Guyana Times, Monday, March 18, 2019

P12

Mash 2019 exceeded expectations – Director of Culture Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3867

THE BEACON OF TRUTH monday, MARCH 18, 2019

PRICE

Constitution, rule of law must be preserved as constitutional crisis looms – Ram

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Essequibo remembers Dr Cheddi Jagan P9

See story on page 3

Guyana wholly unprepared for regulating oil sector – Attorney-at-Law Datadin ...has mere 60 pages of legislation when other countries have thousands Page 7

Shortage of drugs, medical supplies affects Region 6 hospitals – Regional Chairman P12

GPHC tragedies a result of inexperienced, political appointees – former Health P10 Minister

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam and a member of the Hindu community play Holi with US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch during the Phagwah programme hosted by the Government of Guyana at the Baridi Benab, State House. Acting President Carl Greenidge delivered brief remarks and extended best wishes to the nation on this auspicious celebration which will be held on Thursday

1 killed, Page 10 several injured during Page NA money changer early-morning 2 robbed by armed BV “Breadman” accident in men dressed as Page beaten to death Lethem schoolchildren 11 during robbery

Dry season ahead

Hydromet P14 Office urges conservation of water AGM Inc records 1 million manhours P11

2 news BV “Breadman” beaten to death during robbery monday, MARCH 18, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

A

Shaundell Emmanuel

Claymont Telford

Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man, popularly known as the “Breadman” was killed in the wee hours of Sunday morning when gunmen invaded his property.

Dead is Claymont Telford, 63, of Lot 101 Republic Drive, Beterverwagting. He was attacked along with his reputed wife, Shaundell Emmanuel at around 01:30h.

According to reports, the couple had just closed their shop located in front of their home and was in the process of packing up their supplies when they were attacked.

Guyana Times understands that three masked men cladded in dark clothing emerged from aback of the house and confronted the woman.

Two of the men reportedly led her into the house where they tied her up and

began to ransack the bottom flat of the two storey wooden house.

The now dead man reportedly heard screams and went to check but instead he was attacked by one of the men who proceeded to tie his hands behind his back and led him outside of the house.

His wife told the Guyana Times that while inside, she was beaten to

her head and was choked several times.

The distraught woman who indicated that she has Parkinson disease, said one of the gunmen forced a pistol into her mouth and demanded valuables.

“He choke me and beat me up terrible in my head, then they tek the gun and put it down to my throat and seh that they got to get the money, the jewel and

the phone card or they gone killed he (Claymont) but I keep calling and screaming for he (Claymont)…the two that was inside with me kept searching in here for the valuables because I ended up telling them where it was” the terrified woman recalled.

According to the woman, at this time she began screaming for neighbors to lend assistance but no one responded.

“I keep screaming, calling for help but people say they hear me screaming but they ain’t know is what…they aint come out and give a hand”.

After getting the valuables, the three armed men escaped on motorcycles.

Emmanuel managed to untie herself and ran outside, it was at this time that she found her husband lying in a pool of blood in the yard.

“When I come out find him lying here, if you see blood…hands was tied be-

hind his back…they didn’t fire any gunshot or anything so I aint know how they kill him but I ran down the road and I call for help and some people tell me that they try to call the police…when he almost dead, then the Police come and I see people start coming out” the woman cried.

Claymont was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Emmanuel was also taken to the Mahaicony Hospital where she was treated and sent away.

This is not the first robbery committed on the couple. A few years ago, they were attacked by gunmen, badly beaten and robbed a large sum of cash. Up to press time, no one was arrested however the Police have confirmed that an investigation has been launched. The man leaves to mourn his wife and one child. (Kizzy Coleman)

news

3

monday, MARCH 18, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Monday, March 18 – 09:00h-12:00h with no marine transit and Tuesday, March 19 – 04:00h and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, March 18 – 14:10h-15:40h and Tuesday, March 19 – 15:05h-16:35h.

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

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

Overall temperatures will range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 14:53h reaching a maximum height of 2.59 metres.

Low Tide: 08:25h and 20:54h reaching minimum heights of 0.76 metre and 0.56 metre.

saturday, march 16, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

03 06 17

25 27 28

FREE TICKET

26 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

18 19 20 24 26 LUCKY 3

8

8

2

8

Afternoon Draw

4

0

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01

03

05

07

PAY DAY

02 03 10 13 17

08 17 20 SUPER PAY DAY

03 05 13 15 18

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

Constitution, rule of law must be preserved as constitutional crisis looms – Ram

W

ith mere days remaining before a possible constitutional crisis, political commentator Christopher Ram has emphasised the need for Guyanese and political parties to come together to uphold democracy and the Constitution in Guyana.

Ram was at the time speaking at a town-hall meeting, where he moderated a panel of representatives from the various political parties, held on Saturday at the Theatre Guild.

“I am saying that we, as political parties, and we, as citizens, will have to take actions to prevent the institutionalisation of our democracy and the usurpation of our Constitution… I’m advocating any legitimate and legal form of action to preserve our Constitution and the rule of law,” he asserted.

The social commentator pointed to a recent discussion programme he was part of with Third Vice President and Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan, who had contended that the coalition Government could invoke the ‘doctrine of necessity’.

“Now here it is, they have brought about a crisis and then decided ‘we will stay in office because of a necessity’,” Ram noted.

He mentioned that Ramjattan had cited a Court of Appeal ruling by Justice JOF Haynes in relation to events in Grenada. But Ram outlined that the prerequisites for a doctrine of necessity states that an imperative necessity must arise because of the existence of exceptional circumstances not provided for in the Constitution; and that there must not be no other course of action reasonably available and any such action must be reasonably necessary in the interest of peace, order, and good government.

“This government has violated all those conditions set out by Justice Haynes in the Grenade Court of Appeal.

So, I come back to situation, what are we going to do? Are we going to take the defeatist attitude … or we go back to a situation where we had our Constitution challenged in the 70s and 80s, where the political parties got together through a ‘Patriotic Coalition of Democracy’, I think it was called, and say we will not put up with this?” Ram, also a practising lawyer, questioned.

Furthermore, the political commentator, in lamenting the coalition Government’s ongoing violation of the Constitution, went on to talk about the cases on the no-confidence motion currently before the Appeal Court.

He pointed out that the Judges derive their powers from the Constitution and as such, questioned the manner in which they will act. “… what will they do?

Will they continue to uphold

President David Granger

Political commentator Christopher Ram

GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson

the Constitution which they know has been violated? The Chief Justice has ruled that implication of non-compliance will be violation. Will our (Appeal Court) now respect that usurping government as a legal authority? Will our public officers, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Finance Secretary, allow the payment of funds that are clearly unconstitutional and unlawful …,” he asked.

Only last Thursday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had reiterated that the coalition Government is using the courts to deliberately delay the constitutionally-mandated General and Regional Elections in order to hang on to power. He asserted that the January 31 rulings of acting Chief Justice Roxane George were profound so no amount of foreign representation could change it.

“For every single argument that is being made now (by Government), she struck them down with the most formidable of reasoning … So the nonsensical arguments and whoever they bring from the Region, they can pay the highest-price

lawyers from anywhere in the world, but it won’t change the reality … And where are these arguments leading us? We’re just delaying everything. The court is being used to delay the elections,” Jagdeo maintained.

In fact, many other commentators also believe that the Government is using the courts as a deliberate means to delay the holding of General and Regional Elections, which were constitutionally mandated to be held by March 21, which is three days ways.

However, President

David Granger has insisted that there was no attempt by his Government to delay the hosting of polls and he was awaiting the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to guide him on its level of readiness before he could set a date for the polls.

But the elections body has indicated that it could not hold polls before the March 21 deadline and has voted to do house-to-house registration which will conclude in November. turn to page 8

4

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, MARCH 18, 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

The Govt, the people, and the rule of law

T

he “rule of law” is one of those phrases that this Government loves to use, and our citizenry is very familiar with it. But, like the perfunctory “good morning” or “good afternoon” greeting, it has absolutely no bearing on phenomena invoked. This is rather unfortunate, since it is this “rule of law” that has to be the foundation of any state we hope to establish in our longabused land, where our people - brought here to labour as slaves and indentured servants, or peripheralised into the jungles - can live with dignity.

What is the ‘rule of law”? Ultimately, that citizens should be ruled by laws and not men, and that no man even a king - can be above those laws. In Britain, which ruled us for hundreds of years, the move from the rule of an absolute monarch to the present “rule of law” took hundreds of years, and witnessed a king beheaded. In Guyana, with only a half-century experience, our citizens are evidently yet not imbued with the well-nigh-reflexive opposition to threats to the rule of law, as is the case in the developed democracies.

The immediate problem arises with the word “rule”. Whether out of “human nature” arising from the “twisted timber” out of which they are made, or individual idiosyncrasies of those who are chosen to “rule”, some being more “twisted” than others, the rule of law is constantly tested, especially by the rulers, as it is today by the PNC-led Government.

The “rule of law” has to begin with the “law” - the rules by which we are to be ruled -- and ultimately these have to emanate from the will of the people if they are to be seen as legitimate and obeyed. The Supreme Law of the land is the Constitution, which “constitutes” the state that is supposed to rule the citizenry under its mandate.

Arising from the need to always be careful of the dangers of power being centralised and taking on authoritarian characteristics, modern constitutions invariably insist that the powers to rule the state be separated into the three functional areas of governance: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The Legislative branch is responsible for enacting the laws of the state and authorising the funds necessary to operate the government. The Executive branch is responsible for implementing and administering the public policy enacted and funded by the legislative branch. While the Judicial branch is responsible for interpreting the constitution and laws, and applying their interpretations to controversies brought before it.

The organisations that have these powers should be structured in such a way that they act as “checks and balances” on each other, to ensure the rule of law is not violated.

In Guyana, we should discern immediately that the Executive President still has such a large reservoir of power, even after the 2000 Constitutional amendments, that it is facilitated to pose a challenge to democratic governance and the rule of law. This is evident when the incumbent refuses to accept the spirit of the Constitution as emanating from the intent of its framers. Take Article 162, covering the selection of the Chairman of GECOM. The intent of the framers was for the competing political parties to consensually select a candidate by insisting he/she be selected by the President from a list of six persons proposed by the Opposition Leader (OL). That the Judiciary allowed the President to unilaterally select his hand-picked candidate without any input from the OL is most unfortunate, and the constitutional crisis that we are presently facing was enabled by this decision.

As we face the abyss of a constitutional crisis, such as has never been seen in the history of our republic – the refusal of the President to obey the clear command of the Constitution - the citizens of the country must accept that ultimate sovereignty, which undergirds the rule of law, lies in their hands.

And they have to protect it from an out-of-control Leviathan.

Members of the National School of Dance perform a routine at the Mashramani Awards Ceremony on Friday evening at the National Cultural Centre

German reporter released by Venezuela returns home

A

German reporter held

by Venezuelan authorities for four months flew back home Sunday after being conditionally released, a Venezuelan NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) said.

Billy Six, 32, “is in the air right now, flying from Caracas,” Carlos Correa, head of the Espacio Publico NGO that defends free speech, told AFP. The group published a photo on Twitter showing the German in a plane making the sign of V-for-victory with his fingers.

Six was arrested in northern Falcon state on November 17 for allegedly photographing President Maduro at a proximity deemed too close by the leader’s minders.

After being held for four months by the Venezuelan intelligence service – during which he staged a brief hunger strike – he was released on Friday with orders to report to court every two weeks, Espacio Publico said.

But Correa said that, as he had no specific ban on leaving the country, Six “considered it best” to return to Germany.

The reporter had been in Venezuela to investigate drug trafficking, smuggling and human trafficking – and the exodus of Venezuelans forced to migrate due to economic crisis.

Espacio Publico and Journalists’ associations in Venezuela accuse Maduro’s Government of systematically limiting access and movements of Journalists.

Arrests of media employees have increased in recent months as Maduro and Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó have been duelling over who is the legitimate President of the country.

Guaidó, head of the Opposition-controlled legislature, declared himself interim President at a public rally on January 23,

German Journalist Billy Six, in a file image, was headed home after being detained for four months in Venezuela (AFP/file)

saying that an election widely viewed as a sham last year meant Maduro was a “usurper”.

The Opposition Leader is backed by 50 countries, including Germany and the United States.

On March 7, Maduro’s Government expelled the German Ambassador, accusing him of “meddling” in domestic affairs.

Opposition Leader Guaidó tours Venezuela to stir up support Venezuela’s self-proclaimed interim leader Juan Guaidó has begun a tour of his country aimed at sparking a citizen’s movement to pry President Nicolás Maduro from power.

As Guaidó, 35, kicked off his “operation freedom” in the northern city of Valencia, the pro-Maduro military staged the latest in a series of exercises.

The drill focused on defending hydroelectric infrastructure from attack -- a reaction to a weeklong national blackout that Maduro blamed on US “sabotage”, but experts said was more likely the result of years of neglect.

Guaidó, the head of the Opposition-ruled National Assembly whose claim to be caretaker president is recognised by the US, Canada and much of Latin America and Europe, vowed he would “very soon” take up office in Miraflores, the presidential

palace.

He has been pushing for nearly two months against Maduro after declaring himself acting president during street rallies by tens of thousands, following Maduro’s swearing-in for a second term despite elections widely dismissed as a sham.

Maduro, he said, “believes that a thieving gang or a palace makes him president. It’s only the support of our people that makes someone president of a nation and he doesn’t have that. And not much longer will he be in that palace.”

Guaidó offered no timeline for the mobilization across Venezuela, which he said will culminate with a march on the presidential palace in Caracas.

Accompanying Guaidó on his tour are Opposition lawmakers tasked with creating citizen assemblies – “freedom cells” – across the country.

“Whatever happens, we must be united, mobilised in the streets,” Guaidó said, adding that he has not ruled out asking the National Assembly to activate a constitutional clause allowing foreign military intervention – though such a move “depended on others”.

US ratchets up sanctions That was taken as a reference to US military action, which US President Donald Trump has repeatedly refused to rule out, even though there is no sign such an operation is being mounted and US allies in Latin America oppose the idea.

On Saturday, pro-Maduro demonstrators gathered in front of Trump’s White House in Washington to protest any US-led intervention in Venezuela, while anti-Maduro protesters held their own rally nearby.

Washington has so far concentrated on ratcheting up sanctions on Venezuela.

That has made an already

dire economic situation in the country worse, while increasing pressure on Maduro.

On April 28, a US embargo on Venezuelan oil exports will go into effect, dealing a heavy blow to Venezuela’s diminished finances, as America accounts for half of the oil exported.

A major barrier to Guaidó ‘s plan to wrest control of the country is the military, which has so far remained loyal to Maduro, who has put generals in charge of lucrative civilian agencies and institutions.

Guaidó has offered amnesties to soldiers who abandon Maduro, and on Saturday tweeted that he has “contacted” officers to ask them not to repress Opposition protesters.

As has become common when the Opposition holds an event, pro-Maduro crowds surged into the streets of central Caracas on Saturday.

A senior regime official, Diosdado Cabello, roared to thousands of pro-government supporters that Guaidó and his team “will never enter the palace of the revolutionary people”.

He asked the crowd if they would accept “the oligarchy, the bourgeoisie” taking charge, prompting a loud “No” in response.

“We need a real opposition, one that isn’t beholden to the imperialists, one that has personal standards and knows what is really happening in Venezuela,” Cabello said.

Among the regime supporters, voices raged against perceived US meddling.

“Every minute of peace Venezuela has is a victory for the revolution and a defeat for the North American empire (the US) that really wants to see us killing each other here,” one pro-Maduro demonstrator, Hermes Flores, told AFP. For him, Guaidó was “a flame that will go out”. (AFP)

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, MARCH 18, 2019

5

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

of elections Don’t prolong to rig Delaying is denying democracy

Dear Editor, GECOM is always functioning, and should always have mechanisms in place to hold elections at any given time, given our relatively small population.

In other countries with larger populations, elections are held in a small time frame, and I am wondering if money is being spent on GEOCOM under false pretence, or the body is naturally incompetent.

Immediately after the results of the no-confidence motion, GEOCOM should have already changed its gear into election mode and await orders. Instead, we see them sitting, awaiting all the running around the ruling Government is doing to prevent election, and I personally believe many within GEOCOM are undermining the process and siding with the Government to prevent election at the legally stipulated time.

Because of this action and the history of incidents during elections in Guyana, there will no doubt be disturbances should things not go the way they are supposed to go. I’ve said it before and will repeat: with a Government that has not fully settled into its position, the officials have seen the benefits that come with their jobs, and based on their actions, they are not prepared to give up power that easily.

Indeed, they seem more corrupt and selfish than the previous administration, and they are more obsessed with proving that they are better than the previous administration, but the fact of the matter is that they are looking more racial and incompetent; and whilst they are concentrating on that, their duties are being

neglected, or mostly wrong decisions are being made.

Editor, no political party could win an election by itself, and many supporters invested heavily behind this present administration, only to be disappointed. Immediately after swearing in, most of the best positions were offered to personal friends and retirees.

Some were even brought back from other countries to fill positions in front of those who had remained in Guyana.

Today, whilst their ability to perform is seriously lacking, money seems to be readily available for spending on them for expensive treatment overseas, as they attempt to cheat death. After elections, this present Government embarked on projects under the guise of development/helping communities, but their concentration seems to be focused mainly on one race, whilst at the same time they started to enrich themselves.

Their actions have caused tremendous damage to their reputation and that of the party as a whole. Within the party, their supporters feel neglected after seeing their actions, some have even turned their backs on them, including many who voted for them, as they got upset at their actions.

In many agencies, when conducting business or seeking help, you are given a royal push-around if you choose not to grease any hands. Some people cannot afford to do so, and out of utter frustration they would seek Government’s intervention or that of someone they know within the party.

Interestingly, their pleas would be ignored, or they would again be pushed around or be bluntly refused help, whilst others who

are closer to the rulers could be seen getting help.

In Campbellville, there’s a family well known for their support to the PNCR. After the elections, they sought audience with members of the Government to resolve an issue/issues they were having.

After being pushed around, they made one visit to the Leader of the Opposition, and a phone call resolved their problems. Today the Opposition Leader is being given some of the best welcome into their area, and the Government is not welcome there.

Another strong party supporter spent the whole day at the Office of the President to get free overseas medical treatment for her mother, and her request didn’t stand a chance.

Frustrated, she visited one former Minister of the PPPC, and with one phone call, her mother was on an aeroplane heading for her treatment.

I cite these two incidents because many know of them and many other supporters are being treated in the same way. It seems as if the PPPC are more effective than them in and out of office.

Finally Editor, after the elections, supporters and activists seem to be forgotten, and many either get pushed around or are being avoided.

As a result, they seek audience elsewhere, and are given a much better welcome. Look at the gathering of the various political parties all over, and you will see that the PPPC have the most mixed races’ gathering to support them. Your will see now many Africans openly supporting the PPPC, and accusations about them being bought circulating, but the reality is that they are frustrated

with what is taking place, and based on the facts/ evidence, by comparison, the PPPC are way better in managing Guyana.

As the election mode gets around, many stats/figures would be circulated to prove the PPPC competence, and many would just glance at the information, but they should not take it lightly. One of the main propaganda points circulating concerns the increase of the minimum wage. The Chinese are seemingly the biggest employers of labour (sales reps), and most of their employees’ salaries don’t exceed forty thousand dollars a month, while their hours of work are way more than the normal working hours.

Apart from the Chinese, many other places practise the same things, and with the influx of Venezuelans, advantage is blatantly being taken on employees. I know of Venezuelans being employed locally who daily have to start working from 7:00h; they take lunch at 14:00h and finish working at 18:00h, all for $2,500 per day.

Their matters were reported to the authorities, but nothing seems to be arising from these matters.

Similarly, expired or defective food items are easily available throughout Guyana, but this incompetent administration cannot seem to come up with a tangible plan to combat this lawlessness, and daily they are boasting of performance.

If they are confident of their performance, let them call the election, don’t prolong it to put mechanisms in place for rigging.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

Cybersecurity Dear Editor, Permit me a space in your publication to highlight some of the perils which both private and public organisations in developing countries such as Guyana face on a daily basis.

The threats referred to are those which are birthed from our dependence on the technological platforms which are designed to allow for, inter alia, structured communication; targeted marketing of products and services; archiving and reporting on information critical to executive-level decisions; and overall enhancement of business processes which are intended to promote efficiency and efficacy at key levels.

More recently, on 6th Feb, 2019, the Guyana Power & Light Inc. (GPL), through a press release, informed of a “cyber-attack on the Company’s computerized systems”, which affected their Customer Information System. The statement further alluded to the request of a “ransom of bitcoins (digital money) to remove all encryptions from within its network”.

While the GPL Information Systems team

should be commended for their quick response, for initiating a quarantine to prevent propagation, and for invoking the disaster recovery mechanisms to restore the systems in a timely manner, I am of the view that such a threat should never have occurred in the first place.

The issue here is that of ransomware, which occurs when a network of systems is penetrated by one of a myriad of various ways, to introduce a virus which propagates across that network insofar as it is able, and accesses files and performs an encryption on them. In simple terms, the only way to regain control of those files is through the decryption process, which requires a decryption key.

Due to its difficulty in traceability, perpetrators of ransomware attacks promise the decryption keys in exchange for digital currency, such as bitcoins.

In January 2017, the Guyana Water Inc. suffered a similar attack, which resulted in downtime of services. It should be noteworthy to mention also that the Guyana National Computer Incident Response Team (GNCIRT), in May of that very

year, issued a cybersecurity alert warning of the “Wanna Cry” ransomware, which exploited a vulnerability in the Windows Operating System.

That vulnerability has since been patched.

The Symantec Internet Security Threat Report (https://resource.elq.symantec.com/LP=6819 – Feb. 2019) reveals that worldwide ransomware attacks were down 20 per cent during 2018, as opposed to 2017, when enterprise ransomware attacks had surged 12 per cent. This indicates a revolution in cryptovirology, which is intended to target more advanced infrastructure rather than the regular “mom and pop shops”.

In 2018, the report referenced the “chief ransomware distribution method” as being targeted email campaigns exploited due to dependence on the use of email.

In my experience, and through studies, most ransomware attacks are as a result of some form of negligence on the part of network administrators, whether directly failing to implement security and alerting platforms, or indirectly, through the inadequacies of their systems. The ever-evolving threat-land-

scape must be constantly analysed, and actions taken insofar as those are affordable to organisations across the spectrum.

Organisations and companies are urged to invest significantly in ensuring that their IT personnel are trained, and implement mechanisms which constantly keep security best practices in check.

The importance of the formulation of a detailed Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) should be as a result of careful studies of both the internal and external dynamics of any organisation, big or small, public or private. Brainstorming sessions intended to identify all risks and possible mitigative measures can also be of great utility to the formulation of a DRP. IT administrators are further urged to assess the risk at every level of staff (from the customer service representatives straight up to executive management, and specifically IT personnel and the systems which they interact with) to ensure coverage and implementation of usage policies.

Regards, Aneal Giddings

Dear Editor, Electoral processes for Local Government, Regional and General Elections are constitutionally guaranteed by the Constitution of Guyana.

As such, the holding of elections is one of the key components in ensuring democracy, because it enhances citizens’ participation in governance, ensuring Government accountability and encouraging political competitiveness.

President David Granger recently announced that he would ensure that he “delivered free, fair and credible elections at the shortest possible time”.

This statement is trying to confuse Guyanese that without a house-to-house registration the elections would not be free, fair and credible; but what are the characteristics of a credible election?

Although there is no standard definition of a credible election, there are some aspects of a credible election, the first and foremost feature of which is that it must reflect the will of the people.

According to Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of Government; this shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections, which shall be by universal and equal suffrage, and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

The present voters list is a reflection of the will of the people, because it was used to conduct the LGE on 12th November 2019, and is valid until April 30th 2019.

The second important criterion of a credible election is that it must facilitate participation by all qualified political parties. Ensuring fair competition among the political parties and candidates is another important attribute of credible elections.

The third fundamental ingredient of credible election is that it must have an impartial and neutral administration at the Guyana Elections Commission, in that the electoral process must be trusted by the citizens.

Building the public’s trust in the elections processes is of the utmost importance to any elections management body around the world. The credibility of elections largely depends on the actual and perceived integrity of the electoral process.

More specifically, if citizens believe the electoral process is defective, dishonest, or less than free and fair, they may not accept the outcome.

The Commonwealth places critical importance on strengthening election management bodies, because of the central role they play in ensuring that the right of citizens to elect their leaders through peaceful and credible processes with high integrity is safeguarded.

Some other vital characteristics of credible elections are as follows: the outcome of the elections, or counting of votes, must be accurate and legitimate; an effective legal framework must be in place; security of voters must be ensured before and after elections; there must be access to the media and elections observers in the elections process; and the present Government must be impartial.

When all the variables mentioned above are available in the process, conduct and outcome of elections, then those elections could be considered free, fair and credible.

Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo must be complimented for the cooperation and efforts he has shown during this period in order to save Guyana from becoming a FAILED STATE. Regards, Zamal Hussain

6

monday, march 18, 2019

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

…how do we keep children safe from inappropriate content when using online media?

By Vanessa LoBue, PhD

M

y oldest son turned four in January.

Now a full-time preschooler, he often comes home reciting new words, new letters, and new songs. For the most part, this is a good thing. He’s learning a lot. He can now name the months of the year, the days of the week, and he can even write his own name. But some days when he comes home with something new, I have no idea where he learned it. The day he came home singing “Baby Shark” for the first time, I had no idea what h e

was singing or where he heard it. It was only weeks later, when I heard the song on YouTube, that I finally understood what he was singing. This was the first time I realised that as he gets older, I am going to lose more and more control over what he hears, what he sees, and what he learns from other people, and important-

ly, from media.

Last week, anxiety about control of our children’s media exposure went viral with news of the Momo Challenge. If you haven’t been tuned in, the “Momo Challenge” is an online game that reportedly has a frightening pop-up avatar that appears on YouTube or Whatsapp that encourages children to hurt themselves and others. It turned out to be a hoax that gained traction on social media and was then picked up by various news organisations, but it terrified parents nonetheless, which is likely why it spread

so quickly. Momo made a lot of parents (including this one) think hard about their children’s media use, and how to best protect them from potentially harmful content.

Protecting children from media is a big challenge, as media use in children has

grown dramatically over the past 50 years.

For example, in the 1970s, children began watching television regularly when they were around four years old, the same age as my son. Nowadays, children typically begin watching screen media when they are four months old instead of four years old (Chassiakos, Radesky, Christakis, Moreno, & Cross, 2016). The type of media children are watching is also changing. For example, while the amount of time children spend watching television and DVDs, playing video games, and using a computer has gone down in recent years, mobile device use has gone way up. In 2011, only 38 per cent of zero- to eight-year-olds had experience using mobile devices. In 2013, that number nearly doubled, rising to 72 per cent (Rideout, 2013). In fact, children under the age of eight spend an average of almost two hours a day on screen media, including media like YouTube where the Momo Challenge allegedly spread. A recent study suggests that this number is actually a low estimate, and in a sample of 350 children between six months and four years of age, nearly 97 per cent had experience using mobile devices, and for most, this experience started before the age of one (Kabali, 2015).

These numbers only get bigger as children get older. Nearly three-quarters of teens own a cell phone, 92 per

cent say they are online daily, with 24 per cent claiming that they are online all the time. Teenagers spend a lot of this time on social media in particular, with 71 per cent claiming that they frequently use more than one social media site, including Facebook (which is the most popular), Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter (Lehnart, 2015).

Is there anything particularly dangerous about all of this screen time? The answer is mixed. While there is absolutely no evidence that infants under the age of two can learn anything from screen media, research suggests that preschool-aged children can actually learn literacy skills, vocabulary, and even social skills from high-quality, educational television programs (eg, Linegarer, Kosanic, Greenwood, & Doku, 2004; Wright et al, 2001).

For example, in a long-term study on children’s viewing of Sesame Street at home, researchers reported children who had access to the show were less likely to fall behind in school than children who didn’t (Kearney & Levine, 2015). Similarly, a recent study showed after watching Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, two- to six-year-old children exhibit better emotion recognition and empathy (Rasmussen et al, 2016). (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

(To be continued)

Staying safe online

1) Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.

2) Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.

3) Keep your privacy settings as high as possible 4) Never give out your passwords 5) Don’t befriend people you don’t know 6) Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you do 7) Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are 8) Think carefully about what you say before you post something online 9) Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude 10) If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately. (safetynetkids. org)

7 Guyana wholly unprepared for regulating oil sector – Attorney-at-Law Datadin news

monday, MARCH 18, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

...has mere 60 pages of legislation when other countries have thousands

F

irst oil is just around the corner, and according to one prominent lawyer, Guyana’s legislative framework is still woefully inadequate to regulate a sector that is expected to dwarf the traditional sectors in revenue.

During a Nations School of Business and Managementfacilitated seminar on oil and gas on Sunday, Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin noted that Guyana is behind in its preparations to regulate the oil and gas sector compared to other countries.

This is a criticism the coalition Government has periodically faced. Since oil was discovered by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek block in 2015, just one piece of legislation specifically for the oil and gas sector has been completed and assented to; and that is the Natural Resources Fund Bill.

“Look at it this way,” Datadin explained. “If we take England, England has had at least 3,000 pages of legislation. That was the basics. Then they had subsidiary legislation. That was probably another 10,000. At present, we have 60 pages.

“Now, I understand the whole argument of quality, quantity and all the

rest. But we have a petroleum Act which is from the 1930s. And then we have the (1986) Act. The 1930s one was when the first sort of exploration first took place,” Datadin explained.

According to Datadin, little has been done to regulate the sector until the passage of this Act. He noted the steps other countries have taken to protect their resources and people. For instance, in Trinidad, foreign oil companies are limited in their ownership of land.

“Nothing else has happened, until (1986) when we passed the Petroleum Act. Now, that Act really only provides for licensing, how you issue licences; it has nothing to do with the myriad of issues you have to deal with,” he explained.

“We have a ‘production agreement’. Now, these things have to be regulated.

Countries have put in their legislation what can and cannot be in the contract.

They have put in the legislation everything you must have and cannot have, and they have made it law,” he explained.

The attorney explained that this protects countries and individual Ministers from being corrupted, as there are legislative limits

A section of the gathering at the seminar, which was held on Sunday

to what concessions they can agree to give to an oil company.

“If an oil company comes and has a one-on-one meeting with the Department of Energy or a Minister in charge, they can’t influence them to give them a better deal. Which means the opportunity for corruption is drastically reduced. I believe that’s the only way to protect fragile territories like ours,” he said.

“If we can’t agree to royalties (of) less than seven per cent, then two per cent would have never happened,” Datadin said as an example. “We like to say that every time there’s a bad deal there’s usually a

(saying) that someone was paid. That may or may not be true, but these companies have budgets larger than our country, and you have to understand what economic pressure is.”

Regulation

After its 10th discovery of oil in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil estimated the recoverable resource in the block to be 5 billion oil equivalent barrels. At US$50 a barrel, that equates to well over US$200 billion.

Exxon has since found oil in two other wells. In addition, an independent assessment, or competent persons report, had found that 2.9 billion barrels of oil exist in

the Orinduik block.

All of this will represent a monetary windfall for Guyana, which will be saved and invested through a Natural Resources Fund.

Previously, a green paper on the fund was laid in the National Assembly. Government released the draft Natural Resources Fund Bill of 2018, which had, among other things, proposed the creation of a 22-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee that would oversee the management of the fund and provide checks and balances.

President David Granger assented to this bill on January 23rd.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator, and holds a 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 per cent interest.

A contract was inked on October 7, 2016 between the coalition Government and ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block.

In the renegotiated contract, Guyana agreed to a two per cent royalty for every barrel of oil, a 50 per cent share of profit oil, and a US$18 million signing bonus.

Out of the contract, Guyana also secured the company’s agreement to set up a fund for social and environmental projects.

Exxon has to contribute US$300,000 per year to this fund. The sums roll over, and the company together with Government will determine which projects to fund.

The contract sets aside another US$300,000 per year to ensure Guyanese personnel are trained at local or overseas universities and conferences.

8 news

monday, MARCH 18, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Linden fatal accident

Driver involved in porter’s death gets station bail

T

he driver of the container truck which crushed to death a Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) porter o death in Linden last Saturday was placed on $200,000 station bail after spending 72 hours in the.

E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) Commander Linden Lord has indicated that legal advice would be sought on how to further proceed with the matter. Twenty-five-year-old Jovon Jommol Anthony, of 44 Prince Williams Street, Plaisance, was killed after he was pinned by the truck on which he was working in the vicinity of the Kara toll booth, Mackenzie, Linden.

The incident occurred at approximately 13:00h on the day in question.

Dead: Jovon Jommol Anthony

Enquiries revealed that the motor lorry, driven by a 28-year-old of Triumph, ECD, was at the time proceeding along the Kara Kara Public Road with Anthony on board.

The motor lorry, GSS 1407, along with trailer # TMM 2242, was proceeding east along the northern side of the road when the now deceased man disembarked to pay the toll.

After doing so, he reportedly jumped back onto the lorry’s gas tank situated on the left side of the front section while the vehicle was still in motion.

Anthony lost his grip and then fell into the path of the lorry and was run over by the vehicle’s trailer.

He was later pronounced dead on the spot by a doctor attached to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

Labourer accused of robbing delivery man further remanded

T

hree months after a North Ruimveldt labourer was charged in connection with several armed robberies, he was further remanded to prison by Magistrate Leron Daly when he made another court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

According to Magistrate Daly, no special reasons were given for the defendant to be granted his pre-trial liberty.

It is alleged that on January 7, 2019, at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown,

while being armed with a gun, Seon Goodluck robbed Jason Busbury of one Honda XR motorcycle with registration number CJ 4339 valued $435,000.

It was further alleged that on January 9, 2019, at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he fraudulently imitated registration number CJ 7296 on one Honda XR motorcycle, which is registered with CJ 4339.

On his first appearance, he pleaded not guilty to both charges after they were read to him by Principal

Magistrate Sherdel MarcusIsaacs.

The court was told that on the day in question, the defendant contacted Pizza Hut delivery service and made an order. The court heard that upon Busbury’s arrival at the location, the defendant pulled out a gun from his waistband and relieved him of his motorcycle and escaped.

Days after the robbery, the victim saw Goodluck’s photo in the media after he was charged with several armed robberies and imme-

diately went to the Police and informed them that it was the same man who had robbed him. As such, charges were instituted.

The Prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that the defendant has several matters of similar nature, pending before the courts.

During December 2018, Goodluck was also slapped with four armed robbery charges and was placed on remand for those matters.

He was instructed to make his next court appearance on April 1, 2019.

Constitution, rule of law must be preserved... from page 3

The Opposition, in recent statements, had called out the Head of State for his duplicity regarding elections, noting that he rejected a work plan put forward by one of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Commissioners on GECOM. This proposal caters for the holding of elections before April 30 when the voters’ list will expire.

But in a subsequent statement on Saturday, the Ministry of the Presidency said that the President has not rejected the April work plan, but rather has asked that it be submitted to GECOM instead.

Nevertheless, during an emergency meeting at GECOM on Thursday, the Opposition’s Commissioners were forced to walk out after the Government-nominated Commissioners sidelined the motion on its proposal to discuss other matters.

With only three more days before the deadline expires, Opposition Leader Jagdeo has already engaged several international bodies and the diplomatic community here to not recognise the coalition Government after March 21.

The end game…

F

…checkmated? olks are wondering why the PNC is raising such a storm and fury over the elections date – after their immediate acceptance of the consequences of the NCM. What’s the difference even a year would make? Some say they wanted “first oil” to start flowing, so that they could dazzle the electorate with a spending bonanza rivalling those of the “pork- knockers” of yore!!

Money to burn! Literally!!

There COULD be something there. Exxon’s never deviated from predicting first oil in March 2020, and the coalition Government’s full five-year term would’ve ended in April, for elections to be scheduled by then.

But in one or two months of production, there wouldn’t have been much money flowing into the Treasury to dole out those US$5000 cheques to the masses that were touted by the WPA’s Clive Thomas.

So if this theory is to pan out, the elections would have to be delayed to at least the end of 2020. Is this what Granger and his crew have in mind? Let’s see. But in the meantime, we can do worse than consider the words of Granger himself about the 2020 elections. Towards the end of 2017, Granger was in Atlanta, Georgia in front of the PNC’s Overseas Chapter, which included hundreds of his ex-GDF faithful. He was relaxed and among friends.

And this is what he said about the immediate future in that unguarded moment: “Whatever you will choose to discuss today and the weeks and months to come, I think there are several questions that you have to ask yourself as you look to the future.

You have to ask yourself how did the PNC gain office in 1964. Ask yourself how did the PNC remain in office, and what did it do during that period. Ask yourself how the PNC regained office in 2015, and ask yourself how would the PNC retain office after 2020.”

So let’s answer those questions posed by Granger, shall we? To his first one, the PNC gained office by coalescing with the UF. And “how did the PNC remain in office”? Well, we all know that it was by RIGGING ELECTIONS, of course!! How did it get into office in 2015?

By coalescing with the AFC. So how will the PNC retain office after 2020”?? Well, if we follow the logic of the questions posed…duh! …it’ll be by RIGGING ELECTIONS!!!

And your Eyewitness believes THIS is the reason for dragging out the elections date. Like the good military planners and strategists they are, Granger’s men would’ve been working on a plan with a timeline.

And Jagdeo’s NCM masterstroke threw it off track!!

Grrrrr!

The best laid plans of mice and men…!! …explained But one has to also ask why are Granger and the PNC crew willing to take such risk of rigging elections again?

You just have to follow the unguarded blogs of PNC folks: it’s all tied to their view of the “kind of people” in the PPP. Let’s start from the head honcho himself, David Granger.

At that same meeting with the faithful in Atlanta, he got a big chuckle when he referred to the PPP’s heckling while he’d addressed the National Assembly.

He snickered: “I was greeted in the National Assembly by a crowd of vulgarians!” Yes, vulgarians – persons who make ostentatious displays of wealth, and are often poorly educated or lacking in refinement!! It’s more than just an elitist disparagement of ‘PPP people’. It was explained

by Nietzsche as ‘ressissentiment’: having deep anger and envy at a set of people who were once your social inferiors, but who’ve now superseded you!

“How can such people be ALLOWED rule in the age of oil?? They’re beyond the pale!!” …for protests Asked what’ll happen after the NCM saga plays out and there are protests in the streets, Public Security Minister Ramjattan assured a global Guyanese audience that any elections violence will be “quelled”!!

From a man who couldn’t even get his choice for CoP approved!!

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

News

9

monday, MARCH 18, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibo remembers Reduction of drug usage in schools Dr Cheddi Jagan recorded – Police

T

he month of activities in observance of the 22nd death anniversary of the founding leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Cheddi Jagan continues, this time in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

The youth arm of the PPP – the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) – on Sunday held a lecture on the life of Dr Jagan at Freedom House in Anna Regina. It was attended by the PYO members in Essequibo.

PPP/C Member of Parliament, Vickram Bharrat, in his presentation, pointed out that the PYO was the reservoir of the Party.

He told the young audience that they were the leaders of tomorrow and the purpose of the Organisation was to engage young people and mould them into becoming stronger and brave leaders.

Bharrat mentioned Party leaders like former President Bharrat Jagdeo and current Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali, among others, who all started off as members of the PYO. He told the youths that they too could become successful if they followed suit in the path of such leaders.

The PPP/C parliamentarian then went on to speak on journey of Dr Jagan, recounting that the party founder started his political career as a young

PPP/C parliamentarian Vickram Bharrat during his presentation

rulers. This fight, he noted, was eventually successful and after independence in 1966, the PPP, in its fight for a democratic Guyana, restored hope for the people.

After much struggle in the political arena, the PPP/C parliamentarian reminded, Dr Jagan was victorious at the 1992 elections and became the President of Guyana as “free and fair” elections were held for the first time.

“He restored democracy and hope for the nation and started to rebuild a new Guyana for all,” Bharrat stated.

The parliamentarian noted that Dr Jagan’s death

Some of the PYO members who attended the lecture on Sunday

man on the sugar plantation where he saw poor and helpless people being taken advantage of by the colonial rulers. This, Bharrat noted, motivated Dr Jagan to fight for a free and just Guyana for all.

After graduating as a dentist and economist in the United States, Dr Jagan returned to Guyana

with his young wife, Janet, whom he married in the US. Thereafter, the struggle started.

Bharrat, during his presentation, pointed out that the journey was not without challenges as both Dr Jagan and his wife were jailed many times, but that did not deter him from continuing fighting the colonial

in 1997 was a shock to not just Guyanese but the world as well.

“It was a great loss to the Guyanese nation and his funeral was a testimony to this. It was the only time Guyanese came together, all came out to mourn the death of this great man,” Bharrat noted.

S

ix months ago the alarming problem of a drug trade and usage in schools was of major concern to parents, teachers, and other stakeholders and fears were this problem would become rampant.

However, there has been a reduction in reports of drug usage in schools, which means that actions taken to curb this issue are bearing fruit.

That is according to Head of the Police Narcotics Branch, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, who on Sunday told Guyana Times that there has been a reduction in reports that the agency has received.

The Senior Superintendent stated that the most recent case that was brought to the attention of the Police Narcotics Branch in relation to schools and drug usage was at President’s College.

“Nothing was found there though. The teachers had just suspected that there was a drug usage issue and had lodged a complaint to the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry contacted us and we went there,” he stated.

According to the Senior Superintendent, as part of the ongoing exercise to address drug-related matters in schools and raise awareness of both staff and students, the Ministry, along with the Police Narcotics Branch and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), recently met

with a number of Head Teachers from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) for further discussions.

Presently, there are a number of Police ranks undergoing training in the area of drug awareness in order to monitor various schools at least once a month.

Simon had previously stated that through such a move the Guyana Police Force (GPF) hoped 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.

In September last, CANU made public that the use and sale of the drug ecstasy was discovered in five schools. Known as a recreational drug, ecstasy has harmful side effects, including addiction, and can cause altered sensations.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, speaking on the issue, was quoted as saying law enforcement agencies were “losing the battle” now that drugs have ended up in schools.

10 news

monday, MARCH 18, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPHC tragedies a result of inexperienced, political appointees – former Health Minister

G

uyana’s health sector continues to be plagued with challenges and instead of it being developed under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, it is actually regressing.

This was according to former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, who in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Sunday stated that the present Administration has politicised the health sector since it took office and this has had a deleterious impact on the quality of health care offered in Guyana.

“In implementing a policy of favouring political activists and friends for appoint-

ment in the sector, APNU/ AFC has sacrificed quality health care for the Guyanese people for political expediency. The end result, however, is that everyone suffers. The recent preventable deaths of three children at the GPHC [Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation] because of inappropriate use of a very good and powerful medicine is one of the results of the poor management that unfortunately is endemic in the public health sector today,” he explained.

According to Dr Ramsammy, the deaths of the three children earlier this year at the GPHC were compounded by the “mismanagement of the investigation”.

“It abandoned all the standard protocols that

were in place since I was Minister of Health. The timeline of more than six weeks for an investigation into these deaths demonstrates that the Hospital and the Ministry of Health were more interested in spinning and placing blame somewhere, rather than finding the truth and ensuring systems to prevent reoccurrence. The standard protocol for these investigations have always insisted on avoidance of conflict of interest, not protection of interest.”

He posited that the GPHC investigation, with the total complicity of the Health Ministers and the Ministry, never was intended to find the truth and introduce systems to avoid a reoccurrence.

Former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Meanwhile, in light of the recent report about the birth of premature twins

and the wrapping of the babies as stillborns to be removed to the mortuary, the former Health Minister noted that that was another event that added to the loss of confidence in the health sector and the suspicion among citizens that the public health sector was dangerous.

“I am informed that the twins were premature, birthing at 25 weeks of pregnancy. It is true that such premature babies do have a difficult time surviving, but the automatic conclusion that they are not viable is reckless. When I was Minister, we had changed the viability from 28 weeks to 22, I believe, consistent with the standards in other countries and in this case, the responsible persons as-

sumed that since the babies were below the 28 weeks, they decided to discard the foetus.”

Dr Ramsammy elaborated that this was yet other example that all the standard protocols in the public health sector were either currently not being applied or poorly applied.

“This is the result of inexperienced and political appointees. It is not merely callous, it is reckless and an abrogation of responsibilities and a dereliction of duty by the Ministers. The truth is that APNU/AFC deliberately abandoned many of the protocols in place and many of the quality programmes already in place for political reasons,” he added. (Kristen Macklingam)

1 killed, several injured during early-morning accident in Lethem

A

n early-morning accident along the Tabatinga Public Road, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Essequibo-Takutu) has left one woman dead and several others injured.

The dead woman has been identified as 28-yearold Violet Stephen of St Ignatius Village, Central Rupununi.

Reports are that the accident took place around 02:30h on Sunday when the driver of a motor pickup lost control. As a result, the vehicle toppled several times before coming to a halt on its left side.

At the time of the accident, at least two passengers were in the tray of the vehicle. They were reported-

ly tossed out of the vehicle, sustaining injuries about their bodies. They were later identified as Ronaldo Bento and David Coates also of Central Rupununi.

The injured were taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital where Stephen died while receiving treatment. Bento and Coates

were admitted to the medical institution. At least two other injured persons were treated and sent away.

According to the Police, the driver of the vehicle is a clerk attached to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court. He suffered no injuries and was presently in custody assisting with the investigation.

NEWS

11

monday, MARCH 18, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

NA money changer robbed by armed men dressed as school children

A

New Amsterdam money-changer was on Saturday robbed of an undisclosed sum of cash, and had his motor car confiscated by two bandits dressed in school uniform.

One of the men was dressed as a secondary school male student while the other was as a female. They both were armed with hand guns, and acted as a couple.

The victim -- Robin Busgith, 49, of Lot 173 Bermine Scheme, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) -- was held at gunpoint moments after he exited his motor car.

The businessman, who plies his trade at the New Amsterdam Market, recalled arriving at home at about 16:45h on Saturday.

“I saw these two people coming from around the corner, but I did not pay attention to then; it just look to me like a boyfriend and girlfriend…,” he explained.

He said that just before exiting his car, his wife told him to take his licence out of the bag and leave it in the car.

“She say that sometimes I will want to go back out, so let me just leave the licence in the car and don’t take it upstairs. So I put my head down in the bag looking for the licence, and then I opened the door and go to

said not to touch the car because he has to dust it for fingerprints; and at the scene he (had) told us to drive the car to the station”, a member of the search party explained.

The Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Up to late Sunday evening, no arrests were made.

Back in 2006, Busgith was attacked and relieved of cash after two armed ban-

The businessman’s house

the gate to open it. I just notice that these two people drop the umbrella and run straight to me,” he related, while noting that both individuals were wearing masks and wigs.

Busgith added that one of the bandits held him at gunpoint while the other held onto the bag he was carrying at the time.

“One of them say, ‘Shoot!’ and I tried to retaliate, and then I decided to loose the bag. I can’t exactly say how much was in it at this time…

When the Police came, they just kept asking me how much (was in the bag)? How much? How much? And I just gave them a figure, but I couldn’t say at the time how much was in the bag. And then one of them (the bandits, had) lash me in my head with the gun,” the confused man disclosed.

According to the busi-

nessman, after he released the bag containing the money, the bandits ran towards his Toyota 192 Carina motor car, PGG 8582.

The female looking bandit took the wheel and sped off the scene, leaving the businessman shocked and helpless.

The car was however discovered on Sunday along a GuySuCo canefield dam at Overwinning, Greater New Amsterdam. Residents of the community reported that the car was seen there on Saturday afternoon shortly after 17:00h.

“We did not touch the car, and the Police came and took some photographs and then told us that the car has to be lodged at the Station. We had to send for a mechanic to start the car, because Robin did not have the keys. When we reach the Police Station, then the same Policeman

The car that was recovered at Overwinning, Greater New Amsterdam, on Sunday

dits invaded his property.

Police were able to arrest

both men who had carried out the robbery back then.

AGM Inc records 1 million man-hours

Some of the workers at AMG

A

urora Gold Mines Inc, a subsidiary of Guyana Goldfields, on Sunday revealed that its gold mine in Aurora has recorded more than one million man-hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI).

The company employs 729 Guyanese at the Aurora mine site in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), which makes more than 96 per cent of the mine’s total workforce Guyanese.

“This significant milestone

is the start of a journey after achieving four million-plus man-hours without any LTI in 2017. AGM Inc’s immediate goal is to get back to over four million man-hours without LTI,” Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Suresh Kalathil stated.

In a release issued by the company, it stated that reaching this important milestone further demonstrated AGM Inc’s commitment to eliminating unsafe conditions, behaviours and workers’ inju-

ries throughout the company’s operations.

“This significant safety milestone is a reflection of everyone’s commitment and efforts toward enhancing a safe working environment for all,” Kalathil added.

Kamal Deodat, a welder from the Mill Maintenance Department, said, “Safety is a job not just for people who have ‘safety’ in their title.

It’s a job for everyone, everywhere, every day. It never stops.” turn to page 14

12 News

monday, MARCH 18, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Shortage of drugs, medical supplies affects Region 6 hospitals – Regional Chairman

A

ll Government-run hospitals in Region Six are continuing to experience shortages in medical supplies and drugs on a regular basis, and this is as a result of poor management procedures.

This is according to Chairman of that Region, David Armogan, who during an interview with GuyanaTimes stated that while allocation of the necessary items is done centrally through the Materials Management Unit of the Public Health Ministry, many times his Region has

to resort to its finances to purchase additional medical supplies and drugs.

“This issue is recurrent and is affecting all hospitals here. Every now and then you keep hearing about shortages everywhere.

Whenever there is a scarcity, then the Region will have to buy when (stocks go) down to zero,” he said.

According to Armogan, the Regional Office has a limited amount of money that it can afford to spend on purchasing additional drugs and medical supplies for the various hospitals, and more

Region Six Chairman David Armogan

often than not it cannot fill the void that is continuously being created.

“The Region just doesn’t have a lot of money to keep doing this. These things are supposed to be done centrally and then brought to the regions. There is no proper procedure in place, and the system is not properly monitored,” the Regional Chairman explained.

He lamented that many of the patients who seek treatment at these facilities are being turned away or sent to purchase the much needed medical drugs from

private institutions. He said a number of them cannot afford to do this.

“Things like gauze and other supplies which are used frequently to dress wounds are short. Even basic drugs like for persons with diabetes, hypertension and such are limited or in small amounts frequently.

These are things which you see many patients coming to get help with, since they are common health issues in Guyana,” Armogan further added.

He is of the belief that communication between the

hospitals in Region Six and the MMU is poor, and until this situation is fixed, shortages will continue quite often.

In April last, the Director of Regional Health Services (DRHS) of Region Six, Jevaughn Stephens, blamed poor communication for critical medical supplies not being stocked in sufficient quantities. Stephens had explained that while there was a shortage of critical drugs and medical supplies, the situation could have been rectified with proper communication.

Mash 2019 exceeded expectations – Director of Culture

Alexi LaRose receiving an award from Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton

Junior Calypso Monarch Jamal Stewart collects his winning trophy from an official at the award ceremony on Friday evening

he Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport on Friday evening culminated the Mashramani activities 2019 with the annual awards ceremony which gave recognition to the talents shared by outstanding participants.

In delivering her report

paign in the latter half of 2018 to redefine the way Guyanese see the festival…

Mashramani is so much more than the costume and float parade,” she said.

According to her, there was an increased number of participants that outgrew traditional locations. Next year will bring the 50th an-

T

for this year’s activities, Director of Culture Tameka Botswain noted that despite some challenges, Mash 2019 exceeded expectations.

“Mash 2019 exceeded expectations. The Department of Culture with the determination to make Mashramani 2019 larger and louder, embarked on an intense cam-

Allison Parker collects a trophy on behalf of the Business Ministry that copped the first place in the individual female costume competition and second in the full costume medium band contest

Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, seven-time Road March Queen, receives her trophy from Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton

niversary of Republic Day and signature activities will be orchestrated to celebrate this milestone.

Meanwhile, Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton said there were commitments to make this celebration better than the previous years and it was executed as planned while promoting inclusivity. He mentioned that this was demonstrated with the decentralisation of events to all administrative regions.

“Mashramani 2019 was a massive success. Apart from a spectacular and incident free costume and float parade, the festival was executed in a manner that was all-inclusive.

The mash route was crammed and D’Urban Park was packed to capacity. With much hard work from the members of committee and Mashramani Secretariat, we were able to ensure that ev-

ery region across the beautiful land of Guyana was able to witness one or more of our major calendar events,” said the Minister.

The evening saw prizes being awarded to the Junior Soca Monarch, Jovinski Thorne; Junior Calypso Monarch, Jamal Stuart; Chutney Monarch, Stephen Ramphal; Soca Monarch, Brandon Harding and Calypso Monarch, Kenroy Fraser.

Winners of the children’s float parade, dance and panorama were also rewarded. Smyth Street Nursery, Graham’s Hall Primary and Tucville Secondary won first place prizes for their contributions.

The winner of the regional presentation for the costume parade was Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), followed by Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Nine (Upper

Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Region Three copped almost all the prizes for the costume and float parade categories, with the Best Designer Antonio Paul collecting several prizes.

Designer Nelson Nurse was also recognised for a number of bands which he created this year.

National Designer of the Year was presented to Trevor Alfred while Antonio Paul received the prize for Regional Designer of the Year.

Throughout the evening, the audience was entertained by the Guyana Police Force band, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts and steel pan renditions.

Mashramani 2019 was celebrated under the theme: “Celebrating 49 with victory in mind: Rediscovering El Dorado”.

13

News

monday, MARCH 18, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt to upgrade road from CCAC hosts World Consumer Day 2019 Expo Belfield to Rosignol

R

esidents along the roadway from Belfield, East Coast Demerara to Rosignol, West Coast Berbice (WCD) can now look forward to improved road access with Government’s announced plan to upgrade the roadway.

“We have just recently received technical assistance from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to do the study of a continuation of the widening of the road on the East Coast from Belfield to Rosignol,” Finance Minister Winston Jordon disclosed on Friday, while making the remarks at an event.

According to Minister Jordan, this and other infrastructural projects undertaken by Government will strengthen the infrastructure network, which is critical for reducing the cost as it relates to production and export.

This new project will be a continuation of the East Coast Road Widening and Expansion Project currently

ongoing.

The US$50.2 million project has two components: a four-lane expansion from Better Hope to Annandale, and an upgrade to the existing two-lane road from Annandale to Belfield.

The project is being funded by a US$45.3 million concessional loan from the China Export-Import Bank.

Earlier this week, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson told <<Guyana Times>> that the project is expected to be completed by September. He noted that some 60 per cent of the work has been completed, and the other 40 per cent will take shape in the coming months.

The project commenced under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, which had tried to secure financing for the road expansion project, but the money was not readily available. The then administration decided to use local funds for preliminary works while it awaited the release of funds from

the Chinese to complete the works. The preliminary works for the four-lane upgrade were completed at the end of 2014.

The load agreement was subsequently signed back in 2016 by Minister Jordan.

With the China EXIM Bank putting up most of the finances for the road expansion, Guyana had awarded the contract to China Railway First Group, costing some US$42.7 million. The Chinese construction company reportedly put in the lowest bid of US$46.994 million.

The PPP/C Administration had stated that it was saving some $2.8 billion by giving the contract to China Railway First Group.

Upon completion of the widening and improvement of the East Coast Demerara Highway, citizens travelling along the East Coast will benefit from reduced travel time and less traffic congestion. Apart from the road being expanded, the project includes improved drainage for the East Coast, which is usually susceptible to flooding.

GWI cuts charges for all public conveniences

W

ater services for all public conveniences will now be free of charge in towns and municipalities nationwide.

The decision to extend this concession to all municipalities came on the heels of a meeting between the management of Guyana Water Inc (GWI) and the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC).

In the case of the capital city – Georgetown, sewerage charges will also be cut for these facilities.

In addition, GWI Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles informed the M&CC that GWI would perform an assessment of the internal plumbing of the public restrooms and share the reports with the Council.

To avoid water wastage, GWI is willing to pursue discussions with the munic-

ipalities as it relates to interventions that may be necessary to optimise the water consumption at these facilities.

GWI will be installing meters at the identified locations in an effort to consistently monitor consumption.

Director of the Consumers Affairs Commission, Dawn Cush

One of the many craft displays at the event

The public and students of several schools in Georgetown turned out in their numbers to support World Consumers Day 2019

A

s the world celebrates World Consumer Rights Day on Friday, the Guyana Competition and Consumers Affairs Commission (CCAC), along with sister agencies under the Business Ministry, hosted its annual World Consumer Day 2019 Expo, which focused on technology.

The expo was held on Main Street, Georgetown, and World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated worldwide every year on March 15.

With the theme “Trusted Smart Products”, the exposition saw stakeholders in the technology field coming out to educate the general public about the safe use of their various devices.

Feyona Austin, Consumer Affairs Officer and Head of the Consumers Affair Unit, said that since technology is taking over, it is important for Guyanese to learn of the pros and cons of technology use.

“So, as consumers, we

need to know what the pros are and what the cons are, because we need to be vigilant when we use and when we purchase smart products… We are offering everyone the opportunity to come out and learn what they need to know when using smart products,” Austin explained.

Similar events were held in other sections of Guyana, including at Bartica, where the event was kicked-off.

Currently, CCAC is hosting an essay competition wherein students are given the opportunity to write about their knowledge of technology.

Director of the Consumer Affairs Commission, Dawn Cush, has said the main focus is being placed on technology education.

Cush shared her enthusiasm at the turnout at the gathering, “This runs until 4, so everybody knows and everybody usually comes out. The turnout so far has been great, especially from

the various schools around Georgetown”.

Guyana Times caught up with Karen Abrams of STEM Guyana, who was one of the presenters at the Expo. She briefly explained that even though smart products offer tremendous potential for Guyana, they need to be utilised wisely.

“I was invited by Director Cush; she wanted a representative from STEM Guyana to share our views on the benefits and disadvantages of Smart products, and one of the things that we shared is that these products offer potentials for Guyana but there are also some constraints and some concerns that need to be addressed from a consumer point of view,” Abrams said.

Companies that had displays at the Expo were GTT, Digicel, Starr Computers; global and consumer agencies, including the Food and Drug Department and the Consumer Affairs Department.

14 NEWS

monday, MARCH 18, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Public Infrastructure Ministry to remove hindrances from roadways

C

ome April 1, 2019, the Public Infrastructure Ministry will be conducting a countrywide campaign to remove all obstructions or encumbrances on the main access roads.

This initiative will be conducted in accordance with Section 29 of the Road Act, Cap. 51:01 of the Laws of Guyana, the Ministry stated.

The public and violators are advised to remove all such violations on or before the campaign commences.

“All encumbrances found on the Government’s reserve during this campaign will be

removed immediately, with a recovery cost attached,” the Ministry warned.

The Ministry said the campaign will target derelict vehicle/equipment, immovable vehicles, paddy drying, hardware stores, barber shops, rum shops and bars, builders waste, roadside shop, car parks, sawmill, sand/stone heaps, tyre-servicing shops and several others.

Subject Minister David Patterson told Guyana Times the campaign is an annual activity which is only to be conducted on the public

roads. He made it clear that minor roads will not be targeted during this operation.

“It’s restricted only to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure roads, so we won’t be going in anybody’s backyard. It’s on the main roads where people usually have combines and so on,” he said.

In the interview, Patterson made specific reference to the number of lives that have been lost as a result of such obstacles being on the roadways. He was keen to note that the Ministry will not enter areas such as

$700M Kato Secondary School commissioned

The newly-commissioned Kato Secondary School

T

he Government has spent in excess of $700 million to facilitate construction works at the Kato Secondary School in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni). This was revealed on Friday when the Education Ministry commissioned the building, which has been in construction for several years.

The Ministry informed that the tender process for the project was completed since December 2012, and a contract in excess of $728 million for construction of the building was later signed.

In addition, $55 million was spent to furnish the building, while $37 million was expended to facilitate installation of the photovoltaic system at the school.

Some 295 students, 11 teachers and 30 support staff members will now benefit at the Grade B school, the compound of which features several buildings, including an administrative building; a

student dormitory with dining facilities; a teachers’ quarters; the main teaching block; a library; science and information technology labs; a smart classroom, as well as the Home Economics and Industrial Arts departments.

In attendance at the commissioning were Education Minister Nicolette Henry, Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes, and Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan.

In delivering the feature address, Minister Henry said she was delighted that the school was finally finished and commissioned. She said that the completion of the structure can only improve the quality of life for that community, since quality education would now be provided in a modern space.

She noted that the event is a testimony to the fact that the Ministry is serious about reducing the disparity that exists between the coastland and the hinterland.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Adele Clarke, explained that the Ministry, in 2010, recognised the need for an additional secondary school in Sub-Region One, since there was overcrowding at the Paramakatoi Secondary School at the time. According to her, it was this that birthed the idea of having a new school in the North Pakaraimas area.

She pointed out that initially there was a strong debate as to where the new school should be located, and Kato became the preferred option.

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson told the gathering that the occasion was a significant one, as a state-of-the-art school has been built in the hinterland community to serve the nation’s children.

According to him, education is both a necessity and an investment which everyone should embrace with the seriousness that it deserves.

Moreover, he noted that the era wherein education is acquired or delivered in crowded and stressful classrooms is becoming an issue of the past.

He said the Ministry has taken a firm stand in ensuring that its policy on education as a top priority is fulfilled with the provision of proper infrastructure and sound curricular.

AGM Inc records 1 million...

Of the achievement, President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Caldwell said that Guyana Goldfields believes in a proactive approach to all aspects of health and safety, driven through a programme of consistent employee engagement to ensure the best working conditions for all employees and contractors across all its facilities. He commended everyone involved on achieving “such a great feat”.

Senior Safety Coordinator Rondie Phillips related that reaching the million manhours LTI free, the project’s

team has demonstrated commitment to a safe culture by focusing on making safety a core value and not just a priority, with strong visible leadership from line management setting the example for all, to ensure everyone goes home without harm every day.

“Our employees are a part of something very important. They are devoted to creating a culture of excellence,” Phillips said.

In its mission to keep workers’ safety as the highest value, People Manager Peter Benny said, AGM Inc has incorporated sever-

from page 11

al initiatives and corporate changes that encourage every employee’s participation and input. The company-wide workers’ safety programme comprises core elements that are essential to achieving and maintaining a strong safety and health programme.

By implementing these elements, which include hazard prevention programmes, daily work-site analysis, safety awareness training and strong management-employee relationships, Benny said, AGM Inc can continue keeping workers’ safety as a core value.

Paddy drying has been a major encumbrance for road users over the years

Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Beirut, and Prashad Nagar.

According to him, the roads which will be targeted are “the declared public roads, such as the East

Coast Highway (and) the Linden Highway, those are declared public roads under the Ministry”. Small roads such as exist in Sophia will be exempted from the exer-

cise.

Residents of Berbice, especially those living along the Corentyne Highway, are complaining bitterly about the drying of paddy of the roadways, and he said it must be a hindrance to commuters.

According to residents, what is more worrying is the lack of response from the Police in Region Six in enforcing traffic laws in the region.

Guyana Times was told that the Police response to the continued drying of paddy on the Corentyne Highway calls in question whether the Police are making attempts to put an end to the practice, which endangers all road users.

Concerns have also been raised by road users in regard to the huge mud piles and sand heaps that are usually found on the roads.

Dry season ahead

Hydromet Office urges conservation of water

A

s the dry season continues to prevail over most parts of Guyana, the Hydrometeorological Office of Guyana has advised that water be conserved during the months of March, April and May (MAM), as less-than-usual rainfall is expected.

On its website, the weather department said, “All Regions can expect less rainfall than the usual amounts for the MAM season. The transition into wet season is likely to be less wet than usual; however, there are still chances for short, high- intensity downpours”.

In this regard, the organisation has urged that citizens conserve water over this period.

According to the Hydromet Office, “Reduced long-term flooding potential and slow recharge rates of large water reservoirs can be expected”.

In addition it cautioned that large scale agriculturists who are dependent on rainfall may have to irrigate in some cases.

In a much more detailed section of its forecast, the Hydromet Office noted that during the first half of MAM, northern Guyana is usually dry, and later transitions into the primary wet season, while southern Guyana continues to be dry until the rains in mid-April.

These conditions, it said, repeat each year, unless they are being influenced by El Niño, when drier conditions prevail; or by La Niña, when wetter conditions prevail.

During the MAM period, most of the rainfall will occur in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Eight (Potaro–

Sipurun) and northern 10 (Upper Demerara–Berbice).

“The forecast suggests that there are still chances for downpours which can lead to flooding, but with low possibilities,” the weather department warned.

Temperatures for this period in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) are expected to be warmer than usual in the day and night, while cooler days and warmer nights can be expected for Region (Six East BerbiceCorentyne) for this season.

According to the Hydromet Office, the current forecast indicates little concern for drier conditions in northern Guyana; however, the forecasted rains can reduce the impact.

In regard to rainfall, it was outlined that Regions One (Barima-Waini) to Four, Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo) and northen 10 can expect less rain than usual for March.

Regions Five (MahaicaBerbice), northern Six and Eight and southern 7 can expect a wetter- than-usual March.

Reliable rains for agriculture are likely, but slower increase in surface wetness for Regions Five, northern Six, Eight and southern Seven can be expected.

For the months of November and December, 2018 and January 2019, the average total rainfall reached 332mm. It was recorded across Guyana and was below the climatological average of 556mm.

“The highest rainfall total (680.2mm) for the period was recorded at Hog Island, Region 3. Most of the rain was experienced in Regions 7 and 10, which resulted in very wet surfaces. More than 90 per cent of stations recorded rainfall below their climatological averages,” Hydromet reported.

Rice farmers in Region Three told Guyana Times that they have been hopeful for rainfall, but the clouds would usually get dark and only drizzle on their fields.

One farmer, Ganga Persaud, told this publication that the farmers at Hague, West Coast Demerara have for the longest while been using irrigation methods to get water to their plants.

Earlier this year, about 300 acres of rice were lost in Region Six, East Berbice, as a result of the prevailing dry conditions and lack of water, while a further 500 acres were under threat.

Initially the Hydromet Office had predicted normal rainfall by April.

15

news

monday, maRCH 18, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

I SAY...

What the people say

What are your thoughts on the recommendation for parents to be charged if children are found with weapons in schools?

Arif Fareed

Andrew Khan

Shanette Persaud

Vickanand Deokie

Shabazza Douglas

Wayne Padmore

Kenisha Lambert

Dalon Chapman

“The parents should not be held accountable for delinquent kids to that extent. The parents on their part are most likely not aware their kids own weapons.

The kids act out on their own for recognition and attention, be harsher on the children.”

“I would say institute body searches at entrance and exit points and heavy penalties should be taken against this deviant behaviour but to holistically blame parents entirely – some parents aren’t even aware of these occurrences until brought to their attention via the school or other stakeholders in education.”

“Parents should not be held accountable if their child is found with a weapon on them in school, because the parents aren’t aware of what their child is doing in school.

And, also, most Government buildings have Special Constables (SC) that is Police, so I think that all Government schools should have a Special Constable stationed with a firearm at Government school rather than private security services guarding.”

“I think that the recommendation is one that was not properly considered on, since for parents to be charged, it needs to be proven, even if parent check bags there’s still shops and vendors on the road which may have improvised weapons that are being made available to children.”

“Parents should have control over what their children do and I think they should be held responsible because such actions can affect numerous lives.”

“I don’t think that is fair. I mean parents are responsible for their children, but if they want to take weapons to school, then obviously they would do it behind their parents’ back.”

“Older children who are close to 18 years of age should face the consequences, but for the younger ones, their parents should be penalised for exposing them to illicit items.”

“I don’t think parents should be charged, but schools should put certain systems in place to monitor what goes through the doors.”

Toquain Lopes

“I think they should be penalised, because as a parent your responsibility is to ensure that your child goes to school and every morning as they leave make sure their bags are packed; this way you are checking their bags to see if anything else that’s not supposed to be there is removed.

But not forgetting the fact that some children have no parents and some guardians wouldn’t be showing keen interest as a parent would.”

Gladston Stully

“Parents should not be blamed, because no good parents would allow their child to go to school with weapons. I was once a kid and I had a very strict mom, but I still used to carry weapons behind her back for protection from bullies, so it would be unfair for parents to have to pay for that.”

Royalty Dance Ministries: “Worshipping Through Dance”

T

he Royalty Dance Ministries/Company (RDMC) is Guyana’s newest dance school which gives Christians an avenue to worship through dance.

Birthed out of a vision

by Public Health Ministry Public Relations Officer (PRO), choreographer and dance minister, Alicia Martin and led by Pastor Nickolai Philadelphia Shepherd, the school which consists of several well-known dancers in Guyana is making waves.

The Royalty Network is made up of dancers, ministers, and leaders from various churches and groups, many of whom are passionate about the development of the arts in the kingdom of God. The school aims to provide a forum, where Christian dancers can showcase their talent and creative style of dance, both locally and on an international stage, and further aims to assist in pro-

viding guidance to youths and children in sharpening their God-given gifts and living out their full purpose.

Presently, the dance school, which is located at Lot 1515 Norton Street, Georgetown, consists of 30 students along with 20 company members. Flag Ministry, Contemporary Worship and Liturgical Ministry dance are being taught.

Guyana Times sat down with Martin; Royalty Dance Ministries PRO Marissa Brathwaite; Drama Instructor Oceana Hoppie and students Yolanda Charles and Akesha Henry.

According to Martin, the name of the school originated from the fact that we are all part of God’s Kingdom.

“We believe that once God is our father and He is our king, then we are nothing less than a part of a royal family , the name royalty was given after I would have found myself as a dancer and as a daughter of the King. So this is a Christianbased dance company where we dance to basically glorify God to bring glory to his name, our aim is to impact

and transform lives, bring deliverance to people all across Guyana and worldwide,” Martin said.

On April 12, 2019, the company will be hosting their second production titled “Let the Nations ARISE” at the Lifespring Ministries, Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

This production is focused on nation building, evange-

lism and intercession and churches, ministries from across Guyana will be joining the Royalty team in an evening of rich ministry through the arts and prayer and intercession for the nations across the world.

“We believe that God is calling the church to arise and avail themselves to be used as vessels to restore healing, life and the manifestation of the fruit of the spirit to nations worldwide…God is equipping his servants in this season to rebuild broken lands, reach the saved and unsaved and restore nations,” Martin said.

PRO Brathwaite, who believe that the dance company is something special, said that the event would be interceding on Guyana’s behalf.

“We will be interceding on behalf of all of the nations, it’s not just about Guyana and the counties in Guyana, but it’s about the nations at large, because we are all one, we are all created and we are all children of God and so we want to include everyone,” Braithwaite explained.

Hoppie, the drama instructor for the event, revealed that the aim of various plays that would be performed was to promote oneness.

“We want to come together to bring about a national revival … so the plays will be based upon that; it is going to include all the elements of drama and dance,” she said in a sneak peek.

Students Akesha Henry and Yolanda Charles implored those who have a passion for dance to join their “dance family” by registering with Royalty Dance Ministries.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

MONday, MARCH 18, 2019

Regional

Venezuela’s Maduro plans Pastor awarded TT$430,000 in damages for FB post “deep restructuring” A of Government – VP

V

enezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is planning a “deep restructuring” of his government, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said on Sunday, as the country recovers from a prolonged blackout amid a power struggle with the Opposition.

“President @ NicolasMaduro has asked the entire executive Cabinet to put their roles up for review in a deep restructuring of the methods and functions of the Bolivarian Government, to protect the fatherland of Bolivar and Chávez from any threat,” Rodriguez wrote on Twitter, referring to independence leader Simon Bolivar and late President Hugo Chávez.

The possible reshuffling comes on the heels of a nearly weeklong blackout that paralysed the nation, which had already been experiencing a hyperinflationary economic collapse, shortages of food and medicine, and the emigration of millions of citizens.

Maduro has blamed the blackout on a cyber-attack perpetrated by the United

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro speaks during his visit to the Hydroelectric Generation System on the Caroni River, near Ciudad Guayana, Bolivar State, Venezuela March 16, 2019.

Miraflores Palace/Handout via REUTERS

States and sabotage by the domestic Opposition, but local electrical engineers told Reuters it was the result of years of underinvestment and lack of maintenance of the country’s power plants and electricity grid.

Maduro is facing a challenge to his presidency from Juan Guaidó, head of the Opposition-controlled National Assembly who invoked the Constitution in January to declare an interim presidency, arguing that Maduro’s May 2018 re-election was illegitimate. Most Western countries have rec-

ognised Guaidó as the country’s rightful leader.

Maduro has repeatedly changed Cabinet members since taking office in 2013, with members of the military rising to posts heading the Oil, Interior and Electricity Ministries.

In a visit to electricity workers in southern Bolivar state on Saturday, Maduro pledged a restructuring of State power company Corpoelec and promised to create a unit in the armed forces focused on protecting key infrastructure from cyber-attacks. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Catholic Church in J’ca “shocked” at sexual harassment charges against former Bishop — official

A

postolic Administrator for Mandeville, the Most Reverend Charles H Dufour says members of the Catholic Church in Jamaica were “saddened and shocked” at reports that a former bishop who once led in Mandeville was accused of sexual harassment.

“We are grieved that a man we knew to be a good man apparently is alleged to have engaged in such behaviour. Having known that his character had been deeply affected by his depression and stroke, one wonders how much this contributed

to his actions,” Dufour said in a statement.

The comment by Dufour follows an announcement on Monday by Catholic Church officials in the United States that ministerial restrictions have been imposed on Bishop Gordon Bennett after the archdiocese learned of an allegation of sexual harassment of a young adult by him in Jamaica in 2006.

Baltimore Archbishop William Lori who announced the action in a statement said the matter was subsequently reported to the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, DC and Bennett resigned a

few months later.

However, Dufour who is also the Archbishop Emeritus of Kingston said he was told by the Apostolic Nuncio to Jamaica at the time, the Most Reverend Thomas Gullicksonn, that Bennett was resigning for health reasons.

“Indeed, Bishop (Bennett) had been battling depression and the residue of a stroke which had affected him deeply in many ways,” Dufour said in his statement, adding that he was off the island when Bennett left at the beginning of August 2006. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Cuba says US visa change impedes family visits

H

avana accused Washington on Saturday of creating obstacles to US travel by Cubans by reducing the duration of its tourist visas from five years to three months.

The United States, which announced the change on Friday, said it was matching the island’s own visa rules for US visitors.

The so-called B-2 tourist visa allowed Cubans multiple entries to the United States for periods up to five years.

As of today, they will be eligible only for three-month, single-entry tourist visas.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry issued a statement objecting to the change, saying “it increases the obstacles for family and other visits.”

“If the United States really wants to apply reciprocity, it should immediately open its consulate in Havana, and resume the process of issuing visas, which it arbitrarily and unjustifiably interrupted more than a year ago, and

eliminate the prohibition on US citizens travelling freely to Cuba,” it said.

US relations with Cuba, which were restored under former President Barack Obama, have soured under Donald Trump.

The United States evacuated diplomatic staff and their families in 2017 after at least two dozen people suffered brain injuries that resembled concussion, but with no exterior signs of trauma.

(Excerpt from AFP)

pastor has been awarded more than TT$430,000 by the High Court for the damages he suffered as a result of several defamatory Facebook posts by a former member of the church.

In a 15-page order by High Court Master Martha Alexander, Sapphire Carter has been ordered to pay damages to Dr Leslie Rogers, leader and founder of Prophetic Missions International (PMI), while Sunshine Publishing Company, which printed a story arising from Carter’s claims, was ordered to pay the pastor TT$350,0000 in damages.

Carter, who was also sued by PMI, was also ordered to pay the church TT$250,000 in aggravated and exemplary damages in a case which concluded last October.

Dr Leslie Rogers

“It is better someone takes a gun and shoots you, because defamation of character is much worse than that,” Dr Rogers said in an emotional interview

after the High Court ruling.

He took legal action against Carter after she took to social media and compared him to religious cult leader Jim Jones who initiated a mass suicide and mass murder in Guyana, in the 1970s.

PMI, based at Ramsaran Street, Chaguanas, started operating there in 1998 and expanded locally, regionally and internationally with branches in Antigua, Jamaica, Kenya, and Ghana. There were also plans to establish ministries in Togo, Russia, and Canada and at its peak, it claimed to have around 1000 members.

Carter had been a member for five years and even did household duties for Dr Rogers until she left PMI in 2015. (Excerpt from Trinidad

Guardian)

PM Mottley sends condolence message to New Zealand leader

P

rime Minister Mia Mottley has condemned terrorism as she extended sympathy to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after the mass shooting at two mosques there, on Friday, March 15, which killed 50 persons and injured several others.

In correspondence sent to Ardern on Friday, Mottley said the Government and people of Barbados were saddened at the loss of life and injuries resulting from the

Prime Minister Mia Mottley

senseless act.

“Terrorism in any form must be universally and constantly condemned.

The fact that this manifestation of cowardice deliberately targeted a particular religious group is especially distressing,” Prime Minister Mottley added.

She said Barbados joined with the people of New Zealand in mourning their loss and would continue to offer prayers for the families and loved ones of all affected by the tragic event. (Barbados Today)

CDB says economic outlook for the Region is “positive”

T

he Barbadosbased Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says despite projections of deceleration in global economic activity, the 2019 economic outlook for its Borrowing Member Countries (BMC) is positive.

“CDB is projecting that real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth will be 2.1 per cent, as construction, tourism, and the extractive industries, such as gold and oil, are expected to expand,” the CDB said in a “Regional Economic Summary 2018”.

“The expectation is that all but one of the BMCs will grow, once again led

by Grenada. The rate of growth will be higher in Guyana, as the country prepares for commercial oil production starting in 2020. The one exception is Barbados, where the level of activity will remain the same,” said the Region’s premier financial institution.

In the summary, the CDB said that economic performance in the Caribbean is set against a background of slowing global economic growth and that the current international economic environment is characterised by escalating trade tensions, volatile commodity markets, and policy uncer-

tainty with respect to both Brexit and United States trade.

“In spite of all these developments, in 2018 most of CDB’s BMCs recorded positive economic growth. Growth averaged 1.9 per cent, an improvement on 0.5 per cent in 2017. The fastest growing economies were Grenada (5.2 per cent); Antigua and Barbuda (3.5 per cent) and Guyana (3.4 per cent). For Antigua and Barbuda and some of the other BMCs that were affected by the 2017 hurricane season, reconstruction efforts contributed to their upturn,” the CDB said. (Excerpt from CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, MARCH 18, 2019

17

Around the World

Ethiopian Airlines disaster “Never seen so much rain”: 64 die as Zimbabweans struggle with storm floods has “clear similarities”

T

he death toll from Cyclone Idai continues to rise as southern African countries struggle to deal with the devastating aftermath of the torrential downpours.

The powerful storm has killed at least 64 people in Zimbabwe in recent days, Government officials say, while in neighbouring Mozambique the death toll has jumped to 48.

Idai made landfall in Mozambique on Thursday evening before proceeding to Zimbabwe and Malawi, causing flash floods, wrecking infrastructure and leav-

Passengers stranded when a bus bound for Harare got stuck in the waterlogged road near Chipinge [Tendai Marima/Al Jazeera]

ing communities without electricity.

More than a million people have been affected, including tens of thousands

who have been displaced, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

In Zimbabwe’s Eastern

Highlands, the heavy rains had died out by Sunday – but only after causing widespread destruction.

In Chipinge, an eastern town some 450 kilometres southeast of the capital, Harare, transport links were cut off after a road was damaged due to water pressure.

A bus carrying passengers bound for Harare was stuck in a mush of soft tar and mud. A few small cars managed to bypass the sludge when volunteers and soldiers laid down a makeshift path made of wooden planks. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

India’s former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar dies

I

ndia’s former Defence Minister and serving Chief Minister of the western state of Goa, Manohar Parrikar, died on Sunday, officials said.

A technocrat turned politician, 63-year-old Parrikar was a senior member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He had been suffering from cancer.

“Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity,” Indian President Ramnath Kovind

tweeted on Sunday.

Parrikar passed away at his residence in Goa, local news channels reported.

As Defence Minister, he oversaw the controversial deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation for around US$8.7 billion, the country’s first major acquisition of combat planes in two decades.

The deal has been the centre of allegations from India’s main opposition party, Congress, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government paid

Then Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at the Vibrant Gujarat investor summit in Gandhinagar, India, January 12, 2017

too much and that it forced Dassault to accept Indian businessman Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence as its Indian partner even though the company had no such prior experience in defence contracting.

“India will be eternally grateful to Shri Manohar Parrikar for his tenure as our Defence Minister ...

India witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India’s security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted. (Excerpt from Reuters)

with Indonesia crash

F

light data from the Ethiopian Airlines disaster a week ago suggests “clear similarities” with a crash off Indonesia last October, Ethiopia’s Transport Minister has said.

Both planes were Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft.

Last Sunday, the Ethiopian Airlines jet crashed after takeoff from Addis Ababa, killing all 157 people on board.

Transport Minister Dagmawit Moges told Journalists that a preliminary report would be released within 30 days.

“Clear similarities were noted between Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Indonesian Lion Air Flight 610, which would be the subject of further study during the

investigation,” Dagmawit told Journalists on Sunday.

In both cases, flight tracking data showed the aircraft’s altitude had fluctuated sharply, as the planes seemed to experience erratic climbs and descents.

A mass funeral has taken place for the victims of last week’s crash in the Ethiopian capital Sunday.

Boeing Chairman and CEO Dennis Muilenburg later reaffirmed that the company was supporting the investigation.

In a statement, he added that Boeing was going ahead with a software update that will address the behaviour of the flight control system “in response to erroneous sensor inputs”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Canada to extend military training mission in Ukraine – source

C

anada will announce as expected today that it is extending a 200-strong military training mission in Ukraine, a source directly familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan are scheduled to hold a news conference today.

“It is the Ukraine extension,” said the source, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation.

Representatives for Sajjan and Freeland did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The troops, who first went to Ukraine in 2015, are due out at the end of March. Political and military sources had made clear the soldiers would stay longer, given continuing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

Canada’s Defence Ministry said in December that the contingent had trained more than 10,000 members of the Ukrainian security forces.

The Canadian contingent is in western Ukraine, far removed from clashes between Ukrainian soldiers and Russian-backed separatists in the east of the country. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Pakistan to honour Christchurch mosque hero with national award

A

Pakistani man, who died trying to tackle the New Zealand mosques attacker, will be honoured posthumously with a national award, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said.

Naeem Rashid, 49, was among nine Pakistanis killed in the attacks on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday.

“Pakistan is proud of Mian Naeem Rashid who was martyred trying to tackle the white supremacist terrorist and his courage will be recognised with a national award,” Khan wrote on Twitter on Sunday, while extending support to the families of the Pakistani victims.

Rashid, originally from Abbottabad in Pakistan, was “badly wounded” in the at-

Naeem Rashid moved from Pakistan to New Zealand to work as a teacher in Christchurch [Akhtar Soomro/ AP]

tack on the Al Noor Mosque after he tried “overpowering

the shooter”, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis said in

a series of Twitter posts.

He was rushed to the hospital, but died “due to indiscriminate firing”, the Ministry added.

Rashid’s 21-year-old son Talha Naeem was also killed in the attack, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.

Mohammad Faisal, a spokesman for the Ministry, said the father and son would be buried in Christchurch

and arrangements for the burial were in place.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that New Zealand Police promised a high-profile presence as schools and businesses in Christchurch reopened today after a gunman killed 50 people at two mosques in the city last week, and the Prime Minister said she would start work on tightening gun laws.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

French PM plans new security measures Israel’s top court disqualifies farafter Champs Elysees rioting

F

rance’s Prime Minister will present plans today to crack down on rioters, his office said, after a new flare-up of violence linked to the yellow vest protest movement.

Rioters ransacked stores and restaurants while lighting fires along Paris’ Champs Elysees avenue on Saturday as they clashed with Police.

Cutting short a weekend ski trip, President Emmanuel Macron returned to Paris late on Saturday for a crisis meeting with

A protester walks past a graffiti during a demonstration by the “yellow vests” movement in Paris, France, March 16, 2019. The graffiti reads: “Paris burns”

Ministers at which he ordered decisions to be taken rapidly “so this doesn’t happen again”.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe’s office said the latest violence showed current security arrangements were “insufficient”.

“Drawing conclusions from these shortcomings, the Prime Minister will present the President tomorrow with measures necessary to adapt the security forces stance so they can act with firmness at any time,” it said in a statement. (Excerpt from Reuters)

rightist, approves Arab party for ballot

I

srael’s top court disqualified on Sunday a far-right Jewish politician from next month’s national election and approved the candidacy of a disputed Arab party, overturning March 6 decisions by the election board, a court statement said.

The Supreme Court rulings were widely expected and unlikely to shake Prime Minister Benjamin

Netanyahu’s efforts to craft a rightist alliance that might secure him a record fifth term.

But they deepened the vitriol of a campaign in which his camp has cast itself as the victim of judicial over-reach and media bias, and has in turn been accused by centre-left rivals of race-baiting and fear-mongering. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, March 18, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Productivity is what counts. Refuse to let your emotions control the agenda or lead you into battle over trivial matters. Channel your energy into worthwhile projects and judicious compromises

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Concentrate on what’s going on at home and any changes that you need to make pertaining to banking, bills or home improvements. Stay on top of personal matters.

CANCER

Simple and subtle changes will bring you closer to your goals. Working alongside people you trust and enjoy being around will bring good results. Avoid emotional drama and excessive people.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — DAMSEL (DAMSEL: DAM-zel: A young woman or girl.)

lacy lady laic laid laity licit lift acid acidic acidify acidity

acidly adit alit calcify calf cilia citify city clad clay icily

idly italic dactyl daft daily dial tail talc tidal tidily tidy

Spend time with people who encourage you to think more, laugh out loud and live in the moment. A promise or commitment can be made that will alter your mode of being.

Taking business trips, attending meetings and reuniting with people from your past will be enlightening. A positive change can be made if you pay attention.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Participate in something that excites you. Learn from an expert and diversify your skills in order to keep up.

Evolve with the times to avoid falling behind.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Put greater emphasis on managing your personal finances and investing in yourself instead of helping someone else get ahead.

Don’t be fooled by big talk or false information.

SATURDAY’S WORD — FLACCIDITY

facility fact fail fatly fiat fitly flaccid flat flay flit lactic

You can explore new possibilities without going overboard. A partnership will need to be monitored closely. Don’t get angry when you can get busy and make the most of your time, effort and services.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Average mark 18 words Time limit 20 minutes Can you find 21 or more words in DAMSEL? The list will be published tomorrow.

Learn all you can by interacting with interesting people. Someone quite unexpected will grab your attention and offer you something very tempting. Romance is on the rise.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t argue over trivial matters. Set guidelines when dealing with joint finances. Domestic expenses should be kept to a minimum. Plan strategically and move forward with precision.

Work with the majority, not against it. If you disagree with someone, find a common-sense solution.

Arguments will be to your detriment. Charm, kind gestures and incentives will pay off.

Don’t take a chance if it could lead to ill health or injury. Use your intelligence when dealing with people who tend to be extravagant or indulgent.

monday, march 18, 2019

19

Bottas dominates Australian Grand Prix to win Formula One opener

B

itter, bitter disappointment scarred the final part of last season for Valtteri Bottas.

At the Russian Grand Prix, and no longer in the championship fight, he was ordered to cede his lead to Lewis Hamilton. He duly played the team game but it would have been as hard to swallow as any moment in his career. Here in Melbourne he found redemption in the most emphatic style by putting Hamilton to the sword in the first race of the 2019 season and winning the Australian Grand Prix.

Bottas has been open about how frustrated he had felt with some of his performances last season and had come back this year with the absolute intent to make his mark. His triumph in doing so was palpable. “To whom it may concern: fuck you,” he announced over the radio after taking the flag in what he later described as the best race of his life.

The 29-year-old believes he can be in the fight for the world championship and to do so he knows he must first beat his teammate. He did so in Melbourne with aplomb and Hamilton accepted he had been outraced. He finished 20.8sec behind the Finn, although the world champion had not been pushing, managing his pace due to a car problem caused by damage to the floor picked up on lap four.

Mercedes, who have repeatedly been explicit that they will let their drivers race without team orders while both are in the battle for the title and did so here, will welcome the one-two, especially after they had looked to be behind the pace of Ferrari after testing. They have been dominant while the Scuderia leave Albert Park with some serious questions to answer.

Sebastian Vettel finished in fourth for Ferrari with his teammate Charles Leclerc in fifth. Vettel had started in third but having been unhappy with the balance of his car all weekend was unable to hold off Max Verstappen’s Red Bull when he charged on fresher rubber to take the final podium place. Vettel was ultimately almost a minute back on Bottas by the time the chequered flag fell. Ferrari’s car had looked ab-

Valtteri Bottas leads the rest of the field through the first corner at Albert Park

solutely planted during testing, quick and enjoying marvellous balance that allowed its drivers to attack the corners. In Australia they had a different beast entirely.

Drawing too many conclusions from the race here is tricky, however. Albert Park is not typical of most circuits, an outlier and one where overtaking is notoriously hard. Nonetheless, to have enjoyed such a decisive victory here will be taken as a very positive indicator for the season ahead by Mercedes – and for Ferrari that they have work to do.

Red Bull and their new engine partners Honda will also take great heart in that they were so strong out of the blocks and completed the weekend without any significant engine issues. For Honda, who have now secured their first podium since returning to the sport as an engine supplier in 2014, their perseverance looks to be finally paying off.

For Bottas, a fourth career victory and his

first since Abu Dhabi in 2017 is the confidence boost he so desperately needed. The crucial moment came when the lights went out. Bottas made a quick start from second on the grid, while Hamilton had some wheelspin from pole, and the Finn was in front by the time they entered turn one.

With Mercedes letting their drivers race, they were happy with Bottas’s pace out front and as the pit stops came in to play he was able to build the advantage he had taken off the line into an insurmountable lead.

Vettel opened the sequence of pit stops, coming in to take the medium tyre on lap 14.

Hamilton followed him a lap later to cover off the undercut. But the team told Bottas his pace was quicker and that they would keep him out. He promptly confirmed it by pumping in some fastest laps.

This was the form Bottas demonstrated only sparingly in 2018 and, indeed, when he did he

had on occasion been felled by ill-fortune – as at Baku last year when he went out with a puncture while leading.

In Australia lady luck was finally smiling on the Finn. Hamilton and Vettel were simply unable to challenge his pace and when Mercedes sent him into the pits on lap 22, he emerged behind only Verstappen, who had yet to stop and was comfortably clear of Hamilton and Vettel.

Mercedes later reported that the damage to the floor of Hamilton’s car had affected its balance but, nonetheless, when Verstappen went into the pits on lap 25, Bottas was back in the lead.

With the pit-stop sequence complete he held a strong advantage. By lap 30 he was 16sec clear of Hamilton in second and 18sec in front of Vettel. The German then came under pressure from Verstappen, who attacked towards turn three on his fresher rubber and made it stick to take third.

Bottas made abundantly clear that there was a relentless determination to stamp his authority on this season from the off when he insisted to the team he was going after the extra point for the fastest lap that has been added to the regulations in 2019.

He duly secured it just before his victory. It leaves him top of the table and, compared to the heartache and desperation that ended last season, positively on top of the world.

Daniel Ricciardo, the local hero, went on to the grass off the start line and lost his front wing, forcing him to make an early stop to replace it. It sent him to the back of the field and the Renault driver ultimately had to retire as a precautionary measure on lap 31.

Kevin Magnussen in the Haas was in sixth; Renault’s Nico Hülkenberg in seventh, with Kimi Räikkönen in the Alfa Romeo in eighth.

Lance Stroll was ninth for Racing Point and Daniil Kvyat in the Toro Rosso in tenth. Britain’s Lando Norris was a very impressive 12th for McLaren in his first GP. George Russell at the struggling Williams for his debut was in 16th in front of his team-mate Robert Kubica. (The Guardian)

FA Cup: Brighton edge Millwall in penalty shootout to join Man City

T

he decisive penalty kick from Jake Cooper had only just sailed over the bar when Millwall’s devastated supporters broke out into a stirring round of applause. An hour earlier they had been revelling in the idea of taking on Manchester City at Wembley, but the mood was rather more downbeat once this extraordinary contest was over. Brighton & Hove Albion, wretched for much of the afternoon, had battled back from the brink to reach their first FA Cup semi-final since 1983 and the only way for the locals to respond was with one last show of defiance.

They did not have it in them to aim any anger at Neil Harris’s shattered players. Not after seeing the Championship strugglers come within a whisker of pulling off yet another shock on an afternoon that proved there is life yet in this famous old competition. Millwall, spiky and insubordinate, were on the verge of reaching the last four for the second time in seven seasons when they led 2-0 in the dying stages, but the manner of Solly March’s equaliser will haunt them for years to come.

Even Chris Hughton, Brighton’s mild-mannered manager, was about to explode when March overhit one last free-kick in the fourth minute of added time. Yet the substitute’s harmless cross somehow floated beyond the grasp of David Martin, Millwall’s goalkeeper, and there was more drama when Shane Ferguson, who would have taken a penalty during the shootout, received a red card for a stamp on Lewis Dunk in the last minute of extra time. “The fourth official said it was a stamp,” Harris said. “If that is the case, he’ll be punished severely.”

Harris offered more sympathy to Martin, who

David Martin drops the ball into his own net to gift Brighton a late equaliser and take the game into extra-time

apologised after the game for letting his teammates down, but it did not help Millwall’s mood that the shootout began with Glenn Murray, Brighton’s leading goalscorer, sending his spotkick against the bar. Even then, they could not take advantage.

Millwall’s only consolation was how much they contributed to a thrilling game. It was barely possible to hear yourself think as the home fans heckled the visitors, howled at every tight refereeing decision and urged their team to demonstrate

their giant-killing credentials.

The ear-splitting din acted as a leveller and Millwall almost snatched the lead in farcical circumstances at the start of the second half.

Mat Ryan’s clearance hit Shane Duffy, but the Brighton goalkeeper scrambled to gather the loose ball before Lee Gregory could capitalise.

Beram Kayal tested Martin with a measured effort from the edge of the penalty area, but Brighton’s task became even more daunting when hail started to fall from the darkening

skies. The treacherous conditions suited Millwall and they broke through in the 70th minute, Alex Pearce charging on to a corner from the left and nutting home a brilliant header.

Nine minutes later, the outstanding Jed Wallace surged clear on the right and fired in a low cross for Aiden O’Brien to turn past Ryan from close range. “At 2-0 down, you’re out the competition,” Hughton said. “To get two back shows great character.”

Brighton’s substitutes made a huge impact.

Jürgen Locadia pulled one back with a venomous shot in the 88th minute and the crowd howled when the fourth official’s board showed four added minutes. With “I feel for Dave Martin because he was excellent throughout,” Harris said. “He made a slight error of judgement and cost us. He’s obviously devastated. He said he’s let the boys down. He hasn’t let the boys down.”

Brighton dominated after March’s goal and were aggrieved when Locadia had a winner ruled out for an incorrect offside call against Martín Montoya moments after Ferguson’s red card. Hughton pointed out that VAR, which was not in use here, probably would have ruled out Millwall’s opener, awarded Brighton a penalty in the first half and corrected the decision to chalk off Locadia’s second strike.

Penalties were required instead and Brighton were in trouble again after Murray’s miss. Yet Ryan’s save from Mahlon Romeo halted Millwall’s momentum, Dunk made it 5-4 in sudden death and Cooper’s aberration meant it was Hughton’s side who will get to test themselves against City next month. (The Guardian)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monday, march 18, 2019

Premier League: Miler penalty puts Reds back on top - Everton defeats Chelsea from Rico to help salvage a vital victory.

For Fulham, they defended well against Liverpool’s dangerous front three, with Tim Ream and Joe Bryan making key interceptions to deny Salah, and grew in confidence during a brighter spell in the second half.

But still 13 points from safety with seven games to go and champions Manchester City next up, pride and positivity is perhaps all they look to be playing for now.

Sadio’s stellar streak goes on

L

Richarlison scored for the second Premier League game running

iverpool returned to the top of the Premier League but needed James Milner’s late penalty to avoid dropping points at Fulham.

Leading through Sadio Mane’s 11th goal in as many games in all competitions, the visitors failed to put a limited Fulham side away, allowing the hosts back into the game.

A dire defensive mix-up between defender Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson gifted Ryan Babel an equaliser against his former club on 74 minutes.

But Fulham keeper Sergio Rico then made an equally poor blunder, dropping Mohammed Salah’s curling shot and fouling Mane as the Senegal forward went for the ball.

Substitute Milner calmly hit his penalty down the

middle as Rico dived right, sending a relieved Liverpool back to the top for the first time since 1 March.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are now two points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

With Fulham carrying little threat and unable to keep the ball midfield in the first half, this became a test of whether Liverpool could focus and avoid complacency.

They were far from their slick and incisive best Firmino was poor aside from his assist for Mane’s goal and frequently misplaced passes, Adam Lallana was anonymous in midfield and Joel Matip headed well wide when free at a corner.

While Liverpool’s defenders were alert enough to cut off Fulham’s sporadic forays forward, it seemed that one-

goal lead would be enough.

But then their concentration lapsed.

They had a let-off when Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s drive from outside the area deflected in off Floyd Ayite but was quickly disallowed, with the Fulham forward clearly offside.

Yet Milner then sliced a clearance with his first touch after coming on and it dropped between Van Dijk and Alisson. The keeper failed to come when beckoned, the Dutch defender’s header back was weak and Babel was able to sneak in, the ball deflecting up off him past Alisson for the simplest tap-in.

It would have been an embarrassing way to cede ground in the title race but Liverpool’s fervency to make amends at the other end ultimately induced a mistake

Mane has been Liverpool’s most potent threat over the past two months and from the start his team-mates looked to him to open up Fulham.

He took his goal superbly, shifting inside from the left to find Firmino cutting to the byeline before continuing his run on the diagonal to collect the Brazilian’s return pass and fire a firsttime strike past the stranded Rico.

Mane could end up this year’s Premier League top scorer if this surge continues - this was his ninth goal in as many league games, taking his season tally to 17, level with Salah, Harry Kane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and one behind Sergio Aguero.

The 26-year-old nearly had a second just before Babel’s equaliser, heading a flick-on from a corner onto the top of the crossbar, before putting himself in the

Smith, Warner welcomed back to Australia set-up with ‘open arms’

S

teven Smith and David Warner said that it felt like they had never been away from the Australia set-up, after being welcomed back with “open arms” during the first part of their reintegration with a series of meetings in Dubai before heading to the IPL. The pair, whose international bans expire on March 29, spent little more than 24 hours with the one-day squad before heading to India during which time the new culture built by coach Justin Langer in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal was explained to them ahead of their full returns, which are expected to be at the World Cup. Though both players, who have undergone elbow surgery in the last two months, were eligible for the final two ODIs of the upcoming series against Pakistan - fitness permitting - it was decided by the CA management that it would be better for them to have an extended stint at the IPL before returning to Australia in early May for a training camp in Brisbane.

“It’s been awesome, like we didn’t really leave,” Warner said. “The boys have

Ricky Ponting (L) with Justin Langer in Perth

been really accepting of us coming in with open arms and a lot of big hugs and cuddles.

It’s good to see the spirit they are in after a great series win in India.”

The events at Newlands led to a stinging cultural review of Australian cricket on and off the field. Langer and the two captains, Tim Paine in Tests and Aaron Finch in limited-overs cricket, have stressed the importance of the manner in which the team plays, which is something Smith and Warner will need to fully buy into on their return.

Smith, who admitted he

had turned a blind eye to the unfolding ball-tampering plans in the Cape Town dressing room last year, said it was important to get everyone on the same page ahead of the World Cup and Ashes campaigns in England.

“It’s just been going through the values that are instilled in the team at the moment, making sure we are on the right path looking forward to what’s coming up - a huge World Cup and an Ashes series, it’s a pretty exciting time ahead for the team so just making sure everyone is heading in the same direction. It’s been very beneficial

and really good,” he said.

Langer has previously admitted the fallout to the ball-tampering bans left Australian cricket like a “dysfunctional family” and he is now delighted to have the two “brothers” among the set-up.

The pending return of the pair will leave Langer and his fellow selectors with some tough decisions to make about how to fit them both into a one-day side that returned to winning ways with an impressive comeback against India.

Ricky Ponting, who will be Langer’s assistant at the World Cup, said the pair had to show they were still among the best players during their IPL stints and Langer acknowledged it was an important period for them.

Warner made a hundred in Sydney grade cricket last week on his return but Smith, whose elbow problem was more serious, has so far been restricted to net sessions although was bullish about his progress. “The elbow is tracking really well, been batting for the last two weeks and able to play all shots, got my power back, so tracking really well and just excited to play again,” he said. (ESPN cricinfo)

right position to beat Rico in winning the penalty.

That contribution was even more important given Firmino’s out-of-sorts performance and another quiet day for Salah.

The Egypt winger scuffed an early chance wide, saw a turning strike saved by Rico and now has not scored in seven games in all competitions.

Everton sinks Chelsea to dent top-4 hopes

Chelsea wasted a chance to move closer to their top-four rivals as they were made to pay by a resurgent second half display by Everton.

Maurizio Sarri’s side dominated possession in the first half with Eden Hazard striking the post and Pedro wasting a chance from close range.

But their profligacy was punished four minutes after the break as Richarlison headed in following a corner for his 13th goal of the season.

And the visitors’ woes increased on 71 minutes when Richarlison was brought down in the penalty box by Marcos Alonso before Gylfi Sigurdsson scored the rebound from his own spotkick.

As a result, the visitors

Sadio Mane has now scored 20 goals in all competitions this season

failed to capitalise on their game in hand, and still sit sixth in the Premier L e a g u e table, a point behind Manchester United, who they would have leapfrogged had they won.

Victory would also have

taken them level on points with fourthplaced Arsenal.

For Everton, a first home win since 13 January was a much-needed response following last weekend’s defeat at Newcastle in which Marco Silva’s side lost 3-2 having led by two goals.

In that game, Jordan Pickford was an erratic presence in goal, but this time where there was no dip from Silva’s side and the England goalkeeper made a remarkable save to stop Gonzalo Higuain’s deflected shot shortly after the hosts went ahead.

Christchurch shootings: New Zealand futsal goalkeeper, among dead

Atta Elayyan was praying at the Masjid Al Noor Mosque when he was shot

A

tta Elayyan, the goalkeeper for New Zealand’s futsal team, was one of those killed in Friday’s mosque attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand Football (NZF) has confirmed.

Fifty people were killed and 50 injured in shootings at two mosques in what is New Zealand’s deadliest attack.

The Kuwait-born Elayyan, 33, played 19 times for the Futsal Whites.

“There is huge hole in our hearts,” said Josh Margetts, NZF’s futsal development manager.

“Atta was a great man and well liked by everyone in the Futsal Whites squad and the futsal community. There are no words to sum up how we are all feeling. He will be sorely missed.”

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, has been charged with carrying out the shootings.

New Zealand’s top professional football team, the Wellington Phoenix, paid tribute to Elyyan and the other victims at their A-League match against the Western Sydney Wanderers, which went ahead after police consultation.

The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh that was due to start in Christchurch on Saturday was cancelled after the tourists witnessed the mass shooting.

“My heart goes out to the futsal community,” NZF chief executive Andrew Pragnell said.

“They are a very tightknit group and this news of Atta’s death will be devastating for all involved in the game. We feel their pain and their grief.” (BBC Sport)

21 Sir Viv Richards backs Ricky Skerritt for CWI presidency F guyanatimesgy.com

MONday, MARCH 18, 2019

ormer Windies captain, Sir and never lost a Test seVivian Richards, arguably one of ries, believes Skerritt is the man to lead the CWI the greatest batsmen of all time, into the future. has thrown his support behind Ricky Skerritt and Dr, Kishore Shallow, “We should not lose in their bid to win the presidency of this opportunity in trying Cricket West Indies. to get Mr Skerritt (electThe latter are challenging the ed) or giving him the opportunity to lead. I believe incumbents Dave Cameron and he will do a magnificent Emmanuel Nanthan who have led CWI since 2013. Cameron has had sucjob. I honestly believe cesses in his presidency with the introthe time is right now for duction of the franchise system under someone like Mr Skerritt, who I think is well rewhich 177 players – male and female – spected in that particular have become full professionals. fraternity to help make a They have also introduced a health difference in the future,” insurance plan for players, who are also benefitting from improved pitches said Richards. and longer domestic seasons.

“If we are now looking to make a choice for a new However, in some sectors, he has president, I also believe remained unpopular because of clash- Legends’ fun: Sir Vivian Richards is watched closely by Curtley Ambrose we have people in that es with some players and strained who is also backing the Leeward Islands pair particular department in relationships with some Caribbean leaders like against the incumbents.

Mr Ricky Skerritt, who could bring some reRichards, who turned 67 on March 7, cap- spectability back to the particular position.”

Sir Ralph Richards is not without his own motives, Gonsalves, tained the Windies between 1984 and 1991

CLASSIFIED Hetmyer, Gayle, ADS Holder advance ARACARI in ODI ranks ARACARI HOTEL, WBD (NEAR HARBOUR BRIDGE) ALL MODERN AMENITIES- RATES FROM US$25.

TEL #264-2946-8 CONFERENCE & RETREATS- FULL SERVICE: HOTEL, CATERING & FACILITES. ARACARI RESORT, WBD. ALEX WAYNE: 264-2946.

WEDDINGS & ANNIVERSARIES. RENTAL OR FULL SERVICE: BANQUET HALL & CATERING, ARACARI RESORT. ALEX WAYNE: 264-2946.

SALON: COSMETOLOGYFULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000. ARACARI SALON & SPA, WBD 264-3312, 600-3927.

FOR SALE ONE COMPLETE MUSIC SET FOR SALE. CALL: 601-9855 OR 253-3070

LAND for sale Transported land 11.6 Acres. Lot 15 Public Road #2Village West Coast Berbice. Price $18 Million. Contact: 686-4818, 648-7109

property for sale PROPERTY FOR SALE LOCATED AT HERSTELLING BEHIND BUDDY’S SCHEME E.B.D, ONE STREET AWAY FROM MAJOR ROAD. LAND SPACE 60X90. PRICE: $8.7M. CALL 6190113

SPIRITUALITY SUFFERING FROM PROBLEMS SUCH AS FAMILY, LOVE LIFE, MONEY, JOB, CHILDREN PROBLEMS ANY SORT OF OBSTACLES AND BLOCKAGES? THEN CALL 670-9278 FOR HELP.

VACANCY Vacancy one cook – 624-0033 Vacancy one maid – 624-0033 Vacancy driver for water truck – 680-3863 Vacancy handyman/porter – 6803863

VEHICLES FOR SALE For sale Toyota Corrolla/left-hand drive, good condition - $480,000 negotiable.

One small bus - $280,000 negotiable 680-3863.

WANTED FEMALE LIVE-IN MAID WANTED TO WORK IN TRINIDAD BETWEEN THE AGES OF 25-40. CALL OR WHATSAPP 1-868-386-5302 OR 1-868-386-4621 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

S

outh Africa opener Quinton de Kock has grabbed fourth position among batsmen in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings after playing a huge part in his team’s 5-0 victory over Sri Lanka in a home series that ended in Cape Town on Saturday.

The 26-year-old left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman’s 353 runs in the series, which included one century and three half-centuries, have helped him win the player of the series award and gain four slots in the latest rankings, which also see his captain Faf du Plessis move up to fifth position after scoring 272 runs.

India captain Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma remain at number one and two after scoring 310 and 202 runs, respectively, in the home series against Australia, which they lost 3-2. The latest rankings update carried out on Sunday also includes performances from series that saw New Zealand defeat Bangladesh 3-0 and the two drawn series between the West Indies and England, and Afghanistan and Ireland.

Four others named player of the series have also made huge gains. West Indies opener Chris Gayle’s effort of 424 runs, including two centuries, have lifted him 35 places to 41st position, New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill’s 264 runs have taken him from 19th to ninth position, Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan has moved up 16 places to 87th position while Usman Khawaja’s 383 runs have lifted him 83 places to a career-best 25th place.

Other batsmen to move up include Jos Buttler (up five places to 13th) and captain Eoin Morgan (up three places to 17th) of England, Shimron Hetmyer of the West Indies (up 16 places to 23rd), India’s Kedar Jadhav (up 11 places to a career-best 24th), Australia’s Marc Stoinis (up 15 places to 29th) and South Africa’s Aiden Markram (up 12 places to 89th).

In the list for bowlers, two formerly top-ranked players have made significant gains. New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult has moved up one place to second after finishing with six wickets against Bangladesh while South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir has gained seven slots to reach fourth place after taking nine wickets against Sri Lanka.

Other bowlers to advance include Australia’s Pat Cummins (up 13 places to seventh), New Zealand’s Lachlan Ferguson (up 12 places to 22nd), England’s Mark Wood (up eight places to 24th), South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi (up 21 places to 26th), West Indies captain Jason Holder (up 10 places to 30th) and Andy McBrine of Ireland (up 10 places to 42nd).

Meanwhile, South Africa have gained one point while Sri Lanka have lost two points in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings. There have been no significant changes during the five series except for New Zealand narrowly edging past South Africa to third position and Australia going past Pakistan to fifth position. (ICC)

as he believes that if there is a change in the leadership of CWI, it could mean an opportunity for him to play a significant role in Windies cricket going forward.

“This is an excellent opportunity for me to have an input as a past West Indies captain and also from the representation that Leewards would have given to West Indies cricket,” Richards said.

“Players from the Leewards would have made a healthy contribution to the development of West Indies cricket.

“Why I am saying this is because we as past players who would have put our bodies on the line, we would have certainly represented West Indies 100 per cent even more (and) it’s a great opportunity for us to show that we are not insular.”

It is against this background that winning the presidency would be afforded the opportunity to bring the region together.

“I hear people speaking about us being insular at times, this is a great opportunity to show that we are not in terms of the transparency with regards to West Indies cricket and its leadership,” Richards said. (Sportsmax)

Spence Jr retains IBF World Welterweight title

E

rrol Spence Jr retained his IBF world welterweight title for the third time after defeating four-weight world champion Mikey Garcia by a unanimous decision in Dallas on Saturday.

Spence Jr, who boxed for the US at the London 2012 Olympics, went the distance in his hometown - his first 12-round bout in his past 12 fights.

Judges scored the bout 120-107 120-108 120-108 in the 29-year-old’s favour.

“People said I couldn’t box. You saw it today,” he said.

“I can box, I can move my head. I can do it if I want to,” Spence added, after landing Spence Jr (L) landed 375 punches to Garcia’s 75 in the 375 punches to Garcia’s 75.

Previously undefeated Garcia, 31, suf- 12-round contest fered his first loss in 40 professional fights.

“He is the truth. He is for real. He came out Garcia, who moved up two weight divisions with a game plan, kept his distance. I couldn’t for his welterweight debut, missed out on the make adjustments,” Garcia said, after dropping chance to join the likes of Floyd Mayweather, to 39-1 with 30 KOs. Tommy Hearns, Manny Pacquiao, Sugar Ray Filipino Pacquiao challenged Spence Jr to a Leonard and Oscar de la Hoya in winning world fight after his victory which saw him improve titles across five weight classes. to 25-0.

He failed to land more than 10 punches in a “I am looking at the winner of this fight. single round in front of the 47,500 crowd at the Spence wants to fight me,” Pacquiao. “I am hopAT&T Stadium. ing to be back here, soon.” (BBC Sport)

UFC London: Till suffers shock loss against Masvidal

L

iverpool’s Darren was again buoyed by Till suffered a English support in the shock loss to Jorge capital as he guided the Masvidal in the main crowd through a rendievent at UFC London in tion of Sweet Caroline front of a sold-out crowd on his arrival in the ocat the O2 Arena. tagon.

The American vetBut the home faeran produced a devasvourite’s relaxed detating knockout in the meanour only made the second round to inflict knockout more of a suronly the second defeat of prise.

Till’s UFC career.

Masvidal likes to Till, fighting for the play on the fact he Darren Till’s knockout silenced the crowd of 16,602 first time since his title loves “fighting in peoloss to Tyron Woodley in ple’s backyards” and September, was heavily tipped to bounce back insisted beforehand he would have to finish the at the first time of asking and give himself an- bout inside the distance rather than let it go to other shot at the welterweight crown. the judges.

But, on a night that saw former champion And he kept to his word to end his own run Michael Bisping inducted into the UFC Hall of of successive defeats, as well as play up to his Fame, Till was dropped by a brutal left hand own tagline. that will no doubt push him further down the “I got dropped in the first and that made pecking order for a fight against newly-crowned me wake up,” said Masvidal after the fight. “I champion Kamaru Usman. wanted to get him back immediately.

Masvidal said afterwards he has his own “I love the scrap - Darren is so tough. Before sights set on the title, but in another surpris- I dropped him I hit him with some bombs and ing twist he cut short his post-fight interview the dude just smiled at me like, like I do to othbackstage to attack Birmingham fighter Leon er people.

Edwards - winner of the co-main event against “The kid is headed far - he is going places Gunnar Nelson. for sure.

Returning to winning ways at the first at“I want to fight for the belt now. Darren only tempt was always top of Till’s agenda against has one loss and that is to the champion. I’ve the dangerous Masvidal, after suffering the got a huge body of work in this division and this first loss of his UFC career to Woodley in Dallas. corporation. It’s my time and I need that belt.”

Till raised the roof on his last appearance Till did not give any interviews after the fight, in the UK in his home city of Liverpool, and instead going to hospital for checks. (BBC Sport)

22

MONday, march 18, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Berbice...

I

Trafalgar easily retain crown

n front of a turnout that has come to be associated with Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competitions, defending champions Trafalgar eased to a comfortable 2-0 win over hosts New Amsterdam Kings to retain their title as the curtains came down on this year’s tournament on Saturday night at the New Amsterdam Ferry Stelling.

Playing in front of a partisan crowd that converged on the venue and converted the atmosphere into a Carnival reverie, the visitors never allowed the absence of senior members Kevin Layne and Delroy Fraser, who were on national duty in Suriname, to affect their pursuit of victory. Instead, the prolific Olvis Mitchell assumed their Final night action in the Berbice zone of the “Guinness Greatest of the Streets” competition responsibility very well, and opened the scoring in the final when he raced pions were in no mood to halt their offensive year, Trafalgar controlled the ball and temon to a pass from Delwyn Fraser and slotted forays, and three minutes into the stanza net- po to perfection, and dominated possession his effort between the legs of the Kings’ last ted their second, which gave them a well-de- in the dying moments, while the Kings’ fans stop in the 13th minute, thereby silencing the served cushion. It came from a counter-attack urged their team to go forward and attack. that involved Layne and Mitchell, who ex- But apart from a few attempts by star playcrowd.

Both teams missed chances to score just changed wonderful passes before a sprinting er Jamal Butts, no other Kings’ player looked before the half, as Trafalgar took a slim 1-0 Tevin McKenzie swept home from close range, menacing; and the final whistle came with the much to the disappointment of the host’s band scores unchanged. lead to the break.

Trafalgar has walked away with the top Coming out in the final period, the cham- of supporters.

Looking a much improved unit since last prize of $400,000 along with the winning tro-

Robert & Ravi Birthday Golf Classic 2019...

Reis, Webster-London, Persaud reign supreme

phy and a spot secured in the national playoffs.

Kings, for their effort, took home $150,000 and a trophy, but must have left the arena frustrated for not being able to keep the top prize in New Amsterdam, especially with the support they were given.

In the third place playoff, Gunners ensured that at least one East Bank Berbice team was represented when they defeated Lichfield 1-0 in a penalty shootout to capture $100,000. Lichfield took home $75,000, and both teams received trophies.

Earlier, in the semi-final action, Trafalgar beat Lichfield 1-0, with star player Mitchell on target in the 8th minute; while Kings escaped with a 2-0 penalty shootout win over Gunners, after regulation time had failed to resolve a 0-0 stalemate.

In the Plate final, NA Kings (B) won the $50,000 winner-take-all prize.

Among the officials on hand to witness this final were Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste, Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart, and several top brass at the DIH Berbice Outlet.

Action in the competition now swings to the East Coast of Demerara next month.

Also on board as a sponsor was Colours Boutique of Robb Street.

Pacesetters, Guardians book spot in Lets Bet/GABA U-23 basketball tournament

From left to right: Clifford Reis, Patrick Prashad, Max Persaud, LGC President Hussain, Robert Hanoman, Pandit Ravi, Indian Ambassador Venkatachalam Mahalingam, Kevin Dinanauth, Shanella Webster-London and Aasrodeen Shaw.

W

ith a large turnout of golfers and with the golf course in fine condition, former Guyana Open Female champion Shanella Webster-London dominated the competition to emerge tournament champion with her overall Best Net score of 66;, while Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud and Clifford Reis emerged as winners in their respective flights in the Robert & Ravi Birthday Classic on Saturday.

All three winners ascribed their great performances to others. Shanella attributed her victory to the encouraging words and particular blessing she received from her mentor and coach, Dr Philbert London.

“Dr London’s words and blessing on Friday supercharged my performance on Saturday,” she declared.

Max said, “The group I played in included the reigning Guyana Open Male Champion Avinash Persaud, Runnerup Kevin Dinanauth, as well as a very good senior golfer, Aasrodeen Shaw; and they really inspired my play.”

Each of the players in Max’s group won a prize.

Reis mentioned, “I played in good company – Hilbert Shields, Troy Cadogan and Paton George – where the intellectual conversation was very stimulating. It was more than golf, it was of refreshing management concepts and experiences.” The winners in Clifford’s flight were from his group.

While prizes in each flight were awarded only to the first 2 places, this article looks at the top four performers in each flight. They were as follows: In the 22 – 28 category: Clifford Reis (68/25) – 1st; Troy Cadogan (75/26) – 2nd; Paton George (77/22) – 3rd; and co-sponsor Robert Hanoman (82/27) – 4th.

In the 15-21 flight: Shanella Webster-London (66/16) – 1st; Aasrodeen Shaw (68/16) – 2nd; co-sponsor Rabindranath ‘Ravi’ Persaud (71/17) – 3rd; and Brian Glasford (73/17) – 4th.

In the 0-14 group: Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud (68/13) –

1st; Patrick Prashad (70/9) – 2nd; Kevin Dinanauth (71/6) – 3rd; and Mike Mangal (72/9) – 4th.

Winners of four special prizes were: Nearest to the Pin (4ft) - Aasrodeen Shaw; Longest Drive (280 yds) –Avinash Persaud; Best Gross (77) – Kevin Dinanauth; and tournament champion from her overall Best Net score (66) – Shanella Webster-London.

Counsel and member Robert Hanoman also received a Life Member’s Certificate for his great contribution to the Club over the years.

Counsel Robert Hanoman and Pandit Rabindranath ‘Ravi’ Persaud, though not in the winners’ row, were delighted at the great support the tournament had received, and performance of the golfers in this their first jointly-sponsored golf tournament.

A highlight of the day’s activities was the appreciation and congratulatory speech made by Counsel Robert Hanoman. Making full use of the occasion, he articulated his dream for the Lusignan Golf Club, making mention of things he hoped would be accomplished in his lifetime.

“I dream of a larger, much-greater-used bar and a fine restaurant catering for both local and foreign dishes, so that persons could travel away from the city and enjoy a great meal in a lovely atmosphere. I dream of a massage parlour where golfers can go immediately after a tournament and be refreshed,” he said.

He offered congratulations to the Golf Club Executive, and especially current President Aleem Hussain, who he said had done a fantastic job, and had done greater than any previous president at publicising the club and ensuring year-long readiness of the course.

Visiting Indian Ambassador Venkatachalam Mahalingam, a friend of Pandit Ravi and himself a golfer, was a participant in the day’s tournament, and assisted in the distribution of prizes.

Part of the action between the Eagles and Plaisance Guardians

By Timothy Jaikarran

I

t was a night of upsets as the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (GABA)/Let’s Bet Sports 1st and 2nd division Knockout Tournament commenced under lights at the Burnham Hardcourt, with two matches being played in the Under-23 division.

In the first matchup of the night, UG Trojans went down to the Pacesetters 49-58, with the losers practically handing the game to their opponents. The Trojans dominated the first half of the matchup, winning the first quarter 16-10; then led at the half 31-20.

However, lady luck was not on their side in the second half, and the Pacesetters set a genuine pace which propelled them back into the game. At the end of the 3rd quarter, Pacesetters were trailing by three points, with the game poised at 37-34.

Then the Trojans scored just six points in the penultimate quarter, which was not a good finishing sign. The Pacesetters outscored the Trojans in the closing moments of the game by a whopping 24 points to their miserly 12.

In the second game, Plaisance Guardians were able to book their spot in the finals by fending off an Adrian Hooper-led Eagles side by five points, winning the match 86-81. The Guardians matched the Eagles’ intensity basket for basket in the first two periods of the game, as the score read 43-41 for the Guardians at the half.

The closely contested battle continued with the Guardians outscoring the Eagles 22-19 in the third period. The Guardians were able to keep the opposition at bay in the final period, with both teams putting up the same numbers.

On Sunday, the Pacesetters were scheduled to battle the Guardians in the final of the Under-23 division, while the Trojans and the Eagles had to compete for third place.

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, march 18, 2019

23

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup...

Boyce half-century, spinners lead Trinidad past Guyana

Shemaine Campbelle top-scored with 45 for Guyana

Erva Giddings snared two wickets in the first over of the game

By Brandon Corlette

U

nder the watchful eyes of a vocal crowd at the National Stadium at Providence in Demerara, Trinidad defeated Guyana by 69 runs in the opening round of the Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup. Trinidad vice-captain Reniece Boyce stroked an unbeaten 65 to lead Trinidad to 221-7 in 50 overs, which was sufficient to register a victory over hosts Guyana. The Shemaine Team Trinidad were brilliantly led by Captain Merissa Aguilleira (Brandon Corlette photos) Campbelle-led team were bundled out batter Rachel Vincent, and the duo led a mini-resurgence after for 152 in 46.4 overs, with Campbelle scoring a fighting 45 in the Giddings burst. The duo took the score to 53-3, adding 51 a losing cause. valuable runs for the third wicket partnership. The introducThe Trinidad spinners were on point, sharing seven wickets tion of Guyana vice-captain Akaze Thompson and off-spinner between themselves. Anisa Mohammed and Felicia Walters Sheneta Grimmond saw Trinidad wickets tumbling at 61-4 had 3-32 and 3-22 respectively. and 70-5.

Emotions were at fever pitch when this game bowled off at Rachel Vincent fell to Thompson for a 45-ball 17 after batthe National Stadium at Providence; and for both teams, it was ting 69 minutes, while Stacy Ann King was out bowled by the perfect scenario for either revenge of last season’s defeat, the lively Thompson for 28 from 40 balls, after batting for 56 or a continuation of domination. Shemaine Campbelle won minutes. Trinidad captain Merissa Aguilleira was out for the toss and elected to field first under glorious sunshine. The seven batting at number five, trapped in front leg-before by Guyanese fast bowlers Erva Giddings and Tremayne Smartt Grimmond. got the ball to swing at the inception. It took the left-arm seamTrinidad vice-captain Reniece Boyce and Leann Kirby er Giddings three balls to remove the first Trinidad wicket. steered the visitors’ ship by adding 48 runs in a vital sixth-wickFelicia Walters was the first batter dismissed, when she et stand. Kirby was removed by off-spinner Plaffianna was bowled all ends up by Giddings without a run being on the Millington with the score on 118-6. board. Windies player Britney Cooper came at number three, Known for her bowling, Anisa Mohammed stuck around at but her stay at the crease was brief. She was removed by the the crease with her vice-captain Boyce, and the pair added 39 same impressive Giddings on the final ball of the opening over, runs from 58 balls in 34 minutes. Mohammed made a combeing trapped in front leg-before. posed 20 from 35 balls before being dismissed by left-arm spinFormer Windies player Stacy Ann King partnered opening ner Kaysia Schultz, with the score at 157-7.

But things turned in the right direction for Trinidad when Samantha Bissoon and Reniece Boyce made light work of the Guyana bowling. The dynamic duo added 64 runs in quick time, batting for 33 minutes and gathering momentum before heading into the field. In the process, the right-handed Boyce hit a well-organised half-century, ending her scintillating innings on an unbeaten 65 from 90 balls after batting for 117 minutes. Her top-knotch innings included eight boundaries and 51 dots, striking at 72.22.

Samantha Bissoon ended her unbeaten innings on 35 from 29 balls, hitting five innovative boundaries in her innings. The Trinidadians ended on 221-7 in 50 overs, with Guyana handing 28 extras to their opponents. Erva Giddings had 2-34 in her 10 overs, while right-arm medium bowler Akaze Thompson had 2-46 in 10 overs. Sheneta Grimmond, Plaffianna Millington and Kaysia Schultz had one wicket each.

In reply, Guyana got off to a positive start, but the home team lost Melanie Henry for five. However, Shemaine Campbelle and Sheneta Grimmond added 57 runs for the second wicket partnership. Grimmond was in full flow, but she threw her wicket away when she was out caught for a sparkling 25.

Campbelle steered the ship during her solid innings of 45, before she was run out. After Grimmond’s 25 and Campbelle’s 45, only Cherry Ann Fraser (20) and Erva Giddings (18) scored with the bat. Those performances were insufficient, and it saw Guyana tumble to 152 all out in 46.4 overs.

At 16:03h, it began to rain, but that could not prevent a Trinidad Divas victory. Bowling in Trinidad’s complete performance, Windies off-spinner Anisa Mohammed had 3-32 in 8.4 overs, while Felicia Walters had 3-22 in 10 overs.

Guyana will play their next match on Tuesday March 19 at the Everest Cricket Club against Jamaica, starting from 9:30h local time.

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup...

Matthews devastates Leeward Islands with 7-27 – Jamaica trounce Windward Islands by 80 runs

Stafanie Taylor looked in good knick during her 31 (Brandon Corlette photos)

By Brandon Corlette

T

wenty-year-old Windies vice-captain, Barbados captain Hayley Matthews, had a career best dream spell of 7-27 in 8.4 overs at the Everest Cricket Club ground on Sunday last.

In the Barbados Team’s encounter against a jaded Leeward Islands team -- which were bowled out for 88 in 27.4 overs -- Leeward Islands captain Shawnisha Hector won the toss under clear early morning skies, and opted to bat first.

Watched by a handful of spectators, opening batters Malissa Howard and Jenisen Richards went out to commence the innings against the Barbados side. The first Leeward Islands wicket fell at 25-1, when Richards was

out caught behind by Shaunte Carrington for five.

It then became the Hayley Matthewsshow, and wickets tumbled at regular intervals as the Leeward Islands team found themselves mesmerised by the Bajans.

Two of the Leeward’s batters achieved double figures, Malissa Howard scoring 13 while Tiffany Thorpe scored an unbeaten 11.

Barbados produced 21 extras in their demolition bowling job, as the chief wrecker, Hayley Matthews, grabbed 7-27. Shakira Selman, Danielle Small and Shaunte Carrington had one wicket each.

In hot pursuit of the relatively small target of 89, Deandra Dottin smashed an unbeaten 34 from 14 balls, which included four boundaries and two sixes. Player of the Match,

Team Barbados celebrate a wicket at Everest

Hayley Matthews, hit a blazing 23 from 18 balls, which was decorated with five classy boundaries as she rubbed salt in the wounds of the Leeward Islands players, and caused Barbados to complete a comprehensive seven-wicket win.

Jamaica v Windwards Islands

In the other encounter, played at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground at Bourda, Jamaica won by 80 runs against the Windward Islands. Asked to bat first by Windward’s captain Afy Fletcher, the Jamaicans scored 236-8 in their 50 overs.

Batting at number six, Chinelle Henry top scored with 54, while useful contributions came from Natasha Mc Clean (40), Stafanie Taylor (31) and Jodi-Ann Morgan

(31). Bowling for the Windward Islands, Afy Fletcher picked up 3-34 on the slow turner at Bourda.

In reply, the Windward Islands stumbled to 156 all out in 46.3 overs. Pearl Etienne, with an unbeaten 47, was the only resistance coming from the Windward’s team. Bowling for Jamaica, Vanessa Watts took 4-25 from her quota of 10 overs, and Chinelle Henry took two wickets in Jamaica’s complete bowling performance that saw a maximum 37 extras conceded.

The matches will continue from Tuesday March 19. Barbados will meet Windward Islands at the National Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago will play Leeward Islands at GCC, and Guyana will play Jamaica at Everest Cricket Club.

monday, march 18, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup...

Matthews devastates Leeward Islands with 7-27

Page 23

Boyce half-century, spinners lead Trinidad past Guyana

– Jamaica trounce Windward Islands by 80 runs

Bowling in finesse, Hayley Matthews had dream figures (Brandon Corlette photos)

Reniece Boyce was sound during her unbeaten 65

Hetmyer, Gayle, Holder advance in ODI ranks

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Berbice...

Trafalgar easily retain crown

Page 21 Page 22

Banks DIH Berbice representative Renesha Gilford handing over the winning trophy and cash prize to Trafalgar Captain Adrian Price in the presence of Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (right), teammates and other officials on Saturday

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.