Guyana Times - Saturday, December 29, 2018

29 E Division ranks promoted

Page 12

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

Issue No. 3789

THE BEACON OF TRUTH Saturday, December 29, 2018

PRICE

No-confidence resolution

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Opposition Leader meets with diplomatic community on threat to democracy

GAWU coordinated major relief efforts for P2 dismissed sugar workers – Chand

See stories on pages 3, 7 & 9

DPP disposes of 195 cases in 2018 P11

Armed P2 gunmen attack, rob graphic artist Digicel’s CEO dies suddenly Members of the diplomatic community, including Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States, Terry Steers-Gonzalez; along with representatives from the European Union, the United Kingdom and Canada leaving Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s Church Street, Georgetown office on Friday

…as PPP to push for intense Int’l scrutiny for upcoming elections …longest serving clerk rubbishes 34 votes for majority argument ...says Constitution does not support “new formula” being peddled ...GAWU calls on GECOM to ensure free and fair elections

Bandit gets life imprisonment for killing money changer

Mining pit caves in on 11-year-old Page 14

Page 10

P11

5 to stand trial for P12 British teen’s murder St Kitts-Nevis P16 Speaker accused of colluding with PM to limit full debate of No-confidence Motion

2 news

saturdAY, december 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GAWU coordinated major relief efforts for dismissed sugar workers – Chand

O

ver the last two years, the nation looked on as over 7000 sugar workers lost their jobs, ultimately making it one of the largest retrenchments in Guyana’s history.

Despite this, their union – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) – said it is has been unable to directly provide relief to the affected workers, but rather the union coordinated major relief efforts.

“We have not directly provided relief to those workers from the shutter

estates (Wales, Enmore, Skeldon, Albion); but we however managed through funds and organisations abroad, we have been able to provide some relief to workers and we have to bear in mind over the past years we were engaged on a lot of activities, marches, picketing exercises,” the Union’s President, Komal Chand noted.

Chand made the comments at the Union’s end of year press conference on Friday. He told the media that GAWU did not let down its members, but rath-

er, kept pushing so that the struggle remained alive and ultimately coming to an end when Government was ordered to pay the workers their severance packages along with interest. He noted that the financial position made the Union cognisant of the fact that they needed to be aware of how they spent their limited finances.

“One has to look that the Union did not end its relationship with the workers which from an individual point of view we are representing… we have to see the Union funds which is affected by the smaller membership and we have to consider how wisely we have spent it and we have to keep the struggle alive. We were able to provide food stuff, mainly food stuff (to the workers),”

GAWU President Komal Chand

Chand stated.

He said when the Government decided to close the Wales Estate on the West Bank of Demerara in 2016,

and closely followed up by shutting down the Enmore Estate, on the East Coast of Demerara and Skeldon and Rose Hall estates in Berbice in 2017, the Union suffered.

The shutting down of several sugar estates saw a significant decline in the dues collected by GAWU and according to Chand, it limited their abilities to assist those affected.

Earlier this year, outspoken economist and former presidential advisor Ramon Gaskin said Chand should be fired since he did not adequately represent the interest of the retrenched sugar workers. Gaskin said he believes Chand made a huge blunder when Chand and his team met with President David Granger on January 19, and agreed to accept a decision to pay some of the sugar workers their full severance, while others have to wait.

Assistance

On Friday, Chand indicated that the Union has been doing everything possible to assist the retrenched sugar workers, while alluding to the three major court cases that resulted in Wales Estate cane cutters getting their severance along with interest and the Caribbean Court of Justice Appeal to the closure of the estates.

He, however, did not disclose how much money was expended on the court proceedings noting that “the lawyers might not want that disclosed.”

In a prepared statement, GAWU said the sugar workers continue to be burdened by high cost of living and

not receiving a raise in their wages and salaries for over four years.

“In the period since workers’ pay rates were adjusted, we must point out, according to the Bureau of Statistics, the cost of food, one of the most significant expenditure of workers, has risen by 12.4 per cent. The GAWU also wishes to point out that in intervening period, the cost of medical and personal care has risen by 8.5 per cent. We recognise from the Corporation’s financial statements between 2014 and 2017, average pay per worker in the sugar industry has declined on average by $284,000. Of course when considering the wages earned by workers represented by GAWU, taking into account the seasonality of their jobs, the loss of benefits and their earnings vis-à-vis other categories of workers in the Corporation, it’s hard not to conclude that the field and factory workers take home pay have recorded even further declines,” GAWU said.

Chand explained that the lack of increases also affects the purse of the Union since it means no increase in their revenues.

“We are severely affected at the less contribution we are getting from the sugar workers. Nevertheless, we also have to recognise their plight and we recognise their high cost of living for those who are paying now we cannot increase their dues unless they have some increases in their wages and salaries,” Chand explained.

Armed gunmen attack, rob graphic artist

A

graphic artist is now left counting his losses after he was attacked and robbed of $1 million in cash by armed gunmen on Friday morning.

The Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, resident was robbed at about 09:00h in the vicinity of Bel Air, Georgetown, in his motorcar.

Guyana Times understands that while the graphic artist was driving his Toyota Allion motorcar along Eping Avenue, Bel Air, two motorcyclists suddenly blocked his path.

Scared for his life, the man sat and watched as one of the suspects dismounted his motorcycle and approached his vehicle.

The perpetrator upon reaching the victim’s vehicle, reportedly whipped out a firearm from his waist and demanded cash.

The victim handed over his cash resulting in the gunman and his accomplice fleeing the scene on their motorcycles.

The matter was reported to the Police and a manhunt has since been launched for the two suspects.

news

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saturdAY, december 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

No-confidence resolution

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, December 29 – 11:00h-12:30h and Sunday, December 30 – 12:30h-14:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, December 29 – 10:10h-11:40h and Sunday, December 30 – 11:25h-12:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

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

Temperatures will range between 20 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 10:00h and 22:29h reaching a maximum height of 2.34 metres and 2.31 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:26h and 15:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.82 metre and 0.91 metre.

saturDAY, december 22, 2018

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FRIDAY, december 28, 2018 DAILY MILLIONS

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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

Jagdeo meets with diplomatic community on threat to democracy …as PPP pushes for intense int’l scrutiny for upcoming elections

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo met with diplomats from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union on Friday, as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) shared its concerns following the recent no-confidence resolution and its expectations for the next 90 days.

In an interview with the media following the onehour long meeting, Jagdeo noted that he outlined to the diplomatic community that if elections are not held within the timeframe stipulated by the Constitution, the Government will be considered an illegitimate and unconstitutional one.

“We in the parliamentary Opposition will treat the Government if elections are not held by that date as illegitimate and that no act that they engage in internationally or locally would be recognised.

This will have major implications for Guyana, for investors and for all concerned.

I have also urged the diplomatic community to be involved in the process of free and fair elections,” Jagdeo added.

According to the Opposition Leader, one of the things the Party wants is observer teams from several international organisations and the customary countries to ensure the vote is free from fraud.

“I expressed the desire of the People’s Progressive Party to see a massive observer group from all the agencies… Caricom (Caribbean Community); the European Union; OAS (Organisation of American States); UNASUR (Union of South American Nations); Carter Centre, Commonwealth, etc.”

“Then I also made it clear to them that we are very concerned about the shenanigans that seem to be brewing behind this Government’s statement that they are ex-

Members of the diplomatic community leaving Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo's office on Friday

ploring legal and other options,” the former President said.

Jagdeo said Government has gone from accepting the results of the vote to searching for ways to reverse it. He pointed out that both Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and President David Granger had previously accepted that the Government had fallen, and elections were due.

The Opposition Leader slammed the Government for breaking the trust and good will he had hoped would be built up ahead of his meeting with the President. Jagdeo noted that far from using the time to calm the country following the vote, reports that Government is searching for a way to reverse the results have caused tension.

“I said to them (diplomats) we, the People’s Progressive Party, will not accept that, and obviously there would be instability in the country if this (Government reversing its word) were to happen.

I also said that we will not accept a judicial coup… the Legislative branch has made a decision. That has to be respected.”

The Opposition Leader noted that he also told the diplomatic community that his party would not return to the National Assembly, unless for issues related to elec-

tions. He made it clear that the Government has fallen, and it cannot be business as usual for the Government when it comes to passing bills in the National Assembly.

Jagdeo reiterated that the Government is there in a caretaker capacity.

He acknowledged that the National Assembly may have to meet to pass legislation related to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) or if the PPP agreed to extend the period until elections.

The Opposition Leader was open to meeting with the Government ahead of any future sittings, so that the parameters were set.

“That would be an illegal sitting, as far as we’re concerned. And anything passed in this kind of situation that would not be recognised. We would not recognise anything they do except elections related. We’re not going to go.”

On December 21, 2018, the no-confidence motion brought by the parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) – against the Government succeeded when former AFC Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud broke ranks and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

With the Government’s defeat, the next steps are

spelt out in the Constitution of Guyana. Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Meanwhile, clause 7 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

The President has already committed to following the provisions outlined in the Constitution, facilitating early elections and engaging in dialogue with the Leader of the Opposition, upon his return from Cuba where he departed for treatment.

Since the passage of the motion on December 21, however, persons aligned with the coalition party have sought to question the motion’s validity even as the vote has already been certified.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, december 29, 2018

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

One’s own detriment

T

he recent unprecedented events in Guyana following the shock vote of former Government Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud, siding with the Opposition in toppling the coalition Government via a no-confidence motion, has once again brought the minor coalition partner – the Alliance For Change (AFC) – under the spotlight, more particularly its ability to deliver what the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) wants in the context of a shared political arrangement.

When the AFC was formed some years ago, there was much hope and goodwill enveloping it. Many people regarded it as a breath of fresh air in Guyanese politics and thought it would have ended up being a very powerful and influential third force that would hold the balance between the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Party leaders had committed that once the party gains political power, they would work hard to excise corruption, improve transparency and institute greater accountability, all premised on the pillar of strong institutions.

Accordingly, when the AFC was launched, unlike other parties which had to do hard and time-consuming work in establishing themselves, the AFC immediately had a readymade constituency. And unlike other parties which contested elections for the first time, the party won a respectable number of seats in the 2011 General and Regional Elections.

Then came the 2015 elections and despite the PNC’s pressure on them to join the coalition of political parties which it was establishing to contest with the PPP, the AFC, unlike the Working People’s Alliance and other political parties, held out and was able to negotiate on equal terms with the PNC, securing the Cummingsburg Accord which gave them a respectable power-sharing agreement whereby they would secure a number of Ministerial appointments and political sway in the Cabinet.

Sadly, after the 2015 Elections, when it seemed that the AFC was about to become a determining force in Guyanese politics, the AFC’s feet of clay was suddenly exposed to the world: The PNC reneged on the Cummingsburg Accord and took away much of what had been bargained for. The AFC did nothing, not even made a credible protest, and indeed, one or two of their leaders actually agreed with the PNC’s action. Some supporters of the party quietly fell away at this unprincipled lack of courage on the part of their leaders.

Another major cause for concern which resulted in the party losing support was the party’s deafening silence in the many cases of blatant corruption since the coalition Government took office. Over the past three years or so, there have been several scandals and poor policy decisions made by the coalition - the infamous drugs bond scandal, the D’Urban Park project, the awarding of scholarships, the contract for the Demerara Harbour Bridge feasibility study, the embroglio surrounding the appointment of the new Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Minister Volda Lawrence’s controversial remarks about giving jobs to “PNC people only” and the wanton closure of sugar estates which resulted in thousands of persons being placed on the breadline etc. The leadership of the AFC remained silent and appeared to be complicit in most of these cases.

In justifying his ‘conscience vote’, Persaud raised some of these very issues which caused him to support the noconfidence motion. As a party which claims that it is serious about practicing good governance, the AFC should have committed to addressing the issues raised by the former MP as against castigating him and labelling his action as an “attack” on the party’s leadership.

Many are of the view that based on its actions, and in some cases inaction, the AFC is doing the opposite of what was promised when the party was first formed. The 2018 Local Government Elections was the first real test of the strength of the party and the results of those elections proved to be very disappointing indeed as it is now clear that the party has lost significant support in some areas it once contested.

In the words of one of its Executive Members, the party is now “dead meat” and has left an unpalatable taste in the proverbial mouths of Guyanese who entrusted them with their votes. Considering the recent turn of events, the party’s leadership may want to consider going back to the drawing board and re-think where it is at the moment and where it wants to be in the coming years. To begin with, it must not shut out dissenting views; it must listen to its membership and take their concerns seriously since not doing so may be to its own detriment as was evident in last Friday’s no-confidence vote.

Cranes are seen next to workers sculpting a giant snowman by the Songhua River in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China (Reuters/Stringer)

Saudi Arabia demotes Foreign Minister in wake of Khashoggi case S audi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel alJubeir has been demoted in a government reshuffle by the country’s leader, King Salman.

Al-Jubeir will become Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, with Ibrahim al-Assaf taking over as Foreign Minister.

The murder of Journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul has shone a spotlight on the ultra-conservative Islamic nation.

Khashoggi was an outspoken critic of the ruling House of Saud.

His articles in the Washington Post had been particularly critical of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country’s de facto leader.

Saudi Arabia initially denied all knowledge of the Journalist’s fate after he disappeared on October 2, but the Saudi Public Prosecutor subsequently described his death as premeditated murder.

Riyadh denies the ruling royal family was involved and blames “rogue agents”.

Al-Jubeir has been prominent in presenting Riyadh’s stance, at one point accusing the Western media of “hysteria” in its coverage of the Khashoggi case.

‘A clear demotion’

Nearly three months have passed since the murder of the Saudi Journalist and critic inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

While it is highly unlike-

Saudi ‘not in crisis’ over Khashoggi affair – new Foreign Minister

The new Saudi Foreign Minister, Ibrahim al-Assaf, speaks to AFP at his residence in the Saudi capital Riyadh, on December 28, 2018

Demoted: Adel al-Jubeir was the Foreign Minister

ly that al-Jubeir knew anything about it, the consulates are his responsibility and the crime took place on his watch.

Something needed to be seen to be done.

He remains as Minister of State– a clear demotion – giving up his place to a lifelong finance man, al-Assaf, who has a far more limited experience of international diplomacy.

Al-Jubeir has been an

eloquent ambassador for Saudi Arabia on the world stage. He was the first senior Saudi official to publicly admit that Khashoggi had been murdered by what he called “rogue elements” of Saudi security.

Other changes and appointments in the Cabinet are seen as part of an ongoing shake-up of the security and intelligence community after the scandal of the Khashoggi murder.

Saudi Arabia’s new Foreign Minister voiced defiance on Friday in the face of international outrage over Khashoggi’s murder, rejecting the notion that the Kingdom was in crisis and his predecessor was demoted.

“The issue of Jamal Khashoggi ... really saddened us, all of us,” Ibrahim al-Assaf told AFP, a day after he was appointed Foreign Minister in a government reshuffle.

“But all in all, we are not going through a crisis, we are going through a transformation,” he added, referring to social and economic reforms spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Prince, heir to the Saudi throne, has faced intense international scrutiny over the October 2 murder of Khashoggi – which critics say has left the oil-rich Gulf nation diplomatically weakened.

Al-Assaf, a former Finance Minister who was detained last year in what Riyadh said was an anti-corruption sweep, replaced alJubeir as Foreign Minister in the sweeping Government shake-up ordered by King Salman.

“This is far from the truth,” Assaf said, addressing the claims that al-Jubeir was demoted. “Adel represented Saudi Arabia and will continue to represent Saudi Arabia ... around the world. We complement each other.” (BBC News

and channelnewsasia.com)

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, december 29, 2018

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

Can we say the present Govt has provided outstanding leadership?

Dear Editor, Some of us will remember the financial crisis during 2007 – 2009 when world economies plunged into extreme financial difficulties and many Chief Executives Officers (CEOs), committed suicide or were fired and jailed. Subsequently, huge conglomerates started to recruit managers to turnaround their businesses.

Among those found were Chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase - Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of Bank of America Brian Thomas Moynihan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley - James P Gorman and Chairman and CEO of Amazon - Jeffrey Preston Bezos Today, we can say that after all these dreadful years, the economies around the world are doing much better, thanks to prudent, competent and versatile new leaders.

Editor, good knowledgeable leaders are the key to success; can we say this of our current bath who have been given the mandate to run our country? I am at a loss to look at the quality and competence of these

men and women.

Unless drastic changes are made quickly, our county will continue to get worse and slide into the abyss of destruction. As we carefully look around we can clearly see the decline in every sector within our economy. We cannot be naïve and stifle our conscience - our country is not moving in the right direction.

The racial divide is widening. The country is becoming more polarised, the people are struggling to survive, compounded with enormous social problems such as crime, suicide, domestic violence, murder and life-threatening substance abuse to name a few problems on the increase.

The Government Ministers have an open ticket to say whatever they want without respecting the feelings of the people.

The Government is bent on only speaking about Mr Bharrat Jagdeo and the People Progressive Party and they have inherited a broken country.

I wish to remind the readers that it was Minister Winston Jordan when pressed by Dr Ashni Singh who admitted that he has

received a solid economy.

I cannot understand why so much emphasis is being placed on Mr Jagdeo.

This gentleman has provided exceptional leadership to his country. First as Minister of Finance, followed by the Elected President of Guyana and now as Political Opposition Leader. He has guided us through the great financial crisis of 2007 to 2009 when fuel prices hit the US$110 per barrel. He has improved the lives of the ambitious, when ordinary poor people’s children became doctors, engineers and other professionals through scholarships.

He has made his runs on bouncy unplayable pitches in spite of a hostile opposition, unfair critics and a section of our society that was bent on destabilising the country.

Finally, Mr Bharrat Jagdeo has provided outstanding leadership for his country. Can we say the same for our present team?

Well wishes and Happy New Year to all.

Yours truly, Hanna B Mohamed

Municipal officials must be placed before the courts

Dear Editor, Almost one month ago, the Former Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Honourable Cecil Kennard completed and handed over a most detailed, cogent and lucid report containing more than 31 prudent recommendations after an exhaustive investigation into some of the venality that has been occurring at City Hall.

One would expect that dealing with these recommendations would be an unqualified priority of the Local Government Commission, the agency that sought the special competence of Mr Kennard and who have the power to deal with all matters relating to the regulating and staffing of local government organs including employment and dismissal of staff.

Of course, everyone would expect substantive as well as procedural standards for the review of the report to be upheld in the interest of natural justice and fairness but at the same time with the level of misconduct that has been unearthed by the CoI one could only imagine that in the interest of protecting evidence of misconduct, records that detail fraud, violations of bidding and tender proce-

dures, of nepotism and cronyism, complicity, bribery, embezzlement, extortion, and malfeasance in office to name a few; that those officers that were fingered by the CoI would have been immediately sent on administrative leave until a final determination is made on the fate of those officers.

Additionally, one wonders if an investigation will be made into the display of sudden new wealth, and acquisition of many properties and business by some officers through unexplained income, whether the State Asset Recovery Agency will be called in to recover the many municipal assets and properties that have been doled out to friends and family. Indeed there were properties that were not under the purview of the Georgetown Municipality which were illegally sold or leased out.

One wonders whether the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) was called in to deal with the privileged and well-connected municipal officers who were abusing their positions and acquiring wealth through illicit means. Citizens of Georgetown have experienced municipal officials, both elected and appointed

— known to be on fixed income — moving from rags to riches in a very short period. Citizens have seen disregard by Council’s Officials for the functioning of the Integrity Commission and Revenue Authority, the National Insurance Scheme all of which are legal entities.

There is the prevalent instance in the use of state motor vehicles including those owned by the City Police driven by persons employed by the Council transporting children, and spouses of municipal officials.

Then you have the chauffeurs and bodyguards of the big shots there that have often been subjected to the indignity of having to wait for extensive hours whilst the assignee engages in non-official activities. This is a form of corruption, given that it is an abuse of municipal resources.

The Local Government Commission must ensure that the brunt of the law bears down wherever misconduct occurs. Municipal officials who commit, or have committed, offences must be placed rapidly before the courts.

Sincerely, Roseanne Rodgers

Government cannot now object to a parliamentary practice

Dear Editor, With reference to a news article titled, “AFC tells members to stay put while it figures things out” in sections of the media, in which it was reported that Mr Raphael Trotman stated the following, more or less, to AFC members: There is also a strong argument that in order to bring a successful “No-Confidence Motion” the lists proposing the motion must first have an electoral majority of its own and not depend on anyone crossing the floor, as this practice is not allowed in our Parliamentary rules. “It is for the Speaker or the High Court, ultimately, to decide.”

With respect,

Government cannot now object to a Parliamentary “practice” which they ratified or accepted with their intentional participation.

Mr Trotman, a most recent and former House Speaker with first-hand knowledge of Guyana’s Parliamentary practices, ought to have objected prior to or during the process, and not now when it has been completed. He never did.

Indeed, Mr Trotman was seen by way of video coverage during the process to be imparting commentary and/or advice to the PNC Chairman Ms Volda Lawrence, as she sought a “time out.” No timely objection as to the practice was made then or at any time

during the 7-hour marathon debate.

Further, the Prime Minister in the post-motion emergency conference which included Mr Trotman, did not object to the practice. In fact, the record shows that the Prime Minister publicly praised the Parliamentary process, and accepted the results.

This was followed by President David Granger who, many hours later or on the following day after ample time passed, proclaimed that Government would abide by result. The President did not object as to the practice used or not used.

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

Govt only have the responsibility to administer routine business (Pt 1) Dear Editor, In the spirit of a true Guyanese Christmas season, holiday greetings filled with warm receptive festivity and spirited cohesive celebrations, are extended to readers, friends and all Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora!

The year 2018 is another fiscal period under the APNU/AFC’s rule that is quickly coming to an end. It will leave in its path, an aftermath of significant challenges brought about by the sub-optimal and irrational policies, which citizens must be at ready to face head-on and overcome. Most citizens by now, have come to the stark realisation that these conflicts inexorably, were intended to add to the increasing burdens that were likely to emerge from the unchartered APNU/AFC plans in 2019.

Thus, Guyanese are bound to encounter increased Government defiance in the immediate upcoming period, as their representatives try to consolidate their dictatorial wrong-doings. The situation therefore demands solid decisions individually and collectively, to counter and redirect the downward trajectory that the current APNU Government has placed the country.

The outcry of our citizens has been far too excessive, given the short ‘3.5 years’ of this coalition regime rule. Far too many citizens across the various vindictively targeted regions and communities, are being exposed to this Government’s tormenting torture, which has become unforgiving, unbearable and demanding of interventions.

Contextually, the only bright spot for many this holiday season, is the strongly conveyed representation of the PPP/C’s recently filed and debated No-Confidence Motion, which the party won in the National Assembly.

The passing of the Motion was achieved on Friday, December 21, 2018, with the Speaker Dr Barton Scotland pronouncing that the motion was carried with a majority of 33 to 32 votes and the issue of the necessary supporting document of affirmation by the Clerk.

The Opposition presenters robustly highlighted the oppressive fraudulent nature of the current Government and indeed, their consistently uncompromising and continued failures. Justification beyond the shadow of a doubt was provided by the PPP/ C’s timely No-Confidence Motion intervention. From the results of the debate, it is obvious that 2019 will be an election year in which citizens have the opportunity to stand up and challenge the blatant pomposity of an uncaring APNU/AFC Government, whilst savouring a chance of a brighter future. Significant to the aforementioned outcome, is the now brave and infamous ‘conscience vote’ of AFC’s Member of Parliament Mr Charrandas Persaud, which must go down in the annals of Guyana’s Parliamentary history. Not only because Mr Persaud previously formed part of the current Government, but because he recognised the subversions of thousands of Guyanese

under the current APNU/ AFC regime, and acted in an effort to prevent the continued sufferings.

Considering the established National Assembly precedents regarding ‘Majority votes’ and with no other rational undertakings, the Hon Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo immediately responded to the press at Parliament building, and conceded that the APNU/ AFC Government has fallen. He further explained that fresh elections will be held in 90 days. President David Granger, shortly after, also accepted that the No-Confidence motion was a success and agreed to reach the Leader of the Opposition early in the New Year.

At the time of penning this column, it was recognised that General and Regional Elections are now due within the next eighty-three days, with time diminishing quickly.

Consequently, it is clearly obvious that the APNU/AFC coalition Government currently have only the responsibility of administering the Government’s business in a routine way. This is mainly in terms of overseeing that salaries of public servants are paid, and law and order prevails in the country.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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saturdAY, december 29, 2018

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Foundation about mindfulness.

By Alice Boyes, PhD

M

any of us (including me) are probably thinking about our 2019 goals this week. Here are some questions to consider when deciding on your goals. If you feel overwhelmed about which goals to choose for the new year, this article is for you.

What are your goals a proxy for?

It's absolutely fine to set fun goals.

For example, you might want to read a book a week in 2019. However, also think a little bit about what this goal is really about.

Perhaps you want to slow down.

Perhaps you want to spend more time doing activities that are pleasure-orientated, and less time doing those that are achievement-focused.

Perhaps you remember yourself as loving fiction as a child, and you want to rediscover some aspects of yourself that feel lost or swept under the rug.

Try: Identify the deeper meaning behind any of the goals you're considering.

How this helps: This process can clarify what's really important to you. It can also help you understand how your other goals and the rest of your life need to also support your underlying aims.

Are your most meaningful goals on your list?

It's easy to end up with a dozen or more ideas for goals you'd like to set yourself, and then feel overwhelmed. If you've got a long list of potential goals, scan through it to see if what's most meaningful to you is reflected on your list. For example, what's most important to me are things like: being a good mother, looking after my physical health, being creative in my work, and spending my time how I want to spend it, rather than falling into traps of being busy but inefficient. That's four categories, so I'd want to make sure those four were represented somewhere on my goals list, and in a significant way rather than just tangentially.

Try: A balanced 2019 goals list might include at least one goal from each of the categories that's important to you.

How this helps: This question can

What are the thinking habits that hold you back?

When you're considering contenders for your goals, consider your problem thinking habits. For example, a thinking habit that holds me back is expecting things not to work (and therefore not trying them). Another is thinking, "I can't do that", when actually nothing is stopping me.

For example, I think, "I can't relax for the evening, I've got too much work to do," when I absolutely could choose to take the evening off.

Try: Pick a thinking habit you'd like to change and incorporate this into your goals.

Define the change you want to make in behavioural terms.

For example, you might decide, "If I think something won't work, but there's no downside to trying it, then I

ensure you have some balance, and that nothing important is completely omitted from your goals list. You can also look at whether your specific goals are the best route to take towards your underlying aim. For example, I might ask myself "What's the top thing I need to do to look after my physical health?"

Do you know how you're currently spending your time?

It's difficult to set goals unless you understand how you spend your time. Everyone has probably heard the famous saying, "What gets measured gets managed." So, what's critically important for you to measure?

I started doing a couple of important types of tracking in the last year or two.

I use RescueTime (the free version) to track how much time I'm spending on different websites. This gives me a weekly report that shows the hours per week I spend writing, emailing, etc.

I use the Google Fit app to track my physical activity, so that I ensure I'm meeting the American Heart Association guidelines of 150 "move minutes" per week.

Both of these are auto-magic and don't require me to manually track anything. Since the tracking happens automatically, it also means I don't ever quit tracking. It's always happening. There are benefits to permanently monitoring key metrics (for me, this is mainly the amount of time I spend writing and my physical activity), and also to understanding my time use overall.

Try: If you've never recorded your time use, try doing it for a week.

How this helps: When you understand your time use, you'll be better able to plan for overcoming obstacles to your goals.

Tracking your time use can also reveal that things you thought were problems aren't really. For example, I thought that I was probably spending too much time on participating in a Slack group I'm a member of, but when I tracked it, it's usually about 2.5 hours a week, which is

will." If you're not sure what your problem thinking habits are see either of my books, The Healthy Mind Toolkit and The Anxiety Toolkit, for a more comprehensive look at this topic.

How this helps: Changing your thinking habits can be surprisingly achievable, if you're prepared to chip away at it over an extended period of time. Problem thinking habits often pervade many areas of life, and working on them can be fun and impactful.

Wrapping up These questions might seem like a lot to think about, and that's true. However, you don't need to tackle all your 2019 goals at once. Prioritise one or two goals for the start of the year, and return to work on your other goals as the year progresses. (psychologytoday.com)

actually not a problem at all!

How does feeling your most creative and being your most creative match up for you?

This question applies for people who have being creative or doing meaningful work as a goal. Feeling creative and being creative aren't necessarily the same.

A classic, if extreme, example of this is someone who is having a manic episode.

They often think they're being wildly creative, when what they're coming up with is nonsense (compared to work they produce at other times).

On the flip side, sometimes when people are doing their most meaningful work, they don't necessarily feel creative and inspired. In fact, they might feel downright anxious and unconfident, or just like they're slogging it out, pushing a heavy load uphill.

Try: I don't have any simple formula, but it's worth reflecting on how much your goal is just to feel a sense of creativity and flow versus actually producing meaningful work, even if doing so doesn't always feel much fun. There's no right or wrong answer here, other than to consider that there needs to be a balance.

How this helps: This question is just

I

t’s fun, easy, and the constellations even glow in the dark, so if it is raining or cloudy outside – no problem! After dinner, you can turn out the lights and see the different star groups on your own dining room table.

What you’ll need: one black poster board glow-in-the-dark paint chalk 2 pencils string scissors kids’ constellation books (optional) Put it all together!

First, take your pencils and tie a string around one of them. Find the middle of your poster board and hold your pencil point on that mark. Then stretch your string out and tie it around your second pencil so that the pencil stands up straight on the poster board without going off the edge.

Then, holding the string firmly, swing your second pencil around the poster so that it leaves a circular line giving you a complete circle.

Next, cut out the circle with your scissors.

Now it’s time to draw your constellations.

We picked up a couple of books about them at our local library. Just pick out your favourite constellations and reproduce them on the poster board using the chalk, and then highlight the stars with your glow-in-the-dark paint.

The tube comes with a thin nozzle to make writing and drawing easy to do. Be sure to start in the centre of the circle and work your way out toward the edges so that you don’t smudge your chalk or paint. Don’t forget to label each group of stars!

If you make a mistake, don’t worry! The chalk easily erases. You can just rub it away with your finger or use an actual eraser.

Finish it off by adding a decorative border to your centrepiece! We used coloured chalk to just draw a wavy line.

Happy stargazing! (pbs.org)

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saturdAY, december 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

No-confidence resolution

Longest serving clerk rubbishes 34 votes for majority argument – says Constitution does not support “new formula” being peddled

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ongest serving Clerk of the National Assembly, Frank Narain, has rubbished the notion being peddled by Government representatives that 34 votes was required to determine majority for the passage of the No-confidence Motion. Narain in an interview with Guyana Times on Friday said this notion is not supported anywhere in the Constitution of Guyana.

Narain noted that in Guyana’s circumstance, there is nothing in the Constitution supporting arguments that out of 65 Members of Parliament, 34 is a majority. Narain added that it comes down to basic Mathematics.

“I’m a simple man. And in my simplicity, I know

that one more than half of the number is a majority.

So, in all my life I accepted that in our present case of 65, 33 is a majority. The Constitution uses the word majority, only.”

“It doesn’t describe that majority by any other word.

It just says a majority of all the elected members. A majority is a simple majority… this is a simple matter in (any) layman opinion,” Narain added.

Narain, who served as Clerk of the National Assembly from the 1960s until his retirement in 2002, questioned whether proponents of this alternate mathematical formula were just trying to stir up trouble.

Since the passage of the motion on December 21,

Former Clerk of the National Assembly, Frank Narain

2018, some observers have sought to question the motion’s validity even as the vote has already been certified, which cleared the path

GAWU calls on GECOM to ensure free and fair elections

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GAWU President Komal Chand along with other GAWU members at the press conference

ollowing the passage of the motion of no-confidence against the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) said the motion’s successful passage was a manifestation of “our nation’s cherished democratic culture and values.”

The Union said it has been closely following the pronouncements by President David Granger among other Government officials committing to adhering to the provisions outlined in the Constitution of Guyana.

Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution states, respectively: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” And “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within

three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

After the AFC’s Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) MP, Charrandas Persaud delivered the “yes” vote that brought the coalition Government to its knees on Friday last, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said Government would abide by the law. However, the day after former AFC Chairman Attorney Nigel Hughes flouted the idea that 34 votes was needed by the Opposition for the successful passage of the motion the Government formed a subcommittee of Cabinet to explore its options. The Government remains tightlipped as to what its next move is.

However, Guyana Times was told that the sub-committee, headed by Attorney

General Basil Williams, have submitted its recommendation to Government.

On Friday, GAWU said “the GAWU is aware that the democracy we rightly take pride in was not given freely but won, by among others, the struggles of the Guyanese working-class.

The possible attempts as we see now playing out to undermine our democratic credentials cannot be seen in a positive light. The GAWU urges that the verdict of the motion be accepted, and the resultant measures be put in place.”

“Our Union also, at this time, looks to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to put in place adequate systems to safeguard and ensure that the Official List of Electors (OLE) is properly reflective, that the Guyanese people’s franchise is properly recorded, and that our elections are deemed free and fair and also free from fear.

Indeed, this undoubtedly is the wish of Guyanese people at this time,” it added. turn to page 9

for elections to be held in three months’ time.

The original proponent of the 34-vote argument is Attorney Nigel Hughes, a former Alliance For Change (AFC) member who told State media that half of 65 is 32.5 but when rounded to the nearest whole number this would be 33 as there is no half member.

He had therefore suggested that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) needed 34 to secure majority. This argument has however been met with derision from several sections of society and legal experts.

Giving his take on the matter, outspoken political commentator and lawyer Christopher Ram was at a loss as to why last Friday’s vote is being questioned, alluding that 33 out of 65 constitutes a majority.

“What is a majority? A

majority is the greater number or the greater part so if you’re saying 34 is the majority then what are saying that we have 66 members in the National Assembly or do you take away their seats?

It defies logic and it defies law,” Ram had opined.

Ram had also expressed his hope that the polls, due

by March 19, 2019, would not be stalled.

“Mr Nigel Hughes is reading words in the Constitution that are not there. The Constitution certainly does not say that; it says a majority… I am hoping that [the comments] are for academic excitement and not intended to stall any process or to create and sow confusion – that is my concern,” Ram had posited.

In keeping with the Guyana Bar Association’s recent endorsement of the validity of the no-confi-

dence vote, Ram said it must “absolutely” be accepted. The Association, headed by Attorney Kamal Ramkarran had said on Wednesday that to suggest that the recently passed No-confidence Motion was not validly passed is erroneous.

The Bar Association had urged that “the results and consequences of the motion be accepted and that urgent preparations for elections by the Elections Commission be started,” in keeping with Article 106(6) of the Constitution.

Even the current Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Issacs, has said that he would not be conducting a review of the vote.

The Clerk had, in fact, issued a certificate validating the successful passage of the motion.

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saturdAY, december 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Driver on causing death charge on $400,000 bail

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27-year-old man, who allegedly struck down and killed a 27-year-old labourer at Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on Friday slapped with a causingdeath-by dangerous-driving charge.

Oscar Stoll, of Lot 675 Perseverance, EBD, denied the charge which stated that on December 10, 2018 at Peters Hall, he drove motor car PWW 9187 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Kwason Lewis.

Stoll was represented by Attorneyat-Law Patrice Henry, who in a bail application told the court that his client was not a flight risk.

Meanwhile, Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield did not object to bail, but asked that conditions be applied if

Released on bail: Oscar Stoll

the defendant was to be released.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan released Stoll on $400,000 bail. As a

condition of bail, he is required to lodge his travel documents and report to the Providence Police Station every Friday until completion of trial. His driver’s licence was also suspended. The case was adjourned to January 18, 2019.

According to reports, Lewis, along with his colleagues who are all attached to a private waste management company, was cleaning debris along the median on the eastern carriageway of the road. However, Stoll, who was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway, at a fast rate, swerved westward and hit the labourer.

The now dead man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit. However, Lewis later succumbed to his injuries.

Accomplice in cheese vendor’s murder remanded

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20-year-old Stabroek Market vendor of D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was on Friday brought before the courts where he faced a murder charge in connection with the shooting death of a Bourda Market cheese vendor.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan read the charge to Nya John, which stated that on August 15, 2018

at Robb Street, Bourda, Georgetown, he murdered Troy Ramalho.

John was represented by Attorney George Thomas.

The case will continue on January 18, 2019.

John’s two alleged accomplices – Akeem Morris and George Paton – were also charged for the murder of Ramalho.

According to Police, on the day of the incident, the

now dead man had already packed up his stall and was awaiting transportation to take him home. However, he was confronted by three gun-toting bandits, who held him at gunpoint and demanded that he hand over cash and other valuables.

Ramalho allegedly refused to comply with the bandits’ demands, and one of the armed men discharged a round that hit the vendor to

his chest.

As he fell to the ground, the two other men relieved him of his valuables and made good their escape. It was reported that the incident happened in plain sight of two on-duty City Constables.

The deceased was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation where he died while receiving medical attention.

Venezuelans charged for entering Guyana illegally

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hief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday fined and ordered that two Venezuelans be deported while she remanded another to prison, after they appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on charges of entering Guyana illegally.

The Venezuelans – 27-year-old Faito Jose Perez

Reyez; Alexis Jose Compero Medina, 38; and 25-yearold Aldondro Roja Belia, were charged separately for entering Guyana by sea on December 22, 2018, but failed to present themselves to an immigration officer.

Reyez and Medina admitted to the charge while Belia denied the offence.

The unrepresented men,

by means of a Spanish translator, informed the court that they presented themselves to an immigration officer, where they signed their names but have no legal document to prove their claims.

However, Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that the men were arrest-

ed in relation to a robbery at sea, while he further stated that checks on immigration records revealed that they entered the country illegally.

The Chief Magistrate fined Reyez and Medina $15,000 each and deported them while Belia was remanded to prison until December 31.

Making…

I

…the law an ass

n 2011, the PPP garnered a plurality of the votes – that is, more than either the PNC or the AFC which ran separately – and won the presidency because that’s what our Constitution specifies. The PPP’s votes, however, translated into 32 seats while the PNC’s into 26 and the AFC’s into seven to fill the Assembly’s total of 65 seats. Over the next four years, the 33 PNC and AFC’s combined seats were deployed to humiliate and give the PPP hell. It wasn’t even contemplated they didn’t control the “majority” of seats.

Fast forward to 2014 when Moses Nagamootoo of the AFC moved a motion of no-confidence in the PPP Government and not wanting to be voted out, President Donald Ramotar prorogued Parliament and called elections for 2015. The PNC and AFC railed against the PPP for denying the “will of the people” represented by their “majority” in the House. They didn’t protest that their 33 seats in that election compared with the PPP’s 32 didn’t give them a majority. Which they promptly used to pass every single piece of legislation or budget they presented.

Now fast forward to 2018, when the Charrandas Persaud “vote of conscience” on the PPP’s noconfidence call gave the “yes” 33 votes to the PNC/ AFC coalition’s now reduced 32 votes. After PM Nagamootoo and the entire corps of four Vice Presidents, Ministers, the chair of the PNC, the Whip accepted the Speaker’s decision that they were voted out by a majority vote, the country was jubilant that elections would be held in three months. The next day President Granger agreed with the verdict and promised to meet the Opposition Leader after he returned from his second round of chemotherapy in Cuba. Nagamootoo even conceded in his Sunday column this was a “historic” moment and the Government would have to resign in accordance with Article 106 (6).

Then came the straw from Nigel Hughes that the Government is now desperately clutching: that legally, 33 is not a “majority” in a 65-member Assembly!!! Your Eyewitness, who has the greatest respect for the law, and not an inconsiderable amount for Nigel Hughes, is reminded about an incident from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. When the character Mr Bumble is told he’s legally responsible for his wife’s theft of some jewellery because “the law supposes that your wife acts under your direction”. Mr Bumble replied “If the law supposes that … the law is an ass – a idiot. …” Surely, Nigel Hughes is making the law to be an ass.

By going down this road, the Government will still be going down. But they’ll do so also looking like ‘an ass”!

…a mockery of the Constitution

This Government has made a fetish about going after the PPP for breaking the law even as they’re determinedly and serially breaking the highest law in the land – the Constitution. Just remember the unilateral appointment of the GECOM chair in contravention of Article 161 (2) or when he sought to instruct the Public Service Commission and violated Article 226 (1). And now comes the refusal to comply with Article 106 (6) which governs what happens after the passage of a no-confidence motion.

There is no ambiguity here: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” In Britain, which we claim to be emulating, but which doesn’t even have a written Constitution, when in 1979 311 MPs voted yes to the no-confidence motion and 311 voted no, the Labour Government accepted its defeat and didn't whinge about mathematical esoterica.

This PNC-Government is simply reverting to its 70s illegal occupancy of office.

…of a great legal luminary

Sir Fenton Ramsahoye was not only the first native Guyanese Attorney General…but was the first to gain a PhD in law.

His passing also marks the passing of an age of great Guyanese scholarship.

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

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saturdAY, december 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

No-confidence resolution

No grounds for extending 90-day period – Jagdeo T

he Constitution says after a no-confidence vote is passed, elections must be held within 90 days unless both sides of the National Assembly agree to an extension. However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is against such an extension except for very limited reasons.

In an interview with the media after a meeting of the Executive Committee, Jagdeo was asked about this proviso. He noted that the only way he could foresee an extension was to accommodate the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)… and a limited extension at that. He referenced some examples of this.

“Can we hold the elections; would GECOM be ready in 90 days’ time? We believe GECOM can be ready, but assuming GECOM needs time, like two weeks’ time or a month more, then that

GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson

could be a possibility.”

“But only then the National Assembly could legitimately reconvene, because that is explicitly spoken about in Article 106 and 106, 7; that with a twothirds vote in the National Assembly you can extend the

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

three months period. But it has to be done with our approval.”

The former President also noted reports from the Government that they are reviewing all their options following the vote but added that Government has no

GAWU calls on GECOM ...

The pronouncements were made at the Union’s yearend press conference at its High Street, Kingston Georgetown office.

Additionally, as another General and Regional Elections looms, GAWU said it would be monitoring what the other political parties are saying and has to offer to aid in rebuilding the sugar industry.

“We are meeting at the Union’s General Councils and we have this matter to

discuss how we shall treat at it whether we are meeting with the different political parties that are contesting the elections to hear their agenda and programme to deal with the sugar industry. We have three operational factories and there is still hope that three of the shuttered industries (Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore) will operate once again under private arrangements and we are hoping to hear their views

from page 7

on that,” GAWU President Komal Chand said.

The Union said it is hopeful that the sugar industry would be given the requisite attention and focus that it deserves. It is contemplating meeting with the political parties to hear their proposals and relate that to its current and former members so as to ensure that they make an informed decision when they head to the polls next year.

options other than what the law says they must do.

“I saw the desperate press release from (Alliance For Change leader) Raphael Trotman, talking about they have to explore this option, that 34 is the new majority in the Parliament… we believe they’re going to try this.”

On December 21, the No-confidence Motion brought by the parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – against the Government succeeded when former AFC Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud broke ranks and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

A total of 10 MPs had previously debated the motion, but when a vote of division was called, Persaud’s vote changed the numbers to 33 versus his colleagues’ 32 votes against the motion.

While Persaud’s former coalition colleagues have claimed of being betrayed by the vote, the parliamentary Opposition has thrown its support behind the MP’s right to vote in whichever direction his conscience leads him. Persaud has since left the country.

With the Government’s defeat, the next steps are spelt out in the Constitution

of Guyana. Article 106(6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Meanwhile, clause 7 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly

has already committed to following the provisions outlined in the Constitution, facilitating early elections and engaging in dialogue with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

Several organisations and parts of the diplomatic community, have called for mature leadership and a smooth move to General and Regional Elections constitutionally due next year.

For its part, GECOM has assured that it is capable of delivering elec-

All eyes will be on GECOM as Election Day approaches

shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

President David Granger

tions once the date is set.

It is understood that the recently hospitalised GECOM Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson, is on medical leave. The next statutory meeting of the Commission is slated for January 7, 2019.

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saturdAY, december 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mining pit caves in on 11-year-old Reviewing no-confidence vote

“out of my jurisdiction” – Isaacs

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P

olice in F Division (Interior locations) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an 11-year-old boy, who was working illegally at a mining camp, when the pit caved-in on him.

Dead is Tairon Terryl De Souza of Big Creek, Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini). The incident occurred on Thursday at Big Creek.

Guyana Times understands that the deceased is a school dropout.

Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis told this newspaper that the owner of the

mining camp had closed off operations for the holidays.

However, a group of young men from Big Creek went to the site and were “running it” illegally.

De Souza was said to be among the group and was working in the pit when it reportedly caved in on him.

Meanwhile, this publication understands that officials attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have also travelled to the area to assist with investigations.

Just recently, Lennox Douglas, 33, of Canvas City, Wismar Linden met his demise when a portion

of rocks from mining pit reportedly fell onto his head.

He was however, quickly picked up and rushed to the Issano Health Centre where he succumbed to his injuries.

His death came on the heels of two other mining related deaths, that recently occurred in Mowasi Backdam, where Shawn Anthony James, 32, of Aishalton Village, Rupununi and Deon Sproston called “Jersey Joe” of Lot 133 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara lost their lives after the pit they were working in also caved-in.

lerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, said that reviewing the No- confidence Motion that was passed in the National Assembly on Friday last would be out of his jurisdiction nor can he pronounce on the validity or invalidity of said motion. On Friday he said that “it is simply his responsibility to send resolutions to the movers of the motion, which he did in the case of the No-confidence Motion.”

Oh Thursday, Isaacs has confirmed the validity of the Opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion, telling Guyana Times that he has certified the vote.

“Not me, period, that is not my duty,” the Clerk outlined. “Once approved, the motion becomes a resolution and I’m required to send the resolution to the mover of the motion among other persons which is what I did,” Isaacs explained.

Later on, the Clerk of the National Assembly issued a letter responding to accusa-

Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs

tions he said former Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud made against him, saying Isaacs stopped the vote during the division of the Noconfidence Motion after the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Member of Parliament said “yes”.

Noting that he has always performed his duties with professionalism and impartiality, Isaacs said he actually paused “due to the uproar” after the now expelled AFC

member’s vote.

“Mr Charrandas Persaud may be a lawyer but Parliamentary Practice may evade him. Parliamentary Practice has taught me that when there is disruption in the House during a division, the Clerk must stop taking the division. I therefore had no option but to stop and to ensure that the vote of the member was correctly taken,” Isaacs clarified.

Much of Guyana was left stunned but the dust is now settling over last week’s shock passage of the no-confidence vote against the coalition Administration which came via Persaud’s vote in favour of the motion. However, some observers are questioning the motion’s validity even as the vote has already been certified, which cleared the path for elections to be held in three months’ time.

Persaud, who became a parliamentarian following the May 2015 elections said he was dissatisfied with AFC MPs being ‘yes men’. The Berbician had resigned from the party in September 2013 but would later face the media and indicate that his resignation was nonexistent.

The lawyer said his vote was one of conscience since he was tired of towing party lines.

Persaud left the country on Saturday morning after saying he was threatened both online and by one of his colleagues in the National Assembly. A total of 10 MPs had debated the motion and when a vote of division was called, Persaud’s vote changed the numbers to 33 in favour of the motion versus Government’s 32 votes against the motion.

Government was previously confident that it would have won the vote.

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saturdAY, december 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

DPP disposes of 195 cases in 2018 T

he Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has disposed of a total of 195 criminal cases in the High Court during the course of 2018.

According to the Chamber in a release on Friday, 129 of cases received attention in the court, while the other 66 matters were nolle prosequi by the DPP. Of these 129 cases, 90 were presented in the Demerara Assizes, 27 in the Berbice Assizes and 12 in the Essequibo Assizes.

There were 54 murder cases, 13 for attempt murder, five for manslaughter, 15 cases for rape, another 15 for sexual activity with

a child family member, 23 cases of rape of a child under 15 years, and one case each for the offences of carnal knowledge of a girl under 15 years, causing death by dangerous driving and wounding with intent.

From these 129 cases, there were 147 accused persons; 34 of whom pleaded guilty, 50 of them were convicted while formal verdicts of not guilty were delivered in relation to 18 of these persons. Additionally, there were 25 not guilty verdicts by jury, six hung verdicts, and one aborted trial, mistrial and quashed indictment each.

2019 will commence with the opening of the Criminal

Assizes in Demerara on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.

There are 260 cases listed to be heard during that session, which will see Justice James Bovell-Drakes, Justice Navindra Singh and Madam Justice Jo-Ann Barlow presiding.

Meanwhile, the October Assizes will continue in Berbice until the February 2019 Criminal Assizes commence on Tuesday, February 12, 2019. On the other hand, the October Assizes in Essequibo will also continue until the next session, which opens on February 5, 2019.

During 2018, the DPP also appeared in 57 matters in the Court of Appeal. In

Digicel’s CEO dies suddenly

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lex Matuschka von Greiffenclau, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of telecommunications company Digicel, died suddenly on Thursday while on holiday with his family in his native Germany.

A report from the online edition of the Irish Times stated, “No words can adequately express our sadness at Alex’s passing or our gratitude for having worked with him,” Digicel Chairman Denis O’Brien said, who stepped in as interim CEO following Matuschka von Greiffenclau’s death.

“Digicel has lost a committed hard-working and exceptional Chief Executive,” he added.

The 47-year-old joined Digicel last February, succeeding former Digicel Chief Executive Colm Delves, after working with another Dutch company, Veon and serving as a senior executive with Nokia out of Finland.

No further details were provided regarding how the CEO met his demise; however, he leaves to mourn his wife and three teenage chil-

Alex Matuschka von Greiffenclau

dren.

“Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know him on a personal level have lost a dear friend,” O’Brien is quoted by the Irish Times as saying.

“Over the coming days, we will share our thoughts for a suitable commemoration of Alex and his enormous contribution to the transformation of Digicel.”

Von Greiffenclau is said to have been a key figure to the Digicel group and played an important role in negotiations with bondholders on a debt refinancing, which concluded last week.

“It involved the majority of holders of US$3 billion (€2.6 billion) of bonds in the heavily-indebted company agreeing to swap their notes, which were due in 2020 and 2022, for long-dated securities… On joining Digicel, Mr von Greiffenclau inherited a group restructuring plan, known invariably as either Digicel 2030 or ‘Project Swan’, which included a plan, outlined in February 2016, to cut more than 25 per cent of the group’s staff – or more than 1500 roles – over 18 months” the Irish report revealed.

Von Greiffenclau also spearheaded an initiative expected to reduce Digicel’s debt to 5.7 times earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) from a ratio of 6.7 times at the end of the group’s last financial year in March.

The blueprint is predicated on boosting earnings by 10 per cent to about US$1.1 billion (€960,000) for the current financial year, and generating about US$500 million (€480 million) from asset sales.

Director of Public Prosecution's Office

these 57 matters, the State was represented by DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack; Deputy DPP (ag) Sonia Joseph; Assistant DPP Dionne McCammon; Assistant DPP Teshana Lake; Assistant DPP Diana O'Brien; Senior State Counsel Stacy Goodings; Senior State Counsel Natasha Backer; Senior State Counsel Mercedes Glasford; State Counsel Narissa Leander; State Counsel Tuana Hardy; State Counsel Shawnette Austin; State Counsel Tameika Clarke, and State Counsel Seeta Bishundial.

Of these 57 appeals, 24 appellants were granted their applications – seven were for retrials while 17 appellants had their

sentences and convictions varied and commuted.

Additionally, 13 other applications for bail pending appeal were denied and four other applications for bail pending appeal were granted. There was also one fine imposed and another three applications for extension of time to file and serve notice of appeal were granted.

Furthermore, six appellants withdrew their applications to appeal and one matter was struck out. The court did not convene in one case because the registrar informed that the appellant had died. One appellant who appealed his life sentence had his appeal allowed in so far as the stipulation of calendar years.

In another case, the

State appealed the decision of the Chief Justice's decision that the Sexual Offences Act is unconstitutional as it does not permit cross examination of prosecution witness, including complainants, the Court ruled that the committal was valid and awarded cost in the sum of $75,000 to the State. Meanwhile, two appeals are pending.

2018 also saw the Demerara Full Court sitting 19 times during which one matter was dismissed because the court ruled it had no jurisdiction to hear the matter. However, seven appellants were allowed to appeal their conviction and sentence while five others were dismissed.

Additionally, one application for bail pending appeal for extension of time to file Notice of Appeal was granted. Three Appellants also withdrew their appeals, while another two had their applications to appeal against conviction and sentence granted in part, one had his sentence reduced to 30 hours of community service and the other had his conviction affirmed but sentence varied.

Moreover, State Counsel Stacy Gooding and Tuana Hardy appeared in the Berbice Full Court during the month of June and that matter was struck out.

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5 to stand trial for British teen’s murder

Dead: Dominic Bernard

T

he five persons who were charged for the murder and shallow grave burial of a British teen, who disappeared three years ago, have all been committed to stand trial in the High Court.

The five – Aaron Hing, also known as “Neutral”, 26; and his friend Staymon George, called “Sherwin”; along with Krystal Thomas, called “Kathy,” 22, of Lot 19 Public Road, Kildonan; Jahmeil Sinclair, called “Fross,” or “Bacchus,” 21, of Kildonan; and Sinfine Henry, called “Coreen”, 39, of Nurney Village, will have to stand trial before a Judge and jury in the High Court at the next sitting of the Berbice Assizes.

Magistrate Charlene Artiga had set Friday to rule on whether the caution statements submitted by the prosecution were indeed free and voluntary.

In her ruling, Magistrate Artiga pointed out that Hing was arrested in Georgetown on January 8, 2016, which is the same day that the statements were given. She said there was not enough time for the statement to be taken under oppressive circumstances and as such the statement was free and voluntary.

Aaron Hing, also known as “Neutral”

Staymon George called "Sherwin"

murder.

However, a prima facie case was made out against them for accessory after the fact of murder. Meanwhile, it was reported that the two men allegedly bludgeoned 18-year-old Dominic Bernard to death before burying him in a shallow grave at Nurney, Corentyne.

The victim’s 23-year-old godbrother, Aaron Hing, and his 24-year-old friend Staymon George both of Kildonan Village, Corentyne, were charged for his murder.

According to reports, Bernard had arrived in Guyana for a three-week va-

cation with his godbrother.

He was scheduled to fly back to England on November 5, 2016 and after he did not return home, his father contacted his godson (Hing) about his son’s whereabouts.

However, Hing reportedly told his godfather that he was unaware that the teen was coming to Guyana. This raised suspicions and after the father flew to Guyana, British and local law enforcement were called in to investigate the teen’s disappearance. This led to the teenager’s decomposed body being found in a shallow grave at Nurney. It appeared

to have been mutilated.

A post-mortem examination had revealed that the young filmmaker had been struck at the back of the head. He sustained a fractured skull, as well as a broken neck. Speaking with reporters outside the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court, the dead teen’s mother, Lynda Bernard, said she was relived and that God as in charge.

“It is a step forward for justice for my son and it mattered. I am so pleased with the outcome. I am so relived knowing that it is going to the High Court.”

29 E Division ranks promoted – following Top Cop’s inspection

Sinfine Henry, called “Coreen”

Krystal Thomas, called "Kathy"

A similar ruling was given for George, who was arrested on January 9, the same day the statements were taken.

The court also ruled that the statement given by Sinclair who was arrested on October 1, which was also the very day he was arrested.

As it relates to Thomas, the defence had argued that the statement she gave to Police was not free and voluntary, noting that she was being held in unhealthy conditions and had to be treated for an infection.

However, Magistrate Charlene Artiga ruled that the statement was obtained on the day she was arrested which is before she was arrested. Hence, the state-

ment was free and voluntary. A similar ruling was made for the statement given

by Henry who also had to be treated for an infection.

The prosecution on Friday moved to have Thomas, Sinclair and Henry charged jointly with Hing and George for the murder. However, Magistrate Artiga ruled that the prosecution failed to prove that the tree had any knowledge that a robbery and murder was committed.

While they tried to conceal evidence and protect George, they were aware that he had committed a crime but that does not constitute to murder. Hence, the prosecution failed to make out a prima facie case against the three for

Police Commissioner Leslie James along with senior and newly promoted Police ranks at the Linden Police Station

P

olice Commissioner Leslie James on Friday officiated the promotion of 32 ranks, inclusive of scout leaders attached to E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) as he wrapped up his countrywide Commissioner's Inspection Exercise across divisions. The exercise was conducted at the Division's Headquarters at Mackenzie, Linden, in the presence of senior officers and the Police and Station Management Committee, as well as re-

gional officials. Twenty-nine ranks were promoted on the spot from the position of Police Constable to Sergeant, Corporal and Lance Corporal, while three scout leaders also received higher promotions. Commissioner James, in his address, congratulated the ranks and Divisional Commander Linden Lord, as well as the previous Commander for a job well done.

Noting a few shortcomings which he observed, the

Commissioner urged ranks to take pride in their work.

He noted that the exercise was being undertaken at a time when the Police Force is going through a reformation process, as he pointed out that by the end of the first quarter of 2019, a much more reformed Police Force is expected. In such regard, James said the need for training has been highlighted. "We've recognised that there is much need for training in the Force. turn to page 14

13 China donates $28M in medical supplies to GPHC news

saturdAY, december 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

pointed out.

With a short statement, gratitude was extended from the Public Health Minister as she stated, “I

wish to take the opportunity to express our gratitude for the solidarity, support and invaluable service to the health sector. This donation

will impact significantly on the quality of service that our referral hospital will be in a position to offer.”

Marics commissions new head office

Some of the medical equipment that was donated by the Government of China

T

he Government of China has donated over $28 million in equipment and medical supplies to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Along with the arrival of the 14th medical brigade of professional doctors, the equipment was donated to make improvements in the delivery of healthcare services in Guyana. The new supplies are wide ranging from orthopaedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology and general surgery among others.

At a simple ceremony on Friday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the items were handed over in the presence of the Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence; Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, George Lewis; Director of Medical and Professional Services, Sheik Amir; Economic and Commercial Advisor of the People's Republic of China Embassy, Hu Hanming and members of the 14th medi-

cal brigade.

In giving his remarks, Head of the 14th medical brigade, Shen Jiansong, said Guyanese can look forward to increased medical services and new procedures over their stay for the next six months.

“During the six months, each of us [will] try our best to do our works. Our team is composed of doctors who are always ready to help.

Now, our team will represent the People’s Republic of China to donate a batch of medical equipment to [the] Ministry of Public Health,” said Jiansong.

Economic and Commercial Advisor of the People's Republic of China Embassy, Hu Hanming once again emphasised on the good relationship between China and Guyana for a number of decades, which has been beneficial to both parties. He pledged that his country will continue to lend support in all areas in the future.

“China and Guyana are

far apart geographically but the relations between the two countries has a long history. Since 1993, China has been supporting the development of Guyana’s public health by dispatching medical teams, donating medicines and medical equipment, adhering to the concept of building our community for the future of mankind,” he said.

“China hopes to strengthen long-term cooperation with Guyana in various fields, including public health for sure. We will continue to play a role in improving medical conditions and people’s condition here,” the advisor added.

Adding to that, CEO of GPHC, George Lewis noted that these supplies will help to improve the delivery of health care in this sector.

“The equipment that will be donated today is particularly important to the Georgetown Public Hospital since it will assist us in the delivery of better health care to our patients,” Lewis

Newly commissioned Marics Head Office on Charlotte Street, next to Maraj Building

M

arics and Company on Friday launched a new head office in Georgetown, Guyana giving customers a comfortable location to conduct their errands while supplying quality products.

Featuring a newly-designed showroom and stateof-the-art service centre, the idea is to market the internationally recognised Honda brand, which is boldly marked on the new structure.

During the opening ceremony at the new Charlotte Street, Georgetown, Managing Director Diana Permaul emphasised that the enterprise has been known as the "Home of Honda" and is now expanding to offer even more to the Guyanese public.

“In 2011, Marics experienced new management

and now exists to offer our customers cost-effective and durable Honda transportation, power products and marine outboard engine at fair market prices.”

She added, “Honda’s continued innovation has increased the trust in its brand and respect globally. Honda continues to outshine the competition due to embodying the concept of durability, safety, fuel efficiency and environmentally-friendly products. Marics is proud to be the sole distributor for such a renowned brand.”

Recently, the company would have embarked on a new initiative, introducing Isuzu vehicles on the local markets at affordable costs. For this, they have been able to offer superior services and products to all consumers.

“The substance of our company is hedged on building excellent and long-lasting customer relationship and selling products that meets our customers’ needs.”

Present at the event was Business Minister Dominic Gaskin who lauded the actions of entrepreneurs who seek to establish trades throughout the country.

“It is encouraging to see businesses registering their confidence in Guyana’s economy by making investments… I firmly believe that businesses have every reason to be confident with what is happening in our economy.”

He referred to the much-anticipated oil industry and its benefits which awaits Guyana by saying, “It is no secret that a huge amount of oil has been discovered and that oil will be produced in little over a year. Guyana is moving into a new exciting phase of its economic development and all Guyanese businesses will have to adapt to what is on the horizon.”

The Business Minister insisted that persons should desist from purchasing items from unauthorised importers and distributors to acquire quality merchandises.

“We have to move away from buying whatever we buy from importers who are unauthorised and have no relationship with the dealers if we as consumers want to benefit from the warranty of quality.”

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saturdAY, december 29, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bandit gets life imprisonment CDC launches Disaster Risk Management for killing money changer Committee in Region 10 C onvicted murder Philemon Budhoo, also called “Kevin”, 22, of Number 63 Village, Corentyne, was given a life sentence by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for killing a money changer at the Number 63 Beach four years ago.

Justice SewnarineBeharry also ordered that he will not be eligible for parole until after serving 50 years.

Budhoo was earlier this month found guilty of killing Muhamamed Fizal Mahmood Baksh Munir, 47, also called “Sugar Cake”, between December 21 and December 24, 2015 at the Number 63 Beach, Corentyne.

Budhoo was waiting on a probation report before being sentenced.

That probation report was presented to the court on Thursday. The report referred to Budhoo as being a quiet person both in the community in which he lived and also in prison.

According to the probation report, Budhoo denied having any friendship with the deceased, but explained that he only knew him by seeing him mostly at the market where they both worked.

However, contrary to that, the wife of the deceased indicated that her husband often spoke about the accused and had purchased perfume from him for her on many occasions.

Further, the accused reportedly made several telephone calls to her husband prior to his demise in relation to a monetary transaction.

The report also said that Dudhoo claimed that he was a businessman who retailed items outside of the Corriverton market and had been doing the business for six months; however, businesspersons said he had only been there for six weeks and operated next to where the now dead money changer plied his trade.

Justice SewnarineBeharry before handing down the sentence said the court took into account the saving nature of the crime.

She related that Budhoo had lured Munir into believing that he had a relative at Number 63 Village who had a large quantity of foreign currency to change and hired a

Convicted murder, Philemon Budhoo, also called "Kevin"

taxi and drove to the Number 63 Beach where he showed Munir a house and told him that it was only accessible from the front and got out of the car and lashed him while they were walking.

When Munir fell, Budhoo hit him two more times to the head and removed the money he had in his pockets, before leaving him to die. He then booked a flight and went to Trinidad.

The Judge said that the penalty must serve to send a strong warning to anyone who might be thinking along those lines. She said the court took into consideration the fact that Budhoo returned from Trinidad when the Police said he was wanted in connection with murder.

She told Budhoo that he has made a wife suffer for several years because of his act. During the trial, the wife of the dead money changer told the court that he left for work as usual. She said he left home with both local and foreign currency.

Taxi owner Farida Hussain told the court that on the day in question, Budhoo rented a car from her at about 08:30h that morning and returned about 10:30h. She said he should have paid $5000 but since the car was returned the same day, she only charged him $3000.

Rohan Karim told the court that he was working at the taxi service at the time. He said when Budhoo returned with the car, he appeared to be nervous.

He also told the court that the man had a stack of mon-

ey which was about six inched thick. The money, he said, was in both local and foreign currency.

Karim said Bhodoo asked him for a plastic bag and placed the money into it and then stashed it in his crotch.

He said the man hurriedly left the taxi service.

Budhoo had given investigators a caution statement, in which he admitted to taking Baksh to the Number 63 Beach and killing him, before taking $600,000 from him. He also claimed to have banked some of the loot.

However, during the trial, he said he did not commit the act and pointed to the fact that he was in Trinidad when he was told that the Police were looking for him for a murder and he still came back to Guyana where he was arrested.

In closing the defence’s case, Attorney Arudranauth Gossai noted that the prosecution failed to produce evidence that any check was made to the phone found on the body for calls made. There were also no evidence that a check was made with the bank about the $488,000 that was allegedly banked by Budhoo. He argued that the prosecution did not even produce a bank slip.

He said his client was in Trinidad and could have stayed there, but chose to return to Guyana because he knows he is innocent.

The dead man’s wife, Jagwantie Munir, told Guyana Times that she was satisfied with the sentencing.

(Andrew Carmichael)

29 E Division ranks...

Ranks with numbers of years of service, were without the requisite rank- fourteen years, seventeen years (as) Constables...", he said.

Com-missioner James, in signalling the promoted ranks to come forward, urged all to be self-motivated, which he noted is a necessary requirement. Pointing to the three pillars which the Force has embarked on, James said training, infrastructure and human resources management are three main areas of focus. "...We are not running a Force with ranks who are demotivated. We need to have motivated people in the

Guyana Police Force, and we are aware that through motivation, when you are working in the communities across the state of Guyana you will do so with professional and exemplary-type conduct... that is what prompted me to have some of you promoted on the spot...part of our function is to ensure that those who are deserving are promoted", he said.

The Commissioner also ad-vised that the Force's standing order be complied with. In so doing, he said those not in compliance with be dealt with as he reminded ranks of the qualities of a good Police. "Those of you who

from page 12

got Subordinates to discipline, they must be disciplined... it's the na-ture of the job. You have duties, you are given instructions, you have to carry them out. Failure to do so, the necessary action must be taken", he admonished. James also en-couraged those who were not promoted to understand what is taking place in the Force as he pointed out the seriousness of ranks welfare.

In this regard he note that the Force does not want persons to be with many years of service to not be promoted.

"I will not be part of a system whereby we have ranks eligible for promotion and not promoting them".

Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig speaking at the launching of the inaugural meeting of the Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee (RDRMC) in Region 10

T

he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Friday hosted the inaugural meeting of the Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee (RDRMC) in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) in keeping with its overall plan to establish an emergency operations centre in the region that will be responsible for relief coordination and management there.

The meeting was held in the boardroom of the Linden Enterprise Network, Mackenzie, Linden.

Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said the centre will be responsible for “disseminating early warning information and focusing on early recovery in times of disaster” and it will focus on preparedness and contingency planning when there are no imminent threats.

“It is a collaborative effort to work together first and foremost, to reduce the risk and secondly to ensure that we have the right mechanism to respond. This is something that we have been working on for years and we are happy that we have reached the stage that we can hand over the region-

al system,” he said.

The CDC head urged the stakeholders to take into consideration during development planning, several hazards that the CDC’s studies have found in the region so that those risks can be mitigated. These include droughts, air pollution, erosion, mining accidents, road accidents, floods, land pollution and wild fires.

The region is most at risk to droughts at a rate of 82.78 per cent.

Lieutenant Colonel Craig also said that “Even with the regional system in place, we still have some gaps, so we started work on the development of the municipality’s disaster risk management plan and we have also been working on developing the Neighbourhood Democratic Council disaster risk management plan.” He noted too that the “aim is to show that disasters have different levels… so once we develop that system and have those things in place, responding to emergencies and disasters should be much easier.”

The CDC, in partnership with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) with support from the European

Union (EU), has developed standardised plans for disaster risk management at the regional level, which will be implemented by the said committees. The Upper Demerara-Berbice region is the eighth region to have established the committee, which will be chaired by Regional Chairman Rennis Morian and include representatives from the Linden Mayor and Town Council, utility companies, the Private Sector, the Joint Services and other stakeholders.

In his opening remarks, the Regional Chairman said he is pleased with the initiative. “Getting the message out that there are so many risks that we need to manage is something we need to do. A lot has to do with public awareness and notifying communities across the region as it relates to what they are facing and some of the practices that are making those risks stay there,” he said.

Committees are expected to be established in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) within the first quarter of the new year.

Scratch bombs banned S cratch bombs are now banned in Trinidad and Tobago. National Security Minister Stuart Young signed the Explosives (Prohibition of Scratch Bombs) Order 2018 today. A statement issued by the ministry said Young's signing of the order is in keeping with Cabinet's decision on November 22 to officially ban scratch bombs.

The order was made by Young in keeping with Section 37 of the Explosives Act. The ministry said the order prohibits people from manufacturing, importing, keeping, conveying or selling a scratch bomb. People who breach the order may be liable on indictment to a fine of

$20,000 or ten years imprisonment or forefeiture of the items. The order has been published in the TT Gazette as legal notice 197 and takes immediate effect.

Young encouraged all citizens to "take heed of this or-

der and continue to respect the laws of TT." According to the order, a scratch bomb is defined as an explosive which has a friction sensitive head and is ignited by applying friction or an open flame to the friction sensitive head. The order also describes scratch bombs as an explosive which "explodes and produces a pyrotechnic effect, including a flash, a loud noise, heat or flames. These explosives are designed to be hand-held and thrown upon being ignited.

Section three of the order said notwithstanding the provision of the Explosives (Manufacture of Fireworks) Order " no person shall manufacture, import, keep, convey or sell a scratch bomb." (T&T Newsday)

news

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11 dead, several missing in Suriname boat accident T

he search was continuing Friday for survivors after a boat sank on the Coppename River, Suriname leaving as many as 11 people dead and several others missing.

The bodies of seven people, including four children have already been found amid fears that the death toll could rise with several others, including a mother and two children still missing.

In a brief statement, the government expressed "condolences to the entire community" and said that it is "devastated by the incident".

The National Information Service (NIS) said that Corps Police Suriname, the district council, medical relief services and local residents are "doing their utmost" to assist in the search

and rescue operations.

Local villagers said at least 20 persons have so far been rescued and that the tragedy has cast a bleak cloud of mourning over Suriname's usual end-ofthe-year festivities Not much details have emerged as to what caused the incident during the early hours of Friday morning , but media reports are that the vessel left the village of Cornelis Kondre, located in the Sipaliwini district, heading towards toward Boskamp in District Saramacca around midnight, carrying at least 30 people, several of them children.

The boat sank near the village of Kalebas Creek, about halfway to its destination. Boskamp is a popular transhipment point

from where passengers can catch the bus to either Para-maribo in the east or Nickerie in the west, both bustling with year-end activities.

The reports say that the boat's departure time may have been unfortunate; it was pitch dark in the area and a strong wind had been torturing the river.

Village Elder, Conchita Alcantara, at Kalebas Creek told local Radio ABC that the

boat cap-tain had chosen to set sail at that hour, because the river was too rough at night, but a "big wave" still caused panic. "Everybody shifted to one side of the boat, which caused it to capsize. They still tried to scoop the water out, but it was too late. And then a second big wave came that pushed everybody apart, with the dramatic result," she said.

Alcantra said she had been alerted of the incident

around 5.00 am (local time) and that she sent out rescue teams to look for survivors.

"We found several people alive, but we also found the first corpses," she said, noting that by midday seven dead bodies had been found and "more than 20 people having been found alive".

A woman and three children are still missing.

Alcantra identified the people on board the boat as the Village Elder of Cornelis Kondre, with his family and several other residents from that village.

"It's all one family.

Everybody was from there.

This is a disaster. It is also very emotional for me to experience. The village elder himself survived, but he lost many grandchildren today.

He is here, together with other villagers, and you can

see that he is suffering under this," she said.

The passengers had reportedly not been wearing swimming vests, a prerequisite for private passenger boats that work Suriname's waterways.

"A lot of people in these parts do not like to wear their swimming vests, but now they can see why it's necessary," said Alcantra.

Residents of Kalebas Creek are continuing the search but Alcantra said any hope of finding more survivors was dim.

"This concerns two children and a woman. It has been too long, and it would be a miracle if they survived out there all this time.

They were not wearing vests. If they had been wearing vests, I would have had more hope," she added. (CMC)

Search suspended for missing cruise ship entertainer in Caribbean Sea

The Harmony of the Seas (Oasis 3 ) class ship leaves the STX Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard site in Saint-Nazaire, France, May 15, 2016

T

he US Coast Guard suspended its search for a 20-year-old British cruise ship entertainer who went overboard from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship on Christmas Day. Arron Hough, who was working on the Harmony of The Seas, went overboard 267 miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, the Coast Guard said in a statement. The search was suspended at about 14:30h

Thursday.

"We've been in contact with members of Mr. Hough's family throughout our search efforts and know this is a very difficult and painful time for them," said Cmdr. Christopher Douglas, Coast Guard Sector San Juan chief of response.

David Crystal, the British linguist and academic, has calculated that there are three times more people learning English

than there are native speakers of the language.

Why? "Suspending a search is one of the most difficult decisions we have to make as first responders, and it is never made lightly."

Royal Caribbean said Hough failed to show up for work as scheduled on Christmas Day. It added that the ship's closed-circuit camera footage showed him entering an area on Deck 5 around 4 a.m. and he was not seen again.

Deck Five houses shops, restaurants and theaters.

The cruise ship notified Coast Guard Sector San Juan about the missing crew member on Christmas Day, the Coast Guard said.

The cutter Resolute and a HC-130 Hercules airplane from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater were searching for Hough, it added.

On Twitter, London talent agency Russell Smith Associates, which represents Hough, said: "We

are both shocked and saddened about the news concerning our Arron Hough.

Our thoughts are with all

of his friends and family and we hope for him to be found very soon."

In July, the agency an-

nounced Hough was joining the cast of "Grease -- the Musical" on board Harmony of the Seas. (CNN)

Australia strips citizenship from alleged Islamic State recruiter

T

he Australian Government has stripped citizenship from a man it believes is a top recruiter for Islamic State, Australia’s home affairs minister said on Saturday.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said in an emailed statement to Reuters that Melbourneborn Neil Prakash has been stripped of his citizenship.

Prakash has been in Turkey on trial for terrorism-related activities since being caught there in October 2016 after leaving Islamic State-controlled territory.

He is wanted in Australia over terrorism-related activities including an alleged plot to behead a Melbourne police officer on Anzac Day. “My first priority is and

always will be the safety and security of all Australians,” Dutton said in his statement.

“This Government is determined to deal with foreign terrorist fighters as far from our shores as possible.”

Prakash, whose mother was Cambodian and father was Fijian Indian, held both Australian and Fijian citizenship through his father.

Under Australia’s citizenship laws, a dual national can lose their Australian citizenship if they act contrary to their allegiance to Australia by choosing to be involved in terrorism. Prakash is the 12th person to be stripped of citizenship.

Islamic State was declared a terrorist organization in May 2016 for this purpose, the Home Affairs Office said in its statement.

“To be in the service of such a terrorist organization, as Mr Prakash was, is to act inconsistently with your allegiance to Australia and we will do everything we can to ensure he is brought to account for his crimes,” Dutton said.

The decision came into effect on Dec. 21 when Prakash was notified by letter, and the Fijian government has also been notified according to a source close to the Australian government.

Prakash has been linked to several Australia-based attack plans and has appeared in Islamic State videos and magazines. Australia has alleged that he actively recruited Australian men, women and children and encouraged acts of militancy.

(Reuters)

Brazilian prosecutors charge faith Pennsylvania Cop ends armed standoff with “White healer with rape, sexual assault Christmas” rendition P A rosecutors in Brazil have charged a disgraced Brazilian faith healer with rape and sexual assault, following his arrest after allegations from hundreds of women who said he had sexually abused them while seeking spiritual guidance or psychic healing from him.

João Teixeira de Faria, known as “John of God,” was arrested earlier this month and has been imprisoned since.

He became a celebrity after his healing methods were featured on Oprah Winfrey’s television show in 2013 and drew thou-

Brazilian spiritual healer Joao Teixeira de Faria

sands of Brazilians and foreigners to his spiritual

center in the small town of Abadiânia, in the central

Brazilian state of Goiás.

His fame has been boosted by supposedly miraculous surgeries he claims to have performed with his hands and without anesthesia.

Goiás prosecutors charged Faria on Friday on four counts of rape and sexual assault, a spokesman said in a statement.

Farias has repeatedly said he is innocent.

The accusers are not just Brazilian citizens, according to prosecutors, and include four women from the United States, three from Australia and three from different parts of Europe. (Reuters)

successful police negotiator needs some key qualities.

Calmness under pressure, a reassuring presence, and a knack for listening to name just a few.

But it turns out that a decent singing voice can also come in handy.

One Swat team negotiator in the US state of Pennsylvania brought an armed standoff to a close with his version of the festive classic “White Christmas”.

But it is not clear whether the man surrendered due to the perfection or the sheer awfulness of the ren-

dition.

The nine-hour standoff began late on Christmas Day when a man in Chester County began behaving erratically and barricaded himself into his home.

A worried family member called the Police when the man allegedly armed himself with a rifle.

But when officers arrived he reportedly opened fire, damaging a number of police vehicles.

After prolonged talks, the man reportedly demanded that a police officer sing him “White Christmas”.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, december 29, 2018

Regional

Trump threatens to shut Dominica leads economic Mexican border in demand growth for the Caribbean for wall funding

Migrants from Honduras tried to enter the US illegally on Thursday by jumping a border fence

D

onald Trump has threatened to shut down the border with Mexico over illegal immigration if Congress fails to fund his proposed wall. “Either we build (finish) the Wall or we close the Border,” the US President tweeted after nearly a week of deadlock in Washington over the federal budget.

Confirming the threat to close the border was real, the White House said negotiations with Congress had stalled. The dispute has caused a partial US

Government shutdown.

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are either on unpaid leave or continue to work but do not know when they will be paid. Both Congress chambers met for just a few minutes on Thursday but took no steps to end the closure.

The House and Senate will now meet again on Monday.

Later in the week, a new House will be sworn in, dominated by opposition Democrats who won the midterm elections last month, but Trump’s Republicans

will retain the Senate with a slightly larger majority.

In October Trump made a similar threat to close the southern US border when demanding action from Latin American governments to stop migrants, in what has become known as the caravan, trying to cross into the US illegally.

“We will be forced to close the Southern Border entirely if the Obstructionist Democrats do not give us the money to finish the Wall & also change the ridiculous immigration laws that our Country is saddled with,” he tweeted on Friday.

He is seeking US$5 billion (£4 billion) to cover the cost of the wall but Democrats and some within Trump’s own party insist they will not approve it.

Trump argued on Friday that the US had lost out to Mexico by US$75 billion a year under the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), which he replaced with a new deal with Mexico and Canada last month. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T

A view of Dominica

he Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is predicting that Caribbean economies will grow 2.1 per cent in 2019 even as it acknowledged an international scenario marked by what it describes as “greater uncertainty”.

ECLAC also projected that the region will end 2018 with average growth of 1.2 per cent. “The year 2019 looks to be a period in which global economic uncertainties, far from

No embassy move announced as Brazil's Bolsonaro hosts Israel's Netanyahu

B

razil’s far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday and while both pledged to deepen ties, there was no announcement as some anticipated of Brazil moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Netanyahu, the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil, flew in to Rio de Janeiro to meet with Bolsonaro, an ideological ally who takes office on Jan. 1 after his election victory in October. The two men had lunch in a fort on Copacabana beach before delivering statements.

“Israel is the promised land. Brazil is the land of promise,” said Netanyahu, adding that Israel could help in areas such as economics, security, agricul-

Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil December 28, 2018

ture, and water resources.

Bolsonaro and top aides have repeatedly said he would move Brazil’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, but since his election he has come un-

der pressure to ditch the idea from powerful backers in the agricultural sector, who fear the decision would hurt their halal meat sales in Arab countries.

The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December.

Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy as it was for the United States when President Donald Trump relocated the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem in May. Brazil has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Some political observers had speculated that Bolsonaro would use Netanyahu’s visit as the perfect way to make the announcement. Bolsonaro discussed Israel during a meeting in Rio with Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton late last month. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Teen among 3 charged with Cop’s murder in T&T

A

17-year-old boy is among three people who have been charged with the murder of Police Corporal Kryston Ramirez.

They appeared in the Arima Magistrates’ Court on Friday, the same day Ramirez’s military funeral took place.

The men who have been charged along with the teenager have been identified as Marvin Madoo and Alex Sumir.

Charges were laid on Thursday evening

by Sergeant Lunch of Homicide Region 2.

Police said two of the three suspects were

arrested during an Operation Strike Back exercise in the Carapo and Peytonville areas between December 17 and December 18, 2018.

According to a Police report, at about 14:30h on December 16, 2018, two masked men entered Classy Bar along

the Carapo Main Road, Arima and one of the suspects pointed a gun at Ramirez and opened fire on him.

Ramirez was assigned to the Guard and Emergency Branch.

Investigations are continuing . (Trinidad Guardian)

waning, will intensify and will arise from different fronts,” said ECLAC in unveiling its last economic report of the year, titled “The Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2018”.

ECLAC said this will have an impact on the growth of the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean, which, on average, are seen expanding by 1.7 per cent. It forecasts that Central America (excluding Mexico) will grow

3.3 per cent in 2019, South America 1.4 per cent, and the Caribbean 2.1 per cent.

On a country level, the report says Dominica is leading regional growth, with a 9.0 per cent expansion, followed by The Dominican Republic (5.7 per cent), Panama (5.6 per cent), Antigua and Barbuda (4.7 per cent), and Guyana (4.6 per cent).

The report warns that Venezuela will “suffer a minus 10 per cent contraction in its economy”; Nicaragua, a minus two per cent; and Argentina, minus 1.8 per cent.

The region’s biggest economies, Brazil and Mexico, are seen growing at 2.0 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively.

According to the report, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean will “confront a complex global economic scenario in the coming years, in which less dynamic growth is expected, both for developed countries as well as emerging economies, along with increased volatility of international financial markets”. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

St Kitts-Nevis Speaker accused of colluding with PM to limit full debate of No-confidence Motion

T

Speaker Michael Perkins

he Speaker of the St Kitts and Nevis National Assembly, Michael Perkins, has been accused of colluding with the Government on Monday, in blocking a full debate of a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris.

After Leader of the Opposition, Dr Denzil Douglas, spoke for two hours in presenting the motion, the premier of Nevis, Mark Brantley, in concluding a 30-minute response, moved a motion to bring the debate to an end and put the resolution to a voice vote.

Despite objections by Douglas and pleas from the other Opposition parliamentarians that they be allowed to speak on the motion, Perkins declared after a voice vote that “the No’s have it and the resolution has failed”.

“A grave injustice has been committed against the people and their right to hear their representatives to debate matters,” said former Prime Minister Douglas.

In a heated presentation in which Douglas was interrupted several times by government ministers, including Harris, on several points of order, the opposition leader urged government legislators to lend support to his motion and ensure the downfall of the present administration, which he accused of being corrupt, and engaged in acts of nepotism, among other misconduct.

“And that is why we are saying that we are asking the members opposite to at least listen, look inward, ask yourself if this is the way that you expected it to be when you became members of this particular Government.

Douglas said that while the members of the “silent majority” were awaiting the date for fresh general elections, the country could not afford to have the present administration remain in office.

Douglas accused Harris of putting his friends and family “in key positions not out of a sense of benevolence towards the people so that he can be able to call upon them to return the favour as he pleases.” (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

17

saturdAY, december 29, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Syria war: Government forces “enter Social worker leaves Manbij” amid Turkey threats behind US$11M for children's charities T

he Syrian army has entered the key northern city of Manbij for the first time in six years, an army spokesman has said.

However, the US-led coalition operating in the area said it had not seen military changes inside Manbij.

A US official and a United Kingdom-based monitoring group said Syrian troops had deployed in the area around the city.

US-backed Kurds withdrew and invited Syrian forces to replace them amid fears that Turkish troops would attack.

Turkey considers the USbacked Kurdish YPG forces to be part of a terrorist group.

Forces from the US-led coalition against IS are also present in Manbij

The Kurds' request to the Syrian Government followed the shock announcement that all US troops are to withdraw from Syria.

President Donald Trump

announced the pullout of some 2000 troops last week, asserting that the Islamic State (IS) group had been defeated.

But that claim has been

disputed by important allies who say the move could lead to a resurgence of IS. The Syrian army said it had raised a flag in Manbij.

In a televised statement, a spokesman said the troops were there to "crush terrorism and defeat all invaders and occupiers".

However, a US official told Reuters that US troops had not changed their positions in Manbij and dozens still remained. The official said they had seen Syrian forces on the outskirts of the city but not inside it.

The US-led coalition said reports of changes to military forces in the city were "incorrect". (Excerpt from BBC News)

Alan Naiman

Bomb kills 3 Vietnamese tourists, Egyptian guide near pyramids – officials

T

hree Vietnamese tourists and an Egyptian guide were killed and at least 10 others injured when a roadside bomb blast hit their tour bus on Friday less than four kilometres (2.5 miles) from Egypt’s world-famous Giza pyramids, authorities said.

The bombing is the first deadly attack against foreign tourists in Egypt for over a year and comes as the tourism sector, a vital source of foreign currency revenue,

recovers from a sharp drop in visitor numbers since the country’s 2011 uprising.

No immediate claim of responsibility was reported.

Islamist extremists, including militants linked to Islamic State, are active in Egypt and have targeted foreign visitors in the past.

At least nine Vietnamese tourists were injured, as well as the Egyptian driver, according to official statements.

The tourists were head-

ing to a sound and light show at the pyramids, which they had visited earlier in the day, said Lan Le, 41, who was also aboard the bus but unhurt.

“We were going to the sound and light show and then suddenly we heard a bomb. It was terrible, people screaming,” she told Reuters, speaking at Al Haram hospital, where the injured were taken. “I don’t remember anything after.”

Egypt’s Interior Ministry

said the bus was hit by an explosion from an improvised device hidden near a wall around 18:15 local time.

About two hours later, the vehicle could be seen behind a Police cordon with one of its sides badly damaged and the windows blown out, a Reuters reporter said.

Dozens of Police, military and firefighters were at the site, on a narrow side street close to the ring road, where traffic was moving normally.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Israeli author Amos Oz dies at 79 A

mos Oz, one of Israel's most famous authors, has died at the age of 79, his daughter confirmed on Twitter.

"My beloved father, Amos Oz, a wonderful family man, an author, a man of peace and moderation, died peacefully today after a short battle with cancer," Fania OzSalzberger wrote on Friday.

Born in 1939 to a family of Eastern European Jews who moved to Britishoccupied Mandate Palestine, Oz fought in the 1967 and 1973 Arab-Israeli wars, but was later a critic of Israel's occupation of land captured in those conflicts.

The novelist advocated a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian con-

flict, for which he said "painful concessions" needed to be made on both sides.

In recent years, he became a critic of what he called the "growing extremism" of his government, especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a position that made him the target of anger from Israel's far right.

Palestinians and their supporters also voiced criticism of Oz, who they say shielded Israel from criticism over its occupation and for his support of Israeli wars in Gaza, as well as the 2006 Lebanon War. British author and pro-Palestinian activist Ben White said Oz's views "echoed white South Africans' anxieties during Apartheid".

Amos Oz took a hard line against those sworn to Israel's destruction [Abir Sultan/EPA-EFE]

He referred to an opinion piece written for the Guardian at the start of the second Intifada, in which Oz said: "The Palestinian people are suffocated and poisoned by blind hate."

As an author, Oz was critically acclaimed, earning plaudits, such as the Goethe Prize, the Legion of Honor, the Franz Kafka Prize, and the Prince of Asturias Award in Literature.(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Russia builds border fence between Crimea and Ukraine proper

R

ussia has built a 60km fence on the border with Ukraine on the north of the Russiaannexed Crimea, according to the de facto Crimean authorities.

Yefim Fiks, a spokesman for the de facto Crimean Parliament, told the Russian

news agency Ria Novosti on Friday that the move was necessary "to protect the local population from the crazy antics of the current Ukrainian Government".

He claimed that "everything can be expected" from the authorities in Kiev.

"Even if these provoca-

tions do not come from the authorities, inadequate radicals can do it," Fiks said.

Andriy Demchenko, the spokesman for Ukraine's border guard service, told Reuters news agency that the measure was "mere propaganda".

The conflict between the

Moscow-backed separatists and the Ukrainian army in the east of the country has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014, according to the United Nations.

In the area of conflict, a truce has been called for starting at 00:01h today.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

N

o one who knew Alan Naiman could have guessed he had amassed a fortune.

The frugal social worker bought his clothes at Costco, cut coupons and liked to take thrifty road trips for his holidays.

But when he left US$11 million to local charities, friends say they were not surprised by his generosity.

Naiman died in January 2018 of cancer at age 63 in Seattle, Washington.

"I think everyone was shocked, I mean really

shocked that he had so much money to give away," says his friend Mary Monahan, who worked with Naiman at Washington state children's services.

Soon after being diagnosed with cancer, he told her that he would donate everything he had to charity upon his death. "People will be surprised at the amount," she recalls him saying."Yeah, people were – I'm sure – very surprised," she told the BBC. Naiman left a lucrative banking career to work with children 30 years ago.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

China releases Canadian teacher Sarah McIver

The detentions came amid a dispute between Canada and China following the arrest of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou earlier this month

A

Canadian citizen who was detained in China amid frosty relations between the two countries has been released and returned to Canada, media reports say.

Teacher Sarah McIver, from Alberta, was held earlier this month for "unlawfully working in China".

Global Affairs Canada confirmed that a Canadian citizen had been released, but did not name the person.

McIver's detention followed that of two other Canadians. They are still being held.

China and Canada both said McIver's case was different from the other two.

Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman

Michael Spavor face accusations of harming national security.

The detentions came amid a dispute between Canada and China following the arrest of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou earlier this month.

Meng was held at the request of US Prosecutors and faces extradition on charges of violating sanctions on Iran. She denies the allegations. China has denied the detention of the two men is tied to Meng's arrest, but many analysts believe it is a tit-for-tat action.

McIver had been working at a school in China when she was held over issues with her work visa.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, december 29, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Don’t get angry or seek revenge. Your happiness and success should be enough to counterbalance opposition and criticism from someone who is jealous or unhappy with his or her life.

Show a loved one how much you care. Being supportive and offering suggestions and hands-on help will lead to a better relationship.

Make romance a priority.

Keep your circle small and your words truthful.

Sharing and trust will help you uncover any existing problems that could hinder an important relationship moving forward.

Hold on tight and get ready to try something new.

A change of heart will lead to an exciting adventure with a loved one. A promise or commitment will change your life.

Get out and have some fun, but do so responsibly and avoid an unnecessary argument. Offer peace, love and good will, and listen to good advice.

Someone at home will cause a ruckus or make changes you weren’t expecting. A steady, controlled attitude will help you realize what you want and how best to get it.

Keep your emotions unLIBRA (Sept. 23- der wraps. Letting someone Oct. 23) see or know how you feel will give him or her the upper hand. Listen carefully and make changes that will protect you against loss.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — MACROCOSM (MACROCOSM: MAK-ruh-kah-zem: Universe.)

SUDOKU

Time limit 25 minutes Can you find 21 or more words in MACROCOSM? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — ALLEGES

gale gall glee sage sale seal sell slag

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

Getting together with friends or relatives will be engaging. The information you gather will encourage you to take a new path that will lead to knowledge, wisdom and clarity.

Look at what’s going on SAGITTARIUS around you and refrain from (Nov. 23- getting trapped in consumerDec. 21) ism. If you don’t need something, don’t buy it. Happiness comes from within, not from what you accumulate.

Average mark 16 words

alee lase lease lees legal eagle ease easel else

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

A good listener will help CAPRICORN you understand what oth(Dec. 22- ers are going through. Don’t Jan. 19) judge or you will be judged.

Silence can be golden -- and all that’s required to maintain a good friendship.

Share your plans and AQUARIUS expectations with a special (Jan. 20- someone. Your ideas may Feb. 19) not be met with open arms, but they will lead to positive change.

Connecting with someone PISCES (Feb. 20- from your past will result in March 20) mixed emotions. Don’t believe everything you hear and, even more important, don’t exaggerate. If you love someone, say so.

saturdAY, december 29, 2018

19

UFC 232: Jones battles Gustafsson for Lightweight gold T

– Cyborg, Nunes battle for two-division feat

he fight game is unforgiving, and even the greatest eventually give in to the ravages of this brutal business. Their bodies no longer react the way they once did and while guile, experience and competitiveness can keep them at a high level, the rigors of the business catch up to them in nearly every case.

Jon Jones is easily the greatest fighter MMA has ever seen, even though there are plenty of others who deserve to be in the running as the sport’s GOAT. Georges StPierre, Demetrious Johnson, Fedor Emelianenko, Daniel Cormier and Anderson Silva are just a few of the legends who are near the top of the heap.

Because of his many outof-the-cage issues, Jones may actually have gotten a break in keeping himself at the top as he rolls into his 30s.

He’s 31 now, and hasn’t fought twice in a calendar year since he defeated Alexander Gustafsson on Sept. 21, 2013, in Toronto in a fight many regard as the greatest in UFC history.

The two rematch on Saturday, a little more than

five years after their epic first encounter, in the main event of UFC 232 at The Forum in Inglewood, California, in a bout Gustafsson vows he’ll win.

Jones has gone 3-0 with a no-contest since squeaking past Gustafsson. He decisioned Glover Teixeira at UFC 172 on April 26, 2014.

He was off for eight months and then defeated Cormier by one-sided decision on Jan. 3, 2015, at UFC 182.

He had another 15-month “vacation” after defeating Cormier, and didn’t return until April 23, 2016, when he beat Ovince Saint Preux in an interim light heavyweight title fight.

His rematch with Cormier, which was originally a TKO win but then changed to a no-contest after Jones’ drugtest failure, was on July 29, 2017, another 15 months later.

Had Jones fought another four or five times in that span, as he likely would have had he not had his outside-thecage issues, he’d have taken that many more blows.

So he’s probably fresher going into the rematch than

Women's Featherweight Champion Cris Cyborg (left) and Former Lightweight Champion Jon Jones (left) will battle Alexander Women's Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes will Gustafsson for the vacant crown feature in the co-main event

he otherwise would be, and he has a great incentive. He said he didn’t train the first time around, but has worked hard in this go-round.

Top 4 salary Three of the top four fighters at UFC 232 will be cashing half-a-million dollar paychecks.

Light heavyweight contenders Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson are

slated to earn $500,000 purses for their title rematch, which headlines UFC 232 on Dec. 29 at The Forum in Los Angeles, Calif. Women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg is also set to earn a $500,000 purse for her co-headlining title defense against Amanda Nunes.

Nunes, the UFC women’s bantamweight champion, is the lone title competitor set to earn less than $500,000.

Her expected base purse is $350,000 for her champion vs. champion title challenge against Cyborg, which sees Nunes attempt to become the first two-division beltholder in UFC history.

The California State Athletic Commission confirmed the salaries for UFC 232’s top four fighters to MMA Fighting on Friday.

UFC 232 was initially slated to take place at the

T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, however the event was moved from Nevada to California on less than a week’s notice after the Nevada Athletic Commission refused to license Jones without first having a hearing on his case in the wake of USADA discovering multiple adverse findings in the controversial former light heavyweight champion’s drug tests dating all the way back to August.(Yahoo Sports)

Bumrah career-best gives India control despite late collapse

Jasprit Bumrah blew away the Australian line up with six wickets

J

asprit Bumrah headlined India's dominance on the third day with 6/33, his best figures in Test cricket, to give India a massive 292-run first innings lead. And despite a freakish spell from Pat Cummins, who picked four wickets in the space of eight balls, in the second innings, India ended the third day with an effective lead of 346.

With 15 wickets falling in the day, the game had moved on rapidly from where it had started when Australia were still in the early stages of their reply to India's first innings total of 443. On a pitch that had shown signs of dete-

rioration on the second day, India started off with good plans and reaped rewards with their execution. Ishant and Bumrah began with more catching fielders in front of the wicket than behind and bowled straighter lines, as demanded by the pitch.

The plan worked well with Aaron Finch caught napping against a straight delivery that followed wide ones, as he ended up chipping a catch to short midwicket, where Mayank Agarwal took a low, sharp catch. Finch's opening partner, Marcus Harris, who was struck by a bouncer on the second evening, fell to the short ball again, this

time top edging a pull - on the front foot - to fine leg, giving Bumrah his first wicket.

With the duo setting up the first hour nicely for India, the follow-up was good as well with Jadeja leading the way. Constantly hitting footmarks and creating mini explosions, Jadeja started as a threat straightaway. Usman Khawaja tried to counter it with a reverse swept boundary but could not do it for long. The next one too turned from the rough, catching Khawaja's inside edge and giving Mayank, at short leg, his second catch of the morning.

Shaun Marsh showed a lot

of discipline and almost saw through the session but was flummoxed by a superb slower one by Bumrah off the last ball before lunch to be dismissed LBW for 19, leaving Australia in despair.

Bumrah was not done though. Finding a bit of reverse swing, he beat Travis Head for pace post the break while the other Marsh, Mitchell, was done in trying to flick Jadeja off the rough and edging to slip after the break.

Australia's best partnership of the innings, lasting 17.3 overs between Pat Cummins and Tim Paine followed. But, with India's pacers finding reverse swing, Mohammed Shami came into the act and castled Cummins minutes before Tea, reaffirming India's grasp on proceedings. Bumrah returned after the break to get his third five-wicket haul of the year, as Paine nicked behind and Lyon fell LBW, and added one more to wrap up the innings quickly.

Despite the massive lead, India decided against enforcing the follow-on and were subject to Cummins's wicket-burst. Getting Vihari fending against the short ball, followed by having both Pujara and Kohli caught at leg gully while flicking and then Rahane gloving a pull off his hip to the 'keeper, he went

through an incredible spell of success to lift Australia's morale. Rohit Sharma, who evaded being a hat-trick victim narrowly, fell to Hazlewood

late in the day as India ended on a seemingly worrisome 54/5, yet unworried about the days to come. (Cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD

India 1st Innings – 443-7d Australia 1st Innings MS Harris c I Sharma b Bumrah 22 AJ Finch c Agarwal b I Sharma 8 UT Khawaja c Agarwal b Jadeja 21 SE Marsh lbw b Bumrah 19 TM Head b Bumrah 20 MR Marsh c Rahane b Jadeja 9 TD Paine (c) † c †Pant b Bumrah 22 PJ Cummins b Mohammed Shami 17 MA Starc not out 7 NM Lyon lbw b Bumrah 0 JR Hazlewood b Bumrah 0 Extras 6 (b 4, nb 1, w 1) TOTAL 151 all out (66.5 Overs, RR: 2.25) Fall of wickets: 1-24 (AJ Finch, 10.3 ov), 2-36 (MS Harris, 13.3 ov), 3-53 (UT Khawaja, 19.5 ov), 4-89 (SE Marsh, 32.6 ov), 5-92 (TM Head, 36.4 ov), 6-102 (MR Marsh, 43.3 ov), 7-138 (PJ Cummins, 60.6 ov), 8-147 (TD Paine, 64.3 ov), 9-151 (NM Lyon, 66.2 ov), 10151 (JR Hazlewood, 66.5 ov) BOWLING: I Sharma (13-2-41-1)

JJ Bumrah (15.5-4-33-6) RA Jadeja (25-8-45-2) M Shami (10-2-27-1) GH Vihari (3-2-1-0)

India 2nd Innings GH Vihari c Khawaja b Cummins 13 MA Agarwal not out 28 CA Pujara c Harris b Cummins 0 V Kohli (c) c Harris b Cummins 0 AM Rahane c †Paine b Cummins 1 RG Sharma c SE Marsh b Hazlewood 5 RR Pant † not out 6 Extras 1 (lb 1) TOTAL 54-5 (27 Overs, RR: 2.0) Yet to bat: RA Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, I Sharma, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-28 (GH Vihari, 12.6 ov), 2-28 (CA Pujara, 14.2 ov), 3-28 (V Kohli, 14.6 ov), 4-32 (AM Rahane, 16.1 ov), 5-44 (RG Sharma, 22.5 ov) BOWLING: MA Starc (3-1-11-0) JR Hazlewood (8-3-13-1) NM Lyon (10-1-19-0) PJ Cummins (6-2-10-4)

20

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saturdAY, december 29, 2018

Kohli, Pujara, Root, Mendis among prolific Test scorers of 2018 – only batsmen to exceed 800 runs in 2018

By Clifton Ross

T

he year 2018 has certainly been a batsman’s time as some of the world’s best Test players enter into 2019 with oodles of runs, confidence and points to prove in the New Year.

Despite teams celebrating one or more of their players entering record books or simply just adding more credits to their statistics; a number of players chalked up hundreds of runs in Test cricket during the 2018 period, with just a few classy enough to take their current tally past 800 runs.

Joe Root

The England skipper is not only one of four batsmen to cross the 800-run mark this year, but the elegant righthander has been in good cricketing form in all formats. In t h e Test

arena, the 27-year-old has racked up 948 runs at an average of 41 with two hundreds and six half-centuries: 83, 58*, 51, 54, 68 and 80.

His 125 against India at the Oval

in September helped his side beat the visitors while he returned to frustrate the Asians; this time Sri Lanka with a match-winning 124 in Kandy. Seemingly a more timid batsman, Root has also been prolific with his shot selection, hitting 92 fours, but just three sixes this year as he continues to build a fantastic Test career.

Kusal Mendis

Sri Lanka’s classy little man has been a heavy run-getter this year, finessing some 962 runs as he comes in second behind leader Virat Kohli, who is close to 1400 runs.

The diminutive maestro has been the Sri Lankans’ best batsman this year with a phenomenal conversion rate of three hun-

Kusal Mendis

back

dreds and three fifties; making him one of the most complete batsmen on the list.

A t just 23

years of age and 33 matches into his Test career, Mendis has been magical since 2018 commenced, with his highest Test score of 196 coming against Bangladesh in January.

He continued his run-fest with scores of: 68,

is India’s new-aged ‘Wall’ who seals off the list of batsJoe Root men to reach 800 runs this 102, 87, year.

With 45, 45, 86 knocks of 50, and 141* just 72, 132*,86, a few weeks 123,71 and 106, ago against Pujara’s presence in New Zealand the Indian Test team in their backyard. is invaluable as he’s a provAs one of the key players en match-winner and among in the Test team, the young the most composed, consisbatting champ certainly has tent players in the world. a long way to go, but to be The right-hander rejust a few hundred cently showed the Aussies runs away from his class during the series ‘King’ which ended a few days ago as he rated his 123 at Melbourne as one of his best Test knocks.

Playing just 13 Tests this year, Pujara averages a decent 38, but remains Kohli in one of the better players terms of a yearly aggregate within his team’s Test setup is any dream for a batsman. heading into a busy 2019.

Cheteshwar Pujara

Coming in at number four

Virat Kohli

The current King of Test cricket batting and arguably

One Day Internationals, the Indian Captain has surpassed all his mates, either in his team or from teams around the world.

With 1322 runs in 2018, the only 30-year-old Kohli has been the magician within his world, smashing scores of 153, 54, 41, 149,51,97,103,46, 58, 49, 139, 45, 123 and his last innings of 82, which took him past former India skipper and Hallof-Famer

Rahul Dravid who had the most runs by an Indian back in 2002.

After breaking the decade-long record, Kohli has etched his name into Test cricket at just the age of 30 and with 38 hundreds in

ODI cricket and more than 10,000 runs under his belt in the format; it will not be long before the dashing right-hander converts his ODI record to his still sublime yet growing Test career with more cricket to play in 2019.

Cheteshwar Pujara

Mavs sensation Doncic: It's amazing to be compared to LeBron James

D’Andrade elected unopposed as Upper Corentyne Cricket Association President

T

The elected UCCA executives, including President Dennis D’Andrade and Vice President Sydney Jackman who are seated

he Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) on Sunday hosted its long-awaited Annual General Meeting at the Riverton Hotel in Corriverton.

Twenty-one delegates who represented 24 clubs in the sub-association were present at the historic meeting.

Dennis D’Andrade, who served as Head of the UCCA Interim Management Committee for several years, was elected unopposed as

President while his executives were also elected unopposed.

Former national player Sydney Jackman was elected Vice President, Lakeram Latchman Secretary, Deodat Persaud Thakurdeen Treasurer and Lawrence Mentis Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer. The election was conducted by Neil Rudder, President of the Mount Sinai Cricket Club and a retired senior public servant, in an open and transparent atmosphere.

Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster congratulated the elected officials and urged them to work along with every club in the sub-association, even those who might be critical of them. Real cricket development, the BCB President stated, would only be achieved when administrators were visionary, honest and hard-working.

Foster committed himself to raising over $1 million worth of sponsorship in 2019 to host at least six tourna-

ments while assisting clubs with balls and white shirts during the year.

D’Andrade, in his acceptance speech, pledged to work even harder to lift the standard of cricket in the Upper Corentyne area.

Priority will be placed on organising more coaching programmes and hosting junior cricket in the area.

Vice President Jackman provided a comprehensive report on the activities of the UCCA in 2018 which was approved by delegates present, along with a detailed financial report.

Among the tournaments played in the sub-association were the Inter-Primary School, Inter-Secondary School Under-19, InterClub Under-19, Ramnaresh Sarwan 40-Overs, and Magic Moments 20/20 while clubs were actively involved in the BCB-organised tournaments at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, Second and First Division levels.

The elected body will meet shortly to appoint other executives and committees.

D

LeBron James and Luka Doncic

allas Mavericks teenager Luka Doncic has reveled in comparisons with "idol" and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.

Rookie of the Year favourite Doncic has not been a part of the NBA for long, but many already have compared the 19-year-old sensation to James. Doncic led the Mavericks to a 122-119 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday with 21 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists.

He was just one rebound short of becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.

It marked the third time in five games that Doncic posted a stat line achieved only

by James among NBA teens.

"I mean, it's amazing," Doncic said of the comparisons. "You all know that he's my idol, so it's just amazing to be there. “That’s special, special to me. ... I see what

they say, so it's like even more and more energy to work harder to be a better player."

Mavericks team-mate Dirk Nowitzki, who has been with Dallas for 21 seasons and has seen his fair share of rookies emerge through the ranks, gave credit to Doncic's maturity on the court.

"I say it all the time: He's playing more like a multiyear veteran than a 19-yearold rookie," Nowitzki said.

"He's made a name for himself. Any time you're known by just your first name after just a few months in the league, that's a great sign."

Doncic has averaged 19 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists through 32 games, all of which he started.

Early on, at least, his rookie stats are eerily similar to James' rookie year when he averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists.

(Sportsmax)

CLASSIFIED BCB/Ramnaresh Sarwan Under-17 cricket…

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Ramsammy’s 5-for powers Tucber

Park to victory T

he Tucber Park Under-17 team defeated Kendall’s Union by seven wickets at the Kendall’s Union Ground, Number 19 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Under sunny conditions on Friday, December 28, the Zeynul Ramsammy-led team won the toss and opted to bowl first. Kendall’s Union batsmen encountered difficulties coping with Tucber Park’s impressive bowling. The weary Kendall’s Under-17 team

T

were eventually bowled out for 87 as extras contributed to the total.

Zeynul Ramsammy, former Guyana Under-15 Captain, grabbed 5-13 with his unplayable leg-spin while Raheem La Fleur picked up 3-17. Civion Arokium was also in the wickets column with 1-8.

In just 12 overs, the first innings had been completed and the match was expected to finish early. Then entered the Tucber Park opener, former Guyana

Under-15 wicketkeeper-batsman, Tomani Caesar who made light work of the relatively small total.

Tucber Park finished on 90-3, with Devon Sobahi top-scoring with a responsible 20, along with Abdul Ramsammy, who hit an even 20. Caesar hit a quickfire 15 while Jusitin Meghu was left unbeaten on eight, along with his captain who scored an unbeaten eight to see his team complete a comprehensive victory.

Zeynul Ramsammy (left) and Raheem La Fleur

Redman seeks improvement in 2019

Akeem Redman

t h a t I’ve been p u t t i n g in overtime. I scored my highest score of 110* against Buxton Sports Club; I have always dreamt of getting a century this year, but hard work and dedication helped me to exceed that dream, but come next year I’m looking to score at least five centuries in the 2019 season.”

According to Redman, he has seen improvement in his all-round abilities and his fitness when compared to 2017.

He went on to state that the changes he made aided him in recording his best bowling figures of 5-15 against Belle Vue on the West Bank of Demerara and

he Georgetown C r i c k e t Association (GCA) has had a successful run for the 2018/2019 season. While many players are enjoying the off season focusing on how to better themselves in 2019, some are reaping the fruits of their labour, such as Transport Sports Club all-rounder Akeem Redman.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Redman said, when asked about some of his achievements this year: “I was awarded the best fielder in the 2017-2018 NBS 40 overs tournament; becoming the best fielder of the tournament is something that comes from the work

his first hat-trick against Sophia Sports Club.

However, Redman stated: “The First Division season didn’t went so well for me this year, but come next year I’m going to work extremely hard for my goals that I have set for that division.

I’ve recorded five half-centuries, one century and a total of 37 wickets for the year.

I am having a productive 40-over season so far, but come 2019, I’m looking to be way better.”

(Timothy Jaikarran)

Arsenal’s former chairman has died at the age of 82 F

82.

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ormer Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has died at the age of

He became chairman in 1982 and presided over the appointments of George Graham and Arsene Wenger as managers and they won five league titles, five FA Cups, the League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup between them.

Ill health forced HillWood to step down from the position in June 2013.

Arsenal say he was also "instrumental" in the successful move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium in 2006.

He is survived by his wife Sally and three children

Peter Hill-Wood (left) was joined by The Duke of Edinburgh (right) to officially open Emirates Stadium in October 2006

Sarah, Julian and Charles.

Hill-Wood joined the Arsenal board in August 1962 and became chairman

following the death of his father Denis.

With Graham as manager, between 1986 and 1995,

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Cup. That was followed by success under Arsene Wenger, who was appointed in 1996, when Arsenal claimed three Premier League titles and four FA Cups. The Premier League title win in 2003/04 came on the back of an unprecedented unbeaten season for the Gunners.

Hill-Wood was succeeded by Sir Chips Keswick five years ago.

A club statement said on Friday: "Peter and his family's influence on the club cannot be understated, but at this most difficult time for his family and friends, it is Peter the man who we remember with great fondness." (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, december 29, 2018

BCB starts early prep for 2019 Windies fail to U-15 Inter-County Championship Reflections on Windies Cricket in 2018 Part 2…

win ODI series – 48 called to trials in 2018 T

– Hope, Hetmyer, Holder leading ODI players

Shai Hope

By Brandon Corlette

I

t was a disappointing year in terms of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for the Caribbean team as they played four ODI series, including the World Cup qualifiers, and failed to record a series win.

The ever-reliable Shai Hope led the 2018 ODI batting charts for the West Indies with 875 runs, averaging 67.30 while the explosive Shimron Hetmyer amassed 727 runs at an average of 40.

Jason Holder, who climbed into the all-rounder rankings, scored 405 ODI runs in 2018 and grabbed 21 wickets.

The West Indies team finished as the second best team in the World Cup Qualifiers; Afghanistan and the Caribbean team qualified for the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) 50-over Cricket World Cup. West Indies started their 2018 ODI campaign with a resounding 60-run win against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Hetmyer was the star of the show scoring a match-winning 127 that came off 93 balls. Veteran Windies player Chris Gayle also scored a century in addition to Jason Holder’s five-wicket haul.

Victory continued for the Windies as Holder’s monumental 99* helped his team claim a six-wicket win over Papua New Guinea. Carlos Brathwaite also excelled with a career best 5-27 in the same Qualifier match.

The third Qualifier match for the Windies belonged to Jamaican Rovman Powell, who powered his way to his maiden international century as Windies cruised to a 52 run-win over Ireland. It was expected for the West Indies to dominate the World Cup Qualifiers as they trounced Netherlands by 54 runs in the next match, thanks to an Evin Lewis 84 and contrasting half-centuries from Marlon Samuels and Powell. After a winning streak, West Indies

bumped into an Afghanistan road-block where they lost twice to the same opponents. Afghanistan humbled Windies by three wickets on the first occasion and in the returning fixture which was the final, Afghanistan won by seven wickets.

Bangladesh then toured the West Indies to play a three-match ODI series, and the Windies team were defeated by a 2-1 margin. The first match was played at the National Stadium Providence, where Bangladesh won by 48 runs on the back of a spectacular Tamim Iqbal 130*. In the second ODI, Guyana was lit as the Windies registered a narrow three-run win. The showstopper was Shimron Hetmyer who backed up his half-century in the first match with a breathtaking century that entertained the Guyanese supporters. With the ODI series locked 1-1, the teams had all to play for in the series decider in Antigua.

Bangladesh held their nerve and defeated West Indies in their backyard with an 18run win as the ever-consistent Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal smashed another match-winning ton.

Hope, Powell and Gayle scored valiant half-centuries, to no avail.

West Indies then travelled to India in the latter part of 2018 to play five ODIs against a powerful India team. It was a series filled with positives from the West

Indies, but a 3-1 margin of defeat tells a different story.

The Caribbean team scored 322 led by Hetmyer’s career-defining century, which was overshadowed by a Virat Kohli master class that saw India winning by eight wickets. In the second ODI, West Indies were in the driver’s seat, but were unable to cross the hurdle as the match concluded in a tie. Hope’s century was insufficient for West Indies to register a rare victory. However, a win was not too far for West Indies as they completed a 43-run win in the third ODI. The ever-consistent Hope scored 95 while Ashley Nurse’s allround brilliance polished off a Windies victory. After the first three matches, that was all for the West Indies as Kohli and his team took control and registered a 224-run win and a nine-wicket win in the final two ODIs. Different country, same teams, similar results; that was the story in the West Indies ODI series in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh relived their 2-1 ODI series win in the Caribbean in July 2018 after the series’ winning moment in the final ODI in December 14, 2018 in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Bangladesh won the first ODI by five wickets, but Windies bounced back with a four-wicket win after Hope’s career-best 146 off 144 balls.

In the final ODI match of 2018 for West Indies, Hope continued his brilliance, playing a lone hand and scoring 108*, but he watched his team be restricted to 198-9. It was easy going for Bangladesh as they ended Windies’ 2018 ODI misery with an eight-wicket win.

With 2019 swiftly approaching, and the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in May-June in England, West Indies will have to improve – not only improve but find a recipe to win matches on a consistent basis, to become a top-tier ODI unit.

Shimron Hetmyer

he proactive Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday will start early preparations for the 2019 Under-15 InterCounty Championship, which is scheduled for early February.

The BCB has appointed Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Secretary Lakeram Latchman as the Manager of the Berbice Under-15 team, and Leslie Solomon, who was the 2018 successful Coach, has been reinstated.

Late November, the BCB started its on-field preparation with the hosting of the second edition of the Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15 Tournament. Earlier this year, the BCB hosted the first edition, which was won by Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, who defeated Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes Under-15 by six runs in the final at the Albion Cricket Ground.

The following players are asked to report to the Albion Community Centre Ground on Sunday December 30, 2018, at 10:30h with their cricket gear and white uniforms: Isaiah Thorne, Boodram Lakeram, Baskar Dhanai, Kumar Deopersaud, Rampertab Ramnauth, Willon Semple, Naresh

From left: Kelvin Samuels, Civion Arokium and Devon Sobhai

Veersammy, Altaf Balman, Sanjay Algoo, Tameshwar Mahadeo, Justin Megu, Reyad Rahaman, Veer Farhad, Rashad Gafoor, Matthew Pottaya, Andy Tageraj, Adbur Munroe, Tiquan Samuels, Damian Cecil, Travis Dookarran, Shazam Khan, Mark Ramahlo, Kelvin Samuels, Tuvraj Shaundeo, Shiv Harripersaud, Dwayne Williams, Tulseram Ramsarran, Savian Orokium, Devon Sobhai, Romeo Deonarine, Avoshkar Persaud, Ryan France, Christopher Deroop, Antonio Ramphal, Rawl Dindyal, H Felix, Salim Khan, Raheem

Khan, Tavindra Doobay, Tomesh Hemraj, Lakeraj Ramlekan, Saglain Mc Almont, Jevon Duncan, Tovsaunt Connely, Icjundo Rogers, Kenny Budhoo, Manoo Inasak, Nyron Hicks and Tameshwar Mangall.

A squad of 26 will be selected from the 48 selectees, for the hosting of two trial matches in January, 2019.

The BCB hopes to name its Inter-County Team by January 15, 2019, so that the appointed Manager and Coach can have adequate time to properly prepare the team.

GIKMAA rates 2018 a success

Members of the Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy

T

he Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy (GIKMAA) started the year 2018 with 34 students, (Enmore (25) & Wales (9)) with a goal of having at least 50 students by the end of 2019 in each dojo.

From January to date, the GIKMAA has had 34 new registrations. Of the 34 new students, 28 are still with the academy which adds up to 62 members.

The GIKMAA officially launched a new branch in the month of April with three students and Instructor Vikash Somwaru of St Cuthbert’s Mission. To date, Kyokushinkai Guyana have 3 branches with a total of 73 students.

The successful club thus far participated in four tournaments and reaped exponential benefits, competing in the Korean International Martial Arts Guyana tournament on

July 22, 2018 in which one student competed, (Miranda Bennett) and bagged three gold medals.

Previously, they participated in the National Martial Arts Championships on May 28 of 2017.

Of the nine students in the Kyokushinkai Guyana Team: they won 16 medals – 13 golds and three silvers. The club then participated in the Shuriken Karate in Suriname and the fourth International Karate Tournament on August 19, 2018 in which they won nine medals: three golds, five silvers, and one bronze.

In their most recent feat, the club participated in the Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy’s sixth Open International Martial Arts Championships on September 23, 2018 and walked away with 36 medals – 18 golds, 12 silvers and six bronze.

In total, for the year 2018, the GIKMAA has accumulat-

ed 43 gold, 24 silver, and 9 bronze medals, along 21 hall of fame awards.

Dr Nazim Yassim is very happy with the progress that the Academy has made in accomplishing at least 90 per cent of what was planned for the year 2018, but was more so pleased about the new branch that was opened in Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, by Junior Instructor Vikash Somwaru.

Dr Yassim now looks forward to the new year as he continues to share his knowledge with his students of the Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy and would like to thank everyone for their continued support as they looked forward for the same in 2019.

For more information on upcoming events for 2019, contact GM/Soke/Dr Nazim Yassim on 592-662-7211 or 592654-2789.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, december 29, 2018

23

GFF/ExxonMobil International Futsal Festival…

Guyana, Galacticos De Roraima, T&T, Georgetown record wins

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/ E x x o n M o b i l International Futsal Festival commenced on Thursday, December 27, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue as Guyana, Galacticos De Roraima, Trinidad & Tobago and Georgetown All-Stars record victories on the first night.

In the headline match of the evening, the Brazilian team, Galacticos De Roraima battled it out with West Demerara All-Stars in a one-sided affair as the foreigners crushed the local side 11-3. The Brazilian side took command of the match early as Raphael Lopes blazed one into the back of the net in the third minute; following his lead Romailson De Jesus added his name to the score sheet in the fifth minute to leave the West side facing a 2-0 deficit.

Things went further downhill for the All-Stars as the Brazilian side utilised every opportunity scoring goals in quick succession as Lopes returned to add four more goals to his name in the ninth, 21st, 37th and

39th minutes respectively.

He was supported by De Jesus, who tormented the West Demerara side by adding insult to injury in the 22nd and 30th minute. Lucas Martins and Joao Da Costa picked up a goal apiece in the 10th and 19th minutes to end the evening despite conceding three goals, which came in the 19th minute compliments of Treyon Bobb and Dexroy Adams in the 39th and 40 minutes as they attempted a resurgence.

In the other matchup, Georgetown All-Stars trounced the ZV All- Stars 8-2 as the Surinamese side could be seen visibly agitated, as they gave away more goals than they intended.

The Georgetown side played in unison and was able to score goals quickly as their communication could be seen in their own play. Scoring first for the Georgetown side was Gregory Richardson; six minutes later, Wij Kes Jemel equalised to take the score to 1-1 within the first 10 minutes of play. However, things did not go as planned for the Surinamese side as what started out as exhilarat-

Part of the action on the opening night

ing ball play quickly turned slow, dreary and lacking in direction play as the men from Suriname allowed Pernell Shultz to sneak into their box and score two goals in quick succession in the 13th and 15th minute.

Three minutes later, Phillip Rowley added his name to the tally as the Surinamese boys showed signs of frustrations and their play gradually degraded. Later on in

the game, four more goals were added to the tally of the Georgetown All-Stars as Richardson returned in the 22nd minute, while Stephan McLean, Adrian Aaron and Ryan Hackett scoring a goal each in the 27th, 28th and 31st minutes of the game to take the GT side to the next round despite the consolation goal from Blijid Anthony in the 29th minute.

The Linden All-Stars

and Trinidad and Tobago match had intensity as both teams showed their attacking prowess from ball one as they kept scoring goals regularly. The match began when Kerry Joseph of Trinidad drew first blood in the third minute of the game; three minutes later, support was lent to Joseph in the form of Rondel Ellcock to take the score to 2-0. Needing an equaliser, Tryric McAllister

put his best foot forward to give the Linden team a shot at advancing to the next round when he blasted one in from outside of the box in the 14th minute to take the score to 2-1. But the Linden side’s hopes were dashed as the Trinidadians scored another goal in the 18th minute as Kevon Woodley took the score to 3-1, but Rawle Gitten was having none of that as he intended to give his team a fighting chance, taking the score to 3-2 in the 19th minute. Trinidad then accelerated as Joseph returned one minute later to take the score to 4-2. Despite Joel McKinnon, Jermaine Grandison and Deshawn Joseph’s goals in the 29th, 28th and 36th minute, the Trinidadian side pressed on and scored three more goals in the 30th and 31st minute, compliments of Jamal Williams and Nasim Akcia chipping in to culminate the match with Trinidad winning 7-5.

In the other fixture, Guyana defeated East Coast 4-0. The matches will continue today at 20:00h.

(Timothy Jaikarran)

Jaguars should easily continue 4-Day dominance during 2019 leg – 3rd round changes add more dimension to side Romario Shepherd

By Clifton Ross

G

uyana Jaguars rang in a few changes ahead of round 3 as they prepare to continue their dominance when the 2018/19 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional 4-Day Championships continue in the land of the fly-fish – Barbados next week.

2019 breaks with the defending champs resuming battle against the Barbados Pride from January 4, possibly fielding a new-look team with the confirmed inclusion of Test player Raymon Reifer and Windies OneDay International (ODI) opener Chandrapaul Hemraj.

Guyana w o n their o p e n i n g

rounds easily, thanks to a well-balanced side who were given impetus from their upcoming and veteran players, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul, C h r i s Barnwell, Vishaul S i n g h , Romario Shepherd, a n d Veerasammy P e r m a u l standing out as the most prominent match-winners to date.

However, with teams looking to overthrow the table-leaders when the tourney resumes in 2019, the Jaguars have tinkered with their selections as a result of a few unforeseen issues which could place them at a slight disadvantage given that other teams have welcomed back their international stars.

The Windies duo of Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer

have not been named in the team for the next round owing to the all-rounder picking up an injury during the Bangladesh T20 series, leaving the Jags without one of their match-winners from last season and a given x-factor.

Hetmyer, who recently made waves during his Indian Premier League (IPL) selection after being snapped up for more than US$500,000 by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has opted to rest during the third round.

The left-hander has had a tremendous year in international cricket, smashing hundreds against Bangladesh and India while starring during his first full season of Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The 22-year-old has been the Windies shining light in all formats this year, but his form, aggression and star-power will be extremely missed as the Jaguars seek to maintain their firm grip on the competition in search of their fifth title.

Hetmyer’s absence hopefully will be short as his presence will be needed when Guyana tackle stiffer competition as the championships progress.

One huge plus for the Jaguars is the return

of all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford, who is fresh off the Windies T20 Bangladesh series. The left-hander was one of Guyana’s main weapons last season, having formed a strong young unit with Romario Shepherd and Paul.

Rutherford’s stock as a power-hitter has risen significantly since his exploits during the 2018 Hero CPL, leading to his selection to the West Indies team.

Guyana’s inclusion of Hemraj, their leading run-scorer last season with more than 600 runs, is another huge plus as he and Chanderpaul could likely form a strong opening pair and continue from last season where they dominated. Another plus is Reifer’s inclusion which will compliment Barnwell.

Barnwell has been in great all-round from since the Regional Super50, with runs and wickets coming easily while Reifer has been spending a significant amount of time with the West Indies A and West Indies Test team. The left-arm seamer has been one of the Jags’ key figures since his drafting six seasons ago, also his tremendous batting form in the Super50 which saw him

rack up six plus half-centuries could also lend to his more easygoing batting approach, which could further boost his team’s chances going forward.

In all, the Jaguars combination going into the second phase of the Championships seems a match-winning one with their leader, Leon Johnson continuing his excel-

lent leadership role and his players, both seasoned and young, coming to the fore as Guyana chase another piece of regional 4-Day cricket history.

Raymon Reifer

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GFF/ExxonMobil International Futsal Festival…

Guyana, Galacticos De Roraima, T&T, Georgetown record wins Page 23

Jaguars should easily continue 4-Day dominance during 2019 leg

Reflections on Windies Cricket in 2018 Part 2…

Windies fail to win ODI series in 2018 Page 22

Page 22

– 3rd round changes add more dimension to side

– Hope, Hetmyer, Holder leading ODI players

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