 6-1 7-5 to German Mona Barthel.

The 17th-seed had the match on her racket serving with a 5-4 lead in the third set but lost three straight games, including her final service game to love, allowing the unseeded Barthel to advance.

According to the story, Catlin picked up cycling at age 17 after suffering injuries from running. She showed immediate talent.

Catlin joined Rally Pro Cycling in 2017. In a statement provided to VeloNews, the team described Catlin as “a friend and teammate.”

“The news of Kelly Catlin’s passing has hit the team hard.

Losing an incredible person at such a young age is very difficult,” read the statement. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and those who were fortunate enough to know her best.”

A statement provided by USA Cycling called Catlin, “a part of the USA Cycling family.”

“The U.S. cycling community suffered a devastating loss with the passing of Kelly Catlin, our USA Cycling National Team member,” the statement says. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Catlin family. Kelly was more than an athlete to us, she was and will always be part of the USA Cycling family.This is an incredibly difficult time for the Catlin family and we want to respect their privacy while they support each other.” (Velonews)

Shafura Hussain Foundation stages golf tournament on International Women’s Day

Next up for Barthel is a meeting with countrywoman Julia Gorges, who beat Estonian Kaia Kanepi 6-3 2-6 6-3 behind seven aces in an evening match.

Unheralded Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova upset former world number one Caroline Wozniacki 7-5 2-6 7-5 in a battle that lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours in the evening session.

Alexandrova From left to right are: Mike Mangal, Aleem Hussain, Paton George, Dr Joaan Deo, Siya Persaud, Michelle Codrington, Max Persaud, and Captain Chen. They are flanked by two representatives of the Foundation

T Venus Williams during the second round of the Indian Wells

put her hands over her face in disbelief when Wozniacki was unable to return her serve on match point.

The 24-year-old will face Belinda Bencic in the third round on Monday after the Swiss cruised to a 6-4 6-1 win earlier in the day.

Former world number one Angelique Kerber was nearly perfect en route to a 6-0 6-2 dismantling of Yulia Putintseva, winning 93 percent of her first service points under sunny skies.

The eighth seed will meet red-hot Russian Natalia Vikhlyantseva in the third round after the qualifier crushed Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2 6-0.

Czech Karolina Pliskova, Latvian Anastasija Sevastova and Americans Danielle Collins and Christina McHale were among the other players who prevailed in their second-round matches on Saturday.

(Reuters)

he Shafura Hussain Foundation sponsored a tournament on Saturday, March 9, in recognition of International Women’s Day and to encourage women golfers to show off their skills.

This exciting tournament was played under the Stableford format, and it was the first time in several years that this format has been used at the

Lusignan G o l f Course (LGC).

In conjunction with the management of Trophy Stall, which provided magnificent trophies and special International Women’s Day buttons, the LGC hosted in excess of 35 players who came out in support of the tournament. Those included Siya Persaud, daughter of Pur Persaud of Crown Mining, who joined the other women golfers to participate in her first ever golf tournament.

In the end, it was Dr Joaan Deo, the reigning Suriname Women’s Champion (31 points), who prevailed in the Women’s category.

But once again, and for the second week in a row, Club President Aleem Hussain turned in an excellent day of golf to win the First Place

Title. Playing with Brian Hackett, Joseph John and Carlos Carbo from Saj Rice Mills, Hussain took full advantage of the points system to shoot a tournament best of 36 points.

Second place was taken by Kassim Khan (33 points); third place by veteran Patrick Prasad (32 points), who edged out fourth place winner and former Guyana Open Champion Mike Mangal (32 points) on a countback.

Magnificent long drives by Mario Acuna of Macorp and Paton George of Brusters were the showcase of the tournament, with Paton emerging the winner with a drive of over 330 yards! Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud claimed the Nearest to the Pin prize, and Siya Persaud the Most Honest Golfer award.

Unfortunately, Counsellor Kamal Hussain and Dr Anwar Hussain were not on hand to award the winners, but Michelle Codrington from CARICOM did the honors on their behalf.

The late Shafura Hussain (Aunty Shaka) had been a patron of kids and sports in her Albouystown neighbourhood throughout her life, and with the firm conviction that sports led to better opportunities for kids, she offered support to sports activities in her area, and encouraged her nine children -- of whom Club President Aleem is one -- to participate in sports.

Last September, the New York Chapter of the Foundation William and Aleena Knight (daughter and son-in-law of the late Shafura Hussain) donated more than 100 brand new golf clubs, bags, balls and tees to the Lusignan Golf Club.

That equipment is available at the club to be used in assisting anyone (adult or child) interested in learning the game, for whom the Club offers free coaching from Monday to Sunday between 8:00 hrs and 12:00 hrs. Interested persons are invited to call 220-5660 for further information.

21 Digicel Foundation builds on 18 years of supporting Special Olympics guyanatimesgy.com

monday, MARCH 11, 2019

A

s the 2019 Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi approaches, the Digicel Foundation has solidified its commitment to Special Olympics bodies across the world by assisting in preparations for the games. Since inception, in 2000, Digicel has offered support to special needs communities in all of its markets with

the aim of creating a world where no one gets left behind.

March 14 to 21, 2019 will see over 7,000 athletes from more than 190 countries across the world competing to bring home the glory for their country.

“It is a remarkable thing to watch the

competition among the best athletes in the world, who are all at the top of their game. These are exceptional people, doing exceptional things and the Special Olympics provides the perfect platform for this to happen. Digicel and I will always support that. This year, we have 23 Digicel countries

represented at these games and it makes us so proud to see them performing at the highest level, I wish them all good luck,” said Denis O’Brien, Chairman, Digicel Group.

Digicel Jamaica Foundation’s ongoing support over the years has seen the construction of the Special Olympic facilities at the National Stadium, along with continuous support of the group where needed.

In the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific, send-off activities are taking place as each Digicel country celebrates their local team and wishes them all the best for the upcoming games. Here in Jamaica, the Digicel Foundation team attended a church service and special prayer breakfast, hosted at the Stella Maris Church in St Andrew on February 24, to celebrate the team and give the athletes one last hurrah before they depart.

The other 22 Digicel countries participating in and collectively sending 380 athletes to the Special Olympics are: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Cayman, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, Guyana, Haiti, Nauru, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St. Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago and Vanuatu.

Digicel’s ongoing support of Special Olympics has seen the company providing donations in cash and kind, infrastructural support, help with fundraising activities and more in all of its markets. (Sportsmax)

Fifa facing urgent calls to investigate Qatar World Cup bid claims F ifa is facing calls to launch an urgent investigation into a secret US$100m TV deal offered by Qatar’s state-run broadcaster al-Jazeera three weeks before it awarded the 2022 World Cup to the country.

The allegations were first made in a book, Whatever It Takes – the Inside Story of the Fifa Way, by a whistleblower from inside Australia’s failed 2022 bid, Bonita Mersiades, in January 2018. However,

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Switzerland, which is still pending. Fifa is and will continue to cooperate with the authorities.”

When asked about the payment by the Mail on Sunday in January, a beIN Sports spokesperson characterised the bonus as “production contributions” which

Fifa should freeze payments from Al Jazeera, Damian Collins said

the Sunday Times said it had also seen documents showing executives from al-Jazeera had signed a TV contract that included an unprecedented success fee of US$100m – which would be paid to Fifa only if Qatar won the World Cup ballot in 2010.

The documents allegedly state : “In the event that the 2022 competition is awarded to the state of Qatar, al-Jazeera shall, in addition to the … rights fee, pay to Fifa into the designated account the monetary amount of US$100m.”

Damian Collins, the chairman of the digital, culture, media and sport committee, said Fifa should freeze the payments from al-Jazeera and l aunch an investigation into the apparent contract that “appears to be in clear breach of the rules”.

The Sunday Times said it also had seen a copy of a second secret television rights contract for a further US$480m that was offered

by Qatar three years later – which it said was now part of a bribery inquiry by Swiss police.

The allegations are likely

to lead to further suspicion as to whether Qatar played fair when it bid to host the World Cup. Mersiades’s book claims that in the months before the vote in December 2010 Fifa executives were privately worried that a Qatar win would leave a financial shortfall for the governing body in 2022. However, al-Jazeera – which is now beIN Sports – agreed the secret deal to pay US$100m if Qatar won the vote.

The bonus was agreed, the book alleges, with the involvement and knowledge of Jérôme Valcke, secretary general of Fifa at the time but later banned for nine years from football for corruption.

In an email response to questions from the Sunday Times on Friday, Fifa wrote that “allegations linked to the Fifa World Cup 2022 bid have already been extensively commented by Fifa, who in June 2017 published the Garcia report in full on Fifa. com.

“Furthermore, please note that Fifa lodged a criminal complaint with the Office of the Attorney General of

were “standard market practice and are often imposed upon broadcasters by sports federations and sports rights holders”.

“There is clearly a significant uplift in interest and additional revenues to a broadcaster and significant additional local production

costs to a rights holder when a major sports event is awarded in a broadcaster’s domestic market,” the spokesperson added. “The relevant media agreements were stand alone from any bid, and were in no way intended to influence the outcome of the vote.” (The

Guardian)

Mo Farah wins last race before London Marathon

B

ritain’s Mo Farah has defended his title in the Big Half race, finishing in one hour one minute 14 seconds in London on Sunday.

The four-time Olympic champion won the half marathon in a sprint finish to beat his time of 1:01:40 in the inaugural event last year.

The 13.1-mile race is the 35-year-old’s final one before he goes for a first London Marathon win on 28 April.

In the

women’s race, Britain’s in-form Charlotte Purdue retained her title.

The 27-year-old finished in a time of 1:10:38, with fellow Englishwoman Steph Twell claiming second place ahead of Wales’ Charlotte Arter.

“Conditions were a bit tougher than last year here - very windy, rainy - but it was nice. I got the job done, came first and now I’m preparing for the London Marathon and it’s a nice stepping stone,” Farah told the BBC. “When I’m in London, the crowds always deliver. It’s a great atmosphere and I enjoy racing at home.

“Training has gone well [for the London Marathon]. Obviously I’ll have to have a chat with my coach

and see how I feel.

“I’m excited. I feel like I have more experience than last year. I’ve got to go out and do the best I can - but I know I can mix in with the guys.”

Farah again hinted at a surprise return to the track to run the 10,000m at October’s World Championships in Doha.

“It’s possible. After the marathon, I’ll make a decision about what I want to do,” he added.

“Deep down, I miss the track. I look at my fellow athletes and I think ‘woah’ and I just get excited.”

Farah, who finished third at last year’s London Marathon, failed to reclaim the title of Europe’s fastest half marathon runner - a record he achieved by finishing the 2015 Great North Run in a personal best time of 59:22.

Switzerland’s Julien Wanders beat that record by finishing in 59:13 at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in February.

Elsewhere, David Weir won by a margin of over three minutes in the elite men’s wheelchair race, with a time of 51:11. Fellow Briton Mel Nicholls came second in the elite women’s wheelchair event, narrowly finishing behind Margriet van den Broek of the Netherlands.

Mo Farah

(BBC Sport)

22

monday, march 11, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day tournament…

This was one of the toughest seasons, says Captain Johnson – Bramble, Permaul lead respective charts, Shepherd a standout

By Brandon Corlette

H

istory is on the side of the Guyana Jaguars; the most a team has ever garnered from any single match is 21.6 points.

The Leeward Islands Hurricanes may still have their title dream alive with 131.2 points after nine rounds, but they would require a miracle to garner an unlikely 23 of the maximum 24 points to take possession of the title to which the Guyana Jaguars lay claim.

The Jaguars have signed off this season with 154.2 points. Their Anthony Bramble has had the most runs (580), and Veerasammy Permaul has snared the most wickets (42 wickets). Romario Shepherd has been the standout performer of the season, with 37 wickets Jaguars’ victory walk at Providence snared and 315 runs scored.

Speaking after the tenth and final round of their tournament, the Jaguars’ Leon Johnson, under was one of the main factors in the Jaguars’ triumph.

Johnson himself has finished the season with 480 runs. He said whose captaincy the Jaguars have won the title for a fifth consecutive occasion, said it felt good to win the title, but declared it was one of he had passed through some testing moments this season. He said that trying to put the team first and not overthinking assisted him to the toughest seasons for the Jaguars.

“We lost two on a bounce and then one soon after. I guess successfully discharge his responsibilities.

Anthony Bramble, who had 613 runs in the 2017-2018 season, everything can’t be the same every year, but I am glad the guys put showed consistency in finishing this season with 580 runs scored at an things together and came out victorious,” he said.

In the past, the Jaguars had won the title after eight rounds, having astonishing average of 52.72, with two centuries and one half-century two matches to spare and giving new players a run at the first class to boot.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul finished second to Bramble in the run level. Things were decidedly tougher this time. However, although lamenting critical moments that proved costly in the tough Regional scorer’s list with 542 runs scored at an average of 33.87, with one 4-Day season, Johnson has praised the team for recording spirited century and one half-century on record.

Johnson was in third position with 480 runs scored at an average performances as they fought to the end of the season despite the of 32, with five not-outs in the 20 innings he batted, and four halfrough patches.

“This is a sign of a true championship side,” he declared. “When centuries on record. He finished this season with five more runs than what he had scored last season. we were under pressure we delivered the goods.”

Vishaul Singh scored 366 runs in 14 innings, averaging 28.15. He In the bright 2018-2019 season, the Jaguars batsmen scored only recorded three half-centuries, while Chandrapaul Hemraj scored 350 four centuries. This contrasts with the 2017-2018 season in which eight centuries were scored among the batters, with Vishaul Singh runs.

Romario Shepherd, who bailed Jaguars out of spots of bother all scoring two of his own.

“It was a bit disappointing that the guys, including myself, did not season, finished the batting charts with 315 runs scored at an average convert those half-centuries”, Johnson stated. “I think Bramble was of 24.23. His performance included two half-centuries.

Christopher Barnwell had 307 runs; Clinton Pestano 214 runs; exceptional this season, having scored two centuries, floating in the Raymon Reifer 213 runs, and Sherfane Rutherford 132 runs. batting order after Raymon Reifer’s return.”

Permaul finished this season with eight wickets less than last The season has been a revelation for the seven fast bowlers that played at different stages this season, the pacemen had 126 wickets season. He grabbed 42 wicket, with only one five- wicket haul on combined in the 2018-2019 season, in contrast to 104 wickets in the record.

Shepherd had 37 wickets, averaging 20.13; with one five-wicket 2017-2018 season. Johnson opined that the seamers’ performance

haul in the mix. Reifer (26), Pestano (22) and Keemo Paul (20) were among the wickets this season.

The Hurricanes will play Barbados Pride, while the Red Force will play Jamaica in the final round of this season. Those matches will commence on Thursday, March 14.

Narayan secures gold & bronze at CCAA Championships

N

arayan Ramdhani recorded excellent achievements in the 2019 CCAA National Badminton Championships (Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association) held at the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus in Nova Scotia, Canada during the past week. He secured gold in the team championships and bronze in the individual championships.

Having completed the 3-day tournament, he is now ranked number 3 in Canada, and number one at ACAC and in the Kings University Eagles Badminton Team.

With only 7 1/2 months training in Edmonton, Canada, the Guyanese badminton champion played in his first nationals and was crowned the top singles player in Alberta. In the round robin playoff, he was able to win an overall 3 matches and lost two to make it into the semi-finals rounds. In the men’s singles semi-finals, he lost to Nicholas Pitman of Concordia 21-17, 21-23, 21-12.

In the third/fourth placed playoff, Narayan came back strong to defeat Yuge Zeng of George Brown University 21-15, 21-13 to take the bronze medal. Zeng, last year’s silver medallist, did not drop a match during the group play-off, making it a great comeback for Narayan.

Narayan also did well in the team championships when his men’s singles match was the deciding match. To win the gold, Narayan beat Ramnish Kumar of Humber College 13-21, 16-21, 21-11. This is an extremely great accomplishment for Narayan, who has been recording never ending consistent performances throughout the years.

Narayan Ramdhani

22nd Annual Cheddi B Jagan Memorial Race…

Curtis Dey escapes pack to win feature event T

he legacy of Dr Cheddi Jagan continued when the second leg of the 22nd annual Cheddi B. Jagan Memorial Race pedalling off in the ancient county of East Berbice on Sunday last.

Amidst a cacophony of vehicles horns blaring and individuals cheering, cyclists pedalled away from before Freedom House in New Amsterdam as they participated in the 53-mile mega-cycling event that would take them up the Corentyne Coast to Number 55 Village; before they turned around and headed back to the Port Mourant community of Babu John (known as Babu Jaan), where the race ended.

The race transformed the Corentyne Coast into a cycling course complete with excited spectators cheering lustily; and when it was concluded, Curtis Dey had his glorious moment to reign supreme, winning his first race of the season, clocking in at 2hrs, 23 President in waiting, Irfaan Ali, handing over the award to Curtis mins, 35 secs Dey (2h, 23m, 35s).

In second position was the ever-consistent Romello Crawford, who continued his 2019 dream season.

Christopher Griffith, In who was tailing Crawford t h e and Dey, finished in third 2 0 1 8 position. Michael Anthony edition secured fourth position, while Juniors break away at the finish of this Andrew Hicks (fifth) and Balram event, Alanzo Narine (sixth) were among the top Ambrose had won riders in the premier event. the feature event in the Ralph Seenarine dominated the juniors’ outstanding time of 2h, 11m, 05s. Junior category, finishing first, ahead of the many Niles had won in the veterans’ category, enthusiastic Berbicians who participated while Briton John and Shanika Texiera had in the event. Kevin Ross finished second in won in the junior and female categories this category, while David Hicks ended in respectively. third position.

This entire event was organised and Alexis Mender emerged as the most supervised by National Cycling Coach Hassan successful veteran in first position, Mohammed. while defending champion Junior Niles, At the presentation ceremony, PPP/C continuing to show consistency this Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali was among a season, finished in second position. group of distinguished members of the PPP/C Veteran rider Paul Choo-Wee-Nam ended party present. These individuals, led by Ali, in third position. shared positive sentiments and presented The female category saw Shanika the top cyclists with well-deserved awards.

Texiera emerging as champion.

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, march 11, 2019

23

West Indies and England 2019…

England end testing tour with T20 series whitewash deliveries to spare.

This was the secondlowest total England have bowled a team out for in T20 internationals, with careerbest hauls in this format of four for seven for David Willey and three for nine for Mark Wood doing most of the damage. Joe Denly and Adil Rashid, the legspinner striking with two

I

his top score of 37

3

SCOREBOARD

Mark Wood of England celebrates with Joe Root after dismissing Nicholas Pooran

t was not just the nearby bushfire that sent smoke and ash down on to Warner Park that gave this match an end-of-days feel, but also the atrocious batting from West Indies that handed England a notable 3-0 series whitewash against the current T20 world champions.

Just two days after routing the home side for 45 at this same venue, Eoin Morgan’s team were at it again – this time bowling out their opponents for 71 before knocking off their target with an Englandre c o rd 5 7

especially as key players in Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Jason Roy were all rested for these three T20s.

England made one change to the team that won the first two matches of this series, with Wood coming in for Liam Plunkett, the Surrey fast bowler who has a minor fracture in a finger on his right hand.

H o w e v e r, there was Jonny Bairstow no place in pulls a shot through the XI for square leg during Dawid Malan.

googlies, picked up the other three wickets.

At least this was some kind of improvement for West Indies, whose 45 on Friday was the s e c o n d - lowest total in T20 international history.

However, after a tour that had seen England defeated in the Te st s and held t o a 2-2

West Indies Innings (20 overs maximum) SD Hope † c Hales b Willey 0 JD Campbell c Denly b Willey 11 SO Hetmyer c Jordan b Willey 8 DM Bravo c †Bairstow b Willey 4 JO Holder (c) c Jordan b Denly 11 N Pooran c Jordan b Wood

11 FA Allen b Rashid 7 CR Brathwaite c †Bairstow b Wood 0 D Bishoo not out 3 SS Cottrell b Wood 4 OC McCoy b Rashid 10 Extras (b 1, w 1) 2 TOTAL (13 Overs, RR: 5.46) 71 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (SD Hope, 0.1 ov), 2-10 (SO Hetmyer, 2.4 ov), 3-24 (JD Campbell, 4.1 ov), 4-24 (DM Bravo, 4.3 ov), 5-45 (JO Holder, 8.5 ov), 6-48 (N Pooran, 9.4 ov), 7-54 (FA Allen, 10.3 ov), 8-56 (CR Brathwaite, 11.2 ov), 9-60 (SS Cottrell, 11.5 ov), 10-71

draw in the oneday series, this was a fine way for the visitors to conclude David Willey celebrates with Captain Eoin Morgan after dismissing Shimron their business in the Caribbean, Hetmyer. Willey finished with 4-7

(OC McCoy, 12.6 ov) BOWLING DJ Willey (3-0-7-4) TK Curran (1-0-8-0) CJ Jordan (2-0-14-0) JL Denly (2-0-14-1) MA Wood (3-0-9-3) AU Rashid (2-0-18-2) England Innings AD Hales c Campbell b Holder 20 JM Bairstow † b Bishoo 37 JE Root not out 4 EJG Morgan (c) not out 10 Extras 1 (w 1) TOTAL (10.3 Overs, RR: 6.85) 72/2 Yet to bat: JL Denly, SW Billings, DJ Willey, TK Curran, CJ Jordan, AU Rashid, MA Wood Fall of wickets: 1-28 (AD Hales, 4.3 ov), 2-60 (JM Bairstow, 8.1 ov) BOWLING SS Cottrell (1-0-16-0) FA Allen (4-1-25-0) JO Holder (3-0-19-1) D Bishoo (1.3-1-11-1) JD Campbell (1-0-1-0)

England’s top runscorer in last winter’s T20 TriSeries in Australia and New Zealand has not played international cricket since being dropped after last summer’s first Test against India at Edgbaston.

Given this match was a dead rubber, the decision not to give him a game shows just how low he is in the pecking order of England’s white-

ball batsmen ahead of Cup. West Indies, first after winning Gayle out of their the series in replaced by

this summer’s World

who decided to bat the toss, left Chris team, with the man of the recent one-dayers John Campbell. Gayle made just 20 runs in the first two T20s and whether rested or dropped, the 39-yearold was probably not too upset at missing a contest with absolutely nothing riding on it.

West Indies looked distinctly disinterested, too, as they slumped to 24 for four in the fifth over of their innings, Willey picking up all four wickets inside his first 15 deliveries. Shai Hope slapped the very first of the match straight to short cover. Shimron Hetmyer was next in Willey’s next over, finding Chris Jordan at mid-off. Both were terrible shots by batsmen fooled by slower deliveries.

Yet Willey wasn’t done yet, removing Campbell, whose mistimed pull shot found cover, and Darren Bravo, edging a fine delivery that prompted a smart catch from the wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, in the space of three deliveries. Just two days after Chris Jordan had taken four for six in the second match of this series, Willey now had the second-best figures for an England T20 bowler.

Despite the excellence of England’s display in the field, there was one drop by Joe Root at mid-on to reprieve Jason Holder, the West Indies captain, on three.

Wood had bowled with real pace and aggression during the recent one-day series. After being rested for the first two T20s, he was even quicker here, with five of the deliveries in his second over clocked at above 90mph. It was actually his slower delivery in that over, though, that claimed the scalp of Nicholas Pooran, who was the victim of a quite brilliant running catch by Jordan at deep midwicket.

After Holder had smashed Joe Denly to Jordan at long-on in the previous over, West Indies found themselves 48 for six at the halfway point of their innings.

But just like on Friday, this game was in a hurry to finish as Adil Rashid’s bowled a perplexed Fabian Allen with a googly, and Wood struck twice more to leave West Indies on 60 for nine in the 12th over.

The first of those two wickets in four deliveries was thanks to a brilliant diving catch from Bairstow that saw the back of Carlos Brathwaite. The second was a full toss that sent Sheldon Cottrell’s off-stump cartwheeling through the air.

It really was carnage. By the time Rashid bowled Obed McCoy with the final delivery of the 13th over it felt like an act of mercy. In the space of 72 hours West Indies had scored a combined 116 for 20.

England, who had made 182 for six on Friday, were never going to be tested by this paltry target despite the losses of Alex Hales and Jonny Bairstow, with Morgan aptly hitting the winning runs off Devendra Bishoo.

‘Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Berbice…

Mighty Trafalgar stamps authority

– to battle Lichfield in semis

Complete Results

Trafalgar-3 vs Hopetown-0 Delwyn Fraser-[GG]-18th Kevin Layne Jr-12th

village of Trafalgar, still Hopetown-1 vs Lichfield-1 managed to underline their Hopetown won 1-0 on penalty kicks status as the team to beat in this year’s tournament.

Lichfield-1 vs NA Kings-B-0 East Bank Gunners-2 vs Outsiders-1 The champs have Akeem SMith-8th Gunners Scorers looked in invincible form Joseph Giddings-6th from the start of this East Bank Gunners-1 vs NA Kings-0 Sherwin Nicholson-17th year’s competition, and Sherwin Nicholson-6th must be firm favourites to retain their title when Outsiders Scorer the curtains come down Outsiders-0 vs Twenties-2 Devon James-9th on this competition on Dwayne Allen-[GG]-20th Saturday, Mar 16, at the Twenties-0 vs NA Kings-3 New Amsterdam Ferry Trafalgar-1 vs NA Kings-B-1 Quinn Hazel-[GG]-19th Stelling tarmac.

Trafalgar won 2-0 on penalty kicks Jamal Butts-12th Playing in last Saturday’s opening while Jamal Butts responded for the Kings. game before a large turnout of fans, Trafalgar -They now face Lichfield in the first semi-final, while the Kings led by a Guinness goal from star striker Delwyn take on East Bank Gunners in the other.

Fraser and one from Kevin Layne -- easily The winning team will receive $300,000 and the championship disposed of Hopetown by a 3-0 margin. trophy; while second, third and fourth place finishers will take In their second encounter, they were held home $150,000, $100,000 and $75,000 respectively. to a 1-1 draw by New Amsterdam Kings, before The organisers have assured fans that there will be giveaways at the final, as they anticipate another massive turnout to Part of the action on day two of this year’s Berbice Zone prevailing 2-0 in the penalty shootout.

Fraser was once again the player on target, witness what is already being touted as two epic matchups. of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition

Despite a bit of a wobble in their second encounter of the evening, reigning champions of the Berbice Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition, the West Coast

monday, march 11, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Page 22

Outstanding cyclists and PPP/C members at the presentation ceremony at Babu Jaan

22nd Annual Cheddi B. Jagan Memorial Race…

Curtis Dey escapes pack to win feature event

Curtis Dey, in green, sits in front

Narayan secures gold & bronze at CCAA Championships

West Indies and England 2019…

England end testing tour with T20 series whitewash Page 23

Page 22 Narayan Ramdhani The weather was kind enough to let the visitors win without hiccups

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