Guyana Times - Monday, March 4, 2019

Region 10 hosts P13 Mashramani extravaganza

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3853

monday, MARCH 4, 2019

PRICE

House-to-house registration vacancy ads

PPP Commissioners blast GECOM for blatant disregard of mandate Page 7

– ask Secretariat to withdraw ads and commence preparations for elections

Ali promises to restore lost hope of Guyanese Page 3

Guyana already facing constitutional crisis – political analyst

Page 9

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Sophia woman P2 critical after being stabbed by husband

Businessman arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm, live P12 rounds

– gun, ammo and cutlass found in his car after he allegedly threatened a butcher

Page 2

Corentyne P12 man found hanging after attempting to kill wife

Dead: Denise Cully

Dead: Patricia Ellis

2 killed in horrific bus accident at Success

Bandits terrorise, rob hospital administrator

Page 10

Taxpayers face huge P7 burden of maintaining prisoners

…over $300,000 spent on 1 prisoner each year – Minister

Lack of P11 equipment, medicine hampers effective functioning of Wismar hospital

2 news

monday, MARCH 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

2 killed in horrific bus accident at Success T

wo female vendors died tragically after the bus in which they were travelling crashed and toppled several times before coming to a halt at the Success Public road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Sunday.

Fifty-eight-year-old, Denise Cully of Lot 89 Vigilance, ECD, died on the spot while Patricia Ellis, 59, of lot 30 Haslington, ECD, died while receiving medical treatment.

The two women plied their trade at Bourda Market, Georgetown, by selling fruits and other produce.

Based on information received, the accident occurred at about 07:30h and involved a minibus bearing registration number BTT 4910, driven by a 47-yearold resident of Golden Grove, ECD. A police report disclosed that the minibus was proceeding west along the southern drive lane of the southern carriageway of the said road, reportedly at a fast rate of speed.

It is alleged by the driver that a blue motorcar overtook him from the left side and collided to his left rear wheel causing him to lose control and collide into the median.

This resulted in Cully being flung out of the bus and ending up on the northern carriageway. The mini-

Dead: Denise Cully

bus then turned onto its left side, crushing the now dead woman. It then skidded some distance before coming to a halt. The vehicle was eventually turned back on its wheels and the decapitated body of Cully was removed.

According to the police, the other passengers were then assisted out of the vehicle by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, except Jordon Beaton, who was taken to the Woodlands Hospital where he was being prepared to undergo surgery having reportedly lost several fingers.

The other passengers in the minibus at the time of the accident included: Jaden Miffatt, 7, a student of Golden Grove Primary School; Laffanna Williams, (Police Constable), 22, of lot 175 Haslington, ECD;

Dead: Patricia Ellis

June Abel, 60, of 8 Good Hope, ECD; Wayne Blair, 38, of 38 Fernandez Street, Golden Grove, ECD and Jordon Beaton, 17, of Golden Grove, ECD. They were all conscious and were later treated.

Most of them suffered from lacerations about their bodies. In the meantime, a breathalyser test was conducted on the driver but no trace of alcohol was detected. He was placed in Police custody and is assisting with the investigation.

Guyana Times visited the family of both deceased women, who expressed deep grief over their loss.

Ms Pitt, the sister of Cully, said when she heard about the accident on Sunday morning, she rushed to the scene. “I saw my sister laying on the floor dead. It was a horrible scene,” she explained.

When Pitt enquired

from onlookers, everyone had a different version of what had transpired, but most of them, including the survivors of the bus crash claimed the driver was speeding. She said, “They said that with the speed in which he was going, he had to crash. Someone claimed that the front wheel blew out and he lost control based on the fast rate in which he was driving”.

She said Cully, a mother of three, sold fruits and vegetables for a living at Bourda for the past 12 years. “They said my sister fly through the window of the bus…It is a great loss for all of us, her siblings, her children, her relatives and her friends. She was such a hardworking person. She used to go and get her fruits and sell, and used to come home sometimes midnight. And early morning she is gone again.”

Meanwhile, Ellis’ granddaughter, Acoya Edwards, told this newspaper that she got news early Sunday morning that her grandmother died while receiving treatment at the hospital. Edwards said her grandmother was travelling with her little brother, who was the 7-year-old passenger.

“My brother said that he and my grandmother were sitting in the bus and she hand went through the window and it come off

(severed). And he hit his head. Both of them were rushed to the hospital… my brother was admitted, but he is speaking,” she explained. Edwards said that her brother related to her parents that the driver was speeding, although the passengers shouted for him to slow down.

Asked how she feels

about the loss in her family, Edwards said, “It’s sad.

It hurts.

Only this morning I called and asked her to leave out the washing machine and she said she will leave it out. Those were the last words I would hear from my grandmother. I didn’t expect this to happen.”

Sophia woman critical after being stabbed by husband

T

he police have detained a Sophia man who attacked and stabbed his wife several times about her body on Saturday morning at their Sophia, Greater Georgetown home.

The injured woman has been identified as 41-yearold Carol London of Lot 210 Block F North Sophia. She is said to be in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The incident occurred at around 10:30h when the suspect, Derick London, arrived at home.

A neighbour, Danelle West, reportedly told the police that she saw the suspect arrive home and about

five minutes later, she heard screams emanating from the house.

Soon, she saw the suspect running out of the house with a knife in his hands. He entered his motorcar and sped away.

As such, the young woman ran into the couple’s home where she discovered the victim lying in a pool of blood in a bedroom with several stab wounds about her body and one to her face.

Guyana Times understands that the neighbour raised an alarm.

The victim was rushed to the GPHC where she was admitted a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The suspect is assisting with the investigation.

news

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MONday, MARCH 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 4 – a night retraction at 04:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, March 5 – a night retraction at 04:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 4 – 15:30h-17:00h and Tuesday, March 5 – 16:05h-17:35h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected throughout the day, followed by clear to partly cloudy 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 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 15:40h reaching a maximum height of 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 09:15h and 21:37h reaching minimum heights of 0.87 metre and 0.74 metre respectively.

saturday, march 2, 2019

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Ali promises to restore lost hope of Guyanese P

eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) P r e s i d e n t i a l Candidate Irfaan Ali said the Party wanted to restore a sense of hope to Guyanese – a hope that was lost after the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition’s failure to fulfil promises made to the people on the campaign trail.

Speaking at a fundraising dinner on Saturday at his Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) home, Ali told the gathering that the event was not just to raise funds but also to serve as a platform to hear from the people in order to deliver a future that could be benefited from and enjoyed by everyone.

have been sued for having made promises and creating hope that caused people to invest in a particular way when in fact, it had no interest in fulfilling those hopes and promises. He said this was what the coalition’s manifesto did.

“The manifesto of the APNU/AFC created a hope that was built on lies. A hope that was never meant to be achieved, but was meant as a marketing tool to gain votes and this is one of the regions that suffered severely as a result of those false promises,” he contended.

According to Ali, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) has been mostly affected through the rice and sugar indus-

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali

ents finding it difficult to sending their children to school – all based on false hope and promises. So the hope we are talking about here tonight and in the fu-

A section of the fundraising dinner held on Saturday at Ali’s Leonora, WCD residence

While noting that the PPP/C during its time in office, had done much to develop the country and improve the lives of Guyanese, Ali acknowledged that the Party did make mistakes and being on the outside now has clearly highlighted those gaps.

“So our commitment to you tonight is filling those gaps, correcting those mistakes and building a future in which all of us can be part of…,” he stated.

According to the PPP/C Presidential Candidate, the first thing in this process is to restore the lost hope of the country’s population.

“Today, a lot of people, young people, and businesses are feeling a sense of hopelessness and when hope is removed from society, aspirations are removed. That’s why we brought you here, so we can heard from you because we don’t want to give you false promises and false hope, because we have seen what false promises and false hope have done to our country and our people,” Ali asserted.

He outlined that the country needed a hope that was built on trust: trust of the people in their government and vice versa. Ali pointed out that if Guyana was a Private Sector company, or a developed state and the coalition Government was a company, it would

tries. He said rice farmers, millers, thousands of sugar workers, and even communities have suffered immensely because of the coalition Government.

“People’s lives have been trampled upon, par-

ture must be one in which trust is an important element and I want to encourage you to go through all the PPP/C manifestos and you will see that in all the manifestos, we tried and

were successful in the implementation of 80 to 85 per cent of the promises in those manifestos,” he stated.

The PPP/C Presidential Candidate went on to promise that should the Party be elected into office, it would ensure that there were frequent Cabinet outreaches so that the Administration would get a feel of the reality on the ground and would be better informed as to how its policies affect the population.

“This would be something that you would see in a new PPP/C Government – constant Cabinet outreaches all across this country because in creating this hope, we must be accountable in all the promises we made and that is why we must be very, very careful in what we are promising [in our manifesto].

We will not promise anything that we cannot deliver to the people of Guyana and that is something you can trust us on,” he stressed. turn to page 9

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 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

Trust deficit in Guyana I

t is not hard to discern that trust is a commodity in very short supply in Guyana today. Take, for instance, the reactions to the revelation that there were actually two letters sent by President David Granger to the Chairman of GECOM, James Patterson. The latter’s claim that there is nothing untoward in the second letter, and it does not contradict the first, was supported by the PNC Commissioners.

But while this is arguable, the “trust antenna” of the PPP members on the Commission had to have been raised, since they had to actually request the second letter be produced, after having been alerted to its existence by the Leader of the Opposition. It was brought to his notice after it was uploaded to the Ministry of the Presidency’s website, and he declared that there had to be some “fraud” in the making.

What exacerbated the PPP’s suspicions on the import of the second letter was that it was used by the PNC Commissioners to then argue for house-to-house registration, which had been the PNC-led coalition’s position all along.

The reaction of mistrust by the Opposition Leader and the PPP GECOM Commissioners has to be viewed against the background of the strenuous efforts of the PNC-led Government to hold off the holding of elections as long as possible. Because of the shift in the Government’s initial acceptance that the successful NCM constitutionally mandated elections three months from Dec 21, 2018, the posture of cynicism appears to be in danger of becoming ingrained in our national psyche.

This eventuality does not bode well for the development of a more secure and harmonious society, which all Guyanese so strongly desire, and which is materially within our grasp with first oil in sight. It also does not bode well for the development of democratic governance in Guyana, which had been slowly reinstated by the PPP after democracy was restored in 1992, following 28 years of rigged elections by the PNC. Trust, after all, is the cement that holds together any agglomeration of humanity. The very notion of “social” implies a recognition of predictability in the actions of people that has to be undergirded by trust. Absent this crucial element, we revert to the law of the jungle. The Swedish-born philosopher and ethicist Sissela Bok wrote, “Trust is a social good to be protected just as much as the air we breathe or the water we drink. When it is damaged, the community as a whole suffers; and when it is destroyed, societies falter and collapse.”

As far as the life of nations go, ours is still in its infancy.

But surely the PNC-led Government must recognise that, as a people, it is not only the interests, but the fates of all Guyanese that are interwoven and intertwined. Whatever we may value – be it material, cultural or spiritual goods – we inevitably have to fall back on others to secure it, or at least not to frustrate its acquisition. And this is where trust comes into the picture.

This is not to acknowledge that there is a certain element of risk in the matter of trust, which has been defined as “the willingness to act on the basis of the words, actions, and decisions of another.” But the PPP would be foolish to ignore the tendency of the PNC-led Government to make the most outrageous false claims – for instance, that 33 is not the majority in 65 seats -- and trust their motives. As a result, rather than give them the “benefit of the doubt” – which is all that is required in the realm of trust in the public arena – the PPP have to assume the worst and take pre-emptive, “defensive” steps.

Guyana is at a most critical juncture in our history, where at long last we have the opportunity to realise our potential.

We have to develop shared values and goals, but this is possible only if we first allow trust to grow.

The Amaila Falls in the Kuribrong area, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni)

(James Deeges photo)

Tensions mount in Venezuela as Guaido seeks return to country

T

he four men in green walk calmly down the street, to gentle clapping from the people around them. They appear to be defectors, shown on a video posted to social media from Wednesday in the town of Herran, Colombia.

While CNN has not been able to verify the video, the scene is now a common one in Colombia, from a steady drip of Venezuelan soldiers that have given themselves over to Colombian immigration officials over the past week. As of Thursday, an astounding total of 567 had defected.

This is perhaps the most enduring sign of change since the world was startled by clashes last weekend, when Venezuelan Opposition protesters tried to force humanitarian aid into the country over border crossings, past Venezuelan riot Police and pro-Maduro gangs.

Now, military defectors have crossed over with stories of hunger, corruption, and abuse. The closure of the Simon Bolivar International Bridge at the border has not just increased tension between the Venezuelan National Guard who police it, and the Colombian Police who have endured tear gas over the past week; it has also robbed many Venezuelans on the other side of the border of their livelihoods.

Thousands of Venezuelans come into Colombia daily to work, or buy food to take back. The crossing was a lifeline. And now that it is closed, along with the rest of the border between Venezuela and Colombia, the anger builds.

People scramble across the Colombia-Venezuela border

So what's next for this standoff? Diplomatically, the path ahead is predictable. Russia's support of President Nicolás Maduro is unwavering, rhetorically at least. Analysts question Moscow's desire to fund and assist what many say is a chaotic and corrupt kleptocracy on the other side of the world indefinitely. But for now, their veto at the United Nations prevents resolutions that could further corner the Maduro Government, and assures the Cold War nature of this standoff continues to distract from the humanitarian crisis at its heart.

European States and most of Venezuela's neighbours tend to oppose Maduro, and support self-declared interim President and Opposition Leader, Juan Guaido. Yet they are hesitant over fiercer sanctions, or to entertain military intervention as an option.

The US appears on a steeper trajectory, applying fresh sanctions to Maduro's inner circles and refusing to rule out military intervention. Highlevel officials, including US Vice President Mike Pence

and special envoy Elliot Abrams made trips to the Venezuela-Colombian border last week in support of Guaido, and even Guaido doesn't want the US military option off the table.

It's unlikely it will get to that. But make no mistake, the temperature is rising. Some Opposition activists say that is the point of the constant deadlines and showdowns: to elevate the brutality of the Maduro Government in the world's eyes, and to speed more direct steps against it. The next possible crisis point comes with the planned return of Guaido to Venezuela.

Guaido burst into the spotlight about a month ago, turning from obscure Opposition politician to global figure in a matter of weeks. Many of his team are energised and optimistic, but they know that the situation is very new to them, and fast moving.

Last week, as his aid delivery campaign ramped up, Guaido crossed the border into Colombia. Now he seeks to re-enter his country after meeting the Presidents of Colombia, Brazil, Paraguay, and

Ecuador. He will enter Venezuela today, he says – an echo of last week's failed deadline for aid to cross the border. The question is: How? Guaido violated a travel ban ordered by the Supreme Court when he left Venezuela. That, coupled with his increased profile, makes an arrest upon his return a possibility. A land crossing around the Colombian border town of Cucuta would be easy to do covertly, as he did when he left a week ago, but it would require a long and dangerous drive to the capital Caracas, where he could be targeted by pro-Maduro gangs or security forces. A commercial flight into Caracas airport could simply be turned around by the Venezuelan authorities, and refused permission to land. No choices are good.

Yet he must return, or he risks becoming a leader in exile. Again, there are cynics who say this is the point of his return trip – that he knows it may fail, and will serve to emphasise the Maduro Government's intransigence if it denies Guaido's freedom of movement. Were he arrested on his return, the same point would be made. The White House has explicitly said that any harm or restriction of Guaido's movement will be met with a firm response.

And so we enter another week of crisis. But the longer tension builds, the less likely a negotiated solution between Maduro, Guaido and their backers becomes, and the inevitable and ugly march towards a darker episode in this crisis is assured. (CNN)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONday, march 4, 2019

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

Condemning ongoing slanderous and disparaging campaign to discredit PPP Presidential Candidate Dear Editor, Please allow me to respond to the ongoing vitriolic and virulent campaign by the APNU/AFC supporters to discredit and disparage the credibility of Irfaan Ali, the PPP presidential candidate.

First, Ali is by far one of the most qualified persons to ever contest for higher office in Guyana. His exemplary and impeccable track record as a Government Minister, apart from being one of the leading figures behind the 2011-14 orchestrated economic boom, though the unprecedented housing programme, undoubtedly, allowed him to reach the zenith of his political career, whereby he is now the

presidential candidate of the largest single political party in Guyana.

It must be noted, however, that the ongoing series of ad hominem attack and spurious allegations of academic fraud levied against Ali arouse much apoplexy amongst some of his closes acquaintances and comrades who are well familiar with his academic achievements.

Ali has a Bachelor of Arts (Hon) in Business Management from the University of Sunderland through the RDI distance learning program, a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Planning and Development from the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha

Fire at the various dumpsites is dangerous

Dear Editor, I don’t know if anyone has noticed but of recent, there have been many fires and many are of known/unknown origin. Recently one businessman was blamed for dumping used tires and lighting them. Time and time again he keeps doing that.

According to the various media, people complain over and over but sometimes were verbally abused by the businessman. Because lack of proper attention was given to the complaints, financial damages were caused on properties nearby. Will the culprit be forced to properly compensate the owner?

There are strict laws regarding the lighting of bush/ wildfire or at the dumpsites/ garbage heaps but for some reason, people keep lighting the fires causing discomfort to people and sometimes financial losses and they are not being penalised.

Editor, of recent, the fire engine sirens could be heard blaring almost every day

and it’s mostly for wildfire or fires being lit at roadside dumps and now seemingly being a hot season, irresponsible persons, and it should be a cause of concern to those in authorities.

Around the area where I reside, many fires are being lit daily and in most cases, it causes great concern to many people/babies/animals and in some cases, the guilty person would be pointed out and no action would be taken against him/her.

Those in authority should enlighten the public about the dangers and its effect, enlighten them of their rights, protection should be provided when persons report anyone lighting or dumping garbage and charges being laid against those caught. This nonsense has been happening too long and it’s time it stops, don’t wait until it’s too late because the fires at the various dumpsites are dangerous.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

University in India, and another Master’s Degree in Finance from the Anglian Ruskin University (ARU) which was offered through the Arden University.

Ali even went a step further and furnished the media with all his certificates upon their request, an unprecedented gesture by any statesman, to clarify all doubts. Such politeness and sincerity, however, has cost him. Ali is now faced with a series of unsubstantiated and spurious attacks, all with the sole intent to discredit and harm his personal reputation.

And what is even more unbecoming, is the fact that those who vehemently criticised him didn’t utter a sin-

gle word of apology after they would have received written confirmation by the various academic institutions validating and confirming the authenticity of his various certificates.

However, because of his rising threat to the Government, his critics are bent on keeping the propaganda machine well oiled.

One of the latest allegations was by one who goes by the name of Shawn Sam, who, on March 2, penned an article in the Guyana Chronicle accusing Ali of obtaining a fictitious Master’s Degree in Finance from the Anglian Ruskin University (ARU).

Again, like other false accusers, Sam didn’t offer any substantiated evidence to

support his argument, but instead resorted to the much erroneous and misleading claim that no online programme is being offered by the said academic institution.

Hence, a simple google of Anglian Ruskin University (ARU) would reveal that indeed, the university is offering online graduate programmes in finance. To be specific, the program is being offered as an MBA in Finance.

Finally, Ali’s commitment to self-improvement and intellectual development is astounding and unmatched. In his latest quest for higher education, he is currently enrolled in the prestigious and inter-

nationally recognised LLM International Commercial Law at the University of Salford.

The programme, inter alia, will explore critical areas of international commercial law, corporate law and governance. Also critical to note is that he is currently awaiting results from the University of the West Indies on his PhD dissertation.

Hence, the calibre and commitment of Ali is unmatched and it’s in my humble view such qualities should be celebrated and not condemned for mere political credits.

Sincerely, A Grant

President Granger, do not disappoint Guyanese Dear Editor, It must be noted that based on the timeframe specified by GECOM for nominations day for any election, Guyana can be considered to be in a ‘constitutional crisis’, unless a two-third majority in Parliament extends the legitimacy of the APNU/AFC Government within the constitutional deadline.

Constitutional Crises can are considered to be ‘manmade’ because of the refusal of President David Granger to dissolve Parliament and call a date for elections in a reasonable timeframe. The Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, said that he is committed to

meet with President David Granger if the date for the elections would be decided. Based on the Opposition Leader’s cooperative approach to the President, he might even consider the Government’s legitimacy based on the agreed elections date.

With the ongoing elections court cases in mind and considering GECOM’s readiness, then the elections date can’t pass April 30, 2019, which is approximately 129 days after the successful passing of the no-confidence motion.

The excuse for a houseto-house registration before elections is comical and impossible since we must re-

spect the Constitution and many other factors should be considered for example electronic voting etc, at the same time to ensure that the electoral system is free, fair and transparent, since the electoral system is one of the most important institutional decisions for any democracy.

The President’s deliberate refusal to announce the date for elections is well noted since uncertainty resulting from the political situations is reducing investment, business confidence and political tension. While the uncertainty of election or electoral outcome is expected in every country, it is vital that this

does not translate to uncertainty to the overall political stability of the nation since Guyana is vulnerable to these kinds of situations.

President David Granger’s tenure can be summed up by the idiom ‘you can’t flog a dead horse’, this means that whatever particular effort is made is waste of time since there would be no outcome. We are urging that good sense prevails and President David Granger announce the date for the General and Regional Elections.

The power is in your hands.

Don’t disappoint Guyanese.

Regards, Zamal Hussain

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MONday, march 4, 2019

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

B

ored? Looking for a new challenge?

You can watch cricket, basketball, track, tennis, volleyball, and football on ESPN, or you can really enjoy them by joining your school team. Not into team sports? How about: French club, student council, radio, honour society, yearbook, chess club, drama, Science choir, debate team, or dance club?

So many choices can seem overwhelming, but getting involved in new activities with new people is a fun way to challenge yourself.

Here are some basics and benefits of getting involved.

What are the benefits of extracurricular activities?

So what’s in it for you? You get to explore your physical, creative, social, political, and career interests with like-minded people. You’ll find friends: Trying something different may bring you in contact with people you didn’t know who share your interests and curiosity.

You can get involved with groups as a way to get support from other students with your background. A club or group also can be a great way to meet people who are different from you. Lots of youth programmes bring people together with those who are different as a way to break down the barriers between people.

Participating in extracurricular activities helps you in other ways, too: It looks good on college and job applications and shows admissions officers and employers you’re well-rounded and responsible. Specific activities help with specific goals – if you want to teach language or get a bilingual job, being the president of the Spanish club shows the depth of your commitment.

How do I find the right activity for me?

Review the activities your school offers and listen to other students’ experiences to find an activity that meets your needs.

Think about your interests, abilities, and time – have you always wanted to give acting a shot? Are you tired of shooting hoops alone? Are you looking to meet friends or get support? Do you need to increase the appeal of your college application? Don’t limit yourself to the familiar – try something new.

Think about different roles within groups that you might want to try – President, Captain, participant, leader, support person.

Each role is important. Being President teaches you leadership and management skills, but involves more responsibility; being a member gives you structure and is less stressful. You can also lend your skills in areas that are needed, such as using your math smarts

to be a club’s treasurer.

How do I get involved?

Ask friends what they like. You can join right away or wait to see how your schedule shakes out and sign up later.

Ask questions of the activity advisor before you join. Things to ask about include: Age. You may have to be a certain age or in a certain grade to join an activity.

Fees. Do you have to pay to join? How much? Are there fees for outings, uniforms, costumes, or other expenses? You may be required to help raise money.

Physical. If you’re joining a team, you may need to take a sports physical. Talking with your family doctor may help you decide whether a team is a good choice for you.

Grades. Many groups require a minimum GPA to join.

Time. If you’re involved in competitive sports, you need to have the time to practise and compete. Some clubs might meet only every other week, while others meet every day after school or on weekends.

If you don’t find what you want, try a community centre or volunteer at a local non-profit organisation or business.

What if I take on too much?

It’s easy to join one too many activities. So ask as many questions as possible before you join. Sit down with your school schedule, work schedule, and other activities and try to map out what’s realistic. Are you taking a class that requires extra studying time? Do you need to focus on grades? Does your bus only come once an hour by the time practice is over? Will you have time to eat, sleep, and relax? Everyone needs downtime. If an activity adds lots of stress to your life, it’s not for you.

It’s important to keep a balance between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, a job, social life, and your health. If you join a club and need to quit for any reason, talk with the advisor or coach. Be direct and polite and explain your situation and feelings.

Sometimes it’s just not the right fit or takes too much of your time.

Perhaps you can participate in a less time-consuming way or rejoin later. (kidshealth.org)

C

orey and Angie, twin brother and sister, enjoy playing all kinds of outdoor games and sports with their friends. They especially love playing pickup games of basketball and football. On particularly nice days, Corey and Angie have been known to kick around the football, toss around the baseball, or go on long runs.

Soon, the twins will be in high school and neither can figure out which sport to try out for. Corey is deciding between football and cross-country. Angie is debating whether to try her hand at a sport she has never played, like field hockey, or go with one she knows, like football. They’re facing a dilemma a lot of teens face – which sports to play and which sports to give up.

So many sports, only one you!

For some people, choosing which sports to pursue throughout high school is hard because they have never really played an organised sport before and aren’t sure what they’ll most enjoy.

For others it’s a tough decision because their friends don’t like to play the same sports.

No matter what your sports dilemma is, you have to make the decision that is best for you. If you’re great at basketball, but would rather play football because you think it’s more fun, then give it a go (just make sure it’s cool with mom and dad)!

Sports are meant to be fun. If there is a sport you really enjoy but you aren’t sure if you can make the team, try out anyway.

What’s the worst that can happen? If you get cut you can always try another sport. And sports like track don’t typically cut participants from the team. You can still participate even if you’re not on the meet squad.

Sometimes, there is an “I” in team Some sports, like field hockey, require every person on the field to be on the same page. Sure, certain people stand out more than others, but superstars don’t necessarily make a good team!

Sports like tennis, track and field, swimming, gymnastics, and wrestling are all sports where individual performances are tallied into team scores. Of course there are exceptions, like relays in track and swimming, but for the most part it’s possible to win a solo event in these sports and still have your team lose or viceversa.

No one knows you better than you do. Maybe you enjoy the spotlight. Maybe you get annoyed by the way teammates act when they are über-competitive. Or maybe you just don’t like competing with friends for a spot in the starting line-up.

For whatever reason, team sports might not be your thing — and that’s fine. Luckily, there are many individualised sports to choose from.

If your school doesn’t have your sport Some schools are limited in resources — a city school may not have a field, for example, while a rural school may not have enough students to make up a team for every sport.

A school’s geographic region can also play a role.

If your school doesn’t have your sport, don’t let it get you down. You can always try out for a different sport during the same season or look into whether your local town has a recreational league that you can join. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org) to be continued

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monday, MARCH 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

House-to-house registration vacancy ads

Taxpayers face huge burden of maintaining prisoners

PPP Commissioners $300,000 spent on 1 prisoner blast GECOM for blatant …over each year – Minister disregard of mandate – ask Secretariat to withdraw ads and P commence preparations for elections

PPP/C GECOM Commissioners

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Commissioners on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have noted with great concern several advertisements for vacancies at the Commission which appeared in the newspapers of Sunday, March 3, 2019.

See full text of statement below: “We note, with great concern, several advertisements for vacancies at the Guyana Elections Commission, which appeared in the newspapers of Sunday, 3rd March, 2019.

These vacancies relate to personnel required for the conduct of House to House Registration.

The Commission has not taken a decision to commence House to House Registration and as a consequence, these advertisements are perplexing, at best.

This comes in light of the impending need for the conduct of General and Regional Elections, mandated by the successful passage of a no confidence motion in the National Assembly on the 21st December, 2018.

Despite our repeated requests, both within the Commission and publicly, for the Secretariat to commence preparations for the conduct of elections, no step has been taken in this regard. Instead, one excuse after the other has been proffered as for the delay on such commencement. The latest excuse of funding is, in our opinion, a contrived

attempt to cause further delay.

We maintain that House to House Registration is not necessary at this time.

There are several legally prescribed processes for the revision of the electoral roll to enable the conduct of elections. These processes ought to be utilized in light of the constitutionally mandated timeline for the holding of the elections aforesaid.

We view this action of the Secretariat as a flagrant disregard of its mandate enshrined in the Constitution.

In light of the foregoing, we call on the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission to immediately withdraw the advertisements and with similar immediacy, commence the preparation for the conduct of elections in the manner and time specified by law”.

On December 21, 2018, Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) Charrandas Persaud voted in favour of the no-confidence motion against the Government, during the debate on this matter, held

in the National Assembly.

During the reading of the motion, the Speaker’s opinion was that the no’s have it.

However, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira called for a division for the tabulation of the votes.

During the tabulation, all 32 of the Opposition MPs voted in favour of the motion being carried, with the AFC MP giving them the one vote needed to have the motion passed. Since then, the PPP has been urging both the Government and GECOM to start preparations for elections to be held in the month of March, in keeping with the Constitution and the laws of Guyana.

However, the Government has refused to recognise the legitimacy of the no-confidence motion passed and GECOM has cited that the three-month period as enshrined in the Constitution following the passing of such a motion is too short a time frame for the Commission to prepare for elections.

ublic Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan recently announced that costs associated with maintaining one prisoner per year exceeds $300,000, which places a burden on the Ministry.

The Minister was at the time addressing the state of the local prisons, which he stated are overcrowded.

Ramjattan alluded to a report compiled back in 2017, when the Camp Street Prison was burnt to the ground, which concluded that the overpopulation of the prisons creates its own disasters, costing the Government even more money.

According to him, the cost of maintaining prisoners is a huge burden which can be eased should treatment be available to offenders rather than having them incarcerated.

“At the last budget debate I did ask the question because it was asked of me what is the cost of feeding, housing and in a sense, clothing the prisoner for the period that they’re in there and the average cost comes up to something over $380,000,” he informed.

He later said that he feels he was being very conservative in the figures he called as the monies may very well exceed this amount.

As Government explores its options to reduce the high costs associated with maintaining prisoners, it was revealed that a Drug Treatment Court is one measure that may very well aid in helping the Government

Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

Minister

chologists among others who will be handling these matters.

The Public Security Minister had noted, “We do not want necessarily to jail our juveniles and to make this a jailhouse nation, we want to have alternatives, we want to have diversionary measures and I see this Drug Treatment Court as an aspect of that”.

In addition, President David Granger had assured that Government will soon present the legislation for non-custodial sentences.

Lusignan Prison’s holding facility

achieve its goals.

The new system will provide rehabilitative services to offenders rather than have them incarcerated for long periods.

Ramjattan recently said that this initiative is likely to come on stream soon, especially since training for stakeholders has begun.

On Wednesday, a twoday workshop kicked off for Magistrates and even psy-

“We have taken a decision in principle that custodial sentences for the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use would be legally abolished.

After the National Assembly comes off of recess, we could look forward to that legislation being passed,” the Head of State told reporters back in September last year.

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Social Protection Ministry, SOCDA host employment guidance workshop

T

he Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency of the Social Protection Ministry in collaboration with Sophia Community Development Association (SOCDA) Sophia Night School on Saturday hosted a one-day training entitled “Preparedness for the World of Work” which is geared at enhancing the participants’ qualifications for employment.

The programme, which was held at the Sophia Training Centre, saw an acceptable number of participants, both young and old, who are employed as well as unemployed. The programme specifically targeted those students who are about to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations in June together with those persons who are seeking employment.

Assistant Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer, Yolanda Grant in brief remarks stated that her agency’s task is to assist per-

Wanting to run…

Some of the participants and trainers at the employment guidance workshop

sons in being employed but this is often challenged by the majority of job-seekers not being academically and professionally qualified.

“Our task at the recruitment agency is to assist persons seeking jobs that they are fully employed but one of the challenges faced is that you find persons who do not have the required skills and academic qualifications that is required for the job,” she stated.

Grant noted that in order to remove this barrier, the Manpower Agency has undertaken the initiative to have

trained facilitators teach persons various work-related topics and techniques such as labour laws, occupational safety and health laws, interview techniques and workplace ethics.

“We sought avenues to assist these persons and we were able to engage SOCDA, partnering with us so we can refer persons to enhance on their qualifications so they can be employed, another thing that we’re seeing every day is that persons have a good resume but when they get to that interview that’s

where they fail, they’re not able to sell themselves, they are not able to conduct themselves…our mandate is to ensure that persons seeking employment are suitably employed and so far we have been doing a great job”, she underscored.

Participants were engaged in a number of practical activities as well as being educated on the awareness of human trafficking, a prevalent issue which is negatively impacting Guyana’s population after many cases have been recorded in 2018.

T

…without first crawling

he RUSAL issue illustrates one of the challenges Guyana has to confront, since it’ll determine whether we’ll all sink or swim. There are many folks out there who’re totally oblivious – some deliberately so – to what it’ll take to really DEVELOP our country, even with oil money flowing. The country with the largest oil reserves in the world, Venezuela next door – and its refugees now swarming among us -- should remind us oil doesn’t guarantee development.

The unions who’re “talking fat” – along with the Minister of Natural Resources, Trotman – about throwing out the Russians for “exploiting” bauxite workers, should remember that Russia supposedly led the world for not exploiting workers. As the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, all businesses – including mines – were owned by the state, supposedly on “behalf of the people”; so how could the workers exploit themselves??

But we know where THAT experiment went, don’t we? The same place where Burnham’s flirtation with nonexploitative cooperativism went – into the dustbin of history.

It’s real ironic that the Russians of RUSAL, inheritors of the longest workers’ state in history -- are being accused of practising “capitalist” exploitation of workers. The point of the matter is that our trade unions – and some of our leaders – forget that even Karl Marx, the fella who literally wrote the book on not exploiting workers – insisted that before you can practise socialism, you HAVE to pass through capitalism!!!

And of course he pointed out that capitalism meant exploitation. After all, he said, if capitalism depended on profits, and businesses followed the law of the jungle, where only the most profitable survived, then, OF COURSE, there would be exploitation!! The profits have to come from squeezing something more than your competitor – and that mostly means workers!! But no…these worthies, like Burnham, want to forget what their master taught them was the LAW of development and bypass the capitalist stage.

Your Eyewitness would like them to point out A SINGLE COUNTRY that is now “developed” – say, China, Singapore, S. Korea, etc. – that didn’t pass through a stage of “capitalist exploitation”. So back to RUSAL…they’ve got to compete in a global bauxite market against producers in Guinea and Australia, where, because the bauxite ore is practically on the surface, it is cheaper to mine because they don’t have to remove all that overburden.

So RUSAL has to squeeze somewhere, don’t they?

Meaning they can’t afford to have workers just walk off their jobs and halt production.

And shouldn’t the bauxite union have cleared up that ambiguity in its recognition to represent the workers?? Or should RUSAL not’ve used the “technicality”?

Why then not protest the Government claiming that 33 isn’t greater than 32??

…and crashing

Trotman couldn’t have mouthed off about “throwing out” RUSAL without it being cleared by the PNC power brokers. After all, it was PNC General Secretary Amna Ally who started talking fat, wasn’t it? Now, this isn’t just an academic matter – it might just signal that the PNC are going back to their roots and are again willing to kick out all those “capitalist running dogs”!! PNC leader David Granger has sworn to fulfill the “legacy” of “Founder Leader” Forbes Burnham, and surely it is no coincidence that Burnham’s first act after Republic Day was to nationalise the Canadian bauxite operations at Linden and the American’s in Berbice!

As union leader Lincoln Lewis indicated, bauxite workers are mostly African Guyanese, and the PNC feel they’ll support them in any (mis)adventure. But the PNC should look at the big picture – even as Granger as a historian should know -- that history might just repeat itself.

After nationalising bauxite, the PNC couldn’t sustain production of even our unique calcined bauxite.

The industry crashed and 5000 workers lost their jobs.

…in politics

Your Eyewitness is quite disappointed with the new parties that’ll be contesting the next elections. Surely they’re not going to just be sending out press releases, will they?

What about pressing the flesh, kissing babies and the picong?

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

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monday, MARCH 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana already facing constitutional crisis – political analyst

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s the deadline for the constitutionally due March 19 election approaches, Guyanese continue to wait with bated breath to see what would be the next move made

by Government and the Opposition, and whether in fact Guyana could head into a constitutional crisis.

But political scientist Dr David Hinds firmly believes that there is already a constitutional crisis, wherein the two major political titans, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), are interpreting the Constitution differently.

“Since constitutions by

their very nature are not as explicit as other documents, this disagreement is to be expected.

That is where judicial review comes in; the judicial branch of Government is expected to break the deadlock,” he told Guyana Times on Sunday.

The initial case directly pertains to the passage of the no-confidence vote in the National Assembly by a majority of 33 to 32 on December 21, 2018. In the second case, activist Christopher Ram had argued that Cabinet should have resigned, as per the Constitution.

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George had upheld both cases, ruling that

the no-confidence vote was validly passed, and that Cabinet should have resigned. However, Attorney General Basil Williams has appealed the cases, claiming that the Chief Justice erred in her rulings.

The Court of Appeal is, on March 12, set to commence hearing of appeals filed against the High Court judgments on the no- confidence motion. This is mere days before the March 19 deadline in which elections should have been held following the no-confidence vote.

“But, invariably, the courts come down on one side of the argument.

Because the executive is a co-equal branch of

Ali promises to restore...

Another aspect in restoring hope that the Party is focusing on is inclusiveness, without which the PPP/C Presidential Candidate said there would not be any development.

“We can’t have hope for one set of people; we can’t have hope where one set of the population feels excluded from that hope and feel excluded from that future. So you’re going to see a government that would include every single person in the Guyanese community.

Every single Guyanese must feel that part of the future, every single Guyanese must feel as if they own part of the country, they own part of the vision and they are part of what Guyana will be – ownership through inclu-

siveness, which you will see demonstrated by a People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government,” he posited.

Furthermore, Ali outlined that empowerment would be another focal point of his party. He said the PPP/C wanted to empower Guyanese to do better, not only for their development but that of the country as well. However, he contended that this could not be achieved, nor could the concept of creating hope be achieved when there were great gaps in society. As such, he noted that efforts would be undertaken by a PPP/C Government to empower citizens so that gaps such as that between rich and poor, male and female, coastland and hinterland

from page 3

residents are closed.

To this end, he stressed that there must be belief in the vision that his party has for the country. This vision, he added, has been outlined through the programmes and projects that the Party and its representatives have been talking about as well as receiving recommendations during its ongoing public consultations as part of the compilation of its manifesto.

Ali, along with the Party’s General Secretary and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, has been leading several interactive sessions with various civil society groups and sections of society to get feedback as they put together the PPP/C Manifesto.

Political scientist, Dr David Hinds

Government, it has some scope to get around the verdict of the courts. In other words, despite the rhetoric about constitutional rule and the rule of law, ultimately those cannot make much sense outside of the larger political and historical contexts,” Hinds said.

The political scientist said an honest overview of Guyana’s modern political history would show that the country has been in a permanent state of “constitutional crisis” since 1953, simply because there has been a discord between our constitutional assertions and our political praxis.

Dr Hinds claimed that the problem was solved by one Guyanese leader installing “paramountcy of the party over the courts and the Constitution,

which ultimately led to a full-blown authoritarian order that survives to this day.”

Since the return of free and fair elections, he said, Guyana has witnessed at least three other manifestations of constitutional crises.

“The common thread running through all these crises is that they are all grounded in the ethno-political realities of our country, and they all were temporarily resolved by political agreements by the two parties under the overt or covert supervision of external forces,” he added.

Implications

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has raised concerns with the diplomats that Guyana may be heading towards a constitutional crisis with the Government’s sloth in calling elections.

“We’ve been having engagements with different groups from the international community, to apprise them of the situation in Guyana and our take, and how we feel about the sloth of the Government to seriously consider the constitutional implications of their behaviour,” he said.

“They’re behaving as if nothing happened and we’re in a normal situation when we’re heading to a constitutional crisis. So I

pointed out clearly about that rapid pathway to a constitutional crisis, and what will take place once the country gets into that situation, how we will act.

And you are aware in the public domain what the approach will be on our side.”

Jagdeo outlined that the Guyana Elections Commission’s attempts to delay early elections are only aggravating the situation. He explained that he also outlined to the diplomatic community how the People’s Progressive Party would act should Guyana reach this position.

“It is disastrous; because I think GECOM, at the level of the Secretariat, from the documents they provided to the Commissioners, seems ready to start the process rolling; but at the level of the Commission, the Commissioners representing the Government have now taken on a political role. So their rhetoric is similar to the Government’s,” Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo has said there will be a constitutional crisis if the coalition Government does not hold elections in March.

According to the Opposition Leader, the power lies only in the legislature to expand the life of Government with a 2/3 vote of Members of Parliament in agreement.

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monday, MARCH 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Prosecution has vital role to play in countering TIP – Social Protection Minister ...effective national response to human trafficking needed

P

rosecution has a vital role to play in countering and deterring the issue of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) here in Guyana. That is according to Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally, at a discussion on the prosecution of TIP cases in Guyana which was held on Saturday last.

She stated that the crime of TIP is a serious violation of human rights and that the problem of human trafficking requires wide train work enforcement officials.

“It is important to mention that so many actors involved in responding to human trafficking in Guyana, the Government recognises the value of the standardised and harmonised responses…prosecutors, social workers, medical practitioners among others who are sensitive to the issues…

No single stakeholder can effectively combat human trafficking…”

Minister Ally explained

that investigation, prosecution and punishment of offenders are crucial aspects of ensuring that there is an effective national response to TIP. “Strong prosecutions... can also help to ensure for justice for those who have been trafficked. I believe that an effective criminal justice response to trafficking functions is an effective to future trafficking and is, therefore, is an important aspect of prevention,” she said.

According to the Minister, the role of prosecution in the matter of counter-TIP in Guyana, cannot be overlooked.

“It is the prosecutor who knows how to advise the investigator, how to marshal the evidence. How to obtain assistance from other sources, how to present a case and how to deal with challenges in the court mounted by defence lawyers… Corruption and weak institutional in-

Social Protection Minister Amna Ally

stitutions are additional factors that directly contradict to inadequate criminal justice responses, the lack of experience and exposure among criminal justice agencies etc.”

She emphasised that human trafficking is a fundamental obstacle to her Ministry’s mandate as a social service agency; one

which undermines the developmental objective that it hopes to achieve through

the Ministry’s programmes.

“It impedes health, economic growth, rule of law, women’s empowerment and lifetime prospects for youth. I am of the perception that successful convictions of offenders, redress of grievances as well as the protection of the rights of victims, and prevention of crimes of trafficking are possible when first responders and particularly law enforcement, prosecutors, and even Magistrates perform their task diligently,” said Minister Ally.

She explained that within the past few years Guyana has made significant strides to counter traf-

ficking in persons and that this has been recognised internationally.

However, the Social Protection Minister also noted that a coordinated and harmonised response by all stakeholders is needed in order to maintain these strides and do much better in eradicating the scourge of TIP. Minister Ally added that the judicial system along with other stakeholders need to do what is necessary to protect the vulnerable victims of TIP but more importantly, each TIP case needs to be handled effectively whether it is in the courtroom or not.

Bandits terrorise, rob hospital administrator

A

t least three bandits terrorised the administrator of the Mibikuri Hospital and his family in the wee hours of Sunday morning and escaped with a quantity of valuables.

Based on reports received, at about 3:00h, the armed, masked men, who were dressed in dark coloured clothing, smashed their way into the Lot 379 Bloomfield village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) home.

Administrator of the Mibicuri Hospital, Asif Owel told Guyana Times that he was awakened by the sounds of barking dogs and as he got out of bed to make inquiries, he was confronted by the three men who were already in his bedroom.

At the time, Owel and his wife were at home. The armed men then demanded cash and jewellery.

One of the bandits, who

The home of Asif Owel, Administrator of the Mibicuri Hospital

carried a cutlass, dragged Owel to the lower flat of the building and in the process, dealt him several chops to his body as he continued making his demands.

The administrator, out of fear, handed over one silver band and chain but the man asked for gold jewellery. He told the men that he had none and in retaliation, he was beaten with the cutlass.

Meanwhile, the other two bandits remained in the upper flat with the man’s wife demanding valuables.

She too was beaten by the

men. They were eventually given $30,000 and two gold chains, two gold rings and a pair of earrings. The men then made good their escape.

The police were summoned and arrived shortly after. The injured couple were taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where they were treated. Owel was admitted for further medical attention.

Up to press time, no arrests have been made. Police continue to investigate.

(Andrew Carmichael)

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monday, MARCH 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Rights activist recommends Lack of equipment, medicine hampers effective functioning amnesty for TIP victims of Wismar hospital who testify – says it could help address some of the challenges

W

hile backing calls made by Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards to do more to address the scourge of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Guyana, rights activist Nicole Cole is now urging the authorities to consider providing amnesty for those victims who are willing to testify.

Cole said this could possibly help to address some of the core challenges faced in Guyana regarding TIP. However, she said the first thing that needs to be done is to recruit persons who are bilingual and can communicate effectively with the foreign nationals who are caught in conflict with the law here.

Recently, the acting Chancellor said combatting the scourge of TIP is more than just solving the crimes and helping the victims, and even though there has been progress, there is much more that needs to be done.

She pointed to challenges in identifying who is the victim of trafficking, and where in many cases, some of the victims are foreign nationals and only speak Spanish or Portuguese.

Cole said in some cases, these foreign nationals are afraid of deportation and if they know there is an option out, some of them are likely to choose to testify. But according to her, this decision will have to be made after proper consultation is done in a way that puts a dent in TIP in Guyana.

She has also made recommendations for the issue to be tackled by the Public Health Ministry.

“The psychological trauma occasioned by modern-day slavery has to also be addressed by the Public Health Ministry, whereby clinical screening is facilitated for survivors of TIP,” she added.

According to Justice Cummings-Edwards, it was pointed out that the police officers are instituting charges but have been unable to complete the files in a timely manner. This has, in many cases, resulted in the victims’ unwillingness

Rights activist Nicole Cole

to testify and the inevitable dismissal of cases for want of prosecution.

The rights activist said if the police are unable to identify who really are the victims as alluded to by the Chancellor then it's a waste of State resources and the court's time to even take those cases to court because there will be zero convictions. “We cannot be seen as unprepared to prosecute foreigners who violate our law because it sends a very weak message to others who are thinking of doing same.”

Cracks

According to Cole, shoddy defective work by some members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is another reason why many rape cases fall through the cracks and in the cases of TIP, it's no different. She said, “The GPF is being asked to 'fetch water in a basket' because they lack the human and financial resources to effectively execute their mandate, yet the public expects them to ‘serve and protect!’”

Given what the acting Chancellor observed as it relates to the case file not being completed in a timely manner although charges were instituted, smacks of gross incompetence, negligence and an abdication of duty by those prosecutors, Cole said. “A failure to do so will occasion an environment of mediocrity and an attitude of unprofessionalism which can be scientifically observed in our court system.”

Guyana’s small population has been hit with the growing epidemic of human trafficking cases, with statistics demonstrating that some 156 cases were recorded for 2018 alone. Out of the 156 persons that were assisted, some 93 were transferred to shelters and similar agencies for additional support.

This trend has continued into 2019, with some eight cases reported in less than two months. For this, provisions were made for other countries and entities to contribute in these investigations. To date, Guyana has recorded eight cases of suspected trafficking in persons.

Some 45 victims were identified in Guyana.

Government recently worked with the International Organisation for Migration to repatriate one victim who was recruited in Guyana but trafficked to a Caribbean country.

The GPF has also played a role in locating trafficked persons and preventing such incidents.

In its 2018 TIP Report, the United States (US) State Department noted that although the Guyana Government meets the minimum standards, it did not provide adequate protection and shelter outside the capital, or for child and male victims. It said the number of trafficking investigations and new prosecutions decreased, and the number of successful convictions remained low.

W

hile the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) at Wismar, Linden, is currently making strides towards the advancement of healthcare delivery in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), it has not been without its share of issues.

Medical Superintendent (MS) of the hospital, Dr Steve Mark outlined a number of these to Regional Chairman Renis Morian during a recent visit to the medical institution.

The issues range from the lack of a stationed ambulance, lack of ECG and ultrasound machines, HCG kits, inefficient security, depletion of staff, trouble sourcing pharmaceuticals as well as maintenance issues. Mark indicated that the hospital was also in need of a handyman.

“Right now we are in dire need of an ECG machine because we have about fifty plus medical patients with heart condition, hypertension, diabetic patients that are in need of ECG. So we’re really in need of this and also an ultrasound machine”, the MS explained.

The hospital recently boosted its maternity wards and other units, however, Mark noted that it cannot move forward without support from the relevant authorities. He also pointed out that decisions surrounding the management of the hospital are being made, allegedly through the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) at Mackenzie without consulting him.

“Decisions are being made over that side about everything and bypassing my end.

My staff are being moved... so the whole function of the hospital breaks at times.

Because if I’m here and Mackenzie making decisions without me knowing then how can I manage this hospital...This is a serious matter.

What has been happening is, we have a group of staff here and over the river (Linden Hospital) seem to be draining (our staff)”, Mark said.

As such, he said this prevents the hospital from attaining a certain standard.

The Regional Chairman said while he was happy with the progress being made at the UDH, he was concerned over

Dr Steve Mark and Regional Chairman Renis Morian having a discussion at the hospital

the issue of staff depletion. “...what I’m disappointed with is the call to move staff from Wismar hospital. I would like the administration of the Mackenzie hospital to first have a talk with the RDC (Regional Democratic Councillor) on this because... this has been happening over the years. Every time this hospital come up, you remove and it go down back. We are not in the business of carrying down. We’re building this hospital. If they need staff, they need to apply for staff or invite fresh staff, but we don’t want staff move from Wismar hospital...you don’t deplete this hospital to build Mackenzie hospital, you build both hospitals”, Morian

said.

He added that the objective is for residents of Wismar to have a fully functional health facility, as he made a promise to speak with the Health Minister on the issue.

During the discourse, Mark also highlighted the need for a parking facility at the hospital. He said he has written to the relevant authorities on some of the issues.

The Regional Chairman also made a promise to address the issues and to write to the relevant authorities.

According to Mark, the hospital cannot move forward with the present climate. “The hospital has a lot of potential. We need to move it forward...” he added.

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monday, MARCH 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Businessman arrested for Corentyne man found hanging possession of unlicensed after attempting to kill wife firearm, live rounds A – gun, ammo and cutlass found in his car after he allegedly threatened a butcher

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50-year-old businessman, who hails from Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was arrested after he was caught with an unlicensed firearm and a magazine that contained eight live rounds of ammunition in his vehicle on Sunday morning.

A cutlass and a large piece of round wood were also found in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Reports are that Police Officers were in search of the businessman in relation to a report made by a butcher, who claimed that the man had threatened to shoot him.

The businessman was driving his car in the vicinity of the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station and Stelling area when he was stopped and told of the allegation by the butcher.

However, he remained silent, and after officers requested to search his vehicle, he agreed.

The black handgun with the magazine containing eight live rounds was discovered on the floor of the car.

Guyana Times understands that when the businessman was asked to produce his firearm licence for the weapon he had in his possession, he told the Police ranks that he did not have one.

He reportedly gave explanations for the cutlass and suspicious piece of wood he had

in his car.

The businessman was immediately arrested and taken to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station where he was presently refusing to assist the Police in the investigations.

A serial number for the firearm in question could not be found. Investigations are presently on-going into the matter of the alleged threat to the butcher as well as the gun and ammunition found in the car.

Corentyne labourer was on Sunday morning found handing at his Fyrish, Berbice home.

Dead is Vimal Palkissoon also called “Navin” 37, of Lot 57 Fyrish Road, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

According to reports, Palkissoon was arrested on Saturday after his wife Kristina Drepaul, 33, had accused him of physically abusing and attempting to kill her.

She had previously made several reports of similar nature at the Albion Police Station. Palkissoon was arrested on Saturday but released on Sunday.

Reports are that after his release, he went home and

Dead: Vimal Palkissoon

took a bath after which he attacked the woman again.

He reportedly choked the woman and threatened to kill her and then himself.

The mother of two was able to fight him off after which she sprung out of bed, ran out of the house and went to her mother’s house which is located in the same yard.

The woman had left her 11-year-old son behind.

About ten minutes later, he left the house to go to his grandmother’s home and whilst walking, he cried that his father was hanging. Upon hearing that, the abused woman ran home only to find her husband’s motionless body. The police were summoned to the scene and an investigation was launched.

Berbicians participate in Mash tramp

Fast-food stalls, barbecue grills, bouncy castles and game booths sprang up along the route

D

espite calls for Berbice Mash to be on Republic Day, Berbicians came out to participate in what is traditionally dubbed the ‘people’s Mash’ on Sunday in New Amsterdam.

Traditionally, the activity is held one week after the main celebration in the capital city, Georgetown.

The parade, which kicked off from Marks Bridge, initially saw only revellers participating, but as it moved through the streets, Berbicians joined in, making it the ‘people’s Mash fest’ of the year.

Several of the floats

which were on the road in Georgetown on Republic Day were displayed in the region’s capital town.

Among them were the Office of the President along with the Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry.

They were joined by the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six, the Guyana Police Force B Division, University of Guyana Berbice Campus, APNU/AFC coalition, ANSA McAl, Banks DIH, and Homeline Furnishing among others.

The largest contingent in terms of supporters was that of the Guyana Police

Force but it was by far outnumbered by the revellers following the beverage companies and Caribbean Group for which the road seemed too narrow to hold them.

The scene was a sea of colour that embraced the carnival atmosphere. The bands on the road that were strategically placed and those on trucks provided more than adequate music for the revellers The police were out in their numbers too, along with motorcycle patrols that sought to preserve law and order along the Mash route.

13 Region 10 hosts Mashramani extravaganza news

monday, MARCH 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

R

evellers and patrons took to the streets of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Sunday, to indulge in the splendor of the Mashramani costume and float parade, as the celebration returned to where it all started 49 years ago.

The sunny weather in the mining town provided the perfect atmosphere for the celebrations as the streets exploded with a kaleidoscope of colours. Though things got off to a bit late, a total of six magnificent floats were showcased along the streets of Mackenzie and Wismar which made their way from Republic Avenue before culminating at the Bayroc Ground, just before sunset.

Party trucks and troopers kept the atmosphere alive with the enticing sounds of Soca as thousands of onlookers lined the streets to get a glimpse or to join in on the gyrations. The Ministry of the Presidency Department of Social Cohesion Culture Youth and Sport showcased the largest float and contin-

gent, with approximately 120 revellers.

The Department also partnered with other organisations to showcase a wide variety of cultural heritage.

The colourful display highlighted Guyana’s beauty as it relates to the country’s rich cultural diversity in the theme of the colours of the Golden Arrowhead.

Also showcased were the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) float which showcased Guyana’s oil and gas sector, the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) and the local masquerade band. In an invited comment, Permanent Secretary within the Social Cohesion Ministry, Melissa Tucker explained that the floats were designed in an effort to put Guyana’s national colours on display.

“Our theme that we’re celebrating is beauty in Guyana and cultural diversity...with the red, the gold, white, green and the black.

We want to promote everything Guyana in terms of culture, so we are very patriotic. Every year we will

come with our colours that represent cultural diversity in Guyana. It’s important to promote that because...

Mashramani is ours...so in true Guyanese style we’re celebrating after tremendous hard work by the Department,” she noted.

Meanwhile, residents lined the streets to take in the music, food, games and the exciting party atmosphere. Mixed feelings were expressed as to this year’s activity and turnout by those in attendance.

“I think this year was a bit better than last year in terms of the floats,” one bystander told this publication.

Another opined that more can be done as it relates to pushing the celebrations forward in the region.

“I always think we can do better with Region 10 Mashramani celebrations since Linden is where Mash start. Every year we keep asking for more floats. I just think they need to invest more in Linden Mash”, a resident indicated.

The Mashramani cele-

bration was first observed in Linden in 1970. It was organised by the ‘Jaycees’ Committee which had been organising the country’s

Independence celebrations since 1966, as they sought to have a ‘carnival-like’ festival to commemorate British Guiana gaining its

Republican status in 1970.

This year, the observance was celebrated under the theme, “Celebrate Mash 49 with victory in mind”.

14 news

monday, MARCH 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Women in Business Expo does not only focus on entrepreneurship – Sonia Noel ...empowers women to develop personally and professionally

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he Women in Business Expo is not just an event that caters for the empowerment of women in the area of business skills and marketing but also provides a platform for females from all walks of life and various careers to have a voice and inspire each other.

Those were the words of the organiser of the event, Sonia Noel, who on Sunday

Some of the women displaying their products at the Expo

on the last day of the two-day expo told Guyana Times that the turnout this year was much more than expected.

“We have like 67 exhibitors and some of them from the first year, second year, third year and a lot of the first years… because they develop themselves in their capacities and it is not just their businesses. And one of the things coming out is the

personal development coming out from these people, we talk about health and youth and different things that help you give the world the best version of you.”

She stated that the feedback has been “tremendous” and that the “Inspire You” motivational event over the years featured many phenomenal women from here in Guyana, the Caribbean and

internationally.

“It is not just a women expo for business. Business is part of it but it is adding value to life …we want life elevation…it is you being better, your business, your family and by extension your country, being better.”

Noel noted that this is the fourth year that such an event has been hosted in Guyana and it will be repeated in years to come because of the impact that it has on the female population especially those who are focused on becoming entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses definitely can contribute so much to the development of this country,” she added.

Meanwhile, one of the motivational speakers at the event on Sunday, held at the Pegasus Hotel, Thandi McAllister, told this publication that the “Inspire You” activity presents a platform

for women to not only share their life-changing stories but it also serves as another platform for women to be inspired by stories in their professional and personal capacities.

“So that can transform lives and transformation does not have to be huge, the tiniest change is good enough and I think that is what Inspire You sets out to do. Sometimes it is difficult to recognise that stumbling blocks could be indeed stepping stones. It takes some of us longer to come to that recognition.”

Additionally, Renata Burnette, another motivational speaker, stated that such an event serves to empower and enhance the lives of all the women in attendance in more ways than one.

“To have a room full of women coming from all walks of life having different ca-

reers encouraging each other not knowing which space of mind they are in currently; it is really good. You never have that as often as we should so I felt as though it was the perfect timing and also it is the month for women,” she said.

The Women in Business Expo 2019 was hosted by the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts, in collaboration with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development.

Every year for the past four years, this event has been held in the month of March as part of the activities attributed to International Women’s Day held on March 8.

This year, the expo is being held under the theme “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”. It is referred to as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.

Motorcyclist injured after slamming into car

A

30-year-old motor cyclist is counting himself lucky after only receiving a broken leg following a collision with a motor car on Sunday afternoon.

The injured man, identified as Hardai Kaaleshwar of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, was said to be riding the motorcycle along the Ogle Public Road, East Coast Demerara, when he reported-

ly slammed into the left front side bumper of a car that was navigating a turn.

Reports are that the incident occurred around 17:00h as the car was proceeding east along the southern side of the northern carriage way of the Ogle Public Road. It was alleged that the driver was about to make a turn into the Ogle access road when the motorcyclist collided with

him.

As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist fell onto the roadway and received injuries about his body. In a conscious state, he was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient.

The driver of the car involved in the accident is assisting Police with their investigations.

15

news

monday, march 4, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

On Wednesday last, a woman was attacked and chopped by her reputed husband on whom she was attempting to serve a restraining order.

Given this recent attack and several other similar attacks, what intervention could be made by the Police to improve the manner in which these issues are dealt with?

Vieira Wayne “So, why was she serving the order? Why isn’t law enforcement or a court official serving the order? That’s my answer…the fact is, it’s called a restraining order. It becomes effective immediately after the judge issues it. So, he was immediately in violation of the order since the accuser was the delivery person. It’s an injustice not just to her but to women in Guyana. Law enforcement could’ve had anyone drop it off at his home. And if she wanted to do it personally, by law there should have been a police officer present.”

Mark Gill “For me, I think it’s a hard task for the police to intervene in such disputes since most of them often happen unexpectedly. But nevertheless, when such disputes do happen it’s better for the police to provide security for such victims and stricter penalties for the attacker.”

Ramona Luthi “Law enforcement officials need to first take the complaints of these women seriously. There are too many reports of “police refused to act” or “police laughed at me” from women who are really and truly fearful for their lives! This is no joke! Domestic violence is a crime and it’s time it is treated as such. It can happen to anyone! Secondly, when being enrolled as a police officer, it needs to be emphasised that this role means you’re willing to “go all out” for those you are supposed to be protecting. It is utterly ridiculous to hear about Police officers running away from scenes where the accused is attempting to attack their victim. Becoming a police officer should not be about “how much money I can syphon from citizens”. A police officer is supposed to be akin to a hero and as such, needs to behave in accordance or get out of the Force.

Thirdly, prompt action by law enforcement officials can more often than not prevent the death of so many women. While I’m not saying they are to be completely blamed, they should bear some fault. Proper training needs to be delivered to Police officials who realise what the job entails. They also need to be trained on how to deal with victims of domestic abuse. A counsellor within the Guyana Police Force can be also beneficial.”

A

s Hindus in Guyana and around the world, observe “Maha Shiva Ratri” today, Social Cohesion and Culture Youth and Sport Minister, Dr George Norton has extended greetings and best wishes to the community.

He said this festival contributes to a peaceful and conducive environment in which all can dwell in harmony irrespective of system and beliefs.

“It is my hope that every Guyanese, particularly my Hindu brothers and sisters will utilise this blessed occasion for spiritual growth and intellectual upliftment.

In observance of Maha Shiv Ratri, Guyanese from all walks of life can be guided by the noble teachings of Lord Shiva – the God that promotes peace of mind,” Dr Norton stated.

The Minister went on to say that the teachings of Lord Shiva revolve around empathy, humility and compassion.

“He teaches us that anger should be channelled towards constructive acts that benefit mankind because in the end we all will eventually leave this material world behind. The practice of broth-

erhood and forgiveness, as taught by Lord Shiva, are the kind of qualities that all Guyanese should embrace as we forge ahead to build a more cohesive society where diversities are respected and embraced with pride,” the Culture Minister asserted.

Meanwhile, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) also joined thousands of Hindus across the country to celebrate “Maha Shiva Ratri” – the “Great Night of Shiva”; the annual auspicious occasion on the Hindu calendar is marked by fasting, prayers and paying homage to Lord Shiva, a central figure of the Hindu Trinity.

ERC Commissioner Rajkumarie Singh, who is the representative of Hindus on the Commission, extends greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community on behalf of the ERC. “The Commissioners and staff of the ERC send warmest greetings to all our Hindu brothers and sisters on this occasion. As you surrender to the Divine Force of Lord Shiva and you seek to recognise Him inside of you, may each of us move away from conflict and move towards truth, beauty, peace and be-

nevolence. A most peaceful and blessed ‘Maha Shiva Ratri’ to all,” Commissioner Singh said.

In English, “Maha Shivaratri” translates to “The Night of Shiva”.

Lord Shiva is regarded as one of the main deities in Hinduism.

Hindus in and out of Guyana will observe Maha Shiva Ratri on Monday March 3, 2019. This is an annual feature which falls on the fourteenth day of the dark half of the month of Phagun, (Feb-March). It is a festival which demands complete abstinence since it results in purity of mind and strengthening of intellect.

On this occasion Lord Shiva is worshipped as Nirgun Brahma. The formless and attribute-less Supreme Brahmana. The Lingam is the centre of all worship. The Lingam symbolises that which is auspicious and infinite. It is a mark of the generative power of the Lord. The Lingam also represents trinity which includes Creative, Sustaining and Regenerative forces of the universe.

Devotees from all walks of life participate in the observance. This occasion sub-

Denisia Liddell “I think the police needs to take all domestic violence reports serious and deal with these matters as urgent.

Because people would complain that when they go to report their matters they don’t look into it. So I think they should look into it and deal with the matter right there and then.”

Vadesh Parasram “It is sad to see what is happening to women in our society it’s like these men do not have a mother or sisters, the police treat these matters with no regard, they wait until it reach to this point where a woman lose her life or is seriously injured to handle the situation. They need to take these reports of abuse more seriously and act upon it right away when it’s reported.”

Toquain Lopes “Well, once these women make these complaints, these police should work in coherence with the help and shelter agency to keep the women safe until clearance that they are actually safe and out of harm’s way and that the abuser faces whatever penalties there is for the act of domestic abuse.”

scribes to the transcendence of all barriers. It allows all aspirants to recognise that the infinite power of the supreme is manifested in all beings sentient and insentient.

Maha Shiva Ratri, in essence, is a time for reflection and self-analysis. It is a time to embrace the inevitable reality of life. That reality is called Truth.

Additionally, Hindu dev-

while some say that Maha

otees hold overnight vigils, worship the Shivalingam, and make offerings of fruits, flowers and milk to the Hindu deity.

There are several stories explaining the event; some say that it was on this day that Lord Shiva drank the poison that came out of the churning ocean in the epic ‘Samudra Manthan’ involving the Devas and Asuras,

Shiva Ratri marks the marital union of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Some ancient scriptures also say that Lord Shiva performed his ferocious dance or tandav on this particular day and his devotees remember him as the God who destroys evil and listens to his true devotees with an open heart.

Maha Shiva Ratri Customs & Celebrations

In honour of Lord Shiva, many devotees on this day fast. While some of those who fast will do so on a diet of milk and fruit, there are others who won’t even drink a drop of water on this day.

Many devotees also believe that worshipping Shiva on this day with a sincere heart will not only absolve them of their sins and liberate them from being reincarnated, but it will also bring them luck and happiness.

Many devotees will also take a ritual bath in the Ganga River early in the morning on this day. They then put on brand-new clothes and visit the Shiva temple to ritually bathe the Lingam with water, milk and/or honey.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, march 4, 2019

Regional

Guaido calls for mass protests ahead of return to Venezuela today

V

enezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaido has called for mass protests across the country today as he announced his return to the country after a week touring Latin American allies.

“I’m announcing my return to the country. I am calling on the Venezuelan people to mobilise all over the country tomorrow at 11:00 am (1500 GMT),” Guaido said on Twitter.

Guaido, who has been recognised by more than 50 countries as interim President, gave no details of when or how he would return.

He asked supporters to pay close attention for messages of where the demonstrations would take place.

“Let’s go Venezuela,” he said.

Defying a travel ban by President Nicolás Maduro, Guaido slipped across the border to Colombia last week to try to bring in the aid and to meet with visiting US Vice President Mike Pence.

The 35-year-old political newcomer continued on to Brazil, where he met the

Venezuelan Opposition Leader and self-proclaimed acting president Juan Guaido (left) gives the thumbs up as he arrives for a meeting with Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno in Salinas, Ecuador on March 2, 2019

new right-wing president, Jair Bolsonaro, and on Friday travelled to Paraguay and Argentina. He has spent the weekend in Ecuador.

Guaido stunned the world on January 23, proclaiming himself Venezuela’s acting president after the National Assembly he leads declared Maduro a usurper and illegitimate over his May re-election which was widely criticised as fraudulent.

Guaido wants to oust Maduro and set up a transitional government ahead of new elections.

Maduro – who retains the support of Venezuela’s powerful military – enjoys strong support from Russia, which accuses Washington of interventionism, and China, which is concerned over the fate of billions of dollars in loans to Maduro’s regime.

The socialist President

warned last week that Guaido should “respect the law” and would have to “face justice” if he returns to the country.

Meanwhile, according to media reports, Russia has pledged to help Venezuela avoid US military intervention.

Top Putin ally Valentina Matviyenko, the Speaker of Russia’s upper house, told Venezuelan Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez her country was against any external meddling in the affairs of sovereign States, despite widespread accusations Moscow has interfered in foreign elections.

She indicated Russia feared America was plotting to “stage provocations” as a means to send troops and military aid into the Venezuela.

Matviyenko told Rodriguez: “We are very afraid that the United States may stage any provocations to provoke bloodshed and find a reason and pretext for intervention in Venezuela.

“But we will do our utmost to prevent this. (Excerpt from Reuters and Express)

Emboldened by Bolsonaro, armed invaders encroach on Brazil’s tribal lands

T

en days after Brazil’s right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro took office, dozens of men entered protected Indigenous land in a remote corner of the Amazon, hacking a pathway beneath the jungle canopy.

Inspired by Bolsonaro’s vow to open more native territory to commercial development, the men, armed with machetes, chainsaws and firearms, had come to stake their claims.

A tense stand-off ensued with members of the Urueu-wau-wau tribe, who captured the January confrontation on a cellphone video viewed by Reuters. The trespassers threatened to set fire to their villages to drive them out, tribal members said. Tribesmen readied poison-tipped arrows in their bows.

The invaders retreated.

But a bullet-riddled sign at the entrance to their sprawling reservation now serves as their calling card.

The placard is emblazoned with the acronym FUNAI, a federal agency charged with

protecting Indigenous land rights that is widely loathed by agricultural interests.

“It was a warning that they are coming back,” Awip Puré Uru-eu-wauwau, a 19-year-old tribal member, told Reuters a few weeks after the encounter in the north-western state of Rondonia.

The confrontation is part of a surge of threats and illegal incursions that tribes and Indigenous rights groups say have accompanied Bolsonaro’s rise to power.

Land invasions have increased 150 per cent since he was elected in late October, according to the Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI), a Brazilian advocacy group.

On the night of Bolsonaro’s victory, a health post and a school were firebombed on Pankararu lands in north-eastern Pernambuco state, CIMI reported. In mid-western Mato Grosso do Sul, the group said, convoys of farmers fired shots at the Guaraní Kaiowá community to intimidate the tribe. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Security ramped up throughout T&T Brumadinho mine collapse: T

rinidad Police Commissioner Gary Griffith is using drone technology as part of the TT Police Service’s effort to ensure public safety and security across the country during the Carnival celebrations.

Addressing reporters during a media briefing at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, Griffith said drones would be directed to different areas during the days of revelry and provide live footage to all command centres. He said the drones were “going to be able to provide a lock-down and be able to monitor everything that is taking place in real time”.

The drones would not only be monitoring the movement of bands, masqueraders and spectators, but also the movement of the criminal elements fol-

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith addresses members of the media during the press conference

lowing which the officers would be redeployed as and where necessary.

He also said 85 emergency patrols would be operating on the ground in the nine Police divisions on a 24-hour basis throughout the festivities. This represents just

over nine or ten vehicles per division to provide a “blanket” across the country.

Indicating the vehicles were all equipped with GPS trackers, Griffith said, “This will ensure they stay in their area of responsibility and they will also be monitored from an Operational Response Command Centre that has been ignited at the National Operations Fusion Centre.”

Adding there would be a mobile command centre stationed at the QPS on Carnival Monday (today), Griffith said it would be moved to the Soca Drome, Jean Pierre Complex on Tuesday – so the authorities would be able to see everything that is happening in real time and feed back to officers at the command centres. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Caricom among major markets being targeted

by Jamaican Agriculture Ministry

I

ndustry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Audley Shaw says Caricom is among four major markets being targeted, under the Jamaican Government’s thrust to attain higher levels of economic growth, through the linkage between agriculture and industry.

Addressing a Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) stakeholder breakfast forum, at the Spanish Court Hotel, in New Kingston, on Thursday, the Minister said the other markets were the Diaspora, hotels and the school feeding programme.

Shaw argued that as a member of the regional single market and economy, Jamaica needed to start producing and exporting more to Caricom.

He noted that with the exception of a couple member states, “everybody else has to import virtually everything consumed”, hence the need for Jamaica to be exporting more to the Region.

In the case of the Diaspora, Shaw said there were “as many Jamaicans or persons with connections living abroad, as there are in Jamaica”, citing the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom as the main areas.

He said information gleaned suggested that these persons “crave for food from Jamaica… but can’t get it”.

Against this background, Shaw said there was need for Jamaica to “systematically” target the Diaspora, in order to exploit the export potential in that area.

The Minister said the school feeding programme represents, arguably, the “richest market” to be tapped.

“If we are going to create wealth in Jamaica, we have got to start by giving our children proper nutrition,” he emphasised. (Excerpt from Jamaica

Observer)

Vale mine chief resigns

The sea of muddy sludge swept over roads and destroyed buildings

T

he head of Brazil’s Vale mining giant has stepped down following the collapse of a dam which killed 186 people in the town of Brumadinho.

Fabio Schvartsman and several other executives asked to be removed after Prosecutors called for their dismissal.

At least 122 people are still

missing more than a month after the accident at the dam, which collected waste from an iron ore mine in Minas Gerais state.

Vale is the world’s biggest producer of iron ore.

The company described the executives’ removal as temporary, but did not say how long it would last.

The announcement was made late on Saturday, during the Brazilian carnival weekend.

The mining disaster was the second in the region since 2015, when a nearby dam coowned by Vale collapsed.

Brazilian authorities were severely criticised for being too slow and complacent over that accident. No-one has yet been imprisoned.

Vale said Eduardo Bartolomeo, executive director of base metals, had been appointed as the new head of the company.

The other executives stepping down were Vale’s head of ferrous minerals and coal, Peter Poppinga; planning director Lúcio Flávio Cavalli and Silmar Magalhães Silva, the head of a geographic division.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Impressive growth in Barbados’ film industry

T

he film industry has grown tremendously in Barbados, but there is still a long way to go.

This comment was made by Annette Nias, Film Commissioner in the Barbados Cultural Industries Development Authority (BCIDA), during an interview with the Barbados Advocate, on the sidelines of BCIDA’s Arts and Culture Pop Up Roadshow, which took place at Hastings Rock Saturday morning.

Nias noted that in her capacity of Film Commissioner, she was tasked with two main duties, which is to market Barbados as a desti-

nation for film companies to do location shooting, to assist and service the shoots in different ways, as well as to train and develop the local industry.

She expressed that she was impressed with the way that the film industry was developing in Barbados, but believed that ultimately more could be done. For one, she noted that the industry would benefit greatly from more sponsorship, as it would allow them to improve and increase the training seminars that take place.

Nias noted that even though there was a lot of interest in the film industry from young people, what the

industry needed was more technical interests, and for people to work behind the scenes, which was traditionally hard work.

The Film Commissioner went on to state that they were going to host workshops in order to help train persons in these technical areas.

“Currently we have a series of training workshops, and there is one happening currently that takes place on Sundays, and has 18 participants. It is called the Director Composer Creative Lab, and it’s bringing musicians and filmmakers together to discuss film scoring,” she said. (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, march 4, 2019

Around the World

India-Pakistan border quiet but Kashmir tense amid militancy crackdown

A

s India and Pakistan seemingly dial down hostilities that brought the arch enemies to the brink of another war, a massive crackdown on militancy in the Indiancontrolled Kashmir region is killing both militants and security personnel in big numbers.

At the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border between the nuclear-armed neighbours, there was relative calm in the past 24 hours, their armies said on Sunday. The exchange of fire in the past few days has killed seven people on the Pakistani side and four on the Indian side, though the release of a downed Indian fighter pilot by Pakistan

Men and relatives carry the coffin of Sudheer Qureshi, a boy whom mourners say was killed by shelling fired from Indian Administered Kashmir, during a funeral in Jehlum Valley in Pakistan Administered Kashmir, Pakistan

on Friday night has helped de-escalate tensions.

In Indian-ruled Kashmir, troops on Sunday shot dead two militants after a three-

day gun battle that also killed five security force personnel, taking the total death toll to 25 in the past two weeks. The fresh

Amid protests, Algeria’s Bouteflika vows to run for last time

A

lgerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has defied protesters by registering as a candidate in next month’s elections.

His campaign manager submitted election papers on behalf of the ailing President, who is undergoing medical treatment in Switzerland.

The manager said that if elected, Bouteflika would oversee a national dialogue leading to elections within a year in which he would not stand.

On Sunday there were new protests against his move to seek a fifth term.

Bouteflika, 82, has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013.

The deadline to file election papers is midnight on Sunday (23:00 GMT). The electoral commission has said candidates need to submit them in person, but the Constitutional Council later

17

anti-militancy drive was launched after a Kashmiri suicide bomber, a member of a Pakistan-based militant group, killed 40 Indian paramilitary police on February 14.

The Government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also come down hard on separatist groups operating in Kashmir, including by banning the Jamaat-e-Islami party, two of whose clerics were detained in raids on Saturday night.

On Sunday residents observed a shutdown in South Kashmir’s Tral area against the detentions. Shops were closed and traffic was off the roads in the area, and a protest march took place. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ruled that he did not have to be physically present.

On Sunday protests were reported at several locations in Algiers and at major cities across the country. Police reportedly used water cannons to disperse students rallying in the capital Algiers.

Police have been guarding the offices of the Constitutional Council, in Algiers, where candidates submit their candidacy.

There have also been demonstrations in France, the former colonial power, which is home to a large Algerian community.

“We aren’t opposed to the President, but he is unconscious, he doesn’t exist anymore, his generals and those close to him are doing what they will behind his back,” one demonstrator told the AFP news agency. (Excerpt from BBC

U

S-backed Kurdish forces say they are locked in heavy fighting with ISIL fighters in northeast Syria, using artillery fire and air raids as they press ahead to capture the armed group’s final patch of territory in the country.

Columns of black smoke on Sunday billowed from the village of Baghouz, in Deir Az Zor province, where commanders of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said fierce clashes were underway.

An SDF Commander in Baghouz told Reuters news agency that the armed group had sent explosive-ridden vehicles towards advancing forces on Saturday night.

Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for SDF, said US-led coalition air raids destroyed several car bombs during the past two days of fighting.

Earlier on Sunday, the SDF had said it expected a “decisive battle” after advancing gradually for 18 hours to avoid land mines sown by ISIL, whose fighters are also using underground tunnels to stage ambushes.

By midday, however, there was no sign of the battle being over.

The SDF has previously estimated several hundred ISIL fighters to be inside Baghouz, mostly foreigners.

Ryan said their hiding underground made it difficult to determine current numbers.

Over the past few weeks, they have poured out in greater numbers than expected, holding up the final assault.

After removing the remaining civilians on Friday – mostly women and children – the SDF resumed their assault on the village. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

Brexit supporters give UK PM May 3 tests for EU deal

A Anti-riot Police have been deployed in Algiers

Fierce fighting as SDF pounds last ISIL-held pocket in Syria

group of Brexit-supporting lawmakers who rejected British Prime Minister Theresa May’s European Union exit deal in January have set out the changes they want to see to her agreement in return for their support.

The Sunday Times said a group including former Brexit Minister Dominic Raab and the Deputy Leader of the Northern Irish party which props up May’s minority Government, Nigel Dodds, had drawn up the tests by which they would assess any changes.

“The mechanism has got to be legally binding, so effectively treaty-level change,” one of the group,

Conservative lawmaker Michael Tomlinson, said in an interview with the newspaper.

“The second part is the language. It can’t be a reinterpretation of the withdrawal agreement or a re-emphasis; it’s got to be really clear language as to where we are going ... The third requirement is a clear exit route.”

It comes after Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of a pro-Brexit faction in May’s Conservatives which set up the group, this week scaled back his opposition to her deal saying he would no longer insist that the backstop be removed.

If May secures the de-

mands, she would win the backing of Northern Ireland’s DUP and many Brexit-supporting lawmakers in a vote on the deal promised by March 12, the Times said.

“They have made it very clear that if the effect of any change is to get the guarantees on the Irish backstop that they sought, then that would be sufficient rather than demanding that it has to be done by one mechanism or another,” trade Minister Liam Fox told BBC TV on Sunday.

“I hope it is a genuine attempt, and I think it is, to try to map out ground where we can have common territory.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Bernie Sanders kicks off Donald Trump: US House Committee 2020 presidential campaign News)

seeks proof of obstruction and abuse

A

committee of the US House of Representatives is seeking documents alleging obstruction of justice, corruption and abuse of power by President Donald Trump and his aides.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler told ABC news that 60 individuals and entities would be receiving subpoenas from today.

Nadler said he believed Trump had obstructed justice.

But any impeachment move would depend on the results of the inquiry.

President Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and accused Democrats of a witch hunt.

On Saturday, he launched a furious attack on Special Counsel Robert Mueller, railing against the inquiry he is

Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat, chairs the House Judiciary Committee

leading into alleged collusion between his campaign and Russia.

Mueller is expected to hand in his report to the Attorney General shortly.

Targeting Mueller repeatedly - as well as firing the former FBI Chief over the Russia inquiry - were among the issues Nadler cited as “clear” cases of obstruction of justice by President

Trump.

But the Democratic congressman said “we do not have the evidence” to start an impeachment procedure against the President.

“Impeachment is a long way down the road, we don’t have the facts yet, but we’re going to initiate proper investigations,” Mr Nadler told This Week.

“Tomorrow [Monday], we will be issuing document requests to over 60 different people and individuals from the White House to the Department of Justice,” he said.

Among those receiving the requests would be Donald Trump Junior.

Democrats are now in control of the House of Representatives, with Republicans holding the Senate. (Excerpt from BBC News)

B

ernie Sanders kicked off his presidential campaign on Saturday not far from the rent-controlled apartment where he grew up in Brooklyn, and forcefully made the case that he is nothing like fellow New Yorker Donald Trump.

Sanders proclaimed himself the Democrat best prepared to beat the incumbent in 2020. The rally was his first campaign event since announcing a week ago that he would run for the White House.

Sanders has never shied from addressing Trump in stark terms, and during his speech at Brooklyn College, he called Trump “the most dangerous President in modern American history” and said the President wants to “divide us up”.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders spoke at a rally in New York on March 2

The Vermont Senator positioned himself in opposition to Trump Administration policies from immigration to climate change.

Beyond the issues themselves, Sanders, who grew up in the heavily Jewish neighbourhood of Flatbush

in a middle-class family, drew a stark contrast between himself and the billionaire in the White House who hails from Queens.

Sanders also said he “did not come from a family of privilege that prepared me to entertain people on television by telling workers, ‘You’re fired’”.

More than 300km away in suburban Washington, Trump revelled in his 2016 election win and said Republicans “need to verify it in 2020 with an even bigger victory”.

While Trump didn’t mention Sanders explicitly in a two-hour speech, he railed against the policies of “socialism” in a continued attempt to portray Democrats as out of touch with ordinary Americans.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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monday, March 4, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Refuse to let your emotions get in the way of your productivity. When something doesn’t go your way, focus on your own performance instead of complaining or arguing about something you cannot change.

You’ll be offered false information. Don’t act in haste, or you may end up looking bad or being blamed for something you didn’t do.

Stick to the facts.

Working with people you find innovative will spark your imagination. Don’t hold back. If you put some energy behind your plans, good things will transpire. Trust your instincts.

A change is possible if you are sincere about what you want. Don’t let jealousy lead to bad conduct and regret. Size up a situation and be mature.

Travelling, attending meetings and exploring new possibilities are favoured. If you make changes for the right reasons, you will get what you want. Straightforwardly address sensitive issues with honesty and integrity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

A change at home will leave you questioning how to best move forward. Take better care of your health and well-being. Joint ventures should be handled with caution.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take on a new hobby, do more with friends and relatives and be open to new ideas. Listen carefully and make choices based on your beliefs and plans.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Listen to your heart and pay attention to what others do and say. Refuse to let someone coerce you into a fight or interfere in your affairs. Offer peace, not chaos.

SUDOKU

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SATURDAY’S WORD -- MITIGATE

Look past someone who is negative and choose positive alternatives that will expand your mind and encourage you to do and be your best. Kindness and a helping hand will win favours.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

A change to the way you handle your personal affairs should be kept secret. Take care of personal paperwork to ensure that you have everything up-todate.

A kind gesture will lead to a positive change. How you earn or handle your money will be subject to change. Get what you want in writing before you agree to a deal.

Embrace practical and promising changes. Refuse to let temptation take charge and lead you astray. Work with others to achieve the most and make a difference.

MONday, march 4, 2019

19

Jones beats Smith to retain light-heavyweight title L

ight-heavyweight champion Canadian Misha Cirkunov having scored quick knockout wins Jon Jones dominated Anthony in his past two bouts.

Smith in a gruelling five-round The crowd-pleasing Walker added another spectacular finfight to defend his title at UFC 235 in ish to his record as he finished the number 14-ranked contendLas Vegas. er with a spectacular flying knee after only 36 seconds.

Two-time champion and overBut Walker was soon red-faced with both embarrassment whelming favourite Jones, 31, picked and pain after dislocating his left shoulder when he attempted fellow American Smith apart to earn ‘the worm’ dance move to celebrate. a unanimous decision.

Jones dominated all five rounds of their main event bout, comprehensively outstriking and outgrappling the 30-year-old.

Despite receiving a two-point deduction for an illegal knee in the fourth round, Jones won by a wide margin, with all three judges scoring the bout 48-44 at the T-Mobile Arena.

Victory extended Jones’ undefeated record in world title fights to 13 as he successfully defended his title for the first time since recapturing the Jon Jones (left) has won 24 and lost only one of his 25 professional fights – that belt from Alexander Gustafsson at was by disqualification UFC 232 in December. coming up, so many guys that are looking unbeliev“Hats off to Anthony Smith,” Jones said. “Now I see why able - and that’s going to be such a challenge in itthey call him ‘Lionheart’. self.”

“I have never had someone talk to me while I was hitting Usman makes history him. This guy is so durable - he’s like a Terminator. He did a In the night’s co-main event Nigeria-born great job.”

The fight did not match Jones’ vintage displays during his Kamaru Usman produced the performance of his caprevious world title run, and he admitted he did not deliver the reer to dominate long-reigning welterweight cham- Kamaru Usman became the first African-born world champion in UFC history by pion Tyron Woodley and become the first African- defeating Tyron Woodley performance he hoped for. born world champion in UFC history.

“Man, this MMA thing is really hard,” he said.

Usman, 31, extended his winning streak to 14 and main“Some days you’re going to look amazing and some days Askren weathers early storm at work you’re not going to perform at the level you hold your- tained his unbeaten record in the UFC. to claim debut win “I might not be the best striker in the world and I might not self to.

Ben Askren produced a thrilling come-from-behind victoBefore UFC 235, Jones hinted at a move up to heavyweight be the best pure wrestler in the world,” he said.

“But when it comes to mixing it up, I’m the best welter- ry on his UFC debut against former UFC champion Robbie to face old foe and current champion Daniel Cormier for a third Lawler. weight on the planet right now.” time.

American Askren, 34, was slammed to the canvas and batBut after beating Smith, Jones suggested an extended stay tered with heavy ground strikes as Lawler threatened to score Walker wins in 36 seconds at light-heavyweight could be an option - with a new crop of an early stoppage win, but recovered admirably and locked up – then injures himself docontenders, led by Brazilian knockout artist Thiago ‘Marreta’ a bulldog choke to force the end of the contest. ing “the worm” Santos, beginning to emerge.

Former US Olympic wrestler Lawler protested against the It proved to be a mixed night for Brazilian light-heavy“Right now I’m going to enjoy this win, go back to the drawfirst-round stoppage, playing up to the crowd and teasing UFC weight striker Johnny Walker. ing board and figure out ways to get better,” Jones said.

The 26-year-old headed into his short-notice fight with president Dana White by asking: “Is that the best you’ve got?!”

“There’s a lot of young talent in the UFC - so many guys (BBC Sport)

Premier League: Liverpool’s title hopes dented after goalless draw at Everton

E

verton ensured Manchester City remained top of the Premier League as they produced a battling performance to hold Liverpool to a goalless draw at Goodison Park.

Liverpool needed victory to leapfrog City after their win at Bournemouth but Jurgen Klopp’s side lacked the cutting edge to break the deadlock in a tense Merseyside derby.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, the villain when Divock Origi scored Liverpool’s 96th-minute winner at Anfield in December, was the hero with a brilliant first-half save from Mohamed Salah, who was denied by a superb last-ditch challenge from Michael Keane after the break.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was rarely troubled apart from a diving save from Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header and while the title chasers created the better opportunities, they were frustrated - as they were against Manchester United at Old Trafford a week ago.

Manchester City now stand a point clear with nine games remaining, while Everton stay 10th.

Chelsea sink struggling Fulham

Fulham caretaker manager Scott Parker says he is planning for the long term after his first match in charge ended in a narrow defeat

by Chelsea.

The Premier League strugglers produced a much-improved performance in their first game since the sacking of Claudio Ranieri, but remain deep in relegation trouble.

With nine matches remaining, they are 10 points from safety and have lost eight of their past nine league games.

“The most important thing was we showed character,” said Parker. “Our centre-halves got the ball and played. This is the way Fulham play and the way I want my team to play.

“I am thinking long term in the best interests of Fulham. I will treat this as long term because I want to help this club.”

Gonzalo Higuain set Chelsea on the way to a first Premier League away win of 2019 with a high-quality finish from Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross.

Fulham equalised through Calum Chambers from a corner, awarded after recalled Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga produced an outstanding stop to keep out Aleksandar Mitrovic’s volley.

They were level for only four minutes, Jorginho’s well-placed finish from 20 yards leaving Chelsea only two points adrift of fourth spot.

Ryan Sessegnon thought he had equalised in the closing moments but the 18-year-old’s effort was ruled out for offside.

Leicester lose to Watford

Troy Deeney insists there will be no Watford “meltdown” this season after the Hornets continued their impressive campaign with a late victory over Leicester in Brendan Rodgers’ first game in charge of the Foxes.

Second-half substitute Andre Gray finished coolly past Kasper Schmeichel in injury time to lift the hosts level on points with seventh-placed Wolves.

Deeney had given Watford an early lead, heading Gerard Deulofeu’s cross past Schmeichel.

Jamie Vardy appeared to have earned the visitors a point with a low finish from Youri Tielemans’ pass, but Gray’s goal clinched the win for the Hornets.

Watford won only one of their last nine league fixtures last season and suffered six consecutive defeats at the end of the 201617 campaign, but Deeney is confident Javi Gracia’s side can maintain their push for a Europa League spot.

“We aren’t happy to win just one and lose three,” he said. “We want to make sure we finish as high as we can. The media have said after January there will be a Watford meltdown.

“Egos are out of the window, everyone is trying. Look at the depth of the squad - everyone is willing to fight.”

Watford stay in eighth place due to their inferior goal difference to Wolves, while Leicester remain 11th following a seventh defeat in 10 league games. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

MONday, march 4, 2019

Bayliss offers Jofra Archer chance to stake World Cup claim

T

revor Bayliss has confirmed Jofra Archer will get a chance to state his case for a place in England’s World Cup squad at the start of the summer.

The England coach was speaking following a seven-wicket defeat that he described as “embarrassing” after the world’s top one-day side were dismissed for 113 in the series finale against West Indies in St Lucia on Saturday.

It is a result that casts a shadow over England’s preparations for the World Cup, a tournament for which they were meant to be favourites before this 2-2 series draw in the Caribbean.

Although it was the batsmen who struggled this time, a bowling attack that were routinely taken to the cleaners by Chris Gayle and company throughout the series could do with the injection of Archer’s 90mph pace.

The 23-year-old, who was born in Barbados but holds a British passport, has benefited from the recent reduction of Jofra Archer delivers… the England and Wales

Cricket Board’s residency qualification period from seven years to three. It means he will be available to play for

England on 17 March having spent the required 210 days in the UK over the past 12 months.

Now after months of specu-

Skerritt cries conspiracy involving Barbados, Guyana and Windward Islands

C

hallenger for the presidency of the Cricket West Indies Ricky Skerritt, is hopping mad over what he calls outdated governance structures within the organization he wants to run.

Skerritt sent a press release on Friday, alleging that three cricket boards, Barbados, Guyana and Windward Islands, have blatantly attempted to shut him out of the Ricky Skerrit political process by refusing to hear his plans for the presidency of the CWI, were he to be given a mandate.

Skerritt will be posting a challenge for the presidency against the incumbent Dave Cameron when elections take place on March 24 in Jamaica. Along with Skerritt, is Dr Kishore Shallow who has put himself up for the post of CWI vice president against incumbent Emmanuel Nanthan.

The two have released a manifesto now known as the ‘Cricket First’ 10-point plan, and it is apparently the details of that plan Skerritt alleges, he and Swallow were not allowed to explain.

“We wrote to directly to the Presidents and the Boards, asking only for the opportunity to present our plan for change,” he said. “We did not ask for their support or

for a nomination.”

“Three boards – Barbados, Guyana and Windward Islands – wrote back in a matter of days, all turning down our request, almost in tandem.”Skerritt said: “In the case of Guyana, we noted that they had chosen to nominate Dave even before the nomination process was open.”

“The three presidents confirmed their unwavering support for the incumbents and very respectfully said no thanks to our request to present.”

According to Skerritt, the need for the governance model to change, was apparent even before that, as four of the six territorial boards, whose 12 votes decide the hierarchy of the CWI, had nominated Cameron and Nanthan.

“This type of blind, unrelenting support without even exploring leadership options or alternative ideas contradicts the democratic process and is probably not reflective of the majority base of members who they represent,” said Dr Shallow “Cricket leaders should seek more information from the base and should explore new strategies in order to push the game at the local and regional levels forward.” (Sportsmax)

lation, Bayliss has admitted the Sussex all?rounder will get his chance in the one-off ODI against Ireland in Dublin on 3 May and the five-match series against Pakistan that follows.

“Jofra Archer’s name keeps cropping up and I think at some stage we will give him an opportunity,” he said. “Those matches against Pakistan and Ireland, I think he will get an opportunity to show us what he can do. I haven’t spoken to him. But he’s said publicly he’s keen.”

Archer will not be included in England’s initial 15-man World Cup squad to be named in April. But with teams allowed to make unlimited changes before the final deadline of 22 May, he will have six matches in which to state his case for inclusion.

“It is 23 April when we’ve got to name the squad but we’ve got another month or so when we can change the team,” Bayliss said.

The case for Archer’s inclusion is compelling even if he has played only 14 List A matches. He made his real breakthrough in Twenty20 cricket playing for Hobart Hurricanes in the 2018 Big Bash League in Australia but he has impressed for Sussex, too, in the T20 Blast, guiding the county to finals day last summer in a campaign during which he took a hat-trick against Middlesex that included the wicket of England’s oneday captain, Eoin Morgan.

Whether or not bringing Archer into the World Cup equation so close to the tournament is wise remains to be seen given his presence could destabilise a closely knit squad who have risen to No1 in the world together over the past four years. “I wouldn’t say it is necessarily a concern but it is something we’ve got to think about,” Bayliss said.

“Firstly is he good enough to be in the team and secondly will that upset the apple cart?”

Tom Curran, David Willey and Joe Denly are the players who are most at risk of losing their places in the World Cup squad if Archer’s audition is a success. Asked whether the players who might be affected are aware of the situation, Bayliss said: “I don’t know, you’d have to ask them. There is plenty of speculation all the time in the papers and I’m sure they read that. They are on their Twitter and stuff so they see it.”

As for the defeat on Saturday, in which England were skittled out for a record low total against West Indies in a match that lasted only40.2 overs in total, Bayliss believes it may provide a timely reality check.

“For us to lose in such a fashion – I think they were embarrassed,” the head coach said. “In a macabre sort of way it might be exactly what we needed. Like a wakeup call.

“Just because we’re one of the favourites for the World Cup doesn’t mean we can turn up and go through the motions and win.

There are a number of teams that can win this World Cup and we’ve got to be right on our game to have a chance.” (The Guardian)

LA Galaxy unveil Beckham statue before MLS season opener

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A Galaxy unveiled a statue of former England captain David Beckham outside their stadium, before Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the winner in their MLS season opener against Chicago Fire.

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Beckham, 43, won the MLS Cup twice in five seasons with Galaxy from 2007.

The statue is the first of its kind in the MLS. “Today a dream came true,” said Beckham, the owner of Inter Miami, who will make their MLS debut in 2020.

During the unveiling ceremony at Dignity Health Sports Park, former Galaxy team-mate Robbie Keane, NBA legend Kobe Bryant and US rapper Snoop Dogg paid tribute to Beckham.

Beckham said: “I am truly proud you have created something to - a - keep me young and - b - give my family and friends and especially my kids, who can come here one day very soon and see something of their father and see what we created and what I achieved.”

Former Sweden striker Ibrahimovic, who scored 22 goals in his debut season, scored an 80th-minute header to give Galaxy a 2-1 win.

Elsewhere, FC Cincinnati lost 4-1 to Seattle Sounders on their MLS debut, while ex-Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani made his MLS debut for Orlando City in a 2-2 draw with New York City.

Champions Atlanta United faced Wayne Rooney’s DC United on Sunday. (BBC Sport)

sports

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21

Hussain, Shivraj and Solomon enter winners’ row A

leem Hussain, Lekhnarine Shivraj and Maurice Solomon have emerged top of their 3 flights in the exciting New Trend Auto Golf Tourney that was staged on Saturday, March 2, at the Lusignan Golf CLub. These three, who had been knocking at the door of the winners’ row for the past 2 months, managed to push themselves forward with great skill and dexterity.

Played under the Medal Play System, with flights 0 -13, 14 – 21, and 22 – 28, the three winners in the New Trend tourney were able to outperform all the competitors in their flights, leading in each case by at least 3 strokes. (Prizes were awarded to the first 2 Best Net scores in each of the flights.)

In the 22 – 28 flight, veteran Maurice Solomon was at his indomitable best, producing a magnificent net 68 off a 24 handicap. Results in that flight were: Maurice Solomon (68/24) – 1st; rookie Maxim Mangra (71/28) - 2nd; tied with Mangra for 2nd place but losing on the ‘back 9’ count was rookie Videsh Persaud (71/28); In the 14 – 21 flight, the winners were: Lekhnarine Shivraj (65/17) - with a superb performance, leading his flight by 7 strokes – 1st; Gavin Todd (72/17) – 2nd; tied with Todd for 2nd place but losing on the ‘back 9’ count was Bholawram Deo (72/18); following closely were Hilbert

Shields (73/16); Joaan Deo (74/14); Haresh Tewari (75/19); Guillermo Escarraga (75/21); and Mahendra Bhagwandin (76/14).

In the 0 – 13 flight, winners were: Aleem Hussain (71/10) – 1st; Parmanand Persaud (74/12) – 2nd; also tied with Persaud for 2nd place but losing on the ‘back 9’ count were Kevin Dinanauth (74/6) and Mike Mangal (74/9); following closely was veteran Patrick Prashad (75/9).

In the special awards category, Nearest to the Pin was won by David Harry, while both the Best Gross (80) and the Longest Drive, were won by Kevin Dinanauth.

CEO and owner of New Trend Auto, Rudy Ramalingum, who has readily come forward to support development of golfing in Guyana and the LGC, started with a Foodtown Restaurant sponsorship last year.

New Trend Auto, of 65 David Street, Subryanville, Georgetown, is a leading supplier of new and used auto parts, along with a state-of-the-art repair shop for all types of vehicles. It specialises in providing parts for pick-up trucks. The company has a Rewards Card for loyal customers, and special discounts are given on a weekly basis. Any part or repair is guaranteed.

Representing New Trend Auto and assisting in distributing the prizes were

Maurice Solomon receiving his award from LED ByDesign.com CEO Christina Howlett

LGC member Guillermo Escarraga, new LGC member Mauro Gamargo Remiro from Schlumberger, and visitor Christina Howlett of LED by Design of Canada.

CONCACAF Nations League countdown…

Increased use of stump GFF partners with microphones a backward “MAAD 97.5 FM” step, claims Windies great Holding

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Michael Holding

GFF Social Media Officer Keeran Williams receiving the partnership agreement from Maad FM Human Resources Manager Nicole Griffith

A

s a lead-up to Guyana’s final qualifier in the CONCACAF Nations League against Belize in Guyana on March 23, corporate Guyana has come on board in support of the match in the form of Brutal Group Inc under the Maad 97.5 FM brand, one of the newest radio stations in Guyana.

This agreement was inked yesterday at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Office, and will see Maad 97.5FM as a key media partner in the promotion of the match.

In an invited comment, Christian Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of Brutal Group Inc, said his agency was pleased about the partnership, the first of its kind with the GFF. “Maad 97.5 is pleased to partner with the Guyana Football Federation in their CONCACAF Nations League qualifier. One of our main goals as a visual radio station is to continuously assist in inspiring youths to reach for gold. What better way than bringing to them this game, where they can hear of and see youths like themselves excelling.

This, we hope, is the beginning of many such partnerships with the GFF,” Duncan said.

GFF President Wayne Forde said he welcomes the partnership. “The GFF takes its responsibility to keep the general public informed of its activities and development programmes very seriously. We are therefore always eager to partner with the media fraternity, and welcome the opportunity to work closely with Maad 97.5 FM in the promotion of our historic encounter with Belize on March 23rd, as we roar as a nation to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.” This most important match for Guyana will be held at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora on Saturday March 23 from 18:30hrs. A win will see Guyana qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will be a first in our history. All Guyana, including corporate stakeholders, is encouraged to partner with the GFF for the successful hosting of this event.

Patrons are asked to wear yellow. Come out and support the Golden Jaguars.

egendary West Indies fast bowler turned commentator Michael Holding has rejected the notion of an increase in the use of stump microphones, which some have argued will benefit the game of cricket.

Debate in the public sphere has raged, as of late, after the devices played the role in the sanctioning of two players. Windies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel was banned for four matches after being accused of directing a ‘homophobic’ jibe toward England captain Joe Root.

In an ODI against South Africa, Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed was picked up on the stump mic making a racist comment to Andile Phehlukwayo and was also subsequently banned for four matches.

Proponents of the argument have pointed to the positives of both outcomes and argued that an increase in microphones would also bring fans closer to players.

Holding, however, vehemently disagrees with the idea.

“I had a conversation on air here in South Africa where I voiced my opinion on the stumps microphones being left on at all times. It’s a backward step as far as I’m concerned,” Holding told Mumbai Mirror.

“The field of play and the dressing room belong to the combatants and the excuse being offered that it helps the viewers to enjoy the game is very lame. If the public needs to hear the players on the field, it simply means the product being offered has a problem,” he added. (Sportsmax)

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MONday, march 4, 2019

Krsna Singh

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County tourney a success

Time for selectors to make the right call Isai Thorne

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Dave West Indian Imports Under-15 Inter-County tournament was on Saturday last deemed a success by sponsor Dave Narine. In brief remarks, he hailed the GCB for successfully running off the tournament.

Demerara reigned supreme when they overthrew Berbice in the grand final played at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground (GCC) at Bourda. The tournament saw three preliminary matches being played by the four teams, with the top two teams advancing to the final.

This tournament will be used to select players to play in the upcoming under-17 inter-county tournament and the Guyana Under-15 team to play in the Regional Tournament in Antigua.

Berbice talisman Rampertab Ramnauth copped the Most Runs Award of the tournament, having scored 215 runs with scores of 37, 147*, 10 and 21. Impressive off-spinner Matthew Pottaya, who has one more year at the under-15 level, took 12 wickets in the tournament, the most by any bowler.

Looking at runner-up team Berbice, Isai Thorne was the only player with National experience, having played in the 2018 Regional under-15 tournament. The team was com-

prised of 80 per cent players that have one or more years remaining at the under-15 level.

Brilliantly led by Captain Alvin Mohabir, champions Demerara looked a formidable unit throughout the tournament, having played four matches and winning all four on the trot.

In the batting department, Rampertab Ramnauth and Jadon Campbell may have the advantage of being the first choice opening batsmen for the National under-15 team. In combination, Ramnauth and Campbell have 374 runs in the tournament, with the left and right hand combination, the duo will complement each other. President’s XI Anthony Khan may also be among the choices as the third specialist opener, having looked solid throughout the tournament.

Windies under 16 batsman, Mavindra Dindyal is expected to form the strong middle order core, which may feature the

NSC/Magnum Mash Cup 2019…

Sparta outlast Back Circle to take title M

inister of State, Joseph Harmon, and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, were among what was indisputably the largest crowd to witness indoor futsal as the curtains came down on this year’s National Sports Commission (NSC)/Magnum Mash Cup Competition on Saturday night at the National Gymnasium.

Guyana’s most decorated team in the futsal format, Sparta Boss, continued their mastery over local teams when they outlasted a stubborn Back Circle side in penalty shootout to underline their status as the best team in the shorter version of the sport.

A crowd that exceeded all expectations watched the ‘Bosses’ hold their nerve as customary in the latter stages of tourna- Sparta Boss continue their dominance of futsal in Guyana ments to prevail 2-1 in the penalty shootout after regulation times were scored two minutes later to keep the again in no mood to lie down and die, pulsating contest deadlocked 2-2 at the and their reply came two minutes later expired in a pulsating 4-4 stalemate. through Adrian Aaron, as the teams tied In the third place playoff, dethroned break.

With all to play for in the final peri4-4 with two minutes in regulation time champion Bent Street took a similar od, the two juggernauts entertained the remaining. route, defeating ‘Gold is Money’ 3-1 in a They failed to score in the final minpenalty shootout after their clash ended crowd with some mesmerising football, and it was not until the 32nd minute utes, which then required a penalty 2-2 in regulation time. that the gridlock was broken when the shootout that saw Sparta Boss prevail The large turnout -- predicted -- saw prolific Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett peneto capture the crown and $600,000 along the old adage of “success breeds enemies” being played out right before their trated the Back Circle defence to hit his with the winning trophy.

For their effort, Back Circle took eyes when Sparta Boss took the lead effort into the goal.

Known for their unmatched resilhome $300,000 and a trophy. in the 10th minute through the experiience, Back Circle would respond two ‘Gold is Money’ twice came from beenced Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, who netted to give the Bosses the early minutes later, when Beckles netted his hind to level the scores in their encounascendancy. That celebration was short- second, to level things as full time ap- ter against Bent Street, but fell short in the penalty shootout to concede third lived as Selwyn Williams, another play- proached.

The ‘Bosses’ were in familiar territoplace. er vastly familiar with the format, equalry, and showed their experience when Bent Street was awarded $200,000, ised one minute later to level the score.

Jermin ‘Panke’ Junor, who had been while ‘Gold is Money’ collected $100,000.

Back Circle then took the lead kept quiet all evening, unleashed from Both teams received trophies. through Jermin Beckles in the 17th minclose range four minutes from full time, The other sponsors on board were ute, to send their supporters into wild celebrations, but just like what they to give his team a narrow advantage in Insurance Brokers, Trophy Stall and Nigel Hinds. had done, Sparta Boss riposte was swift the closing stages.

The East Ruimveldt-based unit was as well, when Eusi ‘Boneyman’ Phillips

likes of Thaddeus Lovell, Tameshwar Mohabir, Zachary Jodah, Satya France and Alvin Mohabir.

The spinners in the tournament have had an exceptional run, especially Pottaya, Jodah, Krsna Singh and Rayad Latiff.

President’s XI Sachin Balgobin and Berbice’s Salim Khan may also be useful spin options for the selectors to consider. The left-arm spinner Jodah had a ‘player of the match’ performance wherein he showcased his talent with bat and ball. He scored a half-century at Everest against President’s XI, and bowled with great control throughout the tournament.

Apart from spin King Pottaya, who is an off-spinner, Demerara’s Krsna Singh had a brilliant tournament with his off-spin, picking up six wickets, including a ‘player of the match’ performance of 3-14 against Berbice in the first round. He was also economical in his performance, with 14 runs the highest he conceded in one match.

Drifting away from the spinners, Isai Thorne will spearhead the pace attack, which may feature Joash Charles, Lovell, and Omari Lalbachan who grabbed 4-18 in his ‘player of the match’ performance against Essequibo.

The squad that will play as the select under-15 team in the under-17 inter-county tournament will be announced prior to the commencement of that tournament.

Crawford pedals away with win in Cheddi Jagan Memorial cycle race

D

r Cheddi J a g a n h a s been deceased for the past 22 years, but his rich legacy continues in various positive activities in Guyana.

On Sunday last, Berbician Romello Crawford outsprinted the trio Geron Williams, Briton John and Romello Christopher Griffith Crawford to win the Cheddi Jagan has been Memorial 50-mile cycle road race impressive on the West Coast of Demerara.

One week after winning the Burnham Memorial Three-Stage road race, the Berbician Crawford sprinted off with the spoils of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial road race.

Crawford, who is enjoying sublime early season form, won the 40-mile fixture from Schoonord to Bushy Park and back after stopping the clock in a brisk 1hr: 39m.17s.

The race was held in perfect conditions for racing, and yesterday marked the third occasion that the Trojan PSL standout was victorious since the calendar flipped to 2019.

The 21-year-old led breakaway mates Geron Williams and Chris Griffith onto the podium in a thrilling sprint finish.

Brighton John, Andrew Hicks and Deeraj Garbarran filled out the top six rewarding positions.

Other winners yesterday included: Ajay Gopilall (junior), Sheeneka Texeira (female), Shane Bourne (Mountain Bike) and Paul Choo-Wee-Nam (veteran).

Crawford will look to continue in his rich vein when the cycling season recommences on Saturday in the National Park with the staging of the Diamond Mineral Water 11-race programme.

Notes: Presidential hopeful Irfaan Ali made presentations to the top performers following the Bibi Shadick and friends-sponsored event.

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MONday, march 4, 2019

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day tournament…

23

Jaguars set to cross 1 more hurdle this season Anthony Bramble has 498 runs this season

– Griffith makes final call for batsmen to post 350 in innings

Leon Johnson has 404 runs this season

By Brandon Corlette

F

resh from their victory over the Barbados Pride, the Leon Johnson- led Guyana Jaguars will be seeking to finish their Regional 4-Day campaign on a positive note when they play the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the pink ball day/night fixture starting from Thursday, March 7, at the National Stadium at Providence, Guyana.

The match is scheduled for a 14:00h local time start, and it is expected that more cricket enthusiasts would fill the stands than had been the case of late.

Speaking after the victory in the ninth round clash against Barbados Pride, player of the match, Raymon Reifer, was grateful for the win, since the Jaguars are in a position requiring that they register two wins in the final two matches to finish champions of the CWI PCL Regional 4-Day Tournament.

Senior Jaguars batsman Vishaul Singh also reflected on the Jaguars’ triumph, and it is recognised that the Jaguars are hungry for a fifth consecutive title.

Peeking into the future, Singh has stated that the Jaguars will be playing the 10th and final round of the 2018-2019 season as a grand finale. He said the Jaguars are taking each game on its merits, and are upbeat at the prospect of defeating the Red Force, after returning to winning ways since the Pride victory.

He also said the seven wicket win against Pride was a good win, since the team needed two wins to ensure a fifth title. The Head Coach is calling for the batsmen to ‘make it right’ in the final round of the season.

“We still have to bat. We need bigger totals.

With the team having deep batting, we should score at least 350 runs”, Griffith predicted.

Jaguar’s team consists of 10 players with First Class half-centuries, except Ramaal Lewis, who made his debut in the ninth round.

Further, Griffith reflected on the progress made in the catching department. He specifically hailed Singh and Lewis for their outstanding catching in the ninth round match against Pride. Speaking on the day/night encounter, Griffith explained that the team would have to acclimatise itself to the different conditions and the moving pink ball.

Additionally, Jaguars captain Leon Johnson, already on the verge of being the most successful captain in the Region in capturing his fifth consecutive title, has stated that the team could put up a better first innings total with the bat. The courageous Jaguars captain said the bowling has been on point, and he hailed Raymon Reifer for his complete performance, as well as each member of the team

that contributed to the complete team effort.

At the end of nine matches, Jaguars recorded six wins and suffered three losses, through the hiccups. They have maintained a lead this season, with 134.2 points.

Anthony Bramble remains the Jaguars’ leading run scorer with 498 runs, followed

by Tagenarine Chanderpaul who has 491 runs this season.

The only other Jaguars batsman over 400 runs this season is the flamboyant Johnson, who has 404 runs and averages 31.07 in what he described as an up and down season. Chandrapaul Hemraj and Vishaul Singh have 346 runs and 344 runs respectively. Veerasammy Permaul and Romario Shepherd have the most wickets for Jaguars with 39 and 29 respectively.

Jaguars will be facing a Red Force team that is fresh from a win over the Windward Islands Volcanoes on the back of Imran Khan’s and Khary Pierre’s brilliance, and captain Denesh Ramdin who scored a fighting half-century.

Head Coach Rayon Griffith has led the troops well after Crandon’s departure

ODI series against England a glimpse of Windies’ greatness to come

Andre Russell is yet to play a match this series

– T20I series bowls off Tuesday

By Brandon Corlette

U

niverse Boss Chris Gayle had a record breaking home series against world number one-ranked England ODI team. Speaking to the media after the final One Day International match had been played in St Lucia, the 39-year-old Gayle said representing the West Indies is the best thing he has ever done in cricket. He rated this ODI performance as the better series in home conditions.

On the brink of retirement, Gayle’s performance was reminiscent of the years when he was in his prime. This series, he scored 424 runs in four innings, hitting two centuries and two half-centuries. Prior to the first ODI being played in Barbados, Gayle had announced he would retire from ODIs after the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup event.

Records were broken by Gayle in his final ODI home series. He smashed 39 sixes in four innings, the most in a bilateral series. For his performance, he was adjudged “player of the series”. In the final ODI, Gayle hit the fastest half-century by a Windies player, reaching the milestone in 19 balls.

Ironically, the record was held by Darren Sammy, and Gayle broke the record at the Darren Sammy Stadium.

At the end of the series, Gayle finished with an average of 106 and a strike rate of 134.17 in his monumental series, wherein he passed 10,000 ODI runs and was on the verge of eclipsing the phenomenal Brian Charles Lara’s record for most ODI runs scored by a West Indian. Gayle currently has 10,151 runs, only 254 less than the great Lara.

All hail Gayle

Reflection of ODI series

West Indies could not have asked for a better series to answer the pending World Cup questions. They played England, the tournament’s favourites, the number one ranked ODI team, and levelled the series 2-2.

Apart from Gayle’s 424 runs for Windies, England’s captain Eoin Morgan scored the second highest runs of the series. Morgan complied 256 runs in four innings, recording one century and two half centuries at an average of 64. Jos Butler scored 211 An upbeat Windies team runs in the series at an average of 70.33, with the best strike rate of the series: 143.53. And Joe Root managed 144 runs after scoring a century.

For the Windies, only Shimron Hetmyer, Darren Bravo and Shai Hope scored over 100 runs this series.

With the World Cup looming, youngsters such as Hetmyer, Hope and newbie John Campbell will have to let their bats do the talking. Hetmyer scored 144 runs in the series, including a brilliant 104,* but he had a few failures, despite ending the series at an average of 70. Without doubt, he is the most exciting batsman on the globe at the moment, and the World Cup will be the biggest event of his life.

Shai Hope entered the ODI series with the highest reputation as the best Windies ODI batsman after his good ODI series in India and Bangladesh. He had an off series against

England, scoring 115 runs at a below par average of 28.75. Darren Bravo is still finding his feet. He had a fair return ODI series with the bat, scoring 133 runs at an average of 44.33.

In the bowling department, England’s wrist spinner Adil Rashid finished with the most wickets in the series. He grabbed nine wickets at an average of 20.77, with a best bowling figure of 5-85 in the Gayle-storm ODI series.

Oshane Thomas also finished with nine wickets, including his maiden five wicket haul in the fifth and final ODI. Sheldon Cottrell (7), Mark Wood (7) and Jason Holder (7) were among the wickets in the ODI series. Gayle featured in two big partnerships in the series, including a 176- run partnership and a 131- run partnership with Hope.

After the ODI and Test series in the Caribbean, England are behind. The Englishmen will be seeking different results after posting their lowest ODI total in the fifth ODI. The T20I series will commence on Tuesday March 5, 2019 at 16:00h local time at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia.

MONday, march 4, 2019

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

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Crawford pedals away with win in Cheddi Jagan Memorial cycle race Page 22

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali poses with winners of the 22nd Annual Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Race which ended at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara on Sunday. Also in photo are former Director of Sport Neil Kumar, national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed and GCF official Joseph Britton

New Trend Auto Golf Tournament…

Hussain, Shivraj and Solomon enter winners’ row Page 21

From left to right: Guillermo Escarraga, Maurice Solomon, Parmanand Persaud, Lekhnarine Shivraj, Club President Aleem Hussain, Christina Howlett, Maxim Mangra, Mauro Remiro, Kevin Dinanauth, Gavin Todd and David Harry

From left to right: Guillermo Escarraga, Maurice Solomon, Parmanand Persaud, Lekhnarine Shivraj, Club President Aleem Hussain, Christina Howlett, Maxim Mangra, Mauro Remiro, Kevin Dinanauth, Gavin Todd and David Harry

Skerritt cries conspiracy involving Barbados, Guyana and Windward Islands Page 20

Dave Cameron

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