Guyana Times - November 30, 2018

Indigenous Peoples' Affairs Ministry eyes 4-year extension to Amerindian Land Titling Project P14

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

Issue No. 3762

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, November 30, 2018

Govt’s witch-hunting, bullying weakening democracy – ICD

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P2 Police destroy 3000 ganja plants in Ituni

Page 3

– notes increasing evidence of “political victimisation” in Guyana

BBCI moves to High Court to reverse Govt’s takeover

Swan, Soesdyke-Linden Highway chopping

Victim placed on life support, condition listed as critical P11

Page 7

Albion sugar workers call on Govt to deliver on campaign P7 promises

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon in discussion with one of the cadets who graduated on Thursday at the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service (BCCPS), where he charged them to carry themselves with dignity since they are the future leaders in the Public Service

Ramjattan re-enforces 2am curfew Page 12

Baby found abandoned in front of Police Station, neglectful mother in custody Page 10

Trio slapped with gun, P8 ammo possession charges DMRC to undertake P16 survey assessing cardiovascular risks in Guyana

2 news

fridAY, November 30, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police destroy 3000 ganja plants in Ituni

M

embers of the Police Narcotics Branch on Wednesday destroyed over 3000 cannabis plants with an estimated weight of 400 kilograms during an eradication exercise at Five Miles Backdam, Ituni Trail, Upper Demerara, Region 10

The one and a half acres of cannabis destroyed

by Police

(Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Based on reports received, the ranks acted on intelligence and went to the location where they discovered about one and half acres of cannabis being cultivated.

The plants measured between two and eight feet in height. A makeshift camp with dry rations, cooking utensils and farming tools was also found and destroyed. No one was arrested as the Police continue their probe.

Labourer charged with simple larceny

A

23-year-old labourer of Lot 21 Middle Street, Georgetown appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was accused of stealing a quantity of items.

The defendant, Alex Josiah appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore

and denied the charge which stated that between November 6 and November 7, 2018 at Subryanville, Georgetown, he stole a quantity of construction equipment belonging to Omar Rupi.

The unrepresented Josiah pleaded not guilty to

the charge. Police Prosecutor Simone Payne made no objections to bail being granted to the defendant.

As a result, Magistrate Azore granted bail in the sum of $75,000 and adjourned the matter until December 19, 2018.

news

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fridAY, November 30, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, November 30 – 11:30h-13:00h and Saturday, December 1 – 13:00h-14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, November 30 – 10:50h-12:20h and Saturday, December 1 – 12:00h-13:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with clear to partly cloudy skies expected in the evening.

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

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 10:35h and 23:03h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.28 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:56h and 16:32h reaching minimum heights of 0.87 metre and 1.00 metres respectively.

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Govt’s witch-hunting, bullying weakening democracy – ICD – notes increasing evidence of “political victimisation” in Guyana

T

he International Centre for Democracy (ICD), a non-governmental organisation made up mostly of Caribbean nationals and headquartered in Richmond Hill; Queens, New York, has taken note of the recent arrest and arraignment of Opposition Member of Parliament and former Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, and a few others preceding him.

The organisation said it was disappointed with the increasing evidence of “political victimisation” by the governing A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government against the Opposition People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

“These legal manipulations to victimise political opponents at a time when people are worried about free and fair elections in 2020 do not inspire confidence that the Government has intentions for a strengthening of democracy in Guyana,” a statement from the ICD said.

While acknowledging that it is the obligation of every Government to protect national assets and that every Government must act to prosecute those Government officials that deliberately convert national assets for personal gains, they feel the coalition has not been doing that.

“However, the behaviour of APNU/AFC in charging former Government officials since May 2015 in Guyana appears to be more of a political witch-hunt, rather than a transparent and legal process consistent with protecting national assets,” it observed.

The ICD said it has monitored with dismay the worrying intensification of bullying, political harassment and intimidation in Guyana.

The political victimisation carried out against senior members of the PPP and well-known supporters of that party.

The ICD said it sees the charges against Ali and those against other senior members, like Nandlall, as strictly political and as a deliberate act of witch-hunting. “While we have tried to be objective as we support building a democratic society in Guyana and other countries around the world, we view the situation in Guyana as a weakening of the democratic fabric.”

The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) was singled out by the ICD as being the lead law enforcement organisation that has been engaged in this type of activity.

Opposition MP and former PPP Minister Irfaan Ali was on Wednesday arrested by SOCU and charged in relation to the sale of prime property at Pradoville 2, located at Sparendaam, ECD

Reference was made to Ali’s recent arrest. The organisation said it was clearly spurious criminal charges that are aimed towards amplifying the ongoing setting of political harassment and intimidation.

“We view this latest example with consternation and see it as another major assault on democracy in the country. We note that the charges against Mr Ali are the latest of a string of such charges against former members of the PPP Cabinet and Government,” it said, noting that former Attorney General Anil Nandlall is among the persons who have been charged previously.

The ICD was quick to point out that both Ali and Nandlall are strong candidates for the PPP presidential nomination, which could be the reason behind these recent moves. “What is worrying is that the charges

have so far been inconsistent with findings of a long list of financial audits that were conducted by the Government soon after assuming office in May 2015.”

But of importance is the fact that a Minister of Government had concluded and announced publicly that the audits did not find evidence to lay charges against anyone. The ICD also reminded that President David Granger himself has

said that charges could only be laid if there is evidence, while legal practitioners have concluded that persons were not credibly charged.

“More worrying is that the Government has utilised SOCU to carry out these clearly tainted charges, intended only to embarrass, harass, intimidate and persecute individuals they see as leaders of the PPP. SOCU is a Police arm that was established under law by the PPP to pursue and persecute persons for money laundering,” it added.

Further, the ICD pointed to the fact that SOCU has not laid a single money-laundering charge since May 2015. This is in spite of the fact that the Finance Minister continues to insist that the economy have been driven by drug money.

“While unable to persecute anyone for money-laundering, we find it curious and worrisome that SOCU has charged a number of former government officials, all senior members or strong supporters of the PPP.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

fridAY, November 30, 2018

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

Winning the battle against HIV/AIDS

W

orld AIDS Day, which will be observed on Saturday, December 1, brings together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic.

The Day provides an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the disease and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in high-prevalence countries and around the world. This year’s celebration also marks the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The pioneering global health campaign was first initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1988.

Many more people with HIV are now receiving life-saving drugs which help to keep the virus under control. But millions of people who need treatment still do not have it. For example, Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most severely-affected part of the world, though some countries there have made impressive efforts in reducing fresh cases. For example, Ethiopia, Malawi and Botswana have achieved big reductions in new infections which show they are capable of controlling the spread of the disease.

In 2015, global leaders signed up to the Sustainable Development Goals, with the aim of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. The UHC framework now lies at the centre of all health programmes. To complement the global World AIDS Day 2018 campaign, which promotes the theme "Know your status", the WHO says it will be urging people to know their HIV infection status through testing, and to access HIV prevention, treatment and care services, as well as urging policymakers to promote a “health for all” agenda for HIV and related health services, such as tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis and NonCommunicable Diseases.

In the Caribbean Region, we can boast of several successes in relation to our HIV response. Programmes to prevent mother-tochild HIV transmission, reduce new HIV infections and treat people living with the virus have yielded encouraging results. Additionally, the Caribbean is the only developing region that has approached the near-universal coverage of antiretroviral medicines to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Some 79 per cent of pregnant women living with HIV now access treatment to prevent passing on the virus. According to official statistics, the Caribbean leads the world in the rates of its reduction in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.

However, here in Guyana, after years of a steady decline in the number of new reported cases of HIV infection among a significantly higher number of persons coming forward to be tested, a rise in new infections is worrying officials. The programmes that have been implemented have resulted in significant progress being made and should certainly be continued; however, they must be adapted as necessary to reflect the new realities.

The Region, including Guyana, cannot become complacent. In order to sustain the advances made and arrest the reversals that are beginning to show up, Governments and international donor partners need to put more money and effort towards ensuring that their HIV programmes can be sustained. For example, more needs to be done to address the prejudice and social inequities that operate to make some people, both more vulnerable to HIV infection and less likely to access prevention, testing, treatment and care services. Young people, men who have sex with men, and sex workers are among the populations that need targeted investments and more protective environments through a combination of social dialogue and increased tolerance.

HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 35 million lives so far. According to WHO, in 2016, one million people died from HIV-related causes globally.

There were approximately 36.7 million people living with HIV at the end of 2016 with 1.8 million people becoming newly infected in 2016 globally.

Fifty-four per cent of adults and 43 per cent of children living with HIV are currently receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART). Global ART coverage for pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV is high at 76 per cent. The WHO African Region is the most affected region, with 25.6 million people living with HIV in 2016. The African region also accounts for almost two thirds of the global total of new HIV infections.

According to WHO, it is estimated that currently only 70 per cent of people with HIV know their status. To reach the target of 90 per cent, an additional 7.5 million people need to access HIV testing services. In mid-2017, 20.9 million people living with HIV were receiving ART globally.

While there is no cure for HIV infection, effective antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can control the virus and help prevent transmission so that people with HIV, and those at substantial risk, can enjoy healthy, long and productive lives. International development partners and Governments must continue to do what is necessary to win the battle against HIV/AIDS.

A view of Charity Wharf in the Pomeroon River, Region Two on a busy Sunday morning – on this day farmers bring out their produce to sell at the market (James Deeges photo)

Jamal Khashoggi: Canada levels sanctions on 17 Saudi nationals

C

anada has imposed sanctions on 17 Saudi nationals allegedly linked to the murder of Journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The sanctions will freeze the assets of those individuals in Canada, said the country's Foreign Minister in a statement.

They will also be barred from entering into Canada.

Canada joins France, the United States and Germany in imposing targeted sanctions related to the murder of the prominent Saudi Journalist.

The sanctions announcement comes as world leaders, including the Saudi Crown Prince, gather in Buenos Aires for the G20 meeting.

The sanctions target Saudi Arabian nationals who are, in the opinion of the Government of Canada, responsible for, or complicit in, Khashoggi's killing, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in the statement.

Khashoggi was killed on October 2 in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was not on the list of the 17 individuals sanctioned by Canada.

"The murder of Jamal Khashoggi is abhorrent and represents an unconscionable attack on the freedom of expression of all individuals," Freeland said.

"Those responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder must be held to account and must face justice."

Canada says it is also currently reviewing its arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

G7 nations and other world leaders have called for an investigation into the Journalist's death.

Saudi Arabia has blamed the killing on rogue agents, but denied claims that the Crown Prince had knowledge of the operation.

Jamal Khashoggi had gone to the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to obtain a marriage document

US media have reported that the CIA believes Crown Prince Mohammed ordered the murder although President Donald Trump has denied that that was the conclusion reached by the intelligence agency.

Yemen war: Vote in US Senate delivers rebuke to Trump

The US Senate has advanced a measure to withdraw American support for a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, in a blow to President Trump.

Many Senators are unhappy with Trump's response to the murder of Khashoggi.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis had urged Senators not to back the motion, saying it would worsen the situation in Yemen.

However, Senators voted 63-37 to take forward the bipartisan motion.

Criticism of Saudi Arabia has grown since Khashoggi, a US resident, was killed.

President Trump has consistently defended US business and military ties with Saudi Arabia He has dismissed a CIA report alleging the Crown Prince ordered the murder, saying the CIA had not drawn firm conclusions.

President Trump has described Saudi Arabia as a vital ally and resisted calls for sanctions against the

Kingdom's leadership.

Senators are also unhappy that CIA Director Gina Haspel did not attend their closed-session hearing on relations with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Haspel has heard what Turkey claims is a recording of Khashoggi's murder and has studied evidence in the case. One Senator described her absence as a "cover-up".

"It's time to send Saudi Arabia a message, both on its violation of human rights and the incredible humanitarian catastrophe it's creating in Yemen," Democratic Senator Bob Menendez said.

Republican Senator Bob Corker, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said: "We have a problem here. We understand that Saudi Arabia is an ally, of sorts, and a semi-important country. We also have a crown prince that's out of control."

A similar resolution came up for a Senate vote earlier in the year and failed to pass, the BBC's Barbara Plett Usher reports from Washington.

But the climate is different now, and Senators are more and more concerned about the way Saudi Arabia is conducting the war, citing its terrible toll on civilians, our correspondent adds.

The vote in the Senate means further debate on US support for Saudi Arabia is expected next week.

Some of the Senators

who voted for the motion do support coalition efforts in Yemen, but wanted to show their deep disapproval with how the Trump Administration had handled Khashoggi's death.

Even if the Senate ultimately passes the resolution, it is unlikely to be approved in the current House of Representatives.

Republicans hold a majority and have voted down similar measures in the past.

However, this could change in the new year, when Democrats take over the majority.

There could also be an impact on other votes – for example, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has said he would withhold his vote on any key issue, including spending bills, until the CIA gives Senators a briefing on the Khashoggi killing.

Secretary Pompeo has restated the White House's view that "there is no direct reporting connecting the Saudi Crown Prince to the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi".

The Saudis have blamed rogue intelligence officers for the killing.

Pompeo also defended the Administration's continued support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen, saying withdrawing it would undermine efforts to reach a ceasefire.

He said the US was "on a cusp" of gathering the warring parties for talks "to hopefully achieve a ceasefire".

A vote, he added, would "encourage the Houthis" and their Iranian allies.

The conflict between the Saudi-led military coalition and Houthi rebels has killed thousands of people and pushed millions more Yemenis to the brink of starvation.

The US provides logistical and intelligence support to the coalition and sells weapons used by the Saudis.

(BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

fridAY, November 30, 2018

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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

Competence of the Guyana Police Force Dear Editor, Following the Crime Chief’s statements at a press conference and previous statement emanating from the mouths of officers in the hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force, I am highly annoyed that they choose to cast their incompetence towards others instead of getting a grip on crime and I would like to point out a few facts that they should address instead of trying to discredit others, specially 'those roaming about as technicians' like myself who are trying.

Over the years, the Stabroek Market has been a safe haven for drug sellers, users, selling and purchasing of stolen articles, numerous robberies. Numerous traffic jams around the various bus parks, especially at the route 45 park, cause tremendous headache to motorists.

Vehicles are being stopped and in most cases, charges are stated, the matter either gets tried on the spot or it's taken to the 'high court' (Police station), and settlement is agreed upon.

Many Police are trusted with responsibilities and instead, their greed overcomes them.

The recent incident at the Arthur Chung Centre shows that not one alone was involved but they all combine their brains together and execute lawlessness to enrich themselves. Those things keep occurring and despite their glorious plans they always come up with or project they embarked on, the lawlessness still continues. Throughout the years,

crimes still occur and at particular areas, they keep reoccurring and they can’t curb it, even though they have all that is required to.

But every Christmas, they always have a plan. Some plan!

Editor, at the above mentioned press conference, the Crime Chief chose to discredit persons ‘roaming about as technicians' and advising to use companies.

Just for the sake of clarity, I would like to inform the Crime Chief that most people working for those companies are just like us 'roaming technicians'.

There is nowhere that really trains someone on installation of security systems and only one or few people are fortunate to get sponsored training overseas by companies. Some eventually leave and embarked on solo careers and now they are fortunate to be labeled 'roaming technicians’.

I have penned a series of letters about security and security systems because I have an interest in them, did my research and it also aids me financially. I have been able to travel lots of places to either install or rectify/ trouble shoot problems relating to security cameras.

Many people make contact with me via social media or phone either seeking my advice or service.

Before going about discrediting 'roaming technicians', it should be noted that many companies charge tremendous amounts of money, and or sell outdated/inferior products.

Among some of the pointers/guides in my letters, I've

emphasised on the placement of cameras and I am seeing many companies still installing cameras at a distance and angle which gives you footage that is worthless.

Today, many crimes are being committed by criminals who wear hats and although the angle camera is in position, it's impossible to get a decent image.

The Guyana Police Force has CID officers that receive training to retrieve videos/ footage from DVRs and in a few cases, I had to assist those 'trained' officers, because they don't know anything or could not manoeuvre through those settings.

Finally Editor, our crime rate is extremely high in this country and based on what the Crime Chief said, it's ridiculous to hear that places would invest in dummy cameras instead of the real deal. I don't buy that, business owners know the importance of security systems and I don't believe they would stop short. There are many people who have security systems installed and if a crime is commited in the area their system covers, once it doesn't involve them, they don't assist.

Their views are that they invest for their protection and not others. Proper maintenance of security systems is important because it sometimes malfunctions and many systems might become inoperable, awaiting replacement parts/repairs etc.

The Crime Chief’s revelations will only encourages criminals to scrutinise places more closely, instead of deterring them, so, I'm won-

dering what are their true intentions, especially when they are against stores/companies having armed security in front of their premises? The last time I checked,

even the Police was hired to perform a service and they thieving, isn't it better you take your own precaution? Why no advisory about soliciting members of

the Guyana Police Force, especially when we see they mostly uniting to thief?

Dear Editor, In the world of sport coaching there are two schools of thought, one holds that adversity builds character and the other which believes that it reveals it; I sit firmly in the school of the latter and find it also applicable to all aspects of life.

PNC Chairperson Volda Lawrence’s statements as reported by Demerara Waves on 27th and 28th Nov bear testament to the extent to which adversity reveals the true character of a person and/or organization.

Ms. Lawrence said “PPP had 28 candidates looking like you running in Georgetown and two looking like (Bharrat) Jagdeo.”

While I applaud her candor in admitting her party’s need to move away from its traditional base, her language exposed Volda Lawrence and the PNC’s Aversive racism, according to which negative evaluations of racial/ethnic minorities are realized by a persistent avoidance of interaction with other racial and ethnic groups.

Language such as ‘look like’ can only attract those with low self-esteem and blatant opportunists, had Ms. Lawrence stated that the PPP had fielded 28 Black candidates and 2 Indians, and she wanted to attract more Indians to the PNC, I

would have applauded her common sense approach and lauded her for the realization that the AFC is dead as a vote getting ally; had Ms. Lawrence any real affinity for Guyanese of any ethnicity, she would know that we are all well able to recognize the coded language of the latent racist.

Editor, even as the unpalatable described above was being digested, we were informed that Lawrence told delegates at the PNC District 4 Conference “The only friends I got is PNC so the only people I gon give wuk to is PNC and right now I looking for a doctor who can talk Spanish or Portuguese and ah want one that is PNC,” I am now sure that Minister of Health Hon. Volda Lawrence did not know her statements were going to be broadcast in any way shape or form outside of PNC Headquarters Congress Place! How else can we account for this blatant statement of intent to implement nepotism?

The old PNC party card used to have immense power at the KSI for permission to purchase scarce essential food items during the last period of PNC mismanagement; it is now being touted as essential in securing a job paid for by the public purse in this new dispensation.

Editor, when we add the sentiments expressed by Volda Lawrence to those of Minister of the Presidency Joe Harmon where he asserts that there will be no more ‘nice time’ for Opposition People’ Progressive Party supporters who ‘sabotage’ his Administration’s programmes; a clear pattern of aggressive racism emerges.

I would call on civil society organisations to avert their gaze from the oil barrel long enough to recognise we are now in a critical phase in our nation’s history; should the statements emanating from People’s National Congress headquarters not be condemned, the actions they advocate will soon become our new reality. The Guyana Human Rights Association recently awoke from its slumber to advocate for a consumer issue in dealing with banking regulations; GHRA needs to return to its primary responsibility of protecting individuals from excesses by the state, its actors and organs.

I will not end by asking for apologies from Lawrence or Harmon, for people should not be asked to apologise for who they are, they should also not be re-elected to public office now that their true character has been revealed.

Respectfully, Sahadeo Bates

PNC revelation

Name withheld

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fridAY, november 30, 2018

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I

t's easier to agree than disagree.

But we can learn a lot from conversations where we don't see eye to eye – if we can listen and talk rationally, that is.

Unfortunately, many of us either shy away completely from disagreements or lose it when things don't go our way. These five tips can help keep disagreements constructive – whether you're talking to a parent, friend, or anyone else:

Foundation

Use "I" statements to communicate how you feel, what you think, and what you want or need

Using "you" statements can sound argumentative. For example, telling your mom or dad, "You always remind me about my chores on Wednesdays when you know I have a lot of homework" has a very different tone from "I'm feeling pressured because I have a lot of homework tonight. Can I do those chores tomorrow?"

Don't make it personal

If you get upset, it can help to remember you're mad at the idea or concept your parent (or friend, coach, coworker, etc) is raising, not the person.

Avoid putting down the other person's ideas and beliefs

If you've ever been on the receiving end of someone's tirade or put-downs, you know how valuable using respectful language and behaviour can be. So instead of saying what you might be thinking ("That's a stupid idea!"), try: "I don't agree, and here's why."

Resist the temptation to yell, use sarcasm, or make derogatory comments and you'll have a much better chance of getting your point across.

Listen to the other point of view

Being a good listener is a way of showing that you respect and understand the other person's perspective.

That makes it more likely he or she will do the same for

you. When the other person is talking, try to stop yourself from thinking about why you disagree or what you'll say next. Instead, focus on what's being said. When it's your turn to talk, repeat any key points the other person made to show you listened and heard what was said. Then calmly present your case and why you disagree.

Stay calm

This is the most important thing you can do to keep a conversation on track. Of course, it's a huge challenge to stay calm and rational when you feel angry or passionate about something – especially if the person you're talking to gets heated. You may need to be the mature one who manages the conversation, even if the other person is a parent or someone who should know better.

Respect goes beyond difficult conversations, of course. Being helpful and considerate toward family members, teachers, or coaches in our everyday actions helps all of us (again, parents included!) establish a foundation for those times when we might disagree. (kidshealth.

I

hurt my friends' feelings. What should I do?

Yesterday my friend told me something about a girl in my class and I told a someone I know, but then today I found out it was a rumour and it's not true. Now I feel guilty because it's spreading around the school. Is there anything I can do to stop it? – Brooke Guilt is a normal emotion that signals us when we've done something that's against our values. Your guilt about what happened is motivating you to want to set things right.

We all make mistakes. But handled the right way, they can be great learning experiences. The best way to deal with this situation (and your feelings of guilt) is to take responsibility and apologise for your mistake, do your best to repair the damage, and promise yourself to do better next time.

After that, you can forgive yourself and let the guilt feelings go.

Here's what to do: Start by going to the person you passed the rumour on to. Let him or her know the information you shared is false.

Next, approach the person you gossiped about. Let her know what's going on. For example, you might say

org)

something like this: "Jessie, I owe you an apology. Yesterday I heard that you cheated and I thought it was true, and I actually told Blake what I heard. But then I found out it wasn't true. I feel really bad that I believed it and that I spread what turned out to be a rumour about you. Even if it had been true, I still shouldn't have spread it. I realise now that I should have thought about it more. I wouldn't want anyone spreading negative stuff about me. I want you to know I already told Blake that what I said was not true.

But I wanted you to hear about it directly from me. I'm really sorry. I hope you can forgive me. I learned something. In the future, I'll think twice before I repeat something I hear about anyone."

Give her time to reflect on what you said and deal with her feelings. Maybe you could do something nice for her as an apology or ask her what she'd like you to do to make things right. After a day or so, approach her in a friendly way and ask if she can forgive you.

Be prepared for her to say how hurt or mad she was about what happened. She might be angry when you approach her or she may seem fine, but then get mad after she has time to reflect on what happened. You might have to listen, accept what she has to say, and let her express her feelings before she is ready to forgive and move past the issue.

Most likely, though, she'll respect that you had the courage and integrity to talk to her about it – even if she never says so to you.

Use the mistake as a learning experience. You've learnt not just how rumours can hurt, but how they can make you feel about yourself. The way we talk about people (even when they're not present) matters.

Congratulations on wanting to set things right. It takes a strong, self-confident person to act as you are doing.

Names have been changed to protect privacy. (kidshealth.org)

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fridAY, November 30, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BBCI moves to High Court to reverse Govt’s takeover

T

he Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) has turned to the High Court in an attempt to retake operations of the facility, which the coalition Government took over earlier this month.

In a statement on Thursday, the BBCI said both Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Attorney General Basil Williams have been served with notice of the legal challenge it has mounted. The application is set to come up for hearing on December 5 before Justice Gino Persaud.

Last month, the BBCI disclosed that the company is facing bankruptcy and as such proposed to increase its tolls, as much 300 per cent in some cases, to keep the Berbice Bridge afloat.

However, this was strongly opposed by Government, which called the toll hikes burdensome and draconian, and eventually, on November 5, took over operations of the facility to stop the BBCI’s increase from taking effect on November 12, 2018.

“In accordance with the powers conferred upon the Minister by Sections 4 (1) and 11 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, in the interests of public safety, the Minister issued an Order declaring that the functions of the Concessionaire to maintain and operate the Bridge

Vice Chairman, Paul Chung and Chairman, Dr Surrendra Persaud of BBCI

shall be exercised by the Government of Guyana as of 5th November, 2018 until the date the Minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety,” Minister Patterson had declared.

However, some three weeks after, the Bridge Company has asked the High Court to grant several orders to reverse the takeover and bar the Minister from carrying out his functions of maintaining and operating the Bridge.

The court document, released by the BBCI, says it is seeking “an order of certiorari quashing paragraph 2 of the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order 2018 dated the 1st November, 2018, No 42 of 2018, made by

the first named defendant (Minister Patterson) under the Berbice River Bridge Act Cap 51:06 ordering that the functions of the concessionaire, namely the claimant (BBCI), to maintain and operate the Bridge shall be exercised by the Government, the first named defendant having determined that the exercise of those functions by the Government is necessary and expedient in the interests of the public during the period 5th November, 2018, to the date the Minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety.”

The Bridge Company also wants the court to grant an order of prohibition to stop Government from exercising the functions of maintaining

Albion sugar workers call on Govt to deliver on campaign promises

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Sugar workers at the Albion Sugar Estate on Thursday

orkers attached to the Albion Sugar Factory on Thursday took to the streets to protest against the absence of a wage increase since the coalition Government took office.

The workers were last given a wage increase in 2014 and as such, they are calling on the Government to deliver on its campaign promises.

Stephen Indertatt, a representative of the Albion Estate fertilising gang, said during the coalition Government’s campaign programme, the nation was told that should they win the elections, sugar workers will benefit from a 20 per cent wage hike.

He said although receiving nothing for the past three years, they are demanding a 15 per cent wage hike for 2018.

“Presently sugar workers are in dire need of increased wages. We need the Administration that is in power to intervene because

they had promised us 20 per cent… They left us with zero.”

Indertatt, who was part of Thursday’s protest action outside the Estate’s administration block, said Government has indicated its intention to increase the wages for other workers but has said nothing about them.

He said Government is treating sugar workers like dogs, while they continue to give full support to the productive sector.

Thursday’s strike attracted saw almost 100 per cent of harvesters and more than 75 per cent of factory workers.

The strike also got support from the cultivation, mechanical tillage department and the field workshop. Workers from the central field workshop also took part in the strike on Thursday.

“When [the Guyana Sugar Corporation] GuySuCo heard about this strike they were very up-

set. They say that we did it at Blairmont and that was okay but at Albion which a bigger estate that produces about 21,000 tonnes of sugar per week, we cannot afford to allow them to strike. So they invited us to a meeting on Wednesday,” the Union representative stated.

He said the Union will attend the meeting. “We are hoping that they can come to the table with something to offer because these will do what it takes to ensure that they have something,” Tambron added.

He explained that the workers have indicated to the union that they had enough and the union is finding it very difficult to hold them back from protesting.

GuySuCo, he said, is setting the stage to show that the sugar industry is a failure as they did that at Rose Hall. The factory can grind but what they did is to allow the field to become overgrown.

and operating the Berbice Bridge as well as a conservatory order prohibiting the defendants and/or agents from assuming the functions of the Bridge under the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order.

Furthermore, the BBCI is seeking an order of certiorari to quash paragraph 3 of the Minister’s Order, which states that the tolls levied and collected and any exemptions shall be the same and not increased.

The company is asking the court too for an order to prohibit the Public Infrastructure Minister from stopping the increases of the tolls.

The BBCI wants the court to declare that Minister Patterson “has no power under the Berbice River Bridge Act, or otherwise, to approve or reject an increase in tolls by the claimant… [and also grant] a conservatory order prohibiting the defendants by themselves, their servants and/or agents from ordering or continuing to maintain the order that the tolls levied and collected and any exemptions from the payment of tolls shall be the same….”

Additionally, the Bridge Company is also turning to the court to declare that the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order is ultra vi-

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

res sections 4 and 12 of the Berbice River Bridge Act. As such, the company is asking the court to grant a declaration that this order by the Public Infrastructure Minister is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect in that it is tantamount to the compulsory taking of possession or compulsorily acquiring an interest in or right over the Berbice River Bridge, which is owned by BBCI, without prompt and adequate compensation in violation of article 142(1) of the Constitution of Guyana.

Finally, the BBCI requested that an order directing the Public Infrastructure Minister to supply to the Bridge Company, as a body

affected by his order, a statement setting out the findings on material questions of fact referring to the evidence or other material on which those findings were based and giving the reasons for the decision.

The new tolls proposed by the BBCI would have seen cars and minibuses paying $8040 to cross the Bridge; pickups, small trucks and four-wheeled drive vehicles $14,600; medium trucks $27,720; large trucks $49,600; articulated trucks $116,800; and boats $401,040.

While Government is adamant in not allowing the increases, outspoken political activist and former Presidential Advisor, Ramon Gaskin, has suggested a total buyout of the Bridge Company by Government so as to resolve the issue.

Guyana Times understands that the BBCI, in which the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has majority voting rights on the Board of Directors, was forced to push for the increase in tolls in order to protect its investment.

To this end, Gaskin suggested that an alternative can be for Government and the NIS to solely own the bridge, thus buying the shares from all the other shareholders.

8 news

fridAY, November 30, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Trio slapped with gun, ammo possession charges

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wenty-seven-yearold Casey Chapman, a taxi driver of Lot 77 South Sophia; Sheldon Andrews, 24, a Guyana Water Inc (GWI) employee of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, and 30-year-old Adam McDonald, a block maker of Wismar, Linden who were allegedly intercepted and busted with illegal firearms and ammunition were on Thursday arraigned for the offences.

The first charge stated that on November 26, 2018 at High and Princes Streets, Georgetown, they had in their possession one .32 pistol along with seven live rounds of ammunition without being the licensed firearm holder of same.

Another charge read that on the said date and location, they had in their

possession one 9mm pistol along with 12 live matching rounds of ammunition.

The three men denied the charges after they were read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Chapman was, however, slapped with additional charge of robbery, which stated that on July 5, 2018 at Rome Access Road, Georgetown while being in the company of another and armed with a gun, he robbed Marcia Martin of a cell-

phone, raw gold, cash, ATM cards, a licence and a handbag among other items.

He also denied the charge.

Chapman and Andrews were represented by Attorneys Dave Kissoon and Paul Fung-a-Fat respectively. They argued that their clients were not found with the illegal weapons and ammunition in their possession.

On the other hand, McDonald, who was unrep-

resented in an effort to defend himself, told the court that he was arrested without knowledge of the crime committed, and was only heading to meet his cousin.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne objected to bail being granted, citing the seriousness of the charge, and the fact McDonald was previously implicated in similar offences.

However, the Chief Magistrate granted the men their pre-trial liberty for the sum of $200,000 each on the firearm-related charges and adjourned the matters to December 17, 2018.

Chapman was remanded to prison on the robbery charge for which he will make his second appearance at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on December 3, 2018.

Descent into slime…

S

…and Banker’s departure ome are surprised at the decision by Scotiabank to sell off its Guyanese operations at this particular juncture. Finance Minister Winston Jordan certainly is!! He said he couldn’t believe it “when Guyana’s economy is on the cusp of financial transformation with the onset of a massive new oil and gas sector.” The Minister should’ve gone on to ask himself why presumably sane banking executives did make the decision!!

While Scotia was having a hard time in the Caribbean as a whole, those executives did know about Jordan’s incipient oil boom…which MIGHT transform Guyana from a “mon and pop” operation to a mega economy with oodles of money to intermediate. Look at how the Merrill Lynch investment division of Bank of America flew in a whole team to find out how they could get a piece of the action! And we have to remember it was Bank of America that walked away when the PNC scuttled the AML/CTF legislation!!

So we return to the question that Jordan refused to pose to himself – why? And the answer boils down to something this PNC Government never understood, and evidently will never understand – solid foreign companies with choices are fundamentally averse to POLITICAL RISK! Scotia’s CEO and President Brian Porter – who, not so incidentally, is in Canada and not Trinidad like Republic Bank’s bosses – said it clearly: Scotia has to “…reduce risk to the bank”. So with all the money that might lie ahead, Scotia is walking away because they see Guyana as a “risky” proposition!

And now we come to the question behind the initial question – what makes Guyana so risky? And the answer to this one in the PNC Government. Banks like Scotia that’ve been around the block, know that not because money is floating around, it means the business environment will be stable. If money from oil led to stability, then Africa would be like the rock of Gibraltar! What matters is the quality of political leadership since this Government could very well be a lot like the first incarnation of the PNC under Burnham, who embarked on utopian pie-inthe skies policies that bankrupted the economy. Just take a look at Venezuela next door, which has oil oozing from its kazoos!!

The LGE has pulled the “kinder and gentler” mask the PNC carefully constructed since 2011: and it’s out there in the open for all to see. This PNC will not govern in a democratic manner that will lead to stability. And lack of stability increases political risk.

Republic picked up Scotia’s assets ‘cause it has nowhere to go!! …and Gillbaka ban While local aficionados were upset the US categorised their beloved Gillbaka as “catfish” – at which they turn up their nose! – our compatriots in Region 11 were hit even harder. The Americans banned the delicacy because we weren’t in compliance with their local regulations, on the entire species of bottom feeders they classify as “catfish”.

And while our compatriots in NY and Florida are suffering from Gillbaka withdrawal symptoms, our local fisherfolk who were hauling in the big-bucks from the Gillbaka exports to NY are catatonic!

Now the Americans were protecting their local, homegrown catfish but to be fair to them, they also banned other Central American and South American exports. And at the beginning of the year, they told everyone what to do to remove the ban. So here we are; the year almost done, and we’re still on the banned list – which the other countries have complied.

The PNC have allocated $350 million for their 2020 Jubilee jump up. But can’t comply with the US catfish regulations!

Free Gillbaka!! …and political picong PNC Chair, and Health Minister Volda Lawrence is cutting a fine line on political picong with her public declaration that she’s looking for “PNC doctors”.

Is there a medical school at Congress Place??

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

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fridAY, November 30, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Coalition Govt in “spin mode” over 2019 Budget – Jagdeo ...nothing for poor or elderly

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ays after the presentation of the $300.7 billion National Budget for the fiscal year 2019, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is not too inspired by the estimates and told reports that Government is spinning the facts as he outlined that there are no real measures for the poor and elderly.

He declared that Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s budget presentation is no different from any other of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government’s previous budgets.

Jagdeo, an economist, pointed out that the budget continued its trend of massively increasing recurring expenditure with little increases in capital expenditure, as he added that nothing significant was included for the poor or elderly after Government increased public assistance and Old Aged Pensions by $1000 each.

“The Government machinery is in a total spin mode about how great this budget is and what it will do for people; but I think they’re in a losing battle and in spite of the spin, people will realise [that] across Guyana when they’ve had a chance to go through the provisions of the budget in great detail,” Jagdeo told members of the press on Thursday.

Included in his assessment of the 2019 Budget, Jagdeo highlighted that the Public Health Ministry received less in the budget than what was awarded in 2014 when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was in Government. He added that this year’s allocation only saw a $1.6 billion increase from last year’s budget while the Public Security Ministry received a $1.1 billion increase and a minor increase for education.

The Opposition Leader further revealed that billions of dollars have been added to the Government’s “unimportant wants” while little has

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

been catered for the productive sectors such as education, security and health.

To this end, he noted that dietary has increased to $2.203 billion per year, with other operating expenses being $1 billion higher. He noted too that local travel has increased by $1 billion while vehicles services increased by $645 million and other transports by $519 million.

Reporters heard that building rentals stood at $827 million while security services for Government officials increased by $2.617 billion, while there were $595 million increases for equipment and $3.397 billion for other goods and services.

Jagdeo reiterated that there was also a decline in the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry’s policy development expenditure from the year 2017. In that year, $1.331 billion was awarded in the budget, $1.183 billion in 2018 and in 2019, $815 million, which showed a decline of more than $500 million from 2014, he said.

Agriculture capital expenditures in 2018 was $4.6 billion and in 2019 is $4.614 billion which showed a $12 million increase, $1.8 billion of which will be coming in from foreign sources. He highlighted that the Public Infrastructure Ministry in 2017 received $29.3 billion in the budget, in 2018 $24.1 billion, and in 2019, $26 billion.

Childcare and The Protection Agency (CCPA) also saw a decrease in allocation; now receiving $80 Million

compared to $165 million in 2018’s Budget. An increase of $1.425 billion was awarded in the budget for the entire regions across Guyana for only five of their programmes.

However, compared to this, Jagdeo noted that Government has increased expenditures in the non-essential areas by some $13.5 billion.

“These areas have seen the biggest growth under Government… $13.5 billion increase in these 10 areas

that I consider not essential,” Jagdeo explained.

He said too that there have been massive growths in expenditure for the celebration of national event which have moved from $430 million in 2018 to $675 million in 2019.

According to the Opposition Leader, “We are spending more for other goods than in the major sectors in Guyana… they prefer to spend more on eating and rental than on public security, education and drug purchases… the budget estimates, that is what you have to go to when you want to look at what is happening”.

The General Secretary of the PPP stressed that several of Government’s road projects, including the Linden-Lethem road, the Mabura to Brazil road, the Soesdyke/Linden road rehabilitation, the Diamond/Grove road extension and the new Demerara Harbour Bridge will take many years to be realised.

According to the former President, the promises of

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

these projects are nothing short of duping the Guyanese people. Speaking once again on a host of tax measures Government implemented, Jagdeo says measures in 2019 budget will see taxes grow to $72.9 billion remitted.

He observed that Government is removing some tax measures which it had recently included.

“This shows the confusion in the Ministry of Finance… these things look good on the surface but when you go

through the dynamics of how they were, it is foolishness… the budget has nothing for poor people, will not stimulate the economy, it cannot be the framework for the development of Guyana… if you tax people more, then you are just using their money and they are left with the little pittances... they missed the bus on this budget…

This is called juking people… this is all falsehood… this is what APNU does well,” the Opposition Leader stated.

10 news

fridAY, November 30, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Baby found abandoned in front of Police Station, neglectful mother in custody A bouncing nine-monthold baby boy who was left abandoned at the entrance of the Baramita Police Station, Region One (Barima-Waini) on Thursday morning is in the care of the staff of the community’s health centre.

The infant boy wrapped in a blanket was discovered

by Police Constable Kevin Morgan when he opened the station’s doors at daybreak.

Without hesitation, he cuddled the smiling child and gave him a warm bath after which he slept for some time.

The subordinate officer in charge of the station, Corporal Jennifer Griffith and other ranks pooled their monies

fore he was taken to be medically examined.

He remains in good health. The Police ranks and residents were making every effort to locate the parents of the child and about 13:15h, a 23-year-old woman showed up at the station claiming that she left her baby in the care of someone on Wednesday evening since she was in an in-

Venezuelan refugees yet to receive assistance – Reg 1 Chairman

Officer in charge of the station, Corporal Jennifer Griffith

and purchased clothing and pampers for the child they described as a “miracle baby” be-

toxicated state.

In addition, she told the peace officers that she could not recall who it was.

Based on information received, she would have visited the Baramita Health Centre where she saw her child before making her way to the Police Station. She was arrested as the Police launched an investigation.

Constable Kevin Morgan holding the baby

I

t has been more than two weeks since pleas were made for the provision of supplies for the languishing Venezuelan migrants who departed their home country for Guyana, and to date, no materials have been received and persons are still awaiting assistance. This was communicated

by Region One (Barima-Waini) Chairman, Brentol Ashley on Thursday, who confirmed that the refugees are still lacking food and household items.

Ashley told Guyana Times that assistance is needed to support those who would have fled the

conditions of their country and the region was tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that everyone was provided for. A survey was also in progress since a number of persons residing in the communities were unaccounted for and many are scattered across the region as they seek shelter and possible employment in whatever ways they can. Some of the food items needed are non-perishables and can be transported to the remote communities without spoilage. continued on page 14

S RAIGHT This is good shortterm news for Guyana

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he announced salary increases in the 2019 Budget were a welcomed development. But why did it take a shellacking at the 2018 Local Government Elections for common sense to prevail? Overall, any salary increases will drive private consumption, especially when it is targeted at those at the bottom of the economic ladder. Such a measure will positively aid economic growth. So this is good short-term news for Guyana.

But on top of that news, there is even better short-term news for Guyana. Today we are reading that the cost of oil on the international market is experiencing a downward spiral, as surges in production in the US petroleum industry appear to be holding firm. At the time this column was written, the American markets were selling oil for below US$52 per barrel as shown in the graph below illustrates. The trend is no different on the European markets.

Expectations that oil prices will remain depressed for a

prolonged period spell good news for consuming nations like Guyana, with cheaper gasoline at the pump and electricity production cost. Guyana remains a consuming nation today and it appears this will be the case even after we commence the production of crude oil since the oil investors have rebuffed the idea of an oil refinery.

Fact – lower oil prices mean less foreign currency will be consumed to purchase petroleum products. For example, if one is to annualise the drop in price being experienced over November 2018, it will compute to an annual savings of US$55 million. This price is expected to hold for at least for six months, which means the Minister will not have to hunt for some US$25 million to pay for petroleum products between now to May 2019, because of these lower new prices.

Of that US$25 million in savings over the next six months, GPL’s share alone is expected to be approximately US$7 million (GY$1.4 billion). Will any of that saving be passed on to the consumers? I guess not!

This is something that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) ought to seriously consider. Even if the consumers do not benefit from the cost savings, then GPL should as a matter of priority, reinvested all of these funds into its transmission and distribution (T&D) system to ease “the blackouts blues” being imposed by this monopoly on the Guyanese public. The experts tell me that GPL does not have a power generation problem; it has a T&D problem.

GPL’s 2016 audited financial statements revealed that it made GY$6.2 billion in profits compared to GY$3.3 billion in 2015. I am told its profit for 2017 topped GY$8.1 billion. The net cash inflows at that company in 2016 were GY$8.5 billion compared to GY$3.4 billion in 2015. I was again told that GPL’s net increase in cash for 2017 topped GY$10 billion. And the balance sheet confirms these truths. The business had GY$15.8 billion in the bank at the end of 2016. I was told they have over GY$20 billion in their bank account at the end of 2017 and it has been growing since then.

All the evidence points to the fact that this company is cash rich, but yet they have the audacity to provide a quality of service that is deteriorating as the coffers fill up.

In such an unfair situation, the consumers have no recourse and are forced to pay their way while being in this energy chokehold that GPL has around their necks. And the situation is getting worst. Knowing all this information, it is baffling to me as to why the regulators at the PUC continues to fail this nation by not holding this monopoly accountable for such poor services to the nation.

I see many are celebrating that the teachers are now getting an average salary of GY$81,000 per month after their struggles, but when an average of 19 per cent of their salaries are spent on GPL bills, there is nothing to celebrate. The Guyanese people are caught paying a company that chooses to grow its stock of cash and at the same time must not expect any compensatory improvement their services. This is an abusive relationship that must be changed but the consumers do not even have a Guyana Consumers Association or a Guyana Human Rights Association to advocate for them. There only hope is a dysfunctional PUC. I am therefore calling out the PUC and asking them to investigate how these reductions in the prices of petroleum products can be more efficiently passed on the consumers of GPL in light of the fact that their service has remained consistently dreadful.

Wake up PUC!

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

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fridAY, November 30, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Swan, Linden-Soesdyke Highway chopping

Victim placed on life support, condition listed as critical

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hirty-two-year-old Malicia Andrews, of Swan Community, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, who was brutally attacked and chopped by her reputed husband during an argument has been placed on life support with her condition listed as critical.

The mother of six was chopped to her neck and hand after she indicated to her now dead reputed husband that she wanted to end the relationship.

The incident took place on Tuesday at Swan Village.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Charmalita Adams, a sister of the injured woman, noted that Andrews has been unresponsive since she was admitted a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

As a result, she was placed on the life support machine after suffering

Critical: Malicia Andrews

breathing problems on account of the chop she received to her neck.

“The doctor say she have to do another surgery today (Thursday); she gah go in theatre, but she can’t talk … all she doing is shaking she head,” her younger sister explained.

Based on reports, the

suspect, 39-year-old Ian English of Lot 11 Swan Village, who later took his own life, followed the woman to her mother’s home and demanded that she return home with him but she refused. It was at that time she informed him that she wanted to end the relationship.

The suspect reportedly became enraged, armed himself with a cutlass, went into the house and dealt Andrews several chops to her body. After receiving the chops, the injured woman reportedly ran into the yard and collapsed.

The suspect, believing that she was dead, collected a rope along with the blood-stained cutlass and fled the scene. Andrews was picked up and rushed to the Diamond hospital in critical condition and was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

English’s body was later discovered by Police ranks who were summoned to the scene after the chopping incident.

The couple had shared a relationship for several years and had two children ages 13 and 2.

12news

fridAY, November 30, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramjattan re-enforces 2am curfew A

mid an active countrywide campaign to crack down on noise nuisance, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has now re-enforced the ‘2am curfew’ for nightspots and other places of entertainment.

In a statement on Thursday, the Public Security Ministry sought to “put into proper perspective” this recent decision of the Minister.

It was explained that after taking into account the effects of alcohol consumption on crime and violence – including domestic violence, traffic accidents, the unproductive capacities of the population the day after along with other attendant circumstances such as the adverse effects of the prolif-

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

eration of noise nuisance – Minister Ramjattan has determined that “it is in the best interest of the country to enforce the existing laws which have mandated that these entertainment facilities to be closed at 02:00h.”

This move, according to the Ministry, has gained support from women’s groups, religious groups and a number of other organisations. It added too that such legal restrictions are not uncommon in other countries.

In fact, the statement outlined that the ‘2am closing time’ is provided for in the Music and Dancing Licences (Amendment), Act Chapter 23:03, Act #12 of 1982.

That Act states at section 9 that: “A place, so kept or used, although so licensed as aforesaid, shall not be opened for any of the purposes afore said except on the days and between the hours stated on the licence: Provided that the holder of a first-class hotel licence may keep open the licensed premises for the purpose of dancing, singing, music or other public entertainment once in every week until the hour of two of the clock in the morning except on any Sunday.”

“Place” as used in Section 9 means “house, room, garden, or other place” and covers bars, clubs and restaurants – as well as open spaces used for dances and entertainment purposes.

“This law is being enforced in the interest of citizens’ security and safety with the aim of suppressing criminal and other offences,” the missive from the Ministry stated while urging full public support in this process.

Only last week, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Deodat Indar, during an interview with Guyana Times reminded of the effects the initial enforcement of the 2am curfew had.

“The 2am curfew had an impact on businesses and

GCCI President Deodat Indar

some of them had to close down,” he stated.

Moreover, he raised the concern that some businesses were targeted while others were left to operate past the curfew time.

“My compliant to the Police at that time [when the 2am curfew was enforced] is that they were implementing the law or enforcing the law unevenly. Some people were being targeted and closing down at that time while some were getting off with it,” the GCCI President posited.

Indar was at the time commenting on the ongoing noise nuisance campaign. As part of a training exercise, which some 50 Police ranks underwent, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) together with the Guyana Police Force carried out an exercise last Thursday on Station Street, Kitty, where they tested the noise level at several popular nightspots using decibel meters.

During that exercise, a

few prominent businesses were left with no choice but to cease operations until the next day. The GCCI President insisted that if these enterprises were operating for lesser hours, it could have an impact on their income.

Meanwhile, during an address to those 50 ranks, Minister Ramjattan had stated that tough action needed to be taken against bars and persons who are responsible for noise nuisances. He went on to suggest much more effective measures such as seizing equipment, revoking business licences, and increasing fines to curb this societal scourge.

“We want to take the profit out of this illegal activity and that means we must start, after going through the procedures, ensuring that we can revoke some of the licences of these bars that play loud music or the (carts) selling their video and their tape recordings … or the cars of people,” Ramjattan said last week.

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fridAY, November 30, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Canada cocaine bust

Guyanese businesswoman still on the run F

our months after being sought by the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU), in connection with a drug bust in Canada, businesswoman Rosemary Singh is still on the run.

According to the initial report, Singh, of Ramsingh Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was reportedly spotted by Police in neighbouring Suriname after she allegedly fled the country by boat.

This was confirmed by sources, who noted that drug enforcement officers in Suriname were trying to locate the woman.

When contacted, CANU Head, retired Major General Michael Atherly told Guyana Times that the woman was yet to be arrested.

Nevertheless, Atherly

Wanted: Rosemary Singh

noted that CANU and its Canadian counterpart are working together and are continuing their investigations into the matter.

Singh, the proprietor of Rose Bar located in Section C Enterprise, ECD, is wanted for questioning by CANU in relation to the cocaine

bust in Canada, involving a bauxite shipment that departed Guyana.

On September 15, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) carried out a major drug enforcement exercise during which they seized 81 kilograms of cocaine at the Port of Valleyfield.

The drug was found concealed in the hold of a vessel – Jacqueline C – carrying bauxite from Linden, from where the ship departed.

“After an initial search of the vessel, signs led us to concentrate on the front of the boat. And after a vigorous search, the cocaine was found concealed in bags in the hold of the vessel,” CBSA Deputy Director Alain Surprenant was quoted as saying in subsequent reports.

Four people were arrested, two of whom – 48-yearold Nazir Ahmad Hussain and 36-year-old Roldan De Gorio Tito – were charged

with conspiracy to import drugs for the purpose of trafficking.

According to a statement on the RCMP’s web-

site, investigations revealed that the seized drug was headed for the Toronto and Vancouver markets.

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fridAY, November 30, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Indigenous Peoples' Affairs Ministry eyes 4-year extension to Amerindian Land Titling Project

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he Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry is seeking a second extension to the Amerindian Land Titling Project which will come to an end on December 31.

Subject Minister, Sydney Allicock says the extension will ensure communities that were not demarcated and subsequently titled, would be given an opportunity to be the legal owners of their traditional lands.

“Meetings continue with the hope that we can have that extension with no additional cost to the programme.

We just hope that with sup-

An aerial view of vast land

port, we will be able to convince with our justification for the extension but for how many years we won’t be able to say but we would love to have a five-year extension because it is very crucial for doing the work for realising of land titling to our Indigenous communities”, Minister Allicock assured.

The Minister related that demarcation is critical to development and for further improvements planned for the Indigenous communities.

“This will be something that will help us or make it easier for our people to have their village improvement

scapes some are easier than some. We have seen the mistakes that could be made if you try to rush. Those are the realities of life and we also have to continue talking to the people, educate one another and hopefully we will be able to proceed in a better way”.

The Amerindian Land

Titling Project which commenced in 2013 sought to enable the Indigenous peoples secure their lands and natural resources with a view towards sustainable social and economic development.

It is expected that titling and demarcation will strengthen land tenure security and the expansion of the

asset base of Amerindians, thus enabling improved longterm planning for their future development.

Sixty-eight Indigenous villages were targeted (land titling/demarcation and extensions) across the hinterland with 20 demarcations and 18 titles completed in villages to date.

Venezuelan refugees yet...

from page 10

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock

plans in place, we intend to have better technology in allowing our communities to address land management because we need to look at where we have areas that we could have remain in its pristine if we can have that, that will be a big plus for us”.

Addressing some of the challenges faced, Minister Allicock said “we have learnt from it, and it was almost impossible for us to complete 68 communities (their demarcation) within three years because of the topography of the areas and different land-

Sources who also transport necessary items told this publication that materials to build shelters, such as tarpaulins, are essential since flooding is evident during the month of December. Along with that, clothing was already provided to some individuals but any contribution is welcomed.

“We had sent up some clothes but not all the villages got because it’s a lot of them. We’re trying to cater for the children as much as possible and then go on to the adults. If we’re going to send assistance, it will be things like tarpaulins… ropes and plastics to ensure

that the shelter is secured.”

The Chairman had also posed the thought that the rain will take its effect during this time of the year.

“We’re currently having rain now. We haven’t had reports from villages of flooding and so forth but of course it is going to be a factor that is going to affect the migrants because of the kind of makeshift camps that they have,” Ashley was quoted as saying.

It was reported that an initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry to send medical personnel at key areas so that the refugees can access basic health

care facilities. This is done on a 24-hour basis.

A multi-sectoral committee was also established to coordinate the national response and assistance to the Venezuelans. Local public officers also underwent a one-day training workshop on the international best practice to prepare them in assisting migrants and protecting them from abuse and exploitation.

Meanwhile, efforts to contact the Citizenship Minister Winston Felix to ascertain what Government’s position was on assisting the migrants proved futile as calls went unanswered.

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“I wouldn’t put it past Govt to watch us” – Jagdeo ...says it shows how desperate Govt is

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Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

ne day after former Housing Minister and Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Irfaan Ali was arrested at his residence and slapped with 19 politically trumped-up charges, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo says he would not put it pass the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) majority coalition Government to be monitoring them.

Ali was arrested sometime after 04:00h on Wednesday by a vanload of ranks and taken to the Guyana Police Force’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Headquarter, where the charges were instituted against him. He was subsequently arraigned but the former Housing

Minister was placed on selfbail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

On Wednesday, Attorney General Anil Nandlall told reporters outside SOCU that they believe they are being watched.

“A number of us are under surveillance… [and] we know that our phones are tapped. This has been going on for quite a while,” Nandlall stated, as he questioned how the ranks knew where to find the former Housing Minister, who was picked up from a residence in Georgetown and not his publicly-known Leonora, West Coast Demerara, home.

During his weekly press briefing at his Church Street, Georgetown office on Thursday, Jagdeo disclosed that he was told by Nandlall that the officers at SOCU were heard saying that they wanted to catch Ali before he went to exercise, hence they turned up at his residence in the wee hours of the morning.

“I found out that [Ali] does go to exercise [that early] so it meant that they must have been watching him, that they must have been watching his behaviour and patterns and so on to know to show up there early in the morning… This is pretty dangerous… [but] knowing this Government, I would not put it past them to have a unit watching everybody in the [People’s Progressive Party] PPP and another set watching and another set watching their own MPs too because they’re worried about the no-confidence vote.

So they’re probably watching everyone,” the Opposition Leader posited.

Jagdeo also disclosed that during the recent Government campaigning period, there were special branch operatives at all of the meetings he attended to address. This, he asserted, is a not just anoth-

PPP MP Irfaan Ali

er act of oppression but also a high level of desperation being displayed by the coalition after they got a rude awakening with the results of the recently concluded Local Government Elections, which the PPP won most of seats at critical municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, as well as the pending no-confidence motion brought on by the Opposition.

“If they can show up surreptitiously by stealth in the night, they can do anything too. That is what people keep saying to me because they’re desperate to hang on to power. They can try to get one of our members locked up or anything happens, god forbids, to one of our members

so that they don’t show up for the no-confidence vote.

And now they’re even worried about the Appropriation Bill that it could be voted against. So I will not put anything past APNU,” he contended.

According to the Opposition Leader, every time the officer at SOCU needed the former Housing Minister, he had gone in – and not just him, but any PPP member.

“You know they can call you in and people would have gone in. But to show up at this home at 4am, they wanted to send a message.

This is the vindictive nature of the Government to go and arrest him at 4am in the morning. He could have

easily gone there any time during the day, they could have said show up there for 7am or 8am but they had to make that point,” Jagdeo stated, adding that they may also even be tapping their phones. Nevertheless, the Opposition Leader told reporters that his party will remain steadfast and will not succumbed to their pressure, bullying or oppressive tactic.

On this note, he assured that Ali will remain Chairman of the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

“If we succumbed to these issues, we wouldn’t have people in Parliament. We would have had to take out four or five people already, and I think that’s the plan of APNU. I’ve heard that they are even trying to influence our selection of candidates.

But it’s not APNU who’s going to select our candidates or anyone else. It’s the PPP who’d select the candidates and we will ensure that whoever that candidate is they will carry out and fulfil every promise we made to the people of this country, we will reverse a lot of these hardship policies…” Jagdeo posited.

The 38-year-old executive member of the PPP, has been touted as one of the front contenders for the Party’s leadership.

8 artesian wells handed over to Region 9 villages ─ residents benefit from access to clean, potable water

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he eight artesian wells drilled by the Government of Brazil through the Sixth Battalion Engineering Corps (BET) of the Brazilian Army and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were on Wednesday formally handed over to the Government of Guyana and the eight villages in which they were drilled.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said the project came at a time when the two countries were celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties. He noted that Guyana was susceptible to droughts and floods and the Rupununi was no exception.

These floods and droughts have impacts on the lives of residents of these communities and this project has, therefore, been completed and recognised as a significant achievement,

the Minister stated.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon related that although challenges were experienced from the commencement of the project, they were overcome through careful planning and multi and inter-agency collaboration and cooperation.

Moreover, Harmon said every stakeholder must be proud of the achievement, noting that “the world can see how as neighbours we can collaborate to provide a better life for our citizens.

There were soldiers in this project, but they weren’t fighting, they were collaborating to provide potable water to our citizens and it goes to show that there are other functions of the Army.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana, Lineu Pupo de Paula, who

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson along with residents look on as Aishalton Toshao Michael Thomas tests the water at the newly-commissioned well

Sections of ECD Public Road to be closed on Saturday

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he Public Infrastructure Ministry wishes to advise the general public that a section of the East Coast Demerara (ECD) Public Road will be temporarily closed on Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 08:00h, and will be reopened on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 22:00h.

The road closed, the Ministry said in a statement, will be in the vicinity of Vryheid’s Lust Road to Chimney Road, to facilitate bridge/culvert works under the East Coast Demerara Public Road Widening and Improvement Project. As a result, traffic detours would occur in this proximity.

It was advised that per-

sons residing in the vicinity of Vryheid’s Lust Road to the Montrose Bridge and Montrose Bridge to Chimney Road would be permitted to use the road to access their properties.

Motorists and pedestrians are kindly asked to exercise caution and observe all safety and directional signs, particularly in the vicinity of the road works.

was visibly emotional, said he was pleased to see such an important project completed while noting the benefits to be accrued by residents of the nine communities.

“I think this is the most important celebration of the 50th anniversary of our bilateral ties. I congratulate the officers and soldiers. We are friends, we are brothers and we are neighbours,” he said.

Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said Guyana

has embraced the concept of comprehensive disaster risk management while pointing to climate change and the effects thereof.

However, Regional Chairman Brian Allicock thanked the Governments of Guyana and Brazil for the work done on the wells, noting that the nine wells would provide significant relief to the residents of the South Rupununi.

The well in Aishalton is 80 metres deep with a flow rate of 5000 litres per hour; Karaudarnau’s is 80 metres deep with a flow rate

of 4500 litres per hour, Awarewaunau’s has been drilled to 100 metres with a flow rate of 4000 litres per hour and Chukrikednau’s was drilled to 80 metres deep and boasts of a flow rate of 6000 litres per hour.

The Maruranau well was also drilled to a depth of 80 metres and has a flow rate of 3500 litres per hour, Shea’s was drilled to a depth of 100 metres and has a 4000 litres per hour flow rate while Achiwuib’s is 60 metres deep with a flow rate of 6000 litres per hour and Bashaidrun’s was drilled to 80 metres deep with a flow rate of 6000 litres per hour.

Aside from the drilling and setting up of the wells, the road network in the South Rupununi as well as capacity building of members of the GDF, Guyana Water Inc, Hydrometereological Office and officials from the communities were also improved through the project.

The project followed President David Granger’s State visit to Brazil in December 2017, where the Complementary Agreement to the Basic Agreement on Technical Cooperation between the Governments of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil for the Implementation of the Project Technologies to Reduce the Effects of the Drought in Region Nine was inked.

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News

Jagdeo condemns Lawrence’s “discriminatory” Congress Place comments ...could file complaint with ERC ...Lawrence defends utterances

“The betrayal of the people will cause them to lose the 2020 elections,” Jagdeo assured.

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pposition Leader and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Bharrat Jagdeo says all Guyanese along with human rights groups should join in condemning the “discriminatory” comments attributed to People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairperson Volda Lawrence who spoke at Congress Place during a District Convention on Wednesday night.

The former President told reporters on Thursday that Minister Lawrence’s comments and that of other A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) leaders have undertones of racism.

“What it also reveals is the visceral racism in many of the leaders of APNU... she goes on to say twenty-eight candidates looking like you running in Georgetown and two looking like Jagdeo... this is laced with racism.

Our people are not who look

Lawrence responds to growing controversy

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence The Headquarters of the Ethnic Relations Commission

like whom; she should have the decency to at least call people by name; afro-Guyanese or Indo-Guyanese...”

Jagdeo outlined.

Lawrence, who is the Public Health Minister, was quoted in the media as saying, among other things, that her party should place more focus on providing jobs for friends and party supporters. “The only friends I got is PNC so the only people I gon give wuk to is PNC

and right now I looking for a doctor who can talk Spanish or Portuguese and ah want one that is PNC,” the PNCR Chairwoman was quoted as saying.

In this regard, Jagdeo explained that she can be charged for violating labour regulations which speak to non-discrimination in hiring practices. He added that he is hopeful that she will be privately charged for her comments as he hinted the PPP

DMRC to undertake survey assessing cardiovascular risks in Guyana

could file another complaint with the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).

“We have been filing quite a few complaints but I think maybe we will – I have to discuss it but it seems as though only the PPP has to fight for everything here.

I haven’t seen the human rights bodies and traditional groups who have been on their case all the time,” Jagdeo noted.

He added that her comments run counter to the party’s unity rally that was held only days prior and claimed that there is “deep internal division” within the ranks on the APNU, of which the PNCR is the major partner.

Meanwhile, with criticisms pouring in across various social media outlets, Lawrence announced later on Thursday, through her party, that she is standing by her words which include comments about her only providing employment to supporters of her party.

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

However, the Public Health Minister did not address the controversial remarks that she allegedly made. However, in her defence, Lawrence said she was only defending that Guyanese must be bilingual.

The Public Health

PNCR General Secretary Amna Ally

Minister in essence made these statements to ensure that the government remains in power after the 2020 elections.

When contacted for a comment on the alleged statements and to ascertain if the remarks were reflective of the party’s position, Social Protection Minister Amna Ally questioned whether this news entity heard Lawrence make the said remarks.

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

State Minister calls for honourable Public Service

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One of the researchers, Dipika Desai (centre) with Dr Budhendra Doobay (fourth from left) and other stakeholders during the press conference

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he lack of medical personnel and analyses to determine the causes of cardiovascular complications and risks factors among Guyanese has led the Doobay Medical and Research Centre (DMRC) to undertake a survey assessment, evaluating precautionary measures that should be taken to avoid several diseases.

At a media briefing on Thursday, one of the researchers, Dipika Desai stated that the idea surfaced after checking Guyana’s health records and assessment, which showed that data was lacking in these areas.

Additionally, questions were raised as to why diabetes was prevalent among so many, causing them to undergo dialysis treatment.

“It was very important to study the risk factors of what brings people to the end stage, which is the dialysis stage … We tried to see what is published about Guyana and the risk factors. Unfortunately, we didn’t find much, so we de-

cided that that’s where we need to build the baseline,” she said.

Desai explained that initial research would commence with a pilot study to assess if the project could be completed on a larger scale. For now, 100 individuals will partake in the research, but they must not be suffering from diabetes.

“In this study, we are actually going to focus more on people that are not the dialysis patients, but people of the general healthy population, so anybody from the general population is welcomed to come,” Desai said.

The assessment commences with screening which involves physical checks followed by medical tests such as blood pressure testing to determine the level of hypertension in the population.

“We will take all of the information and put it in to calculate what is called the Framingham Risks Score.

It estimates the risks of having a heart attack in the near future and it is widely used by the WHO (World

Health Organisation) and many other institutes,” the researcher informed.

Preliminary calculations will lead to deductions, advising Guyanese of precautions to prevent the risks of having a cardiovascular disease. For the research project, persons who are diagnosed with any related diseases or complications will be provided with free medication.

Desai explained, “Because it is a research project, if we see a person and they didn’t know they were diabetic, but we find out that they are or they have high cholesterol levels and need to go on statins, all of these medications will be provided free of cost.”

Adding to that, all of the tests such as cholesterol and blood glucose will be done at no cost to participants.

DMRC Director, Dr Budhendra Doobay stated that information would be provided as to how persons could participate in the study, which would be held at the medical institution.

inister of State, Joseph Harmon on Thursday told a group of young men and women that the Government is looking for young people with integrity to lead its public service.

“The new public service, therefore, has to be able to deliver in an administratively neutral way and has to be established firmly on the basis of merit and political impartiality. It must also possess expert knowledge and a high standard of academic education. In addition, it should consist of men and women of integrity who are reliable and willing to give advice without fear or favour, partiality, or prejudice,” he said.

The Minister was at the time addressing the second graduating class of cadets at the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service (BCCPS) with a guest lecture titled, “The Realities of the Guyana Public Service”.

Minister Harmon also spoke to the Government’s overall vision for the PUBLIC SERVICE of the future.

“A new public service, therefore, … is envisaged by our administration. One that [is] accessible… One that [is] relevant, one that [is] reliable, one that [is] re-

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon addressing the graduates on Thursday

sourceful, and one that [is] responsive to the needs of the people, that [is] equally effective in all Regions of Guyana, be it on the coast and hinterland, and all communities, rural and urban,” Minister Harmon said.

Celebrating the imminent success of the cadets, Harmon made an urgent call for them to take full advantage of the remainder of the BCCPS programme.

“I wish to urge you to make full use of all opportunities that are made available to you to improve your skills. Remember, you are the future administrative and budget agency heads of the Public Service. In years to come, I will see many of you as Permanent

Secretaries, as heads of budget agencies … Many of you will have to go to the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly … Many of you will become the subject of queries and statements made by the Auditor General of Guyana … Many of you will find yourselves on the front pages of this country because of the work which you have to perform … Pay careful attention to everything that is happening now … This is the foundation,” he said.

The BCCPS is dedicated to instilling integrity, impartiality, and objectivity in the next generation of public servants. In December, the college will see its second graduation.

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he Give Another Chance Foundation is once again set to present what is now one of its annual charity events in the form of a fashion show called “Fashion for Charity”.

Guyanese fashion designers will yet again captivate patrons and fashion lovers with the second chapter called “Rays of Hope” which is slated for Sunday, December 9 at the Theatre Guild.

In addition to being an opportunity for talented fashion designers, the event will highlight the upcoming local make-up artists, hairstylists and striking local runway models.

The show is coordinated by designer Nelsion Nurse and actor Frederick Minty who describes it as more than just the regular fashion shows, since it is choreographed to tell a fashion story while incorporating music, dance and drama. As such, patrons will be treated to performances by various artistes under the K.A.S.T label who have been very supportive of the venture from its inception.

The Sassy Revellers and

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friday, november 30, 2018

other dance companies are slated to perform the night of the show.

Patrons will be treated to collections by 12 of Guyana’s Leading designers such as Sonia Noel, Tracey Douglas, Sydney Francious and many more. Meanwhile, lucky patrons will walk away with fabulous door prizes.

Tickets for the event cost $3000 while the VIP experience cost $5000 with patrons being treated to complimentary cocktails during the intermission.

Tickets are available through Sophia Dolphin down at Gizmos and Gadgets, Cellular Connections on Regent Street, Eco for Life, Public Road Friendship and at the Theatre Guild, Parade Street Kingston.

Funds for this event will go towards their annual Christmas drive. You can learn more about the foundation and support their cause by visiting their Facebook page.

n observance of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the Heart to Art Foundation, a non-governmental organisation whose mission is to combat mental illness through the arts’, has organised its first charity and fundraising event – Guyana’s first fashion, award and advocacy show – “Orange the Runway Volume 1,” slated for Sunday, December 9, at Herdmanston Lodge.

“Orange the Runway” aims to increase awareness of gender-based violence in Guyana and the Caribbean.

This initiative has been birthed with the mandate of acquiring funds for organisations such as ‘The Save Project’ to aid in their work of reducing and eliminating gender-based violence and other social issues surrounding young girls and women and also young boys and men.

Most importantly, this event aims to honour and award local activists and advocate survivors of gender-based violence and sexual assault.

International Model, Juanita Bledman will also be present at the event. In addition, patrons will witness stunning designs from Andrea Wilson of the British Virgin Islands, Isaiah Luther Designs, Rhoda Dox and other Guyanese designers and local boutiques.

The show is scheduled to commence at 15:00h but gates will open at 13:00h.

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t’s that time of the year!!! The festive season is upon us and to start the excitement, Banks DIH is once again hosting its “Santa’s Enchanted Christmas Village”. The two-day affair is set for December 8 and 9 at Demerara Park.

It will be a time for entertaining games, storytelling, face painting, bouncy castles and trampolines among other activities. In addition, there will be several cartoon characters at hand to make sure kids have a grand time.

The main attraction, however, will be Santa Claus and his helpers who will be distributing gifts and goodies to the boys and girls who attend the event. It will indeed be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’.

Tickets for adults and children over 12 years cost $500. Children can also pay $500 and receive a gift from Santa Claus.

Ticket can be bought at Qik Serv, Sheriff Street; Caesar’s Palace, D’Urban and Hardina Streets; and at the Main Street Qik Serv. The gates to the Enchanted Village open at 15:00h on both days.

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n 2016, several photographers came together to salvage a curated exhibition, originally conceived as Capture Guyana 2016, from the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, Government of Guyana, turning it into VISIONS 2016, which was the first curated photographic exhibition of its kind in Guyana.

Now, two years later, VISIONS 2018 is on the horizon with the first iteration, a curated photographic exhibition, organised by Michael Lam and curated

by Karran Sahadeo.

VISIONS 2018 is open to any resident of Guyana with a valid identification (ID) card, while photographs from any genre and captured on any device are accepted. The main stipulation is the photographer should submit three to five images within a theme of their own choosing for consideration.

All submissions should be digital, and the final selection of images was based on the quality of

the images as well as their adherence to the theme within which they are submitted. This selec-

on the overall submissions.

There were a total of 30 photographers submitting images,

from fifteen 15 photographers, some having a single piece, some multiple pieces. Each piece was

tion was curated into a single collection for exhibition under a narrative conceptualised by the curator, Karran Sahadeo, based

with the total number of images submitted being 137; out of these, the images selected as the final set to be exhibited numbered 30

printed as Gallery Wraps, canvas on pinewood frames, at a size of 16”x 24”.

This time, the exhibition will

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H

ard Rock Café Guyana recently hosted its first job fair at Herdmanston Lodge, with a screening process of over 150 candidates lined up to be interviewed for various job openings advertised via newspaper/radio/ social media and popular websites.

In addition, a job awareness campaign was held from November 9-17 encouraging persons to apply early and networking and providing information about the culture of the Hard Rock brand in the effort of creating some excitement and providing a number of jobs to the Guyanese people also adding great value to the development of the country.

The Hard Rock Café will be designed for both local/international traffic to create and an amazing atmosphere for all; making it a haven for fans of music, food and great times, whether you are down for a legendary burger, live music, a classic tee, a rock star suite or the latest collectibles –

there’s something for everyone.

Ever Hard Rock Café around the world serves up authentic experiences that rock.

Since its establishment in 1971, the Hard Rock brand has also been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities. Love all- Serve all.

“Some companies have a history that stays firmly in the past. We’re fortunate to have a legacy that permeates our present like a song, not with nostalgia, but as the reminder of a timeless foundation and simple beginnings,” the company stated.

With hundreds of unique locations around the world, it’s hard to believe that it all began so innocently: the search for a good burger. We throw standard service to the wind, proclaiming that each meal should be an experience – whether on the road or on your lunch break.

We Will Rock You!

shering in the holiday season this year in Georgetown will be the big cultural and culinary extravaganza that shall be known as ‘Christmas at the Promenade’ which will be held on Sunday, December 16, at the Promenade Gardens located at Middle and Waterloo Streets in Georgetown.

Patrons will step into a world of festive delights at the Promenade Gardens where they will experience the sights, sounds and smells of the season in the enchanting and inspiring tropical garden which will be transformed into a wonderland of fun and excitement.

Headlining the cultural spectacular will be the iconic singer and songwriter Dave Martins and his band who will belt out many of his noteworthy compositions. There will be many additional entertaining performances and cultural acts throughout the afternoon and evening by other top Guyanese artistes and performers.

Apart from the grand Christmas concert, there will be food choices galore, with a popular assortment of participating food vendors offering everything from Guyanese Christmas treats and holiday eats to an assortment of succulent cuisines.

Attendees will also be able to escape the busy downtown Georgetown area this Christmas, and do your festive shopping at the ‘Christmas

take on two parts – we are launching at Michael Griffith’s Oxygen Arts Gallery, a small gallery that is typical of the art world, displaying the images in the traditional “White Box”. The close quarters of the Gallery is expected to bring the photographs together for an intimate telling of the narrative and the pieces will be on display there from December 1-15.

The second part will be at The Duke, which is a restaurant/art gallery at Duke Lodge, the pieces will be on display there from December 17-29. The Duke offers a darker ambience with a restaurant setting in an older wooden building.

VISIONS 2018 is encouraging everyone to try to see the pieces in both locations to experience how these images will affect the viewer under these two different settings.

There will be a very informal social gathering on the first day at Oxygen Arts Gallery from 14:00h-16:00h.

at the Promenade’ event instead. The ‘Merry Market Place’ will play host to the vending of everything Christmas with bargain-priced holiday products – from Christmas cards, stationery, lights, decorations, ornaments, Christmas tree stands, skirts and other accessories, stockings, wreaths, garlands, gift bags, wrapping paper and supplies, Christmas candy along with holiday party supplies – so you’re sure to find the perfect gift and get into the festive spirit.

This event, which is being hosted by Marian Academy, will appeal to the entire family and parents are encouraged to bring out their children to enjoy the magical experience of the Kids Zone where there will be face painting, bouncy castles and many games and to visit the Santa Express Booth.

Gates to the venue open at 16:00h and patrons are encouraged to use the Middle Street entrance.

Tickets are just $1000 and give access to the special concert and entire venue. They are available at Real Value Supermarket, Church Street; Giftland Mall, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown; Bounty supermarkets; Low’s Service Station, Bel Air Park; and Gizmos and Gadgets, North Road, Georgetown.

Be sure not to miss “Christmas at t h e Promenade”.

fridAY, november 30, 2018

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Windies tour of Bangladesh 2018…

West Indies looking to level series in final Test

– Reifer, Paul, Sherman Lewis in contention to replace suspended Gabriel

By Brandon Corlette

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fter a humiliating defeat in the first Test match against Bangladesh, the Caribbean side will be looking to bounce back in the second Test that is scheduled to start on November 29, 23:30h Eastern Caribbean time at Mirpur, Bangladesh.

Earlier in the year, Windies tormented Bangladesh with pace and bounce on home soil; as payback, Bangladesh served

up an enormous amount of spin in the first Test at Chottogram with all 20 Windies wickets falling to spin. The first Test match was finished within three days. Kraigg Brathwaite and his team will be entering this Test in a cautious and judicious manner playing the Bangladeshi spinners on a spin-conducive Mirpur pitch.

West Indies will be aiming to avoid another 2-0 Test series defeat.

After the loss of regular skipper Jason Holder due to injury, another setback occurred for the Windies. Heading into the second Test, they’re dented further by speedster Shannon Gabriel’s suspension, after he accumulated five demerit points in a 24-month period. Gabriel, who picked up four wickets in the first innings to bring back Windies into the game, barged into Imrul Kayes’ shoulder on

the opening day of the Test, and that is the reason why he will miss the second Test.

However, if Windies are to stand a chance in the second Test, to even put up a fight, much will depend on their batting with the bowlers continuing their decent performance. The likes of Devendra Bishoo, Roston Chase and Jomel Warrican will play a huge role with the ball since they are the spin trio likely to be featured in the starting XI. Meanwhile, Bangladesh understand what it takes to beat teams on the made-to-order dust bowls. Mehidy Hasan in 2016 was the new talent when he led Bangladesh to their first win against England, picking numerous wickets with his off-spin.

In addition to Mehidy, a new talent emerged in Chottogram last week.

Nayeem Hasan, a 17-year-old spinner who dismantled the Windies with a brilliant five-wicket haul on debut also featured in a crucial 65-run stand with

GABA League Roundup…

Taijul Islam.

If Nayeem had five in the first, the in-form Taijul bagged six in the second rendering even Shakib Al Hasan’s feat of getting to 200 Test wickets a subtext in the grander scheme of the series.

Shimron Hetmyer tried to hit his way out of trouble and succeeded for a brief while, but the promising batsman will have to pace his big hits like Sunil Ambris and Warrican did in their 63-run stand that kept hopes afloat in that chase. However, playing spin in the sub-continent can be so instinctive and coursecorrection between Test matches can seldom be achieved.

Bangladesh have batting worries themselves: only centurion Mominul Haque continued his impressive run of form and the lower order added vital runs to push the score to a daunting 324. The recalled Soumya Sarkar’s double failure and the struggles of Mohammad

Mithun a n d Imrul Kayes did not prove the batting was sufficient. With the toss being important in the second Test, the team that bat first will have an advantage to post a daunting first-innings score and capitalise later in the game on the spin-dominant pitch in Mirpur.

GCA cricket fixtures continue…

Great things accomplished GCC survive Malteenoes to face Police in finals in tournament

Part of the action in the preliminary stages

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s the preliminary stages of the 2018 Rainforest Water/ Malta Supreme/Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League concluded, many fans are awaiting the results to see if their favourite teams have qualified for the First, Second and Under-23 divisions respectively.

The tournament has definitely been an improvement from the last time it was held as many have seen outstanding performances in winning and losing efforts. It was a tournament that had excitement and disappointment as underdog teams proved their worth by defeating some of the tougher teams, while teams ranked at the bottom

of the table managed to pip table toppers in do or die games.

One such team would be the Pepsi Sonics, although they are at the bottom of the table and will not be qualifying for the semi-final stage.

Throughout the competition, the Sonics lost many games and it trickled from the First Division to the Under-23, but they managed to defeat top teams such as the Eagles and the Vikings proving that they were not a weak team but were going through a dry season. While there were particular teams that stood out in the competition such as the Plaisance Guardians who came into the tournament on a hot streak and maintained it throughout

their preliminary games, one would only hope they are able to maintain this form if they want to advance to the finals.

The UG Trojans, on the other hand, were different as everyone assumed they wouldn’t make it far.

The Trojans entered a First Division team who lost every single match and many assumed that it would be the same with the Trojans as it was for the Sonics. But they proved everyone wrong as the Under-23 side brushed aside teams effortlessly; therefore, they are definitely contenders for the finals.

The Eagles have proven from ball one of the competition that they are a force to be reckoned with, as they have a wealth of experience starting from the Coaches such as Courtenay Taylor straight down to the players and while they may not seem as favourite contenders for the title, they should not be underestimated.

A lot will depend on players such as Terrence Daniels, Shamaar Huntley, Sherland Gillis and Jabari Joseph as they will need to be in top form as they will most likely have to face off against each other – only the best player will come out on top. (Timothy Jaikarran)

O

ver the weekend in the Noble House Seafoods second-division twoday semi-finals, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) overcame Malteenoes Sports Club in one of the most exhilarating performances in a rainaffected affair to earn a draw and advance to the finals.

Playing at the iconic Bourda Cricket Ground, Malteenoes elected to bat first, and were able to set a commanding total of 211-5 (declared) as play commenced in the afternoon owing to inclement weather, as they needed to bowl out GCC for less than 212 runs to advance to finals based on points. In response, GCC were able to amass 212 all out as Marlon Persaud was the only batsman to reach 15; the chief tormentor for Malteenoes were Nkosie Barker, who snagged 4-17 and pacer Cordell Mars supporting with 2-16. As play commenced, Mars was able to extract bounce from the pitch as he claimed his first victim, Kemraj Jaikaran, for 1, leaving the score at 1-1. As Timothy McCalmont came to the crease, he looked in great form as he hooked Barker for four to get his team off to a start; however, he misread an arm ball and it resulted in his off stump being removed to leave the score at 11-2.

But the action was not over as the in-form Barker returned

Bernard Bailey was able to hold on to his wicket to help GCC avoid defeat

to capture Deonarine Seegobin for 9. As the score had now moved on to 31-3, with the innings now needing to be rebuilt in came West Indies U-19 and recently selected Super50 candidate Renaldo Ali-Mohamed, who carelessly gave away his wicket to Wayne Bollers to leave the score at 54-4. With Mohamed now back in the pavilion, the MSC players were poised for victory.

Chevam Persaud was bowled for naught by pacer Mars to now take the score to 56-6 and give MSC a chance in the finals. Barker then returned to pick up his fourth wicket to leave GCC at 67-7; however, Bernard Bailey managed to last the remaining 38 balls as he scored 12 and was supported

by Ansuggna Rodrigues, who

contributed eight to survive the innings scare. Despite GCC not taking the lead in the first innings, they eventually were saved as they emerged table toppers in their respective zone to advance to the finals against Police this weekend.

Over the weekend, pertinent cricket fixtures will continue as per norm, starting tomorrow in the GCA Friends of Cricket Under-17 Tournament. MSC will face off against Transport Sports Club at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) Ground.

This match is scheduled to start at 09:30h.

The New Building Society (NBS) Second Division 40-Over Tournament will continue with the in-form Guyana Defence Force (GDF) attempting to detain Police at the GDF Ground while Diplomats will be duking it out with GNIC at the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) Ground. On Sunday, December 2, 2018, the NBS tournament will continue as GCC will see off GDF at GCC and TSC will tackle 3rd Class at Everest Cricket Ground.

GYO will then face off against MSC at the GYO Ground , while Diplomats will attempt to overthrow the UG Trojans at the GDF Ground; in the final match of the day at MYO, GNIC will be facing MYO. All matches are scheduled to commence at 10:30h.

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GCB trial matches…

Johnson’s half-century lights up Providence on Day 2 – squad likely to be announced today

Trevon Griffith walks away after Romario Shepherd shattered his stumps

Ramaal Lewis strokes the ball during his 48*

By Brandon Corlette

G

uyana Jaguars Captain Leon Johnson was at his best during his unbeaten half-century, in preparation for the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-Day tournament scheduled for December 6, 2018.

In the second and final trial match played at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Vishal Singh’s XI took first strike continuing from Thursday’s rain-affected first day.

Singh’s XI were bowled out on the second day for 153, with number nine batter Ramaal Lewis stroking yet another unbeaten innings. Lewis, the Jamaicaborn player, stroked a shotfilled 48, which was the

top-score after Rajendra Chandrika made 29 runs earlier in the day.

Earlier in the match, Singh’s XI opener Robin Bacchus added only 12, with Bacchus being removed by Keon Joseph for 11. Former West Indies Under-19 wicket-keeper batsman Tevin Imlach, batting at number 3, scored 13 until the lively Clinton Pestano purchased his wicket. Wickets continued to tumble as the middle-order batters failed to rebuild the innings. Vishaul Singh, who seemed to be having a bad patch, scored four, along with Bhaskar Yadram. Romario Shepherd and Renaldo Ali-Mohammed failed to trouble the scorers with two ducks each, with Ali-Mohammed falling to a run-out. Veersammy Permaul and Lewis then

stood strong, but Permaul was beaten for turn and bounce and was out caught for 12.

Lewis continued to prove to the selectors that he is a well-equipped batter, stroking Keon Joseph for an effortless six over the mid-wicket region. Along with that six, Lewis showcased his back and across technique, cutting and punching the cricket ball around the Providence outfield.

Richie Looknauth (03) was the final batsman dismissed, leaving Lewis stranded in yet another trial match. Bowling for Johnson’s XI, Christopher Barnwell picked up 3-15 in 10 overs, Pestano 2-44 in 15 overs and Anthony Adams collected 2-40 in 14 overs.

When given their oppor-

tunity to bat under beautiful sunshine at Providence, Johnson’s XI openers Trevon Griffith and Tagenarine Chanderpaul trotted out to bat against Shepherd and Andre Stoll, who has made his return to cricket.

Shepherd bowled with extreme pace and control, removing Griffith with the score on 11. Griffith, who scored a brilliant century in the first match, was bowled for nine. Stoll, one of the few left-hand quick bowlers in

Guyana, was given an opportunity to bowl against both sides in order for the batters to feel prepared against left-arm fast bowlers the likes of Windward Islands Volcanoes’ Delron Johnson.

Leon Johnson, with class and grace written all over his batting, then partnered Tagenarine and the pair batted until close of play.

Johnson was at his very best, stroking exquisite cover drives and hitting the

ball on the up effortlessly.

Tagenarine was solid as a rock until a top edge that resulted in a six and a missed opportunity. However, no further hiccups occurred with Johnson’s XI ending the day in the driver’s seat on 104-1; Tagenarine is on 38 while Johnson is on 56.

Play continues today, the third and final day, at the National Stadium, where the squad may be announced afterwards.

2018-19 Windies tour of Bangladesh

Paul likely replacement for suspended Gabriel G

uyanese all-rounder Keemo Paul is heavily tipped to replace the suspended pacer Shannon Gabriel as the Windies seek revenge following the first Test loss to the Bangladeshis.

After losing by 64 runs in their opening Test at Chittagong, Windies will be seeking a desperate bounce back against the Tigers and now without their main pace weapon Gabriel, it seems that Paul could further get an opportunity to build a Test career.

Gabriel picked up a suspension owing to his on-field altercation with batsman Imrul Kayes, who he apparently rushed into.

With Gabriel’s spot up for grabs, it is likely that Paul could beat off his competition like Guyana Jaguars teammate left-hand all-rounder Raymon Reifer.

With Paul being among the brightest Windies prospects over the past year – having played in all formats, it is likely that his wicket-taking prowess and his proven ability as a batsman down the order could see him snag the vacant spot over any of the other bench-men.

Paul has played just two Tests for the Windies, taking three wickets with a best of 2-25 and a high score of 47 runs, which he made during the India series – showing maturity during the matches he played. Now with the suspension of Gabriel, Windies could opt to choose Paul’s seam and variation coupled with his skills as a batsman to further beef up their batting order which has faltered in the previous Test.

Kemar Roach and Gabriel formed a lethal pace attack, but with the absence of the injured Jason Holder, the fast-bowling unit will further struggle should selectors not opt for Paul or Reifer as a likely partner for Roach with the new ball. Given that frontline spinners Devendra Bishoo and Jomel Warrican gave good account of themselves, as did even part-timer Roston Chase in the

Keemo Paul

first game, Windies could certainly opt for a two-pacer, three-spinner attack on the Dhaka surface.

Warrican is the leading wicket-taker for the Windies and second on the overall list with six victims, trailing Bangladesh’s MVP spinner from the last game, Taijul Islam, who sits in the top spot with seven wickets. Centurion Mominul Haque enters the match as the leading run-scorer, having knocked a century in the first Test as he notched up 132 runs while Guyanese batting star Shimron Hetmyer will be looking to occupy the number one spot as he trails closely behind in second place with 90 runs.

(Clifton Ross)

21 CLASSIFIED “Isn’t She Charming” bags ADS $500,000 in feature event sports

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T

he Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facility at Alness Village on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice came alive last Sunday, November 25 as fans were treated to the race of a lifetime.

Taking the feature event known as the Alness Classic over 1400 metres was “Isn’t She Charming” ridden by veteran jockey Yap “Old Boy” Drepaul, winning a handsome purse of $500,000. Coming in in second place was “Not This Time”.

For the L Non Earners, coming in first was “Osuna”, while “Rosie”, “Stolen Diamond” and “Rock and Come Home” followed respectively. The J3 and Lower saw “Byron” taking first place and “Red Region” coming in second, while in the L Colts and Geldings race, “Massapequa Dr” stormed

– Crawford satisfied with turnout

Part of the action in Sunday’s horse race meet despite the rain

over the line, leaving a trail of dust for “Touch Down” and “Touch Gold” who came in second and third respectively.

For the L fillies and mares, “Delilah” was able to

pip “Call She’s Royal” and “Physical Disturbance” to win her leg of the race. In the final race, two-year-old open “Ebony Prince” was too good as he came in first place, outrunning “Awesome

Banner”, “Hummingbird” and “Handsome Drift”, who came in second, third and fourth respectively.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport Sport President of the Ryan Crawford

Memorial Turf Club, JR Crawford stated that he was satisfied with the turnout to the event. Despite the weather being determined to have its way, fans still came out to support their favourite horses. Crawford went on to state that he would like to thank his sponsors for their continual support throughout the years and said he hoped to see them on board at the next event This event was sponsored

by Banks DIH; Jumbo Jet Racing Stables; Metro Office Supplies (Georgetown); Intersection Hotel and Bar; Dr Steve Cheefoon; Gayle Hookumchand; Miss T Richmond; Factory Price of King Street, Georgetown; JR Mentis & Son Welding; Annirud Construction; NTN Television; Shocking Racing Stables; Cash Money; Superbet; A&R Tyre Mart and Deckers of Corriverton.

(Timothy Jaikarran)

RHTY&SC cricket teams to host 4th Annual Christmas Village T

he 10 cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), from December 10 to 24, 2018, will be hosting the Club’s 28th Annual Christmas Charity Programmes.

The teams will also be hosting the fourth edition of the very popular Berbice Christmas Village. The 10 teams – King Solomon Logistics Under-12, Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division – would be working under the supervision of RHTY&SC Secretary/Chief Executive Officer Hilbert Foster and his deputy, Simon Naidu.

The teams would be preparing hundreds of food hampers for distribution to less fortunate families while over 3000 toys would also be distributed out to children across Berbice. A children’s party would also be held in the compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School while the Club would also be assisting families with clothing and educational materials. Special emphasis would also be placed on serving breakfast to hundreds of pensioners as they wait to collect their month-

Club members pose with the bouncy castles donated to the RHTY&SC by Lindon Lewis and Ravi Singh

ly Old Age Pension at several Post Offices in the Lower Corentyne area.

The teams, from December 2124, 2018 will be hosting the fourth Annual Christmas Village. The entire compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School would be transformed into a dreamland of wonders with thousands of fairy lights and dozens of inflatable Christmas characters. The Village would also feature a 20-foot Christmas tree, Santa and his sleigh, the Christmas Star, the Nativity Scene, plyboard cut-out Characters, Christmas Home, a horror house, Games Corner, two tram-

polines, two bouncy castles, swings and slides among other attractions.

RHTY&SC’s longstanding Secretary/CEO stated that everything was falling into place despite a late start owing to the busy cricket season in Berbice for 2018 and his own busy schedule as President of the Berbice Cricket Board. The main objective of the Christmas Village is to promote the true tradition of the festive season; to provide a safe environment for children away from alcohol, vulgar music and violence, and to promote social cohesion. Patron of the Club,

Archer’s England eligibility set for March S ussex have clarified the point at which star all-rounder Jofra Archer is set to become available for England selection following changes to eligibility regulations on Thursday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced that players wishing to play for England need only three years’ residence – down from seven previously for those moving after their 18th birthday – with the changes coming into effect in the new year.

Former West Indies youth international Archer moved to Sussex in 2015 and appeared to believe this would put him in line for a call-up for England’s Caribbean tour in the New Year.

The team will play three Tests, five ODIs and three Twenty20s, starting in Barbados – the isle of Archer’s birth – on January 23. “It may or may not happen, but I would love to debut in front of my family,” Archer posted on Twitter of a potential England debut in that first Test match.

However, due to his Twenty20 commitments in the coming months, Archer is not set to reach the 210 days of residency re-

President David Granger has donated $200,000 towards the Programme while Bakewell, Guyana National Newspapers Limited, and Power Producers & Distributors Inc have all made major financial contributions toward the two Programmes.

The Club Teams have also received donation of an outdoor 15-foot Camp House, inflatable Christmas characters and two bouncy castles from seven overseas-based Berbicians.

They include Lindon Lewis, Lucille George, Sarah Chinsammy, Ravi Singh and Donna Charran. The National Milling Co Ltd and its Managing Director, Bert Sukhai are also on board and would be sponsoring the cost of a new Nativity scene.

The RHTY&SC, MS, and its 10 cricket teams would like to express gratitude to all of its donors and would like to invite all children and their parents to visit the Christmas Village from December 21, 2018.

Foster assured that the cricketers would make sure that it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Among the cricketers that would be part of the 2018 Programmes are Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Jonathan Rampersaud, Clinton Pestano, Shawn Pereira, Eon Hooper, Mahendra Gopilall, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, and Chanderpaul Govindan.

quired in his third year until sometime in March. Sussex said in a statement later on Thursday: “The exact date of Jofra’s qualification will depend on the time he spends out of the country during the rest of 2018-19.”

They added: “Qualifying for England has long been an aim of Jofra’s and Sussex Cricket is delighted for him that this ambition will now be realised sooner than previously envisaged.”

Archer may not be available in time for a return to Barbados to play the Windies, but the Cricket World Cup and the Ashes remain viable targets later next year. Under previous regulations, the 23-year-old would not have been set to qualify for England until 2022. (SportsMax) Jofra Archer

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GFF adds to year-end action with International Futsal Festival

I

n addition to the recently-launched Stag Super 16 League, football fans will be simultaneously entertained with another format of the game as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) teams up with ExxonMobil to host an International Futsal Festival.

The futsal tournament, which is expected to attract teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Brazil, will be a four-day affair from December 27-30, and will be hosted at an unconfirmed venue. However, the location will be either the National Park or the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

GFF Director of Competitions Ian Alves shed some light on the format the competition would take and the participating teams.

“Participating in the tournament, we have eight teams, four regional member association teams, one from

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton as he addressed the gathering at the launch of the International Futsal Festival

Upper Demerara, one from West Demerara and one from Georgetown and one from the East Coast. Also, we’ll have a Guyana selection and three overseas select teams,” Alves said.

Those three teams are Caledonia AIA FC from

Trinidad and Tobago, ZV AllStars (Suriname) and Sao Paulo Selection (Brazil). The eight participating teams will be placed in two groups for the round-robin stage on December 27 and 28. The following day will see the semi-final fixtures and the fi-

nal day, December 30, is set aside for the final and thirdplace playoff.

Present at the official launch to give the tournament his blessing, was Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton who em-

phasised on the inclusion of players from all regions of the country.

“I’m glad to know that football is spreading, it’s not only a Georgetown-based team playing against overseas, it’s much more extended. I would have been much more happier if it could have been right across the length and breadth of Guyana. And the way things are going now in football, I would not be surprised to know that team Guyana would have players from our hinterland locations. We’re looking forward to the day when every effort would be made to develop it to a level where being any part in Guyana gives you the opportunity to represent Guyana,” he said.

While Stage Beer is the beverage sponsor of the tournament, ExxonMobil has thrown its full support behind the competition.

Speaking on behalf of the oil

giant, communications rep Nicholas Yearwood thanked the organisers Kashif and Shangai for approaching them.

“We at ExxonMobil look for entities that we’re able to partner with, that have reputations that are upstanding with regard to the sport that they progress. For example, Kashif and Shangai has been in the industry for many, many years and it is with no doubt an easy decision to throw support behind them,” Yearwood explained.

The Kashif and Shangaiorganised tournament will see the first-place finisher walking away with $1.2 million whilst second place will be rewarded with $600,000.

The third-place prize is $300,000 and fourth place will receive $100,000. The prize monies for first to third place will be accompanied by a trophy and medals.

2018-19 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships…

Providence hosts 1st 4-Day game from January 10 as Jaguars face Volcanoes

– Guyana National Stadium to host 5 Regional 4-Day games in 2019

W

ith the 2018/19 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional 4-Day Championships bowling off from December 6, defending champs Guyana Jaguars will commence their first of five matches at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence from January 10 to 13, 2019.

Six Day/Night matches, which bowl off from 14:00h, will feature in this season’s Championship; one of which will be hosted at the Providence National Stadium in Guyana while the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia; Three Ws Oval, Barbados; Sabina Park, Jamaica; the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago and the Warner Park Ground in St Kitts will host the other five

The Guyana Jaguars will be keen on keeping the record at home alive this season

Day-Nighters.

Round one, which opens up December 6-9, will see the Jaguars getting their campaign on the way against the Windward Volcanoes at

the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia from 14:00h.

The four-time champs will be seeking to create another piece of history by se-

curing the title for a record fifth time in a row. As such, much will bank on their success at home where they play five of their 10 matches this season.

After the home team go on the road for a few games prior to the Christmas break, Providence will host the first round of games from the 10th before the home team feature in another backyard match from January 17-20 in round 5 versus the Leeward Hurricanes, from 09:30h.

The champs will be on the road for round 6, but return home for the seventh round of action as they square off against the Jamaica Scorpions February 7-10, at Providence. Round 9 in Guyana features the home team playing the Barbados Pride from February 28 to March 3, 2019 while Guyanese fans will have the honour of seeing their team possibly retain their title on home soil as the 10th and fi-

nal round bowls off.

Guyana Jaguars face their arch nemesis Trinidad & Tobago Red Force in their backyard having winged out to the twin-island republic early in the tournament; as the two battle from March 7-10 in a Day/Night affair which bowls off from 14:00h daily.

This year’s structure has been properly organised, allowing franchises and players to float comfortably during the Windies/ England home series. Half of the matches will be completed before the start of the first Test which bowls off on January 23 at the Kensington Oval while the other rounds will be contested during the Tour.

(Clifton Ross)

guyanatimesgy.com

fridAY, november 30, 2018

23

58th Annual Nationals Schools Cycling, Swimming, Track and Field Championships

Roberts, Hall cop U-18 and U-10 sprint doubles …16 records broken by day 5

3rd Shane Calistro (District 1) U-14 Girls- 1st Odessa France (District 14) 2nd Putrins Sullivan (District 6) 3rd Donna Lowe (District 13) U-12 Boys- 1st Jaylon Choo (District 4) 2nd Malachi Austin (District 12) 3rd David Blake (District 3) U-12 Girls- 1st Tianna Springer (District 12) 2nd Teola Tyndall (District 6) 3rd Akela Hall (District 3) U-10 Boys- 1st David Williams (District 3)

Despite it being a close finish, Deron Roberts took the 200M gold

By Jemima Holmes

T

he Leonora Synthetic Track and field facility was once again a hive of activity as Guyana’s school aged athletes put on a show on the penultimate day of competition, shattering records and making a name for themselves.

With the rain subsiding as compared to the previous day, the athletes donned their district colours to participate in the 200m, 1500m, medley relays and a handful of field events.

However, it is no secret that the 200m sprint was the most-anticipated event of the days. As the races were announced, the sizeable crowd became uneasy, shifting in their seats to get a better view of the bend and homestretch. The first 200m race called was the Boys U-20 that Shane Haynes of Distric 10 took convincingly. Alwyn Prince (District 4) and Anthony Griffith (District 11) had to settle for second and third.

The ladies’ U-20 race saw Tonya Rawlins of District 3 continuing in her winning ways. She was followed

by District 13’s Analissa

Redmond and Leona Jones (District 10).

The best 200m race of the night could be given to the boys’ Under-18, which saw fierce competition. The race was unsurprisingly one of the fastest of the evening, featuring a number of seasoned runners. Emerging from the pack just on the beginning of the homestretch, Deron Roberts distinguished himself to take the lead and the win. The young man out of District 13 ran 22.36s to take the 200m gold after copping the 100m gold on Wednesday evening. Daniel Benasamin (District 11) and Godwin Humphrey (District 5) finished as runners-up.

Another scintillating performance came from little Akeela Dover, who is ‘in the thick of things’ at the National Championships.

The young lady has not only excelled on the track, but has shined in the field events. On Thursday night, however, she made the 200m U-10 race her own with a commanding win. From the sound of the gun, the young woman was several strides ahead of her colleagues and maintained her lead until the finish.

of the 2018 championships.

Points Standing Up to press Time (Students): Upper Demerara Kwakwani, District 10- 357 points West Demerara, District 3- 249 points East Coast Demerara, District 4- 228.5 points North West, District 1225 points West Coast Berbice, District 5- 224 points Corentyne, District 6 -209 points New Amsterdam,District 15- 209 points East Bank Demerara, District 14- 205 points Essequibo Coast/ Pomeroon, District 2- 186 points East Georgetown, District 12- 183 points

Deshanna Skeete of District 10 easily won yet another gold medal

Other 200m results:

U-18 Girls-1st Deshanna Skeete (District 10) 2nd Aaliyah Kelman (District 14) 3rd Binka Joseph (District 3) U-16 Boy's- 1st Osrick Pellew (District 4) 2nd Tyndall Wesley (District 11) 3rd Richard Blake

RECORDS As the students competed, the standing records set at the Leonora Synthetic facility in 2017 were bound to be broken. Nonetheless, it seemed as though no one was expecting the students to go above and beyond. Up until press time, a total of 16 records were reported to have been broken in the field events.

Some of those records are: New Record Old Record 21-30 Javelin Osafo Gibbons -51.60 Charles Leu-wai-see 42.38 U16 Javelin Aanisah Gibbons 31.78 Deslyn Leitch 26.64 U18 Shotput Jedeziah Copeland- 10.27 Prudence Codrington 9.15 U18 Shotput Joshua Tophill – 12.67 Johnathan Copeland 12.29 U12 Long Jump Tiana Springer – 4.18 Onesha Williams 4.12 U20 Javelin Jermain Simmons – 55.08 Timothy Sealey 53.33 U21 Long Jump Olucho Haynes – 4.02 Teshana Munroe 3.80 U12 Long Jump Marvin Williams – 4.59 Martim Martin4.52 U16 Long Jump Melon Lowenfield – 6.47 Troni Semple- 6.14 U12 High Jump Dewan Grant- 141 Seteve Semple 1.39 U10 High Jump Jaden L- 117 Samuel Welcome- 1.22 U18 Javelin Randy Hamilton 58.23 Johnathan Copeland 48.10

(District 3) U-16 Girls- 1st Brianna Charles (District 11) 2nd Keliza Smith (District 3) 3rd Princess Browne (District 12) U-14 Boys- 1st David Higgins (District 12) 2nd Shaquan Nelson (District 3)

2nd Orlando Carrington (District 15) 3rd Joshua McArthur (District 4) The action continues at the Leonora Synthetic Track today with the 400M, 3000M, 5000M finals and the official closing ceremony

Too close to call! The finish in the Boy’s U-16 200m race

North Georgetown, District 11- 157 points South Georgetown, District 13- 133.5 points Bartica, District 7- 127 points Rupununi, District 9- 98 points Potaro Siparuni, District 8- 31.5 points

fridAY, november 30, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

58th Annual Nationals Schools Cycling, Swimming, Track and Field Championships

Roberts, Hall cop U-18 and U-10 sprint doubles

Page 23

…16 records broken by day 5 Akeela Dover makes it home comfortably to take the sprint double

GCB trial matches…

Johnson’s halfcentury lights up Providence on Day 2

Deron Roberts

GFF adds to yearend action with International Futsal Festival Page 22

Page 20

– squad likely to be announced today Leon Johnson (Brandon Corlette photo)

Aubrey “Shanghai” Major, ExxonMobil’s Nicholas Yearwood, GFF President Wayne Forde and Ian Alves flank Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton

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