Guyana Times October 17,2018

Maternal deaths P4 prevention campaign taken to Berbice

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

Issue No. 3718

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Coalition Govt responsible for hikes in Berbice Bridge tolls – PPP (See stories on pages 3, 10)

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

GECOM Chairman challenge

President not above the law – Nandlall tells Appeal P14 Court

…did not follow financial model that guaranteed minimal increases

…Govt opposed increase …shareholders call for Govt buyout ...as NIS seeks to protect investment

Armed bandits beat, rob Chinese restaurant owner Oil and gas sector GHRA blames No ‘special favours’ to be granted to Judiciary, prison foreign companies service for prison riot – Dr Bynoe Page 5

Berbice man found dead P12 after dousing wife, children with gasoline

Amerindians call on Govt, Judiciary to prioritise land case P13

Page 9

Page 11

Prison break

Officials confirm 8 injured during Lusignan Prison riot …disciplinary action for “sleeping” guards Page 9 ...hunt on for 3 escapees

CID ranks benefit from forensic P5 science training

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

Wednesday, October 17 – 11:30h-13:00h and Thursday, October 18 – 13:00h-14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, October 17 – 10:30h-12:00h and Thursday, October 18 – 12:00h-13:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny weather can be expected throughout the day, while clear skies are expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 10:21h and 22:47h reaching maximum heights of 2.03 metres and 2.06 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:40h and 16:14h reaching minimum heights of 1.08 metres and 1.24 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS 03

05 10

12 13 26

FREE TICKET

24 Bonus Ball

tuesDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018 DAILY MILLIONS

07 08

11 13 16

LUCKY 3

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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PAY DAY

01 02 06 11 15

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– increases to go into effect from November 12 …shareholders call for Govt buyout …as NIS seeks to protect investment

By Jarryl Bryan

FERRY SCHEDULE

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Toll hike for Berbice Bridge as Govt talks hit roadblock

12 SUPER PAY DAY

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

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ew tolls will be implemented for the usage of the Berbice River Bridge, after the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) hit a roadblock in its talks with the Government for increases in keeping with its agreement.

This was announced by BBCI Chairman, Dr Surendra Persaud, during a press conference on Tuesday. According to Persaud, the company was formally informed by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson that Government would not agree to requests for an increase.

“The Minister instead proposed that the Government undertake the responsibility only for servicing the bridge pontoons and offered to arrange a meeting with the Minister of Finance for further consultations on the matter,” Persaud, who is also the Chairman of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), said.

“Please note, however, that these options are outside the contractual agreement that exist within the contractual agreement and thus would be a breach… The construction of the Berbice Bridge would not have been possible without a partnership between the Government and Private Sector. In that partnership, the Private Sector invested approximately $9 billion.”

Persaud revealed that maintaining the pontoons is only a small part of the operational cost. He added that the Minister’s offer would be of “little” help. As a consequence, and following legal advice being tendered, increases will be applied to all classes of vehicles.

Cars and minibuses will now be charged $8040; pickups, small trucks and fourwheel drive vehicles, $14,600; medium trucks, $27,720; large trucks, $49,600; Art trucks, $116,680; freight, $1680 and boats passing through the river will be charged $401,040.

These increases go into effect from November 12, a date Persaud stressed was advised by their legal team from Cameron and Shepherd. The BBCI Chairman also made it clear that the increases were compounded by the inaction on the issue.

“There appears to be a fallacy that the required adjustment would benefit the shareholder. This is not the case.

Any excess revenue, as detailed in the tolling policy, is applied to an adjustment in the following year.”

“Since no adjustments were ever made, no surplus has been earned, resulting in the adjustments to the toll being compounded. There is a contract. There is an established formula within the contract.”

Persaud also noted that Government can subsidise the costs of the increases. He pointed out that this is implemented around the world and that Government has a track record of such decisions.

NIS investment

The majority voting rights on the BBCI board of directors is controlled by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). A

BBCI Chairman, Dr Surendra Persaud

source close to the entity on Tuesday told this publication that the NIS through its chairman, Dr Surendra Persaud, was forced to push for the increase in tolls in order to protect its investment. The source noted that rightly so, Dr Persaud duly complied.

Shareholders non-support for increases

Meanwhile, this publication reached out to other shareholders with ordinary shareholders several of whom stated that they did not support the magnitude of the increase being proposed, adding that such increases will cause severe economic hardship to commuters.

One of the shareholders told Guyana Times that the it however recognises that the Berbice Bridge is in serious financial jeopardy given that debts have reached maturity and few options are available to stave off bankruptcy.

“The Government should to sit down with the bridge company and work out the appropriate subsidy with due reference to the financial model and or the Concession Agreement.

This is necessary as a result of Government’s refusal to allow incremental increases, or in other words, refusing to honour its contractual obligations as per the Concession Agreement,” the shareholder said.

Another noted that if an agreement cannot be reached, them it is recommended that the Government buy back the bridge and compensate investors in keeping with the financial model and other investment documents.

“Once the Government executes a buyback it will be able to lower tolls. If this is approached properly Government might still be able to preserve public private partnerships in Guyana,” the shareholder stated.

It added that the investors assumed significant risk to build the bridge. While the Bridge has been de-risked for several years, following its successful opening, the ordinary shareholders are yet to receive a single cent in dividends.

“We recognise the efforts of the directors of the bridge company who has a fiduciary duty to preserve the financial integrity of the company in the context of the dire circumstances the company must be facing at this time. We also empathises with commuters who are caught in the middle,” a representative of a shareholder told Guyana Times.

Policy

According to the toll policy, the increase is calculated based on “the level of traffic on and under the bridge for the two previous financial years.”

The policy states that, “it takes consideration of the toll levels at the start of operations, any provisional toll level applied during the year and the toll level at start of operations adjusted for inflation.”

The new toll structure

The policy goes on to note that the toll level is adjusted by the use of the consumer price index of the most recent period and two years prior to that. The second part of the formula, it added, computes a provisional toll level to be used until near the end of the financial year.

“The company’s contractual and non-contractual cash flow requirements are taken into account. These include cash requirements for servicing of debts, routine operations and maintenance, periodic servicing, trustees fees and dividends to shareholders.”

“Any excess cash generated by the provincial tolls applied during the year, is used to reduce the cash flow requirement for the next year and therefore the final toll level required,” the policy adds.

The ownership structure of BBCI is made up of ordinary share capital of $400 million owned by private investors and preference shares of $950 million owned by NIS. The bridge, which was built under the previous Government at a cost of approximately US$40 million, was supposed to generate enough revenue to cover operational and maintenance costs while providing a return on the Public/Private Partnership investments.

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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

Prison riots T

he situation within Guyana’s prison system appears to be getting from bad to worse despite the assurances given by top security and ministerial officials that more will be done to make the country safer and more secure by improving the quality of law enforcement and beefing up the conditions and security of various penitentiaries across the country.

On Monday, Guyanese were informed that three more men managed to escape from the Lusignan Prison by scaling a fence there. Officials again assured the public that the men would be caught and the prison officers had everything under control.

Later that same day, prisoners began a riot in protest over the reportedly “inhumane” conditions that they are forced to endure at the Lusignan Prison. This newspaper, like other sections of the media, was told that the rioters also cited the type and quality of food being offered to the prisoners. Chaos broke out, and the prison officers went into “riot mode” using pellets, tear gas, and other methods to calm the prisoners and restore order.

Both Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and the acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels visited the scene of the unrest. It was also reported that the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James is working along with the Prison Service to resolve some of the problems there.

Over the next few days, the executive will no doubt attempt to give a plausible explanation for what took place at Lusignan. Guyanese can expect the same type of tone and rhetoric from officials within the prison system akin to what was said after the Camp Street Prison fire and unrest, which left 17 dead and over 20 injured.

It is most unfortunate that there have been little or no real improvements in the Prison Service despite the assurances given from all sides that more would be done. It is even more unfortunate that the Lusignan unrest occurred on the same day when there was a security breach and the escape of prisoners. What is also appalling is the fact that a Commission of Inquiry was established by the executive following the 2017 events, but half of the recommendations contained in the final report remain unimplemented, according to well-placed sources.

Also the smuggling of contraband, narcotics and other illegal items into the prisons has not declined, but has taken on a shameful if not shocking story line of its own with prison officers themselves being discovered with the booty or facilitating the trafficking of these items.

If Minister Ramjattan is interested in his tenure and the reputation of the Government, he should also consider transferring top prison officials and perhaps even asking for the resignation of the current head of the establishment to allow for the appointment of newer and more independent leadership.

A robust civil society effort must be led which will see stakeholders from all sides of the divide conducting more routine searches and raids of the prison facilities.

Government must also look at the integrity of the officers serving within the prison system and the relationships that exist between wardens and hardened criminals. Both parties must be read the riot act, and special emphasis must be placed on shaking up the establishment in order to make way for Government, Police and intelligence informants to enter the system and work as undercover agents or double agents in order to understand how the smuggling of contraband takes place.

If any other disaster breaks out, Minister Ramjattan may find it necessary to tender his own resignation.

Integrity would demand it, because it would appear that he is unable to grasp the importance of his portfolio and the fact that he will be judged by the number of policy initiatives that would have been successfully piloted and implemented within the Prison Service which in turn lead to measurable benefits and reform.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) should retable the spate of reforms, which was presented by PPP/C parliamentarian Clement Rohee when he served as Home Affairs Minister, only to be rejected by this very same Administration utilising its one-seat majority while in opposition.

American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Guyana executives on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on Commissioner of Police Leslie James to discuss the organisation’s goals and objectives. Both AMCHAM Guyana and the GPF agreed to continue further discussions with the aim of collaborating in future events that benefit both parties. In photo are (from left) AMCHAM’s Chairman, Zulfikar Ally; Director, Mariska Jordan and Vice President, Clairmont Cummings

Who disbanded the secretariat?

Dear Editor, A section of the media report on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, said the “Integrity Commission does not intend to pursue declaration of assets and liabilities from public officials which should have been made before 2018.” This report is very telling and forces you to question the integrity of the Integrity Commission.

This is not the first time the integrity of the Integrity Commission has come into question. In March this

year, when the Integrity Commission Chairman, Kumar Doraisami, was sworn in to his position, he said he was never interested in the position until, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo called him and then he decided to take up the offer. So what were Guyanese people supposed to think?

Now we read that there will be no declaration of assets of public officials for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Why is Doraisami not

pushing for the declaration of assets to be made to the Integrity Commission for those three years?

It seems as if Doraisami is making excuses for public officials, especially the coalition Government Ministers, when he talks about there not being an Integrity Commission Secretariat in place from 2015. But who disbanded the Secretariat? It was the coalition Government who fired all the people working at the Secretariat.

Even so, Doraisami has a responsibility to the Guyanese people. There is nothing preventing him from requesting that all public officials make their declarations to the Integrity Commission for 2015 straight through to 2018.

He has the power to do so.

If Doraisami fails to act, it would be an indictment on his own integrity.

Regards, Attiya Baksh

Maternal deaths prevention campaign taken to Berbice T

he Public Health Ministry has taken its countrywide training programme to Berbice, as efforts continue to eliminate maternal deaths caused by haemorrhage.

Zero maternal deaths by haemorrhage is an initiative of the Pan America Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), along with its Latin Centre for Perinatology, Women’s and Reproductive Health (CLAP/WR), to prevent maternal deaths by postpartum haemorrhage.

According to research conducted by the Public Health Ministry and PAHO, postpartum haemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death in Guyana. As a result of this, several training sessions have been executed

Some of the participants at the Public Health Ministry training

in Regions One, Three and Four.

The three-day session, which targeted midwives, doctors, gynaecologists and community health workers, began on Monday in the Regional Health Services boardroom, Region Six (East

Berbice-Corentyne).

PAHO’s representative, Ulex Fung is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying that the Organisation was satisfied with the collaboration between the Ministry and PAHO to implement the

training sessions.

Fung noted that the initiative also worked towards empowering women, so their rights and preferences are respected, and they are encouraged to seek timely qualified medical care. She emphasised that training for health-care professionals served to reduce the number of cases and ensure timely and effective treatment for cases that do occur.

The PAHO representative further highlighted that the participants would be introduced to an electronic system known as “Prenatal information system plus” used to store data belonging to patients.

The Public Health Ministry will be taking the programme to Regions Two and Seven soon.

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Armed bandits beat, rob Woman dies 1 month after Chinese restaurant owner setting husband on fire

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hree armed bandits beat and robbed a Corentyne, Berbice Chinese restaurant owner during a home invasion on Tuesday morning.

Reports are the men broke into a building where a Chinese restaurant is housed in the lower flat and confronted the owner, Su Zhi Yong, 45.

Guyana Times was told that about 02:45h, the three masked men gained access to the Lot 264 Bush Lot Village, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) building by breaking a window.

Su Zhi Yong, who operates Sue Mamoo Restaurant, told this publication that he was awakened by a loud crashing sound and noticed someone walking into his bedroom. According to him, men were already in the room by the time he jumped out of his bed.

The businessman said

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Sue Mamoo Chinese Restaurant

that the men all wore dark clothing and demanded money from him, but he held out that he did not have any money. He said that this angered the men who then began to ransack the room, but did not find any valuables.

According to the restaurant owner, one of the men held on to him while the other two took turns punching him and they continued their demands for money.

He said that he eventu-

ally pulled a box from under his bed and handed it over to the gunmen. He said that the men were also given an additional $20,000 from a relative who was also in the house. They then escaped via the same window by which they entered the premises.

The Police were called and arrived on the scene shortly after, but by then, the men had already escaped.

ne month after setting her West Ruimveldt, Georgetown home on fire, killing her 56-year-old husband Christopher Bramble in the process, the woman succumbed to her injuries earlier today.

Jewel Coates, 36, who suffered burns to her face, back and arms, was admitted a patient to the Burn Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital on September 10, 2018.

During her hospitalisation, Coates had suffered two heart attacks and was completely bedridden. It was previously reported that on the day in question, Coates locked herself and her husband inside their home before setting the house on fire.

However, she was rescued by public spirited persons who went to her as-

The now dead woman moments after being pulled from the fire

sistance. The house was completely destroyed and her husband's remains were later found among the debris. The now dead woman was described as “abusive”.

It was reported that smoke was seen emanating from the home and alert neighbours managed to res-

cue Coates from the building even as they summoned the Guyana Fire Service.

At that time, she was covered in blood and had told rescuers that her husband was not at home.

It was later that they realised the man was burnt to death.

CID ranks benefit from forensic Trainee cop, accomplice science training remanded for illegal gun

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Senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force pose with beneficiaries of the training programme on Monday

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anks of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) – crime scene investigators – within the Guyana Police Force benefited from a sixweek training programme at the Officers’ Training Centre in the field of photographic, fingerprint and crime scene investigation.

Forensic science is a field forever evolving and advancing and as such, new techniques and equipment are constantly being developed to assist the law enforcement officer with the challenges of the “every scene, every time” concept.

The first module (photography) catered for the creation of crime scene photography, with the personnel commonly referred to as a forensic photographer or an evidence photographer.

The second module (fingerprint) focused on creating fingerprint technicians, who are responsible for identifying, developing, collecting, preserving, and evaluating prints (fingerprint, palm prints and footprints) as part of a crime scene investigation and submitting fingerprints to be compared with the fingerprint data-

bases.

Finally, the third module (crime scene) centred on the reasons for most crime scene investigation failures and fixing one of the main issues of inadequate crime scene processing. Delivering the feature address was Deputy Commissioner (Law Enforcement) Lyndon Alves, who indicated that honesty should be first and corruption should never be etched on any rank’s mind.

The Crime Chief posited that every member of the public should be treated with respect, and equality and natural justice should always prevail. Training does not stop at this juncture but continues on the job, it was noted.

Alves mentioned that technology was now more important than ever, as “we must move away from the “big stick” method and rely on it.

All the participants were provided with vital information so that they can produce quality work in this department.

The programme highlighted the correct procedures to be followed in crime scene investigations and the

participants were taught how to analyse unforeseen situations that could come up on scenes, and how crimes could be solved in an intelligent way.

trainee Policeman attached to the Felix Austin Training Centre along with his accomplice, were hauled before the court on Monday after they were slapped with a gun related charge.

The trainee Cop, Mark Bobsemple; and Jason Augustine, a personal assistant, of Lot 95 Middle Road, East La Penitence, Georgetown, stood before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman and both denied the charge.

It is alleged that on October 12, 2018, at Croal Street, Georgetown, they had in their possession a black and silver 9mm pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence.

The Police are contending that on October 12, 2018, the defendants were in a motor vehicle which

Mocha resident to stand trial in High Court for rape

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orty-seven-yearold Jegede Hodge of Plantation Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, was on Tuesday committed to stand trial in the High Court for a rape committed on a then 14-year-old girl back in 2017.

Hodge appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday and was handed down the judgement

by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the form of a paper committal during the matter which was held in-camera.

Initially, he was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that between September 1 and 30, 2017, while at Plantation Mocha EBD, he engaged in sexual penetration with the child, who was under the age of consent.

The prosecution had contended that, on the day in question, the child was left in Hodge’s care.

However, Hodge was granted bail in the sum of $300,000 when he made his first court appearance. The matter was prosecuted by Inspector Shellon Daniels.

was driven by one of the accused when they were intercepted by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit.

A search was carried out and the illegal pistol was found concealed in a brown bag, which was hidden in the vehicle. The men were subsequently arrested.

When the matter was called in court, Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris objected to bail being granted on the grounds of the serious nature of the offence, the penalty the offence attracts and the prevalence of such offences.

The Magistrate upheld

the prosecution’s submission and the duo was remanded to prison. They are expected to make their next court appearance on November 12.

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By Susan A Miller, EdD

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our-year-old Joseph plumps up several soft pillows to create a comfy bed for his sick invisible dog, Grover. He tells his teacher, "When I read Grover a quiet bedtime story, it will make him feel better. Then, I will rub his back and sing him the 'Hush Little Baby' song.

He ate too much salad and his tummy hurts."

It is not at all uncommon for four-year-olds, like Joseph, to have imaginary companions. They find it very comforting to have conversations and share their feelings with and about their special friends. It is very satisfying to know that someone (imaginary friend, mommy, the teacher) is there to listen to them.

Coping through fantasy When the world seems just too overwhelming, preschoolers frequently turn to play and fantasy in order to slip into a comfort zone where they can be in control and have power. Although a number of preschoolers take comfort in relating to their "invisible" companions, many preschoolers prefer to hold stuffed animals and favourite toys to feel calm and soothe themselves or to manipulate plastic characters to feel secure and comfortable during stressful times.

Relying on rituals To soothe his sick doggy, Joseph relies on imitating rituals that are comforting to him, such as when Mommy rubs his back, sings to him, and reads him bedtime stories. This is why it is so im-

Foundation

portant for preschoolers to have special personal rituals to help them comfortably make transitions throughout the day, like blowing good-bye kisses to Dad at the window at school in the morning. Many four-year-olds still find it a comforting ritual to suck their thumbs or hug a security blanket at naptime.

Gaining control Unless they are very tired or hungry, most threeyear-olds are fairly relaxed.

However, older, noisier fouryear-olds sometimes need to be involved in activities designed to calm them down.

Symbolic activities where they are able to create meaningful order and gain control out of disorganisation, such as putting a puzzle together or sorting items into categories, can have a calming effect.

Some children become calmer as they squeeze and roll clay, pour water into bottles, or listen to quiet music on a headset. Others may relax by doing gross motor activities, like sliding or bouncing balls.

Creating a calm environment Jean Piaget and other educators have explained how preschoolers relate best through concrete, hands-on experiences and the use of their senses. Using cool, restful colours (blue, green, violet) in quiet areas of the classroom helps to calm preschoolers and induce peacefulness.

Using natural lighting in preschool classrooms rather than an abundance of fluorescent lighting has been shown to have a calming effect on young children. Uncomfortable exterior noise (loud ventilation, noisy traffic sounds) can be

stressful and over-stimulating for three- and four-yearolds. Preschoolers feel calmer when teachers speak in quiet tones and when they have opportunities to listen to soothing music.

Offering comfort If a preschooler is having a separation problem, her mother might wish to leave a perfumed scarf that "smells like Mommy" in her child's cubby as a comfort item to hold and sniff. Special comfort foods play an important role in calming an upset preschooler.

Organising spaces Wide-open indoor spaces frequently send an invitation to physically active fouryear-olds to run and engage in wild, loud behaviour. At the same time, quieter threeyear-olds who are just beginning to test out the environment may feel overpowered by so much space and become anxious and uncomfortable.

So that fours do not spin out of control and frighten others and the threes can feel secure, teachers need to consider designing some small areas where young children can retreat and feel calm as they re-centre themselves.

Quiet writing alcoves, a cosy bean bag chair for reading, or a snug "cave" made from a towel and a low table provide for comfortable, private areas. Providing a "calm-down corner" where angry or frustrated preschoolers can go to gain control and feel se-

cure and comfortable is helpful. Offering props and visual boundaries, like trays for finger painting, individual carpet squares to sit on during story-time, or "bubble spaces" to dance within during movement activities, provides comfortable personal spaces for children who need to define their own spaces.

Although three-year-olds enjoy playing with a friend at school or in the park, when they become tired or frustrated, they turn to the trusted adults in their lives to give them comfort and make them feel safe.

Preschoolers have great faith in an adult's power to "make it all better" as they reassure and calm them. By the time they are four, and not as egocentric, an empathic good friend or older sibling may be able to help soothe an agitated, confused, or upset preschooler.

What you can do Be physically available.

Be aware of stress points for various children. Hold or rock upset preschoolers. Smile and sing in a soothing voice to calm them.

Provide props. Offer puppets, masks, hats, and unbreakable mirrors for preschoolers to act out scenarios.

This helps them to gain control of their feelings and calm down during dramatic play.

Model relaxation techniques. Show preschoolers how to take deep breaths or leave a stressful situation and stay calm. (Excerpt from scholastic.com)

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ight from birth, children learn new skills at a dizzying rate. And along with those new abilities, they also acquire the confidence to use them.

Model confidence yourself

Even if you’re not quite feeling it! Seeing you tackle new tasks with optimism and lots of preparation sets a good example for children. That doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be perfect. Do acknowledge your anxiety, but don’t focus on it –focus on the positive things you are doing to get ready.

Help children see that everyone makes mistakes and the important thing is to learn from them.

Don’t get upset about mistakes

Help children see that everyone makes mistakes and the important thing is to learn from them, not dwell on them. Confident people don’t let fear of failure get in their way – not because they’re sure they won’t ever fail, but because they know how to take setbacks in stride.

Encourage them to try new things

Instead of focusing all their energy on what they already excel at, it’s good for children to diversify.

Attaining new skills makes children feel capable and confident that they can tackle whatever comes their way.

Allow children to fail

It’s natural to want to protect your child from failure, but trial and error is how children learn, and falling short on a goal helps children find out that it’s not fatal. It can also spur children to greater effort, which will serve them well as adults.

Praise perseverance

Learning not to give up at the first frustration or bail after one setback is an important life skill. Confidence and self-esteem are not about succeeding at everything all the time, they’re about being resilient enough to keep trying, and not being distressed if you’re not the best.

Help children find their passion

Exploring their own interests can help children develop a sense of identity, which is essential to building confidence. Of course, seeing their talents grow will also give a huge boost to their self-esteem.

Set goals

Articulating goals, large and small, and achieving them make children feel strong. Help your child turn desires and dreams into actionable goals by encouraging her to make a list of things she’d like to accomplish.

Then, practise breaking down longer-term goals into realistic benchmarks. You’ll be validating her interests and helping her learn the skills she’ll need to attain her goals throughout life. (Excerpt from childmind.org)

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Deputy Superintendent on bail for causing death, DUI

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eputy Superintendent of Police, 53-year-old Patrick Todd was on Tuesday morning charged for causing the death of 64-year-old, Hague, West Coast Demerara (WCD) resident, Conrad Alleyne on at the Boersirie Bridge on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE) in September last.

Todd stood before Magistrate Roschelle Liverpool at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court where a second charged for driving under the influence was also read to him. He denied both charges.

The prosecution is contending that Todd on September 12, 2018, drove motorcar PTT 992 in a dangerous manner, causing the death of Alleyne.

It is also alleged that on the same date, at the same location, Todd’s

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Patrick Todd leaving the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday

breathalyser test showed he was 0.70 micrograms over the legal limit of alcohol consumption. His representing Attorneys Gordon Gilhuys and Dexter Todd informed the court that their client is a father of four children with another child on the way. Additionally,

the lawyers pointed out that the accident was an unfortunate incident.

The lawyers pleaded for bail and Todd was released on $250,000 bail. The case was adjourned to November 12.

Reports following the accident were that Alleyne died a few hours after he was struck while attempting to cross a bridge.

He was picked up and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was treated and subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he succumbed while enroute.

After his arrest, Todd reportedly told Police that he was unaware that he had struck Alleyne as he only felt an impact and it was only upon inspections that he saw the man lying on the bridge.

Desperation…

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…in AFC Camp he desperation in the AFC camp over being thrown on their own by the PNC in the upcoming LGE is developing into a tsunami of panic that’s making them really look foolish. Take the fellow who permanently has that look of a deer in headlights, Nagamootoo’s DPI, and his vicious take on Jagdeo’s call to “take back Guyana” at a LGE meeting at Kitty.

Now in politics, what’s the goal of elections campaigning?? Isn’t it to win those elections? And – as the PNC backed by the AFC had done to the PPP – if perchance your opponent had removed you from office, to “take back” that office? What’s sinister about that? It doesn’t even connote the not so veiled threat some time ago by Raphael Trotman – now leader of the AFC but them with the PNC – to “oppose, expose and depose” the PPP! But this state – not Government! – official – who’s supposed to be working for ALL citizens to purvey information for the national good – took it upon himself to interpret Jagdeo’s call in a most incendiary way by invoking the bogeyman of “race politics”. The bottom line is, he claimed Jagdeo wants to “take back” the country for his race group – Indian Guyanese!! Now, what kind of sick mind would want to make such a claim at a time like this?

A mind scared witless of being exposed as “dead meat” after the LGE, that’s what!! The PNC has made it clear the AFC isn’t going to be allowed to continue riding the gravy train much longer since whatever support they’d claimed to have brought over in 2015, has looong evaporated. Sinecures like the DPI will be yesterday’s news. So what to do?? The AFC bunch controlled by Nagamootoo, who were placed in charge of information and the media, have clearly decided they’ll prove their “worth” by becoming the attack dogs for the PNC. Every day it’s vitriol against the PPP by the leading wankers!!

But what the DPI didn’t realise was the same accusations he’s hurled at the PPP could be turned against the PNC, since the PNC accepted it was an “African” party when it coalesced with the AFC to bring in some “Indian” votes. So when President Granger talked of winning the 2015 elections, he was actually talking of winning it for his race group? Well his actions since he became President certainly confirm that thesis, doesn’t it? Starting with giving Nagamootoo “larwah” rather than a beefed-up Prime Ministership! And making Khemraj Ramjattan into a (security) rubber stamp.

C’mon AFC, there’s another way. You still have those Ministries and you can really do some damage!

Grow a pair and stand up to the PNC!! …in the prisons If it’s another year, it’s another prison fiasco!! Three years of PNC/AFC Government and three prison fiascos – and counting!! A riot leaving 18 dead; a fire that burnt down the Camp Street Prison, and now an escape and shootings of prisoners at Lusignan. Let’s not even mention the almost daily interceptions of contraband at all prisons.

So who’s in charge, here? The inmates? Well it’s certainly NOT Ramjattan, supposedly the Public Security Minister!! From the time of the original mass killings of prisoners, it was he who’d visited Camp Street and bemoaned the abysmal conditions under which prisoners were incarcerated. So what has he done to ensure that Lusignan, to which most of the prisoners were transferred, was even minimally better??

After all, why would he expect a different outcome at Lusignan if nothing was changed? Point of the matter, is Ramjattan is being set up for an early exit – as discussed above! His usefulness is gone and he’ll be thrown away liked a sucked orange!

Grow a pair and stand up, na bai? …in the AG’s office If it's another Government case involving AG Basil Williams, then it’s got to be another loss!! The court just ruled it has jurisdiction over the unilateral gerrymandering of LAAs by the PNC! Grow a pair and quit, na?

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

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wednesdAY, october 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Prison break

Officials confirm 8 injured during Lusignan Prison riot …disciplinary action for “sleeping” guards ...hunt on for 3 escapees

M

ore than 12 hours after the disturbances at Lusignan Prison, the Public Security Ministry has finally issued a release, which confirmed that eight persons were shot and injured, but only six had to seek medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Those injured are Cleveland Williams, Lester Joseph, Teaive Cush, Raymond Jones, Corwyn Arthur, Anirudh Prashad, Lakeram Singh and Lexroy Rigby.

According to the Public Security Ministry, wardens resorted to discharging live rounds of ammunition of various calibres to calm the inmates after the rubber bullets did not work. At this

time, the release stated, inmates were behaving in a riotous manner.

“The prisoners hurled hundreds of missiles directly at officers, damaged the inner Holding Bay fences and exited the confined area. They then focused their attention on gaining access to the gate that allows exit from the location by using several items to hit the gate, but they were unsuccessful in their attempt,” the Ministry stated.

It also confirmed that at the time of the incident, there were 558 prisoners in the facility along with 80 personnel from the Prisons Service, Guyana Police Force and the Fire Service working to restore the situation to normalcy.

The authorities are holding out that several attempts were made by officers and ranks to enter the location with the use of shields, but the large number and size of the missiles hurled by prisoners caused them to retreat and run to safety.

However, as darkness approached, the prisoners reportedly continued to throw missiles thus damaging four perimeter lights.

The furious inmates who were reportedly protesting the conditions of the holding bays resorted to setting ablaze mattress and pallets which they placed along the inside of the fence. This, the authorities claimed, caused damage to the monitoring room which controls the CCTV cameras.

“After repeated attempts to have the prisoners desist from their riotous behaviour failed, officers reverted to the use of rubber pellets. As this approach also failed, various calibres of live rounds were directed in the air,” the release added.

After some time, the inmates became calm and Escapee: Sudesh Dyal

requested an audience with the acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels.

During this engagement, Samuels was made aware that several prisoners did not receive their lunch.

Other issues such as the physical infrastructure of the facility, the length of imprisonment and the way

GHRA blames Judiciary, Prison Service for prison riot

T

he Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has expressed deep concern over Monday’s prison break and riot which left several wounded and three escapees still on the run.

The GHRA said the ‘slackness’ associated with the recent escape of three inmates has to be laid at the door of the Guyana Prison Service itself and Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels.

“At the end of the day, however, the effective management of prisoners requires cooperation from a number of agencies over which the Prison Service itself exercises no authority,” he said.

The Association noted that despite considerable efforts by the Prison Service to reduce the numbers of inmates, their work continues to be frustrated by too many prisoners’ remanded.

This is mainly for trivial offences or people being unable to pay bail.

“Responsibility for this problem lies squarely on the shoulders of the Judiciary – the magistracy in particular,” it said.

Nevertheless, GHRA noted that by the end of 2017, targeted reductions recommended after the disastrous fire at the Camp Street had largely been achieved by the prisons through early releases, weeding out the mentally ill, and others who should never have been in prison in the first instance.

However, it claimed that the benefit of these efforts has been lost as Magistrates complacently acquiesce to prosecutor’s demands.

“Reduction of the prison population can also be achieved by greater efforts to work with substance abusers and those mentally affected by drug abuse.”

In terms of the remand issue, the GHRA said Prison Service has to rely on the cooperation of services over which it has no direct control for this kind of support in getting the numbers down.

“The long-term solution to our prison problems are preventative rather than punitive. Private Sector concerns over the conditions of prisons is a welcome development,” it added.

The GHRA said directing these energies towards provision of jobs and better coordinated job-training programmes for inmates would ease the burden on the overstretched Guyana Prison Service.

Just recently, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) wrote a letter to Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan where it said it was becoming increasingly concerned by a number of issues affecting the prisons in Guyana and, by virtue of this, public safety in the country.

“A recent meeting of the Management Board of the Prisons has highlighted a number of serious matters which we feel should be ad-

dressed with utmost urgency. Issues brought to the fore include a general lack of adequate security at all of the prisons, a lack of fire prevention systems, the lack of transportation facilities 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 PSC in its letter to the subject Minister highlighted.

Moreover, the Commission said while it 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. These prisoners are made to sleep under sheds in the open, posing health risks to the prisoners and a danger to the wardens. We are of the opinion that these condi-

tions could also have an impact upon the country’s human rights ranking.”

Another burning issue, the PSC said, is the lack of fire prevention systems in the prisons, most of which are constructed of wood.

The Commission said it 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. Outlining that the issues will require short and long-term solutions, the PSC posited in its letter to Ramjattan that the “vexed question of internal security is one that is hampering investor confidence and one that must be prioritised by our Government. We are, therefore, confident that you will utilise your good office to address this particular aspect of our security.”

Escapee: Travis Evans

Escapee: Dexroy Pollard

some junior ranks delivered their duties were also raised by the inmates.

Nevertheless, the situation remained calm up until 23:00h when prisoners from Holding Bay One and Two were seen breaking the inner fence. As such, the security presence was increased.

The situation was under control just about 00:30h.

Hours prior to the riot, three inmates escaped from the correctional facility.

The prisoners, 23-yearold Travis Evans of C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Sudesh Dyal, 23, of Wales Backdam, West Bank Demerara and Dexroy Pollard, 29, of Wales Village are still on the run with the Joint Services making every attempt to recapture them.

Of the three, Evans was incarcerated for murder while Pollard was convicted for breaking and entering and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and Dyal was on remand for breaking and entering.

Prison authorities confirmed that the escapees scaled the fence between towers three and four which were equipped with security personnel about 04:30h.

The acting Director of Prisons told a media briefing on Monday afternoon that after 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.

Meanwhile, a source close to the investigation told Guyana Times that disciplinary action would be taken against the guards who were sleeping when the men escaped.

The Lusignan 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.

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wednesdAY, october 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Coalition Govt responsible for hikes in Berbice Bridge tolls – PPP …did not follow financial model that guaranteed minimal increases …as Govt opposed increase; to review legal options

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

W

hile the Government is digging its heels in when it comes to impending increases in tolls to use the Berbice Bridge, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has weighed in on the saga by calling the Government out for precipitating the toll increases.

According to the Party on Tuesday, a formula for minor increases was supposed to be in place – increases that would have lessened the impact on commuters. Instead, however, the Party noted that Government abandoned this formula and even tinkered with it.

“Had the Coalition Government pursued the financial model used by the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration, there would have been no proposed increases of this magnitude. The Bridge was built around a financial model that did not envisage such massive

increases in tolls.

“Rather, minimal increases were envisaged – followed by a steep decline in tolls – until the Berbice Bridge was handed over to the State,” the Party continued. “Since July 2018, the PPP General Secretary and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, questioned whether the current Administration tinkered with the financial model.

To date, this question remains unanswered.”

The PPP stated that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson would have in his possession the financial model and contract documents for the Berbice Bridge. The Party called for these to be released.

“The Minister, instead, is trying to absolve himself of responsibility by claiming that there is a confidentiality clause preventing the documents’ release – there is none. It was the Coalition Government that promised a reduction in tolls, but the incompetence which has marked almost all of its actions, has come back to haunt the Administration,” the Party said on Tuesday.

The PPP also pointed out that the Chairman of the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI), Dr Surendra Persaud and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), is a supporter of the Alliance For Change (AFC) party of which Patterson is an executive member.

“Blaming the PPP seems

Elections.”

Legal options

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

to be a tactic of the AFC – Minister Patterson, as campaign manager for the AFC, seems to have forgotten that the AFC is part of the current Government. The PPP is categorically opposed to any increase in tolls at the Berbice Bridge. We do not support an increase in the tolls, particularly given what is happening in Berbice – loss of thousands of jobs in the sugar industry and other sectors – as a result of the policies of the APNU/AFC Coalition Government.

“The Government should take measures to prevent the increase in tolls, given the hardship policies it has imposed on our people. If there is any move by the APNU/AFC Coalition Government to sign a toll order to bring into effect the proposed increases, the People’s Progressive Party commits to reversing the increase after the 2020 General and Regional

Earlier on Tuesday, the Public Infrastructure Minister had called a hasty press conference after the news of the increase broke. When asked about the agreement, Patterson had claimed that a confidentiality clause was in effect.

Patterson informed the press that all options to stop the increases would be considered.

These options ran the gamut from amending the Berbice Bridge agreement to an injunction to stating that “if the Minister of Public Security says it’s a vital and important service and says declare an order to keep it open, we’ll do that.”

Patterson indicated that he has been written to by associations representing Berbice businesses. The Minister related that they have asked that the increases not be passed down to them. And according to the Minister, Government’s position is, it is against the increases.

Patterson said that at a recent meeting with the BBCI officials, he was informed of their debt and the fact that they were not making enough money to upkeep the bridge. According to the minister, he gave the company the Government’s offer; which was to take over maintenance of the pontoons for the remaining nine years of the agreement.

Continued on page 11

Horsing around

S

atiricus was hungry. He’d been fasting since yesterday for the grand occasion. And this wasn’t the kind of fasting where you didn’t just stop eating meat. He left that to the Missus who was observing Nau Ratri. For Satiricus, it was a real fast with just water and “wind pie”!! It was “World Food Day” and as Satiricus hurried towards the Back Street Bar, he wondered what they’d whipped up this year for he and the fellas to feast on.

“I could eat a horse,” said Satiricus as he took his seat and grabbed his beer. “I’m famished!!”

“Well, lucky fuh yuh, dis year; dem cook harse stew!!” said Cappo with a grin.

“Are you serious?” said Satiricus nervously.

“What’s wrong with horsemeat?” asked Hari. “Don’t you know it’s very popular in Italy, France and Germany?”

“Dem cook de harse, German style!” said Bungi. “Call de gyaal ovah an’ get some, na!”

“Hold it fellas, did you eat the horse stew yet?” asked Satiricus, as he downed his beer.

“Naa! Abee a wait fuh you!” said Cappo. “Abee know yuh does fas’ suh yuh get prappa hungry!!”

“I’m starving!!” agreed Satiricus. “But eating a horse? I like horses! You know I go to every horse racing meet” “But you eat mutton,” pointed out Hari. “They’re even more cute…don’t you like them?”

“An’ yuh does eat rabbit too,” pointed out Cappo. “Who mo’ cute dan dem?”

“OK,” said Satiricus as he signalled the waitress. “I’ll try the horse stew because I think I’m about to faint!” “’E look jus’ like beef,” said Bungi, as the waitress placed a big bowl of the horse stew in front of Satiricus.

“How it taste?” asked Hari, as Satiricus gingerly bit on a piece of the meat and chewed carefully. The other fellas put down their beers and waited for the response.

“As a matter of fact, it TASTES like beef!!” said Satiricus with a wide smile as he dug into the bowl. “But now I can’t go to the horse racing any more!!”

Everybody signalled for their horse stew.

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wednesdAY, october 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Oil and gas sector

No ‘special favours’ to be granted to foreign companies – Dr Bynoe

Energy Department Head, Dr Mark Bynoe

G

overnment has promised that no foreign company that plans to come to Guyana to operate in the local oil and gas sector will be granted any special privilege or favour.

This commitment was made by Head of the Department of Energy in the Ministry of the Presidency, Dr Mark Bynoe, who addressed a delegation of Canadian businesses visiting Guyana.

At a special reception hosted at the Canadian High Commissioner’s residence on Monday, Dr Bynoe noted that the Energy Department will continue to honour its obligations, “but it will be firm and consistent with application of the requisite laws”.

He asserted that there would be no predictable guarantees for anyone or any

business, or any special favours, but rather its aim was to create a level playing field for all.

“And allow the Private Sector to take appropriate risk to garner acceptable rates of returns,” the Energy Department Head said while making reference to the need for predictability.

Dr Bynoe noted that the Department would not be rushing to take advice from experts unless there was sufficient evidence to prove the practicability of that advice.

“The Department is mindful that it will be receiving advice from many experts. It will not, however, be encouraging Government or even the Private Sector to pursue such advice even if they may be well-intentioned. Our decisions will be based on evidence-based facts,” Dr Bynoe said to guests at the event.

He said that the oil and gas sector was focused on efficiency, transparency, predictability, balance and evidence-based decision-making. Dr Bynoe also indicated that Government was interested in joint ventures to exploit mid- and downstream opportunities while raising local business standards.

Meanwhile, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin claimed that Government was not corrupt nor was the

Private Sector and the population was not docile with ordinary people not benefiting from the oil.

“I can assure you that situation does not exist in Guyana, and I believe it is important that I assure you of that, especially our guests who are visiting here. We don’t want foreign companies to come to Guyana believing that this is a free-for-all and that our entire country can be bought.”

In recent times, there have been concerns, particularly by the Private Sector about whether foreign countries and companies would be allowed to dominate the sector.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) had expressed worry over the Energy Agreement that the Government signed with Trinidad and Tobago.

But both President David Granger and T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley assured that there was no ‘takeover or sell-out’ of any sector by either side, but rather a sharing of information and ideas in the sector.

Guyana on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador Province. The agreement was inked between Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Resources

Coalition Govt responsible...

Patterson related that he tried to negotiate a lower rate of return than the one the company is entitled to by contract. He claimed that he also requested that a detailed proposal containing a breakdown of their reported $6 billion debt be sent.

This proposal, according to Patterson, would have been sent to the Finance

Minister, since he was only empowered to speak to certain aspects of the agreement. The Minister claimed that BBCI did not send this information.

Jagdeo has previously pointed out that the financial model would have seen tolls rising just enough to repay the debt, after which the tolls would have been significant-

From page 10

ly reduced. This model was not used by the Government, as requests from BBCI for increases were refused.

Failing this, the Opposition Leader had also suggested that Government buying out the shares from the stakeholders was the only feasible way to prevent the impact of increases on commuters.

A section of the gathering at the reception

Minister Siobhan Coady and Minister Gaskin at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The MoU provides for the two parties to facilitate economic cooperation and busi-

ness opportunities in both countries. The agreement 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.

MoUs were signed between two local and Canadian companies to commence partnership.

12 news

wednesdAY, october 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Berbice man found dead after dousing wife, children with gasoline

T

he body of a Corentyne, Berbice, labourer was on Tuesday morning found in the backlands of Number 36 Village in what is suspected to be a case of suicide.

His death came hours after he threw gasoline on his reputed wife and three children before setting their Brighton Village, Berbice home on fire.

Dead is Michael Lewis, 34, of Brighton Village. Three cellular phones, his identification card along with one belonging to his wife and injection syringes were found next to his body.

On Monday, the man had initially attacked his wife with a hammer to end her life, but she was able to fight him off.

According to the traumatized woman, Candacie Khedaroo, 28, Lewis had accused her of infidelity. She said she returned home on Monday after an outing with relatives to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and was greeted with the accusations of infidelity.

She told Guyana Times that Lewis approached her with a hammer in his hand and threatened to kill her in front of their seven-year-old daughter.

Khedaroo revealed that she was dragged from the house onto the street.

“When he bring me out there I run and go in my neighbour yard with my children and from there I left my two daughter with my neighbour and go and tell my mother.”

She said she and her mother returned to the house in an effort to uplift clothing and other essentials for her children to

Dead: Michael Lewis

go to school.

According to Khedaroo, her children were sent into the house to uplift their belongings.

“We didn’t know that he went inside the house and when they go inside he try to grab them and hear and I run inside. He hold on to them and tell me and me mother that he gon kill all ah we.”

She added that within seconds they were all soaked with gasoline and her husband tried to get a lighter out of his pocket but they managed to run out from the house.

Candacie’s mother, Bibi Khedaroo, 50, was temporarily blinded when the gasoline hit her eyes.

“I pull the shirt that he had on and wipe my face. When he scramble me I din lef him, I scramble on back on him and we fall down and had a scuffle on the ground and I see a stick and pick it up and lash him and then he run away and go and light the house on fire,” he explained.

Candacie Khedaroo

According to her, Lewis remained in the burning building until the fire brigade arrived and then escaped into the backlands.

Meanwhile, the mother of three told Guyana Times that at about 20:30h she took her children to their grandmother’s home at Tarlogy for the night after witnessing their home being flattened.

With tears settled in her eyes, the young mother said it is painful to learn of Lewis’ death.

“I have two children for him and I feel a way but it hurt me what he has done to me. He left me and my children without anything, it is neighbours who give me clothes for my daughters last night,” she said.

Neighbours said on many occasions they had to rescue the 28-year-old woman and her children. Relatives told this publication that Lewis and Khedaroo shared a rocky relationship for years.

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wednesdAY, october 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Amerindians call on Govt, Judiciary to prioritise land case

A

merindians, particularity those belonging to the Akawaio and Arekuna tribes that reside in the Upper Mazaruni area are calling for Government’s intervention in a 20-year-old court battle.

The individuals through one of their representative organisations, the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), on Tuesday said the Government and the Judiciary have failed them.

“We are hereby calling on the Government of Guyana by way of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Natural Resources Ministry and the Environment [Protection Agency], and the Legal Affairs Ministry to finally put this issue to rest by granting the rights of the Indigenous peoples in the area,” it said.

The APA is asking these organisations to prioritise this issue. It believes that a positive reaction

will show to the Indigenous peoples of Guyana that Government is really “on our side.”

It is 20 years since the Indigenous peoples of the Upper Mazaruni filed a court action against the Government, seeking legal recognition to their traditional and ancestral lands.

In 1967, the Government instituted an Amerindian Lands Commission; tasked with mapping and suggesting titles to be issued to Indigenous communities.

In 1991, title was granted individually to each community, though they requested holding collective title to their traditional territory.

The APA said that the villages of Paruima, Waramadong, Kamarang (Warawatta), Kako, Jawalla and Phillipai in the Upper Mazaruni have long sought legal title over the area defined by the 1959 Amerindian District as one Akawaio/Arecuna district.

Dissatisfied, the Arekuna and Akawaio people took the landmark case to court to fight for their rights as Indigenous peoples of Guyana. However, the case has not yet been given a definitive ruling some two decades later.

The Association recalled that in 2008, when they appeared in court again; the issue was adjourned.

When they met in 2012 and the community brought forth an anthropologist to provide expert evidence on their claims to their ancestral lands; the Government’s defence team disqualified her as a witness and caused the matter to be adjourned once again.

Fast forward to 2017, the Government filed a submission in defence of their claim. And exactly 20 years later, and the communities are still awaiting a decision from the High Court.

“It seems as if the Government has not prioritised these issues and it begs us to question if the stalling of this issue trivialises Indigenous people’s rights, especially as related to their lands.”

It was noted in the statement that Government has however been issuing mining concessions

on these lands throughout the 20year legal battle.

“They continue to issue mining rights to outside miners over this traditional Akawaio and Arekuna territory without their free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), even though this legal dispute is ongoing,” the statement added.

“Is it ethical to continue giving concessions on lands that are still being contested in the court?

The Government has been receiving revenues for lands in the areas, even though they have not yet settled the matter with the Indigenous peoples in the Upper Mazaruni area and this is cause for worry.”

The APA therefore questioned whether Government is deliberately stalling this process to continue profiting off of these lands or if it is a case of incompetence in Guyana’s judicial process.

Judge, Jury trial for taxi driver accused of murdering teacher

Murder accused: Matthew Munroe

P

rincipal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Tuesday ruled that there was sufficient evidence for 48-year-old Matthew Munroe to stand trial for the November 7, 2017 murder of Richard Ismael School Teacher Kescia Branche. The Police’s case is that the young woman was dumped from the car belonging to Munroe.

This follows several months of witnesses offering evidence during the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) at

the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Following the prosecution closing its case, Magistrate Latchman determined that there was enough evidence made out against the defendant. As such, she observed that Monroe will have to face trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

Munroe had allegedly departed Guyana for the United States of America at some time in November last year, but after spending some time overseas, he returned to Guyana and presented himself to the Criminal Investigations Department in the company of his lawyer. The Police had said that during interrogation, Munroe could not provide information on his whereabouts on the night that Kescia Branche was brutally attacked; and that more so, he failed to give Police information on his missing car bumper.

Branche, who was a resident of Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, was discovered lying at the corner of

intended to go to Palm Court to meet a male friend.

The teacher had later returned home, but subsequently left again. She had told her friend that she would be home

Murdered school teacher, Kescia Branche

Princes Street and Louisa Row in Georgetown on the morning of November 5, 2017. She succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital two days after and a post-mortem examination performed on her body indicated that her death was due to brain haemorrhaging and blunt trauma to the head.

According to reports, Branche had left home for a night of partying. She had left her three-year-old son in the care of a friend, who revealed that Branche told her she had

by 02:00h, but never returned.

She was last seen leaving a nightclub on Lamaha Street in the company of two Police ranks. The father of Branche’s child was also arrested after

the teacher’s mobile phone had been found in his possession. He and four Cops were questioned about her death, but they were later released on station bail.

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wednesdAY, october 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM Chairman challenge

President not above the law – Nandlall tells Appeal Court

A

s the case of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha challenging the unilateral appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman continued, the applicant’s Attorney, Anil Nandlall is urging the Justices of the Appeal Court to essentially rule that President David Granger was “not above the law”. This was among several arguments put forward in further submissions by Mustapha’s Attorney, who on Tuesday warned of the dangers of being unable to judicially question the President’s actions.

Nandlall and Attorney General Basil Williams were required to make submissions to the court on four aspects of law ahead of the court’s decision, which is scheduled to be handed down on Thursday morning.

These focused on whether the Orders sought in paragraphs iii and iv in Fixed Date Application dated October 23, 2017 or the effect of those orders can be granted by way of these proceedings; Whether Article 177 of the Constitution has any

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall

bearing on the President’s role under Article 161(2). The other questions queried: Whether the role of the Leader of the Opposition in submitting a list under Article 161(2) is restricted only to the category of “other fit and proper persons” and; whether the list is still valid, if not all six persons are deemed not unacceptable.

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards and fellow Appeal Court Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud are presiding over the matter. The PPP is seeking to have the Court reverse the June 2018 High Court

ruling by acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, who upheld Justice Patterson’s unilateral appointment.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Attorney Nandlall advanced that under the Constitution, Guyana is governed by the rule of law, adding that no one is above the law and the actions of all are judicially reviewable, including the President. The Attorney critiqued the totality of the State’s arguments which included that the President “acted rationally and reasonably” in rejecting the three lists of 18 names which the Opposition Leader submitted.

He conceded that while the President could not be personally dragged away from his duties, his actions were reviewable. He stressed that the Chief Justice in her June ruling “never said” that President Granger was omnipotent.

Earlier during the proceedings, the Attorney told the Judges that even though the President did not appear himself in proceedings, the Attorney General would be named as the proper party in the legal suit. This point was later chal-

Attorney General Basil Williams

lenged by Williams, who said that Nandlall did not cite the authority on which the AG was answerable.

Williams, in his presentation, opined that the President was an “executive of one”, noting that Mustapha’s case attempted to “reduce the President” to the role of a public officer. Having made legal citations, the AG observed constitutional protections that bar the court from assuming any jurisdiction over the President.

“The President is not above the law, but he is entrusted to carry out the people’s interest,” the AG submitted.

Solicitor General Kym KyteThomas, speaking on the point of the President’s decisions on the submitted lists, argued that the President should have been given a fair chance to make a choice among the six persons.

To this end, she stressed that the “entire list” must be acceptable and must maintain its integrity.

When the Chancellor interjected and asked whether the Head of State could “pick, chose and refuse”, Kyte-Thomas posited that the President’s choices must not be limited and that the six persons on the list “must not be tainted”.

In October last year, the PPP’s Executive Secretary filed an injunction to have the court rescind Justice Patterson’s appointment which came days after his appointment. However, Justice George on June 8, 2018 ruled that the Constitution of Guyana allows for the President to unilaterally appoint someone to fill the position of GECOM Chair.

The PPP has argued that the retired Judge was unqualified for the post, and had petitioned the court to order the

President to choose a person from the 18 names submitted.

The acting Chief Justice, in her ruling, had, however, stated that there was nothing before the court to support a finding that the President had acted unlawfully or irrationally in resorting to the proviso to Article 161(2); and there is nothing to rebut the presumption that Justice Patterson is qualified to be appointed to the post of Chairman of GECOM. According to the acting Chief Justice, the Opposition did not produce evidence to support the contention that Patterson was unqualified for the position. She outlined in her ruling that the President should have given reasons for his rejection of the 18 nominees submitted by the Opposition Leader. In the appeal, Nandlall, on behalf of his client, said that the learned Chief Justice misconstrued and misinterpreted the role of the Leader of the Opposition in Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and as such, was asking the court to overturn the High Court ruling.

news

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GPF, GRSC launch debating competition

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

The emergence of the 9th goddess Maa Siddhidatri

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or destroying the cruelty of evil demons on the earth and for the welfare of the whole of humanity, goddess Durga descended on earth as her ninth form of Sri Siddhidatri. This form of the goddess is the epitome of completeness and prosperity. She is the suppressor of all the demons and giver of desired fruits to her devotees.

Goddess Durga had killed all the egoistic demons between the first and the ninth day of the Navratri by taking various forms. As a result, all the auspicious tasks of humans and devatas gets accomplished. Hence this form of the goddess is popularly known as Siddhi-Daatri in the world. For fulfillment of all the desires and efforts of both humans and celestial beings, goddess Siddhidatri had manifested on an auspicious day. She is the giver of liberation and is the most auspicious.

Because she is the giver of the highest goal of the human life (salvation) she is considered as Siddhidatri and is worshiped in this form. She is a four-armed goddess, in the upper right hand she holds a chakra and lower right hand is contained in mace. In the upper left hand she holds a conch and in the lower left hand, she holds a lotus flower. She has a divine garland around her neck.

She is seated on a lotus altar. She has accepted the lion as her main vehicle. Goddess is the dispeller of obstacles, pains, diseases, sorrow, and fears. She is the one who readily blesses her devotees with abundance.

Worship procedure for goddess Sri Siddhidatri

The ninth divine form of supreme goddess Sri Durga is known and venerated in the world by the name of Siddhidatri. One must worship goddess Siddhidatri especially on the ninth day of the Navaratri. Her worship is not only done by humans but also devas, daityas, and celestial Gandharvas throughout the universe. Her worship broadens the paths towards divine powers and Nava-nidhis (treasures). Hence wise men should worship her in a proper manner with faith and love for the betterment of their families.

Rules for the pooja will be same as before. One must try to follow chastity and also celibacy to the best of one’s abilities. Pooja material will be same as those mentioned in the previous articles. Apart from that, there is a special tradition of offering fragrant flowers and in the naivedyam (eatable offerings) one should offer kheer and halwa and one should also offer a coconut during the pooja. After the detailed poojan one should also try to perform a havan (fire ritual). After this, one must invite and worship nine girl children (one for every form of goddess Durga) along with a boy child. They must be served well with delicious food and gifts as per one’s capacity. After doing this, one must faithfully conclude the poojan. This gives one the desired results and overall success. With the motherly grace of the goddess, the devotee leads a happy and peaceful life.

Story of Sri Siddhidatri as per the Puranas

Throughout the Puranic literature, we find many instances related to goddess Sri Siddhidatri. There are some important instances given in Durga Saptashati. Because of the power of this goddess one gets success, wealth, and prosperity in the lift. One is also able to remove the rifts of the family and enhances love and affection in the family. Hence one must understand that she is the omnipresent power of the universe. In one of the stories, the goddess herself reveals to the demon that who else exists in this world except me? All the forms of the goddess are verily me and they enter back in me. Forms of goddesses like Brahmani etc. then merged into the body of goddess Ambika. Then the only one remained was Sri Ambika. It was only me who manifested into many forms with my grandeur and power and they merged back in me. Now I am standing alone on the battlefield, now you also get ready for the battle. Then a great battle started between the goddess and demon Shumbha and also between devas and demons. Sages said that when great demon Shumbha was approaching near the goddess, she took her trident and pierced his chest after which he fell down.

With this mighty attack, he was killed. When he fell on the ground he shook all the mountains, islands, oceans, and the entire earth. After the death of this demon, the whole world was happy and stable again, the sky also started to appear clearly than before. The disastrous events such as rains and meteorite showers were then immediately stopped. After the death of Shumbha, the rivers also started flowing back in their natural course.

Mantra of Devi Siddhidatri

We come across several mantras related to the goddess, out of these some are considered as major ones which are potent and capable of granting desired results. With constant sadhana, one can certainly achieve the blessings of the divine goddess and finally attain moksha (liberation). Important mantra Sarva-bhuta yadi devi bhukti-mukti-pradayini Tvam stuta stutaye kava bhantu paramoktayah

he Guyana Police Force in collaboration with the Guyana Road Safety Council launched an inter-secondary school debating competition.

Themed, “Stop accidents before it stops you, be alert, accident hurts” the completion saw 16 schools from Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) vying for the top spots of best debater, best researcher and the best debating school.

Delivering the feature address during the launching on Friday was Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, who indicated how important road safety is, especially among school children, who are of the

Superintendent Linden Isles standing with Guyana Road Safety Council co-coordinator Ramona Doorgen and participants of the debating competition

most vulnerable group of road users (pedestrians).

Further, he commended the traffic department and its stakeholders for this initiative which will bring about awareness on a wider scale and which will in turn, create a more positive approach by road users.

The competition which will be done in four rounds; the semi-finals and finals will be concluded during the National

Road Safety Week which is November 25 to December 1.

The debatable for the competition will deal with traffic issues.

The competition will be televised countrywide with the kind compliments of its sponsors; Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation, Hack of People’s Beauty Product and James Samuels Jr.

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wednesdAY, october 17, 2018

Around the World

Ethiopian PM hands half of Cabinet May calls for unity after getting to women, including defence job Cabinet backing for Brexit strategy

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thiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday unveiled a downsized Cabinet where, in a first, half the members are women, a top official said.

Women occupy key positions in the 20-member Cabinet that includes a newly created Ministry of Peace to oversee the Federal Police and intelligence agencies, Abiy's Chief-of-Staff Fitsum Arega said.

Ethiopia is now the second African nation after Rwanda to achieve gender parity in its Cabinet, and one of only a handful of nations to achieve this worldwide. "Women are assigned to run key ministerial portfolios including ministries of Peace, Trade and Industry, and Defence," he tweeted.

The new Minister of National Defence, Aisha Mohammed, is the first woman to hold the post.

Aisha was earlier construction minister and before

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Ethiopia's Parliament attend the oath-taking ceremony of newlyappointed Ministers on October 16, 2018, at the Parliament in the capital Addis Ababa

that in charge of the tourism ministry. She is from the drought-prone and poor Afar region, where she had once headed the disaster prevention office.

Minister of Peace Muferiat Kamil is a former speaker of Parliament. The previous Cabinet had 28 Ministers, of which only five were women.

Kenya currently also has a female Defence Minister, Raychelle Omamo, while South Africa, Guinea-

Bissau, Cape Verde, Madagascar, Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, Nigeria and Central African Republic have all in the past appointed women to the job.

The shakeup is the latest in a series of dramatic reforms implemented by Abiy since he took office in April after more than two years of anti-government unrest that contributed to his predecessor's sudden resignation. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

heresa May has won the backing of the Cabinet for her Brexit negotiating strategy after a two-and-half-hour discussion that centred on concerns about when the UK could leave any customs backstop it signed up to as part of the EU divorce deal.

The Prime Minister called for political unity after the lengthy meeting, during which all Cabinet members spoke, telling them a day before a crucial European summit that “if we as a Government stand together and stand firm, we can achieve this”.

Her official spokesman

said Cabinet members had agreed the UK “cannot be kept in the backstop indefinitely” and Ministers had discussed “the need for a mechanism to clearly define how that backstop will end”.

But the spokesman would not be drawn on what mechanism was being considered and whether individual Cabinet members had pressed May to insist upon having a specific date by which any backstop agreement would terminate.

Cabinet members had been urged to rebel against the Prime Minister’s strategy by the former Brexit secretary David Davis over the

weekend, but there was no immediate sign that May was put under any serious pressure at the meeting.

No 10 said nobody present had threatened to resign, leaving the Minister free to ask EU leaders on Wednesday night for their help in kick-starting the stalled negotiations. May is to address EU leaders before they retire to discuss Brexit without her over dinner in Brussels, and is hoping they unblock the impasse by agreeing to negotiate further on the backstop in the run-up to an emergency summit in November. (Excerpt

from The Guardian)

2 Koreas, UN Command wrap up 1st talks on disarming border

Immigrant caravan sparks Trump threat to cut aid to Honduras

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S President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to withdraw funding and aid from Honduras if it does not stop a caravan of migrants that is heading to the United States, in his latest effort to show his administration’s tough stance on immigration.

The message, driven home by Vice President Mike Pence who said he spoke to Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, could further encourage the Central American country to move closer to China

because of what it sees as weak U.S. support.

Up to 3000 migrants crossed from Honduras into Guatemala on Monday on a trek northward, after a standoff with Guatemalan police in riot gear and warnings from Washington that migrants should not try to enter the United States illegally.

“The United States has strongly informed the President of Honduras that if the large Caravan of people heading to the US is not stopped and brought back to Honduras, no more

money or aid will be given to Honduras, effective immediately!” Trump said on Twitter.

It was not clear how Honduras would be able to exercise control over people who had already left the country. Honduran authorities did not immediately respond to the US messages.

The friction coincides with intensified efforts by Beijing to win recognition from Central American countries that are currently allied with Taiwan. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamal Khashoggi: Saudi Crown Prince “denies knowledge” of missing critic

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audi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has denied knowing what happened to missing Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to President Donald Trump.

Saudi Arabia being blamed was a case of "guilty until proven innocent", Trump told the AP news agency.

Unnamed Turkish officials say a search of the Istanbul Saudi Consulate gave more evidence Khashoggi was killed.

The issue has put Saudi Arabia under pressure from close allies. The Journalist, a critic of the Saudi leadership, was last seen alive entering the consulate on October 2. Saudi Arabia has denied killing him and initially said he left the building unharmed. The Saudi heir apparent wields con-

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in talk while taking a walk at Samjiyon Guesthouse in Ryanggang province, North Korea, September 20, 2018

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orth and South Korea held their first threeway talks with the United Nations Command (UNC) on Tuesday to discuss ways to demilitarise the border as the neighbours push for peace, South Korea’s Defence Ministry said.

The two Koreas agreed this week to begin reconnecting rail and road links, in spite of US concerns that a rapid thaw in relations could undermine efforts to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. Tuesday’s meeting followed a summit between leaders of the two countries in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, last month.

The two leaders agreed to hold talks with the UNC, which overlaps with US forces in the South and oversees affairs in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, to smooth the way to disarming one of the world’s most heavily fortified frontiers.

The meeting on Tuesday lasted for about two hours at the border village of Panmunjom, and was led by military officials of the rank of Colonel from the two sides and Burke Hamilton, secretary of the UNC Military Armistice Commission, the Ministry said.

The steps they are aiming for range from with-

drawing firearms and guard posts to reducing personnel and adjusting surveillance equipment, the Ministry said, adding that the threeway channel would be used for more discussions.

General Vincent Brooks, who leads the United Nations Command, said the talks were designed to use existing means of managing issues along the DMZ to try to achieve the goals set out by the two Koreas.

North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US$100B by 2020: Financing Small Island and Developing States to adapt to climate change

N Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

siderable power in the kingdom and is being held responsible by many outside for whatever happened to Khashoggi. Trump tweeted that Prince Mohammed had spoken to him on the phone and he "totally denied any knowledge of what took place in their Turkish Consulate". The President said he "told me that he has

already started, and will rapidly expand, a full and complete investigation into this matter. Answers will be forthcoming shortly".

The phone call coincided with a visit to Saudi Arabia

by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, sent there by Trump to deal with the crisis in relations. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

ew financing to build the capacity of Small Island Developing States to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change has commenced with the OECS and Government of St Lucia convening global development partners, the Private Sector and technical experts at the Region’s first Investment Forum: Climate Leadership, Accelerating NDC Implementation.

The forum arising from COP21’s Nationally Determined Contribution Initiative (NDC) or climate change mitigation contributions, has examined the role of the private sector, exter-

nal financing and the new investments required in the Caribbean’s transformation to resilient, low carbon economies. OECS Director General, Dr Didacus Jules said that few challenges facing the Caribbean were more pressing than climate change which now posed the biggest risks to the Region’s economies, security and indeed the planet. Jules added that accelerating NDC support increasingly needs to be aimed at supporting Indigenous community driven climate adaptation measures such as low carbon infrastructure projects.

And he said local com-

munities are best placed to identify and implement such climate adaptation measures initially at a local level, which can be expanded often at costs below external interventions.

The investment forum held last week in St Lucia was complemented by an exhibition organised by the Environment Unit of the OECS Commission, ‘Building Resilience on the Frontlines of Climate Change’ to raise public awareness of the impacts of climate change on Small Island Developing States.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesdAY, october 17, 2018

ARCHIE

What you willingly do for others today will make you (March 21- feel good, and the favours April 19) will eventually be returned.

A change of attitude regarding a partnership will bring about transformation.

ARIES

If you watch how others TAURUS react and respond, you will (April 20- know exactly how to countMay 20) er any changes that don’t sit right with you. Share your concerns as well as possible solutions.

dilbert

Look for answers before GEMINI (May 21- you start something new or June 20) make changes. Someone will lead you astray if you are too trusting. Do the legwork and double-check your options.

You don’t have to spend money or get involved in (June 21- someone else’s plans if they July 22) don’t suit your needs. Do your own thing and align yourself with like-minded thinkers.

Romance is highlighted.

CANCER

Peanuts

Take a moment to go over LEO what’s happening in your life (July 23- and to figure out how to reAug. 22) spond to someone or keep the peace.

Calvin and Hobbes

A business trip, conference VIRGO call or family meeting will (Aug. 23help you get positive results.

Sept. 22) Your opinion will make a difference and will bring about needed change.

Anger will not alleviate LIBRA (Sept. 23- discontent. You need to folOct. 23) low your heart and do your own thing. Refuse to let anyone put demands on you or challenge you mentally or physically.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — NESCIENT

SUDOKU

Take your chores and reSAGITTARIUS sponsibilities seriously. Don’t (Nov. 23- leave anything to chance.

Dec. 21) Putting your energy where it counts will bring you the most in return. Making a fuss will only hinder you.

(NESCIENT: NESH-ent: Ignorant; unaware.)

Average mark 22 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 32 or more words in NESCIENT? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — PHOSPHORUS

phosphor pooh poor porous posh pour prop push puss hoop hour hush

oops opus ours shoo shop shush soup sour spoor spur rush

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

Work around any SCORPIO last-minute changes that (Oct. 24Nov. 22) come into play. Getting upset will not help matters move forward faster. Your patience and innovation will help you find a good alternative.

solution for last published puzzle

Make last-minute alterCAPRICORN (Dec. 22- ations to ensure that what Jan. 19) you want to happen will unfold flawlessly. Your input, insight and dedication will pay off. Share your feelings.

Move forward with trepiAQUARIUS dation. Don’t trust someone (Jan. 20- else to pull his or her weight Feb. 19) or follow along. Walk away from peer pressure or behaviour that you don’t condone.

Seeing is believing. Ask PISCES (Feb. 20- questions and get your facts March 20) straight before moving forward. A chance to get ahead is present if you negotiate on your own behalf.

WednesdAY, october 17, 2018

19

Regional Super50 Tournament…

Jaguars sink Canada for 5th straight win – Windies B trounce Volcanoes

34, Dutta got 29 and Navneet Dhaliwal added 20.

Veerasammy Permaul took 2-26 from 10 overs to lead the Jags’ bowling.

a horrific start with the score on 40-5 in the 12th over.

However, former West Indies Under-19 Captain Emmanuel Stewart, Ryan John and all-

SCOREBOARD

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aymon Reifer hit his second straight halfcentury to fortify the Guyana Jaguars’ hold on the top spot with a four-wicket victory over Canada at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Monday.

Reifer hit five fours and one six in an unbeaten 61 from 73 balls to collect his third halfcentury of the Tournament, as the Jaguars successfully chased 206 for victory to log their fifth straight win.

Reifer shared a 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble to get the Jags back on course, after they stumbled to 96 for four in the 20th over.

After Bramble, whose 44 came off 40 balls, and Ricardo

Adams were dismissed in the space of seven balls, Reifer found Romario Shepherd a steady ally and they ushered the Jaguars to victory with 65 balls remaining.

Off-spinner Nikhil Dutta bagged 3-41 from 10 overs for the Canadians.

Nitish Kumar led Canada’s batting with 51 off 72 balls and there were a handful of other batsmen who got starts without carrying on, as the North American side reached 205 for seven off their allocation of 50 overs.

The most stable period of play for Canada came when Dutta and his captain, David Jacobs added 62 for the seventh wicket.

Jacobs was not out on 34, Ravindu Gunasekera made

Canada Innings (50 overs maximum) NS Dhaliwal c Rutherford b Shepherd 20 R Gunasekera b Lewis 34 NR Kumar c Johnson b Permaul 51 BS Adhihetty b Permaul 2 H Thaker c †Bramble b Adams 15 D Heyliger b Pestano 7 DJ Jacobs (c) † not out 34 N Dutta run out (Barnwell) 29 S Brar not out 1 Extras (lb 5, w 7) 12 TOTAL (50 Overs, RR: 4.1) 205-7 Did not bat: GDR Eranga, Salman Nazar Fall of wickets: 1-38 (NS Dhaliwal, 10.6 ov), 2-86 (R Gunasekera, 23.6 ov), 3-89 (BS Adhihetty, 24.5 ov), 4-127 (H Thaker, 35.1 ov), 5-131 (NR Kumar, 36.6 ov), 6-138 (D Heyliger, 40.1 ov), 7-200 (N Dutta, 48.5 ov) BOWLING: C Pestano (10-138-1), RA Reifer (5-0-23-0), RA Lewis (6-0-30-1), R Shepherd (6-0-24-1), SE Rutherford (40-19-0), V Permaul (10-0-

Guyana’s Imlach stars for Windies B against Volcanoes Former West Indies Under-19 wicketkeeper/ batsman Tevin Imlach scored an undefeated half century playing for the West Indies B team in this year’s Regional Super50.

Playing at historic Queen’s Park Oval, the defending champions, Windward Islands Volcanoes batting first managed only 227-9 in their 50 overs. The Volcanoes had

26-2), R Adams (9-0-40-1) Guyana Innings (target: 206 runs from 50 overs) TA Griffith run out (Brar) 9 SE Rutherford b Heyliger 27 LR Johnson (c) c Gunasekera b Dutta 37 CD Barnwell c Dhaliwal b Dutta 9 RA Reifer not out 61 A Bramble † c Eranga b Dhaliwal 44 R Adams b Dutta 1 R Shepherd not out 12 Extras (b 1, lb 3, nb 1, w 3) 8 TOTAL (39.1 Overs, RR: 5.31) 208/6 Did not bat: C Pestano, RA Lewis, V Permaul Fall of wickets: 1-16 (TA Griffith, 4.4 ov), 2-46 (SE Rutherford, 10.6 ov), 3-79 (CD Barnwell, 15.2 ov), 4-96 (LR Johnson, 19.6 ov), 5-175 (A Bramble, 33.4 ov), 6-178 (R Adams, 34.4 ov) BOWLING: GDR Eranga (8-1-380), NR Kumar (6-0-26-0), N Dutta (10-0-41-3), D Heyliger (3-0-231), Salman Nazar (4-0-24-0), R Gunasekera (1-0-9-0), S Brar (40-22-0), NS Dhaliwal (3.1-0-21-1)

rounder Kaveem Hodge offered resistance with scores of 56, 44, and 78 respectively.

Speedsters Alzarri Joseph and Chemar Holder bowled brilliantly for the West Indies B team, who were confident in chasing down the modest total set by the defending champs.

The duo grabbed 3-54 from 10 overs and 2-37 from 8 overs respectively.

Chasing 228 for victory, the West Indies B team lost young opening batsmen Keagan Simmons and Kimani Melius for ducks in the first over of

SCOREBOARD

Windward Islands Innings (50 overs maximum) DS Smith b Charles 0 T Theophile c Smith b Holder 8 KA Edwards lbw b Joseph 2 KAR Hodge c Smith b Joseph 78 RO Cato c †Imlach b Smith 8 A Athanaze b Royal 2 EWJ Stewart † c †Imlach b Barnes 56 RD John c Kallicharan b Holder 44 S Shillingford (c) c †Imlach b Joseph 7 DE Johnson not out 2 LM Edwards not out 3 Extras (b 5, lb 4, nb 2, w 6) 17 TOTAL (50 Overs, RR: 4.54)227/9 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (DS Smith, 0.5 ov), 2-10 (T Theophile, 5.1 ov), 3-10 (KA Edwards, 6.1 ov), 4-35 (RO Cato, 10.5 ov), 5-40 (A Athanaze, 11.2 ov), 6-135 (EWJ Stewart, 35.1 ov), 7-211 (KAR Hodge, 47.3 ov), 8-212 (RD John, 48.1 ov), 9-223 (S Shillingford, 49.2 ov) BOWLING: BNL Charles (102-30-1), CK Holder (8-2-372), AS Joseph (10-0-54-3), OF Smith (6-0-36-1), J Royal (100-30-1), BO Barnes (6-0-31-1)

the chase without a run being scored. Windies B continued to stumble as they were reduced to 70-5 in the 24th over as the target seemed distant. With only five wickets in the shed, Odean Smith, who is more known for his aggressive fast bowling, arrived at the batting crease with Imlach as the duo shared 80 runs in a sixthwicket partnership. Smith batted with intent as he led the fightback, scoring a belligerent 64. Imlach continued to anchor the Windies B innings and was once again in the thick of things as he was involved in an unbroken eight-wicket partnership with Jeavor Royal.

Imlach and Royal put on 63 runs together to take their

West Indies B Innings (target: 228 runs from 50 overs) K Simmons c Athanaze b Johnson 0 K Melius c LM Edwards b Hodge 0 KA Kallicharan c †Stewart b Hodge 18 TA Imlach † not out 57 C Cooper c †Stewart b LM Edwards 10 BO Barnes c Shillingford b LM Edwards 8 OF Smith b LM Edwards 64 AS Joseph c Hodge b LM Edwards 15 J Royal not out 44 Extras (b 5, lb 2, w 6) 13 TOTAL (46.5 Overs, RR: 4.88) 229/7 Did not bat: CK Holder, BNL Charles (c) Fall of wickets: 1-0 (K Simmons, 0.6 ov), 2-0 (K Melius, 1.2 ov), 3-40 (KA Kallicharan, 11.4 ov), 4-62 (C Cooper, 21.2 ov), 5-80 (BO Barnes, 23.1 ov), 6-150 (OF Smith, 33.6 ov), 7-166 (AS Joseph, 37.3 ov) BOWLING: DE Johnson (6.5-2-45-1), KAR Hodge (10-3-15-2), T Theophile (8-1-49-0), LM Edwards (10-047-4), S Shillingford (5-0-35-0), A Athanaze (7-0-31-0)

team to victory with 19 balls remaining in the innings.

Dependable Imlach was not out on 57 from 110 deliveries with Royal being the other not out batsman on 44 from 38 balls. Left-arm spinner Larry Edwards continued his tremendous bowling form picking up 4-47 in his allotted 10 overs and Kaveem Hodge, another left-arm spinner, bowled economically finishing with figures of 2-15 in 10 overs.

The Windies B team have managed their second win in this Regional Super50 while defending champions Windwards have continued their losing ways with their third successive defeat.

(Brandon Corlette)

Windies coach Stuart Law suspended for first two ODIs against India C oach Stuart Law has been suspended from West Indies' first two ODIs against India, and will not be allowed to share the dressing room with the team. Law was fined 100% of his match fees and earned three demerit points for a breach of the ICC's code of conduct during the second Test against India in Hyderabad.

Law was already carrying a demerit point from a previous sanction in May 2017, from a Test against Pakistan in Dominica.

Having reached the threshold of four demerit points, Law earned two suspension points in accor-

dance with Article 7.6 of the ICC's code of conduct, which means he misses either one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first.

The incident occurred after West Indies opener Kieran Powell had been given out on the third and final day of the second Test.

Powell fell to a low catch in the slips by Ajinkya Rahane, and the third umpire ruled that Rahane had caught the ball cleanly after watching numerous replays.

According to an ICC release, Law went to the third umpire's room and made "inappropriate comments". He then "walked to the

Stuart Law

fourth umpire's area and, in the presence of the players, again di-

rected inappropriate comments at the fourth official."

Law was found guilty of breaching Level 2 Article 2.7 of the ICC code of conduct, which relates to "Public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in an International Match or any Player, Player Support Personnel, Match Official or team participating in any International Match, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made". Law accepted the offence and the sanction, so there was no need of a formal hearing by the ICC. The suspension will cut short

Law's remaining time with West Indies. The tour of India is his penultimate assignment as West Indies coach. The Australian, who will turn 50 on Thursday, had announced he would quit his position once West Indies completed their tours of India and Bangladesh, and move to England to take charge of Middlesex.

This is the second time in the last three months that an international coach has been suspended, with Sri Lanka's Chandika Hathurusingha also forced to miss matches due to ICC sanctions over a ball-tampering offence. (ESPNcricinfo)

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wednesdAY, october 17, 2018

BCB Skyy Vodka 20/20 Tournament

RHT Gizmos & Gadgets crowned champs – BCB completes 11 tourneys in 3 months

R

ose Hall Town (RHT) Gizmos & Gadgets on Sunday last added another championship title to their trophy cupboard when they easily defeated Upper Corentyne by 64 runs at the Number 69 Ground to be crowned champions of the ANSA McAL-sponsored Skyy Vodka 20/20 tournament.

The final was played in front of a massive and colourful crowd as residents in the Upper Corentyne area came out to support their team’s first appearance in a Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) final in two decades. Albion Community Centre (ACC) earlier in the day had defeated Skeldon Cricket Team by 12 runs to clinch the third-place prize as the BCB successfully completed its 11th cricket tournament in less than three months.

ACC won the toss and elected to bat. They reached 108 for 8 off their allotted overs with Kevin Umroa (32); Kandasammy Surujnarine (13)

Skyy Vodka Champions Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets Team Man of the Final Eon Hooper receiving his trophy and prize from an ANSA McAL representative

and Mahendra Chaitnarine (13 ) being the principal scorers as Errol Byass (2 for 17); Victor Pedro (2 for 17) and Junior Reid (2 for 19) bowled well for Skeldon Cricket Team. Skeldon were restricted to 96 for 7 as Umroa returned with the ball to take 2 for 15 and Mahendra Chaitnarine (2 for 9) bowled well for Albion.

In the final, the Upper Corentyne Team won the toss and fielded. Upper Corentyne reaped success in the first over when National Under-19 player Junior Sinclair was bowled off the inside edge by Looknauth Roopchand for naught at 5 for 1.

National Under-19 Player Kevin Sinclair and Kevlon

Anderson added 40 for the second wicket before Sinclair was caught at short midwicket off off-spinner Devendra Budhoo’s first ball for 22.

Anderson top-scored with 35 (3x4) and received support from national player Eon Hooper (31); Vidal Crandon (25); Keon Sinclair (13) and Sylus Tyndall (8 not out) as Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets reached 165 for 8 from their allotted 20 overs. O Khemraj and Devendra Budhoo took two wickets for 44 and 17 runs respectively.

Needing to score 165 to register a historic win in front of their adoring fans, Upper Corentyne lost Devin Baldeo run out for 1 in the third over at 9 for 1 and then the wily Eon Hooper trapped Terrence Budhoo lbw for 0 with the

score on 13 for 2.

Fiery pacer Keon Sinclair then bowled Upper Corentyne’s best batsman, Rishi Persaud for 16 to leave the home team struggling at 25 for 3 in five overs. They never recovered as the strong Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets bowling attack bowled well and was backed up by brilliant fielding.

Only L Roopchand and Devindra Chatterpaul reached double figures with 12 and 15 not out as Upper Corentyne was bowled out for 101 runs in 19.2 overs. Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets skipper and former Under-19 leg spinner Shawn Pereira bowled well to take 4 for 20 while Hooper took 2 for 22. Hooper was named Man of the Final by former national player Sydney

Jackman.

BCB President Hilbert Foster praised the family atmosphere that the final was played in, and expressed delight at the massive turnout of residents.

Foster told the attentive audience during the presentation that Berbice cricket was alive again with the game being played again in every village and township.

The Skyy Vodka 20/20 Final was the 11th one to be hosted by the BCB in three weeks as the Board strives to complete 21 tournaments by the end of the year.

Foster expressed gratitude to ANSA McAL for its sponsorship, the Number 69 Vikings Ground for hosting the final and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association for its hard work.

Massy Industries 1st on board for Cup of Guianas

A

s 12 athletes prepare to take a step to higher competition later in this month, Massy Industries has become the first corporate entity to contribute to the Guyanese lawn tennis team’s trip to Suriname.

The 12-member team, along with two coaches, will depart Guyana for Suriname in order to participate in the Cup of Guianas, formerly the InterGuiana Games, with Team Guyana being the defending champions.

The announcement of Massy’s sponsorship came at the closing ceremony of the fifth annual Bakewell Junior Open tournament. The financial support is to the tune of $50,000 and was handed over to the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) Treasurer, Tina Ram by Vadeanand Resaul on behalf of Massy Industries.

While Massy noted that it was happy to exercise its corporate responsibility, the Guyana Tennis Association expressed its gratitude to the

company, noting that it was hopeful that Massy was the first of many companies to come on board.

The competition will feature four Guyanese (two males, two females) in three categories, namely: Under-12, Under-14 and Under-18. The Guyanese contingent is expected to depart on October 24, 2018 and will be in competition mode from October 24-29, hoping to bring home the overall trophy once again.

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sports

“Stage of Champions” receives support – set for November 3

W

ith just over two weeks to show time, “Stage of Champions” is picking up steam, garnering support from corporate entities.

On Tuesday, the show’s organiser, Videsh Sookram was fortunate to reach sponsorship agreements with Subs and Salads and Life’s Gym. During simple ceremonies, representatives of the entities handed over sponsorship cheques to Sookram who in turn thanked them for the kind gesture.

November 3 was selected

by Sookram as the date he will host the third edition of “Stage of Champions” billed for the Theatre Guild.

According to Sookram, the show which attracts international competitors because of the lucrative cash prizes on offer, is set to be of a higher calibre than the

A representatives of Life’s Gym and Subs and Salads present sponsorship support to “Stage of Champions” organiser, Videsh Sookram

years prior.

He stated that besides musclemen and women from Trinidad, St Maarten,

Suriname and Antigua, he is optimistic that recently-crowned national bodybuilding, men’s physique

21

and bikini champions, Kerwin Clarke, Emmerson Campbell and Chandini Khan respectively will compete on stage.

If the trio competes, Khan and Clarke, a fivetime national champion, will be making their debuts.

Campbell won the physique segment in 2016 and 2017 and would be gunning for a three-peat.

The organiser also made an appeal for other corporate entities for support.

Last year, the bodybuilding, physique and bikini champions took home $250,000, $100,000 and $100,000 respectively.

The second and thirdplace finishers in bodybuilding secured $130,000 and $100,000 while the first and second runners-up in physique and bikini pocketed $50,000 and $25,000 in that order.

RHTY&SC congratulate Pestano T he Patron, President, Executives and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, wishes to congratulate club member Clinton Pestano on his remarkable achievement of taking a hat-trick for Guyana versus Trinidad.

Pestano’s hat-trick changed the course of the match for Guyana and was made even more special and memorable as it featured a trio of West Indies batsmen. Lendl Simmons, Keiron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo are three of the biggest names in West Indies cricket.

Pestano’s success for Guyana at the senior level has been a long while in the making. Clinton has been a

Clinton Pestano

very regular performer for the Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets First Division Team over the years with both bat and ball. There have been moments of frustration and thoughts of quit-

ting the game when he was not considered for selection, but he was always urged to keep his faith in God

by Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who serves as a mentor to him.

Pestano’s hat-trick is the first by a Berbician fast bowler and is the start of a long and successful career for Guyana. The entire membership of Guyana’s leading youth and sports club would like to reassure Pestano that he has their full support, unconditional love, and he is always in their prayers.

RHTY&SC’s formula for success is sheer hard work, honesty, belief in the work we do, faith in the God we serve and to always remain humble at all times and we would like to remind Pestano

to continue following the formula that has brought huge success to him and the Club.

We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Pepsi, Gizmos & Gadgets in the career of Pestano, and it is only a matter of time before our promising starts Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, and Junior Sinclair join him in the Guyana team.

The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would also like to extend best wishes to Captain Leon Johnson and the rest of the Guyana Team for a successful conclusion to the CWI Super50 Tournament. Pestano would be honoured on his return to Guyana for his historic achievement.

Holder joins elite set of Test all-rounders W indies captain Jason Holder, despite watching his side completely outplayed in a two-game Test series against India, has climbed to become one of the top three all-rounders in the five-day game today.

Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan Continues to be number one on the list, while India’s Ravindra Jadeja finds himself second.

Holder surpassed South Africa’s Vernon Philander after his exploits in West Indies’ 10-wicket loss on the fourth day of their second match against India in Hyderabad on the weekend.

Holder scored 52 in the Windies’ first innings of 311 before going on to grab figures of 5-56 in India’s 367-

run response.

The performances also meant Holder is up four places on the ICC’s Test bowling ranking, moving to ninth on the list behind India’s Ravichandran Ashwin. England’s James Anderson continues to lead the list, with South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada in second.

Philander is third on that list, while Jadeja is fourth. New Zealand’s Trent Boult at five, Australia’s Pat Cummins at six, and Rangana Herath at seven are also ahead of Holder.

The Windies skipper is also higher up the Test

rankings as a batsman, climbing three spots to 53.

Roston Chase, scored a century in that first innings, gaining him 10 positions to leave the Windies middle-order batsman 31st on the list of batsmen. Shai Hope has fallen two places to 36th after a poor se-

ries, scoring 10 and 17 in Rajkot, as well as 36 and 28 in Hyderabad.

The 2-0 series result sees top-ranked India gain one point while the West Indies have lost one point, without any change of positions in the team rankings.

(Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesdAY, october 17, 2018

John Fernandes Ltd ICC Women’s World T20 2018, West Indies… supports South American Period for vending 10K Road Race Classic

opens at Providence

AAG President Aubrey Hutson receives a cheque for an undisclosed sum from John Fernandes Limited’s Accounts Executive Tricia Azaire. Also in photo is executive Peter Perune

J

ohn Fernandes Limited on Tuesday became the first corporate entity to support the second leg of the South American 10K Road Race Classic, which is set to run off on Sunday, November 4 in Georgetown.

The company, which has a rich history in supporting sport and its development in Guyana, expressed delight at having an opportunity to be part of something it deemed as ‘significant’, and also wished the local athletes

representing Guyana well.

Aubrey Hutson, President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), which is tasked with ensuring that one of South America’s important fixtures of distance athletes is properly organised, upon collecting the cheque for an undisclosed sum, lauded John Fernandes Limited for answering the call for support.

According to the AAG President, the 16th edition of the South American 10K will

coincide with the Association’s 70th anniversary, and as such, John Fernandes’ support is seen as timely.

The South American 10K’s second leg will officially be launched on Thursday , at which time all information pertaining to the event will be given.

The race will be held under the theme “Run for Guyana gold”’, since it will be the only athletic meet of its kind in Guyana to offer the winner a ‘real’ gold medal.

N

ew and established entrepreneurs are invited to be part of history as vendors, for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World T20 which opens on November 9 at Providence.

The organisers are creating a ‘close to home’ environment for spectators to feel comfortable while enjoying matches in the first-ever standalone Women’s World T20 and are reaching out to local vendors.

According to ICC WWT20 Logistics Officer (Guyana) Monica Sharma, persons or companies may apply for the exciting opportunities to become either roaming vendors, small or medium scale vendors for the entire tournament. Sharma further noted that once persons sign on to all of the match days they will be given the oppor-

tunity to sell at the warmup matches at no additional cost.

“We want to have the Guyanese feel when viewing the matches at Providence, so we definitely need local flavours to be incorporated. We need the best creole dishes, burgers, hot dogs, plantain chip, pastries, nuts and more. We are looking to ensure the true Guyanese experience, and our food is a sure way to achieve that,” Sharma stated.

While marking out concession areas in the stands at Providence, Sharma made it clear that “The window period is now open for all persons interested in sales at the upcoming WWT20 but will close on Friday, October 26.” This will allow the organisers and vendors time to adequately prepare for the 13 matches.

In addition to official

tournament matches on November 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17, there are official warmup matches scheduled for November 4, 6 and 7, all at Providence.

Persons looking to establish or continue their business in the field must contact the Guyana Cricket Board on 227-7130 or Monica Sharma on 6002223 for full details, including price.

Ten of the world’s best female cricket teams will be batting for the title which is currently in the grasp of hosts, Windies from November 9 to 24. Other than Guyana, preliminary matches will also be played in St Lucia while the semi-finals and final are slated for Antigua.

Full details of the tournament are available online at https: worldtwenty20. com.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesdAY, october 17, 2018

23

CONCACAF U-20 men’s championship

National U-20 team benefit from drug awareness session

W

ith the CONCACAF U-20 Men’s Championship looming on the horizon, the National U-20 squad is being prepped in all areas for their travel and participation.

One such area is drug awareness and the team was treated to an informative and interactive session, coordinated by the Guyana Football Federation.

The session, which was themed “Benefits of Dissing Illicit Narcotics”, was facilitated by the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on October 13 at the National Library’s conference room.

Leading the discussion

were CANU’s Legal Officer Konya Sandiford and Senior Manager Rayon Samuels, who explained key aspects of the law highlighting the concepts of “possession” and “trafficking,” and the corresponding penalties.

The interactive session also saw the CANU officials sharing tactics used by traffickers to lure potential mules, methods of concealment and the benefits of “dissing” the narcotic trade.

Press stories and practical examples were used to further enhance the quality of the session for the very eager participants.

Prior to the CANU’s presentation, GFF President

Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers U-18 Tournament…

Christianburg, Lodge, Annandale continue to dominate

T

he Ministry of Education Ground was once again home to Under-18 football action as round two of the Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers Tournament concluded on Monday evening.

Round two action kicked off on Sunday afternoon with Vergenoegen and Marian Academy taking the field to battle. It was an even contest for the first 10 minutes until Vergenoegen found their groove. The scoring began with Troy Skeete’s goal in the 13th minute whilst Ronaldo Macey netted the second in the 47th minute. Brentnol Bobb added a third in the 50th and was followed Skeete with his second in the 56th minute.

Chris Smith’s back-to-back goals took Vergenoegen to 6, but Marian Academy were only able to reply with one.

Christianburg Secondary inflicted another high-scoring thrashing on Sunday, this time on Dolphin Secondary.

The complete team effort saw six players adding a goal to their names on the score sheet: Randy Pickering, Mickel

A d a m s , Andre Meyers, G e o r g e Stephen, Decklon Lee and Felix Innis. Their excellent scoring was coupled with an even harder-working defence which completely barred Dolphin from the goal on every opportunity they had.

Their teamwork powered them to a 6-0 win.

Lodge Secondary recorded their second victory of the tournament after annihilating Uitvlugt Secondary. After Rasheed Evans got the scoring started in the 14th minute, both Thriston Gordon and Dorwin George contributed two apiece for Lodge’s tally of 5. Uitvlugt, on the other hand, only produced one goal from the boot of Mickel Mckend.

Annandale Secondary also returned for their second win of the tournament versus Charlestown. Playing their usually aggressive game, Carlos Agard’s lone goal for Charlestown was not enough to match Annandale’s three in the heated contest. Roydell Maxwell netted one in the sixteenth, and his teammate came out blazing in the second half with one in the 49th minute and the other in the 54th to secure Annandale’s win.

On Monday afternoon, St Rose’s got their redemption after a first-round loss to The Bishops’ High. In their second match, they met Queen’s College and were able to silence their confident opponents. Kahil Farrington contributed two whilst Ravon Bayley and Isiah Thomas

produced one each for their 4-0 win against Queen’s College.

The final match of the round saw The Bishops’ High and Queenstown Secondary being paired to do battle.

However, the intense match-up saw not a single goal as both teams failed to hit their target. This resulted in them settling for a draw after their stalemate.

CANU’s Deputy Head Leslie Ramlall interacts with the National U-20 team in the presence of their legal officer Konya Sandiford

Wayne Forde and First Vice President Brigadier (Retired) Bruce Lovell offered words of encouragement to the group. Forde urged the youth to embrace a

positive lifestyle and be good ambassadors of the sport while Lovell’s presentation titled, “Understanding Your D.A.D (Discipline, Attitude and Dedication)” went into

detail about the three areas of focus and their impact on the positive development of the person. One thought that he zeroed in on and used as a means of encour-

agement for them was: “If It Is To Be, It Starts with Me.” In wrapping up, Team Manager Daniel Thomas expressed appreciation to the speakers for their presentations and urged the national team members to activate the positive messages conveyed during the meeting in every aspect of their life.

Also, present at the event was CANU’s Deputy Head Leslie Ramlall and members of the technical staff.

The National U-20 team have a packed schedule ahead which essentially leads up to their first match against Guatemala on November 2 at 10:30h.

They will return to the playing field four days later for their second match against Cayman Islands on November 6 at 10:30h.

Next they will face off with Curaçao on November 8 at 12:45h, and their final firstround match will be against El Salvador on November 10 at 19:45h.

WEDNESdAY, october 17, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

CONCACAF U-20 men’s championship

Page 23

Regional Super50 Tournament…

National U-20 team benefit from drug Jaguars sink awareness session Canada for 5th

straight win

...Windies B trounce Volcanoes Page 19

CANU Legal Officer Konya Sandiford during the interactive session with the National U-20 squad

ICC Women’s World T20 2018, West Indies…

Period for vending opens at Providence

Tevin Imlach

Massy Industries 1st on board for Cup of Guianas Page 20

Page 22

Monica Sharma (left) assisted by Mahinder Ghanshiam measuring the concession area in the Green Stand at Providence (ICC WWT20||John Ramsingh photo)

GLTA President Samuel Barakat, player Vadeanand Resaul, Treasurer Tina Ram and Vice President Cristy Campbell (V Resaul handed over the cheque to GLTA on Massy Industries’ behalf)

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