Guyana Times - Saturday, February 23, 2019

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3843

saturday, February 23, 2019

PRICE

77 conferred with national awards

WHAT'S INSIDE:

$335M P5 pump station commissioned at Herstelling

Page 5

...GECOM Commissioner bestowed with Golden Arrow of Achievement

$80 vat included

– 4500 acres of residential, agricultural lands to benefit Vincent Alexander

Guyana’s 49th Republic anniversary

President calls for unity, stable economy ahead of “transformational change” Page 3

…symbols of nationhood, Constitution must be respected – PPP

Eteringbang plane crash P18

Pilot’s body recovered, flown to city

PPDI records $277M profit for 2017 P17 School of the Nations student jailed for possession of ecstasy P8 pills

Mashramani activities dusted the roads of Aishalton Village, Deep South, Rupununi, Region Nine, on Friday as residents turned out in their numbers to celebrate Guyana’s 49 years as a Republic (Medino F Abraham photo)

US imposed catfish ban

Challenges lie in Page 9 “bureaucratic movement” between ministries – Holder

GPHC Paediatric team to fly out on “retreat”

…as investigation into deaths of 3 children continues

Airplane crash at Canal #2 Polder

Page 7

“I did not P7 panic” – injured Police Constable recalled

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saturday, february 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 23 – 08:00h-09:30h and Sunday, February 24 – 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 23 – 07:05h-08:35h and Sunday, February 24 – 07:50h-09:20h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals can be expected throughout most of the day, followed by sunny skies in the late afternoon.

Cloudy skies are expected in the evening, with overalls temperatures ranging between 20 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 07:13h and 19:35h reaching maximum heights of 2.74 metres and 2.68 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:47h and 13:08h reaching minimum heights of 0.46 metre and 0.48 metre respectively.

WEDNESday, FEBRUARY 20, 2019

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FREE TICKET friDAY, febrUARY 22, 2019

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

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

Guyana’s 49th Republic anniversary

President calls for unity, stable economy ahead of “transformational change” …symbols of nationhood, Constitution, must be respected – PPP

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s the country continues to tread into a possible constitutional crisis, President David Granger has called on Guyanese to foster unity and work together to ensure economic stability ahead of the impending oil and gas sector.

In his message to the nation on the country’s 49th Republic Day anniversary, the Head of State posited that a prosperous future awaits Guyana.

“Guyanese eagerly anticipate the transformational economic change which will accrue from the green economy and emerging petroleum sector – factors which will impel the country further and faster into a future of prosperity… Everyone wins when the nation is united. Let us work together to ensure that our country remains secure, our economy is stable and that everyone is safe and could enjoy a good life,” he asserted.

However, the President’s statement comes on the heels of stakeholders expressing worry over the impact the current political situation can have on economic development, particularly inward investments.

In fact, during a meeting with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on preparations for General and Regional Elections, a representative from the ABCE diplomatic community voiced

similar concerns.

After weeks of stalemate on the way forward, GECOM earlier this week voted to continue its normal activity and to inform the President that new General Elections cannot be held by the constitutional March 19 deadline – a move which has placed Guyana on the brink of a constitutional crisis.

Without making mention of or referencing the ongoing situation, the Head of State said in his remarks that establishment of the Republic on February 23, 1970, confirmed Guyana’s independence, consolidated its multicultural character, accelerated social and economic transformation, and advanced nation-building.

He outlined that the architects of independence insisted, during independence negotiations, on constitutional assurances for the eventual severing of subordinate ties to the British monarchy by insisting that: “There will be provision for the Parliament of the new State [of Guyana] if it so wishes, after the 1st January, 1969, to bring into operation scheduled amendments establishing a Republic on the parliamentary system.”

Against this backdrop, President Granger noted that then Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham, on August 28, 1969, moved a motion in the National Assembly for

Guyana to become a Republic with effect from February the following year.

That move has resulted in Guyanese, today, being able to celebrate the country’s statehood.

“It was a substantive fulfilment of our people’s aspirations to chart their own destiny by refashioning their social and economic relations, introducing new national institutions, affirming sovereignty and advancing towards the goal of self-reliance. The national honours system was introduced to recognise the service of our outstanding citizens,” the Head of State asserted.

He went on to say too that today, Guyanese are happy to live in a State that is committed to the rule of law, the independence of the Judiciary, freedom of the press and respect for fundamental human rights.

Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) noted that as Guyanese celebrate another milestone, the symbols of nationhood, such as the National Flag and the Constitution, must be respected by all Guyanese, in demonstration of patriotism.

In expressing its best wishes to those here and in

the Diaspora, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) noted that Mashramani represents Guyana’s history of struggle and pride in self-governance.

“The jubilance, through vibrant music and the splendour of the multitude of colours, reflect not just revelling after hard work, as the word Mashramani connotes, but the rich diversity that defines us as a nation… It is the Party’s fervent hope that all will reflect on Guyana’s journey as a nation since attaining the status as a Republic and continued to be imbued with patriotism and pride as we celebrate the occasion of Mashramani 2019.”

“Mashramani is also a reminder of the fortitude and resilience of all of our people who remained steadfast in their efforts to building our nation, so as to realise the future we all desire,” the Party said while commending those involved in the various activities across the country for their dedication and efforts.

Both the PPP and the Head of State extended greetings to Guyanese both in at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion of the country’s 49th anniversary of the Republic.

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saturDAY, february 23, 2019

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

Celebrating as one

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uyana’s attainment of its Republican status from Great Britain on February 23, 1970 remains an indelible part of this country’s history, and each year colourful celebrations and the ceremonial hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead are undertaken to remind everyone of its struggle to become an independent nation.

Over the past few days, we have seen spectacular children’s costume competitions, float parades, masquerade bands, and dancing in the streets to the accompaniment of steel pan music.

This is in addition to the many calypso and chutney competitions being held across the country.

All Guyanese should be excited and proud that our nation is celebrating 49 years as a Republic. As expected, many citizens are engaged in debates and discussions about the level of progress we have made as a country. No doubt, we would all agree that our development could have been further accelerated. However, this should not cause us to lose sight of the many important achievements that were made over the past two decades or so.

Guyana is still a relatively young nation, and there is evidence that we have come a far way. Many of the developed countries took hundreds of years to achieve the level of development that they boast about, but this should not be an excuse for our leaders not to work hard enough to help our citizens achieve their dreams and aspirations. For example, while there remain many challenges, over the past two decades or so, there have been significant improvements in the delivery of education and health care, among other social services. The housing boom, which started and picked up pace under the then PPP/C Government, is regarded as a model in the Caricom region. At the time, owning a home was just a dream for many Guyanese, today this has become reality, as quite a few new housing schemes were opened up and existing ones were expanded and upgraded. In essence, home ownership was made much easier.

As was stated earlier, there is still a far way to go, as quite a number of Guyanese are still living below the poverty line.

Many are still without suitable jobs etc. Continued efforts must therefore be made by our political leaders and other development partners in ensuring that more persons are provided with the opportunities to raise their standard of living.

In this regard, there should be renewed efforts at generating wealth and creating jobs for every citizen, especially those that are skilled and qualified. In doing so, more investments and productive activities should be encouraged, as this would result in more opportunities being available.

With there being a great deal of uncertainty in relation to the current political situation here, it is hoped that the Coalition Government, more so the President, would prove to the nation that he is serious about obeying the decisions of the Court and following the requirements as laid out in the constitution regarding national elections. It is in the President’s power to have the situation resolved quickly, so as to avoid the country being in a constitutional crisis. If the President does not act in good faith, he will be judged harshly. He needs to call a date for national elections urgently.

After 49 years of attaining Republican status, it would be good if our leaders demonstrate to the world that we can once more campaign and conduct elections peacefully; and when the results are out, citizens can then continue working as one towards achieving our development objectives.

Our leaders must know that our children’s future cannot be realised if they walk separately and in different directions. This year’s celebrations should remind us that Mashramani is the symbolism of our oneness. It represents the desire of people of all races to cooperate; to sing, dance and revel together.

When we became a Republic, our aspiration was to crown our Independence with the status of full and complete nationhood, and to make our people sovereign. Republicanism must therefore be viewed as a historic continuity of all that our ancestors stood for, struggled against, and hoped to achieve.

It is hoped that every Guyanese, especially those who seek to govern us, would continue to pool their resources and talents and work harder to further develop our communities and country as a whole.

Pupils of Ituni Nursery School performed an acrostic on Friday during a Culture Day in observance of Guyana’s 49th Republic anniversary

The writing is on the wall

Dear Editor, General and Regional Elections in Guyana is a mandatory issue; and nothing -- I repeat, nothing -- is going to stop us now. The shenanigans of the PNC and their cohorts at GECOM cannot stop that inevitability. It is a constitutional mandate that has to be upheld come what may. The Government and its unilateral appointee are afraid of this, and in that regard, they are in concert, trying their utmost to stymie this imminent event.

The Government is exploring every available option, such as appeals and other delaying tactics, which simply would not work because, at the end of the day, they must honour and respect the dictates of the Constitution, which explicitly states that upon the successful passage of a no-confidence motion, the President and Cabinet must resign and call fresh elections.

Period! The Constitution on which all civilised societies is pivoted (Guyana being one such society) must reign supreme.

Trying to frustrate the people of this country on this fundamental right would only breed more harm

for the Government. Again, I say: trying to prevent the people of Guyana from making that all-important decision as to who governs them would prove very detrimental to this present dictator, PNC. The more you delay, the more the numbers of those who are against you grow. Day by day, persons are crossing the floor, even those of your die-hard supporters are breaking ranks with The PNC. And from those of us whose ears are to the ground, the number of those that are against you has swollen to a massive amount. I am calling on the PNC to do the decent thing; that is, call an election now and bow out with some dignity. Do not wait until the odds are against you.

What the PNC should be grateful about is that under the Proportional Representation (PR) process, they are assured seats in the next election.

However, if elections were to have been held under a constituency system, their lot would certainly be that of Barbados, Grenada, and I think St Kitts, where the Opposition was wiped out of existence. Whenever a Government becomes obnox-

ious, the voters are very severe with those of their oppressors. So the PNC ought to be thankful for the system that we have.

Now, having said all of that, it behoves us to scrutinise the Guyana system a bit. When you look at Guyana, you get the horrifying picture of a party that has never, I repeat, has never won an election but has had the longest stay in power. How they did it is anybody’s guess, by a system of intimidation, fear and finally, by rigging. It is an appalling state of affairs that the party is unashamedly proud of.

Their strategy is notorious, with that Third World brutal backwardness unleashed here at every election here in Guyana. They are already on the warpath with the incarceration of Miss Jaferally, a PPP/C supporter with those trumpedup charges of her trying to blow up The University of Guyana and other educational institutions.

But this has backfired on them, persons are questioning that charge with all seriousness and telling them forthrightly that these charges are political in nature. So they are now trying

the bribery trick on those who support them.

Now, it seems that they have gotten a little smarter this time around in that they are now going into their strongholds promising them land to build their dream houses. This new bribery campaign is targeting certain select depressed communities with the sole aim of getting recruits for their massive protest actions come election time. But that campaign strategy has hit a snag, as you listen to the comments of two such PNC supporters. Those supporters are saying “Deh come hot and sweaty with house lots ... what they been doing all dis time?” Another retorted “we ain’t get wuk, we ain’t gat money, so how we guh buy land ... PNC think we stupid nuh”.

These comments are symptomatic of countless others of its kind, and for which the PNC is aware of, hence their fear of calling an election. When your own are turning away from you and their attention is on the Opposition, you know full well what will be the result.

I say call the elections now!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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77 conferred with national awards Farmers travel to Crabwood ...GECOM Commissioner bestowed with Golden Arrow of Achievement

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s Guyana celebrates its 49th Republic anniversary, President David Granger has conferred 77 persons with national awards. Heading the list of awardees for the Golden Arrow of Achievement is APNU’s Commissioner on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vincent Alexander.

Several Guyanese diplomats were conferred with the Cacique Crown of Honour.

These are Guyana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Frederick Hamley Case; Charles John Ethelwood Fung-A-Fatt, SC, Ambassador David Thomas Allan Hales, Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Sheik Riyad David Insanally; Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Abdool Halim Majeed, and Monsignor Terrence Montrose.

The other would have been conferred with the Golden Arrow of Achievement, the Medal of Service, the Military Service Medal and the Disciplinary Service Medal.

Golden Arrow of Achievement

Vincent Luther Alexander, O’Donna Frances Allsopp, Lorene Evadney, Pamela Baird, Dr Ruth Benjamin-Huntley, Calvin Benn, Leslie Thomas Black, William Andrew Boyle, Negla Helena Brandis, Paul Andrew Carto, Dr Rudolph Othneil Cummings, Phillip Nessie Bryan Da Silva, Patrick Reginald Anthony Farnum, Egbert Harold Field, Nicholas Fredericks, Malcolm Jacob Jawaharlal Harripaul, Vincent Patrick Henry, Dickson Augustus Hooper, Leon Rayon Johnson, Kalam Azad JumanYassin, Patrice Desireé Ann La Fleur, Carl Chetwyn Lashley, Derrick Fitzpatrick Lawrence, Lawrence Hilary London, Julia Anne Mansell, Dr Suresh Narine, Christopher Anthony Nascimento, Lurlene Anita Nestor, Dr Maxine Patricia ParrisAaron, Dr Rajendra Persaud, Eric McLauren

Phillips, Sandra Kumarie Shivdat, Professor Gomathinayagam Subramanian, Morris Wilson, Geneveive Whyte-Nedd, Garfield Ian Colin Wiltshire and William Henry Woolford.

Medal of Service

Shameeza Baksh, Tarramattie Persaud Barker, Roxanne Marilyn Barratt, Rosemary Nicola Benjamin-Noble, Donna Annastatia Bowman, John Randolph Massiah Critchlow, Jean Marionetta Dorsett, Hilbert Gardiner Foster, Gloria Dawn Garraway, Lawrence Llewlyn Griffith, Soyinka Ameygo Grogan, Dr Claudette Anne Patricia HeyligerThomas, Suresh Jagmohan, Parmeshwar Jagmohan, Ian Jardine, Bibi Fazeela Khan, Nizam Kassim, Gordon Hubert Kingston, Kumar Lalbachan, Peter George Lewis, Nazrudeen Mohamed, Terrence Anthony Poole, Leslie Chrispen Ramalho, Harripersaud Ramsewack, Petal Elizabeth Ridley, Gail Patricia Robinson, Ramkarran Roopchan, James Rotry Sampson, Komal Singh, Zohora Singh and Fitzroy Egerton Younge.

Military Service Medal

Lieutenant Colonel Courtney Arthur Byrne

Disciplined Services Medal

Deputy Commissioner Lyndon Lancelot Alves, Assistant Commissioner Paul Handel Anthony Langevine, and Divisional Officer Compton Anthony Sparman.

President Granger and members of the Advisory Council for the Orders of Guyana offer sincere congratulations to the 77 persons who have been honoured. The national awardees will receive their medals at an investiture ceremony later in the year.

$335M pump station commissioned at Herstelling - 4500 acres of residential, agricultural lands to benefit

A section of the newly-commissioned pump station at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara

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o further increase Guyana’s resilience to floods and droughts, a new pump station to the tune of $335 million was commissioned on Friday to serve both residential and agricultural lands from Providence to Little Diamond.

In addition, 7526 persons in the catchment area and 69 registered farmers from the Mocha Cooperative will also benefit from improved drainage and irrigation.

“The ultimate goal is to increase incomes and reduce unemployment by providing access to land for farming through the rehabilitation of drainage and irrigation systems and access dams and additionally, by providing the necessary support, such as extension

services and planting material to ensure the success of farmers,” Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said.

The project which focuses on the stimulation of agricultural activities for small-scale farmers is financed jointly by the Caricom Development Fund (CDF) and the Government of Guyana. The $2.592 billion grant project will come to an end in 2020.

“This structure (pump station and sluice) augments the drainage capacity for the area as the pre-existing single-door sluice was found to be inefficient to drain the area of approximately 18 km2. Therefore, it is expected that the incidences of flooding in the area will be significantly reduced with the operation of this new pump station,”

Holder noted.

The pump station catchment area is Herstelling, Providence, South, Barnwell, Junor, and Mocha Arcadia, which are primarily dependent on the cultivation of plantains, banana, ground provisions, citrus, mangoes and other cash crops, and the rearing of livestock such as cattle sheep and goats, pigs and poultry.

Under the project, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), has constructed 7.52 km of new irrigation canals, excavated and rehabilitated 67.6km of irrigation channels and 70.6km of drainage channels. In addition, 32km of fair weather dams were also rehabilitated.

According to the

Creek to learn best practices

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wenty-nine farmers recently travelled to Crabwood Creek, Berbice, where they interacted with farmers there on improving the quality of their produce.

The initiative was organised by the Guyana Marketing (GMC) with Corporation the aim of promoting linkages among farmers, buyers and service providers and to establish a social relationship among farmers within Guyana.

Twenty-two farmers from Parika, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), three farmers from Mara on the East Bank of Berbice, and four farmers from Central Corentyne Berbice, travelled to Crabwood Creek on February 12 to participate in the farmers’ exchange visit.

The first of this initiative took place last October, where farmers from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) visited farms in Parika, Region Three.

On this occasion, the visitors keenly observed the different practices undertaken by the Crabwood Creek farmers after which a general discussion was facilitated by Regional Marketing Coordinator of the GMC, Milton Dookie.

According to Dookie, among the many other potential outcomes, the exchange visit will enhance the knowledge of farmers as it relates to best practices as they strive to improve the quality of their produce.

“Farmers in Guyana would use various practices in order to improve quality and productivity. It is known that farmers value their colleague’s experience and knowledge,” Dookie said in a statement released by the GMC. During the interaction, the team shared information and ideas regarding production

Minister, land clearing was also conducted with the aim of ensuring farmers return to their land.

To date, 60 of the 265 registered farmers within the 4 catchment areas have received their Government grants which have seen approximately 50 acres of new lands under cultivation.

The Agriculture Ministry’s Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development Project (RAID) has been implementing drainage and irrigation interventions in the communities of Buxton, Mocha, Triumph, and Ithaca.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer, Caricom Development Fund, Rodinald Soomer in delivering remarks, noted that Guyana remains the most impressing performer with respect to completing projects on time and within budget in the CDF history.

“To date, 88.3 per cent of funding for cycle two has been disbursed and Guyana continues to impress us (CDF),” Soomer said.

Since 2014, the CDF has injected some $18.94 million for the project of the said magnitude in Guyana.

Among the projects, several pump stations, sluice and primary and secondary drainage channels were

Regional Market Coordinator Milton Dookie talking to farmers who participated in the farmers’ exchange visit recently held in Crabwood Creek, Berbice, Region Six

practices for various non-traditional produce in their specific geographic locations.

“Farmers from Malali sideline, Crabwood Creek, have developed and adopted production practices (plant spacing, drain construction, planting method etc) that differ from that of farmers in Region Three, mainly due to their heavy dependence on rainfall for irrigation water,” said Devin Warner, Region Six’s Crop Extension Officer.

Produce such as eddoes, cassava, sweet potato, plantain, pumpkin and watermelon are cultivated on a large scale in Crabwood Creek.

According to the GMC, it was evident that the farmers have a good appreciation for the production of quality produce. Nevertheless, the group expressed the need for support in understanding proper post-harvest management practices which will ensure that the quality of their produce is maintained which, by extension, will ensure that safe and wholesome food is delivered to consumers.

GMC said its officers assured farmers that requisite training in the area of post-harvest management will be done within months. “Being aware of the importance of good post-harvest manage-

ment practices, GMC is determined to instil these values in farmers countrywide,” Warner reiterated. He said that visits of such nature will be used as a mechanism to promote the appreciation of good post-harvest management.

The farmers from Parika said they were impressed with the way farming is done in Crabwood Creek, especially as it relates to the scale of production and utilisation of the large expanse of land for large scale production.

General Manager, Ida Sealey-Adams affirmed that plans are in place to replicate these activities in other regions in 2019. She further stated that GMC has been utilising various mechanisms to increase the capacity of its farmers over the years.

“Exchange visits have been tried and tested worldwide among farming communities.

Oftentimes the learning process reflects the different stages in the adoption hierarchy, where the creation of awareness must be followed by an interest in the practice. This commonly leads to changes in the way of thinking and a subsequent translation of ideas into action thereafter adoption,” Adams explained.

completed.

The Agriculture Ministry has commissioned five pump stations at Lusignan, Friendship/ Vigilance, Enmore, Three

Friends and Buxton in 2018. This is in keeping with its holistic approach to improve drainage and irrigation along flood-prone villages along the coast.

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Foundation

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o you remember the excitement of marching in or watching the float parade as a kid? Joining in on parade fun with your family is a great outing – no matter the age.

However, now, as a parent, I feel the anxiety that comes along with parades and children. Times do change and, all of sudden, we are seeing larger crowds and emergency situations.

Even if you are attending a family-friendly parade, children should always be aware of the rules, in order to stay safe, and be prepared in the event of an emergency.

So don’t let the anxiety wear you down or keep you from attending that next parade. Here are five must-follow parade safety tips for you and your family.

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he masks mimic the bright rainforest birds.

Materials: Paper Plates (the thicker ones are better and will hold up to the paint and decorations) Scissors Paint Paintbrushes Glue Feathers Small Elastic (1/4 inch width)

Directions:

Stay Behind Barricades:

If the parade is set up with barricades, explain the importance of why everyone should remain behind them as well as not leaning or knocking them over.

Lost and Found:

Research if the parade has an area where lost children are taken. Always point out Police Officers to your children, and designate an area where they can meet you, in the event they are separated from you.

Charge Up:

Ensure your phones are fully charged before leaving the house. If you have older children, have them bring their phones, in case of an emergency.

Buddy Check:

Set up a buddy system, if you are going with a large group, or have a larger family. Ensure there is always one person per smaller child, typically under the age of 10. Let the children know that they must walk with their buddy and not separate for any reason.

Don’t cross road:

Please do not cross the route after the parade starts.

Close eye:

Keep a close eye on children during the parade. Children can cheer and wave, but it is dangerous for them to run onto the street for handshakes, autographs or hugs.

Sunstroke:

It may be cool when you first find a place to watch the parade, but it quickly heats up. Heat exhaustion can have serious consequences so remember water, a broad hat and SPF 30 sunscreen.

If it looks like rain during the parade, please bring rain gear, but leave your umbrellas at home. Umbrellas block the view of people behind you who also want to see the parade The most important thing to remember is that parades are a ton of fun for the family. Talking with your children about the potential emergency situation will ensure they are alert and safe at all times. (miltribe.com and calgarystampede.com)

Using scissors, cut the bottom portion of the paper plate off and cut holes for eyes.

Let the kids paint the bottom of the paper plate in bright paint colours.

Let dry.

If you want to attach a string, use small elastic and attach it to the mask before attaching feathers. Poke holes on each side of the paper plate, thread the elastic through and knot it. Measure your child’s head for the correct tightness.

Glue feathers around the rim of the plate.

Let dry. (Excerpt from happybrownhouse.com)

7 GPHC Paediatric team to fly out on “retreat” news

saturday, february 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

…as investigation into deaths of 3 children continues

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midst tensions surrounding the deaths of three innocent children that occurred at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the Paediatric team is expected to fly out of the country next month on a retreat.

This was confirmed on Friday by a senior official at the hospital.

According to that health official, “It’s like a retreat.

What we do basically is take

The Georgetown Public Hospital

them to a different location.

The last time we had an ed-

ucational as well as an interchange in our Department”.

He added, “I would love for other departments to have these little come (togethers or get-togethers), (where we) sit down and talk about our problems out of the environment of the hospital, because sometimes it’s healthier that way”.

This is not the first time that the team is going on one of these trips, the doctor has stated, while adding that they usually have such activities more than twice a year.

This newspaper was told

that the team is expected to leave Guyana on March 2, 2019 to facilitate their “weekend retreat” in neighbouring Suriname.

A letter addressed to Dr. Rambarran but seen by this publication has said that the Paediatric Surgery Department has given up its operating day on Monday, March 4, to the Transplant team. This, according to the letter, is to facilitate the Department’s retreat, beginning on March 2 and ending

Airplane crash at Canal #2 Polder

“I did not panic” – injured Police Constable recalls

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onstable Mark Grimmond, who on Monday last survived an airplane crash at Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara, is recuperating well at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Georgetown.

On Friday, Police Commissioner Leslie James, accompanied by Deputy Commissioners Paul Williams, Maxine Graham, Nigel Hoppie, Lyndon Alves and other officers of the Guyana Police Force, visited Grimmond and commended him for his bravery.

“You have displayed much bravery, and you will be commended after your full recovery. If wasn’t for you, we would not have known about the whereabouts of the crash. You are a hero, you are brave, and God be with you,” James told the rank.

The Constable, who is stationed at the Eteringbang Police Outpost in Region Seven, related that prior to the incident, the plane was in the process of sinking towards the ground, and this prompted him to secure his seatbelt as tight as possible. He said it was one of the reasons he survived.

Police Commissioner Leslie James and other senior Police ranks during their visit to Constable Grimmond

“While the plane was in the process of downing, I did not panic. I kept my composure and pulled my seatbelt as tight as it could have gotten. As the plane fell into the bushes, and after the impact, the body that was in the plane at the time came into direct contact with me, and I pushed the body off as the plane came to a halt,” he recalled.

Without giving up, Grimmond

said, he used his belt to climb a tree to access signal and relate what had transpired.

“After that, I tore my shirt and wrapped it around my injured face, and proceeded to kick open a window.

And while exiting, I suffered more injuries about my body. As I got out of the plane, I used my Police belt to climb a very huge tree to see if I would get any signal. In the process, I used

my earpiece, and after finding signal, as my phone battery was approaching low, I called my sergeant and my wife and told them of the ordeal,” he said.

From then on, he assisted the pilot in shooting flares, which indicated a distress call.

The Cessna 182 aircraft bearing registration number N8704T, owned and operated by Guyana Adventist Medical Aviation Services (GAMAS), crashed on Monday evening. The crash has left Grimmond and the pilot, Lincoln Gomez, injured.

It was reported that the duo was transporting the body of the Director of Kaikan Bible School, Christopher Matthews, who died on Monday last after falling from a mountain at Arau in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The aircraft departed the interior location at 17:06h, and was heading to the Eugene F Correia International Airport when the pilot made a “mayday” call to the Timehri Control Tower reporting a fuel emergency at about 18:45h. turn to page 8

on March 4.

“We are planning on going to Suriname. In preparation, permission was sought and obtained from DMPS and PSM for the relevant team members to be allowed to make the trip,” the letter read.

It was explained that health practitioners on the trip would be funding themselves, while the Department would be monitored by other staffers during their trip.

However, Junior Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, had stated that investigation into the deaths of three children: Sharezer Mendonca, Roshani Seegobin and Curwayne Edwards, would have been concluded, but the findings are yet to be released.

As the investigations continue, Guyana Times was told that the family of Sharezer Mendonca, the third child to have died after receiving pre-chemotherapy treatment at GPHC in January, claimed that they were made a compensation offer by a senior hospital official to bury the matter.

Sherry Ann Mendonca, aunt of the six-year-old child, has said the family has also been kept in the dark, which leads them to believe that the investigation may not be as independent as it should be.

Mendonca feels that top officials at the hospital may be trying to cover up the alleged wrongdoings.

Major public outrage was sparked after the three children lost their lives under questionable circumstances at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

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School of the Nations student jailed for possession of ecstasy pills

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enior Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday sentenced a 20-yearold School of the Nations student to three years’ imprisonment after he admitted to a charge of possession of narcotics.

The charge against John Adams read that on February 20, 2019, at Princes Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession

eight ecstasy pills which amounted to five grams.

Adams, who appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, pleaded guilty to the charge after it was read to him.

The prosecution’s case, which was presented by Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris contended that on the day in question, Police ranks intercept-

ed Adams at about 21:00h while he riding his motorcycle along Princes Street, Georgetown. A search was conducted on his person and the illegal drug was found.

The defendant, in court on Friday after admitting that the drug was his, told Magistrate Daly it was for his personal use.

Nevertheless, the threeyear jail term was handed

John Adams

down along with a fine of $30,000.

UG bomb threat suspect gets High Court bail

T

wenty-five-year-old Sheliza Jafferally, who is accused of threatening to bomb the University of Guyana, was earlier today (Friday) released on $10,000 bail by High Court Judge, Navindra Singh.

This is following a successful application by her attorney, Latchmie Rahamat, who

argued that the State could not provide any evidence that the accused is a threat to public safety, or would tamper with witnesses.

Jafferally made her first court appearance on February 11, 2019 before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts; where

she was charged with the misuse of a telecommunication device and remanded to prison.

She was, on February 18, further remanded until February 25, 2019 by Magistrate Rushell Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Jafferally has pleaded not guilty to the charge before her.

She has been charged under the Telecommunications Act of Guyana, and if found guilty, could face a fine of not less than $250,000 nor more

Sheliza Jafferally

than two million dollars, and a jail term of no more than six months.

“I did not panic”...

The Aeronautical Search and Rescue Coordination Centre at Timehri was activated with assistance from the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, the Civil Defence Commission, GCAA, Guyana Fire Service and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority.

The crash site was identified by a reconnaissance flight conducted by a Roraima Airways aircraft after Captain Gomez had fired one of his distress flares from his location.

After several hours, the

from page 7

rescue team recovered the injured pilot and the policeman; and after stabilising them, returned to the landing zone for evacuation with the Bell 206 helicopter. The injured men were flown to Camp Ayanganna and subsequently transported to the hospital.

However, the body of Matthews could not be removed from the site during the first extraction due to constraints of terrain and weight. His body was flown out of the site on Tuesday.

Stand up…

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…for democracy e were colonised on the premise that we were all “uncivilised”, unwashed masses, so that our lands could be expropriated and some of us snatched from other expropriated countries by our “betters” and dumped here. For two centuries, as our British “betters” slowly introduced democratic reforms in their own country, they held back on us, since even though we eventually were recognised as humans and “free”, we had to be “tutored” into the ways of democracy!!

Our independence politicians indignantly rejected this, and insisted we were actually “precocious”! Well, sadly, ever since the PNC was formed by Burnham in the 1950s at the instigation of the West, it has done nothing more than proven the British were absolutely spot on with their assessment. The PNC just isn’t prepared to accept the norms of democracy. In fact, it wouldn’t recognise democracy if it were to creep up and bite that party on its behind!!

So we had 28 years of despotic government under Burnham, who – as exposed by the recently departed Professor Rudy James – had the gall to write his own constitution in 1980 to baptise his dictatorial powers as being “legal”!! Rigging elections eviscerated the procedural aspect of democracy in denying the Guyanese populace any say in who formed their Government, while he insisted that only he knew exactly what the country needed to be “moulded”, even as he destroyed the substantive aspects.

The rigging of elections rested in the first insistence on Burnham’s control of the elections machinery in general, and over its Chairmen -- CJs Sir Donald Jackson and Sir Harold Bollers in particular.

But, to their credit, after the raison ‘d’etre for the western powers to prop up the PNC disappeared with the fall of the Soviet Union, they did attempt to make up for Guyana’s democratic deficit under the PNC. They midwifed “free and fair” elections in 1992 under the aegis of the Carter Center, and the PPP was returned to office.

Under an Elections Commission led by bi-partisan selected chairmen, they conducted five elections that were all certified by the international community as “free and fair”.

But once the PNC slipped back into power under the democratic system – like Hitler in the Weimar Republic – it immediately worked to corrupt the system and subvert democratic elections to keep itself in power. Granger unilaterally selected James Patterson as GECOM Chair, and he’s now ensured GECOM would circumvent the constitution on the elections’ date.

The American, British, Canadian and European (ABCE) Envoys just met with GECOM and “raised concerns over the impact of the impasse on investment”.

That’s not enough. They have the moral responsibility to insist that the supreme law of the land – the Constitution be observed.

Elections by March 19!! …for fair labour practices Your Eyewitness is more than a tad confused by the OFFICIAL state-owned Chronic’s reporting on the labour dispute with RUSAL. After a meeting between Government representatives and the company, the Chronic’s headline blared, “SACKED RUSAL TO BE REINSTATED”. But in the body of the story, they quoted Minister Amna Ally as saying, “That meeting was our first engagement, and we’ve not come to any concrete decision”!! What gives?? Isn’t a headline supposed to summarise the gist of the story and not the wish of the DPI?? Like, say, in the other story they carried under the caption, “No resolution yet in UG, unions wage row”!!

But seriously, folks, your Eyewitness’ working-class credentials is as solid as any other working stiff, but isn’t it time we let the company’s story also be told? The RUSAL management says that the bauxite union’s claim to be the representative of the workers isn’t so.

Shouldn’t the Trade Union Labour Recognition Board be called in to pronounce on the matter as a threshold issue? …against fleecing When will this PNC-led Government insult to our democratic rights stop?? After insulting the Guyanese people by paying US$ millions more for a smaller airport than contracted for, they’ve just added salt to our wounds by announcing massive “security” and “service” fees!!

Go fly a kite, Patterson!!

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

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saturday, february 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

US-imposed catfish ban

Challenges lie in “bureaucratic movement” between Ministries – Holder

…says food safety authority would have accelerated resolution

A

griculture Minister, Noel Holder has pointed towards the bureaucratic movement between the Fisheries Department of his Ministry and the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department of the Public Health Ministry as one of the main challenges against compliance with the US-imposed catfish ban which was enforced to achieve standard seafood entering that country.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times Holder stated that while work has been done to lift the ban, it is an international issue which has to be dealt with in a holistic manner. For now, “nothing new” has emerged from discussions and they are working towards an arrangement to adhere to the standards set out by the United States of America.

“There is nothing new on it. It’s the question of com-

ing to an arrangement with the US concerning our adherence to their rule or how we can best adhere to it. We just can’t lift the ban because it is worldwide and not just against Guyana,” said the Minister.

He mentioned that if the food safety authority – which would have been created under the Food Safety Bill – was established, the process would have been faster than having two Ministries involved.

“We are working with the US. If we had the food safety authority in place, it would have been way much faster but what is happening here is that you have two different Ministries involved which is the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Health Food and Drug Department so the bureaucratic movement between Ministries have some challenges.”

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

Holder added, “The other is the negotiation with the US, with regards to how best we can comply with their standards. The thing is, when the US is dealing with us, we got to deal with the Ministry of Health and then the Ministry of Health got to get on with Fisheries [Department], then

they got to get back on with the Ministry of Health”.

The Food Safety Bill was presented to the National Assembly in 2016, providing for a food safety authority, which would spearhead all aspects of food production including preparation and transportation for exportation.

Meanwhile, on the part of the Public Health Ministry, Junior Minister Karen Cummings told this publication that “progress” has been made on their end but did not elaborate on the matter.

Last December, Holder was questioned by Opposition officials as to what Government has been initiating to lift the ban after some US$14.7 million was set aside for the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism as part of Guyana’s contribution to international organisations.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira questioned

whether Guyana could get help from this very organisation, to which Holder replied in the affirmative. She also inquired whether legislation was being drafted to assist Guyana with gaining compliance.

According to the regulations, Guyana must be able to catch catfish and transport it to a processing plant while it is alive. This is in contradiction to what is being practised here, whereby the fish is caught, disembowelled and the carcass is iced until it reaches the shore.

Holder noted that the fishing industry represents approximately US$70 to $80 million annually to Guyana, with the ban on catfish costing the country US$1.2 million.

The ban by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) was instituted against Guyana in 2018.

Opposition Leader

Bharrat Jagdeo had called out the incumbent Administration for not doing enough to address the concerns of the fishing industry with the ban.

Jagdeo had said that he is “of the firm view that the coalition Government is fully responsible for the plight of local fishermen, given that they were notified of the USA’s pending changes to export regulations since November 2015. The coalition Government, despite having received notice of these changes, failed to communicate effectively with the stakeholders of the fisheries sector, many of whom have invested heavily in this area”.

“To make matters worse, the coalition Government received an extension until February 3, 2018, to bring Guyana into compliance with the new export regulations and failed again” the Opposition Leader had said.

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GTT’s CEO appointed to CANTO Board of Directors

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he leading non-profit Telecommunications Association in the Caribbean, CANTO, has appointed GTT’s Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd, to serve as one of its Board of Directors for the period 2019-2020.

The Association has a focus on Information Communication Technology (ICT) issues for the region with a global perspective.

CANTO consists of

a General Assembly, a Board of Directors and a Secretariat, headed by a Secretary General who is supported by an Operations and Human Resource Manager, Finance and Administration Manager and a Service Development Manager.

GTT’s CEO, Justin Nedd, said he is honoured to serve in this capacity since the organisation’s focus is on the continued development of

ICT in the Caribbean. Nedd is among eight others who were appointed to serve as CANTO’s new Board of Directors.

Extending welcome to the GTT CEO, Secretary General for CANTO, Teresa Wankin said, “Justin Nedd has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the telecommunications sector and, therefore, is a great addition to the Board. We look forward to his input

GTT CEO Justin Nedd and Secretary General for CANTO Teresa Wankin

and participation in the strategic direction of the Association”.

In January, GTT along with CANTO hosted the 35th Annual General Meeting and Mini Expo at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown. The event welcomed over 200 C- level CANTO members and stakeholders in the ICT sector from over 30 countries.

The conference was held under the theme “Transitioning to a Digital Region – Opportunities and Challenges”, and its emergence as a key driver of sweeping change in the world.

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PPDI records $277M profit for 2017

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ower Producer and Distribution Incorporated (PPDI) on Thursday announced that not only did the company surpass all performance guarantees, but it was able to rake in a whopping $277 million profit for 2017.

PPDI was established back in 2016 and carries the responsibility of operating and maintaining power plants for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

The announcement of its massive performance was revealed during a meeting hosted by the agency.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Arron Fraser, told media operatives that, “For the year ending December 31, 2017, we were able to earn a profit for that year of $277 million.

That profit was supported by a revenue of $2.3 billion. Total expenses for the year was $1.9 billion. Additionally, we contributed to coffers of the nation by paying taxes of $108.5 million”.

Fraser added that the company invested significantly in an inventory so that the company could increase its reliability and availability of the power plants. In fact, at the end of the year PPDI had invested $464 million in inventory, he said.

The CEO was keen to note that the company’s value at the end of the year stood at $809 million, as cash and cash equivalents included $186.7 million. “We had cash and cash equivalent of $186.7 million, total assets at the end of the year was $809 million and that was supported by total shareholders’ equity of $277 million and the liability side, we had accounts payable of $378.6 million, related party

Chief Executive Officer of Power Producer and Distribution Incorporated Arron Fraser

of $44.6 million and provision for taxation of $108.5 million.

All total, the company’s value at the end of the year was $809 million,” he explained.

While giving an update on the company’s physical performance, it was explained that the Board established several sub-committees, including an audit and finance, tenders and procurement and human resources and technical committee.

With regard to the power plants PPDI is responsible for managing, the officials said that, “For all four plants we gave guarantees of 92 per cent which is a widely accepted industry standard. At Garden of Eden, it was 93.57, Kingston Plant (1) that was 93.57, Kingston Plant (2) which had four of the five engines overhauled in 2017 we had 88.52 (per cent). At Vreed-en-Hoop where there was significantly less scheduled major overhauls, we were able to have the engines available 98.23 per cent of the time”.

Meanwhile, the Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, boasted of the power agency’s impressive performance, lauding it for its hiring practices as well

as its outstanding service.

He said, “We have surpassed all of our targets with our maintenance programme.

The finances are audited by the Auditor General’s office so, therefore, I will lay this report in Parliament whenever that convenes next”.

PPDI is a State-owned company that operates and maintains four power plants on behalf of Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL).

It was contracted to operate and maintain the four power plants on behalf of GPL. These power plants were previously operated and maintained by Wartsila Operations Guyana Inc (WOGI).

PPDI is responsible for a total electrical output of 106.7 megawatts of installed power generation capacity within the Demerara to Berbice Interconnected System.

The four power plants under PPDI’s management are Garden of Eden (22 MW), Kingston number 1 (22MW), Kingston number 2 (36.3 MW) and Vreed-en-Hoop (26.4 MW).

The technical boundary of the company’s operations is limited to 13.8 Kilovolts Switch Gear (outgoing feeder) of the power plants.

Thereafter, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has the sole responsibility for the transmission and distribution of electricity throughout the Demerara to Berbice Interconnected System.

As part of the Operations and Maintenance Agreement, PPDI offers performance guarantees to GPL that is based on the industry’s key performance indicators: availability, plant heat rate and lube oil consumption.

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s Guyana celebrates its 49th Republic anniversary under the theme “Celebrate Mash 49 with Victory in Mind”, wishes for prosperity were extended to the country and its people.

Pray for peace, unity among citizens – PNCR

On the other hand, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) pointed out that the national celebration of Mashramani is an occasion for reflection and assessment of the State of the nation, 49 years af-

ter Guyana was declared a Republic.

“This year Mashramani is being held under the theme, “Celebrate Mash 49 with Victory in Mind”.

In this regard, it must be evident to all that we, as Guyanese, need to redouble our efforts to banish crime, disease, ignorance and poverty. We must strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure, fortify national institutions, ensure national security and extend public services. We must not rest until victory is ours,” the PNCR said.

The party, in extending wishes to Guyanese, urges that they pray for the spirit of peace, love and unity will dwell among citizens on the 49th anniversary of the country’s Republic.

Strive for prosperous Guyana – GAWU

Meanwhile, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) in

saluting the nation on this Republic anniversary, simultaneously takes a sober look at where the Republic stands nearly half a century on.

“No doubt we made strides in various socio-economic aspects during this time but, we contend, that the economic transformation whereby the masses of Guyanese could experience fully the results of development is still to be achieved.

To this day, the economic struggle for a reasonable standard of living continues. Too many of our skilled, qualified citizens have opted for migration in pursuit of a better life. As we have noted before the “Good Life” here is still out of grasp of the working-people,” the Union said.

Nevertheless, GAWU calls on Guyanese not to abandon hope and unite and struggle for genuine progressive change, that bring about enduring prosperity

Guyanese prepare for Mash celebrations 2019 with unity in mind

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s the much anticipated and exuberant Republic Day is celebrated, the citizens of Guyana have highs hopes for unification.

Thousands of Guyanese are expected to flock the city streets to witness the colourful costume and float parade. This year’s celebration is themed “Celebrate Mash 49 with victory in mind – rediscovering El Dorado”.

Guyana Times caught up with some very excited persons in the capital city on Friday, who disclosed their plans to be a part of the massive Mashramani parade, as well as their expectations of seeing an abundance of unity while on the streets.

One enthusiastic citizen, who asked not be named, remarked that her favourite part of the Republic’s

Day celebrations is seeing the cooperation and unity among the different races in Guyana.

“My favourite thing about this Guyanese celebration is seeing everybody coming together; different races celebrating that day. In this Mash I expect to see more activities with the children and even the adults taking part, and different Ministries in the Government” she said.

Meanwhile, other persons related their plans to spend quality time with their friends and family at home, but nevertheless expressed excitement for the event.

One passerby stated, “I like the Mash holiday, it’s a lot of excitement and it’s an exposure to the lil youths that are coming up today, I feel something good about this event”.

Guyana will be celebrating 49 years of being a Republican nation and numerous events were planned and executed to usher in this year’s festivity.

These include the Children’s Mashramani and Float Parade, as well as the Soca, Chutney, Calypso Monarch competitions and others.

The anxious Guyanese population will be up for a treat, as the various Ministries, including the Education Ministry and the Social Cohesion Ministry, as well as the People’s Progressive Party Civic participate in this year’s massive float parade which will enroute through the streets of Georgetown, displaying the creativity and talents of Guyana’s people in the form of floats and stylish costumes.

Linden logger died from blunt trauma – PME

A

post mortem conducted on the lifeless body of 54- year-old Andrew Parks, who died on Wednesday after a log fell on him, proved that the miner died as a result of blunt trauma to the head and leg.

The autopsy was conducted on Friday by Government Pathologist Doctor Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary.

Parks, of Powis Crescent, Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, was on Wednesday crushed by a fallen log at his place of employment, Old England Mines, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Reports are that Parks was at his workplace, Ping

Logging Company, when a large log reportedly fell from a log loader machine which was being operated by one of his colleagues at the time.

The logger sustained injuries and was picked up and taken to the Linden

Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The other employee involved in the incident, a 33-year-old resident of Coomacka Mines, Region 10, was taken into Police custody.

and all-round progress benefiting every Guyanese.

IAC calls for lasting unity

Also joining in extending Republic anniversary wishes is the Indian Action Committee (IAC), which joined with the political parties, religious bodies, trade unions and other civil society groups in the call for inclusion, genuine and lasting national unity in the drive towards economic development and prosperity.

Current political situation a learning experience towards nationhood – Sam Hinds Furthermore,

for-

mer President and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in his Republic message, said it is his hope that this year’s celebration, despite the blatant disregard of the Noconfidence Motion, would be a learning experience on the way to nationhood, a vaccination against a reoccurrence in the lifetime of Guyanese alive today.

“If it were to help us learn once more, not to be seduced by the seemingly easy, often unlawful path and avoid the honourable path that appears to be more challenging and demanding of us, then we would find our prospects of oil more rewarding,” he said.

President Trump congratulates Guyana

Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump congratulated both the country and its people, saying the North American nation takes pride in its partnership with is South

American neighbour.

“Guyana is one of the United States’ most important partners in ensuring the Americas remain a zone of democracy, freedom, and security. We look forward to a continuing collaborative partnership going forward, supporting the security and economic interests of both our nations.”

President Trump assured the Guyana Government and Guyanese that as they

assess the future direction of the country, the US recognises and honours Guyana’s respect for the principles and integrity of democratic governance and institutions.

Eteringbang plane crash

Pilot’s body recovered, flown to city

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he body of Captain Randy Liverpool, who was killed in a plane crash late Thursday, has been recovered from the wreckage and brought to the city.

Liverpool lost his life when the aircraft he was piloting exploded after crash-landing at the Eteringbang Airstrip in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) sometime around 17:45h. He was the lone occupant of the Cessna 206 aircraft bearing registration number 8R-GHB at the time of the crash.

In a statement on Friday, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said the man’s body arrived at the Eugene F Correia International Airport sometime around 13:45h, where family members and colleagues were gathered to pay tribute and lend moral support.

Meanwhile, Aviation Authority inspectors along with an investigator from the Guyana Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Unit have been dispatched to the crash site to begin their investigation.

While it is still unclear what transpired, acting GCAA Director Chitranie Hiralall told Guyana Times when asked that the Air Traffic Control tower did not receive any distress call from the pilot. In fact, she noted that they got a report prior to landing – indicating that the aircraft was preparing to land – and at that time, there were no issues.

The death of Captain

Acting GCAA Director Chitranie Hiralall comforting Captain Liverpool’s relatives and friends as they await the arrival of his body

Liverpool has sent shockwaves throughout the civil aviation fraternity, including the GCAA. Captain Liverpool worked with the GCAA as an Air Traffic Controller before pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot.

At the time of the accident, he was flying an aircraft owned by Domestic Airways Inc (DAI). The company’s Director, Captain Orlando Charles, described Liverpool as “a very experienced pilot with over 3000 hours of flying in the hinterland regions”.

Liverpool is married and recently got his first child, who is just three-months-old now.

The news of the accident and the pilot’s death comes at a time when the aviation industry is still reeling from a plane crash on the West Bank of Demerara earlier this week.

Reports are that the Cessna aircraft had run

out of fuel and sometime around 19:00h on Monday, crashed about one mile from the Boeraserie Water Conservancy at Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

The aircraft, which is the Guyana Adventist Medical Aviation Services (GAMAS) medevac plane, had two occupants at the time – the pilot, Captain Lincoln Gomez, who suffered a broken jaw and a police officer, Michael Grimond, who has a broken leg.

They were transporting the body of dead missionary, Christopher Matthews, from Arawai to the Eugene F Correia International Airport (Ogle airport). The Director of the Kaikan Bible School in Guyana had reportedly fallen off a mountain and died on Monday morning.

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Cameron to face Skerritt challenge for CWI presidency C

ricket West Indies (CWI) President Dave Cameron will face a challenge to his attempt to lead the organization for a fourth term from former West Indies team manager, Ricky Skerritt.

Skerritt announced he would be in the running for the post that goes up for election on March 28 and announced a running mate in Dr Kishore Shallow, who will be challenging for the post of vice president.

Both nominations were supported by the Leeward Islands Cricket Board, as well

Ricky Skerritt

as the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.

Skerritt has already announced his plans for the post, releasing a document called ‘Cricket First’, a 10-point plan focusing on returning the Windies to a situation of power.

The 62-year-old Skerritt’s plan focuses on skill and character development of young players and, according to the document, will use science and technology to build the systems that work.

To achieve those goals or to take on that plan, Skerritt believes he can re-allocate resources used for centralized activities to other areas like grassroots cricket, coaching development,

and the governing bodies of the various territories.

“By my estimation, too much cost is being wasted on administrative and non-cricket related activities including the high price of running an elaborate office for the President,“ said Skerritt.

“The budget for the President’s office has been growing alarmingly in recent years, and I intend to reallocate a sizeable portion of that budget to grassroots cricket,” he said.

According to the 35-year-old Shallow, he supports Skerritt’s vision because he believes he shares the same philosophy as his older campaigner.

“Ricky and I share the philosophy that the actual cricke t

must be placed first, with absolutely no compromise.

West Indies cricket remains an extraordinary global brand which by all calculations has significantly underachieved. By leading a harmonized effort of all stakeholders, we would be well on the pathway to overdue

success,” said Swallow.

Chop and change won't solve problems – Grenada PM Mitchell

Prime Minister of Grenada Dr Keith Mitchell has insisted that a change of structure should be the primary focus of the next CWI boss, following the announcement of a challenge to incumbent president Dave Cameron.

After four terms in charge of the regional body, Cameron will face a challenge from former Windies team manager Skerritt, when the organisation goes to the polls next month.

Mitchell, who has at times found himself in an adversarial relationship with regional cricket’s leadership team in recent years, however, believes very little will be different unless the new leader is willing to focus on decades-long structural deficiencies.

“30-50 years ago Governments were operating one way in terms of how they governed countries.

They made you believe they could solve all your problems, ‘just vote for me’. That has changed dramatically, businesses had to change over the years and be more transparent,” Mitchell told the SportsMax Zone.

“Trade Unions had to also recognize

Grenada Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell

that it was not about getting increases in salary but also getting productivity, it’s a competitive world.

Similarly, sporting bodies cannot operate a 19 century, 20th-century system in the 21st century,” he added.

A 2015 Caricomcommissioned Governance

Report – authored by prominent regional academic and UWI Cave Hill principal Professor Eudine Barriteau – had called for the “immediate dissolution of the West Indies Cricket Board and the appointment of an Interim Board.”

“The chop and change

of presidents in my view is not going to solve the problems that are plaguing West Indies cricket. The attitude and structure that we have in place and the transparency and accountability has to be a fundamental issue also.” (Sportsmax)

FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers…

Guyana arrives safely – James unable to compete

T

he Guyana Senior Men’s Basketball Team arrived safely in Colombia for the FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers, but will be without the highly anticipated services of AEK Athens Power Forward Delroy James.

James, who chose to represent Guyana in international competition over his adopted country, the USA, was unable to have his Guyana passport renewed.

He was unable to present his expired passport in person because he was in Brazil with his club AEK, where he propelled them to victory in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup last weekend.

Guyana’s Team Manager, Alex Graham, upon arriving in Bogotá, said, “We tried everything to get Delroy’s passport. Everyone in the Federation called everyone they know.

I called everyone I know, and other people called people who know people. We were told different things at different times, but in the end we don’t have Delroy on the floor fighting for Guyana, and that is a major loss for the country.”

Pressed further, Graham said that he wouldn’t call names, “but I expected that those with the power to help would at least meet with us to discuss how, within the law, regulations, and practices, we could have worked together to find a way for James to represent Guyana. But we couldn’t make it happen.”

Guyana’s Head Coach Andrew Hercules said, “It is a huge disappointment to lose Delroy James, as Guyana is at this level for the first time and James’s experience in the USA, Europe, and South America would have been useful, along with his incredible skill set.

However, my job is to win with the team I

have, and that is my focus now.”

Disappointed, James opted to fly home to Greece rather than spectate. He’s hopeful for another opportunity to play in Guyana colours alongside his brothers.

Guyana were scheduled to play Paraguay on Friday, then Colombia and Bolivia on Saturday and Sunday respectively in Group B of the tournament.

Guyana’s participation has been made possible through the sponsorship and support received from the Government of Guyana through the National Sports Commission, Minister David Patterson in his person- al capacity, John Fernandes Limited, KP Thomas, Demerara Distillers Limited, A l e x Mendes, and NF Agriculture.

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saturday, february 23, 2019

Hetmyer, Cottrell lift Windies to series-levelling win W

indies bowlers produced some late drama as Sheldon Cottrell's maiden five-wicket haul helped Windies seal a series-levelling 26-run win over England in the second ODI in Barbados on Friday (February 22).

There were solid half-

centuries from Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes but Windies bowlers made a sensational comeback in the last ten overs to snatch the contest from the visitors. Windies total, however, was set up by the flamboyant ton from Shimron Hetmyer as he smashed unbeaten 104 to lift the side to 289 for 6.

3

SCOREBOARD

West Indies Innings (50 overs maximum) CH Gayle b Rashid 50 JD Campbell c Ali b Plunkett 23 SD Hope † c Bairstow b Stokes 33 DM Bravo run out (Rashid) 25 SO Hetmyer not out 104 JO Holder (c) run out (Roy) 3 CR Brathwaite b Wood 13 AR Nurse not out 13 Extras (lb 9, nb 3, w 13) 25 TOTAL (50 Overs, RR: 5.78) 289-6 Did not bat: D Bishoo, SS Cottrell, O Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-61 (JD Campbell, 12.1 ov), 2-98 (CH Gayle, 20.2 ov), 3-121 (SD Hope, 25.1 ov), 4-197 (DM Bravo, 37.2 ov), 5-207 (JO Holder, 38.4 ov), 6-237 (CR Brathwaite, 44.3 ov) BOWLING MA Wood (10-0-38-1) TK Curran (10-0-62-0) MM Ali (7-0-51-0) LE Plunkett (7-0-39-1) BA Stokes (10-1-62-1) AU Rashid (6-0-28-1) England Innings (target: 290 runs from 50 overs) JJ Roy b Cottrell 2

JM Bairstow lbw b Cottrell 0 JE Root c †Hope b Thomas 36 EJG Morgan (c) c Hetmyer b Cottrell 70 BA Stokes c †Hope b Holder 79 JC Buttler † c Hetmyer b Holder 34 MM Ali b Cottrell 12 TK Curran lbw b Holder 0 AU Rashid c †Hope b Cottrell 15 LE Plunkett c Holder b Brathwaite 2 MA Wood not out 1 Extras (lb 3, w 9) 12 TOTAL (47.4 Overs, RR: 5.51) 263 all out Fall of wickets: 1-1 (JM Bairstow, 0.2 ov), 2-10 (JJ Roy, 2.1 ov), 3-60 (JE Root, 12.6 ov), 4-159 (EJG Morgan, 30.2 ov), 5-228 (BA Stokes, 39.6 ov), 6-233 (JC Buttler, 41.3 ov), 7-233 (TK Curran, 41.4 ov), 8-260 (AU Rashid, 46.3 ov), 9-261 (MM Ali, 46.5 ov), 10-263 (LE Plunkett, 47.4 ov) BOWLING SS Cottrell (9-0-46-5) JO Holder (10-1-53-3) O Thomas (5-0-32-1) AR Nurse (6-0-28-0) D Bishoo (10-0-49-0) CH Gayle (2-0-15-0) CR Brathwaite (5.4-0-37-1)

Shimron Hetmyer became the quickest West Indian to reach a century against England

England made an absolutely horrific start with both openers falling to Cottrell with just 10 on the board. While Jonny Bairstow had a first-ball lbw, Jason Roy chopped one back on to leave the team wobbling. Eoin Morgan and Joe Root steadied things and put the chase back on track with a half-century stand. Root was the aggressor and gave the England captain enough cushion to settle in after a slow start. However, Root fell to Oshane Thomas - caught behind trying to cut a wide one as England slipped to 60 for 3.

Having being pushed on the backfoot, Morgan launched a solid counter attack and picked up the scoring rate. He took on Ashley Nurse and Oshane Thomas to ease the pressure and reached his half-century in the 25th over.

Chris Gayle was brought into the attack and even he was dismissed over the boundaries as England continued to march towards the target. The Stokes-Morgan collaborating fetched England 99 and the duo really imposed themselves on the bowlers to transfer the pressure back on Windies.

Cottrell produced another moment of brilliance he dismissed Morgan for an 83-ball 70.

England were 159 for 4 at that

stage and needed 131 more to seal the contest. Jos Buttler got going quickly as the next 9.4 overs produced 69 runs to put England within touching distance. However, with ten overs to go and 62 more needed, England lost their way.

Stoke fell to Jason Holder and five runs later Buttler to succumbed to the Windies captain. Tom Curran was trapped lbw the first ball he faced as the side slipped from 228 for 4 to 233 for 7. Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid got the equation down to 40 off the last five overs before Cottrell came and sealed the game for Windies.

Bowling the 47th, the leftarm pacer first had Rashid caught behind on the third ball and then two balls later bowled Moeen to complete his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs. Liam Plunkett too was consumed by the growing pressure as he fell in the very next over to Carlos Braithwaite and gave Windies a morale-boosting win.

Earlier in the day, Hetmyer's timely assault was crucial in Windies posting a challenging total after being reduced to 237 for 6. Windies scored 72 runs in the last seven overs with the lefthander doing plenty of damage.

That period changed the game in Windies' favour after England had

done well to keep things in check for the first 45 overs in the day.

Chris Gayle and John Campbell scored 61 for the opening wicket after Windies were put in to give the side a solid start. Gayle scored his 50th half-century in the format but fell with 98 on the board.

Windies then slipped to 121 for 3 before Darren Bravo and Hetmyer repaired the damage and set the side on course to a target of more than 250. Bravo fell in the 38th over with 197 on the board.

England tightened the noose from there on and reduced the hosts to 237 for 6. Hetmyer timed his assault perfectly and got to his half-century off 47 deliveries. He, however, kept losing partners and was forced to delay the late blitz.

Bravo played the ball straight to third man and took off for a single.

Rashid, from short third man, got in a direct hit to find Bravo short.

Holder too failed to get going as was dismissed for 3. Distracted by an lbw appeal in the 39th over, the Windies captain left his crease

trying to find a single. Roy inflicted another direct hit from point to ensure England got on top just at the right time.

Carlos Brathwaite struggled for 21 deliveries before he was bowled by Mark Wood as Hetymer continued to lose partners. To his credit though, Hetmyer continued to play attacking strokes to keep Windies marching. In the 44th over, he collected 18 off Ben Stokes to take the score past 250.

Wood was exceptional in the end and Stokes too managed to keep things in check as Hetmyer threat loomed large in the last five overs.

Tom Curran was struck for two boundaries in the 47th over with which Hetmyer registered the highest score by a Windies No. 5 against England - going past Runako Morton's 82 scored at Trent Bridge in 2007.

Hetmyer completed his ton in the very last over - off 82 balls - and ensured the bowlers had more than enough to work with on the day. (cricbuzz)

The Chris Gayle threat was stopped on 50

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Scorpions’ sting ends Jaguars in 2 days – Blackwood, King hit unbeaten half-centuries

By Brandon Corlette

G

uyana Jaguars crumbled against the Jamaica Scorpions in two days

at the Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. Jaguars had scores of 158 and 138 in the match, while Scorpions scored 139 then 158-2 to complete a stunning 8-wicket

3

SCOREBOARD

Guyana Jaguars 1st Innings all out 158 Jamaica Scorpions 1st Innings 139-9 Guyana Jaguars 2nd Innings T Chanderpaul lbw Frazer 12 C Hemraj c Thomas b Taylor 13 S Rutherford c Walton b Taylor 6 L Johnson c Blackwood b Frazer 31 V Singh c Thomas b Frazer 8 C Barnwell c Thomas b Taylor 2 R Reifer c Blackwood b Frazer 22 A Bramble c&b Taylor 34 R Shepherd c Williams b Green 6 C Pestano c Thomas b Green 2 V Permaul not out 0 Extras 2 Total (40 overs) all out 138

Bowling J Taylor (13-6-26-4) R Leveridge (4.1-0-14-0) A Frazer (16-2-65-4) D Green (6.5-1-31-2) Jamaica Scorpions 2nd Innings (158 target) C Walton c Bramble b Pestano 3 P Palmer c Bramble b Shepherd 6 B King not out 61 J Blackwood not out 72 Extras 11 Total (31.2 overs) 158 - 2 Bowling R Shepherd (7-0-50-1) C Pestano (5-0-22-1) V Permaul (9-0-41-0) R Reifer (4-0-12-0) C Barnwell (1-0-6-0) C Hemraj (5-0-19-0) V Singh (0.2-0-1-0)

Team Jamaica Scorpions

victory on home soil.

Resuming the day on 1086, the Jamaica Scorpions ended their first innings on 139-9 in a partial 35.4 overs. Assad Fudadin top scored with an unbeaten 43 from 76 balls, hitting seven fours before sustaining injury.

On the opening day, Derval Green scored 40 runs for the Scorpions.

Berbician Clinton Pestano ended with 4-31 in 10.4 overs.

Romario Shepherd had 3-30 as he continue to impress with ball in hand this season.

In Guyana Jaguars’ second innings, they were bowled out for 138 after scoring 158 runs

in the first innings. The second innings saw Anthony Bramble top-scoring with 34 from 46 balls, counterattacking with two fours and three sixes. Captain Leon Johnson scored 31 from 60 balls, hitting six fours.

Jaguars were outfoxed by veteran quick Jerome Taylor, who captured 4-26 in 13 impressive overs. The UWI Mona off-spinner Akim Frazer continued his dream debut, grabbing 4-65 in 16 overs in the second innings. Deval Green had 2-31in a complete bowling performance.

That left the Scorpions a target of 158 to win with over two days remaining in the action-

packed match. In the final innings of the match, Jaguars got off to the perfect start when Pestano removed Chadwick Walton for the second time in the match. He was out caught behind by the brilliant Anthony Bramble for three at 15-1 in 1.4 overs.

The Scorpions were racing away to the target, counterattacking. 15-1 became 15-2 when Paul Palmer continued his struggles, scoring a run-aball six. He was dismissed by the impressive Shepherd, out caught behind by Bramble.

Brandon King and Jermaine Blackwood joined forces and moved along nicely, looking to achieve the target before stumps on day 2. The dynamic duo of Blackwood and King blazed away, achieving the target in 31.2 overs, ending victorious on 158-2 scoring at 5 runs per over. Blackwood ended with a scintillating knock of 72 from 86 balls, hitting five sixes and three fours. King ended with a well-organised 72 from 86 balls, which included four fours and one six in Scorpions’ thumping victory.

Brandon King

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21

Bertrand Traore scored four goals in 16 first-team appearances for Chelsea in all competitions

C

helsea have been banned from signing players in the next two transfer windows for breaching rules in relation to youth players, FIFA has announced.

The ban, until the end of January 2020, does not prevent the release of players and will not apply to their women’s and futsal teams.

The Premier League club have said they will appeal against the decision.

Chelsea have also been fined £460,000, while the Football Association (FA) has been fined £390,000.

It comes following a FIFA investigation into Chelsea’s signing of foreign under-18 players, including former striker Bertrand Traore.

The world governing body says it found breaches in 29 cases out of 92 investigated.

“We welcome the fact FIFA has

accepted that there was no breach in relation to 63 of these players, but the club is extremely disappointed that FIFA has not accepted the club’s submissions in relation to the remaining 29 players,” said a statement from the Stamford Bridge club.

“Chelsea acted in accordance with the relevant regulations and will shortly be submitting its appeal to FIFA.” The FA has been told by FIFA that it must “address the situation” regarding the international transfer and registration of minors.

A spokesperson for English football’s governing body said it had “co-operated fully” with the investigations and had “raised some concerns” regarding FIFA’s disciplinary processes.

A statement said: “The FA intends to appeal against the decision.

We will, however, continue to work

IOC suspends India host applications after Pakistan duo denied visas in the disputed region of Kashmir on 14 February that killed at least 40 paramilitary police.

The IOC also urged sports federations not to stage competitions in India.

The two athletes were due to compete in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event on Saturday.

As a result, the IOC has revoked the Olympic qualification status of the event.

An IOC statement said the situation “goes against the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter”, in particuThe IOC has been unable to find a solution to lar the “principles of non disallow Pakistan athletes to compete in India crimination”.

It added: “As a result, the he International Olympic Committee has suspend- IOC executive board also decided applications from India ed to suspend all discussions with to host future events after two the Indian NOC and government Pakistan athletes were denied vi- regarding the potential applications for hosting future sports and sas to compete in the country.

Two shooters were denied en- Olympic-related events in India, try for a World Cup event in New until clear written guarantees are obtained to ensure the entry of Delhi.

It comes after an attack by a all participants in full compliance Pakistan-based militant group with the Olympic Charter.” (BBC Sport)

T

How did this come about?

Based on documents from Football Leaks, French website Mediapart claimed in November that 19 Chelsea signings had been looked at during a threeyear investigation.

Mediapart alleged that 14 of those signings were under the age of 18.

It was first reported in September 2017 that Chelsea were being investigated.

Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore - who now plays for Ligue 1 club Lyon - signed his first professional contract at Chelsea in 2013 at the age of 18 but was not registered until January 2014.

Mediapart claimed FIFA found evidence that Chelsea had misled them over the dates, while Traore was found to have made 25 appearances for the Blues (under-16, under-18 and first team)

despite not being registered by the FA. Chelsea admitted they paid his mother £155,000, as well as a further £13,000 to the club she chaired - AJE Bobo-Dioulasso - in April 2011 to allow them first refusal over his signature.

That deal, it is alleged, was for four and a half years, despite the limit for under-18s being three years.

In addition, it is also claimed Chelsea paid for Traore to attend the £20,000-a-year Whitgift School in Surrey.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both received bans for breaching rules over the signing of minors in early 2016, while fellow Spanish club Barcelona were given a 14-month ban after breaking rules for signing international under-18s in 2014.

However, a Barcelona appeal saw their punishment pushed back a year, allowing the club to sign Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Jeremy Mathieu, Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. (BBC Sport)

Pulwama attack: BCCI calls on ICC to act following Kashmir incident

There are half a million applications for 25,000 match tickets for June’s match in Manchester

T

he Board of Control for Cricket in India has called on the International Cricket Council to “sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates” amid the fallout from the suicide attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

At least 40 Indian paramilitary police were killed in the attack, for which a Pakistan-based militant group has taken responsibility.

India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet on 16 June in an ICC Cricket World Cup group match in Manchester.

“In view of the... terrorist attack, the BCCI fears for the safety and security of players and match officials participating in upcoming ICC events, including the World Cup,” a statement read.

“Most countries from which the members of the ICC hail have strongly condemned this terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with India.

“The BCCI urges the cricketing community to sever ties with

countries from which terrorism emanates.”

The attack has sparked anger and anti-Pakistan protests across India, although Pakistan has denied any involvement.

There have been calls from some Indians to boycott June’s match, but Friday’s statement appears to support speculation India would instead try to force the ICC to ban Pakistan from the competition.

The statement added: “The BCCI also wishes to express its concerns over the safety and security of fans of Indian cricket at the World Cup. “The BCCI trusts the ICC and ECB will ensure the most robust security is provided to players, match officials and fans of Indian cricket for the upcoming World Cup.” India legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote on Twitter that while it would be painful to lose potential points by not playing Pakistan this summer, he would support the decision of the BCCI. (BBC Sport)

22

saturday, february 23, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Magnum Mash Cup 2019…

Top 4 hunt final spots

T

he 2019 National Sports Commission (NSC)/Magnum Mash Cup reached its semifinal stage on Thursday evening at the National Gymnasium, and now just two nights remain before edition two comes to a close.

On Sunday, Back Circle, Gold is Money, Sparta Boss, and inaugural champions

B e n t Street will clash for a spot in the grand finale.

Back Circle was the first side to make it into the final four with a hard-fought battle against ANSA McAL, which ended 2 – 1 on pen-

alty kicks. A first half goal from Selwyn Williams (7th) gave Back Circle the lead, but the opposition equalised in the second when Akin Curry struck in the 20th minute.

After that the game was sent to a penalty shootout, wherein ANSA McAL was defeated.

Gold is Money were the

next to advance with a commanding 4 – 1 win over Tiger Bay. They were led by a double from Colin Nelson (16th, 19th) along with a goal each from Randolph Wagner (15th) and Hubert Pedro (23rd), while Tiger Bay’s lone goal was scored by Deon Alfred in the 21st minute.

The defending champions moved one step closer to a successful retention of the title when they steamrolled Sophia 3 – 0. Job Caesar

got the scoring going in the 7th minute, before Sheldon Holder recorded a brace when he scored in the 8th and 19th minutes.

And, of course, Sparta Boss, being slated to contest the final match of the night, made it look bleak for Future Stars, who lost 0 – 2. Jermin Junior (7th) and Sheldon Shepherd (19th) ac-

counted for the goals, which propelled one of the country’s top futsal sides a round further.

This now means Back Circle will battle Bent Street in the first semi, while Gold is Money test their power against Sparta Boss in the other showdown.

The tournament winner will cart off $600,000; while second, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Dave West Indian Imports fully sponsors Inter-County U-15 tournament

T

Proprietor of Dave West Indian Imports & Exports, Dave Singh, handing over the sponsorship cheque to a representative of the GCB

he 2019 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Dave West Indian Imports Under-15 Inter-County tournament was launched on Friday at the GCB Board room.

Present at the simple ceremony were Colin Stuart (Territorial Development Officer), Dave Narine (Proprietor of Dave West Indian Imports & Export), Raj Singh (Marketing Manager of the GCB) and Colin Europe (Chairman of the Competitions Committee).

Opening the launching was Colin Stuart, who thanked the sponsor for coming on board.

He further stated that the GCB is seeking to find emerging talents, and through the sponsorship these developmental teams are given an opportunity to showcase their talent and be selected to play for Guyana, where they can compete against each other and, further, make the West Indies

team.

In an effort to encourage teams to bat longer, Europe said, the Competitions Committee members have taken it upon themselves to implement a system wherein the batting team would be awarded a bonus point if it is able to bat 45 overs or more.

Also, if a team is able to make above 200 runs, a point will be awarded; while a score of 250plus would assure the team two bonus points.

Marketing Manager of the GCB, Singh, thanked this major sponsor for his four years of continuous support, owing to the fact that every year he always increases his sponsorship; and as of this year, has attained full sponsorship.

Singh went on to state that the last time the tournament was held, there were various opinions on how the teams were

selected. That is why the issue has been addressed in the form of the President’s XI team being included in the tournament in addition to the three counties.

Singh noted that it costs a lot to bring the players out from Berbice to Georgetown to play, but he said he believes that it was worth it.

In closing, Narine said, “It has been a pleasure working with the Guyana Cricket Board over the past four years. I want to see Guyana Cricket do better and West Indies Cricket do better, but this is where it starts. I want to spend my money at the Under-15 (level) because this is the core of where cricket starts. All I ask of you is to practice hard, make your country proud and your team”.

The first two matches will commence on Monday, with Demerara taking on Berbice at GCC and President XI duking it out with Essequibo at Everest.

Dragon Stout Dominoes invades Good Times Bar

W

ith just twenty-seven teams required, those who fail to register early will be missing the opportunity to participate in one of the biggest Domino tournaments to be organised on the West Side for some time.

According to Co-ordinator Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire, teams have been registering at a fast clip, and he anticipates entries will be closed long before double six time.

The tournament, being dubbed ‘Dominoes in the Country’

and sponsored by Dragon Stout and I-Cool Water, has over $300,000 in prize money and trophies up for grabs, and Wiltshire is promising a close fight for the

coveted title.

T h e venue is the Good Times Bar at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, and Proprietor David Hunte has promised to create an atmosphere at the venue that would be

conducive for a day of competitive dominoes.

Up for grabs is $175,000 and trophy for the winning team, while second and third place finishers would respectively take home $75,000 and $30,000 along with trophies.

Also making remarks was Anand Bharat of V and V Variety Store, who will be offering the Most Valuable Player the final cash incentive and trophy.

Double six time is 13:00hrs, and the final is set for Wednesday, February 27, at the same venue.

Entrance fee is $10,000 per team.

Drinks and food will be on sale throughout the day.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, february 23, 2019

23

Banks DIH on board Triple Crown’s 2nd edition be one of the major sponsors of the programme.

The announcement was made during a simple ceremony hosted at Thirst Park, wherein the sponsorship package, including a cheque and the winner’s trophy, were presented to

Coordinator Nasrudeen Mohamed of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales & Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred

Banks DIH’s Shenisa Fredericks doing the official handing over to event coordinator Nasrudeen Mohamed

B

anks DIH Limited is continuing its support for the development of horse racing in Guyana by sponsoring the 2019 Triple Crown Horse

Race series organised by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee.

Banks DIH Limited, through its internationally acclaimed Banks Beer, will

Racing by Banks DIH Limited’s representative Shenisa Fredericks.

The first leg of the Triple Crown event is set for this Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice, starting at 12:00 hours. Most of the country’s leading horses will be vying for the top prize.

T h e second leg will t a k e place on March 2 4 t h at Port Mourant T u r f Club o n the Corentyne, while the final leg will take place on April 21st at the

same venue.

The first Triple Crown event was officially launched

last year, but was restricted to one event due to the inclement weather.

saturday, february 23, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers…

Guyana arrives safely

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Page 19

Scorpions’ sting ends Jaguars in 2 days

– James unable to compete

Page 20

– Blackwood, King hit unbeaten half-centuries

Hetmyer, Cottrell lift Windies to series-levelling win Page 20

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