Guyana Times October 16, 2018

Bartica teen receives full scholarship from GTT P14

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

Issue No. 3717

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

3 escape from Lusignan Prison

Pages 2&7

…hours after, 10 shot during riot

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

New procurement, debarment laws being drafted P9

T&T murder

Escapee: Sudesh Dyal

Escapee: Travis Evans

Escapee: Dexroy Pollard

Govt signs oil MoU with Canadian Province Page 3

Guyanese Bishop P16 arrested, confessed to killing wife

M&CC owes contracting company P10 $141M …for works done in 2015

Ambassadors and High Commissioners of European countries to Guyana, who are currently conducting the Sixth Round of the European Union (EU)-Guyana Political Dialogue under the framework of the African, Caribbean Pacific States (ACP)-EU Cotonou Agreement, met with members of the Opposition on Monday at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition (Dexter Ceres photo)

P10 Deputy Superintendent Todd charged with pensioner’s death

Unfair dismissal

Govt ordered to pay $25M to former Guyana High Commissioner to Canada

Page 5

LAA alterations

High Court throws out AG’s jurisdictional Page challenge 9

GDF ranks identified as rapists in Essequibo Coast robbery-rape Page 7

...placed under close arrest

CPG member charged for teen’s murder P8

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tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 escape from Lusignan Prison

…security ranks were clearly not alert – Director of Prisons

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manhunt is underway for three prisoners, who escaped from the Lusignan Prison in the wee hours of Monday.

The men reportedly scaled the perimeter fence about 04:30h.

The escapees are 23-year-old Travis Evans of C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Sudesh Dyal, 23, of Wales Backdam and Dexroy Pollard, 29, of Wales Village. Evans is a murder accused.

Acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels has since confirmed that of the three who escaped, one was incarcerated for murder. Evans is reportedly the murder accused.

Pollard was convicted for breaking and entering and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment while Dyal was on remand for break-

Escapee: Sudesh Dyal

Escapee: Travis Evans

Escapee: Dexroy Pollard

ing and entering.

At a press briefing on Monday, Samuels explained that the escapees scaled the fence between towers three and four which were equipped with security personnel.

He related that there were also five prison of-

ficers and Police ranks in close proximity to the area where the men escaped. Nevertheless, he stated that about 06:25h on Monday, he received a telephone call informing him that there was a prison break.

He noted that he imme-

diately put into operation the Standard Operational Procedure (SOP), which is to review relevant Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage and to conduct a physical muster. It was while reviewing the footage, he came to the conclusion that the ranks on duty

were not alert.

Samuels explained that the three men took a considerable amount of time to make their way through the razor wire. “It is clear, especially taking into consideration the close proximity of the two towers and the number of ranks deployed in those two towers that those ranks were not alert,” the acting Prisons Director stated.

He added that together with the Police, search parties were deployed to several areas, including locales in Regions Three and Four. Those searches, he related, have come up empty. Nevertheless, Samuels noted that they were making every effort to recapture the three men.

No info on escape plot

When questioned, Samuels told media operatives that they did not receive any information that the three men were planning to escape, although they would receive information from time to time that inmates were planning to escape, and those reports were taken seriously.

“I must say together with the other head of services, we would have carefully reviewed that previous escapes from that facility and as a result of that, we would have made significant adjustments in terms of deployment, the quality of staff, the number of staff that is being deployed and the hours they are deployed, all with the aim that they are alert while performing their duties,” Samuels stated.

With respect to questioning the ranks who were on duty when the prisoners escaped, the acting Director of Prisons explained that they were interrogated, but they said “little if anything”. He also believes that there was no collusion between the three men and ranks on duty, stressing that it was clear that the ranks were not vigilant.

Private Sector concerned

The Private Sector Commission (PSC), in a letter to Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, indicated its concern on a number of issues affecting the prisons in Guyana and, by virtue of this, public safety in the country.

The Commission noted that in a recent meeting of the Management Board of the Prisons, it was highlighted that there was a general lack of adequate security at all of the prisons, a lack of fire prevention systems, the lack of transportation to enable

movement of prisoners and food where necessary, and the inadequacy of the current complement of prisons to safely house the prison population.

“The matter of security, for instance, presents a clear and present danger to the prison warders and the public at large. Another burning issue is the lack of fire prevention systems in the prisons, most of which are constructed of wood. The Private Sector Commission is concerned that after two devastating prison fires, resulting in loss of lives and the escape of dangerous criminals, enough is not being done to prevent further fires,” the letter stated.

It further stated that while the Commission is concerned about the safety and security of the public, it is also disturbed by the less-than-humane conditions under which the prison population at the Lusignan Prison is housed.

The Lusignan Prison is located on the East Coast of Demerara with more than 300 prisoners.

The Prison was used as a holding facility with several holding areas after the July 2017 fire at the Camp Street Prison. During that fire, several high-profile prisoners had escaped. The others were dispatched to correctional institutions across the country, including Lusignan.

However, 13 prisoners had escaped from the facility by digging a hole under the perimeter fence. The hole was about five feet in length and another five feet deep.

Those who had escaped were murder accused Clive Forde, Pascal Smith, Kerry Cromwell, Odel Roberts, Kendell Skeet, Rayon Jones, Jason Howard, Shawn Harris, Paul Goriah and Jamal Forde, along with Teshawn McKenzie and Winston Long, who were incarcerated for armed robbery and Jamal Joseph, who was remanded on an attempted murder charge.

Paul Goriah, whose last known address was given as Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara, was the only person who was not recaptured.

Just a few months ago, Samuels in a press briefing related that the hunt was still on for Goriah and another prison escapee, Cobena Stephens, who escaped on July 9, 2017 following the fire at the Camp Street Prison.

Stephens’ last known address was given as Lot 82 Gopie Street, Middle Walk, Buxton, ECD. (Bhisham Mohamed)

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tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Tuesday, October 16 – 10:00h-11:30h and Wednesday, October 17 – 11:30h-13:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, October 16 – 08:50h-10:20h and Wednesday, October 17 – 10:30h-12:00h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny weather can be expected throughout the day,

interrupted by light rain showers in the mid-morning followed by thundery showers until early afternoon while clear skies are expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Southerly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 09:07h and 21:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.12 metres and 2.14 metre respectively.

Low Tide: 14:56h reaching a minimum height of 1.16 metres.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS 03

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24 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018 DAILY MILLIONS

02 09

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DRAW DE LINE

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PAY DAY

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– as Newfoundland & Labrador Minister shares oil experiences

By Jarryl Bryan

FERRY SCHEDULE

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Govt signs oil MoU with Canadian Province

21 SUPER PAY DAY

03 04 16 17 19

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

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uyana on Monday cemented its diplomatic relations with Canada, following Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Resources Minister Siobhan Coady signing a business cooperation agreement with the Government.

The agreement was inked between Coady and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin at the Ministry of the Presidency. After signing the agreement, Gaskin noted the importance of Guyana being able to benefit from the wisdom and expertise of oil-producing States.

“It’s important for Guyana; that we do develop long-term relations and partnerships with partner Governments, with partner organisations and as we explore the oil and gas sector, with which we are not too familiar, it’s, therefore, important that we benefit from the experiences of those who have done this before,” Gaskin said.

For her part, Minister Coady noted the opportunity her state has to share its experiences. According to Coady, Newfoundland and Labrador made it a mission to work with other countries in its early days of oil production. Now, she noted, they were doing their part to continue the cycle of knowledge transfer.

“We’re here today to work with you to give you the experiences that we have so that you can build and grow your opportunity here in Guyana,” the Minister, who arrived along with a 50-member trade delegation, said.

Guyana Times was able to get a look at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which provides for the two parties to facilitate economic cooperation and business opportunities in both countries. This, the agreement notes, will be done by way of reciprocal visits to both jurisdictions by industry and Government representatives.

The agreement also speaks of establishing a Joint Working Committee that will be responsible for developing and coordinating an annual work plan, which will come into being within 30 days of the agreement being signed. Annual review meetings will alternate between the two.

“Parties to this agreement will continue to have the ability to independently determine and pursue their own domestic objectives and priorities. Collaboration under this agreement and the work plan will be realised in accordance with the laws, regulation, and policies of each jurisdiction,” the MoU

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin with Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Resources Minister Siobhan Coady after signing the agreement

states.

Shared experiences

Later, Coady met with media operatives and shared how her province used its oil revenue to better the living standards of its citizens. She emphasised the need to ensure citizens benefit from the wealth that oil brings.

In her province’s context, this meant much of the money went to the people through avenues such as improved education. She noted at least three basic principles should be covered when it came to looking out for citizens.

“Regulations around safety and environmental regulations… that is very important; the people of Guyana will expect that.

You’ll also want to ensure that you have a good system to ensure the benefits accrue

to the people of the country.

I know (Guyana) is working on those things.

“I would say, thirdly, ensuring that you have a good knowledge of where you want the development to do for your country. So, if I was to say, those would be the three things. Safety, security, environmental protection, ensuring the benefits and the royalties accrue to the people and how will you

develop your industries,” she said.

At present, over a dozen Canadian companies are in Guyana as they look for opportunities to partner with local businesses. In fact, this publication was informed that at least two have concluded negotiations with locals in order to sign partnerships of their own. A symposium that will feature presentations on Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil sector is also planned for today.

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

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

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TuesdAY, october 16, 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

Eradicating poverty

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omorrow, Guyana will join the rest of the world in observing International Day for the Eradication of Poverty under the theme, “Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity.” According to the United Nations: worldwide, some one billion people live in extreme poverty, and more than 700 million or 11 per cent endure hunger and malnutrition.

Poverty has many dimensions.

Its causes include unemployment, social exclusion, and the high vulnerability of certain populations to disasters, diseases and other phenomena, which prevent them from being productive. In 2017, economic losses due to disasters, including three major hurricanes in the USA and the Caribbean, were estimated at over US$300 billion.

However, since 1990, extreme poverty rates have been cut by more than half. This is seen as a remarkable achievement, and all stakeholders, especially Governments, are expected to continue making the policy necessary interventions and allocate the needed resources to further bridge the gap between the rich and poor.

Beyond income alone, what matters to people is whether they are able to realise their aspirations for themselves and their families. This means having food security; access to basic services, such as healthcare, transportation and education; and living in peaceful, stable societies.

In Guyana, too many citizens are still considered living below the poverty line and being unable to access opportunities that would allow them to lead better lives. We are well aware that Guyana is not a poor country in terms of natural resources.

This country possesses bountiful natural resources, but in spite of this, the country remains underdeveloped and mired in poverty. It is plagued by poor infrastructure, which in itself is an impediment to development.

Also, there is a wide disparity in development and in household income between the hinterland and the coastland regions, and between urban and rural areas. Urban areas are more developed, and have much higher household incomes.

Efforts must therefore be made to reduce this gap if the nation is to become more equal in terms of urban versus rural areas and/or hinterland versus coastal regions.

President David Granger had said before that Guyana has enough resources to banish poverty forever. However, the nation is still waiting to see what concrete plans and programmes will be put in place to address poverty and create “the good life” that was promised on the campaign trail over three years ago. With the oil and gas sector set to take off, it is hoped that the benefits would be trickled down to help develop and provide more opportunities for the poorer sections of the community, which would eventually lift them out of poverty.

Most would agree that what we have seen so far coming from the Government since it took political power in 2015 is not very encouraging. Rather than creating more employment opportunities for citizens and providing businesses with the incentives to expand etc, the Government has made certain policy decisions that saw hundreds of sugar workers jobless and forced into poverty. It could be recalled that in spite of the mounting calls for the APNU/AFC Administration to reconsider its decision to downscale the sugar industry via closure of sugar estates, the Government went ahead with its decision to close.

While alternative mechanisms were touted to cushion the social and economic impacts on communities, nothing substantial has been earmarked that would stem the swelling of unemployment occasioned by the closure of these estates.

Certainly, the estates are a major source of sustenance for thousands, and their closure is being felt deeply and far and wide. Workers and their families are fearful that their communities would be destroyed, families broken up, and there will be increased incidents of crime and other social problems.

The Government must come up with plans to improve education and expand the country’s economy to create more economic opportunities, especially for those several thousands of young persons who have spent years equipping themselves with the necessary skills to function in the world of work.

Having said that, it is not the role of the Government alone to work towards reducing poverty; the private sector also has a crucial role to play in this regard. Businesses can create decent, sustainable jobs, foster economic activity through their supply chains, and contribute tax revenues for basic services and infrastructure.

Building a sustainable future requires governments and other stakeholders to intensify efforts towards eradicating extreme poverty, and ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities that would allow them to live full and productive lives. In this regard, the full participation of the poor in decision making on issues that impact their lives and communities must be at the centre of governmental policies and strategies to help build a sustainable future.

A Community Health Worker attached to the Orealla Health Centre (left) receives medical supplies for her village from Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence. Also in photo are children from the village

Misery-filled life that sugar workers, their families now face Dear Editor, On October 15, in a section of the media, the attention of the GAWU was drawn to a report which stated that Vice President, Minister of Public Security, and Alliance for Change (AFC) Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, in his address to a meeting in New Amsterdam on October 13, among other things, spoke to the sugar industry.

Based on the report, the public meeting, described as the launching of the AFC’s LGE 2018 campaign, attracted some 30 persons, and we gathered that the Vice President told those in attendance “…good governments, when confronted with hard decisions, make them while considering the betterment of the entire country, not just one sec-

tor…”.

We ask what betterment has the so-called “hard decisions” brought about? It is putting people out from paying jobs on to the breadline?

Is it denying persons adequate and healthy meals?

Is it preventing people from being able to pay their bills?

Is it to curtail the education of children? Is it increased anti-social behaviour? Is it family breakups and separation?

We are at a loss to find this “betterment” the AFC Chairman refers to. It seems more like increased impoverishment to us. We recall that the Minister has several foot-in-the-mouth episodes to his credit, and this seems to add to an ever-expanding list of such occurrences.

The Vice President, re-

ferring to the Treasury’s assistance to the sugar industry, told his audience “…wah you go take all the money from the Treasury now and just give one section”? We wish to remind the Minister that in the life of the APNU/AFC Government, allocations to sugar represented 3.98 per cent of the $968 billion that have been approved for spending across the four (4) budgets of the Coalition Government.

Certainly, when one looks at the tens of thousands of Guyanese who depend on the sugar industry; or the services the industry provided to the nation, which the Finance Minister lamented in his letter to the media last week that the State must now foot; or the economic activity generated by

the industry; or the foreign exchange the industry garnered; the loss of thousands of workers’ contributions to the NIS and the GRA, apart from the other social factors, the Treasury’s investment was more than worthwhile.

So, while Minister Ramjattan wants to pat himself on the back for a job well done, and offer quicksand-like defences for the Government’s callous approach to the sugar industry, there has been, as far as we see, no credible reason or any justification for the misery-filled life that the workers and their families now face.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

Have Local Democratic Organs in Guyana truly empowered the people?

Dear Editor, Have Local Democratic Organs in Guyana truly empowered the people? Have Local Government Elections truly returned democracy to Guyana? These and other questions keep on regurgitating in the minds of the masses as we near another round of Local Government Elections on November 12th.

In an article in the state newspaper dated July 29th, 2018 and captioned, ‘Empowering people through Local Government Elections’, it is stated thus, “Ensuring that democracy is maintained is paramount to ensuring that a country is run in the best interest of all its peoples, ensuring that all citizens have equal access to the nation’s re-

sources and services offered by the State”. It went further to state that the quest for the ‘good life’ is at the foundation of the current Administration’s mandate.

Are citizens really having “equal access to the nation’s resources”? This is so far from the truth! The Kilcoy/ Hampshire Local Authority Area which was won by the PPP/C by an overwhelming majority in the last LGE has been assigned a mini-excavator to dig and maintain the drainage system in the NDC; but, a few months ago, this machine was taken to Georgetown under the pretext of its needing repairs. It is still to be returned, while the drains in the NDC are clogged. This is a clear case wherein the NDC is supposed to look inefficient and

incompetent in the eyes of the residents. Fortunately, the rains are not here! On the other hand, the Fyrish NDC, which is next door, has been the recipient of a spanking new long-boom excavator to maintain and improve its drainage system, compliments of the President. This is the trend throughout Region 6.

This Government feels that once Local Government Elections are held on a timely basis -- that is, every 3 years -- then that is the “democracy” and “empowerment” which citizens in every community need to propel social and economic development.

Of course, all elections are about democracy, once they are deemed to be free and fair; but empowerment

can only be realised when resources are sufficiently available to carry out the functions of these NDCs and municipalities. These functions are: to provide efficient services for the residents, as stated in the laws. These services include sanitation, garbage disposal, road/dam maintenance, market facilities, burial grounds, abattoirs, drainage, etc. This is in addition to maintaining and protecting public property and levying and collecting rates and taxes.

How can these NDCs and municipalities function effectively without adequate resources? There can be no empowerment without sufficient resources. This Government is all about empty rhetoric! continues on page 5

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tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Unfair dismissal

Govt ordered to pay $25M to former Guyana High Commissioner to Canada

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he Government, through Attorney General Basil Williams, has been ordered by the High Court to pay former Guyana High Commissioner to Canada, Harry Narine Nawbatt, some $25 million in court costs.

Nawbatt’s appointment to that post commenced under the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government on February 9, 2015, three months before the May 2015 General and Regional Elections.

However, less than one month after being in office, the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition Administration dismissed him.

The ruling on the statement of claim proceedings was handed down by Justice Diana Insanally on Monday.

Nawbatt, through his at-

torneys Anil Nandlall, Manoj Narayan and Rajendra Jaigobin, sued the Attorney General in April 2016, claiming that his contract of employment was not lawfully terminated, thus he was seeking salaries, emoluments and other benefits owed to him.

Following the trial, Justice Insanally granted judgment to Nawbatt in the sum of $24,295,104 for “special damages”. She also awarded $500,000 for breach of contract, and court costs in the sum of $50,000.

Additionally, the court ordered that interest on the said sums be paid at the rate of 6 percent per annum from the date of filing to the date of judgment, and thereafter at the rate of 4 per cent per annum until fully paid.

Nawbatt, in his legal suit, was seeking over $49 million for wrongful dismissal and a

Former Guyana High Commissioner to Canada, Harry Narine Nawbatt

breach of contract. He stated that his firing was enshrined in a letter dated June 8, 2015 when the Director General (ag) of the Foreign Affairs Ministry wrongfully, and “in repudiatory breach” of the above-mentioned contract,

purported to terminate his employment, and therefore wrongfully dismissed him.

This letter had stated that his appointment would end on August 31st, 2015 and that he should report to Georgetown.

The former ambassador had requested damages in excess of $25 million for breach of contract and “special” damage in the sum of $24,295,104, the latter of which was awarded.

Nawbatt, in documents, had said he was tasked with performing the functions and duties of High Commissioner to Canada, and was being paid a monthly salary of $773,801. His contract would have expired on February 9 of 2016. According to the contract inked, the cost of education for Nawbatt’s children would have been paid by the Government, and he was also entitled to this and oth-

I submitted my declaration of assets, interest to the Integrity Commission Dear Editor, I have noted the expressed and implied attack on me on Monday, the 15th October 2018 in a front page article headed “Transparency body sees “Major” conflict of interest for Hugheses over oil.”

I wish not to dwell upon the motives for the publication, but merely to provide to the general public information which is, and was at all times, available to the general public on the most cursory of inquiries.

On the day of July 4, 2018, I submitted my declaration of assets and interest to the Integrity

Commission.

I am aware that the contents of my declaration are confidential, but I will disclose that included in my declaration was a clear statement of my marriage to the Managing Partner of Hughes, Fields and Stoby, and his interest in the firm.

Following my submission to the Integrity Commission on the 9th day of October 2018, I repeated my disclosure to the Cabinet about my husband’s position as Managing Partner of Hughes, Fields and Stoby, as well as the firm’s intention to establish an office in Houston.

I also, prior to the publication of the article, sought legal advice on the disclosure and compliance requirements set out in the Laws of Guyana.

I am aware that, despite their previous experience to the contrary, it must have been very difficult for the Stabroek News to contact me over the week. My phone records have not disclosed any attempts to solicit any comments from me. This is interesting, since, for many years now, the publication has been in possession of my contact numbers, and, in the past, has contacted me on sever-

al occasions, including after hours and on weekends.

It continues to be my fervent hope that, in their efforts to express their views on activities of Ministers of the Government, Stabroek News would at least conduct the most rudimentary of inquiries prior to publication, to ensure balance, objectivity and fairness, which still are the foundation of good journalism.

Sincerely, Catherine Hughes, MP Minister of Public Telecommunications

Have Local Democratic Organs...

If one looks at the finance which is garnered from rates and taxes and the meagre subvention given by Central Government, one would realise that the total finance is wholly inadequate. This is compounded by the fact that proposals made by the NDCs and municipalities are badly trimmed when included in the Regional Budget. Many of the proposed projects are ‘scissored,’ leaving the few selected ones at the mercy of the Central Government.

These LGOs should be able to represent themselves at the Central Government level, and this is where the Local Government Commission comes in to play.

The Local Government Commission is given a varied task in terms of policies’ implementation and making recommendations, and the same with any legislation.

The LGC is also tasked with

examining and proposing ways to enhance the capacity of the Local Democratic Organs (LDOs). This is an area which the LGC should seriously contemplate.

In terms of capacity building, we are told that the gerrymandering of the boundaries of some NDCs was to enhance these LDOs’ capacity. However, this is far from the reality. Even though the Minister can change the boundaries of these NDCs, the LGC, the Opposition and the residents should have been consulted in this “capacity enhancing” process. But the intention is not “capacity building”.

On June 8th, Mr Bulkan published two orders which amended 14 Local Government Areas, removing a total of sixteen constituencies and activating nine LGAs, including the township of Mahdia. In so doing,

he has incapacitated the PPP/C by 32 seats at the upcoming LGE, thus effectively closing the margin of defeat which the APNU/AFC suffered at the last Local Government Elections at the hands of the PPP/C. Is this the local democracy which this Government is boasting about? Is this how “the country is run in the best interest of all its people”?

Further, the Minister accused the PPP of being more concerned with concentrating power in the hands of its appointed Minister of Local and Regional Development, but now we are seeing that the actions of Minister Bulkan were nothing short of that of a dictator! Is this how this Granger Administration is committed to “promoting democratic renewal and community development”?

The recent electoral

from page 4

frauds perpetrated by APNU and AFC, ably assisted by GECOM, would also suggest that this Government is more concerned about “dictatorial renewal”, not “democratic renewal”.

Moreover, Article 71(1) was seriously breached by Mr Bulkan, since the involvement of the people in the task of managing and developing their communities has been seriously invalidated, and the functioning of the LGC has been compromised. This Government’s penchant for breaching our Constitution, the supreme law of the land, has now become a daily pastime.

Unfortunately, the quest for the “good life” still remains a quest!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor, Region Six

er allowances.

Nawbatt would have been allowed to terminate his services, provided that a written notice of three months was given. Likewise the Government would have had to give notice for the same time frame, or pay Nawbatt six months’ salary and station allowance if such notice was not given. According to Nawbatt, he was owed $4.3 million for salary up to February 2016; $5.7million in gratuity; payment of $4 million for 158 days’ leave; $4.8 million in station allowance; $4.6 million in station allowance for leave for five months, and $2million in business class return air passages, among other things.

Nawbatt had once served as a Government Minister under the PPP/C Administration. In a statement to the press on Monday, Anil Nandlall outlined that

his legal team has filed many similar cases in 2015 and 2016. He, however, claimed that in all the cases, the plaintiffs sued for damages for wrongful dismissal or unlawful termination of their contracts of employment, and were awarded various sums as compensation, along with interest and costs.

He said that while the Attorney General was the defendant in all of these cases, and no appeal was filed against any of the decisions, the Attorney General has “consistently refused to honour these judgments, although we have made repeated written requests for him to do so”.

Nandlall concluded that “the relevant proceedings will be commenced shortly to commit the Minister of Finance to prison for non-payment of these judgments”.

Investigate rape allegation in Region 2 Dear Editor, The Regional Democratic Council of Region Two calls for urgent action by the relevant authorities to address the recent allegations of rape of a young lady in the presence of her boyfriend at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground

by GDF ranks stationed at the Anna Regina Base.

The entire region, known for its peace, is very much concerned about the allega-

tions raised.

The RDC further reiterates its call for all the relevant authorities and agencies to be involved in addressing these serious allegations, so that a timely, fair, and just process can be achieved.

Regards, Devanand Ramdatt Regional Chairman, Region Two

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By Sean Grover

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any years ago, the United Kingdom’s favourite parenting expert Sue Atkins wondered: Why do some children become ‘successful’ in life and others don’t? She concluded that the children who succeed have close relationships with others (particularly their immediate family), feel valued, and have a sense of control over their lives.

I asked Sue to explain more, here’s what she had to say.

The children in trouble are missing four important necessities to manage life’s challenges.

• feeling connected to others.

• feeling capable to take care of themselves.

• feeling that they count.

• feeling courageous.

These Four Cs are vital for children to feel that they can meet the challenges of life.

Foundation of themselves far sooner than human beings do.

As children grow into toddlers they experiment, make mistakes and learn through trial and error, and the more capable they are allowed to feel, the more self-confident they become.

A teenager who is secure in their belief about belonging to others feels connected so they are able to cooperate because they don’t feel afraid of rejection or isolation. They are more resilient to peer pressure and being drawn to gangs or the wrong crowd.

to do it for them, but this way of helping children may have serious consequences long term.

Children may interpret your failing to trust them to do these things as a sign that they can’t do them. You rob your child of the experience of feeling competent and capable. The message they receive is: ‘You don’t think I can do things for myself.’ Over time they may learn to resent you and to feel inadequate.

An overprotected child

What the crucial Cs give children

Feeling that we connect, that we are capable, that we count and that we have courage will go a long way to encourage a positive attitude about life and give it purpose.

If we ensure that our children develop the Four Cs they will take life on and make it work for them. They will develop a ‘Can Do Kid’ mindset and they will have the ability to handle whatever life throws at them.

Kids who are brought up with the four Crucial Cs become Responsible Self-reliant Happy Feeling connected Our ability to survive both physically and psychologically depends on our ability to connect to others. We move from being babies totally dependent on others, to interdependence with others. This process of moving from total dependence takes much longer compared to other animals who walk and take care

A child who doesn’t feel connected feels insecure, isolated and will seek attention and believe that any attention is better than none.

Feeling Capable

Toddlers begin life as babies learning to hold their heads up and walk. A toddler doesn’t fall over the first time and decide that walking isn’t for them!

Children develop their capabilities through being allowed to explore, and make mistakes and they must be given meaningful activities. We live in a busy world and parents are often in such a hurry that they rob their children of the opportunity to ‘struggle’ putting on their shoes or doing up the zip on their coat.

It’s often easier, and quicker

m a y become overly dependent on others, may be afraid to be alone later in life, or become so confused that they ‘boss’ people around to get their needs met!

Teenagers who are encouraged to feel competent and capable develop selfcontrol and become self-reliant.

They will develop respectful relationships with others.

Teens who are discouraged from feeling competent become unsure of their own capabilities and they may resist your attempts to guide them.

Disempowered teens resist responsibility – needing to be nagged to get up, do their homework or wash up.

So, maybe allow them to face the consequences of their actions for example by getting a detention for late arrival at school to begin the process of feeling responsible for

themselves.

Feeling Significant – ‘I Count’

We all like to feel that we matter, that we count – children are no different.

If parents respond to their child’s needs and care for them, a child feels secure. They feel that they can trust the world and can count on others, they learn that they are important, and that they count.

A baby whose needs are not met may learn that they can’t trust the world and that the world isn’t a safe place and they may not move beyond that selfcentred experience.

Children who are encouraged learn that they count and that they matter.

Whereas children who are not made to feel significant look for a way to feel valued in more destructive ways.

Teenagers who feel valued become more involved in school or community activities. They are less likely to break the rules or avoid responsibility.

Whereas a teen who doesn’t feel that they count behaves in more destructive ways, thinking that what they do doesn’t matter.

Feeling Courageous

It takes courage to ride the ups and downs of life, the good and bad experiences, as well as the frustrations and challenges.

It’s a risky and precarious adventure, so developing courage in your children is important.

Toddlers show courage in everything that they do from learning to walk, to learning to talk. They show courage as they go from one mistake to another until they master many skills.

That takes courage.

Think back on your life – it took courage to start school, to leave home or to get married.

‘Feeling the fear’ and doing it anyway as Susan Jeffers said.

Children experience frustration and disappointment just like we do and that courage stands them in good stead for the whole of their lives.

As Franklin D Roosevelt said, “Courage isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it.”

Children without courage focus on what they can’t do. They give up and avoid situations. They miss out on life through fear. A child with a ‘Can Do’ attitude shows courage and feels hopeful and optimistic.

They embrace life and all its opportunities.

Becoming a teenager is a challenging time – a time of confusion and uncertainty, it’s

a constant feeling of three steps forward and five steps back.

Teens who don’t have courage blend into the background, afraid to put their hand up in class, or join sports clubs. They’ll find it hard to resist the pressure to drink alcohol, or take drugs as they won’t be brave enough to say ‘No.’ A child who is encouraged to be courageous feels the fear and trusts themselves. A child who lacks courage can’t get over their fear, it controls them.

(psychologytoday.com)

Ages & stages: Helping children feel competent & capable

By Alice Sterling Honig, PhD

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newborn is already showing her special competencies. When her nose tickles, she sneezes.

When her mouth finds a nipple, she nurses well. When she has a gas bubble, with a little patting help from an adult, she produces a large burp that offers a big relief!

Babies begin to express their competencies within the first few weeks of life. They turn their heads to locate the sound of loving words from a nurturing adult. Within the first months, babies produce that magnificent sign of social competence – the smile. A baby’s smile entrances the adult into providing lots of loving attention. A onemonth-old baby can respond with more than a dozen turntaking coos when a loving adult responds with turntaking talk to the baby’s vocalisations.

Physical responses When a baby is about four months old, her hands are now open and can bat, swing at, and energetically reach for nursery toys. She’ll use her feet, too, to kick at and try to move the birds on the nursery mobile over the crib. Babies who are provided with opportunities to track the mobile visually, to bat at it, and to set it in motion with their feet will feel good about being able to make interesting things happen.

After the first six months, babies try hard to show their developing competence in large motor skills. Placed on their tummies, babies start to push up and try to raise themselves from the floor.

They even rock back and forth in preparation for starting to creep on all fours. Although some babies need more practice in creeping forward rather than backward, they soon get the skill under good control and can pad swiftly across a room on all fours toward an attractive toy or an encouraging adult.

Attempts at self-feeding Toward the end of the first year, competence for selffeeding is developing. Babies like to show that they can

feed themselves. They try to grab a spoon from an adult.

They energetically wave a spoon placed into their hand.

The adult still needs to feed the baby as she increasingly develops the dexterity and finger skills for self-feeding – a messy but cheerful time!

Joint attention skills Joint attention skills are a major accomplishment of the infant period. A baby learns to point to a toy she wants. She knows that you will understand her communicative gesture, look in the right place, and get the toy for her. This social skill of “joint attention” is a source of pride for a baby and a source of joy for the adults who recognise her budding social competence.

Competencies of toddlers Toddlers are developing competencies in so many domains that they may actually work on a new skill and let another skill go for a while. Sometimes toddlers learning to balance their bodies and walk well, without the wide-apart leg-waddle of the earliest attempts, may not be as adventurous in word learning. Instead, they are focused on working hard at this amazing new motor skill. Some toddlers may not be ready for learning toileting competencies while they are working hard at developing other skills.

When toddlers try to pronounce new words, they often struggle in their attempts to get their tongue, teeth, larynx, lips, and other mouth parts to pronounce a word so it is understood. Try to refrain from correcting a toddler’s pronunciations. He is so proud of being able to communicate!

What you can do Provide low, sturdy couches for a baby practising getting up to standing and then cruising along while holding on to a couch.

Smile with encouragement as babies practice gross motor skills, such as crawling through a fabric tunnel.

Break down tasks into tinier steps. (Excerpt from scholastic.com)

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tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

10 shot during prison riot – fire ignited in retaliation for gunshots

that several inmates were attempting to dig up the tarmac, pelting wardens and lighting sporadic fires. As a result, fire fighters were deployed to the scene, and the

situation escalated further with inmates setting mattresses on fire.

The blaze was eventually contained by fire fighters, who had to use the sur-

A prisoner covered in blood after receiving gunshot wounds

A

t least 10 inmates of the Lusignan Prison on the East Coast of Demerara were on Monday evening shot and injured after they protested the poor conditions at the facility.

Photos seen by this newspaper showed several men covered in blood after allegedly being shot by wardens stationed in the towers around the perimeter of the prison.

A source told Guyana Times that the inmates were protesting the food given them on Monday afternoon.

They reportedly threw the food and other utensils at

the wardens, who retaliated by opening fire on them.

The prisoners, however, were in the holding area while they were being shot at. Things escalated after the inmates realised the wardens were using live bullets.

In addition to the gunshots, the prison wardens used tear gas, thus causing a greater ruckus at the penitentiary.

Guyana Times was told there are no water supplies in the prison, and that the toilet facilities are unacceptable.

However, it is believed

The fire that was set by inmates in protest

inmates set alight old clothing to get the attention of the authorities.

Moments after the riot had started, acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, and Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, arrived on scene with the intention of getting the situation under control, but the

rounding towers to carry out their duties. Guyana Times understands that several prisoners were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital to seek medical attention.

This riot came mere hours after three prisoners escaped from the facility by scaling a fence while the security officials were asleep.

GDF ranks implicated in Essequibo Coast robberyrape under close arrest

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wo members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) attached to the Sixth Infantry Battalion at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, were placed under close arrest following their implication in a robbery-rape committed on a couple on Saturday evening.

Based on reports received, the two ranks were accused of raping a young girl while her boyfriend was forced to watch in the vicinity of the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.

The incident reportedly occurred about 23:40h when the two young people reportedly went to the venue for an event.

While there, they were reportedly attacked by the two GDF ranks who beat the young man, took away his money and gold chain, and demanded that his girlfriend have sex with them or else they would rape him.

At first, this demand was shut down, but the two ranks severely beat the young man. They then allegedly took turns raping the young girl as she wept bitterly and asked them to stop.

The young man had no choice but to watch his girlfriend being sexually assaulted. After the ordeal, the

young couple reported the matter to the Police Station.

At the Police Station, the couple were told that there were no ranks available to search the area.

Family members took it upon themselves to look for the two perpetrators.

Upon seeing the angry mob of residents, the two men escaped. The couple were taken to hospital where the young lady was admitted. The Police subsequently took statements from the two traumatised young people and an investigation was launched.

An identification parade was done Monday afternoon at the Suddie Police Station, and the two perpetrators were positively identified by the victims. This newspaper was told that while the ID parade was in progress, colleagues of the implicated ranks were heard shouting derogatory remarks at the victims.

Guyana Times understands that the young male victim is an acquaintance of both ranks. The GDF in a release on Monday stated that it would give the necessary support to the Guyana Police Force as the investigations continue into the heinous crime.

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tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 months later

CPG member charged for teen’s murder Trumped up…

R ural Constable Tony George, attached to the Community Policing Group (CPG) at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, on Monday found himself before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, facing a charge of murder committed on Ricardo Singh.

The charge alleges that the 28-year-old George murdered the 15-year-old Singh of Diamond, East Bank Demerara on July 9, 2018, in the vicinity of the Soesdyke Public Road.

According to Police Prosecutor Simone Payne, the victim was with several friends at a wedding house at Soesdyke, EBD on July 9, when an altercation ensued.

Singh was subsequently arrested by George, and was later placed in the tray of the Police vehicle to be escorted to the Police Station. The Prosecution is contending that the accused and another male Rural Constable were on their way to the Police station when George allegedly stopped the vehicle, exited with the teen, and reportedly told the driver to leave.

It was further alleged that, upon returning with several other officers, the Police driver found the teen with a stab wound to the ab-

Murder accused: Tony George

domen, and George standing looking on in the presence of residents.

However, defence attorney for George, Dexter Todd, informed the court that according to one of his client’s statements, filed by the Police, George had acted lawfully as an enforcement officer.

George has been remanded to prison until October 23.

The body of 15-year-old Ricardo Singh, also called “Cardo”, was discovered in the wee hours of July 9 with several stab wounds, including one to his abdomen.

Based on reports received, the former Diamond Secondary School student and his friends had left their respective homes on that dreaded Sunday with the

intention of “taking a lime” at the Linden-Soesdyke Highway Junction, but had instead gone to the wedding house, which was close by.

However, while there, a gang of men had allegedly attempted to relieve one of the teen’s friends of his gold chain and cash, resulting in the now dead teen intervening. His friend, whom he was helping, reportedly ran away leaving him behind.

The young man, who would have been celebrating his 16th birthday three days after that incident, was subsequently found in a nearby trench with his intestines protruding. He was picked up and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to Singh’s mother, her son had left home riding his pedal cycle just after noon that day with intention to meet his friends.

The grieving mother related that, as night fell, she called her son several times on his mobile phone, but her calls went unanswered.

His father had also attempted to call the young man, but to no avail. The devastated woman recalled her son’s friend visiting their home at about 08:00h and re-

I

Dead: Ricardo Singh

lating that the young man had been stabbed.

Upon receiving the news, the teen’s father had contacted the Police, and had subsequently visited the Lyken Funeral Home, where he had positively identified his son. The woman noted that the friend with whom her son had gone to the wedding house had later been taken into custody.

Meanwhile, this publication had reported that the young man had been misbehaving at the wedding house, and the Police had been called in to intervene. However, at the time, members of the Community Policing Group (CPG) had been patrolling the area, and as such, they had reportedly arrested the young man.

…charges by Nagamootoo

t’s obvious Moses Nagamootoo’s lost whatever journalistic integrity Janet Jagan might have drilled into him when he’d served under her at the Mirror for donkey years. He’s now been reduced to a journeyman hack-apologist for the PNC Government he boasts he helped put into power. In his latest column in the Chronic, “TRUST AND THE TANGLED TIMES”, he predictably took the opportunity (created by him awarding himself a column while he yanked those of David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis!) to throw shade at Bharrat Jagdeo!

This time, it was about the Pradoville II allegations “where key PPP Government officials disgracefully and dishonestly helped themselves to posh residential State land”!! He didn’t mention that the other charges by SOCU that have gone to trial, ALL four have been thrown out!!

But why would he…his interest isn’t justice but REVENGE!!

He’s happy as a ruminant digging his nose in swill. But more power to him – he has to earn his (very expensive) keep!

However, your Eyewitness thinks Nagamootoo crossed the line when he tried to illustrate “PPP corruption” with a section captioned “$20B EARNINGS”: “I would never forget the day when a young man, who was in the leadership of the PPP and had held a senior public service post, walked into my office to tell me that he was being investigated by the Police in relation to monies he had “earned”. “How much money are they looking at?” I asked him. Calmly, he answered: “$24 billion.”

Now this is a very nasty allegation to be digging up and phrasing unadulterated hearsay to make it appear the young PS admitted ‘earning’ $24 billion!! Fact of the matter is that this was what SOCU claimed – against the PS’s public statement that it might’ve been the TOTAL REVENUES that passed through his account – but certainly wasn’t what had remained there as profits!

If Nagamootoo hadn’t read the reports in his Chronic (maybe he’s nauseated by his own propaganda?!), he definitely would’ve read the 2017 US State Department Report on human rights violations in Guyana issued last November. It stated that while there were accusations of the PS accumulating the billions from “money laundering and tax evasion” as of November “no legal case had been made”. That’s still the situation!

But it didn’t stop Nagamootoo from reviving it even as the only charge was for allegations that the young man hadn’t turned over documents to the Court! And was even allowed to proceed to Hugh Wooding to complete his law studies.

Maybe Nagamootoo would rather forget the Report because it repeated claims that he had directed that he had to “scrutinise” all Chronic’s headlines?

What a tangled web…!

…and twisted reporting

The Government’s scared stiff the GTU’s capitulation to their 12% offer versus their 40% demand might still be rejected since it has to be ratified by the membership. So, not surprisingly – since this is the PNC we’re dealing with – the attack dogs have been let loose at those they believe might question the “deal”.

But Nagamootoo’s Chronic was really reaching when it solicited a reaction from GTU’s Gen Secretary Coretta McDonald to a Muckraker’s CARTOON!! The cartoon had M Donald listening to the PPP while GTU President Mark Lyte frets that she wants to “strike” even though they got a good deal. Noting that she operates by strict labour principles McDonald stuck it to the Chronic: “Even if I’m aligned to a political party, what’s wrong with that? The Constitution gives us the right to associate and to be a part of, so I don’t know why all of this big fuss and fret and all this big glamour.”

But when Lyte was being firm, wasn’t he also accused of being “PPP”??

…or trump card?

While attacking McDonald for questioning the “deal”, Nagamootoo’s rag steered clear of former PNC MP Vanessa Kissoon, who explicitly questioned the “deal”.

She emphasised it ain’t over till it’s over!! Quo vadis, Nagamootoo?

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

News

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tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

New procurement, debarment laws being drafted

…Commission optimistic for year-end approval

T

he Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is optimistic of having new procurement and debarment legislation approved by year end, after the conclusion of a report by a consultant who reviewed the draft laws.

This was communicated during a consultation exercise on Monday at Regency Suites, Georgetown. At the exercise, PPC Chairperson Carol Corbin provided an update on what the Commission has been up to.

She related that they were advised in May of 2018 that a consultant was appointed to review the Procurement Act, propose amendments and possibly construct a new act. In addition, she explained that the Commission was brought on

board.

“The Commission was asked to collaborate with the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board and the Finance Ministry to make propositions to the panel and also the debarment regulations.”

She related that the amended regulations were provided to the consultant, who reviewed them and returned them to the Commission. It was further explained that the final report of that consultancy was concluded at the end of September 2018.

“The final report of that consultancy was concluded at the end of September 2018. Thus, our current activities will be conducting consultations on what we perceive to be the final draft

PPC Chairperson Carol Corbin

of the debarment regulations.”

“The PPC is, therefore, back on schedule with its programme, starting with this set of consultations,” she said, adding that the goal for regulations to be approved by year-end was a viable one.

While there are references in the Procurement Act to the suspension and debarment of errant contractors, Corbin said the required regulations for the debarment process were not included.

“No action could have been taken over these years to actually debar or suspend

contractors and suppliers, because the relevant supporting regulations do not exist at this time in terms of being approved and included in the legislation.”

The PPC is a crucial commission which, among other things, serves as a watchdog against procurement fraud and corruption. It is also supposed to oversee the awarding of public contracts, although Cabinet continues to give its no-objection to such.

The Commission, which elected Corbin as its Chairman during its first meeting, also includes Emily Dodson, Ivor English, Nandkishore Gopaul and Sukrishnalall Pasha.

A key Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report had recently recommended that countries in the Region, including Guyana,

implement a number of measures aimed at improving public procurement.

The report, titled “Better spending for better lives: How Latin America and the Caribbean can do more with less”, has identified poor procurement practices as a contributor to wasted public funds.

Among its recommendations for countries in the Region is for Governments to avoid single sourced contracts and concentrate on competitive bidding. In fact, it was advised that open tendering be the default method of procurement.

In addition, the report advises that Governments in the Region publish annual procurement plans, as part of a comprehensive framework that would set out the Government’s goals and priority areas.

LAA alterations

High Court throws out AG’s jurisdictional challenge

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall

By Shemuel Fanfair

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head of the overall case regarding Bibi Shaddick’s disputation of Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan’s changes to several Local Authority Areas (LAAs), High Court Judge Justice Gino Persaud has dismissed Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams’s jurisdiction challenge on Monday.

The Judge observed that the AG’s argument that the matter should be heard via an elections petition after the November 12 Local Government Elections (LGE) are held “was not a relevant enough issue”.

“The question on whether someone has been elected as a Councillor is not relevant to the issue raised by the applicant,” Justice Persaud pointed out.

Williams had observed that Shaddick’s application amounted to allegations of irregularities and illegalities challenging the validity of the LGE, which have been gazetted to be held on November 12. However, in his ruling, Justice Persaud noted that no Councillor has been elected, as the case has not passed the elections stage. As such, the judge determined that the court has jurisdiction to hear “the merits of the applicant’s case”.

Following the ruling, the AG signalled that he would be looking at appealing the jurisdiction ruling, saying

that Justice Persaud focused on certain legal arguments that were not in keeping with his case.

“I will have to appeal his decision, so I could know whether he had dealt with those cases or not,” Williams told the press.

In response, Nandlall, speaking with members of the media subsequently, brushed aside the AG’s intimation to appeal, saying that the court has not ruled on the substantive merits of the case. He reiterated that there could be moves to delay the case.

“I have no doubt that in addition to the incompetent arguments that are being advanced, there is an agenda to stall and dilate the matter,” he stressed.

However, Monday’s ruling on the preliminary matters to Shaddick’s legal suit was two-fold in nature, as Justice Persaud treated with Nandlall’s submission that the respondent, the Minister, was barred from challenging jurisdiction, since Solicitor General Kym Kyte-Thomas had “submitted to the court’s jurisdiction. Nandall harped on the fact that Kyte-Thomas agreed to the court’s time-

Attorney General Basil Williams

lines for the fixed-date application (FDA) hearing.

However, with several legal citations, Justice Persaud opined that the court recognises the urgency of the case, and called the matter within four days of the case’s filing.

“This is not a regular occurrence, and (is) probably without precedent,” the judge stressed.

Justice Persaud reminded that FDA cases have to be heard within 28 days, and noted that the AG’s jurisdiction challenge he filed on behalf of Bulkan was within that time frame. On this basis, the Judge was of the view that Nandlall’s submission on the Solicitor General

already submitting to jurisdiction was “fallacious, without merit, and cannot be sustained”.

After the pretrial determinations, Justice Persaud ordered that the AG must file an affidavit in defence on or before October 22. The Court further ordered that both parties file written submissions on or before October 29.

“I will fix a date for decision after being in receipt of all the written arguments; no orders for costs,” Justice Persaud stated.

Among Shaddick’s several orders of which she petitioned the court, one is to bring the Communities Minister’s alterations into conformity with the Local Democratic Organs Act, Chapter 28:09. In so doing,

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

she wants to have Bulkan’s orders declared null and void.

Her grounds are that Bulkan failed to issue an order to identify the said boundaries under the Local Democratic Organs Act, making his actions null and

void.

She meanwhile said Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, went beyond his exercise of discretion in re-demarcating the existing constituency boundaries as outlined in the orders sought before the court.

The writ also outlines that the purported establishment of seven NDCs without complying with the provisions of the Local Democratic Organs Act is unlawful, ultra vires, null, void and of no effect.

She said, too, that Lowenfield acted without authorisation in this regard, while adding that Minister Bulkan unilaterally made changes to the number of seats in 14 LAAs.

10 news

tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

M&CC owes contracting company $141M

…for works done in 2015

A

general contracting company is claiming that the Mayor and City Council owes it an estimated $141 million for works, which date back to 2015.

XL Engineering Finance Manager Aysha Harrop testified during Monday’s hearing, explaining that the firm was hired by the Town Clerk, Royston King to conduct cleaning and drainage works in Georgetown. After completion of these works, small payments were made, and the outstanding balance is some $135 million with an additional $6 million from another job.

“During the clean-up campaign, we conducted various site cleaning and carting away of debris for the City Council. We also did the cleaning of the cemetery. We were brought on board at the ending of 2015 and it continued until one week after the 50th anniversary in 2016,”

City Hall

Harrop told the CoI. She added, “It was several different sites. We had different prices come together. The total amounted to about $150 million. We were given many small payments within, but we have approximately $135 million still outstanding. We have gotten some payments.”

No contracts were signed by the two entities for the works, since the Town Clerk would take the contractors to the site on most occasions, stating that it was “emergency works”.

“We did not sign a contract with City Council. Mr King would always take us to the site and stipulate that it

Man douses family with gasoline, sets house on fire

T

he Police are on the hunt for a man who reportedly doused his family with gasoline and set his Brighton, Corentyne home on fire on Monday evening.

According to information reaching the Guyana Times, the suspect, Michael Lewis, 34, attempted to assault his reputed wife, Candacie Khedaroo, with a hammer on

Monday afternoon because the woman had left the home with her three children due to his abusive behaviour.

Upon their return on Monday afternoon, the woman went to the house to collect her clothing to move in with her mother, but the man started to assault her. She managed to leave the house, but subsequently returned

with her mother; but Lewis was nowhere in sight.

As she and her mother, along with her three children entered the home, the man showed up and doused them with gasoline but they managed to fight him off and run out of the house.

The suspect then set the house on fire before fleeing the scene.

is an emergency, so we didn’t have to go through a tender process...That’s how we started on the job.”

Other than these instances whereby works were done for the Council, there was one situation where the Communities Ministry had assigned City Hall to carry a cleaning project on its behalf to the tune of $15 million.

Only $9 million was allocated to the company upon completion of these works, Harrop noted.

She indicated that the sum was transferred to the Council for the disbursement to be made, but the Town

Clerk told officials of XL Engineering that “he no longer had all of the money available”.

“The monies were sent over to the Mayor and City Council for them to do the distribution.

However, Mr King indicated that he no longer had all of the money available, so we were never given the remainder of the contract.”

A letter was sent to the firm by King stating how much money was owed.

Despite several efforts to contact the Town Clerk to retrieve these alarming sums, officials of the Council would make excuses.

This $141 million adds to the hundreds of millions of dollars that is owed by the M&CC to companies who have provided services for many months. Over $150 million is outstanding for payments to its major garbage collectors. Payments to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) are also outstanding from 2016 to present.

According to former Councillor Eon Andrews, who testified earlier, if swift interventions must be taken during an emergency, the Councillors are to be notified immediately so that it can be documented.

Deputy Superintendent Todd charged with pensioner’s death

D

eputy Superintendent of Police, Patrick Todd was on Monday charged for causing the death of 64-year-old Conrad August, who was struck down and killed on September 12, 2018 on the West Coast of Demerara.

As such, the Police Officer will make his appearance at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court today and the charge will be read to him by the presiding Magistrate.

On the day in question, the senior Police Officer was heading east along the northern side of the Boerasirie Bridge in a motor car bearing registration number PTT 992 when he collided with August who was riding a pedal cycle.

The injured man was

Deputy Superintendent Dexter Todd

subsequently taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital in an unconscious state. He was transferred to the Georgetown

Public Hospital, but died on his way.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Todd was above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Following recent reports of members of the Police Force being involved in fatal motor vehicular accidents while under the influence of alcohol, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has called for law enforcement ranks to be more disciplined in their personal lives, as he also called for more restraint when imbibing.

The ranks involved in the recent accidents were both over the age of 21, with the senior of the two being reportedly close to retirement.

Murder accused in motorcycle theft case to know fate soon

T

wo months after the Appeal Court ordered a fresh trial for murder accused Terry Kissoon, State Prosecutors Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt closed their case at the High Court on Monday.

Kissoon, who was on trial for just over one week, led his defence, which leaves the Judge, Sandil Kissoon to sum up the evidence before handing the matter to the jury to determine whether the defendant was innocent or guilty.

Kissoon stands accused of murdering Troy Smith between July 30 and July 31,

Murder accused Terry Kissoon

2010, at Smith’s Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown res-

idence. According to Police reports, the two men ended up in a heated confrontation after Kissoon had accused Smith of stealing his motorcycle.

It was highlighted that Kissoon had given Smith 24 hours to return the vehicle, but then he allegedly took out a handgun and shot Smith in the abdomen before reportedly making his escape. Kissoon was found guilty and issued the death penalty in 2013; that decision was overturned earlier this year. The accused is being represented by Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos.

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tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

5 ways to help fight hunger and malnutrition on World Food Day ...individuals can make a difference. Here’s how

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hronic hunger currently affects a staggering 821 million people around the world, according to statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. Since its creation in 1945, the FAO has been working toward its goal of freeing humanity from hunger and malnutrition.

What is World Food Day?

October 16 is World Food Day 2018, a day that the FAO has designated to bring attention to how Governments and individuals can help combat world hunger, mal-

nutrition, and food insecurity.

On October 16, 1945, representatives from 42 countries gathered in Quebec, Canada, to create the FAO. World Food Day commemorates the group’s founding, celebrates the progress that has been made and highlights the need to do much more to fight hunger-related issues, including malnutrition and food insecurity.

The UN has set a goal of achieving zero hunger worldwide by 2030, and on World Food Day, the FAO asks Governments, farmers, organisations and individuals to get involved

7 Amazing Health

Benefits of Eating Rice W QUICK BITES

hite rice is fast being dropped from our plates for its brown counterparts. The defeat could be blamed on the fear of pushing the belly 5 inches out of what it is now. But, should the fear be allowed to stay? Rice has numerous health benefits; it is an instant source of energy for the body and is good not only for skin but also in maintaining blood sugar levels. Here are the various health benefits of rice.

Rice is a rich source of carbohydrates and therefore, acts as a source of fuel for the body. Rice is made up of long chains of complex carbohydrates that take time to break down. Thus, carbohydrates present in rice provide a constant supply of energy. Starch present in rice is beneficial for diabetics as it has very low carbohydrate content compared with other foods rich in starch.

High Nutritional Value

Both white and brown rice have their unique nutritional value. White rice is high in minerals such as calcium and iron; it is also rich in vitamins, such as niacin, vitamin D, thiamine and riboflavin. Brown rice is a good source of fibre and therefore, improves digestion. Rice contains very low amount of saturated fats and cholesterol making it a healthful food for heart. It is owing to its high nutritional content that it is used worldwide in various cuisines.

Controls Disease’s Occurrence

Rice is known to control various diseases. Brown rice contains high amount of neurotransmitters that prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease. Rice also contains antioxidant properties that protect the heart by minimising the occurrence of heart diseases and stroke. Rice husk has diuretic properties and is an efficient cure for dysentery.

Cancer Protection

Brown rice is rich in fibre and protects the body from various types of cancer. Rice fibre acts as a shield against cancerous cells, thereby protecting the body against cancer.

Controls Blood Pressure

Rice is considered good for people who want to lose weight. A rice diet has low carbohydrate and fat content and therefore is great for people who want to lose weight.

Prevents Constipation

Rice contains very low amount of sodium, hence, it helps in controlling high blood pressure.

Rice is an excellent source of healthy fibre. These help in the growth of beneficial bacteria that improve digestion and regularise the bowel movement.

Gluten-free Food

Rice does not contain gluten and therefore, it can be easily included in the diet of people suffering from celiac disease and those who are allergic to proteins such as those found in wheat, barley, rye and oats.

Rice is a highly nutritious food item that is essential to boost one’s health. When the Chinese eat three course of rice i.e. even in their breakfast, and still remain slim, why can’t we fearlessly gulp down a bowl-full of it?

in working toward a world where everyone has reliable access to enough nutritious food – ie food security. With that goal in mind, the World Food Day slogan is “Our actions are our future.”

There are World Food Day events around the world, including a ceremony and panel at the FAO headquarters in Rome. Many local, national and global anti-hunger groups are holding events as well.

For example, to cele“Now is the time to get back on track. The world can achieve Zero Hunger if we join forces across nations, continents, sectors and professions, and act on evidence.”

– FAO

brate World Food Day this year, the group Rise Against Hunger will attempt to break the Guinness World Record of the most people assembling hunger relief packages simultaneously at multiple locations, and they’re asking for individuals to help.

Even those who can’t make it to an official World Food Day event can still help support the cause of ending world hunger.

Here are five simple ways to help: 1. Donate food

Individuals and businesses can help their local communities by donating food to food banks and community organisations.

2. Volunteer time

A school food initiative in Aldea el Horizonte, Guatemala

Some 51 per cent of all food programmes rely entirely on volunteers, so giving time is a great way to help bolster food security.

3. Raise awareness

The FAO encourages people to talk to friends, family and co-workers about the zero hunger goal. Spreading the word can start with something as simple as tagging social media posts with #ZeroHunger.

4. Waste less food

Wasting less food is one of the keys to creating a world without hunger, according to the FAO. Only buying what

is needed, eating leftovers and using scraps are three possible ways to waste less.

5. Give money

While donating food and time are great ways to help on the local level, giving money is probably the most efficient way to help fight hunger globally. The UN’s World Food Programme and Action Against Hunger are two large organisations fighting world hunger.

For more ways individuals can help, check out the What you can do to help achieve #zerohunger” PDF from the FAO. And happy World Food Day! (today.com)

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tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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ocal food movements aim to connect food producers and food consumers in the same geographic region, in order to develop more self-reliant and resilient food networks; improve local economies; or to affect the health, environment,

community, or society of a particular place.

The term has also been extended to include not only the geographic location of supplier and consumer but can also be “defined in terms of social and supply chain characteristics.� For example, local food initia-

tives often promote sustainable and organic farming practices, although these are not explicitly related to the geographic proximity of producer and consumer.

Local food represents an alternative to the global food model, a model which often sees food traveling long distances before it reaches the consumer. A local food network involves relationships between food producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers in a particular place, where they work together to increase food security and ensure economic, ecological and social sustainability of a community. There are a number of reasons why people choose to participate in the locavore lifestyle. Motivations include healthier food, environmental benefits, and economic or community benefits.

Many local farmers whom locavores turn to for their source of food use the crop rotation method when producing their organic crops. This method not only aids in reducing the use of pesticides and pollutants, but also keeps the soil in good condition rather than depleting it Locavores seek out farmers close to where they live, and this significantly reduces the amount of travel time taken for the food to get from the farm to the table. Reducing the travel time makes it possible to transport the crops while they are still fresh, without using chemical preservatives. The combination of local farming techniques and short travel distances makes the food consumed more likely to be organic and fresh, an added benefit.

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tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Dabi's Variety - 6 health benefits from drinking milk

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s kids, most people heard phrases along the lines of “drink your milk so you’ll grow big and strong!” While many people simply rolled their eyes and finished their milk so they could get to the good part (dessert!), the truth is that milk does provide valuable nutrients that kids need during their development.

There are several benefits from drinking milk other than just ‘strong bones’. These benefits come from milk products such as cheese, butter, cottage cheese, and flavored milk as well. Milk consumption is essential to maintaining good health and is a great source of calcium for all ages. The following are 6 benefits kids and adults gain from drinking milk.

Calcium

Milk is the best source of calcium for our body. Calcium protects our bodies from bone

loss, migraine headaches, obesity in children and aids in losing unwanted fats. It is essential to get the recommended amount of daily calcium intake in order to maintain strong bones and health benefits and prevent future health risks due to lack of calcium.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D actually helps the body absorb calcium. Therefore, almost all milk produced within the United States has been fortified with 100 to 120 IU of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps bone strength by promoting bone growth and reducing the risk of brittle bones. It also reduces inflammation and increases immune function.

Healthy Bones

There are three main factors that contribute to healthy, strong bones. Genetics, physical activity, and proper calcium intake. With

M&M Fast Food and Snackette, Peters Hall, EBD

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hen it comes to fast food, “healthy” basically means food that offers you a decent combination of macronutrients, without going overboard on calories or potentially harmful things (like sugar or sodium, for people who have high blood pressure). The key here is moderation, with ideally some benefits if possible. With all that in mind, here are the parameters for the foods below: • Low in calories: For lunch, that means about 500 calories or less.

• Protein, to help you build muscles: Each of these meals has at least 10 grams of protein (ideally more!).

• Low in sodium (or at least not HIGH in sodium): We aimed for less than 1,000 milligrams of sodium per meal (which is high already, yes). Unfortunately some of the options are a bit higher than that — for anyone with high blood pressure, these are definitely not ideal.

• Low in sugar (or at least not HIGH in sugar): Each of these meals has less than 20 grams of sugar.

• No trans fat: Trans fats are related to heart disease, so each of these meals comes with 0 grams trans fat.

Another thing: I’m also assuming that you’re not ordering sides or any sugary drinks. If you combine these meals with just water, and don’t add a side of fries or what have you, then you can get a decent lunch without overloading on things you don’t need or that might make you feel kind of gross.

And on a final note: Obviously you should eat whatever you want to eat. This is just a helpful guide to people who are trying to make healthy decisions about their food and would like some help.

one eight ounce serving of milk providing 290 mg of milk, it is an excellent source of calcium. You can also offer a serving low-fat cheese which boasts 204 mg of calcium. Since milk is rich in calcium, which is essential for growth and proper strong bone structure milk helps prevent bone growth disorders and decrease the chance of bone fractures when injured.

Healthy Teeth

Encouraging young children to drink milk will result in great dental health. Milk protects the enamel surface against acidic substances.

Drinking milk for energy and good health with help children reduce the consumption of soft drinks, thus reducing the risk of decayed teeth and weak gums.

Rehydration

Milk contains a good amount of water molecules so it helps keep bodies hydrated.

Especially for children who are constantly active and running around it is important to stay hydrated. Therefore having a glass of milk is a great resource for hydration.

Improving Vitamin Intake

Milk contains vitamins and minerals to keep you fit, healthy and strong. These vitamins and minerals are good for eyesight, carbohydrates that increase energy and protein for body repair and growth.

Key Takeaways

Milk is one of the best sources of calcium for the body.

Milk is filled with Vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium. Proper calcium intake contributes to strong and healthy bones.

Drinking milk provides other benefits such as healthy teeth, rehydration and improves vitamin intake.

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tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mohamed’s Manufacturing Enterprises Lots 169-172 Section ‘A’ Agriculture Road, Triumph Backlands, Georgetown, Guyana. Call 220-6237

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e have been around for decades and it’s a joy to see families gathered around eating delicious meals prepared with our seasonings. Food definitely brings people together whether it’s family or people from different regions. At Peppy’s we will continue to provide you mouthwatering delights for your menu.

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” ― Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own

Here is a look at our product line…

New Peppy’s Products include Mango Achar, Bilimbi Achar ( AKA Sourie Achar), Bilimbi Sauce ( AKA Sourie Sauce) And our Hot Chunky Lime Sauce!

Try Our Range of Essences Today!

For all your Cakes, Pastries, etc.

Try the New Kola Essence, It can be used as a mixer to make a refreshing drink! Just Add Water, Sugar and the desired amount of Kola Essence and Enjoy! The Kola Essence as well as The New Lemon Essence can be Added in Cakes and Pastries Too! From Asian Sauces To Indian spices, Peppy’s can cater to any recipe you desire, whether it may be A Hot Chicken Curry with Our Masala, Curry Powder and Geerah or even Cooking Something like Vegetable Fried Rice with our Fried Rice Seasoning and Soy Sauce!

Peppy’s. We’ve got you covered!

Peppy’s Chunks are available in three different sizes to choose from. 100grams, 200g and 400g...enjoy the rest of your day!!

Seasonings such as: Jerk, chicken, Meat &Fish, Fish, Chowmein, Fried Rice, All Purpose, Cook-Up Seasonings, Paprika, Onion, Garlic and Ginger Powder, Green Seasoning, Etc. Spices: Five spice, Cinnamon Spice, Clove, Chinese Spice, Noodles: Chowmein (Both in regular and whole wheat) & Vermicelli.

Sauces: Pepper Sauce, Ginger Sauce, Garlic Sauce, Cassareep, Hot Sauce, and Much Much More!!

Caribbean Food and Cuisine Steak, chicken, and seafood served in the Caribbean are cooked with distinct spices and ingredients found in the region.

Well known Caribbean cuisine includes key lime pie, barbecued ribs served with guava sauce, chicken kabobs, jerk chicken, and coconut shrimp.

Origins of Caribbean Food

Food is a very important aspect of many family traditions and Caribbean culture. During holidays and other special events, it is not uncommon for people to spend many days preparing food. Caribbean dishes are often com-

prised of indigenous, European, American, Chinese, and African influences.

Caribbean cuisine is influenced by Chinese, Indian, Dutch, French, Spanish, British, and Amerindian food. Local residents have also developed distinct dishes.

A popular Caribbean dish is seasoned jerk chicken. This spicy dish is unique, but it is similar to Louisiana Creole chicken. Chicken, goat, and curry are popular foods throughout the English influenced areas of the Caribbean, particularly Tobago, Trinidad, and Guyana. French food is popular in the French influenced areas of the Caribbean, Guadeloupe and Haiti, for example. Rice served with beans and different sauces is a staple food throughout the Caribbean. In fact, people in the West Indies refer to rice as “peas.”

A traditional goat stew is Montserrat’s recognized national dish and very popular in St. Nevis and Kitts. This popular stew is made with tomatoes, dumplings, green papaya, breadfruit, and goat meat. In the British Caribbean, a popular meal is pelau, a mixture of saltfish, beef, and chicken meat with rice, pigeon peas, and other vegetables. A prominent African influenced Caribbean dish, callaloo, combines leafy greens with okra.

People living in the Spanish influenced regions of the Caribbean eat a lot of spicy and flavored foods. For example, Cuban and Puerto Rican people heavily flavor their food with garlic and lime. Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are other popular seasonings used in the Spanish

Caribbean.

Seafood is very popular in the Caribbean. Each Caribbean nation usually has a unique seafood dish.

Shark, fish, lobster, and conch are common dishes popular in different regions. For example, flying fish is a popular dish in Barbados, while fried shark and crab are popular in Tobago. Western African influenced saltfish can be found throughout Caribbean.

Rice is a staple food throughout the Caribbean, and each island has a unique rice dish. On some islands, rice is specially sea-

soned or served with coconut.

Yellow and brown rice is served as a side on many Caribbean dishes.

In addition to rice, beans are a popular food throughout the Caribbean. In Cuba, beans are included in many dishes. Beans are cooked and served in a variety of ways depending on the country. Excellent conch can be found in Belize and the Bahamas. One popular way to prepare conch is to season it, coat it in batter, and then to deep fry it. This popular food is known as fritters.

A. Ally & Sons

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.ALLY & Sons has a variety of hair tools to give you that look for any occasion. Whether you want curls or curly locks, you can even get straightening irons that are specifically for color treated hair so no need to worry.

You can also use the following foods that twill aid in healthy hair so you will always have the nutrients you need for that glossy look!

Eggs Provide Protein Your hair is made up of protein, therefore it is important to ensure that you have enough protein in your diet. Protein is the building block of hair and eggs are one of the richest natural sources of protein.

Spinach and Other Dark Leafy Greens Provide Iron

Iron is an essential mineral that your hair cells require. In fact, a deficiency of iron in the body may cause hair loss. When your body is running low on iron, oxygen and nutrients are not getting transported to the hair roots and follicles adequately which can inhibit growth and make your strands weak

Citrus Fruits to Get Your Dose of Vitamin C

Your body requires Vitamin C for iron absorption therefore; you need to add citrus fruits to your diet. Nutritionists recommend that one lime per day is enough to get your daily dose of Vitamin C. Just make yourself a chilled glass of nimbu paani (with honey or a healthy alternative to refined sugar) and you’re sorted. You could also opt for oranges. Vitamin C is also required for the production of collagen that make capillaries that connect to the hair shafts strong thus, ensuring regular supply of

nutrients and quick hair growth.

Nuts and Seeds for Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids nourish the hair and support thickening.

Since your body cannot produce these healthy fats, you need to derive them from your diet.

Almonds and walnuts are really high in Omega-3 fatty acids.

Similarly, flaxseeds can serve as mid-meal healthy snack while also supplying the essential fats to your hair.

Whole Grains to Obtain Biotin

Whole grains are rich in biotin along with iron, zinc and B vitamins. Biotin is required for cell proliferation and plays an important part in producing amino acids (protein) which are required for your hair to grow.

Carrots are Rich in Vitamin A

Drink carrot juice every day for quick hair growth. The hair contains the fastest growing tissues in the body and vitamin A is required for the growth of every cell. It also helps the scalp in producing the natural sebum oil which keeps it and the roots healthy to boost hair growth.

Avocado Offers Vitamin E

Vitamin E improves the blood circulation and helps the follicles work more efficiently to promote hair growth. It also maintains the oil and PH levels balance which if exceeds can clog the hair follicles and stop hair growth. Avocado is great source of Vitamin E and it is also rich in the heart healthy monounsaturated fats. You can add it to your breakfast sald or blend it into a green smoothie.

news

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tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bartica teen receives full scholarship from GTT

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"May this navratri maa sherawali fulfill all your dreams and bring happiness in your life"

The divine descent of Goddess Maa Mahagauri Day 8

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hen the incitement of demons was so much beyond the limit that even celestial beings were tortured by the evil asuras, gods gathered for finding a solution for this menace and a divine energy in the form of light emerged from them and took the form of goddess Durga. She was the one who manifested in different forms and slain the demons over a period of nine days.

This was a great welfare of the entire human race and the gods regained their right over the fruits of the yajnas. The eighth avatar of Maa Durga is known by the name of mother Gauri by devotees. She incarnated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Navratri festival. She is of very fair complexion as the Kunda flowers and a bright moon.

She attained the divine beauty by performing a great penance and hence she is known as Maha-Gauri. The goddess is four-handed and holds a trident on the upper right hand and holds the boon-granting gesture in the lower right hand. In the upper left hand, she holds the gesture of fearlessness and a damaru in the lower left hand. She is riding a bull which means that a white bull is her vehicle who is very courageous and an emblem of dharma. Goddess gained the wifehood of great Lord Shiva with her extremely difficult penance and hence she is also popularly known by the names like “Bhavaani” and “Shiva”. By her worship, her devotees can get all their wishes fulfilled. Also, goddess eradicates diseases, fears, pains, obstacles etc. with her divine powers. She constantly blesses her children with happiness. Chaitra Navaratri, a golden opportunity for Durga devotees. Register today and get your free gift.

ixteen-year-old Runique Belle of Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) is the newest recipient of GTT’s benevolence as she received a cheque for a full scholarship to the University of Guyana (UG).

“I am standing here today to tell you how grateful and blessed I am to be attending UG. I was born in Bartica and growing up here as child, I always had a passion for education. I always wanted to be in school, and thanks to GTT, this dream has become possible,” the teenager stated.

“Runique made us really proud and I still remember her screaming with joy as she announced her CSEC achievements,” said the smiling mother of the scholarship awardee, Chrystal Belle, as she held the hands of GTT Public Relations Officer and Corporate Communications Manager Jasmin Harris.

The teen was able to secure a place in the 2018 academic year at the University of Guyana, majoring in Chemistry in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. She secured 14 subjects at the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) – nine Grade Ones and five

GTT Retail Commercial Sales Manager Nicola Duggan; Bartica Councillor Kenneth Williams; GTT scholarship awardee Runique Belle, along with her parents Rundy and Chrystal Belle and GTT PR & Corporate Communications Manager Jasmin Harris

Grade Twos.

Her father, Rundy Belle, was proud to showcase Runique’s many achievements through trophies and awards.

GTT will pay the teen’s tuition fees for the next four years once she maintains a GPA of 3.0.

In addition, Harris presented the teenager with a laptop and printer. Runique assured the telecommunications giant

that she would continue to excel at her studies. She will also be given a monthly allowance for GTT’s Internet and mobile services.

The teenager was selected as a beneficiary with the kind assistance of the Bartica Town Council.

Speaking on behalf of Mayor Gifford Marshall, Councillor Kenneth Williams expressed his gratitude to GTT

for making this commitment.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd explained that philanthropy was a very important area of focus for GTT, as it was an avenue to assist in improving and developing Guyana’s future.

“GTT remains true to what our brand stands for; we are about giving more. We want to be the game changer for Guyana, and we are starting this programme in Bartica. We will play our role in creating future entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants and the many other professions, developing a strong workforce for Guyana’s future,” the CEO added.

Nedd revealed that the company planned to roll out its network in Bartica by September 2019.

He declared that this was a promise the telecoms giant would deliver on. “We will provide the citizens of Bartica premium services at affordable prices, keeping them connected to their friends and families.”

He added that “GTT is devoted to its vision of improving life experiences by unlocking innovation through applications and infrastructure to every home and business.”

Tampering with expiration dates

Supermarket owner to be charged A

Worship method of goddess Mahagauri

Sri Durga’s eighth divine form is well known in this world and another world as goddess Mahagauri. She is usually worshiped in a special manner on the eighth manifestation of goddess durga. By her grace, an individual also gets rid of the accumulated bad karmas of the past. Hence those desiring a betterment and prosperity should certainly perform her pooja the procedure is same as before. During the pooja of maa Mahagauri on the eighth day, married women do special prayers to the goddess for the safety and welfare of their husbands and their families. They offer various items related to the marital life like chunari, saree etc. for the betterment of their marital life. By doing this, unmarried women are blessed with a good spouse and those already married get their spouse and family protected by the goddess. The family atmosphere becomes peaceful and happier.

Mythological story of Sri Mahagauri

Goddess Mahagauri ensures overall welfare of every devotee.

The most famous story about her found in the scriptures is that for getting Lord Shiva as his consort, she performed extreme penance in the deep forest in a very difficult way for many years which was never done by anyone before. As a result, Lord Shiva was pleased with her penance and devotion and asked her to ask for a wish. Goddess immediately expressed her wish to get him as a consort. God said, “be it so”. But because of the difficult penance for several years, her body had become very weak and darker. Lord Shiva took some water from his kamandalu and sprinkled over her and she was transformed to a great radiant fair complexion as per the wish of Lord Shiva. Since then she was known as Mahagauri. She is the ultimate shelter of every devotee and an embodiment of prosperity.

Another tale explains the story that goddess Parvati did a stringent penance for getting lord Shiva as her consort. As a result of her long and difficult penance, she was married to Lord Shiva. Once upon a time, Lord Shiva platonically says something to the goddess which she takes in a wrong way and goes to a secluded place and starts the penance. After a long period, Lord Shiva himself starts searching her and reaches the place where she is a deep penance.

While performing the penance, her body was illuminated by a bright aura hence Lord Shiva blesses her with extremely fair complexion.

Since then she is better known as Maha-Gauri. She is as radiant as the bright moon. This form of the goddess is extremely auspicious.

Chaitra Navaratri, a golden opportunity for maa Durga devotees.

supermarket owner who was recently discovered to be tampering with expiration dates on products, and even repackaging foods in unsanitary conditions, is expected to make a court appearance soon.

This is according to Head of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAFDD), Marlan Cole, on Monday during an interview with this publication.

Cole said the GA-FDD has concluded its investigations, and the matter is now being treated as a criminal one.

The owner of the embattled supermarket was busted on October 5, 2018 during an inspection exercise conducted on the East Coast of Demerara.

According to the GA-FDD, the proprietor of the supermarket, which was only recently established, was discovered to be repackaging foods under unsanitary conditions, selling expired foods, and also tampering with expiration dates. This businessperson was found extending the date mark on condensed milk products.

The GA-FDD disclosed that fifty-one 395g tins of condensed milk which had the date marks tampered with were seized and removed from the premises.

Those 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.

Criminal proceedings have been instituted against the proprietor in question in the East Demerara Magisterial District in accordance with the laws of Guyana – Food and Drug Act Chapter 34:03, Section 35.

Part II (5) of this law 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.”

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

Department warned.

The GA-FDD 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, as a result of the recent discovery.

16 news

tuesdAY, october 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man killed in hit-andNo 2016 receipt from shipping company run yet to be identified M&CC CoI

at City Hall – tax collecting officer ...but shipping company submits receipt to CoI

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green

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axes, rates and other payments to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) were examined on Monday as the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) got underway, and it was disclosed that there were no records of payment by Quick Shipping Incorporated for 2016, but the company disputed this by submitting its receipts to the CoI. Giving her evidence before retired Justice Cecil Kennard, City Treasury Department Tax Collecting Officer Kim Forbes explained that she was unaware of the Lombard Street Wharf lease until it was published in the media.

However, upon checking her files, documents were found for the said property and two payments of $625,000 were rendered for the years 2017 and 2018. A receipt which was presented to the Commission by the company was examined by Forbes, who failed to recognise the signatures on the document and further claimed that it was not produced by the current software in use by City Hall.

In April of 2016, the lease was granted by Town Clerk Royston King for the shipping company to operate. While a letter was sent to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) for permission, it was insinuated that King did not submit

Town Clerk Royston King

the document to the Council for deliberations as was mandatory.

Upon hearing that there were no records for the monies being paid, Justice Kennard noted, “Payments would have had to be made”.

It is unclear who collected the $625,000 for 2016 since the amount was allegedly paid.

It was explained by Forbes that the lease process involved the submission of an application by the client, which was sent to the Finance Committee. It is then taken to full council where discussions are facilitated. If the lease is granted, the Town Clerk would then proceed to prepare the relevant documents.

“The application will come in to the Council. It is forwarded to the Finance Committee, then it goes to full council for approval [and] then the Town Clerk’s office prepares the lease,” she related.

Waivers

Forbes was also subjected to answer to the process of waivers and amnesty, and she noted that the Council must decide whether or not such financial pardons should be given.

A letter is usually written to the Town Clerk by the citizen and is later sent to the Sub-Finance Committee. The

next step involves the summoning of the applicant for talks, and a pronouncement is taken thereafter. This is later sent to the City Treasury for procession and the tax collecting officer is notified after the pardon is granted. Certain criteria would determine the percentage of money that is waived.

It was emphasised that all meetings were to be held in the chambers of City Hall and no sole individual was authorised to meet with these clients.

This statement challenges the assertion that was made

by Giftland Mall, which stated that King convened a meeting between himself and the Chairman of the establishment, Roy Beepat, where a special arrangement was promised to waive taxes and rates for the years 2015 and 2016.

Consultant of MCG Investments Inc, Ray Hugh had represented Beepat and told the Commission that this deal was settled because the company had carried out a private contractual bargain to fix the roads and drains, install streetlights and pay for garbage collection. Consequently, for 2017, Giftland Mall would only be required to pay a sum of $11,467,500 after the interest and penalties would have been waived.

King was required to respond via a letter after the engagement to confirm the agreements and a schedule would subsequently be sent

by Beepat, verifying how the payments would be made. The Town Clerk made no attempts to answer to these calls until April of 2016, when he indicated via a letter that the agreement ‘no longer stood’ because of ‘certain circumstances’ including the ‘lapse of time’.

Current indebtedness

Legal Assistant Sherwin Benjamin referred to outstanding revenues owed to

City Treasurer John Douglas

the Council, and sought to ask the tax collecting officer as to whether City Hall could be sustained if all the revenues were collected. Forbes answered in the affirmative.

“If we collect all our delinquent taxes; yes, we would be able to cover all of our expenses,” she confirmed.

For 2018, 67 per cent of the budgeted figure was collected, inclusive of arrears. In the month of September, revenue collection took a dive, so it is unlikely that the same amount of revenue will be collected for the last quarter.

Last month, there was an announcement that the reason for City Hall’s cashstrapped situation was the large amount of debt owed by large businesses, totalling over $4 billion.

It was said that many large business enterprises are guilty of undervaluing their properties and assets, which ensures that they pay less than required. Additionally, in many instances, the business owners are paying a standard domestic rate, when in fact they should be paying the commercial rate.

With respect to the state of affairs at City Hall, Forbes stated: “We’re lacking a lot of guidance. A lot of the procedures don’t be followed. There is great need for some systems to be put in place.”

T&T murder

Guyanese Bishop arrested, confessed to killing wife

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ne day after stabbing his Trinidadian wife to death, a Guyanese Bishop was arrested at a friend’s house and has since confessed to the heinous crime.

Alisa Ali, 42, also called “Mother Alisa”, was stabbed to death on Saturday evening during an argument with the suspect, Melroy Corbin. Based on reports received, the couple operated a religious organisation that performed rituals.

It was reported in another section of the media that after the two got married, Corbin’s relatives stayed away from them owing to the work they

Melroy Corbin and his now dead wife on their wedding day

were involved in. Corbin is a former boxer who grew up in Linden and then moved to the

twin-island republic.

The now dead woman was reportedly stabbed several

times in the presence of their grandchild. The now dead woman’s children, upon hearing the commotion, ran into her bedroom and found her bleeding from stab wounds.

Ali’s daughter and sonin-law rushed her to the Chaguanas District Health Facility where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, it was reported that after committing the gruesome crime, Corbin ran out of the house towards Gill Street.

Eyewitnesses told investigators that he then flagged down a passing car and escaped.

Vendor slapped with threatening behaviour charge

A

52-year-old vendor of Lot 33 Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday to answer to a threatening behaviour charge.

The charge against Mark Dunette stated that on October 10, 2018 at Water Street, Georgetown, he made use of threatening behaviour against Marlon Philadelphia. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the

charge after it was read to him.

According to the facts presented, on the day in question, the accused picked up a cutlass and told the Virtual Complainant (VC) that he would use it to chop him up.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris made no objections to bail being granted.

Magistrate Latchman granted Dunette bail in the sum of $50,000, and adjourned the matter until November 8, 2018.

A

n unidentified man was killed in a hit-andrun accident along the Yarrowkabra Public Road, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, on Friday at about 21:00h, according to the Police in a release.

The man was clad in a pair of long grey trousers, a blueand-white long-sleeved jersey, and a pair of black long boots.

A pedal cycle with one of its wheels detached was also found at the scene.

The man’s body is at the Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting identification and post mortem examination.

Anyone with information relative to the accident or the identification of the man is

The unidentified man

kindly asked to make contact with the nearest Police station, or call telephone numbers 261-5457 or 227-2219.

Teen slapped with B&E charges

E

ighteen-year-old Fiaze Mohammed found himself before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with two charges of breaking and entering.

The first charge against Mohammed stated that on September 9, 2018 at Campbellville, Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling of Toolsie Persaud and stole $10,000; US$1000 and Cdn$1000, which amounted to $370,000 in local currency.

The other charge stated that on the same date and location, the teen broke and entered the dwelling of Persaud and stole one Samsung J7 Prime cellular phone valued $70,000 along with one Samsung J7 Pro cellular phone valued $65,000, property of Trisha Persaud.

The teen denied the charges.

Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-A-Fat, in a bail application, told the court that the teen had no previous charges laid against him.

According to facts presented in court, on September 9, 2018, the Virtual Complainants (VCs) secured their valuables and left their home to attend a church function. However, about 03:30h when they arrived home, they discovered the items missing. A report was made to the Police, and an investigation was launched. This led to the arrest of the teen.

According to the prosecution’s case, the teen in an oral statement admitted the offence, and was later charged.

No objections to bail were made by Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris. Magistrate Latchman released the teen on $250,000 bail for each charge.

The case will continue on October 29, 2018.

Teen freed of larceny charge

A

case brought against 18-year-old Michael Sulkar was dismissed on Monday after the virtual complainant in the matter refused to provide evidence against him when the case was called at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The teenager pleaded not guilty to a charge alleging that on October 8, 2018, at Durban Park, Georgetown, he

stole from Quincy Calvin one Samsung cellular phone worth $120,000.

Calvin, in a statement, told Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman that he did not wish to provide evidence against the defendant, since he is a friend; he was satisfied to have recovered his phone.

As a result, the Magistrate dismissed the charge against Sulkar.

Man granted bail on fraud charge

T

hirty-six-year-old Safraz Bacchus appeared on Monday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman to answer a charge of obtaining money by false pretence.

He denied the charge, which stated that on May 17, 2018, at King and Charlotte Streets, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained the sum of $550,000 from Yolanda Persaud by falsely pretending he was in a position to sell her motor car PKK 8727, knowing the assertion to be false.

According to the facts presented in court, the accused advertised motor car PKK 8727 on his Facebook page, and the virtual complainant

called to express her interest in purchasing the car.

On the day in question, Persaud and the defendant met and an agreement was made out in relation to the purchase of the vehicle. However, the previous owner of the car made contact with the VC and informed her that the accused had breached their agreement.

The matter was reported, and the defendant was contacted, told of the offence, and later charged.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris did not object to Persaud being placed on bail, thus he was placed on bail, and the matter was adjourned until November 12, 2018.

17

tuesdAY, october 16, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Jamal Khashoggi: Trump Prince Harry and Meghan suggests “rogue killers” to blame expecting 1st baby

U

S President Donald Trump has suggested “rogue killers” could be behind the disappearance of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey.

Speaking to reporters after a phone call with King Salman, he said the Saudi leader had firmly denied knowing what had happened to Khashoggi.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is flying to Saudi Arabia immediately.

Saudi and Turkish investigators have been seen entering the Saudi consulate where Khashoggi was last seen.

Turkish officials believe Khashoggi was murdered in the consulate by Saudi agents nearly two weeks ago, but Riyadh has always strongly denied this.

The issue has strained

F

Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

tions from reporters over helicopter engine noise at the White House, describing King Salman’s denial as “very, very strong”.

“It sounded to me like maybe these could have

ment.

A Turkish security source has told the BBC that officials have audio and video evidence proving Khashoggi was murdered inside the building. (Excerpt from BBC News)

orget Brexit. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan announced Monday they were expecting their first baby, setting off a media frenzy, debates over the royal name, and expressions of delight from the queen.

Kensington Palace said Queen Elizabeth II’s 34-year-old grandson and the 37-year-old US actress, who had just arrived in Sydney ahead of a 16-day tour of the Pacific, would be having a child in the spring.

“The Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the spring of 2019,” their Kensington Palace residence said in a statement.

“Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received

Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.”

The Queen was said to be “delighted”, Prime Minister

Theresa May tweeted her “warmest congratulations”, and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland said she was “very happy about this lovely news”. (Excerpt from AFP)

France: Red alert as flash floods kill 10 in south-west

A Turkish officials believe Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in the consulate by Saudi agents nearly two weeks ago, but Riyadh has always strongly denied this

Saudi Arabia’s ties with its closest Western allies.

President Trump addressed snatched ques-

been rogue killers,” he added. “Who knows?”

The President provided no evidence to back his com-

t least 10 people have been killed by flash floods in the Aude region of southern France.

Local authorities say several months’ worth of rain fell in just a few hours overnight, leaving roads blocked in some areas.

A nun was swept away by the River Aude, local broadcaster BFMTV reports.

Separately, a policewoman attending to a weather-related traffic accident in the town of Albi was hit and killed by a motorist.

The death toll has been

revised down from 13, France’s Interior Ministry

he Russian Orthodox Church says it is cutting all links with the body that wields spiritual authority over the world’s Orthodox Christians, in a row over the church in Ukraine.

The Constantinoplebased body recently recognised the independence of the Ukrainian Church from Moscow.

Many Ukrainian Christians accuse the Russian Church of favouring Russian-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine.

Constantinople holds sway over 300 million Orthodox Christians globally.

Moscow rejects the independence of the Ukrainian Church and a leading bishop –- Metropolitan Hilarion

Hundreds of emergency service workers are taking part in rescue efforts

explained, because of an error which meant some of

the dead had been counted twice.

Alain Thirion, the prefect of Aude, said people were stranded on rooftops and would have to be evacuated by air because it was too dangerous by boat.

One person was injured, he added, when a house collapsed in the locality of Cuxac.

The floods are the worst the Aude river has seen in more than 100 years, according to the weather monitoring service Vigicrues.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Jamaica: Tourism Russian Orthodox Church cuts all links with Constantinople Minister orders security audit of hotels T – said the decision to recognise it went “against historical truth”.

Constantinople had previously rejected the Ukrainian Church’s independence moves, but decided to endorse them last week.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said the Church’s independence went hand-in-hand with

Ukrainian independence, adding: “It’s an issue of Ukrainian national security. It’s an issue of Ukrainian statehood.”

Ukraine became independent of Russia in 1991, but Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the fighting in eastern Ukraine have poisoned relations.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Reward offered for abducted Tanzania billionaire

T

Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett

ourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has ordered an intensive security audit of the tourism sector including hotels and attractions as part of efforts to strengthen destination assurance.

“I’ve directed the Tourism Product Development Company, which is in charge of maintaining quality assurance within the destination, to coordinate an intensive security audit of the sector so as to identify gaps and ensure that the destination remains safe, secure and seamless for visitors and locals alike. Security arrange-

ments are part of the licensing requirements for many sector operators, so we will apply tough sanctions where breaches and/or significant weaknesses are found,” said Bartlett in a release.

According to the release, the Tourism Working Group, which was recently established by Bartlett to conduct a comprehensive review of issues in the sector and is headed by PriceWaterhouseCoopers Senior Partner, Wilfred Baghaloo, will also be part of the process. (Excerpt from Jamaica

Observer)

T

he family of Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji, who was kidnapped on Thursday, has offered a one-billion Tanzania shilling (US$440,000) reward for information that leads to his rescue.

Dewji, reportedly Africa’s youngest billionaire, was

taken by masked gunmen in the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam.

The Police have arrested more than 20 people in connection with the abduction.

But both the motive for the kidnapping and his whereabouts are still unclear.

Police believe that two

white men were behind Dewji’s disappearance, reports the BBC’s Athuman Mtulya from Dar es Salaam.

Africa Live: Updates on this and other African stories The family hoped that the reward will help the Police’s investigation, spokesperson Azim Dewji told a packed

press conference.

“We want to assure anyone with the information about the whereabouts of our son to come forward and we will treat their information as secret,” he said.

Kidnappings are uncommon in Tanzania, our correspondent says. (Excerpt from BBC News)

India Minister sues #MeToo accuser

I

ndian Minister MJ Akbar has filed a defamation case against a woman journalist who named him as part of a #MeToo movement gripping the country.

Priya Ramani’s allegations against Akbar inspired

more women to talk about his alleged “predatory conduct”.

The former newspaper editor added that he would not be stepping down from his post as Deputy Foreign Minister.

In a statement, Ramani said she was “ready” to fight

the allegations against her.

She added that she was “deeply disappointed” that “rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment.”

Apart from the case against Ramani, Akbar has threatened to also sue the other women who have spoken out against him.

The Minister is the most high-profile figure to be named in India’s #MeToo movement. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesdAY, october 16, 2018

ARCHIE

Put your head down, push forward and don’t stop until (March 21- you are satisfied with the reApril 19) sults you get. Your drive and determination will ward off criticism.

ARIES

Take control and do your TAURUS own thing. The ideas you (April 20- have and the changes you May 20) make will be well-received.

A partnership will help raise your profile and your success rate.

dilbert

Jealousy will not help you GEMINI (May 21- get ahead, but hard work, June 20) dedication and a positive attitude will. Don’t stop until you have accomplished what you set out to do.

You’ll be able to initiate a change that will bring you (June 21- closer to people you want to July 22) work alongside or those you love and want to spend more time with.

CANCER

Peanuts

Listen to complaints and LEO do what you can to keep the (July 23- peace, but don’t give in to anyAug. 22) one using emotional tactics to throw you off track. Your reputation will be at risk.

Calvin and Hobbes

Someone will offer you a VIRGO different perspective that will (Aug. 23help you see the possibilities Sept. 22) that are within reach. If you share in the conversation, a unique partnership will develop.

Make the most of your LIBRA (Sept. 23- day. Don’t wait for others to Oct. 23) take charge when you should be applying your skills and putting forth the effort to turn your ideas into reality.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — PHOSPHORUS (PHOSPHORUS: FOS-for-us: A highly reactive, poisonous non-metallic element.)

SUDOKU

Help yourself before you SAGITTARIUS help others or you will end up (Nov. 23- getting taken advantage of by Dec. 21) someone eager to hand you responsibilities that he or she doesn’t want.

Average mark 16 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 23 or more words in PHOSPHORUS? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — HUMANOID

hand hind hound human humid undo maid main mano mind

moan monad mound amid audio nomad odium damn danio domain

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

If you are resourceful and SCORPIO disciplined, rewards will be (Oct. 24forthcoming.

Refuse to give in Nov. 22) to pressure or stress caused by someone acting aggressively or indulgently.

solution for last published puzzle

Look for an opening to CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- present and promote what Jan. 19) you have to offer. An unusual deal will turn out to be prosperous if you add your own unique touch.

Take care of personal mat-

AQUARIUS ters, pending settlements, con(Jan. 20- tracts or anything else that can Feb. 19) affect your financial standing.

Protect against loss, minor injury and excessive or inappropriate behaviour.

The changes you make PISCES (Feb. 20- will take others by surprise. A March 20) chance to use your skills in a unique way will open doors to new beginnings. Love and romance are on the rise.

mondAY, october 16, 2018

V-Net supports Wakenaam’s Zeelandia Cricket Team V

N e t Communications have partnered with Canada-based realtor Wazeer Dahar to donate 20 coloured outfits to the Zeelandia Cricket Team of the island of Wakenaam.

The donation was made

by Safraz Sheriffudeen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the satellite company located on Delph Street, Campbellville.

Sheriffudeen disclosed that the donation is part of the company’s continued efforts to play a greater role in social development of communities, and by default individuals.

This is not the first time the entity has supported a sporting cause, since they have sponsored cricket tournaments on the island of Wakenam, and assisted their brand ambassador, Windies all-rounder Keemo Paul, with giving

back to Saxacalli.

More so, Dahar, who is a former member of the club, explained that he was elated to partner with V-Net Communications, given their emphasis towards development of youths.

Ricardo Adams, currently playing for the Guyana Jaguars in the regional Super50, is a product of the club, which has over 60 years of heritage.

Club captain Navishaul Pooran was quite appreciative of the gesture, which according to him will be extremely useful to the young members of the club, who number approximately 80 active members.

Meanwhile, Essequibo Franchise captain Antony Adams was on Monday rewarded with a new gear bag for his stellar work. He led the franchise to both the Three-Day and 50-Over league titles in two years.

Anthony Adams receives his new gear bag from Safraz Sheriffudeen

Sterling scores twice as England stun Spain E ngland won in Spain for the first time in 31 years as they recorded a memorable UEFA Nations League win over Spain in Seville.

Gareth Southgate’s side were 3-0 up after a sensational first half, Raheem Sterling ending a threeyear and 27-game barren sequence with a thunderous early opener and he was on the mark from close range for the third before the interval, with a composed strike from Marcus Rashford sandwiched in between.

Spain, torn apart by England’s pace in those opening 45 minutes, responded in predictable fashion in a chaotic second period as Paco Alcacer pulled a goal back just before the hour with a near-post header.

England lived on their nerves, particularly goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, whose exceptional ability with the ball at his feet helped create their first two goals but was also

Raheem Sterling scores his second, and England’s third, goal in front of a disbelieving crowd in Seville

lucky to survive a penalty appeal when he seemed to bring down Rodrigo after attempting to be too clever in his own area.

Spain hit the woodwork and Sergio Ramos scored with the final act of the game in the 97th minute - but England survived to secure a famous and deserved victory, their first here since a 4-2 win in 1987 and in a country that has rarely tasted defeat on its own turf.

This was their first loss at home in a competitive fixture since 2003.

19

Entrepreneur Subu Kota donates US$1M to promote Blind Cricket globally

B

oston, Mass., entrepreneur Subu Kota, founder and CEO of the Boston Group USA, announced he is donating US$1 million to the India-based Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled to support cricket for the blind worldwide.

The Indian American entrepreneur made the announcement about the donation to the Samarthanam Trust during a celebration of the 50th anniversary of his arrival to the United States last month, an October 5 press release said.

“I fell in love with Samarthanam, their mission and their commitment to help the disabled, especially the blind. I want to promote cricket for the blind worldwide,” Kota, who has been a supporter of the Samarthanam Trust for several years, said in a statement.

“I go to India three to four times every year and I visit Samarthanam Trust. I have become a big fan of World Cup Cricket for the Blind since it was first held in Bangalore in 2012, and now I want to spread it across the United States and worldwide,” he said.

The mission of Samarthanam is to empower visually impaired, disabled and underprivileged people through developmental initiatives focusing on educational, social, economic, cultural and technological aspects.

Samarthanam envisions touching at least 100,000 lives by 2020, providing comprehensive solutions to the disabled and underserved communities, the release said.

The Samarthanam Trust has been providing educa-

Boston, Massachusetts-based entrepreneur Subu Kota has donated US$1 million to the Samarthanam Trust to promote cricket for the blind, globally

tion, livelihood facilities, infrastructure, technology and a plethora of other needbased support to the disabled and underprivileged.

The trust’s goal is to ensure that sufficient opportunities reach each and every person both in academics and sports, it added.

“Giving to great causes does not help monetarily, but it takes care of peace of mind.

The nature of helping and taking care of the things and people I care about is part of my life’s journey,” Kota noted. “Giving gives me enormous joy and builds my confidence levels.”

Kota is a serial entrepreneur with more than 40 years of broad experience ranging from IT consulting, e-Learning services and pharmaceuticals research and manufacturing. He has also been involved in start-ups in various sectors. Kota is charter member of TiE Boston and has served as chairman of the board of trustees of the India Society of Worcester.

(IndiaWest)

BV/Triumph 8th of May Friendly Football...

BV, Mahaicony battle to stalemate

M

ahaicony seniors braved the busy roadways as they traversed miles in an effort to avenge their semi-final expulsion in the 2018 BV/Triumph Emancipation Cohesion Football league.

Their hopes of success were, however, quickly dashed when promising youth player Omari Glasgow found the back of the net against Mahaicony in the 40th minute.

That goal seemingly left Mahaicony in a state of bewilderment, and the sizable crowd were left in apparent state of amazement, as BV's youthful

Deshane Garnett (left) and Omari Glasgow

seniors exhibited great prowess.

Nevertheless, Mahaicony's efforts did not flag, although they noticeably fought feverish-

ly to equalise. They were able to accomplish that feat in the 80th minute, when Mahaicony's striker Leroy Halley right booted a bomber into goal.

With ten minutes remaining, a draw appeared inevitable. However, in the final minute of the match, BV striker Deshane Garnett burned a hole in the goal net to send the sizeable mass of BV supporters into a frenzy. Their celebration was short-lived, as the referee disallowed the goal based on an observable infringement.

On continuation, the remaining seconds quickly ticked away, to usher in the referee’s whistle at end of play, and to register the friendly engagement match between BV and Mahaicony seniors 1-1.

20 Competition heats up in Pee Wee tournament I

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesdAY, october 16, 2018

t was a day of upsets and twists as the Pee Wee Under -11 football action continued.

The day’s 16-match schedule featured players showing off the best of their skills to lead their teams to victory.

In the first encounter of the day, Jerimiah Parks led Colaaco to their second win

after hitting a much needed penalty on target against F.E. Pollard Primary.

Their matchup was followed by a heated encounter between Mocha Arcadia and Tucville Primary, who were battling for the top spot in Group ‘D’. Mocha, underdogs of the day, hindered the usually powerful Tucville team from equalising. Emanuel Tinch’s one was not enough to match Mathew Murray’s two, which saw the encounter ending 2-1 in Mocha’s favour.

Another Group ‘D’ encounter saw Den Amstel

and J.E. Burnham each receiving a chance to collect some points after suffering losses to the two more aggressive teams in the group.

Sahle Butts was the golden boy for J.E. Burnham, scoring two goals, trumping Keshawn Humphrey’s one for Den Amstel.

St. Pius continued in fine form, this time overcom-

ing Victoria 5-1. Chance Niles’s hat-trick and two from Kaden Wellington made up St. Pius’s tally, as Victoria could one reply with one. This means that St. Pius will continue to hold their place at the top of Group ‘C’.

Marian Academy was a team to watch, as they played an impressive defensive game to ensure that their lone goal from Louis Da Silva was enough to win them the encounter against Smiths Memorial.

Timehri Primary was also in the winning circle with a similar 1-0 win over

Sophia. Their lone goal came off the boots of Jason Williams.

North Georgetown Primary cemented their spot at the top of Group ‘H’ after a 2-1 victory over Soesdyke. Their success can be attributed to Cristino Rodiou and Martha Chance, who scored one goal each.

Plaisance was another team which continued in their victorious habits, as they defeated Clonbrook 2-0 owing to goals from Jerimiah Marks and Ezra Clarks.

Try as they might, Beterverwagting were no match for Golden Grove.

With one goal from Jaden Harris, it was not enough to measure up to Golden Grove’s four in the form of Troy Andrews’s one and Bryan Wharton’s hat trick.

Mae’s Primary proved to be strong contenders after another massive win. This time they registered a 4-0 win against Ann’s Grove.

Mike Holder’s double and one a piece from Gamaliel Phillips and Davill Charles contributed to Mae’s tally.

Continuing on a winning streak, St. Agnes shaved past St. Ambrose with a 1-0 win. Their lone goal this week came from consistent striker Justin Alcindor.

A nil-all draw saw St Margaret’s sharing points with Goed Fortuin, while Enterprise were awarded a walkover in their encounter against Redeemer.

Also in walkovers, the reigning champions enjoyed a walkover against St Stephen’s, South Ruimveldt got a walkover against Grove, and La Parfait Harmonie also got a walkover when Craig Primary failed to show.

"Get the chequebook out!" ...Mayweather responds to Nurmagomedov

Floyd Mayweather (left) and Conor McGregor met in one of the richest bouts in boxing history

B

oxer Floyd Mayweather could be open to a bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov after responding to the UFC fighter's challenge by saying: "Get the chequebook out!"

On Sunday the 30-yearold Russian called out American Mayweather, who is also undefeated, adding: "In the jungle there is only one king."

Mayweather, 41, beat Conor McGregor in a boxing bout in August 2017.

The Irishman's return to UFC ended in defeat

by Nurmagomedov on 6 October.

That extended Nurmagomedov's unbeaten mixed martial arts record to 27-0.

Former five-weight world champion Mayweather, who

is unbeaten in 50 fights, said on Twitter: "CBS, Showtime and MGM Grand get the chequebook out!"

It came after Nurmagomedov, in an Instagram video filmed with Leonard Ellerbe, the chief executive of Mayweather Promotions, said: "Let's go, Floyd, we have to fight now, "50-0 v 27-0 - two guys who never lose. Why not?"

0-Nurmagomedov, renowned for his wrestling skills, caught McGregor with a punch before winning their contest with a choke as he forced his opponent to tap out.

Mayweather stopped McGregor in the 10th round in their fight, one of the richest bouts in boxing history.

"Of course I am the king because he could

not drop McGregor and I dropped him easily," added Nurmagomedov, who retained his UFC lightweight title against McGregor.

Mayweather, who has not fought since the McGregor bout, has said he will come out of retirement to fight Manny Pacquiao in a rematch later this year.

Nurmagomedov and McGregor have both been temporarily suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission pending a full investigation into the scenes that marred the end of their fight in Las Vegas.

Following his victory, Nurmagomedov jumped the octagon fence and started fighting his rival's team.

McGregor then fought with the Russian's camp as numerous brawls broke out.

(BBC Sport)

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21

sports

Survival Group of Companies continues to show its support

T

he Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) having been officially launched, Survival Group of Companies continues to pledge its support for this association with sponsorship of a tournament, slated to be played under floodlights from October 26 to 28 in Georgetown and on the East Coast of Demerara.

Deemed as one of the biggest softball tournaments in the world, this tourney will be bigger than the Orlando Cup, the Fort Lauderhill Cup, the New York Cup and the Canadian Cup. Over the span of the tournament, the sponsors have been integral in making the tournament the good one that it is; and this has continued to attract the support of the Survival Group of Companies, which have been supporters of this tournament for the last seven years, and have promised to be there in the future.

Manager of Survival Travel Agency, Mark De Freitas, has said, “The Survival Group of Companies has been a continuous supporter of the GFSCA and the Guyana Softball Cup for the last seven years, and we are

Mark De Freitas (second left) poses with Dharam Persaud as Survival Group of Companies continues to identify itself with the GFSCA

proud that we have made the right decision to support the Softball Cup to this level, and that it has been getting bigger and better every year.”

De Freitas has also promised that, as per norm in every tournament, Survival Group of Companies will be giving out prizes in the form of gate prizes, which will in-

clude five hampers to five lucky winners and a trip for three couples to local destinations such as Kaieteur Falls and Orinduik Falls.

GFSCA Member Dharam Persaud, who was present at the briefing, said, “We, the GFSCA, are very pleased to have Survival once again with us. This is our eighth

edition, and they have been with us from the inception.

And we are indeed pleased to have them with us on board again”.

De Freitas has promised that, as long as the tournament continues, Survival will continue to sponsor this tournament in bigger and better ways. (Timothy Jaikarran)

Ex-Sri Lanka captain faces corruption charges S anath Jayasuriya was the player of the tournament when Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996 Ex-Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been charged by the International Cricket Council with two breaches of its anti-corruption code.

The 49-year-old former all-rounder is accused of failing to co-operate with an investigation by the governing body.

He is also charged with obstructing the investigation by “concealing, tampering with or destroying evidence”.

Jayasuriya, a former chair of the Sri Lanka selectors’ committee, is regarded as one of the greatest oneday players.

He has 14 days to respond to the charges.

According to the BBC Sinhala service, the charges against Jayasuriya pertained to him refusing to hand over his mobile phone to ICC authorities for “personal reasons”.

Earlier this month, Alex Marshall, general manager of the ICC anti-corruption unit, announced an investigation into “serious allegations of corruption” in Sri Lanka.

Sanath Jayasuriya

BBC Sinhala understands Jayasuriya was chairman of selectors during the period under investigation Jayasuriya was player of the tournament as Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996 and he scored 21 centu-

ries and took 323 wickets in 445 one-day internationals.

He also averaged 40.07 runs in 110 Test matches.

The former government minister retired from international cricket in 2011, but continued playing Twenty20 matches until 2012. (BBC Sport)

Windies go after improvement in ODIs and T20Is

W

indies Men will be looking for improved performances on their current tour of India. Obed McCoy, Nicholas Pooran and Kieran Powell will join the squad, now in India, for places in the ODI and T20I squads.

Powell and Pooran have been asked to replace Evin Lewis in the ODI and T20I squads; while McCoy will replace Alzarri Joseph, who remains under observation for his return to full fitness.

Lewis has withdrawn from the ODI squad for personal reasons.

The 5-match ODI series will begin on Sunday, October 21 in Guwahti.

Full ODI Squad: Jason Holder (Captain), Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Obed McCoy, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels and Oshane Thomas Full T20I Squad: Carlos Brathwaite (Captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Obed McCoy, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Khary Pierre, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford and Oshane Thomas

The ODI & T20I schedule for the tour of India is: 1st ODI - October 21 2nd ODI - October 24 3rd ODI - October 27 4th ODI - October 29

5th ODI - November 1 1st T20I - November 4 2nd T20I - November 6 3rd T20I - November 11

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesdAY, october 16, 2018

MGSS demolish All Youth SC T

he West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) President’s Cup 50 Overs tournament resumed over the weekend with a heated matchup that saw Mc Gill Super Stars SC (MGSS) take on All Youths SC at the Canal #2 SC Ground.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Mc Gill started their innings with Travis and Sudesh Persaud. Travis Persaud was first to go, falling for 12 off 20 balls (2×4) in the 8th over, when the score was at 35. He fell to first change medium fast bowler Amir Imran as he attempted hooking a delivery that lacked pace and ended up being caught.

Sudesh Persaud fell in the 15th over, being bowled

by Budhan Baksh for 22 off 42 balls (3×4), when the score

Abdool Razack

was at 60.

Shafiek Deen and Abdool Razack then took the score to 114, whereupon Deen was bowled by Anthony Carrington for 20 off 31 balls (3×4) in the

23rd over.

Razack then brought up his half-century with a six over long on, but fell very next ball for 54 off 60 balls (5×4) (1×6).

Mc Gill continued to lose quick wickets, and eventually lost their last 6 wickets for 30 runs, with Azar Deen (13*) being the only batsmen in the lower order to reach double figures. MGSS were bowled out for 183.

With 184 needed for victory, All Youths SC looked set to demolish this small total, except that MGSS had other plans. MGSS got off to a good start when their left-arm seamer sent Budhan Baksh packing for a duck with an aggressive short ball in the first over. He was caught at square leg.

D Basdeo

Razack then spun webs around the All Youth Sports Club batsmen, none of them could get him off the square.

He received support from Shafiek Deen and Travis

Persaud, who both bowled with impeccable precision on a slow turner, creating pressure aplenty for the All Youth Sports Club.

Razack then ripped through their top order, having Sanjay Persaud caught at cover by a stunner from Prahalad Singh for 5 off 15 balls, and leaving them reeling.

Deen then bowled Randy Ramroop and Colwyn Benn for 11 and 12 respectively, leaving All Youth on 25-4. Razack then caught Ganesh Persaud lbw for 10, bowled Jadesh Persaud for a duck, and had Anthony Carrington caught at slip for a duck as well.

All Youths managed to drag themselves to 45-7 in 20 overs, when the first water break was taken. Travis Whyte and

Navindra Persaud then added 60 for the 8th wicket partnership, before left-arm seamer Basdeo returned to have Whyte caught for 37 off 55 balls (3×6) (1×4) and Navindra Persaud bowled the next ball for 10 off 30 balls.

Basdeo then had the last bastman, Amir Imran, caught at backward point by Travis Persaud for zero, as he finished with 4 for 7 in his 6.4 over spell.

Razack’s impressive spell of 9 overs, 5 maidens, 6 runs for 4 wickets was the highlight of Mc Gill's bowling efforts.

Matches are scheduled to continue this weekend.

Eagles fly away with Kobras – Sonics extend losing streak

O

n Sunday at the Burnham Hard Court, the Eagles took on the Kobras in the U23 division, while Pepsi Sonics battled the Ravens in the first division category, as the Rainforest Water/ Malta Supreme/ Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) league continued.

In the first match of the evening, although the Kobras kept a keen and watchful eye on the Eagles, they couldn’t strike early enough, and the Eagles flew away with the win 68-56.

The matchup was very close, with the Eagles taking the first quarter 16-15 but losing the second quarter 13-12 as the Kobras struck their retaliatory blow. The Eagles, however, swept the third round 23-6, in process showing their superiority over the opposition team.

And even though the Kobras again retaliated by winning the fourth quarter 22-17, their margin of deficit was 12 points.

Leadng the scoring for the Eagles was Captain Shamar Huntly, who ended the night on 23 points and

with support from Sherland Gillis (8). Kobras’ James Lakhan (14) and Amoniki John each scored 11 points in a losing effort.

In the second match of the night, the Sonics were aiming to register a win to arrest their current losing streak, but Lady Luck had again abandoned them, and their losing streak was extended with a 43-56 loss.

Having made some sloppy passes, the Sonics were outplayed and weren’t able to convert their shots, the Ravens being too good for them.

Top scoring for the Sonics was captain Jason Squires,

Part of the ongoing action

who, with 17 points, was the only player to make it into double figures for the Sonics.

Even though Tyron

Hamid led the Ravens with 19 points and Dominic Vincente supported him with 10 points, the Ravens

were able to outscore the Sonics because they played as a unit. (Timothy Jaikarran)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesdAY, october 16, 2018

Old Fort edge out Bingo Spartans for U-21 Championship

I

n the concluding match of the Guyana Hockey Board’s (GHB’s) Junior National Indoor Hockey Championships, on Sunday evening at the National Gymnasium, Old Fort Gold Chasers managed to edge past the dominant GCC Bingo Spartans to cop the Under-21 female title.

However, the ladies from the GCC Bingo Spartans team had other reasons to celebrate, as did the Under-21 GCC Pitbulls and the Under-16 Joseph Stars.

The five-day championships, which saw competition in the Under-10, Under-13, Under-16 and Under-21 divisions, also saw the GCC Thunder emerging as the most dominant children’s team in the Under-10 division, wherein they copped the title. Their category was played in a round-robin format, which saw them coming out victorious after accumu-

lating the most points.

Meanwhile, the Saints Scalpels led the charge in the Under-13 Mixed division. Scalpels’ final encounter saw them defeating Saints

Scorchers 3-2 for the championship.

This led the way for the semifinal and finals of the fiercely contested Under-16 and Under-21 divisions on

Sunday.

The male Under-16 division was championed by Joseph Stars, who again defeated Saints in a close encounter. Both teams were tied

2-2 at the half, but Joseph’s Warren Williams broke the lock and carried his team to victory three goals to two.

The fortunes were read correctly in the Girls’ Under-16 division, as the Bingo Spartans played to an unbeaten championship.

In the semi, Spartans made light work of the GCC Herricanes with a 4-0 win to book their final spot.

They were met in the final by the Saints, who cruised to a penalty shootout win over Joseph Stars 2-0.

Spartans played their usual attacking game in the final, with star players Abosaide Cadogan and Sarah Klautky netting one each for the 2-0 win over Saints.

Little did they know their celebrations would be halted later in the evening by the Old Fort Gold Chasers.

With confidence on their side, Bingo Spartans repeated their Under-16 semifinal

23

feat with a 2-0 victory over Her-ricanes, whilst Old Fort blazed past Saints 3-1.

In a match that was sure to go the Bingo Spartans’ way, the usually aggressive team was quieted by Old Fort’s superb defence, which restricted the Bingo Spartans from scoring. Old Fort, on the other hand, copped an early goal from Carolyn Deane, and held on to their lead even in the midst of the Bingo Spartans’ scoring tactics. The match eventually ended 1-0 in Old Fort Gold Chasers’ favour.

The most entertaining final match of the night had to be given to Pitbulls’ and Old Fort’s encounter in the Male Under-21 category. The highly intense match ended in a 3-3 draw, plunging the game into penalties, much to the delight of the spectators. In the shootout, Pitbulls proved to be the better team, scoring 2-1 for the championship.

Coach suspended, Top performers boxer fined, after ‘Young rewarded Guns - The Proving Ground’ blunder T Bakewell Juniors Open Championships…

The successful players display their prizes

F

ollowing weeks of intense competition, the winners in the 5th annual Bakewell Juniors Open Championships were rewarded for their hard work.

At a simple presentation ceremony held at the National Racquet Centre at Camp Road and Woolford Avenue, the successful players were treated to some more good news.

The tournament, usually sponsored by Bakewell in memory of it late CEO Naeem Nasir, who had been an avid supporter of the sport, had three categories: U-12, U-14 and U-18.

Catergory U12

U14

U18

Coaches

As such Menikshi Jaikisson and Paula Kalekyezi were rewarded as the top two players in the Girls Under-12 category, while Ricky Romascindo and Hayden Mentore were recognized as the top two Under-12 males.

For the Under-14 category, Akila Jones and Saskia Persaud were the first and second females, whilst Nigel Lowe and Vadeanand Resaul were the top males.

Kalyca Fraser and Afruica Gentle ended as the best in the Under-18 females whilst Viraj Sharma and Heimraj Resaul championed the Under-18 males.

Player-Boy

Hayden Mentore Ricky Romascindo Vadeanand Resaul Jeremiah Kalekyezi Heimraj Resaul Viraj Sharma

Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan Orande Dainty

Player-Girl

The athletes will have the opportunity to take their competitiveness to the next level when they represent Guyana at the Cup of Guianas tournament, which is scheduled for October 24-29, 2018 in Suriname.

The tournament will feature players in the same three categories: U-12, U-14 and U-18, and will comprise 12 players. Guyana is currently the reigning champion in the tournament.

The defending champions are expected to depart Guyana on October 24, and will be Suriname-bound to defend their title.

Rashida Hardy Menikshi Jaikisson Saskia Akilah Jones Nandanee Ramdyhan Afruica Gentle Kalyca Fraser

he Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) has shockingly moved to institute disciplinary measures against Guyanese boxer Derick Richmond and his coach Orin Rogers, with the coach receiving a heavier sanction.

This has come about after GBBC officials had deliberated on a bout featuring Guyanese Derick Richmond and Barbadian Keithland King at the inaugural hosting of ‘Young Guns -- The Proving Ground’ tournament.

Hosted on September 22 last, the bout saw the Barbadian boxer predicting that he would knock out the Guyanese by the second round of six; and although his predictions didn’t exactly come true, they were close, given that King won by technical knockout (TKO) after the second round had finished.

B u t Richmond’s loss was not just a matter of chance. The complications surrounding his participation were known to both boxers, and yet the Guyanese, on the urging of his trainer, had agreed to take the fight.

Richmond is being fined $30,000 for breaching the agreement to deliver the contracted services at the specified weight, and for his actions which culminated in

his inability to compete beyond the second round, a statement from the GBBC outlined.

Coach Rogers has had his licence suspended for a period of three months (90 days) because of: a defective scale being used to produce an erroneous weight, which was publicly confirmed at the official weigh in; and his negligent approach as a coach, and his failure to properly acquit his responsibilities as a Professional Boxing Coach, the GBBC has stated.

The saga began at the weigh in on September 21st,

Derick Richmond

where Richmond was pounds over the weight class. Having to compete in the middleweight 160 pound class, Keithland King weighed in at 159 pounds while the Guyanese weighed in at 174 pounds.

Fast forward to the bout at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Richmond was visibly unable to keep up with King’s growing pace, which resulted in him taking blow after blow from the Barbadian. The second round was no better for the Guyanese, as King heightened his movement and accuracy.

The spectators were of the belief that they would be treated to another round, but word soon came from the referee that the bout would not be continued, and King was awarded a TKO win.

Following his win, King had expressed dissatisfaction with Richmond being overweight for the class.

“I mean, this guy that I just fought, I wish that he was 160 (pounds).

Fifteen pounds is a lot, and it’s very disrespectful to the sport. As a professional boxer, coming into the round with 15 pounds (over the weight limit) is total disrespect to your opponent, yourself and your country,” the Barbadian had stated.

TUESdAY, october 16, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

V-Net supports Wakenaam’s Zeelandia Cricket Team Page 19

Safraz Sheriffudeen (centre) handing over the donation to representatives of the club

Competition heats up in Pee Wee tournament Page 20

Windies go after improvement in ODIs and T20Is

Page 21

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