Guyana Times October 13 2018

Canadian oil and gas trade mission to arrive next week P14

– technical cooperation MoU to be signed on Monday THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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

Issue No. 3714

Saturday, October 13, 2018

PRICE

PPP slams Kaieteur News for misleading article on declarations to Integrity Commission

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

City Hall CoI

Residents blast Mae’s for occupying community ground P7

Page 7

Teachers’ salary impasse ends Page 3

State-of-theart E Division headquarters commissioned in Linden P13

Consumers warned of P10 expiry date tampering to extend shelf life

...to receive 12%, 8% increases

… ECD supermarket owner charged

… General Secretary unpleased with payout Education Minister Nicolette Henry exchanges a friendly handshake with GTU Prresident Mark Lyte moments after the impasse ended (Dexter Ceres photo)

Full Court throws out GBTI appeal

Page 11

…Bank ordered to hand over documents to SOCU

Woman sets house on fire after accusing paramour of cheating

Page 10

Teen arraigned with friend’s Page murder 11

Trainee Police arraigned with theft of $4000 cologne P8 Police called in to investigate possible fraudulent P9 Whim/ Bloomfield NDC voters list

2 news

saturdAY, october 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Appeal Court ruling on GECOM Chairman’s appointment deferred

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he Appeal Court ruling on the appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been deferred pending further submissions by the parties.

Friday's date was set for decision on the appeal filed by lawyers for People’s Progressive Party (PPP’s) Executive Secretary Zulficar Mustapha to reverse the June High Court ruling by acting Chief Justice Roxane George, who upheld President David Granger’s unilateral appointment of Justice Patterson as GECOM Chairman.

However, the Appeal Court panel, led by Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, informed the appellant represented by Attorney Anil Nandlall and the defendant Attorney General Basil Williams that they would have to make further submissions before a decision can be handed down.

Justice CummingsEdwards explained that the court is considering four areas of law which she would want the parties to address before a ruling a made.

“The Chancellor and the two [Appeal] Judges indicated to us that while they’re ready with their ruling, they need us to address certain identified issues, which they will communicate to us during the course of [Friday] afternoon. They want our as-

sistance, they want our submissions on these identified isssues – we don’t know what they are yet but hopefully we get them before the end of today,” Nandlall told reporters outside the Appeal Court after the hearing.

Nevertheless, the matter will be called again on Tuesday when both Nandlall and Williams are expected to present their written submissions, as well as oral if necessary, on the four areas to be the Court has asked to be addressed.

Last October, the PPP’s Executive Secretary filed an injunction to have the court rescind the unilateral appointment of Justice Patterson, days after his appointment.

However, after a several months of engaging the High

Attorney Anil Nandlall Court, the Chief Justice on June 8, 2018, ruled that the Constitution of Guyana allows for the President to unilaterally appoint someone to fill the position of GECOM chair.

Apart from asking that the appointment of Patterson be rescinded, the PPP had argued that he is unqualified for the post, and had petitioned the court to order the President to choose a person from the 18 names submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

But the Chief Justice, in her ruling, has stated that there is nothing before the court to support a finding that the President had acted unlawfully or irrationally in resorting to the proviso to Art 161(2); and there is nothing to rebut the presumption that Justice Patterson is qualified to be appointed to the post of Chairman of GECOM. According to the Chief Justice, the Opposition did not produce evidence to sup-

Attorney General Basil Williams port the contention that Patterson was unqualified for the position. She added that even if she had agreed with the contention that the appointment was unlaw-

ful, it would not have been “permissible for this court to usurp the function of the President by directing him to choose a nominee from the third, or any, list.”

However, she did outline in her ruling that the President should have given reasons for his rejection of the 18 nominees submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in three separate lists, all of whom were rejected.

In the Appeal, Nandlall on behalf of his client said that the learned Chief Justice misconstrued and misinterpreted the role of the Leader of the Opposition in Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and as such, is asking the court to overturn the High Court ruling.

Sod turned for construction of Guyana’s first CDC facility in Linden

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sod-turning exercise on Wednesday has signalled the construction of the first Community Development Council (CDC) facility to be erected in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice).

The facility will be named after former Assistant National Director of CDCs, the late Sandra Adams, and will be constructed at Washer Pond Road, Mackenzie.

Speaking at the sod-turning exercise which was attended by numerous officials, National Director of CDCs,

Eugene Gilbert, stressed the importance of CDCs having a facility in which administrative and marketing functions can be executed. He recalled having, in 2016, discussions with the late Adams regarding the setting up of the first such facility in Guyana.

After efforts were made to acquire the land in Linden, he said, the process of negotiation with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to officially acquire the land was then executed.

Fast forward, Gilbert

Regional officials at the sod-turning exercise

said, this process has since been completed and the design and construction companies have already been consulted.

“We’ve basically completed all the procedures relating to NICIL’s consummating the arrangement”, he announced.

Gilbert added that resources have also been gathered, and he explained that much of these resources came from contributions from various CDCs and corporate entities and individuals. turn to paage 13

news

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saturdAY, october 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Saturday, October 13 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, October 14 – 08:30h-10:00h.

Teachers’ salary impasse ends ...to receive 12%, 8% increases

…General Secretary unpleased with payout

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, October 13 – 06:30h-08:00h and Sunday, October 14 – 07:10h-08:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny weather can be expected throughout the day, while clear skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 06:49h and 18:59h reaching maximum heights of 2.55 metres and 2.59 metre respectively.

Low Tide: 00:23h and 12:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.72 metre respectively.

By Davina Ramdass

A

fter more than one month after a nationwide teachers’ strike was called off, Government has finally agreed to increase the salaries of teachers by 12 per cent for 2016 and eight per cent for 2018.

This was disclosed on Friday at the Education Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown office, following a six-hour long discussion between Education Minister Nicolette Henry and executives of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).

The Minister revealed, “What we have proposed essentially is in so far as 2016 in concerned, we finalised at 12 and eight per cent respectively and for 2018 we’re at eight per cent and the de-

Education Minister Nicolette Henry and GTU President Mark Lyte along with officials following the end of the impasse on Friday

According to him, the previous offers tabled did not provide benefits for all teachers. In fact, some 80 per cent of teachers, he said, would

parties concluded discussions and have committed to the implementation of the agreement. The three-year 2016 to 2018 agreement will

days, resulting in the ultimate resolution. Henry also noted that as better relations with the Union continue to be of concern, the matter was discussed on how involved the two will be in meetings and programmes bilaterally, especially since the Ministry believes the Union was created to support its work.

General Secretary displeased

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GTU and the Education Ministry officals engaging members of the media on Friday afternoon

bunching figure (is) the one that we shared earlier the $315,000,000”.

Although fewer smiles were seen on the faces of the executives, the President of the GTU, Mark Lyte told Guyana Times that the Union is satisfied with the amount being given to teachers.

“We are walking away a lot happier than initially. We recognise that we were able to broker an agreement with the Ministry of Education that will bring a lot of satisfaction to our member and I think that was the ultimate objective of this whole process to ensure that every teacher benefits significantly”.

not have benefited from the Government’s previous offer.

It was explained by him that the increases for teachers will be paid in two tranches. “The increases are going to be paid in two tranches because you know what teachers receive in 2016 would have an impact on 2017 and 2018, so we are going to have payments being done in December and payments being done in January 2019”.

A joint statement shared with the media from the two agencies said “Having considered new information provided, which included salary benefits for all scales of teachers ranging from TS1 to TS19 and special and non-salary benefits, the two

be signed in the new week”.

Better relations

As the two parties are still recouping from the last protest action where calls were even being made for the Education Minister to be removed from the office, the two are gearing towards improving their relations, through more collaboration.

“Well certainly for any relationship to be improved it requires some amount of collaboration, cooperation (and) communication. Those are key words and key things that have to happen,” the Minister stated.

She was keen to note that quite a lot of that has been happening over the past few

Although the President of the GTU would have said the Union is satisfied with the amount, the Union’s General Secretary, Coretta McDonald, during an exclusive interview told Guyana Times that she is not pleased with the amount being given to teachers.

As a serving educator, she would only say that “teachers deserve more”. When asked to say more about the offer, she opted not to, saying “I’ll say all the wrong, wrong things”.

When Lyte was questioned as to whether all the executives would have agreed to the amount, he said, “I can’t speak for the General Secretary. We sat there as a group and we made decisions so everyone had a chance to give their input and everything”.

Called off

Not only has the arbitration process been wiped off the table due to the recent agreement being made, but also the thought of strike action. turn to page 11

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, october 13, 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

The effects of domestic violence

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ver time, numerous cases of domestic violence have been reported in the Guyanese media. Many were brutally killed in some instances. Unfortunately, it continues, despite awareness efforts and the much-touted training of law enforcement officers who are expected to be the first step of recourse with regard to the lodging of complaints.

There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge in spite of the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem is much larger than what appears in the news, including the social media outlets, as many cases go unreported. This therefore gives much credence to the appearance of an underestimated reality.

Many reasons have been made known for what can deter an abused victim from seeking the intervention of the law. Among them, in no specific order of impact, are aspects of culture, shame, dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some; and the lack of confidence in law enforcement itself, precipitated by the reported trivialising of the issue in some instances.

One may posit that education is a primary concern. On the other hand, one can argue that education has been more profound in recent times. Pertinent would be to ask the question: do the other factors subvert the heeding of educational messaging? While the answer may be assumed, it would make for interesting and informative research.

As that is contemplated, the magnitude of the impact on children cannot be underestimated. Many have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults on their mothers and, to a lesser extent, their fathers. Those ghastly images, especially for some who watched as life was snuffed out, are not only lasting, but profoundly traumatising.

When young minds are so broadsided, the impact, if not managed, lingers for life. Not that the images are erasable, but with meaningful and sustained interventions, the trauma can potentially be mitigated, thereby aiding in better shaping of lives.

The entire spectrum of what therefore constitutes counselling then becomes vital. This naturally raises the question of the availability of adequate intervening mechanisms.

While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses of such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative for the benefit of all to know the extent of what is available and offered. Realistically, expectations cannot be for what obtains in the developed nations; however, there must be something tangible, in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.

This is not in any way suggesting that there isn’t an effective mechanism. However, counselling can be an extensive process for some depending upon the circumstances. Given the plethora of incidents that unfortunately continue and which would make added demands on the system, the question of adequacy of trained staff, needed facilities and support systems, becomes more pertinent.

Not too long ago, the country had the unenviable tag of the highest rate of suicide per capita. Prior to that categorizing, some aspects had made news internationally prompting a local organization to call for suicide to be made a national priority given its impact on society and the trauma it imposes on surviving relatives.

It was stated that the declaration would not only bring additional focus, but would have positioned the issue to be afforded the necessary resources for its mitigation.

It wasn’t going to be a panacea to stop suicide, but effectively structured, it increases the potential across the country, with the assistance of stakeholders, to maximized effectiveness of information gathering for targeted intervention. It would also increase confidence in the support system, to help break social inhibitors where necessary and to better edify.

It is no different for domestic violence. While there is a disadvantage in being unable to accurately quote figures, based on extensive research if available on the amount of people lost, injured and disfigured and those scarred for life as a result of domestic violence, it must be extremely high in proportion to our population. Clearly the highest number would be those who are left traumatized.

This therefore must be seen as a serious cause for concern and a compelling reason for consideration to be declared a national priority. This is an apolitical issue and is not confined to any one group thereby making it less difficult to garner national support. In such small societies, the impact permeates throughout and away from just the families.

Children reading and learning about incidents through television and social media, are in many ways impacted too especially if one of their own is affected. In the context herein, the pervasiveness and impact of trauma cannot and must not be underestimated.

That of road accidents must also be taken into account for too much is at stake for people and the nation.

The General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, met with Ambika Ramraj, Guyana Miss World at his Church Street office

Robberies up by 22%... its portentous effects!

Dear Editor, Robberies in Guyana are up by 22 per cent... that is the latest statistical figure given by the Guyana Police Force. Now, I am more inclined to believe that this is a highly conservative statistic, given the present climate that exists in Guyana.

Because many robberies go unreported, especially robberies of the armed type, or where gun/s are involved.

In a country where robberies form part of the daily grind -- incidents involving theft, or forceful removal

of one’s property -- victims are most often reluctant to report or to prosecute the offenders. They would have thrown up their hands in frustration, or might have given in, saying, ‘Why bother? This is Guyana’. So thieves, bandits and robbers are emboldened by this acceptance of the situation by the hapless populace. As someone sarcastically remarked, armed robberies are the only successful business in Guyana. I would rephrase that to say armed robberies constitute the

most successful occupation in Region Four. When you can have persons as young as 17 bearing high-powered weapons and carrying out armed invasions with impunity, then you know where we are going as a nation.

To make our situation more grievous, This PNCled Coalition seems to be oblivious to the goings-on around them. And I am of the staunch belief that the reason behind that "ostrich head in the sand" behaviour is because most of these sadistic acts are taking place

in or close to their main stronghold, Georgetown; so let us appear not to know.

Twenty-two per cent at face value might seem an innocuous figure, but in a small society such as ours, that is a really frightening statistic, where you don't know when you might become the next victim or fatality in another armed robbery. Guyanese are now, as it were, paralysed by fear in this sick and sad country.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Guyana being labelled as the dirtiest nation in the Caribbean

Dear Editor, Please allow me the opportunity to say what’s on my mind. Most of my letters to you have to do with wrongdoings, or things I want to see happen to better my country. This year, I took my vacation in Antigua and Barbuda. As usual, getting together and having conversation on what’s happening in Guyana and comparing same to Antigua could hardly escape my many encounters.

On one such encounter, I was told in the most embarrassing and shameful way that Guyana is the dirtiest nation in the Caribbean.

These remarks were made by both Antiguans and Guyanese emigrants. They lamented extensively of seeing garbage almost everywhere during their last visit to Guyana. They spoke of Guyanese eating and throw-

ing food boxes out moving vehicles and on anywhere in the streets. This was my most humiliating moment I could ever remember.

Three weeks ago, I met two Canadian visitors. I extended my hospitality by offering them a drive to Parika Stelling EBE. Once again, I was told that Guyana is the dirtiest country they have visited, and they will never return.

On the way to Parika, they took the opportunity to point out plastic bottles and bags of garbage thrown on the parapet along the way.

In the vicinity of Tuschen EBE, there was a man with a wheelbarrow full of garbage, which he emptied it into the trench. As we moved on further into Greenwich Park/ Ruby, out came a rice tractor, spilling huge chunks of mud on the road. Yes! This is the Guyana we live in to-

day. Where I lived in Seaview, Cornelia Ida WCD, only 4 persons have garbage bins from Puran’s Waste Disposal. The rest of people throw their garbage at the seawall and in a nearby trench. It is disgusting to see little children defecating behind the seawall, especially in the mornings.

There is a group of fishermen who would bring in and clean their fishes, and would leave the unwanted to rot and stink right on the seawall.

The once lovely beach we had is now covered with old fridges, stoves, cloth, and the whole “works”. Editor, I have visited several Caribbean countries, and I must confess that indeed Guyana is the dirtiest of them all. This shame and disgrace must be squarely laid at feet of our Government. While in Antigua and Barbuda, it was

brought to my attention that the Antiguan Government upgraded its environmental legislation, increased its plainclothes patrols, and increased penalties. I wrote on this subject last year. I am writing here this year.

I will continue to highlight this national disgrace as long your paper affords me the opportunity. Once this situation remains unchanged, I will write to international organisations such as the World Health Organisation, Norway, and the ABC countries, just to name a few. I will call on all right thinking Guyanese who have a sense of national pride to join me and to implore our Government to do whatever it takes reverse this stigma of being the dirtiest nation in the Caribbean.

Yours sincerely, C Woolford

guyanatimesgy.com

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

Serious rebuttals of Lincoln Lewis’s misleading representations and propagation of a rumour (Part 1) Dear Editor, I beg your indulgence to publish my response to the “Eyes on Guyana” column of Mr Lincoln Lewis, appearing in the Kaieteur News of Sunday, October 07th, 2018 under the title, “Serious Questions about Sam Hinds ‘moral authority’ in call for equal treatment for sugar and bauxite workers.”

Editor, one should expect, and even welcome, serious questioning of what he presents; and I do. I am heartened that Mr Lewis is not rejecting my call for equal treatment for sugar and bauxite workers, but his representations are seriously distorted and misleading, and he has knowingly or unknowingly propagated and hence sustained one seriously poisonous, divisive, untrue rumour.

Editor, when I read that the Cabinet-led Task Force -- of which Mr Lincoln Lewis was a member -- had recommended that these Rusal workers facing termination be paid a package similar

to what was applied in the case of Linmine in 1993 onwards and Bermine in 2002 onwards, I had thought and hoped that we were rounding a corner; for by evidently acknowledging and taking our (PPP/C) arrangements for bauxite workers during those difficult years as a standard, I was thinking that there was the beginning of a recognition that we had not been the problem for the bauxite companies, workers and communities. Indeed, it seemed that the door was being opened to the thinking that we had been good for the bauxite companies, workers, and communities.

However, I will not let this Lincoln Lewis column dash my hopes.

Editor, we, PPP/C, were always conscious of the need to treat our bauxite and sugar workers equally, if not equitably. As we, PPP/C, came into office in 1992, our bauxite and sugar sectors were in quite different economic situations, and with very different prospects. Bauxite,

having suffered huge losses since the mid-1970s, there were grave doubts whether it could be profitable again and survive; but sugar was returning to profitability, and its prospects looked bright, admittedly on the then seemingly unending guarantee of the preferential prices of the Sugar Protocol.

In those instances referred to by Mr. Lewis, where the bauxite sector was treated differently from the sugar sector, bauxite workers were treated better than what was specified by the various ‘conditionalities’ we, PPP/C, met in place. Rather than close down Linmine on that MINPROC declaration in 1994 as prescribed, we resumed and maintained subsidies until interested core partners came along. And much the same happened with the bauxite operations on the Berbice River. That is another story. The eventual privatisation of the bauxite companies was better than the previously prescribed alternative, which would have

Can someone help these people?

Dear Editor, Only recently, I penned a letter about the vendors’ (mainly water, juice and drinks) plight and asked that some sort of leniency or agreement be made with the vendors and the City Council. Not a word was uttered, except about the skullduggery being committed by Royston King, and that City Police (market constables) continue to 'shake down' the vendors daily.

On Wednesday, October 9, the City Police collected three vendors who were about to start plying their trade. They handcuffed them and forced them to walk to Regent Street Constabulary office. According to one of the vendors, they told him they were arresting him for “obstruction of traffic”.

I find disgusting, and also amusing, the treatment meted out against these people who are trying to make an honest living.

One of the vendors ply his trade between the Routes 45 (Lamaha/Hosp) and 41 (Norton Street/South) parks, and his cart would be stationed besides a light post, which is not a hindrance to any traffic from any of the routes’ vehicles. Meanwhile, all the routes have buses parking in all sorts of manner, causing traffic congestion all over, and this cannot be dealt with.

At the Constabulary, Editor, the three vendors where given a very meticulous search, and the order to post an eight-thousand-dollar bail. At no time was any

charge written out, or were they asked to give any statement, or told anything, except being ordered to sign the bail receipt and told they have to attend court on the 18th. Immediately upon hearing this, I assume some sort of dishonesty had been involved, because why would they assign a date so far away and not same, next, or a closer date? I hope someone shows a little interest into this matter, because only recently the Chief Constable was blubbering about the glorious plans for the Stabroek area, and instead I am seeing serious 'shakedowns' and robberies being committed, among other crimes.

Finally Editor, I've always supported utilising local products, and this particular season, there's a wide variety of fruits available; and through strong determination and creativity of many young people, all the fruits are being used to produce local fruit drinks, some even blended/mixed together, and they are even making lime juice (swank) and adding green colouring to it, and it is selling.

Admirably, the various vendors could be seen with their white hats and clothes vending. They are worth praising, because many people are supporting them, even tourists. I've had over eight juice for the week, and they vary between the cherries, sorrel, guava and passion fruit.

Why are they given a fight down instead of be-

ing helped? Had this sort of fight down occurred under the PPP/C, we would have been hearing of discrimination, but now we are seeing brothers fighting down brothers. Such is 'A GOOD LIFE FOR ALL'.

Take a walk at Stabroek area, spend time, and you will see drugs being utilised openly; touts cursing, tugging, pushing and abusing passengers; people being robbed in bright daylight, and vendors crying because their honest hustle is too much for the City Constable, even though many of these constables bumming vendors for passage to go home when they finish working.

Yours respectfully, Sahadeo Bates

seen them closed down forthwith.

Concerning the continued waiver of income tax on overtime work in the case of sugar workers, it is true, but sugar workers would readily give up that incentive for the higher wage rates bauxite workers received before, and more so since privatisation. (Sugar workers have been complaining about a number of constrictions in the application of this waiver to them). That notwithstanding, it may be recalled that the Structural Adjustment/ Economic Recovery Programme entered into by then President Hoyte included reforms aimed at reducing, if not eliminating, special and unique situations and the discretion of a President or a Finance Minister to grant financial incentives. The waiver of income tax on the overtime pay of bauxite and sugar workers, and those workers only, stood out like a sore thumb.

The waiver of income tax on overtime work is an incentive to both the enterprise and the worker. Many argued that that incentive was on challengeable legal and socio-political grounds.

It was largely excused on arguing that Government was under pressure to incentivise the workers in these two most important state owned industries by finding one way or another to increase their after-tax take-home pay. We were uneasy with this waiver, and anticipated its ending on the occasion of privatisation or on significant upward movement of wage scales in the sector. There was no targeting of bauxite workers in this.

There is absolutely no truth in Mr Lewis’s claim that a steam turbine was removed from the bauxite operations. Mr Lewis and others are invited to visit the steam power station, now derelict, and see for themselves that the three turbines that were there are still there. I call on him to show where, in any so-called PPP stronghold, the

steam turbine is/was set-up.

Further, even if it had been so, Mr Lewis should know that GPL electricity supply grid is such that it could not supply that electricity to only that stronghold.

Indeed, we PPP/C, see our electricity grid and supply (GPL) as one of the integrating mechanisms of our people and country.

To be frank and for full disclosure, I will say that some parts from one of a number of discarded GM diesel sets in the diesel power station by the Mackenzie bridge were taken to help rehab a similar engine in GPL’s small diesel power station at Onverwagt. It would have helped supply electricity to Bush Lot, but also to Lichfield and Hopetown, all on the West Coast of Berbice; and what, Mr Lewis, could have been wrong with that?

One can suspect that this could have been jazzed up to give birth to that rumour.

Whatever the case, Mr Lewis is here knowingly or unknowingly repeating and sustaining a seriously poisonous, divisive, untrue rumour, which as a recognised elder, looked up to by a significant number of our fellow Guyanese, is to be greatly regretted.

There was no plundering of the equipment of the bauxite industry. Indeed, even though it would have made good economic sense, it was to avoid such charges of plundering that I did not entertain the offer from a scrap metal business from Singapore to purchase the alumina plant: “Liquify your sunk, frozen, discarded, useless asset” the lady from Singapore urged from across

my desk.

An approach from our local firm Wieting and Richter, as agent for a corresponding German environmental firm, to remove all installations and hazardous waste, and present a certified environmentally clean site, along with a small net amount of money, was also not entertained.

Mr Lewis wrote, “By the time the PPP/C had done its target on the [bauxite] industry, 4000+ workers were dislocated… The PPP/C did not initiate the downsizing of the bauxite industry. Mr Lewis would know that that sad and traumatic transformation in coming to terms with reality began with the shock of that first big shrinking of about one third, some 1800 employees, in 1983 and the prescribed transfer of all non-core activities to various levels of Government and their agencies. This transformation was well on its way by the time MINPROC took management of the core operation in 1990, and the number of employees would have been further shrunk by the time we, PPP/C, entered Office in October, 1992. As has been stated on many occasions when MINPROC declared that they could not see a way to profitability for the bauxite operations in Linden, the prescription we had received called for closure forthwith. We did no such thing. (To be continued) Sincerely, Samuel A A Hinds, Former Prime Minister, Former President

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By Spencer Melnick

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our teen needed a laptop for school, so you bought it. He needed a phone to keep in touch with you, so after a half-hour argument with him at the wireless store, a “phone” became an iPhone 6. He has an iPad Air, because, after you told him it wasn’t in the budget, he spent the weekend with his dad, and voila! He has an iPad. Now, every time you look at your son, he has a screen in front of his face, barely audible text notifications going off at all hours and he’s on social media sites you’ve never heard of. Suddenly, his use of technology has gone past school work and into a strange kind of secrecy.

I believe the most important thing you can do is open up regular dialogue about your child’s online experiences and approach it with genuine, open curiosity.

Technology is empowering and necessary for children and for parents.

But the longer I work with families in my practice, the more I see technology becoming problematic for them. Think about your child’s smartphone. It’s a very complex device that can be used for good or bad. It’s a communication tool and a wonderful research and study tool. For the child who struggles to focus on homework; however, it’s a chronic distraction machine – an ADD machine, if you will. It’s a camera and video camera that can broadcast your child’s mistakes and poor choices to the world in seconds. It’s a weapon for bullying and a source of anxiety for children who are bullied. It’s a reason your son doesn’t get enough sleep at night. It’s a pornography machine at the touch of the wrong link. It’s a device that can expose your young child to things you don’t want her to see. Ever.

How are your children using technology? Do you know what they’re looking at when they’re curled up on the sofa for five hours

Foundation with their phones six inches from their face? When you ask them who they’re talking to online, do you get a one-word, snippy answer, if any answer at all? It’s tricky territory for parents. Your teen knows more about the online world than you probably ever will, and it can quickly become another way for your child to behave defiantly with you. So how do you even talk to your child about their online life, interests, and safety?

Immobilised parents: “I don’t know what to do about it, so I’ll do nothing.”

Although they may be wizards with setting up devices and finding cool apps, most children do not have

the emotional intelligence to be able to manage and understand everything they’re seeing online. That’s why parents need to be involved.

Increasingly, though, I see parents becoming immobilised around their children’s use of technology. They don’t know what to do or where to start, so they do nothing. It’s normal for parents to feel “frozen” and helpless about the online world of their child.

I met a parent recently who had discovered her young son had been watching videos online of people playing Russian Roulette. She was lucky. Her son brought up the subject, instead of keeping it to himself, because he was disturbed by what he saw. Mom felt immobilised. What should she do?

Take his phone away? Restrict access?

Should she talk to him about what else he’s watching online? Without a clear option, should she do nothing?

Remaining immobilised around your child’s technology use isn’t effective or empowering for you as a parent, and it doesn’t help your child. I believe the most important thing you can do is open up regular dialogue about your child’s online experiences and approach it with genuine, open curiosity. Many children remain secretive about what they’re doing and seeing online because: Technology is a tether to their social life; they are very socially focused and protective of their right to be.

They don’t want you in their business, and the secrecy is a form of defiance They’re in over their heads as far as what they’re seeing or engaging in online and don’t know how to talk about it. I remember an 11-year-old client who started looking at pornography sites on his phone and eventually clicked on particularly disturbing, violent porn that gave him nightmares.

He wanted to talk about the problem, but he was ashamed and afraid.

This is why it’s important for parents to engage with their kids about what’s happening online for them. It shouldn’t be a secret in the home. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

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reate a list of natural items appropriate for the season and location, and see how many your children can find.

What you need

Bucket or bag to hold the found objects Pencil or crayon Scavenger hunt list Camera (optional)

What you do

Print out your scavenger hunt list.

You are most familiar with the natural items in your backyard, so you might want to make your own scavenger hunt list. But check out our backyard scavenger hunt list in case it works for you.

With your partner, try to find each of the items listed below. If the item has the word “collect’’ next to it, you may put the item into your bag. If the item has the words “describe and note location” next to it, write where you found the item, but do not remove it!

1. A blade of grass longer than your index finger (collect) 2. A large seed (collect) 3. A leaf on the ground (collect) 4. A twig longer than your thumb (collect) 5. Moss on the side of a building (describe and note location) 6. Fungi (describe and note location) 7. Signs of a spider or a spider itself (describe and note location) 8. An ant hill (describe and note location) 9. Plants or insects in a sidewalk crack (describe and note location) 10. Signs of birds or birds themselves (describe and note location) 11. Signs of amphibians or reptiles or the animals themselves (describe and note location) 12. Signs of mice other small animals or the animals themselves (describe and note location) 13. Signs of larger mammals or the mammals themselves (describe and note location) 16. Two different kinds of small seeds (collect)

To be continued

Put your checklist on a clipboard.

If you attach the pencil or crayon by a string, that makes it easier for the person seeking the objects.

Give each person a bag or bucket to hold their found objects.

Put qualifications on your scavenger hunt objects such as length.

This makes it more challenging and fun. You can send your scavenger hunters out with a measuring tape or ruler, or you can have them measure it against their body. For example, “find a blade of grass longer than your longest finger.”

Ask for signs of wildlife rather than actual wildlife.

Most scavenger hunts take place during the day, when most wildlife are hiding. You can still have your participants look for signs of wildlife, such as scat or wildlife homes.

Customise your scavenger hunt list to your surroundings.

Especially for younger children who will tire quicker, do a quick run through with your scavenger hunt list to see if these items can be found easily in your location. Be sure to add some easy finds, such as “moss on a building,” to keep everyone’s energy going. (Adapted from rangerrick.org)

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saturdAY, october 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP slams Kaieteur News for misleading article City Hall CoI Residents blast Mae’s for on declarations to Integrity Commission

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Friday slammed the Kaieteur News for a misleading article it published on the declaration to the Integrity Commission. The PPP stated that the issue of declaration was raised on Thursday last at a news conference hosted by Opposition Leader and PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo.

The reporter, according to the PPP, asked whether all current PPP/C parliamentarians had filed returns, to which the PPP General Secretary responded that he was not aware of how many persons had filed, but assured that checks would be made. The reporter also asked the PPP General Secretary if he had personally filed, to which he responded no, but committed to do so. On Thursday, (October 11, 2018) he said clearly: “We will get it done because it is something that we believe in. When we were in office, we made sure that every Minister did up to 2014.”

Further, the PPP General Secretary at the same news conference, stated that returns must be filed by all parliamentarians and Ministers, not only for 2018, but for the three years during which the Integrity Commission’s secretariat was disbanded by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government. The PPP

Members of Parliament are, as public officials, among those required to declare their assets

General Secretary was clear on multiple occasions in his condemnation of that action.

The Party notes too that the Kaieteur News has not, until now, raised queries with the President, Prime Minister or any other APNU/ AFC Government official; many of whom have not filed returns with the Integrity Commission for the past 10 years.

The Party stated that with Local Government Elections in the air, the Kaieteur News has reverted focus to its anti-PPP agenda; quite possibly because of “benefits? being accessed by the newspaper’s principal, Glenn Lall. On Friday, the PPP General Secretary questioned the inaction of the APNU/AFC coalition Government to fully collect on a $3.8 billion judgement handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) against Guyana Stores Limited – a company to which Lall is close-

ly linked. Additionally, recent queries were raised in the local media about Lall’s ‘man of business’ being back in business after being hired as an investigator at the Special Organised Crimes Unit; ironically after he was dismissed multiple times

by Government agencies for corrupt acts. These are just two examples of some of the factors that have likely influenced the favourable reporting on the APNU/AFC coalition Government coming from Saffron Street.

Additionally, to date, the PPP/C is still awaiting information on the non-compliant former parliamentarians, some of whom are current Ministers in the APNU/AFC coalition Government, to proceed with filing of private criminal charges. The PPP/C on June 21, 2017, sent a letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Abeena Moore, requesting the names of the delinquent

People’s National Congress Reform parliamentarians, of the Eighth and Ninth Parliament, who failed to submit declarations for the years 2001-2006 and 20062011. The same was requested for APNU parliamentarians who served in the 10th Parliament for the years 2011-2015. To date, there has been no response.

Guyanese would recall that in July 2016, the PPP/C moved to the National Assembly to address the issue of greater accountability for persons in public life, via a motion. The motion called for all parliamentarians to make their tax returns, as well as their asset declarations to the Integrity Commission, public for the last 10 years. This was voted against by the APNU/ AFC parliamentarians at the time.

These issues, relative to the APNU/AFC Government’s sordid lack of accountability, have been totally ignored by the Kaieteur News.

The Party has been, and remains, committed to transparency and accountability, unlike the APNU/AFC coalition Government, for which these words have become empty rhetoric.

The PPP stated that the Kaieteur News misled Guyanese for many years and on this basis, the PPP will not sit silent and allow them to do so again.

occupying community ground

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Materials that were dumped onto the resurfaced ground

number of residents of the Subryanville, G e o r g e t o w n area, showed up at the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into City Hall’s operation on Friday to highlight the issues they have been facing after Mae’s Schools invaded the residential community.

Mae’s Schools has been operating in Third Avenue, Subryanville, for a number of years and the building which initially started the school has now turned into four.

While operating in the area has caused major traffic disturbances and sewage issues, one problem which many are concerned about, is the Farnum Community Ground which has been cordoned off for private use by the educational facility.

A resident of the community, Damian Fernandes, told the Commission that one-third of the public foot-

Town Clerk Royston King

ball field was cordoned off with a 12-foot fence by the school’s administration and is being used for the students only.

Additionally, all of the waste materials which were generated from construction on the school building were dumped on the ground. This includes wooden boards, large chunks of cement and steel rods. turn to page 9

8 news

saturdAY, october 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Brothers charged for assaulting Police Officer

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ighteen-year-old Fernando Marcelo Razak of Lot 20 Punt Trench, Albouystown, Georgetown, on Friday found himself before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with charges of resisting arrest, disorderly behaviour and assault.

The first charge alleged that on October 8, 2018, at Punt Trench, Albouystown, he resisted Lance Corporal Nikelson’s attempt to arrest him while the rank was performing his duties.

Another charge read that on October 8, 2018, at the Ruimveldt Police Station, he behaved in a disorderly manner. In addition, Razak was accused of unlawfully assaulting Lance Corporal Nikelson.

Razak pleaded not guilty to the charges after it was read to him.

Attorney Latchmie Rahamat who represented Razak, in an application for bail told the court that her client was physically attacked by Lance Corporal Nikelson. After seeing this, the defendant’s brother

tried to rescue him.

The Police prosecutor made no objections to bail and Magistrate McLennan granted same in the sum of $7000, before adjourning the case to October 17.

Meanwhile, the defendant’s brother, 19-yearold Ronaldo Razak, was also charged with assault, threatening behaviour and obstruction to performing duties.

The charges against Ronaldo Razak read that on October 8, 2018, at Punt Trench, Albouystown, he unlawfully assaulted Lance Corporal Nikelson; that on the said date and location, he made use of threatening

behaviour towards Lance Corporal Nikelson, along with obstructing him from performing his duties.

He also denied all the allegations made out against him. Razak was also represented by Attorney Latchmie Rahamat, who in an application for bail told the court that he was trying to rescue his younger brother from being beaten by the Police rank.

The Police prosecutor made no objections to bail and Magistrate McLennan granted the older Razak bail in the sum of $7000, also adjourning his case until October 17.

Carpenter who “found Water pump thief jailed gun while digging yard” remanded

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hirty-two-year-old Paul Bishop was on Friday hauled before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with a gun possession charge.

Bishop, who plies his trade as a carpenter, denied the allegation that was made out against him.

The court heard that the Freeman Street, Albouystown resident on October, 9, 2018, had a .32 pistol in his possession without being the holder of a firearm licence.

The prosecution is contending that on the day in question, Police ranks acting on information carried out

a search on the defendant while he was in the Freeman Street, Albouystown area, when the unlicensed weapon was found on his person.

According to reports, the accused was on a pedal bicycle when he was confronted by the lawmen and had confessed in an oral statement that he had found the revolver while he was “digging in the front yard”.

Further, Police Prosecutor Richard Harris objected to bail being granted on the grounds of the serious nature of the charge.

The prosecution’s submission was upheld by the Chief Magistrate who later remanded Bishop to prison until October 31.

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man who stole a water pump, among other items, was on Friday sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he stood before her on Friday.

Krishna Singh who has no fixed place of adobe admitted to stealing the articles.

The court heard that the 42-year-old man, while he was at Lot 126 Hadfield Street, Georgetown, stole one water pump valued $10,000, one 50-foot water hose valued $5000 and two tarpaulins valued $10,000 – a total value of $27,000 and the property of Pamela DeSantos.

Facts presented to the court revealed that on the day in question, the accused

unlawfully entered into the Virtual Complainant’s yard which was secured by a mesh and zinc fence. He later collected the above mentioned items before making good his escape.

However, he was subsequently arrested after the victim reported the matter to the Police. The items were never recovered.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, Singh told the court “I went to pick pear leave at the fence, I don’t know what they talking about,” when he tried to defend himself.

Nevertheless, he was fined $25,000 or by default, he will have to spend eight weeks in prison.

Further, he told the Magistrate that he does not “have nobody” to post bail.

Trainee police arraigned with theft of $4000 cologne

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n 18-year-old Police trainee was on Friday hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was slapped with two charges of theft.

Eustace Hunte of Liverpool, Corentyne, is accused of stealing a cologne valued $4000 between July 20 and 22, 2018, at the Felix Austin Police Training Centre, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Another charge stated that Hunte, while being solely entrusted by Shamar Glasgow with a Lenovo laptop valued $150,000, he converted same to his own use and benefit on July 22 at the same location.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones did not object to bail being granted but told the court that Hunte was always in the habit of stealing from his colleagues.

However, the recruit was lucky to be released on self-bail for the offence.

The case was adjourned to October 19.

This land…

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…is whose land?

unding for a Linden-Lethem Highway was sought by Burnham from the Brazilians way back in 1977. In the intervening 41 years, there were more proposals than you can shake a stick at! One even landed on the desks of Presidents Ramotar and Rousseff for a final signing off -following extensive studies. But for one reason or another, there was always a slip between the cup and the lip. Folks became quite jaded at the prospects of us ever opening up our interior.

But now there’s been a sudden volte face…due to - what else? – Chinese deep (and dark?) pockets! With Greenidge already signing off on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI), some folks are so sure about the completion of the Highway there’s already a land rush in progress. If Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian is to be believed, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission has received so many applications for land – up to 30 acres -- there mightn’t be any left for people from Region 10!!

Now, we’re talking about over 350 kilometres of highway, so that’s a whole lotta land being grabbed.

According to Morian, most of the applicants are “rushing to secure plots of land to establish business ventures”, but that notwithstanding, he feels Lindeners must get first dibs, whether or not they can use the land!! “Outside of religion, race, party or whatever, we are saying once you are living in Region 10, while any Guyanese in any other region can apply, we think residents in Region 10 should first benefit.”

Now there’s definitely something wrong here. So, in addition to the flag for each Region, which the PNC had unilaterally decreed and distributed, Guyanese don’t have equal rights to their national patrimony? Should Berbicans have protested the award of that first contract for the Indian Arrival Monument at Palmyra because the contractor was from Linden? What next? Tolls on the Wismar Bridge on the road to Region 9 without any consultation with residents there??

Hold it!! That’s exactly what’s ALREADY taken place, with no heed given to Region ‘Niners’ when they pointed out goods from the coast – practically ALL their consumption – will become more expensive!! When you add the special LEN Fund to promote entrepreneurship in Linden after the billions that just disappeared from the LEAP Fund that was supposed to do just that…are we detecting different strokes for PNC folks? And we won’t even mention the electricity subsidy -- which wasn’t even being considered for the 5700 fired sugar workers.

Your Eyewitness believes there must be a bipartisan committee set up to draft a development plan for the Linden-Lethem corridor.

Which should benefit ALL Guyanese.

…conjures doctorates?

UG’s been in existence since 1963, and hasn’t been able to produce a single PhD during that time. Not that there weren’t bright students around -- a ton of them went on to shine in foreign universities like supernovas -- but for the simple reason that it wasn’t able to put together a doctoral programme in a single subject. Now, that can be excused, since we’re a dirt poor country and were stretched to even fund the Baccalaureate programmes.

But how in the world can UG now summon up the brazenness to start awarding “honorary” PhDs?? Your Eyewitness has read the VC’s riposte - to others who’ve already expressed their incredulity – and found it wanting.

Two fly-by-night Jamaican outfits did it, and that makes it right? Does this mean that our nursery schools can award “Honorary BSCs” to some of those once cute munchkins who graduated some years back? Isn’t this like…umm…

DILUTING the value of advanced degrees? Did the Academic Council of UG approve this ridiculous move?

Why hang UG’s hat where its hand can’t reach?

…is Comedy Central

Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona “I is” Broomes, upbraided the mining syndicates on their behaviour, and insisted they “should play by the rules”.

Just like she did when busing out those guards?

What’s with that inquiry, by the way?

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

News

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saturdAY, october 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police called in to investigate possible fraudulent Whim/Bloomfield NDC voters list

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he Police have been called in to investigate possible electoral fraud at the Whim/ Bloomfield Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had challenged the validity of the Alliance For Change (AFC) backers list for the upcoming Local Government Elections.

The matter came up before Justice Navindra Singh on Thursday in the Berbice High Court. The writ was filed by Shafraz Beekham against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), who is claiming that his name and those of 50 others were fraudulently affixed to the AFC list of backers.

The writ named Returning Officer Orlando Christopher Persaud and Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield as the respondents. Beekham is being represented by Attorneys Anil Nandlall and Adrian Anamayah while GECOM is being represented by Attorneys Teni Housty and Excellence Dazzell.

At the end of Thursday’s hearing, Housty told the media that he was happy with the proposed measure. He noted that it was done in the interest of justice. Nandlall, meanwhile, explained that based on the investigation, persons might be charged with fraud.

“We are saying one thing and they are saying something else. Well we have invited the court to invite the Police to carry out an investigation. So all the persons they will meet with a team of Police Officers, they will make their claims to them and the Police will investigate and we will get a report from the Police next week Wednesday.

That report will be passed on to the Judge and we will meet with the Judge next week Friday to determine how we will move for-

Attorney Anil Nandlall

ward. I hope that persons get locked up in this matter because this is serious forgery and people’s rights being taken away and people are being forced to support candidates and political parties that they do not support,” Nandlall said.

In a sworn affidavit, Beekham, who is a registered elector on the official List of Electors for Constituency Number Three, had said that he and others were “deliberately deceived into signing a document by an AFC representative who he claimed fraudulently represented that she was employed by GECOM and that he needed to sign a document to confirm that his name was on the voter’s list.

Beekham’s legal suit stated that on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, he and other electors visited Persaud’s office in Whim to submit the affidavits to have their names withdrawn.

During the hearing today, Returning Officer Orlando Christopher Persaud told the court that the names were removed, hence, there was no need for a court hearing, since the issue with Beekham’s name was resolved.

“We are now told that his name was taken off of the last which it appeared

on on Nomination Day. We have been battling with this issue since Nomination Day which was September 24, up until we had no redress on this matter but to file these proceedings.”

During the hearing, GECOM claimed Beekham’s name was taken off of the AFC list on the evening of Nomination Day. However, Nandlall argues that up to Wednesday evening his name was still on the list which was posted at the Whim/Bloomfield NDC office. However on Thursday morning, a line was drawn over Beekham’s name and there was an attachment with new names.

Returning Officer Orlando Christopher Persaud claimed that the matter was corrected by him. He also claimed that although he received statutory declarations from the other 50 persons indicating that their names were fraudulently placed on the AFC list, he could do nothing about it as he had already issued letters of approval to the AFC. But Nandlall argues that those letters could have been withdrawn.

Initially, the matter was raised by the PPP GECOM Commissioners. However, this did not stop Lowenfield from placing all the names, including the backers who claim that their names were fraudulently placed on the AFC list, on the Official Gazette.

Beekham is hoping to get the court to remove those names from the AFC list. Nandlall said he is hoping that the court rules in a manner which will also rectify similar issues the party has raised in other parts of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Residents of Good Hope/ Number 51 NDC are claiming that they did not put their names on forms which were submitted to the

Shafraz Beekham

GECOM Retuning Officer by the AFC on Nomination Day. Residents of the Maida/ Tarlogy NDC have also made similar claims of forgery happening there; likewise some residents of Johanna in Black Bush Polder.

The PPP is also contending that there were similar acts at the Plegtanker/ Koortbradt NDC on the East Bank of Berbice.

Meanwhile, the next hearing is set for October 26 at the High Court in Georgetown.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

Residents blast Mae’s for occupying...

“If you check, you will see that the metal rods are still sticking out of the ground.

The form boards that were used to cast the base were thrown with nails and you can see the nails sticking up and that’s how it is left for many months. The construction crew from the school is dumping builders waste on the ground,” Fernandes argued.

On many occasions, the residents would have tried to engage senior officials from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) but it was a noshow on the Council’s part.

Furthermore, the Administrator of the school, Stacy French, indicated to the residents that she obtained a lease for the property. However, they were told

by Town Clerk Royston King that it was just a letter of permission.

Contradicting that, Mayor Patricia Chase Green stated that she was unaware of any such activities.

French would have banned persons from utilising the public amenity by padlocking the gates to keep out certain “elements”.

“It’s very upsetting to see a private business now carv-

from page 7

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green

ing out a piece of our green space, fence it and padlock it for the use of private school students.”

Fernandes, along with other members of the community, are concerned since they feel it is a full-time job to handle these issues.

While the Mayor is insinuating that the ground was not maintained, residents presented evidence that it was maintained and footballers would utilise the facilities for the practice sessions.

Fernandes explained that prior to this, the community ground was regularly maintained and $2.7 million was spent for its resurfacing.

At present, it is very difficult to weed the vegeta-

tion since machinery is being damaged by the concrete that was dumped in the area.

Another problem that is being faced by residents is the fact that parents are parking in front of their properties while waiting on their children and in the process; they are littering the environment on a daily basis.

The Commission also heard that the school’s administration is in the process of constructing another school in the area of which the residents are opposing.

They vocalised that the area is a residential community and businesses should not operate in the vicinity.

10 news

saturdAY, october 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Consumers warned of expiry date Woman sets house on fire after tampering to extend shelf life accusing paramour of cheating …ECD supermarket owner charged

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s the Government Analyst–Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) continues efforts to clamp down on the unhealthy practice of inferior goods being sold on the local market, the Department is calling on consumers to pay closer attention to the expiry dates on products being sold, particularly in supermarkets along the East Coast, East Bank, and West Coast of Demerara.

In a statement on Friday, the Department said it conducted an Inspection exercise on October 5, 2018, at a recently established supermarket on the East Coast of Demerara, where the proprietor was discovered to be repackaging foods under insanitary conditions, selling expired foods and also tampering with ex-

Tins with suspected tampered date markings minus the barcode

from the premise. These tins just had the manufactured date and the expiry date, whereas those products that were not tampered with carry a barcode along with the manufacture and expiry dates.

In additional, criminal proceedings have been instituted against the pro-

The repackaged rice and sugar

piration dates. This businessperson was found extending the date mark on Condensed Milk products.

According to the GAFDD, fifty-one 395g tins of Condensed Milk which had the date marks tampered with were seized and removed

prietor in question in the East Demerara Magisterial District in accordance with the laws of Guyana – Food and Drug Act Chapter 34:03 Section 35.

Under this law, Part II (5) states: “any person who sells an article of food that is unfit for human consumption or

was manufactured, prepared, packaged or stored under the unsanitary condition is guilty of an offence.”

Part II (6) Food and Drug Act Cap 34:03 of 1971 went on to outline that: “Any person who labels, packages, treats, processes, sells or advertises any food in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character, value, quality, composition, merit or safety is guilty of an offence.”

Furthermore, the GA-FDD posited that members and representatives at its recently hosted National Food Safety and Control Committee meeting – held on October 9, 2018 – were briefed on this practice and were asked to take the necessary enforcement action in their respective regions/areas.

“Consumers are again asked to ensure that all items of food have a label, is English translated and to ensure the dates are closely examined and not altered or tampered with,” the Department warned.

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The upper flat which was completely gutted

family of four is contemplating their next move after their home was set on fire by a woman who retaliated after finding out that her paramour is cheating.

Reports are the fire start-

and retaliated by gaining entry into the house thereafter, where she allegedly set it on fire. After committing the act, the woman calmly left the house.

Barrington explained that a neighbour noticed

Some furniture that were saved from the flames

ed at about 16:00h on Friday afternoon in the upper flat of the two-storey wooden and concrete structure, located at Lot 192 Pineapple Street, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

An occupant of the house, Sherwin Barrington, told Guyana Times that he was at home in the company of some work colleagues when the mother of his child arrived in a car.

Upon exiting, she accused that man infidelity

thick, black smoke billowing from the upper flat of the house and as such, raised an alarm. He immediately rushed into the house and saw the mattress on fire.

When this publication arrived at the scene, onlookers crowded the street as firefighters contained the blaze to one location. While some household items were salvaged from the blaze, the entire upper flat was gutted, with the lower flat suffering water damage.

The neighbouring structure on the northern side received minor damage to its ceiling and the adjacent walls.

Divisional Operations Officer of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Gregory Wickham explained that the house was already consumed in flames when the fire tenders arrived at the scene.

“After we got the call, we got a response with four tenders; two from Water Street, one from West Ruimveldt and the other from Alberttown.

On arrival, the first tender vehicle saw that the top floor of this apartment building was already engulfed but they managed to finally extinguish the flames,” the Divisional Operations Officer said.

He also hinted that a woman might have been responsible for starting the fire.

“The lead we’re following so far is one of the occupants of the building is saying that just prior to the fire, his child mother would have exited the building. That’s one of the leads that we’re following concerning this investigation,” said Wickham.

Guyana Times understands the suspected arsonist and Barrington have one child together. The family estimates their losses to be over $14 million.

11 Full Court throws out GBTI appeal news

saturdAY, october 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

…Bank ordered to hand over docs to SOCU by Nov 12

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n a unanimous decision on Friday, Full Court Judges, Justice Nareshwar Harnanan and Justice Fidela CorbinLincoln, dismissed an appeal filed by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) to reverse a production order directing the financial institution to handover relevant documents to as part of evidence for an ongoing AntiMoney Laundering investigation.

This appeal was filed following the July 5, 2018, ruling by High Court Judge, Justice Franklin Holder, who granted a production order directing GBTI to produce specific records of transactions; documents which are relevant to identifying, locating or quantifying property (or tainted property as the case may be) or locating a document necessary for the transfer of such property (or tainted property), where a person is being investigated for a serious offence – money laundering with re-

State Counsel Leslyn Noble

spect to Deborah A Forbes, Rosanna Ramnarine-Mangal and Keith Dyer – after hearing an Ex parte application for the production of the said documents pursuant to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act Cap 10:11.

The ex parte application for the production of the documents was filed by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Unsatisfied with the ruling, the banking institution filed an appeal in the Full Court of the High Court seeking to rescind the order. GBTI’s appeal was based on the grounds that: The Learned Trial Judge erred in not ordering service of the application on the Appellant (Respondent) to give the Appellant an opportunity to be heard; and that the Judge erred in ordering documents to be produced which are banker’s books the production of which section 24(2) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter the Financing of Terrorism Act’s prohibits.

State Counsel Leslyn Noble, before addressing the issues raised in the court, submitted to the court that the Appellant has not established any basis on which it has contended that this court ought to interfere with the finding of fact; that is, the satisfaction of the trial Judge that there are sufficient grounds to grant the

To receive 12%...

Teachers were gearing up for another round of protest action, following a number of failed discussions between the GTU and the Ministry.

They were being rallied up by the Union as they were unable to agree with the Ministry to appoint an arbitration panel to rule over the teachers’ wages dispute.

Moreover, the then conciliator, Minister within the Labour Department, Keith Scott took it upon himself to introduce a University of Guyana Professor, Leyland Lucas to chair the panel.

The Union at that time said they believed they were being bullied and never attended meetings, following the unilateral appointment.

Even as they were planning to head back to the streets, the Ministry threatened legal action, which the Union said it was well-prepared for.

The last nationwide teachers strike took effect on August 27, 2018, during schools’ pre-term activities and lasted for a little under two weeks, as the Ministry gave into the pressure and agreed to arbitration on September 6, 2018.

On Monday, President David Granger finally intervened where he offered the Union a 10 per cent increase for 2016 and eight per cent for 2018.

The President’s move came days after Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo advised that Granger take a stand on the matter.

This is the second time that the President has been forced to intervene between the GTU and the Education Ministry to resolve the wage-related matters.

Last November, a high-level taskforce was ap-

from page 3

pointed by him to oversee these matters.

Initial calls

A 40 per cent salary increase for public school teachers was initially proposed for the year 2016. Over time, the percentage would be increased for all categories of represented teachers. For the year 2017, the Union was hoping to have bargained for a 45 per cent increase, which would then increase to 50 per cent for the remainder of the years indicated in the agreement (2018-2020).

They recently changed their demands and said they were willing to accept a ‘substantial’ payout from the Government even after the GTU rejected Government’s request for teachers to agree to a debunching payoff of $200 million for 2018/19.

said production order as the Appellant’s grounds of appeal are misconceived and without merit.

As such, on Friday, the Full Court ruled that Justice Holder acted in compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, to hear the application exparte.

The court also ruled that Section 24 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act does not prohibit the production of copies of the banker’s books.

As part of the court’s ruling, GBTI was ordered to comply with the order of Justice Holder by November 12, 2018, at 16:30h. The banking institution was also made to pay a cost to the

respondent in the sum of $150,000.

GBTI was represented by Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran.

Following the ruling, Noble commented that banking institutions are not entitled to the information presented to the court outlining the (SOCU) Respondent’s reasons for investigating the customer of the Applicant since the production order merely compels the bank to deliver certified copies of documents that it may possess in respect of its customer.

“Appellant being present at the hearing of the application could be tantamount to tipping off in contravention of Section 5 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing

of Terrorism Act Cap 10:11.

In fact, the banking institutions should be cooperating with the law enforcement agencies [SOCU] to combat financial crimes. In fact, the banks have an important role in ensuring the promotion of high ethical and professional standards in the financial sector,” the State Counsel posited.

GBTI has a string of litigations against SOCU in the courts over the access of bank records for money-laundering suspects. In fact, the directors of the banking institution were even hauled before the courts for failing to comply with a court order for the production of documents for an ongoing criminal investigation being carried out SOCU – an arm of the Guyana Police Force.

Teen arraigned with friend’s murder

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teenager was on Friday arraigned with the murder of his friend when he appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court.

Nineteen-year-old Sasenarine Somai, also called “Orvin” or “Bobo”, of Lot 91 Number 69 Village, Corentyne, was not required to plea to the indictable charge.

The Police stated that between October 7 and 8, 2018, he murdered Mahindra Sooknanan, also called “KI”, 20, of Lot 36 Section A Number 69 Village, Corentyne.

M a g i s t r a t e Rabindranauth Singh refused bail and ordered that Somai return to court on January 3, 2019.

The accused was represented by Attorney Chandra Sohan who made an application for the disclosure of statements. He told the court

Sasenarine Somai

Dead: Mahindra Sooknanan

this it is his client’s first time in court.

It was reported that on the day in question, the suspect and the victim were imbibing when an argument broke out after the now dead man made a statement about the suspect’s wife. The suspect reportedly got angry and left but it is believed that he ambushed the victim when he was heading home and

stabbed him to death.

Sooknanan’s body was discovered on Monday morning last in a pool of blood in the village. The suspect was later arrested and confessed to the heinous crime. He led investigators to the area where he disposed on the murder weapon.

He would have given a confession statement and charges were instituted.

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“Human rights issues are connected to everything” – Saeed Hamid

By Lakhram Bhagirat

M

other Theresa famously said, “Human rights are

not a privilege conferred by Government. They are every human being’s entitlement by virtue of his humanity.

The right to life does not de-

pend, and must not be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or sovereign… you must weep that your own Government,

at present, seems blind to this truth.” Guyana just got its newest fighter to preserve the rights of every human being in new Attorney Saeed Hamid.

Saeed Abdool Hamid, Class of 2015, Bachelor of Law, University of Guyana (UG) and Guyana’s top graduating student from the Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad, in 2017, is now the newest addition to the local Bar. He was admitted to the Bar before Justice Simone Morris Ramlall on Friday after he would have completed his Masters in Laws (LLM) in International Human Rights at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, United Kingdom.

During his inaugural address to the court, Hamid said

New Attorney Saeed Abdool Hamid

“The day I can finally say, I made it as a member of the legal fraternity of Guyana.

When you attend law school, your goal is not to graduate at

to the path ahead of me,” the young attorney said.

He said after he graduated HWLS and decided to pursue his Masters, everyone thought it would be in the area of oil and gas, since it is the only thing most of Guyana is talking about but he decided to devote his time to protecting and advancing the human rights of everyone. His love for human rights protection came while in law school as he served on the Human Rights Committee and the Human Rights specialist Clinic where he did extensive work on domestic violence.

Hamid was able to graduate HWLS with the coveted Guyana Government Prize for the Best Performance by a Student from Guyana and

New Attorney Saeed Hamid pose with family members at the High Court on Friday

this day has been in the making ever since his first debating competition at St Rose’s High School. For him, the day of his admittance to the Bar has been on his mind ever since he graduated HWLS last year.

the top of your class, your goal is to survive the experience.

The long, gruelling nights of reading, hard work, assignments and the anxiety of results – An experience that I am sure will not be too alien

copped several other awards, such as The Book Specialist Prize, the Ronnie Boodoosingh Human Rights Prize and was one of two Guyanese students to make it to the Principal’s Roll of Honour. continued on page 13

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State-of-the-art E Division headquarters commissioned in Linden

T

he newly reconstructed Mackenzie Police Station (MPS) at Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was officially commissioned by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Friday.

The facility, which will now serve as the Police

million and was executed as part of the Public Security Ministry’s Citizens' Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP).

Minister Ramjattam was impressed with the new building, which he said will offer residents and visitors service and protection.

“This facility has been re-

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the Police station

The new building that will house the E Division Headquarters

Headquarters for E Division (Linden-Kwakwani), was funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) at a cost of $117

built to ensure effective policing in this community, as well as to provide befitting working environment for the men and women of the

Guyana Police Force… and to ensure too that residents in the area can see this institution of stability and security having this aesthetically characteristic about it, rather than being old and dilapidated," the Minister stated.

The new Police station has a special room to facilitate identification of perpet-

Sod turned for construction...

from page 2

He said a full financial statement of this will be made available.

Nevertheless, he noted that in excess of $5 million dollars still has to be raised to offset construction of the facility.

Some of the resources gathered, Gilbert further stated, were also set aside to facilitate training exercises in areas such as project evaluation and monitoring. “In order for you to be sustainable, training in these areas has become critical. And we hope that this Centre will be a focal point at which many of these activities will take place”, he told CDC officials.

In her remarks, Minister with responsibility for CDCs, Valerie Adams- Yearwood,

said the initiative is a very good one, and will serve as a reminder of all the hard work put in by her late sister, Sandra Adams.

“This was a ‘baby’ for the late Sandra Adams.

Every day she spoke about having this CDC Office…

Currently, we don’t have a location of our own, and she was always concerned that, as a CDC, we shouldn’t be borrowing space…but the CDC should be independent; and because of that, this initiative…she has not lived to see this reality, but even though she is not here in body, I know she is here in the spirit… I want to say to the CDC groups, let us see this building become a reality! I appeal to corporate Guyana to help us to make

this facility a reality”, the minister stated.

Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian, in his remarks, applauded the strides made by the late Adams and the work done in relation to the development of CDCs. He noted that it has set the foundation for such development. “I’m happy that the Government supports the endeavours and the works that we’re doing going forward. I look forward to see local faces on this construction…” Morian said.

Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell pointed to Linden having many “firsts” as it relates to community development. She also applauded the contributions of the late Adams.

“Human rights issues are...

from page 12

His excellent academic achievement only prepared him for the hard work at the University of Aberdeen where he achieved straight As in his programme and would be graduating First Class Honours in November.

“I will look to the law as an instrument to advocate fairness, justice, and equality. I will look to the law to fight for the interest of youths and minorities. I will look to the law to respectfully and effectively articulate the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of Guyana,” Hamid said.

He said he feels a sense of overwhelming accomplishment for all he has achieved over the past three years.

“I chose human rights law because of how connected it is to many spheres of society and I even studied oil and gas in Scotland. The environment and social issues associated with oil and gas and how they are in-

trinsic in human rights issues and that goes to show you how connected human rights are and I hope to apply that in my long-term goal,” he noted.

Expounding on his longterm goals, Hamid said he will be pushing for legislative reforms and policy changes in order to bring local laws more in conformity with International Human Rights Standards but for now he will be dabbling in criminal law as he seeks to plant his feet firmly on the ground.

“I want to promote a sense of fairness and bring back simplicity to this profession because a lawyer is supposed to be known as an agent of change and that is something I want to commit to. I am big on juvenile justice because there shouldn’t be heavy penalties for juvenile delinquents and it is very important as well because you have to understand why youths are in-

volved in these things and not just throw heavy penalties at them or throw them in the hard system where they come out much worse,” Hamid explained.

His work is also expected to encompass the minority since he feels that, particularly the LGBT community needs more representation. Their basic human rights are being trampled on and he is not in a position to aid in bringing about the change that is necessary to further enhance the rights of the minority community.

He also see himself contributing to the booming oil and gas sector since there are human rights issues closely connected to that sector as well.

For now, the newly minted attorney will focus on establishing himself as a power player within the local legal fraternity before he goes about fighting for changes he so desires.

uators by victims without face-to-face contact and for case management and inputting of data into the integrated crime information system.

This system, the Minister noted, is critical for taking Guyana into the 21st century policing, with new technologies which will improve crime prevention and emergency response times.

The Police station is also equipped with solar energy as part of a 'Green Project' and is fitted with a training room.

Minister Ramjattan congratulated those who contributed to the successful completion of the facility, as he urged ranks to pay attention to proper maintenance to ensure its preservation.

He also called on residents to cooperate and for Police to enhance their engagements with the communities.

IDB Representative, Sophie Makonnen, in her

remarks said such events are important as crime and violence have become increasingly recognised as a developmental issue by institutions such as the IDB, with increased requests for the Bank to become involved in various aspects of citizens’ security.

She also pointed to the important roles played by Police stations and the importance of capacity building in ensuring security.

"The area that we support in terms of citizens’ security strongly focuses on institutional capacity building to enhance the state's effectiveness and efficiency to prevent crime and violence… Police stations are a way to increase visibility of the Police, so it works as a deterrent factor to crime and violence. Physical appearance of a Police Station is important, from this point of view it sends an effective sense of security for commu-

nity members," she noted.

Makonnen said these stations serve as an immediate data collection point, which is important in implementing policies so that Governments can be able to address security issues.

In his remarks, Police Commissioner Leslie James said the Force is appreciative of the efforts made by Government.

"I am very pleased to be here to witness a spanking new building, a Police station which we're all aware will be used professionally to further conduct our duties… I'm aware that this station will be used in a manner which I expected…

This ceremony is tantamount and is quite evident of the doings, the deliverables of the arrangement within the Citizen's Security Sector Reform Plan which is spearheaded by the IDB… the Government is very committed to ensuring that our citizens are safe in our communities. I wish to say to all present and by extension, the citizens of Linden that we will continue to serve you within our mandate," the Top Cop stated.

Construction of the two-storey modern facility commenced last December following the demolition of the older, dilapidated structure. The project was executed by Ivor Allen Construction. Officials had indicated that the reconstruction will enhance the services at the facility since the former structure was cramped for space.

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President’s office hosts health fair to promote healthy lifestyles among staff

T

he Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP), on Friday hosted a ‘We’re at your Door’ health fair with the aim of finding and treating persons who may be living with ‘silent killer’ conditions.

The free health fair, which offered tests for blood pressure and sugar, HIV, VCT as well as eye, dental and mental health care, was held in the Ministry’s compound on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.

Medical Outreach Officer at the MoPH, Dr Eulalie Hinds said the workshop provides the much-needed opportunity for persons working in offices to get nec-

essary medical screening.

“A lot of persons wait until they are in a critical condition; where they would be rushed to the public hospital or emergency room… Some persons make it and some [do not] and that is very sad.

That is why we try to do the outreaches, so persons can [begin] proper healthcare and preventative measures,” she said.

Senior Medex at the Public Health Ministry, Karen Sears, like Dr Hinds, said the medical screenings promote disease prevention.

“We’re visiting once a year to give a general check on the staff. We want to know what percentage of Staff of the Ministry of the Presidency took advantage of the available medical screening on Friday morning at the health fair

persons that [were] screened for different conditions, such as [irregular] blood pressure, [and high or low] blood sugar. If [they] really have a problem, we can [get into] prevention mode… We are trying to prevent conditions such as cervical cancer, breast cancer [and] filaria,” she said.

Further, Government Medical Officer, Dr Merga Amsterdam, who attended the health fair to screen for cervical cancer, urged MoTP staff members to take advantage of the available medical care.

“I hope that everyone

would leave here with a better understanding of their health, because that is what we’re promoting. Get your sugar tested. Get your pressure tested… We are still pushing and advocating for all different types of cancer screening… and I would hope that everyone would take charge of their health,” Dr Amsterdam said.

The ‘We’re at your Door’ initiative was started in June 2018 and, to date, has conducted health fairs at the Ministries of Agriculture, Social Protection, and Public Security, as well as the Parliament Buildings.

Canadian oil and gas trade mission to arrive next week – technical cooperation MoU to be signed on Monday

By Jarryl Bryan

A

Canadian oil and gas trade mission is expected to arrive in Guyana for a visit next week, as international interest in partnerships in Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas sector continues to grow.

This information was relayed by the Canadian High Commission. The Commission is understood to have played

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Natural Resources Minister, Siobhan Coady

a key role, along with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), in arranging the trade mission.

The mission will comprise approximately 50 persons hailing from the Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. They will arrive in Guyana on October 15 for a three-day visit. According to the High Commission, it is hoped the visit will lead to partnerships in the sector between local and Canadian

companies.

“Canadian companies are hoping to leverage partnerships with appropriate Guyanese businesses, and work with them to access opportunities in the oil and gas sector. Guyana presents world-class, deep-water petroleum prospects which offer business opportunities… the development of potential partnerships between the two jurisdictions could serve to build strong business relationships, transfer technology, and skills development to support the growth of Guyana’s offshore oil and gas industry,” the Commission stated.

It was pointed out by the High Commission that Newfoundland companies have been servicing Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels for over 15 years. In addition, the High Commission noted that companies from this province have also been servicing rigs and drill ships for 40 years.

“The experience of Newfoundland can be a great potential resource to Guyana in developing its offshore industry through working with experienced partners (Government and the Private Sector), suppliers and service companies. This trade mission will expose Canadian companies to the market opportunities, investment regime and qualified local companies.”

“The local support for the trade mission has been over-

A previous trade mission to Guyana

whelming. This highlights the willingness of Guyanese to partner with Canadians, which is largely due to the Canadian model of leveraging local partnerships through building partners’ capabilities to access together the opportunities in this nascent sector,” the Commission added.

Canadian MoU

Meanwhile, New Foundland and Labrador’s Natural Resources Minister, Siobhan Coady, will be present in Guyana and will also be attending events associated with the trade mission’s visit. The Commission also revealed that Minister Coady will be signing a technical cooperation agreement with the Government of Guyana, on behalf of her province on Monday.

There have been several trade missions since the discovery of oil, including one from the United States of America and Barbados. There are also plans for a British

trade mission next year.

With several Canadian companies already involved in oil and natural gas exploration activities in Guyana, the visit by the Natural Resources Minister of Newfoundland provides yet another indication of Canada’s interest in playing a pivotal role in the economic exploitation of the local energy sector.

It was only recently that Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) signed a memorandum of understanding on energy sector cooperation of its own, which saw Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley visiting Guyana for the first time with a delegation of Cabinet Ministers.

Guyana is now home to the world’s biggest new deep water oil discovery. US oil giant ExxonMobil has been keen to push development of the oil reserves. Production could begin in 2020, with the production of some 500,000 barrels of oil a day.

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Did the 2015 change merely mean a passport for expensive, worthless globe-trotting?

F

loccinaucinihilipilification - long word indeed, but it is a real word; just check the dictionary. Admittedly, this word is rarely used, and is almost unpronounceable; yet, it is the most appropriate word to describe something that is absolutely without any value.

Moses Nagamootoo's tenure as Prime Minister of Guyana, in the last three and a half years, is the very epitome of floccinaucinihilipilification, as is the globetrotting by him, the President, and the Cabinet. Guyana gets nothing from spending more than a billion dollars annually on a globetrotting charade from APNU+AFC officials.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy Take the PM's attendance at a Tamil convention in India this week. As a proud Guyanese Madrassi, I wish the participants the best, and hope that the convention is successful. Like the vast majority of my Madrassi sisters and brothers in Guyana, I hardly believe that the attendance of Prime Minister Nagamootoo at this convention represents any of us. It would have been nice for the Guyanese Government to support the attendance of one or more of our active Madrassi leaders. Prime Minister Nagamootoo is not a leader of the Madrassi community in Guyana. He never once considered inviting one of the Madrassi leaders -- those men and women across Guyana who today, against mighty odds, are valiantly keeping our culture alive.

Moses Nagamootoo's visit to India this week to attend the Tamil convention is just another stop on his vulgar globetrotting.

This man, who proudly reminds us as often as possible that he is a Christian, conveniently proclaims his Madrassi heritage when it suits him. Once the conference became known to him, he suddenly reminds everyone that he is a very proud Madrassi. This is very different from the time, four years ago, when he belligerently denounced his Indian heritage, with David Granger watching him intently in New York. Who is paying for this trip to India? Even if someone else is paying for this trip, is this trip costing the taxpayers any money? Inquiring minds want to know.

What value does this trip have for Guyana? What value does this trip have for the Madrassi/Tamil Guyanese? How many times since he has been Prime Minister did he visit the Madrassi temples and celebrated his culture with fellow Madrassis in Guyana, other than when he was invited for some personal recognition?

In jetting away to India, he leaves behind more than 7,000 sugar workers who have lost their jobs; directly impoverishing the lives of more than 30,000 people, and indirectly risking the livelihood of tens of thousands more people who depend on sugar workers as customers for their businesses. Many of these sugar workers and their families are practising Madrassis. I know; I have met them. I have sat in their homes as they worry about their future and the future of their children. Many of them are my relatives.

They feel betrayed, because the man who once claimed to be their champion, and the man who -- during the 2015 elections -- loudly proclaimed his Madrassi heritage, was a leading proponent to close sugar estates and rip their jobs away from them.

Since the closure started two years ago, and since the first workers lost their jobs, Nagamootoo has not visited the sugar workers once, even those with whom he claimed he has a cultural and religious link. He has passed them on the road, not even acknowledging them while he drives past in his fancy vehicles, his multitude of security officers and his convoy. He has not once tried to meet with these workers. These are the same workers he once claimed he represented, and deemed himself the "champion" of sugar workers. As he busies himself in India, has he once represented those workers who have lost their jobs and who have not yet received their severance? Which trip would have been of worth -- the trip to India, or a trip to the sugar estates?

But he is not in the estates, not with the sugar workers; not today, not yesterday, not any day in the last couple of years. Still, he is proudly in India at the Tamil Convention. Far from representing his Guyanese Madrassi brothers and sisters, asking the convention to highlight the injustice done to many of our Madrassi sisters and brothers, among thousands of others, he is there merely "pompositing".

He is in India at a time when his party, the AFC, which is having a hard time preparing for local government elections, really need him. They promised that they would contest at least 50 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). They managed to put together a list of candidates for only 38 of those LAAs, less than 50 per cent. Even in the 38 LAAs, they are not competing in all the districts. Even with the partial representation in 38 LAAs, they only managed by presenting backers’ lists that are shrouded in controversy. Some of these backers’ lists are being disputed, as many persons have claimed that their names on the backers’ lists represent fraud. A Judge has now instructed Police to investigate the fraud. As the campaign heats up, and as elections are less than a month away, the AFC surely needs all hands on deck. But one of their leaders, the one who is Prime Minister, is "pompositing" many thousands of miles away. Those poor AFC members campaigning in the LAAs are asking what would be more worthy - joining them in the villages in the AFC LGE campaign, or attending a convention in India?

The globetrotting by the PM and his Cabinet colleagues has thus far been valueless. For him to think that he represents the Madrassi Community at this convention in India is only the lies of an unprincipled troglodyte. Spending time is the sugar estates is worth much more than his trip to India. Globetrotting is the floccinaucinihilipilification that the APNU+AFC parades as CHANGE.

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saturdAY, october 13, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Lord appointed new E Division Commander …as Vanderhyden retires after 37 years

S

uperintendent of Police Linden Lord has been appointed Commander of 'E' Division (LindenKwakwani), replacing Senior Superintendent Anthony Vanderhyden, who proceeds into retirement after served in that capacity for eight months.

This was the final week for Vanderhyden, who has been with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for 37 years, and who served in the capacity of Divisional Commander from February 19 this year.

Lord has been a member of the GPF since 1985, and was serving mainly as an investigator of serious crimes in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He has over 28 years of experience in criminal investigative services.

He took up the new post earlier this week, and has shared some of his plans to move ‘E’ Division forward.

"I'm happy for the exposure as a Divisional Commander. (This is) my first position as a Commander", he told this publication. "I would have worked (at) several branches and divisions, including Narcotics Branch, Presidential Guard area… I have worked at CID Headquarters. I was also involved in (investigating) many of those high profile crimes in this country; (and was) part of the investigations (of) both the Bartica and Lusignan massacres. I was integrally involved in those investigations", he continued.

Lord said he intends to work closely with members of the community in the fight against crime.

"In terms of crime-fighting, I intend to get the Intel team up and running, so that most of the operations or crime investigations would be intelligence-led. That is the way that the Force is trying to go at this time, instead

New E Division Commander, Superintendent of Police Linden Lord

of willy-nilly. You get your Intel and you work on it, and it makes your case more successful. So I am intending to get the CID ranks involved and getting an Intel Group, so that when we go to do certain investigations, (they) can be intelligence-led and we can be better able to get success out of those investigations. I plan to do that very soon", he explained.

Collaborate with CPG

‘E’ Division’s new Commander also plans to work closely with Community Policing Groups (CPG) and youths. He assured that narcotics eradication exercises will also continue in the Division.

Lord indicated further that he has an open door policy. "Members of the public can come here at any time…Anybody is welcome here at any time to see the Commander with any issue… the main thing for me is to fully understand the culture of the people", he said.

Lord has since attended a meeting with the Cops and Faith network, which he noted intervenes in solving domestic matters, as he pointed to future collaborations in having such matters pacified. Additionally, he has met with Linden Mayor

Waneka Arrindell, Regional Chairman Renis Morian, Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph and others, as he announced outlined plans to work closely with Region 10 officials and stakeholders with the common goal of crime reduction.

Meanwhile, at a retirement event hosted for the outgoing Commander last week, Vanderhyden declared that he is leaving with mixed emotions. Vanderhyden recalled joining the GPF in the first batch of apprentices on June 1, 1981, and noted that he is leaving the Force at a time when it is "solid".

"It's been a long journey", he told ranks and other stakeholders.

Crime-fighting

The outgoing Commander also referenced implementing strategies for crime fighting in Linden, which he said is evidenced by the lowest level of crime and traffic violations in the country. This, he noted, was made possible through a collaborative effort with ranks of the community.

In his final advice to ranks, he urged them to remain professional and work towards self-development, noting that he has worked hard and is satisfied.

"You've got to be professional. You have to be smart. You got to work right…Integrity, professionalism; you've got to be disciplined and listen to the people above you…If you don't have merit you will not make it to the next level…I have never had a charge sheet. I was never absent from duty, and I've worked the years to this level. I want to thank the administration of the Force for seeing the ability in the work that I've done to bring me to this level of (being) the Divisional Commander…I want to say to all of you at this time that it was good

Former E Division Commander, Senior Superintendent Anthony Vanderhyden

working with you…We have done our best…", he said.

Vanderhyden also urged ranks to pay attention to the new reform programme and the new Police Service Commission, noting that they will now have to be more accountable. He said ranks must educate and make themselves marketable, noting that there is a lot of work to be done, as he challenged them to ensure that they make it happen.

Ranks were also urged to take advantage of available facilities to continue to work towards making Linden a safe place.

The outgoing Commander also thanked members of the community, as he urged ranks to continue working along with them in an effort to develop the level of trust and confidentiality needed.

"I am leaving you and I'm going into the civilian life. I have some plans that I have already started, and I will continue to work on that…I know for a fact that I'm going to miss all of you…but I want you to show appreciation, respect, professionalism, courtesy, integrity and everything to the new Commander, so that we will be able to work together to make Linden safe", he concluded.

ERC gets timely donation for its public awareness drive

T

he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has received a timely boost of a new computer and printer from the RK Family’s Human Development Foundation.

The donation was received earlier this week at its Georgetown office, and is intended to facilitate its public awareness drive.

Haji Roshan Khan, Chairman of the newly-formed Foundation, and himself a Commissioner of the ERC, learnt of some of the technological constraints facing the Commission and came forward with the donation.

“We’ve just started, and (are) looking at opportunities where we can make contributions when we can as a family group to human development,” Khan remarked during the simple handing over ceremony.

Reverend, Dr John O Smith, ERC Chairman, called the gesture a ‘‘very, very, kind one”, and expressed grati-

ERC Chairman, Dr John O Smith (third from left) and Roshan Khan (fouth from left) flanked by ERC staff and Commissioners during the handing over ceremony

tude to the Foundation on behalf of the ERC and its Commissioners.

He recognised the importance of the new equipment and emphasised that it will add to the capacity of the ERC to do its work, after years of inactivity. “We’ve had a seven-year hiatus, and now we are coming back with some more strength”, the ERC Chairman concluded.

Neaz Subhan, ERC Commissioner and Chairman of the ERC Media and Public Relations Sub-Committee, explained that the new ERC took office after the 2018 budget was already passed, and as such the Commission is a bit constrained to procure technical resources at this time for its expanding staff complement.

The newly-acquired

equipment will be used by the Public Education and Awareness Unit of the ERC in its on-going awareness programme.

A heavy emphasis will be placed on education for the promotion of unity, harmony and good relations, and to enlighten Guyanese about the role and functions of the Ethnic Relations Commission.

Granger promises dismissed sugar workers severance payment next week

A section of the APNU supporters who gathered to listen to the President’s address

P

resident David Granger has made a promise that dismissed sugar workers will receive the balance of their severance payment when Parliament resumes in the new week.

The Head of State made the announcement on Friday

Granger during his address, said his Government continues to promote democracy, hence the hosting of the LGE. Granger was very critical of the way the previous Administration handled the sugar industry.

“The sugar industry was

Protesters at the APNU meeting on Friday in Rose Hall

as he addressed supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity who gathered for a meeting at Rose Hall, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Prior to taking the podium, the President was greeted by angry protesters who reminded the Head of State of the suffering Berbicians have been experiencing under his Administration, but more so, since the closure of two sugar estates in the region.

The protesters chanted slogans highlighting the incompetence of the Government.

People’s Progressive Party regional representative, Zamal Hussain, told the media that the Party supporters came out to remind the President that Berbicians are suffering.

He said even if the Ministers of Government are not pulling their weight, as Head of State he has an obligation to the people of the region. ”He is here for a political activity which is to campaign for the Local Government Elections (LGE) and as such we find it fit that we protest against certain issues; for instance we want to remind him that crime is on the upsurge in Region Six.” Hussain said they wanted to send a strong reminder to the President that the region depended heavily on sugar, and with the closure of two of the three sugar estates, all other sectors have been affected.

“The economic situation across the entire country is coming to a halt now,” Hussain said. “As residents of Region Six, we are not allowing the President to come here with his election gimmick again and to tell people to vote for his party; the one which has destroyed this country.”

However, President

operating on subsidies; they were producing sugar at a higher cost than they were selling it for… we have not closed sugar, we want to have an efficient industry; one which will make money and be profitable. So we will have one Estate in East Berbice, one in West Berbice and one East Demerara,” the Heads of State noted.

It was at this point he said the workers were going to be paid.

“At the beginning of the year, we said severance pay will be paid in two parts; one part in the first half of the year and the second part in the second half of the year. Next week we will go to the National Assemble to pass supplementary provisions for payment in the second half. Sugar workers are going to get their severance pay.”

Addressing the issue of LGE, Granger said Rose Hall could become one of the industrial hubs of the region.

“You have a powerful agricultural region and you have a powerful town which could guide the commercial activity of this region.” The President noted that at the last LGE, residents of the town did not give their full support to APNU. “That did not stop my Government from withholding anything from Rose Hall. We are a Government for all the people of Guyana.”

He told residents that when they go to the polls on November 12, they should vote for the person they believe will best be able to serve the community on the council.

“Regardless of which party they represent, you choose the person who will represent you the best,” he said. The meeting was also used to introduce the APNU constituency candidates for Rose Hall.

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Regional

Brazil elections: Hate crimes New Artificial Intelligence to help facilitate trade negotiations for Small Island Developing States reported include a murder he first Artificial and a swastika attack Intelligence (AI)

T

T

ension ahead of the Brazilian elections has been linked to a string of violent attacks, including one case being treated as political murder, according to local media.

A woman also had a swastika carved into her flesh by supporters of farright presidential candidate, Jair Bolsonaro. An impending run-off vote between him and leftist Fernando Haddad is polarising the nation.

Bolsonaro has dismissed the violent attacks as isolated. AFP news agency has reported several cases of election-related violence, saying supporters of Haddad were particularly targeted.

The Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism (Abraji) has also registered more than 60 physical attacks on reporters, which took place “in a political, partisan and electoral context”.

Bolsonaro is running on

A memorial service was held in Salvador for murdered capoeira master Romualdo Rosário da Costa

a tough-on-crime platform, but his critics say his language – and reputation – incite violence. He said violent attacks have also come from the other side too. He was stabbed at a rally in September and spent time in intensive care.

Romualdo Rosário da Costa, a 63-year-old master of the Brazilian martial art capoeira, was stabbed to death in a bar in the Northeastern city, Salvador, in the early hours of Monday, just after the first round of

the election.

The attacker, Paulo Sérgio Ferreira de Santana, told Police his motivations were political. The swastika attack was also on Monday. A gang of men attacked a 19-year-old woman in the southern state of Porto Alegre, drawing the symbol onto her skin with a penknife. Violence has been rising in the country for some time and it has been a main focus of the election campaign. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

powered platform for trade negotiations recently introduced by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva could bring major advances that can strengthen the voice of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the international arena by allowing for deeper and more targeted data analysis which could lead to better negotiating outcomes.

The AI system is designed to analyse hundreds of pages of trade agreements with outstanding accuracy and speed that far exceed human capacity. A recent test confirmed the ability of the platform to review five pages of a trade agreement in 26 seconds while the usual time taken to undertake an analysis of the same documents by lawyers approximately 92 minutes.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Venezuela’s Maduro says Trump Administration trying to kill him

V

enezuelan Socialist President Nicolás Maduro on Thursday accused the Trump administration of seeking to assassinate him, as relations strain between the ideologically opposed nations.

Asked about the remarks, the White House did not immediately provide a comment.

Venezuela’s opposition says Maduro lobs ludicrous accusations at enemies to deflect from his own incompetence.

Almost two million Venezuelans have fled the ailing oil-rich nation since 2015, driven out by brutal food and medicine shortages, hyperinflation, and violent crime.

Washington has imposed sanctions on Venezuela, denouncing Maduro as a dictator who has quashed human rights and triggered an economic meltdown.

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a gathering with supporters at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela April 4, 2018 (Reuters)

On Wednesday, the White House accused Maduro’s Government of involvement in

the death of a jailed Venezuelan politician whom authorities say killed himself but whom opposition parties say was murdered.

In a televised broadcast on Thursday night, Maduro, a former bus driver and union leader, said the United States had asked the Government in neighbouring Colombia to kill him.

Maduro did not give an explanation for his accusations and did not provide any evidence. Venezuela’s Information Ministry did not respond to a request for further information.

Maduro contends that he is the victim of an “economic war” led by US-backed adversaries.

He denies limiting political freedoms, insisting that Washington supported Opposition leaders have plotted assassination attempts and sought to overthrow him through violent street protests. (Excerpt from MSN)

recently introduced this Cognitive Trade Advisor at the Public Forum at the World Trade Organisation, an annual public advocacy and discussion forum.

The artificial intelligence technology powered platform aims to facilitate international trade negotiations especially for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The presentation of the innovative system took place at the high level meeting in Geneva which brought together representatives from across the

United Nations membership including Head of the OECS Geneva Mission, Stephen Fevrier.

The Cognitive Trade Advisor was jointly invented by the UNCTAD, the Brazilian branch of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Brazil) and IBM Brazil.

ICC Brazil and its partners are working towards making the artificial intelligence platform available to both trade negotiators and industry interests as the technology matures. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

Canadian firm buys out Caribbean’s largest independent fuel marketer

C

anadian-based firm Parkland Fuel Corporation is set to acquire Barbadian owned SOL Investments Limited (SIL), acquiring 75 per cent stake in the region’s largest independent fuel marketer in a US$1.21 billion deal.

The transaction announced on Thursday will see SOL – which came close to buying the State-owned oil importer, the Barbados National Terminal Company Limited – acquiring 12.16 million common shares in the capital of Parkland.

When the deal is closed, the Simpson Group, through its ownership in SOL Limited, will own an approximately 9.9 per cent stake in Parkland, Canada’s largest and one of North America’s fastest growing independent marketers of fuel and petroleum products and a leading convenience store operator.

A statement issued by Parkland said the transaction, which it hopes to complete by the end of the year, was subject to “customary third-party consents and regulatory approvals, including approvals of the Toronto Stock Exchange”.

The SOL operating brands will remain in place, and the SOL business will retain key management and continue to be managed from the Caribbean, Parkland said.

Simpson said the development will also provide “a big boost of confidence for regional investment opportunities”.

SOL supplies and markets a total of 4.8 billion litres of fuel volume annually across 23 countries in the Caribbean and generated US$215 million in adjusted earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortisation in the 12-month period ending June 2018. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Pence warns Central American T&T Prime Minister confirms libel lawsuits …against Moonilal & UNC Councillor leaders on China ties

U

S Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday warned Central American nations to be cautious when building relations with China, which has been increasingly active in the region.

Amid mounting tensions between the United States and China, Pence brought up ties with Beijing as he met in Washington with leaders of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras as well as Mexico’s foreign secretary.

El Salvador in August recognized Beijing in the latest diplomatic setback for Taiwan, the self-ruling dem-

ocratic island which China considers to be a renegade province.

Central America has remained the key bastion for Taiwan, with Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua still maintaining ties with Taipei rather than Beijing, which has used its economic muscle and promises of investment to entice governments.

The United States recognizes Beijing but is congressionally bound to ensure Taiwan’s defence, with President Donald Trump’s administration especially vocal on defending Taiwan diplomatically.

China has also ramped up trade with Latin America as a whole in the Asian power’s quest for natural resources, in places commercially outpacing the United States which has rejected foreign influence in the region in a policy dating nearly two centuries.

Pence was meeting with the Central American leaders to stem the flow of undocumented migration into the United States, a key issue for Trump, who rose to power characterising immigrants as criminals and vowing to build a wall on the southern border. (Excerpt

from MSN)

T

rinidad and Tobago (T&T) Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley has initiated legal action against Oropouche East Member of Parliament, Dr Roodal Moonilal and another member of the United National Congress (UNC).

A statement by the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday says that having been advised by his attorneys that he has legal recourse, Dr Rowley has instructed his attorney to file suit for libel against Member of Parliament for Oropouche East, Dr Roodal Moonilal and United National Congress, Chaguanas Alderman and Public Relations Officer of the UNC National Women’s Arm,

T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

Marisa Ramlogan in connections with allegations initially made in Parliament by Dr Moonilal on October 9, 2018.

The Office of the Prime

Minister has also confirmed that Dr Rowey has written to Commissioner of Police Gary Grifith and the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Susan Francois, asking them to initiate investigations into Dr Moonilal’s claims.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister denied claims that he has an account in any financial institution in the United States. Dr Moonilal made the claims during Tuesday’s Budget debate in Parliament, where he allegedly read from documents he claimed showed the Prime Minister had benefited from financial transactions conducted through a Florida-based bank. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

17

saturdAY, october 13, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Hurricane Michael leaves 'Unimaginable destruction'

T

he devastation inflicted by Hurricane Michael came into focus with rows upon rows of homes found smashed to pieces, and rescue crews began making their way into the stricken areas in hopes of accounting for hundreds of people who may have stayed behind.

At least three deaths were blamed on Michael, the most powerful hurricane to hit the continental US in more than 50 years, and it wasn't done yet:

Though reduced to a tropical storm, it brought flash flooding to North Carolina and Virginia, soaking areas still recovering from Hurricane Florence.

Under a perfectly clear blue sky, families living along the Florida Panhandle emerged from darkened shelters and hotels to a perilous landscape of shattered homes and shopping centres, beeping security alarms, wailing sirens and hovering helicopters.

Governor Rick Scott said

the Panhandle woke up to “unimaginable destruction”.

The full extent of Michael's fury was only slowly becoming clear, with some of the hardest-hit areas difficult to reach because of roads blocked by debris or water. An 80-mile stretch of Interstate 10, the main east-west route along the Panhandle, was closed.

Some of the worst damage was in Mexico Beach, where the hurricane crashed ashore on Wednesday as a Category Four monster with

155 mph (250 kph) winds and a storm surge of nine feet (2.7 metres). Video from a drone revealed widespread devastation across the town of about 1000 people.

Entire blocks of homes near the beach were obliterated, reduced to nothing but concrete slabs in the sand. Rows and rows of other homes were turned into piles of splintered lumber or were crumpled and slumped at odd angles. Entire roofs were torn away and dropped onto a road.

Mishelle McPherson and her ex-husband searched for the elderly mother of a friend. The woman lived in a small cinderblock house about 150 yards from the Gulf and thought she would be okay. The home was found smashed, with no sign of the woman.

Over 900,000 homes and businesses in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas were without power. The Coast Guard said it rescued at least 27 people before and after the

hurricane came ashore, mostly from homes along the Florida coastline, and searched for more victims.

The hurricane also damaged hospitals and nursing homes in the Panama City area, and officials worked to evacuate hundreds of patients. The damage at Bay Medical Sacred Heart included blown-out windows, a cracked exterior wall and a roof collapsed in a maintenance building. No patients were hurt, the hospital said.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

The world's longest Uganda landslide near Mount Elgon kills more than 40 non-stop flight arrives in New York

T

he world's longest non-stop commercial flight has landed in New York, ending a journey from Singapore of more than 15,000km in 17 hours and 52 minutes.

Singapore Airlines relaunched the service five years after it was cut because it had become too expensive. Flight SQ22 landed at 0529 US Eastern time with 150 passengers and 17 crew.

Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of Airlineratings. com, said the time passed swiftly and had not seemed like a 17-and-a-half hour flight. The inaugural flight from Changi Airport to Newark's international airport, which services New York, took off amid much fanfare.

Qantas launched a 17hour non-stop service from Perth to London earlier this

year, while Qatar runs a 17.5-hour service between Auckland and Doha.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) said there is demand for customers for non-stop services which help cut travelling times compared with flights which have a stopover.

Ahead of the take-off, the airline told the BBC that business class seats for the flight were fully booked, and there were "a very limited number" of premium economy seats left.

A business class ticket entitles passengers to two meals, and the choice of when they are served, plus refreshments in between.

They will also have a bed to sleep in. Premium economy fares get three meals at fixed times, with refreshments in between. The airline said it is not planning to offer any economy bookings on the route. (Excerpt from BBC News)

A

landslide following heavy rains in eastern Uganda has killed more than 40 people.

It is feared that the death toll could rise as a government rescue team reaches the Mount Elgon area.

A river burst its banks and a torrent of mud and water swept villages away.

Pictures from the scene show people retrieving bod-

T

Jamal Khashoggi has not been seen since entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last week

Guardian – is particularly strong, according to officials.

“You can hear his voice and the voices of men speaking Arabic,” a source told the Washington Post.

“You can hear how he was

After previous disasters, people have been told to move away but many return because of the fertility of the land and their attachment to their ancestral home.

The Uganda Red Cross says that 36 bodies have been recovered, but a local official quoted by the Daily Monitor newspaper has said 40 bodies have been found so far.

"When the water flowed down it brought a number of big stones with it that destroyed people's houses," Red Cross spokeswoman Irene Nakasiita told AFP news agency.

The Prime Minister's Office has sent a team to assist with the search and recovery efforts, which were set to continue on Friday in the difficult hilly terrain. (BBC

News)

South Korea's Moon optimistic about end to Korean War

S

outh Korean President Moon Jae-in has told the BBC that it is only a matter of time before the US and North Korea declare an end to their state of war on the Korean peninsula.

The war ended in 1953 with an armistice but a peace

Recordings prove Jamal Khashoggi was killed, Turkish investigators claim urkish investigators have claimed video and audio recordings exist that prove Jamal Khashoggi was killed, a sign that Ankara is willing to keep up the pressure on Riyadh to back up its claims it has nothing to do with the dissident journalist’s disappearance.

US Government officials told the Washington Post late on Thursday that their Turkish counterparts claimed the recordings from October 2, 2018, proved Khashoggi was murdered and his body dismembered during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to pick up marriage paperwork.

The alleged audio evidence – which Turkish sources have also suggested exists in comments to the

ies from the mud and carrying them away.

A landslide in the same region, Bududa, killed more than 300 people in 2010. It is a mountainous place with volcanic soils that are rich for agriculture, but it is also densely populated, which puts a lot of pressure on arable land, reports the BBC's Patience Atuhaire in the capital, Kampala.

interrogated, tortured and then murdered.”

While US officials said the contents of the supposed tapes had been described to them, it was not clear whether they had seen or listened to the recordings themselves.

Admitting the existence of any planted listening or video devices is a difficult balancing act for the Turks, who are wary of revealing any efforts or methods used to spy on foreign operations inside the country, and are also at pains to maintain a delicate political and trade relationship with Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia has vehemently denied all allegations it was involved in the journalist’s disappearance and says he left the consulate safely shortly after entering it last week. (Excerpt from

The Guardian)

treaty was never signed.

Moon, the son of North Korean refugees, also said there could be more diplomatic "bumps and bruises" as he tries to persuade Kim Jong-un to give up his nuclear weapons. But he described Mr Kim as "candid".

In an interview with the BBC's Laura Bicker in Seoul, he also said he hoped European leaders would help him to mediate between Mr Kim and US President Donald Trump if negotiations stalled.

Moon has met Kim three

times this year and has acted as a mediator between him and Trump. Moon said that he had had "ample discussions" with President Trump and other US officials about an end-of-war declaration.

"If North Korea takes certain measures, the end-of-war declaration would be a political statement that would announce that the longstanding hostile relations between Pyongyang and Washington had ended," he said.

Moon said he wanted

this to happen at the "earliest possible date" and he believed there was a "shared understanding between Washington and Seoul regarding this view".

Last month, he became the first South Korean leader to give a speech to the North Korean public during a trip to Pyongyang. He spoke at the Arirang Games – a major propaganda event – and received a standing ovation from 150,000 people. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Hundreds attend funeral of murdered Bulgarian journalist

H

undreds of Bulgarians queued silently at a church in Ruse on Friday to pay their last respects to Viktoria Marinova, the television journalist whose brutal rape and murder shocked the country and triggered debates over freedom of the press.

The body of the 30-yearold Marinova, a host of a regional current affairs show at a local TV station, was found in a park near the Danube port of Ruse, her hometown, on Saturday. Police said she had been raped, beaten and strangled.

A Bulgarian man, Severin Krasimirov, 20, was arrested in Germany over the kill-

ing, and German authorities said he would be extradited to stand trial in Bulgaria soon.

Bulgarian prosecutors said no evidence indicated Marinova’s death was related to her work. A random attack and sexual assault were the most likely motive, they said, although they were still investigating all possibilities.

In her last aired show, Marinova featured investigative journalists and pledged to engage in similar work, which stoked fears about retribution against journalists exposing corruption. She is the third journalist to be killed in the European Union within a year.

Marinova, who left a sev-

en-year-old daughter, is to be buried in Ruse Cemetery.

Earlier on Friday, German authorities approved Krasimirov’s extradition, saying that he had agreed to an expedited procedure. That meant he should be sent to Bulgaria within 10 days.

Marinova’s murder revived debate over the extent of press freedom in the Black Sea state, ranked 111 out of 180 countries this year in a world press freedom index compiled by Reporters Without Borders. Bulgaria also ranks worst in the EU for violence against women, according to the European Institute for Gender Equality.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

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saturdAY, october 13, 2018

ARCHIE

Taking a day trip, going on a shopping spree or do(March 21- nating your time to a cause April 19) you believe in will give you the boost you need to take on a new challenge. Believe in yourself.

ARIES

If you want change, make TAURUS it happen. Sitting back or let(April 20- ting someone take charge will May 20) lead to anxiety and regret.

Don’t hesitate to act!

dilbert

When it comes to affairs of GEMINI (May 21- the heart, you need to share June 20) your feelings. Knowing where you stand will help you make an important decision.

Get involved in something you care about so you (June 21- can make a difference. Your July 22) input, dedication and determination will be a beacon of inspiration for others to join your fight.

CANCER

Peanuts

Do something that brings LEO you joy. Activities with chil(July 23- dren or someone who is creAug. 22) ative, inspiring or motivating will prompt you to move in a positive and healthy direction.

Calvin and Hobbes

A change will do you good.

VIRGO Travel, personal improvements (Aug. 23or doing something special with Sept. 22) a loved one will brighten your day. Honesty will bring you peace of mind, and romance will enhance your life.

A change at home may LIBRA (Sept. 23- not be easy, but it will be Oct. 23) necessary. Accept the inevitable and do your best with what you have to work with.

Trust in your ability.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — BEWITCHED (BEWITCHED: bee-WICHT: Cast a spell over.)

SUDOKU

Emotions will surface if SAGITTARIUS someone is not honest with (Nov. 23- you. Don’t give in to maDec. 21) nipulative tactics or someone who’s trying to take advantage of you. Do your own thing.

Average mark 34 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 46 or more words in BEWITCHED? The list will be published Monday.

THURSDAY’S WORD — OBITUARY obit orbit bait bayou biota boar boat bort bout boyar brat bray brio

brit bruit buoy bury iota tabor tabu taro tiro tour tray trio troy

tuba tyro abort about abut airy arty auto ratio riot rout ruby your

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Keep busy and refuse SCORPIO to get upset about others’ (Oct. 24words or actions. Keeping the Nov. 22) peace is in your best interest.

Patience will help you bring about a positive change.

solution for last published puzzle

Clear the air and let your CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- intentions be known. The Jan. 19) changes you want to enforce, when presented properly, will encourage others to step up and help you achieve your goal.

Be wary of people who exAQUARIUS hibit indulgent behaviour.

(Jan. 20- You are best off keeping your Feb. 19) distance and staying focused on sticking to a budget and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Change the way you hanPISCES (Feb. 20- dle your financial affairs, or March 20) revise an investment or contract if you want a little extra cash to head your way.

Romance is in the stars.

saturdAY, october 13, 2018

19

Chase, Holder resist to give Windies respectability in the first over, Brathwaite had added six off a further 60 balls when Kuldeep slipped in a wrong 'un.

Brathwaite didn't pick it out of the hand, and edged it safely. The next one was the stock ball, turning back in, but Brathwaite's uncertain bat stayed outside its line, setting up a plumb lbw.

Hetmyer didn't even make Kuldeep go to the second part of his trick as he padded up to a wrong 'un, leaving the umpire with an easy lbw decision. Ambris was even more shaky, and tried to hit out, offering cover an easy catch off a wrong 'un.

F

At 113 for 5, West Indies were staring at another quick end to their innings.

Chase and Dowrich, though, trusted themselves to bat the normal way. The singles started to come as did the bad balls. They added 69, but as he had done with a settled Shai Hope before lunch, Umesh came back to get rid of Dowrich just before tea. Umesh, again, showed he was much more comfortable bowling with the old ball, reversing it in towards the middle stump, trapping both of them lbw in their 30s.

Chase, at the other end,

Shardul Thakur, handed debut, picked up a groin strain and was forced off the field after just ten deliveries

Chase stayed unbeaten on 98* as Windies ended the day on 295 for 7

or the first time in two tours of India, West Indies finally made India take the second new ball. Well into their third innings of this series, West Indies finally found a method to bat. Not surprisingly Roston Chase, who helped them save a Test against India in the West Indies, led the way, with the returning captain Jason Holder making the second-biggest contribution. The two added 104 for the seventh wicket to take West Indies to 295 for 7 at stumps, their first score of 250 in four Tests in India, all played in good batting conditions.

Chase and Holder - and briefly Shai Hope and Shane Dowrich - showed faith in their defence, which showed they finally batted normally: keep the good balls out, look to alternate strike and punish the bad balls. Before that, batsmen unsure of their defence, unable to read Kuldeep Yadav out of his hand, batted in a much more predetermined way: either ultra-aggressive or ultra-defensive irrespective of the kind of bowling. A simple contrast showed in how they took 84 singles in this innings as against 73 in both

the innings put together in Rajkot. Only 30 of Chase's unbeaten 98 runs came in boundaries.

It didn't start that well for them. Well, for a brief while it did. Holder was back, the toss was won, Umesh Yadav was loose, debutant Shardul Thakur hobbled off with a groin injury, and West Indies were off to a flier. However, Kieran Powell, Shimron Hetmyer and Sunil Ambris failed to make use of good batting conditions. They were up against a good bowling attack, but they didn't make them bowl enough good balls.

Powell attacked almost everything eventually getting beaten in the flight and still going through with an aerial shot against Ashwin, who bowled a tight spell of 10.2 overs with the new ball for just seven runs.

That control gave Kuldeep Yadav the freedom to go through his bag of tricks. When you are not picking his wrong 'un and the other bowler is not giving away anything, you don't stand much chance against a wristspinner with variations.

After scoring eight runs

was well embedded by now.

The first time India managed to beat him, to draw a false shot out of him, was when Umesh reversed one past his inside edge. Chase was 50 off 80 balls at that time. Even this ball did managed to sneak past because it swung too much and would have missed the leg stump. He ended the day with a 94% control rate.

Holder provided him excellent support at the other end. Both used their reach to smother balls, and were equally quick to rock back if the spinners lowered the trajectory.

As the partnership went past 100 and stumps approached, there was faint hope that West Indies could be competitive in this Test if they could come back and bat another session on the second morning. Umesh had other ideas. About six overs before stumps, he got Holder caught down the leg side with a bouncer. After all the optimism around Chase's batting, this was reminder West Indies were in all probability headed for another underwhelming total against a side that crossed 600 in their last innings in these conditions. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Chase and Holder scored 104 for the seventh wicket to help Windies recover

West Indies 1st Innings KC Brathwaite lbw b Kuldeep Yadav 14 KOA Powell c Jadeja b Ashwin 22 SD Hope lbw b Yadav 36 SO Hetmyer lbw b Kuldeep Yadav 12 SW Ambris c Jadeja b Kuldeep Yadav 18 RL Chase not out 98 SO Dowrich † lbw b Yadav 30 JO Holder (c) c †Pant b Yadav 52 D Bishoo not out 2 Extras (b 4, lb 7) 11 TOTAL (7 wickets, 95 Overs, RR:

3.1) 295 Yet to bat: ST Gabriel, JA Warrican Fall of wickets: 1-32 (KOA Powell, 11.1 ov), 2-52 (KC Brathwaite, 22.5 ov), 3-86 (SD Hope, 31.3 ov), 4-92 (SO Hetmyer, 34.1 ov), 5-113 (SW Ambris, 38.5 ov), 6-182 (SO Dowrich, 59.3 ov), 7-286 (JO Holder, 89.6 ov) BOWLING: UT Yadav (23-283-3), SN Thakur (1.4-0-90), R Ashwin (24.2-7-49-1), Kuldeep Yadav (26-2-74-3), RA Jadeja (20-2-69-0)

4th India-Windies ODI moved from Wankhede to Brabourne T

he fourth ODI of the series between India and West Indies has been moved from Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium down the road to the Cricket Club of India (CCI), the BCCI announced on Friday.

The match, scheduled for October 29, had initially been allocated to the Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) Wankhede Stadium, but the Committee of Administrators that is overseeing the BCCI took the decision to move the game to the CCI’s Brabourne Stadium due to administrative is-

sues at the MCA. According to Vinod Rai, the chairman of the CoA, although the MCA was “keen” to host the match, extraneous reasons forced the shift. The MCA was being governed by its own CoA, but their term had ended on September 15.

Rai pointed out that subsequently, the MCA had not “legally authorised” a working group to oversee its functioning once its CoA vacated office. On Thursday, the MCA was told by the Supreme Court to wait for further directions till the October 25, which is four days be-

fore the ODI. Waiting that long was cutting it too fine, Rai pointed out.

“The MCA was wanting to host the match. They are very keen to do it,” Rai said. “But they also feel that they do not have the legal authority to enter into contracts with various agencies that facilitate the conduct of a match.”

Rai said that logistically, it was easy to move the match to Brabourne, which is some 500 metres away from Wankhede. Rai also pointed out the dispute revolving around the complimentary

tickets which resulted in the second ODI moved out of Indore, has been resolved. According to Rai all the state associations hosting ODI and T20I matches against West Indies on this tour have agreed to sign the host agreement and have given it in writing.

After the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association opted not to host the Indore ODI, the issue escalated swiftly with the Cricket Association of Bengal (that runs Eden Gardens) and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (that runs the MA Chidambaram

Stadium) being initially vehemently opposed to the reduction in the number of complimentary tickets. It is not clear why both CAB and TNCA reversed their stance, but one factor is understood to be the firm decision of the BCCI to not succumb to pressure and instead keep alternate venues ready.

Kolkata will host the first T20I on November 4, while Chennai will host the third and final T20I on November 11. The venues for the five ODIs will now be Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Mumbai (CCI) and Thiruvananthapuram.

(ESPNcricinfo)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, october 13, 2018

Raffik Construction 100-Ball Title…

RHT defeat Albion to become inaugural champs A

Junior Sinclair

brilliant all-round performance from National Under-19 player Junior Sinclair spearheaded Rose Hall Town Bakewell to an easy six-wicket victory over arch rivals Albion Community Centre in the final of the historic Raffik Construction 100-Ball Cricket tournament.

Sinclair claimed 3-16 and then returned with the bat to score a brilliant 53 not out as Rose Hall Town Bakewell easily surpassed Albion’s total of 130 all out.

Playing at the Hampshire Ground in the Lower Corentyne District, Albion won the toss and elected to bat.

The top order was subjected to a stern test of fast bowling from former National Under-19 Player Sylus Tyndall. Tyndall trapped Rajesh Kassinauth lbw for a golden duck in the first over, and then had former Guyana Under-19 batsman Adrian Sukhwa caught behind for 8, as Albion slipped to 20 for 2 in the 3rd over.

Albion’s most experienced batsman Sharaz Ramcharran was then sharply caught by Junior Sinclair at long-off off the bowling of Kevlon Anderson as he attempted to clear the small ground. Albion slipped to 60 for 6 as Karran Arjpaul (0), Ritesh Umrao (9) and Kevin Umrao (1) all fell cheaply.

Antonio February, who looked susceptible to the pace of Tyndall, started to prosper with the introduction of spin, and added a crucial stand of 60 with the talented Mahendra Chaitram.

February scored 59 runs, which included three sixes and four boundaries, while Chaitram supported with 28.

Once February departed at 120 for 7, the rest of the batting fell apart, as Tyndall finished with 2-24, Junior Sinclair had 3-16, Keith Simpson bagged 2-24 and Kevin Sinclair supported with 2-29.

In reply, RHT raced to 60 – 0 in the fifth over, as openers Kevin and Junior Sinclair tore into the Albion all-spin bowling attack.

Kevin was very aggressive, getting to 43 in just 15 balls, with four huge sixes and four boundaries. Albion was able to break the partnership when Kevin was run out, but Junionr Sinclair carried on to remain unbeaten on 53.

Surrendra Kissoonlall (10), Keith Simpson (11) and Simon Lawson (8*) offered support, as RHT reached to 132-4. Gourav Ramesh took 2-12 for Albion while Umrao had 1-33.

President Hilbert Foster noted that the Berbice Cricket Board created history by being the first to host a 100-ball cricket tournament in Guyana and the Caribbean. The tournament involved eighteen teams from the Lower/Central Corentyne. The main objectives were to promote the game at the grassroots level, to attract more youths to clubs in the area, and to return spectators to the grounds.

Special thanks were extended to sponsor Mohamed Raffik for his investment, while former BCB President Anil Beharry was lauded for the role he played in acquiring the sponsorship.

Representative of Raffik Construction, Daniella Latcha, praised the outstanding work of the Berbice Cricket Board, and declared her company pleased with the mileage it received during the hosting of the well-organised tournament.

She congratulated the champions while wishing Albion Community Centre more success in the future.

The Champions, runners-up and Man of the Finals -- Junior Sinclair, were rewarded for their efforts.

Bennett’s hard work pays off – to host GTT Karate session today

G

TT is observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme Pinktober, and is hosting a one-hour free karate session at Berea International Hall, opposite Impeccable Hall on Brickdam.

The classes are being conducted by 2nd Dan black belt holder Miranda Bennette from 13:30h to 14:30h.

Bennett started her martial arts career in 2002 at the age of seven and under the instruction of Sensi Robert Alleyne. She went on to Banks DIH and learnt Wado with Master Winston Dumbar.

In July 2012, Bennett joined Little Diamond International Martial Arts Academy, known today as the Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy (GIKMAA) under guidance of Dr Nazim Yassim, where she worked her way up the ladder to earn the title of 2nd Dan Black Belt.

In 2017, GIKMAA collaborated with ‘LiveProactive’, and was placed in charge of teaching Tai Chi, Self-

Defence and Kids Karate Class. Having the option, Bennett decided to teach Kids Karate Classes, where she could use her platform

as a positive way to teach self-defence.

She has stellar accomplishments under her belt, which include Community

Spirit and Ambassador Hall of Fame Awards; being the first of 2 females to receive black belts in Guyana for Kyokushin, and also representing Guyana in Suriname to add to her long list of achievements.

Bennett is currently in training for her ‘D’ level Referee and Judging certification exam, which is in November, along with her 1st Dan Kubodo Weapons Exam.

In 2019, she intends to focus on her 3rd Dan and Chief Instructor level exams, which are also set for November, as she aims to qualify herself to become a standout for Guyana in karate.

Bennett attributes her success to the continuous support of her family members, and she also greatly appreciates the assistance forthcoming from her current instructor Dr Nazim Yassim and the GIKMAA family, National Sports Commission (NSC) and Red Cherry Café, for their long standing support in helping her achieve her goals.

(Timothy Jaikarran)

GBTI signs Hetmyer, Klautky as Brand Ambassadors

GBTI Brand Ambassador Sarah Klautky

GBTI Brand Ambassador Shimron Hetmyer

BTI continues to signal its strong support for the nurturing of young talent and cultural affiliation in Guyana, more so with its renewed focus on retail and commercial banking.

At its recent inaugural Staff Rally to announce the new direction of the bank, popular Guyanese and West Indies cricketer Shimron Hetmeyer and popular Lawn Tennis and Hockey star Sarah Klautky were introduced as the Bank’s first Brand Ambassadors.

“Part of this renewed focus is humanising the GBTI brand, and what better way to do this than to use our very own Guyanese superstars, or people and personalities who have the potential to become stars, leaders and influencers, who we believe have the potential to help us reposition GBTI as a people’s bank that engages, represents, identifies and connects with the Guyanese people and its customers at large, while at the same time proudly carries the GBTI brand wherever they go?” asked the General Manager of the bank.

tory with the most scored goals in the recently concluded Paragon Hockey Tournament in Trinidad, and she also recently copped the MVP player award in a local tournament.

In accepting the ambassadorial role for GBTI, Sarah said, “I am extremely elated to now be a part of the GBTI family. I’d like to thank you for choosing me to be your Brand Ambassador. I will do my best to represent the bank in everything I do.”

G

Sarah Christina Klautky

At age 14, Sarah is already carving a name for herself in sporting arenas both locally and regionally.

She is a fourth form student of Marian Academy, where she first engaged in lawn tennis when she was only 6 years old.

Over the years, she played for the Marian Academy Lawn Tennis Club, Sheltez Tennis Club, and now the Roraima Tennis Club. She is also the reigning Under-18 GBTI Tennis Champ.

Sarah has represented Guyana in the International Tennis Federation/COTECC Championship in Jamaica, where she emerged winner in the Under-14 Category. She subsequently participated in the Blue Mountain Tournament, and walked away with the Under-14 Title.

Sarah has got skills!

She is also a member of the Junior National Hockey Team.

Having started playing hockey just about 3 years ago, she led the Guyana Junior team to vic-

Shimron Odilon Hetmyer

Shimron Odilon Hetmyer is no stranger to Guyanese and West Indies Cricket fans. He is a professional Guyanese and West Indies cricketer. Hetmyer was a member of the Cumberland, East Canje-based cricket club Young Warriors before his selection to the West Indies Team.

He started playing cricket at an early age, and was part of the West Indies’ squad for the 2014 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. In December 2015, he was named Captain of the West Indies squad for the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, and lifted the trophy for that tournament.

His career is developing from strength to strength, as he has now cemented his place in the West Indies Test, One Day International and T20 batting order. He was one of the star batsmen in the just concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament, and is tipped to follow in the footsteps of previous Guyanese and West Indian batting stars Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Hetmeyer who is away on international cricket duties in India, shared this message with the GBTI family.

“Just saying, ‘Thank you’, to GBTI for bringing me on board with them, and letting me to be part of the GBTI family. I will do as much as I can to make you proud, and hopefully to see you guys soon when I get home.”

GBTI is proud of Sarah and Hetty, and wish them well in their sporting careers as the bank stands in support of them.

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21

GFF launches Always Women’s League

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in collaboration with ANSA McAL through their Always and ICool brands, has launched the GFF-Always women’s development league on Friday at the Sleep Inn International hotel on Brickdam.

In an effort to provide a consistent platform for women to play football and develop their football skills, the tournament will feature 49 teams at seven-a-side, playing over 216 matches in a roundrobin /knock -out format from October 27.

The league will be played nationwide, with areas such as Moruca, Berbice, Linden, Rupununi, Mahdia and Lethem

being much involved in the action.

Minister Valerie GarridoLowe of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, who attended the launch and

is a patron of women’s football in Guyana, lauded the effort of the federation.

“I applaud the GFF for this major effort. This is the second time this league is being played, and encouraging women’s football is very important. At the recently concluded Heritage Sports, the most exciting moment of the games was the women’s football final,” Minister Garrido-Lowe said.

Also present at the ceremony was ANSA McAL Business Unit head Padma Kunjbeharry, who told the gathering, “ANSA McAL is always proud to be a part of sport. This launch is at a perfect time, because just

yesterday (Thursday) was the International Day of the Girl Child, and we believe that women’s involvement in sports is very important. The company (ANSA McAL) will be sponsoring through our ICool brand in addition to the title brand Always, so the ladies will be kept hydrated throughout the matches.”

Meanwhile, GFF President Wayne Forde opined that every female that has an interest in playing football should be given the opportunity to play, and that is one of the key objectives of the GFF. He also stated that the Always League will be used as a social platform to help address issues affecting women as well.

CONCACAF Nations League…

Golden Jags hunt 1st win

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Golden Jaguars got through pre-match training in the Turks and Caicos Islands

“W

e are confident of a positive attacking performance against Turks & Caicos as we push towards success in the CONCACAF Nations League.”

Those were the words of Ian Greenwood, Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation, as Guyana’s National Senior Men’s Team, the Golden Jaguars, prepares for its second match in the CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) today, Saturday October 13.

The match, scheduled for 16:00hrs at the Turks and Caicos National Academy, will see Guyana hoping to record its first win of the CNL following a draw of the first match with Barbados in Guyana.

Guyana’s Head Coach Michael Johnson has said the squad had a good pre-match session and is ready for today’s encounter.

“The squad trained at a fantastic tempo and

with an unbelievable spirit. We’re looking forward to a great game and (to) doing the nation proud,” he declared.

The blend of youth and experience is a promising aspect, as the team seeks to continuously inculcate an attitude of excellence in its players. “The likes of Neil Danns, Vurlon Mills and Anthony Benfield are role models and mentors for the younger players,” said Johnson. “There is a nice blend of youth and experience in the team, (and) that bodes well for the future, and they are learning both on and off the pitch.”

Relative to the playing style being employed, Johnson said, “The players are adapting well to the new style of play and structure, which have challenged and provoked some serious thought and discussions about the team and themselves.

We will continue to challenge and stretch in all areas of their development with our

obvious target.”

Meanwhile, Greenwood, who travelled with the Guyana-based team on Thursday last, said all the players and staff understand the importance of earning the right to wear the badge on and off the field.

“The Guyana-based players have shown real hunger and desire in their squad practice since the completion of the Elite League.

The International-based are rejoining the squad, having shown excellent club form recently. All the players and staff understand the importance of earning the right to wear the badge on and off the field.”

This is the first away match for the Golden Jaguars, as they seek to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. French Guiana will host Guyana on November 20 from 21:00hrs, while Guyana will play its final qualifier against Belize in March 2019 in Guyana.

GWI 10/10 tape ball cricket launched – 2 females included in each team

T

he Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) has launched a 10/10 tape ball cricket competition, which is scheduled to commence on Saturday October 13, 2018 at the Transport Sports Club on Thomas Lands in Georgetown.

This tape ball competition will be played on Saturdays, when countrywide members and staff of the GWI will participate.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport, Managing Director of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Dr Richard Van West-Charles, explained that the competition is among the ongoing programmes of social and educational activities arranged for the GWI’s staff members across Guyana.

He highlighted that a successful

GWI’s Eason Pearson receiving the competition T-shirt from Director of Guyana Water Inc, Dr Richard Van West-Charles (left)

football competition was played

by GWI staff members recently.

Van West-Charles added that it is compulsory for the GWI female staff members to participate in the lively tape ball tournament, and it will be played in a franchise-like manner, where Berbice GWI staff members are likely to play for Georgetown GWI. In addition to the cricket competition, dominoes and karaoke competitions will be among the numerous competitions planned.

GWI aims to integrate the company and play tape ball cricket nationally; where members of the public and staff members of GWI will be able to interact with each other.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, october 13, 2018

2018 CWI Regional Super50 Championships…

Red Force, Jaguars in top-of-the-table clash

By Clifton Ross

B

oth the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and Guyana’s Golden Jaguars have been playing like champions, with the Red Force slightly edging out their opponents after winning four on the trot, having recently disposed of the Windies ‘B’ team by 70 runs.

The Jaguars also have their tails up, having secured a 93-run win over the defending champs Windward Volcanoes in t h e i r last game.

T h i s m a k e s today’s clash even sweeter.

T h e Jaguars will back their batting order, now firing; but as seen in the last game, Windies ODI selectee Chandrapaul Hemraj made way for hard-hitting all-rounder Ricardo Adams. The move prompted another Windies selectee in Sherfane Rutherford to be used as a makeshift opener, and it paid off, as the pugnacious all-rounder carved 69 from 60-odd balls.

Against a more seasoned Red Force side, it will be interesting to see if Hemraj, with a masterful ton to his name in the last game he played, could make his return, and where he bats, if so. Opener Trevon Griffith is fresh off a 50, while the veteran Chris Barnwell will be looking for that 100 which eluded him by a run a few games ago. The all-rounders in Raymon Reifer

and Romario Shepherd will be tasked with the utility roles.

A slight concern for the Jaguars will be the form o f their skipper Leon Johnson, who has been short of runs but could tap into his rich form demonstrated in the recent domestic competition, as he will be itching to make a significant score.

The Red Force are also in brilliant batting form, led by the dangerous wicket-keeper Nicholas Pooran, w h o made consecu-

tives scores of 89, 75 and 66 to his name.

The veterans have also been peaking over the recent matches, with skipper Denesh Ramdin, opener Lendl Simmons and Jason Mohammed all smashing fifties in their last match.

Experienced all-rounder Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard have also been Ravi Rampaul

The Jaguars, thanks to their raming

Chris Barnwell

Leon Johnson

playing came o s , and could be x-factors come Saturday.

When it comes to the bowling aspect, both teams will rest east, as they possess a star-studded battery of operators in that department.

Spin will be a key factor in the game, as the Jags as well as the Red Force would want to unleash their slower bowlers, which have been getting them success over the recent games. Guyana will bank on Veerasammy Permaul and Ramaal Lewis, who shared 7 wickets in the last game, while pacer Clinton Pestano, Shepherd, Reifer and Barnwell will lead the seam attack.

The Trinidadian spinners have been in immaculate form too, with superstar Sunil

Narine back to his old wicket-taking ways, along with spin-twin Kharry Pierre, who remains a

big player. The pace unit will be led by the experienced pair of Ravi Rampaul, Rayad Emrit and Bravo, with Pollard coming in handy if needed.

pagw i n over the

Volcanoes, shot up to second place with 15 points, trailing the leaders Red Force by 3, with the winner of today’s clash possibly securing a spot as the number one team in Group A. Action is set to get underway from 11:30h at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium.

Denesh Ramdin

GCB rehabilitates Parika/ Salem Community Ground

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) continued discharging its mandate of rehabilitating and developing grounds across the country by adding the Parika/Salem Community Ground to its list of beneficiaries.

The GCB executives visited the ground on Thursday, as they partook in a sod-turning activity to signify the commencement of the development of the practice facility. Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie, accompanied by Territorial Developmental Officer (TDO) Colin Stuart, commended the groundsmen as well as the members of the Parika NDC on the ongoing development at the ground.

The facility, when fully completed, will be used by cricketers for practice as well as by the various clubs in the area. The Salem ground is also set to be the new home of the Essequibo Franchise team, with the entire programme being supervised by TDO Stuart.

Sanasie further pointed out that the move to develop the ground is a necessary

GCB executives and members of the ECB during the pitch assessment at the Salem Ground

GBC Secretary Anand Sanasie turning the sod in the presence of Alvin Johnson, ECB Executive Member; Raywattie Autar, Vice Chairperson of the NDC; and GCB TDO Colin Stuart

step towards enhancing the production, preparation and practice of talent emerging out of the Essequibo County.

Essequibo veteran coach and manager Alvin Johnson extended gratitude to the GCB, on behalf of the Essequibo community, for the gesture, and hinted that within the next two months the facility will be up to standard.

Among other ideas for the venue are plans to advertise on the concrete fence at a cost, which would bring in revenue to maintain the facility. Johnson further added that with the commitment of GCB, the facility will be equipped in a timely man-

ner, and in return, the longterm commitment would be to ensure that the facility produces top class cricketers.

The facility, when fully completed, will feature 2 all-weather practice pitches, which will be upgraded by the end of December 2018.

The ground will also be enclosed with two practice net cages which will suffice for outdoor sessions.

Meanwhile, the Salem ground is the second facility of its nature to be built in Essequibo, as the Anna Regina Hostel also has two turfs and two concrete practice net facilities.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, october 13, 2018

2018 CWI Regional Super50 Championships…

23

Openers, spinners pilot Guyana to 93-run win A

marauding Guyana Jaguars continued their prowl for 50 Over glory this season when they mauled defending Champs Windward Volcanoes by a massive 93run deficit in Group A’s Day/Night match played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Thursday.

Spin was the weapon of choice of Jags skipper Leon Johnson, who unleashed his trio of spinners in: Ramaal Lewis, w h o

in fine touch, with Griffith, who recently returned to Guyana after a few seasons with the

Ramaal Lewis

flexed their top-heavy batting order in previous games, but it was opener Tyrone Theophile -- who remained consistent with a run-a-ball 32, which included 7 fours -who was their main batsman. Ex-Windies batsman Kirk Edwards battled for his 29, which had three f o u r s ; while starred with 4-25; veteran left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who bagged 3-32; and left-arm allround Ricardo Adams, who returned 2-22. Fastbowler Clinton Pestano produced another fine spell with figures of 1-13, bagging the prized wicket of Volcanoes opener Devon Smith, who was bowled for 2.

T h e champs h a d

Trevon Griffith

Roland Cato chipped in with 22 to round off the Volcanoes’ primary list of contributors.

Volcanoes, who were 99-6 at one point, were in pursuit of a relatively gettable target of 231 which Guyana made earlier on batting first in some good conditions in Tarouba. The Jags’ new-look opening combo of Trevon Griffith and Windies ODI selectee Sherfane Rutherford added 121 for the opening stand with their wide array of shots.

Both left-handers were

J a m a i c a Scorpions, cracking 64 from 73 balls with six fours and a six. Rutherford was a bit more aggressive, celebrating his call up for the limited overs leg of India series by smashing 10 fours and a big six in his blitz of 69 from 61, which helped lay a solid foundation for the Jaguars.

With the exception of skipper Leon Johnson, who has been a bit short of runs so far, Guyana’s top-order are in impeccable batting form despite only their openers clicking for them. Veteran all-rounder Chris

Barnwell who was left stranded on 99 a few nights ago, hit a four and a six in his 29, with Windies leftarm all-rounder Raymon Reifer scoring a boundary-less 28 down the order.

Left-arm spinner Larry Edwards was the bogeyman, snaring 4-34 including the scalp of the Jaguars captain, as he operated well with the more seasoned ex-Windies Test spinner Shane Shillingford, who bagged 3-47. West Indies limited overs specialist seamer Kesrick Williams

3

SCOREBOARD

Sherfane Rutherford

claimed two wickets, while Alick Athanaze was the other lone wicket-taker.

With another commanding win under their belt and 15 points to their credit, the second placed Jaguars will seek to pounce on the fiery table-leaders, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, today when the two old rivals meet from 11:30h at Tarouba.

(Clifton Ross)

Guyana Innings (50 overs maximum) TA Griffith c KA Edwards b LM Edwards 64 SE Rutherford c Johnson b Shillingford 69 CD Barnwell b Athanaze 29 LR Johnson (c) c & b LM Edwards 2 RA Reifer c & b Shillingford 28 A Bramble † c †DDH Smith b LM Edwards 2 R Adams c Shillingford b LM Edwards 2 R Shepherd c †DDH Smith b Shillingford 12 V Permaul b Williams 1 C Pestano b Williams 3 RA Lewis not out 8 Extras (nb 3, w 8) 11 TOTAL (49 Overs, RR: 4.71) 231 Fall of wickets: 1-121 (SE Rutherford, 17.1 ov), 2-159 (TA Griffith, 26.4 ov), 3-172 (CD Barnwell, 29.2 ov), 4-174 (LR Johnson, 30.2 ov), 5-179 (A Bramble, 32.3 ov), 6-185 (R Adams, 34.6 ov), 7-216 (R Shepherd, 43.6 ov), 8-219 (RA Reifer, 44.6 ov), 9-219 (V Permaul, 46.1 ov), 10231 (C Pestano, 48.6 ov) BOWLING: DE Johnson (3-029-0), KAR Hodge (10-0-470), KOK Williams(7-0-40-2), S Shillingford (10-0-47-30, LM Edwards (10-1-34-4), A Athanaze (9-1-34-1)

Windward Islands Innings (target: 232 runs from 50 overs) DS Smith b Pestano 2 T Theophile b Adams 32 KA Edwards st †Bramble b Adams 29 KAR Hodge b Permaul 4 RO Cato c †Bramble b Permaul 22 A Athanaze c & b Lewis 4 DDH Smith †c Griffith b Permaul S Shillingford (c) c Rutherford b Lewis 7 DE Johnson b Lewis 12 LM Edwards b Lewis 10 KOK Williams not out 6 Extras (lb 4, nb 2, w 1) 7 TOTAL (36.3 Overs, RR: 3.78) 138 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (DS Smith, 1.6 ov), 2-49 (T Theophile, 9.3 ov), 3-66 (KAR Hodge, 14.2 ov), 4-88 (KA Edwards, 21.6 ov), 5-99 (A Athanaze, 24.5 ov), 6-99 (RO Cato, 25.2 ov), 7-108 (DDH Smith, 29.5 ov), 8-122 (S Shillingford, 32.1 ov), 9-123 (DE Johnson, 32.4 ov), 10-138 (LM Edwards, 36.3 ov) BOWLING: C Pestano (5-013-1), RA Reifer (2-0-17-0), SE Rutherford (2-0-15-0), R Adams (8-1-22-2), R Shepherd (2-010-0), V Permaul (10-0-32-3), RA Lewis (7.3-0-25-4) Result: Guyana won by 93 runs

Sonics lose in 1st and 2nd division matchup I

t all went down as Basketball continued in the Rainforest Water/ Malta Supreme/Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) tournament on Thursday evening at the Burnham Hard Court.

Playing first, the Plaisance Guardians were all over the Pepsi Sonics like ants attracted to sweet.

The Sonics, meanwhile, played lackadaisically, as if they hadn’t a mission. Their conversions were sloppy, their passes were poor, and the unity evidently was not there, as seen from the reaction of the crowd every time the ball turned over.

The tension was high on the field, as the Sonics

Part of the action on Thursday night

players were flustered and ended up losing 81-54, all thanks to the immaculate playing of Guardians’ Terrence Daniels, who led the team once again with 23 points, and was supported by Jared Sears with 21 points.

Guardians dominated the first period of the game by outscoring the Sonics 259, then the Sonics put up a fight and managed to win the second period 15-14, but fell away at the most crucial part of the game, losing the third session 18-20.

Darren Vanderstoop (15) top scored for the Sonics, and Lemuel Grant chipped in with 11.

The next match of the night saw the Sonics bat-

tling the Nets in the first division category. In that seesaw encounter, the Sonics lost yet again. The match ended 50-42, as the Nets slowly managed to take the game away from the opposition.

Nets’ P Doris and Frank Belle put up 14 points each, as the other members on the team only managed single-digit scores.

Meanwhile, Sonics’ Jason Squires led the way with 15, but was the only substantial scorer of the night.

The action continues today at the same venue, with the Eagles taking on the Pacesetters in the first and second divisions from 18:30 hrs. (Timothy Jaikarran)

saturdAY, october 13, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GFF launches Always Women’s League Page 21

Present at the launch yesterday were Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (2nd right), GFF President Wayne Forde, Women’s Football Association’s Andrea Johnson (right). ANSA McAL Business Unit head Padma Kunjbeharry (2nd left) sits with Lady Jags’ Lakeisha Pearson and other squad members at the official launch

Sonics lose in 1st and 2nd division matchup Page 23

Chase, Holder resist to give Windies respectability Page 19

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