Saturday, January 26, 2019

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Issue No. 3816

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, January 26, 2019

PRICE

Mandatory Art 106 90-day due elections

GECOM refuses to make preparations for General and Regional Elections

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

PPP raises concerns P about Govt spending with World Bank

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– to lodge complaint with IDB about use of funds

Opposition, Govt meet with Caricom top officials Page 9

No-confidence motion challenge

Govt used 33 majority to carry P9 motions – Nandlall tells court

Essequibo River accident

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo (centre) with Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque; Caricom Chairman and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris; PPP/C presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali; Chief Whip Gail Teixeira; parliamentarian Juan Edghill and another official.

Inset: President David Granger is greeted by Caricom Chairman, Dr Timothy Harris

Page 7

Town Clerk Gunmen snatch Royston woman’s bag after King fired leaving bank Page 10

Over 300 acres rice lost to roaming cattle in Corentyne Page 12

P7 Boat Captain’s partially decomposed body found

Counselling unit dispatched to Mae’s Secondary School P13 …following student’s suicide

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saturdAY, January 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

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saturdAY, January 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Mandatory Art 106 90-day due elections

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, January 26 – 09:00h-10:30h and Sunday, January 27 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, January 26 – 08:30h-10:00h and Sunday, January 27 – 09:25h-10:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

GECOM refuses to make preparations for General and Regional Elections

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions will prevail throughout the day, with clear to partly cloudy skies in the evening. Overall temperatures will range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 08:29h and 20:53h at maximum heights of 2.53 metres and 2.48 metres.

Low Tide: 14:24h reaching a minimum height of 0.71 metre.

GECOM Chairman, Patterson

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Retired

meeting between the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) and Chief Whips Gail Teixeira and Amna Ally ended abruptly on Friday when Chairman of entity, Retired Justice James Patterson refused to entertain further questions about the commission’s preparations for the constitutionally mandated elections due by March 21, 2019.

In an interview after the meeting, Teixeira was less than satisfied with the answers she got from the Commission on its readiness for elections.

According to Teixeira, she asked if the Commission could make simultaneous preparations to accommodate what remained of the timeframe for elections.

“We asked a number of technical questions, to do with the Commission doing a range of things to make the 50 days, because we have about 54 days left.

And wasn’t it possible for the Commission to run on simultaneous tracks (for) procurement, ballot paper, training, the list in terms of extracting and adding those eligible (names).

“The Commission did not answer, except that (Chief Elections Officer Keith) Lowenfield had concerns about training. The Commission trained approximately 10,000 people for LGE [Local Government

Justice

James GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield

Elections], used 7500. So we don’t believe it’s impossible that we could achieve the number of people to work as temporary polling staff.”

Teixeira was of the view that Lowenfield was reluctant to give approximate dates for election preparations. In fact, Teixeira noted that the CEO constantly deferred to the Commission when it came to giving timelines and she expressed suspicions that he may be under pressure to do so.

According to the Chief Whip, the Government Commissioners mostly provided reasons for not being prepared for elections by March 21, 2019.

Compromise

Asked if there would be a compromise to avoid outright house-to-house registration, Teixeira said that the other side seemed to have no interest in compromising. Teixeira also revealed that the meeting

came to an abrupt end when she questioned GECOM’s awareness of its responsibility to the nation.

“I put questions to the Commission as to its recognition that they have to comply with the 90 days requirement of the Constitution and how they’ll recognise that. I then asked, would the commission recognise that they would be responsible for putting Guyana in a constitutional crisis, if they (did) house-to-house registration, which could take eight months to a year.

“It would be unthinkable to expect the Opposition to give a two-thirds majority to such an extension when there is a no-confidence motion passed in the National Assembly. That’s when the meeting broke up … the Chairman got up and decided that was the end of the Commission (meeting) – no decision.”

Teixeira juxtaposed this attitude with the fact that the no-confidence motion

was passed since December 21, 2018 and after more than a month, GECOM still could not come up with a position on the matter of election.

M e a n w h i l e , Government Chief Whip Ally in an interview with the media said that , “ Our purpose of being here is to be apprised by GECOM about its readiness for elections.

You had arguments for and against…I don’t have to tell the President anything about timeframe. I have to tell the President what transpired,” Ally said, also acknowledging that the President will have to make his decision.

Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Partynominated Commissioner Bibi Shadick noted that Lowenfield ought to be in possession of a work plan proposal that detailed GECOM’s ability to hold elections. But she related that this information is yet to be divulged.

On December 21, 2018, the no-confidence motion brought by the parliamentary Opposition against the Government succeeded when former Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud broke ranks and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

With the Government’s defeat, the next steps are spelt out in the Constitution of Guyana. Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” turn to page 9

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

When systems fail

L

eading media outlets here have reported on the issue regarding the recent shocking death of a 15-year-old fourth form student of a private city school. While details of the actual incident remain unclear, from the little we know, the teen consumed carbon tablets and subsequently died on her way to the hospital. It is not clear as to where she consumed the poisonous substance, but teachers of the school recalled that on the morning of the incident, she reported for school as per usual and looked like her normal self.

However, the details regarding the events leading up to her taking her own life are not clear. No doubt, more details would emerge later, but as of now there are several unanswered questions; for example, what would have caused the teen to end her life and what sort of help (if any) was provided to the teen in trying to prevent her from taking this route.

Quite a number of persons have already taken to social media to express varying views, but one common thread is that more could have been done and ought to have been done in response to the teen’s situation. In most cases, no one dreams overnight that they want to commit suicide and just do it. It is something that victims think about over time; days, weeks, perhaps months. Most times, the warning signs are there, but many ignore them or they just treat them casually.

What is clear from this tragedy is that the entire system – meaning the school, the relatives of the young woman, and even the community in which she was brought up and known to be an exceptionally bright girl – has failed her.

For example, it was reported that the teen made a post on one of her social media platforms which would have given some indication that things were not normal. But, like in so many cases, those who should have noticed did not pay attention. This should have been enough reason for the teen’s relatives, her school, and community to take action.

The intervention of other agencies who are more equipped and trained to deal with such problems, such as the Education Ministry’s Welfare Department and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) should have been immediately sought so they could provide the necessary help. We are not certain as to the level of involvement (if any at all) of these agencies in this particular case.

One may also want to believe that even the school system failed the teen, since it is being claimed that other students were aware that something was amiss. Was this communicated to the teachers and what action was taken?

How could a serious matter such as this go unnoticed by the Principal and other teachers of the school? Assuming that they were unaware of the teen’s situation, did they not notice any strange behaviour from the teen that would warrant immediate intervention? No threat, however, small the threat that may be about ending one’s life should be taken lightly.

There is hardly any family in Guyana that has never been touched directly or indirectly by suicide. Experts have pointed to the fact that about 90 per cent of people who die by suicide had some sort of mental illness at the time of their death. Many people die by suicide, because depression is triggered by several negative life experiences and the suffering person does not receive effective treatment or support.

Young people are crying out for attention; they need guidance and help or simply someone to speak with; many want to find a way out of their misery. However, sometimes accessing that source of help is very difficult. Perhaps this was the case of the teen being referred to.

It is hoped that the relevant stakeholders - especially the agencies responsible for child care and protection matters, the Education Ministry, Non-Governmental Organisations, the churches and communities in general, will re-examine the issue of suicide and in particular, the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and take steps to ensure that something like this is prevented at all costs in the future.

Importantly, the lesson to be learnt is that when systems fail our people, the consequences can be deadly.

The Education Department in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) held its Regional Children's Mashramani Competition Road Parade on Friday. The parade started at Takutu and moved to Barack Retreat then to Tabatinga Road into School Street and culminated at Wadapna Ground. Friday was the second day of competition as the region hosted its calypso, dramatic poetry, dance and costume and physical display competitions on Thursday at the St Ignatius Benab (Education Ministry photo)

Saudi officials at Davos seek to draw line under Khashoggi killing …delegation tries to focus attention on investment and Crown Prince’s reform plans

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audi officials have attempted to draw a line under the outrage over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi as they sought to convince investors in Davos that the Kingdom’s bold reforms plans were on track and insisted that the Journalist’s murder was not sanctioned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said the delegation from the Kingdom had been well received at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland by international companies that were still attracted by the opportunity in the oil-rich Kingdom.

“The feedback we received with all honesty has been very positive,” alJadaan told the Financial Times. “When this subject [the Khashoggi killing] came up among everyone we met, they said that they condemned what happened and expected those responsible be brought to justice.

Without exception, though, nobody is pulling out or hesitating to continue [to work with us],” he said.

Saudi officials acknowledged they had faced pressure following Khashoggi’s killing in October, pointing to intense international criticism and the withdrawal of high-level executives from the “Davos in the desert” conference held in Riyadh

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He said international companies were not pulling out of the oil-rich kingdom © AFP

soon after.

The pressure continued on Friday as a United Nations expert on human rights announced she would travel to Riyadh next week to launch an independent probe into Khashoggi’s murder.

Saudi officials told interlocutors in Davos that they were confident of the Crown Prince’s innocence and were looking to refocus on the economic and cultural reforms he has been pursuing. The CIA has reportedly concluded that the killing and dismemberment of the Saudi Journalist and regime critic at the Istanbul Consulate was ordered by the Crown Prince.

Crown Prince Mohammed, who has denied knowledge of the operation against Khashoggi, was said to have been planning an appearance at the WEF, but, like several other world leaders, finally decided

against it. Also missing was Khalid al-Falih, the Saudi oil Minister. In the past two years, the Saudis were a star attraction, following Crown Prince Mohammed’s pledge to privatise Saudi Aramco, the State oil company, and invest billions of dollars inside and outside the Kingdom.

That lustre began to fade following Riyadh’s extraordinary anti-corruption crackdown in late 2017 that led to about 300 royals, tycoons and former Government employees being rounded up at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh.

This year, the large Saudi delegation, which included four Ministers and the head of the country’s sovereign wealth fund, Yasir al-Rumayyan, mostly avoided the fanfare of previous years.

Instead, public appearances were sparse, with Ministers working furious-

ly behind the scenes to reassure their counterparts and chief executives. Two Western company bosses, Total’s Patrick Pouyanné and Morgan Stanley’s James Gorman, appeared on a panel alongside Saudi Ministers.

Among Davos delegates, reactions to doing business with Saudi Arabia were mixed.

Some senior Western financiers said re-engaging with the Kingdom so soon after Khashoggi’s grisly killing would be too controversial. Several people attending Davos this week told the FT that the country remained in the “penalty box” and urged Riyadh to offer bolder gestures of reassurance.

Others, however, said that the Khashoggi affair had been relegated to the past. Saudi officials highlighted recent deals as proof, including infrastructure projects with international companies. They also pointed to US$7.5 billion of new government debt that was raised this month with the help of banks, including JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, Citigroup and BNP Paribas.

Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, was among the high-level guests who mingled and took selfies with guests at a reception held by Aramco.

(Financial Times)

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

What happened to the $30B GuySuCo loan?

Dear Editor, It is now more than one year since the Special Purpose Unit of NICIL (SPU/ NICIL) borrowed $30 billion ($US150 million) on behalf of GuySuCo. Because the money was borrowed at an interest rate of 4.5 per cent, GuySuCo must now pay about $2 billion in interest. Late in 2018, SPU/ NICIL disbursed about $2 billion to GuySuCo, but for almost all of the $30 billion; the Guyanese people have no idea where that money

is. Worse, the Agriculture Minister admitted late last year that he has no idea where that money is, that he has no idea why the money was taken and, quite frankly, he has no desire to know.

GuySuCo's management has no idea where the money is and, if it is being used, they have no idea how and why it is being used. It is a mystery, just like we do not know what has happened to the $US18 million Exxon bonus.

With the no-confidence resolution mandating an

election by March 20, 2019, there is amplified interest in where the $30 billion is. But Minister Holder is MIA (Missing in Action), the Guyanese people have no confidence that they will get an answer from him, as the responsible Minister.

The President is, understandably, taking care of his health. The Prime Minister is MIA, anxiously worrying if AFC will stay with him as the PM Candidate should APNU+AFC maintain the coalition. In fact,

the APNU+AFC are all MIA. The whole Government has gone somewhere, they are AWOL (Away Without Official Leave), MIA, nowhere to be found, excepting the now-and-then photo-opportunity. The nation's business has been put on hold, even as this Government is defying the law and desperately trying to delay the constitutionally-mandated elections by March 20, 2019.

SPU/NICIL has arrogantly dismissed the public's outrage to inform the nation

GECOM has no reason Democracy died the to be unprepared day the coalition for elections took office

Dear Editor, A lot of talk is being heard about Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) preparedness for the holding of National and Regional Elections. We are also hearing talk that a new house-tohouse registration is needed. Now we are hearing talk about them needing 180 days to prepare.

All of these claims are really excuses with the view of frustrating the will of the Guyanese people.

I say this because in 2015 the Commission had 90 days to prepare and they did to hold elections in May of that year.

All over the world, including in our sister Caricom states, Election Commissions are ready to conduct free and fair polls with as little as a month’s notice.

Millions of Guyanese taxpayers’ dollars are spent to put GECOM on such a footing.

Recall that GECOM was made into a permanent Commission in the year 2000. Before then it was not.

It was set up only to conduct elections and then dissolved.

The reason for doing so was to ensure that GECOM would always be ready to conduct elections. The situation which we have now was always anticipated as a possibility. Therefore, measures were put in place to ensure that GECOM would be ready at all times.

Continuous registration began in 2005. By legislation, the law mandated that the list of 2001 be used as the base for continuous registration.

Let me state that that piece of legislation was reached by agreement with all the political parties in the National Assembly.

When the operation began, GECOM had an arrangement with the General Registration Office to get monthly reports of all the persons who died during that month. That list was shared with the political parties. The purpose of that was to ensure that the names of those who died were con-

stantly removed from the lists. That practice was ongoing at least up to 2015. I have every reason to believe that it is continuing.

I am aware that GECOM had even moved to get the lists from Police Stations to be given to the Registration Offices in each region. This was to accelerate the process of removing names of the dead.

Therefore, there can be no argument that GECOM is not ready. It was provided with all the resources to fulfil its mandate.

Mr Ramjattan has displayed his lack of knowledge about elections issues, or he is faking to play for more time. He had said that he wanted new house-to-house registration, to put onto the list, persons who have come of age.

The laws that established GECOM have made provisions for putting people on the list.

I have described one such process in the form of continuous registration.

The other way is during the Claims and Objections period which every election must have. During this time all those who had recently come of age can put their names on the list and those, who for one reason or the other were not registered can also be registered. In the same way names of the dead that were missed can be removed. That is why the period is named ‘Claims and Objections’.

It is therefore difficult to understand why GECOM is not ready. They have been given a constitutional mandate and they must fulfil it.

All the talk about lack of readiness is either dishonest, pushed by persons who want a rigged election or because of the lack of knowledge or both.

If GECOM officials are saying they are not ready, then it means that they are compromising themselves to satisfy the APNU/AFC. Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

Dear Editor, I will not reiterate the obvious that the Chairman of GECOM was unilaterally appointed by the President to fulfil the exact role he is now advancing and that is to do the biddings of the PNC. He is not in the least impartial and his protracted illness has done nothing to change this perception. The coalition has pronounced that GECOM is not ready for General Elections in 90 days and I am sure that the Chairman will echo this stance.

More than a month has elapsed since the no-confidence motion was passed and after a meeting with Granger and Jagdeo and the refusal of Lowenfield to meet with the Chief Whips, there is still no clear course ahead. Article 106 mandates that General and Regional Elections be held 90 days after the Government is defeated and this does not depend on any outcomes from the Court. The President must appoint a date for Elections to be held and GECOM must comply since it is a Constitutional directive.

Let us look at what our Constitution says. Article 162 (b) states that the Commission, “shall issue such instructions and take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act of Parliament on the part of persons exercising powers or performing duties connected with or relating to the matters aforesaid”. GECOM will not “ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance” with the Supreme Law of the land if it fails to hold Elections in the stipulated time. It will breach the Constitution.

Moreover, there is no excuse that GECOM must follow this mandate and Article 162 (2) cannot be invoked since GECOM only held LGE on November 12 last year and the Electoral list duly expires on April

30, 2019. The 90 days to call Elections expires on March 21, more than a month before this expiration date of the List. The List was certified on October 30 and has a validity of six months.

It is submitted that there is no excuse to postpone the General and Regional Elections which is constitutionally due on March21.

Guyanese expects that notwithstanding the decisions of the Court on the matter, GECOM must enhance its preparedness. This is not happening!

What is conclusive is the fact that after a long 5-hour meeting with the GECOM Commissioners, no work plan was submitted and no date was given for such a submission.

There is no intention to hold an election any time soon.

It is now publicly acceptable that GECOM’s malingering is simply to postpone the Elections until such time that the rigging machinery of the PNC can be activated. I am sure they want to include the number of aliens now domiciled in the country since it is alleged that Haitians are issued with birth certificates. These will definitely appear on the new list. Moreover, the dead persons on the lists and those who have migrated cannot vote so there is no reason for house-to-house registration to sanitise the lists when the same list was used just over 2 months ago for the LGE. I will agree with the PPP’s Commissioners that General Election is feasible within the Constitutional time frame and not the 180 days proposed by the coalition’s Commissioners.

However, since the GECOM Chairman is not in the least impartial and fair we can expect that in any voting scenario, the PNC will emerge triumphant.

Democracy died the day the coalition took Office.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor Region Six

about the status of the $30 billion loan. There is obvious tension between GuySuCo for whom the loan was taken and the SPU/NICIL. The Agriculture Minister has maintained his disinterest in spite of GuySuCo's pleas for someone to intervene so that the SPU/NICIL's sidelining of GuySuCo’s management can come to an end.

In fact, the Minister being MIA in this matter is consistent with his position in 2017 that he is not in charge of GuySuCo. At that time, he disowned GuySuCo, insisting that GuySuCo was under the charge of the Finance Ministry and the SPU/ NICIL. With elections mandated before March 20, 2019, SPU/ NICIL needs to come clean and give an account of what has happened to the $30 billion. In the meanwhile, as the Leader of the Opposition has stated, the privatisation

of the closed estates must now wait until after elections. The Opposition party, the PPP, has stated unequivocally that all the closed estates will be reopened, should they win the elections. At the same time, the Leader of the Opposition and the presidential candidate for the PPP have both stated that should the PPP win the next elections, the PPP Government will not recognise any privatisation agreements for the closed estates made in this period.

The Guyanese people want an answer and the responsible Minister has an obligation to provide answers. We know he is busy being MIA, but we urge him to show up for just a little so he can discharge his responsibility and tell us where this $30 billion is.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Regardless of political affiliation, persons should be open to dialogue Dear Editor, The rise in tribalism in Guyana is breaking my heart. Racism isn’t an accurate word to denote this epidemic spreading, both the Government and Opposition are multi-ethnic; one more than the other. Therefore, the word tribalism much more accurately denotes the circumstances I wish to speak about.

A few days ago, I decided to invite my entire Facebook friends list to like the People’s Progressive Party Civic page. I have previously invited my entire list to like the University I attended, the student Government page, the department I worked for and more recently, Raiza the psychologist’s page. Never before have I received any sort of negative responses; if people didn’t want to like the page they could’ve simply chosen not to.

One of the most interesting reaction was a classmate of mine (from The Bishops’ High School) who screenshot the notification to like the page and had a full ranting session about how; “didn’t realise she was so brave to try and recruit real South Ruimveldt thugs.” I was unaware I went to school with any thugs.

I responded by explaining that I was only inviting people so that they can have more sides to the story. It is my belief that you should look at what all political parties post as the media can sometimes be biased. Information never hurts anyone. The sad part was my “friend” didn’t try to converse but got defensive and almost hateful in his

commentary.

I went on a PPP/C walkabout in Stabroek Market and while people were still tribal saying “I is APNU”, and “Only green for me” and sometimes a little more explicated than that. Many were curious for information; starting the dialogue was the hardest part but once we got to talking, people were willing to listen and exchange views and things became a lot more pleasant.

We as a nation, regardless of our political affiliation should be open to dialogue at all levels. By refusing to start a dialogue, we as a people will have a hard time moving forward.

It is not only about speaking but also listening and understanding. We need to listen to each other and open up conversations at all levels.

How can you not be bothered by the current Administration, promising the Guyanese people so many things in 2015 and never delivering on them?

As a population, you should question and listen to what the “other side” can offer. We need to listen to each other not just flat out “cuss up” and ignore the “other side.”

Find some time to listen to the other side, the information you may receive may be bias. We need to start listening and conversing, and then we can get to create a better discourse which will lead to electing administrations based on issues and policy and not the colour of their shirt.

Yours truly, Nalinie Singh

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Foundation

…4 steps to support yourself to progress towards being a more patient parent

By Laura Markham, PhD

"D

r Laura....I've already given up on my New Year's Resolution to be a more peaceful mother because I've blown it over and over... and it's only the third week of the year!" – Sylvia How are you doing at keeping your New Year's resolution? (a) Great! (b) Not so great. (c) I've given up on keeping my resolution. (d) I gave up making resolutions a long time ago because they always fail.

If you answered anything other than (a), join the club. Change is hard. If it were easy, we wouldn't have invented the idea of using the new year to give us some momentum.

But that doesn't mean it isn't worth aiming for change. It's only the first month of the year. We have a whole year ahead of us to practice. To practise being more patient, practise pausing before we rush in, practise empathising when our child expresses inconvenient feelings.

Because that's what parenting is – a practice. We may get more skilful at it, but we never get perfect.

Perfection isn't possible, and it isn't even the goal. The goal is love.

And aiming for perfection actually makes us less loving to ourselves and others, so drop that perfectionism like a hot potato, and let's go for something better, something worth aiming for

– Love!

So if you haven't been perfect at your New Year's resolution, what does that tell you? That you're a failure as a parent and a person? That your child is impossible? That you might as well just give up? NO! It tells you that this parenting gig IS REALLY, REALLY HARD!!

This next year will pass and you and your children will get a year older.

Wouldn't you also like to look back in a year and see that you've created a more

peaceful, happy, home? The only way to do that is to keep re-committing to your intention, and take it one step at a time.

So don't give up. Every bit of progress toward your goal is worth celebrating.

You know how your child does better when you give him or her more support?

That's true for all of us. So figure out what support you need, and give yourself that support. Every day, read

or listen to something that keeps you on track. Expect set-backs. Two steps forward, one step back still moves you in the right direction.

4 simple steps to support yourself:

1. Commit yourself by saying your intention aloud as if you're already accomplishing it. Write it down where you'll see it every day.

For instance: "I am becoming a more patient mother (or father)." You might even just have one word that in-

spires you, like "Patience."

2. Each morning, get into the habit of deciding one step you'll take toward your intention. For instance: "Today I take a deep breath and calm myself when I start to feel stressed with my kids." Write that down and put it where you will see it over and over to remind you.

3. Every day, forgive yourself that you didn't do it perfectly. Start from the

premise that you will miss the mark sometimes. Maybe a lot, in the beginning.

Maybe all day long! But this is a practice, remember?

Every time you're more patient, you're rewiring your brain – so it gets easier.

Remind yourself that you're on a journey, headed in the right direction.

4. Record how things went that day. Then figure out the next step to get back on track. Refine and Repeat.

So every day, you make a journal entry like this: "A tiny bit better today, but still really hard to stay calm when I feel frustrated. Tomorrow add a mantra: 'It's not an emergency' or 'He's acting childish because he's a child...'"

"Today was terrible.

Tonight I will get enough sleep. Tomorrow I will try again!"

"I think I'd be more patient if I were less stressed about getting them into bed.

I'm going to start the whole bedtime routine half an hour earlier so I can be patient when they run around after their bath, and I can really enjoy reading and snuggling with them."

You may find yourself working on the same step for a month. That's good. It takes at least that long for a new habit to stick.

Assume you'll be taking lots of steps backward. That doesn't mean you've failed.

As James A Michener said, "Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries."

And, I would add, the ninth and tenth. (psychologytoday.com)

You will need:

Half a yard of fabric that has some weight – maybe something between quilting cotton and home decor fabric, cut into -- A circle 17" in diameter -- Two rectangles 23" x 4" A piece of fusible interfacing 22" x 3" 2 pieces of velcro 2.5" long (loop) 1 piece of velcro 2.5" long (hook) 4" of 1/4" bias tape in a colour that matches the fabric Measuring tape

Part I: The Headband

Step 1 Place the interfacing shiny side down on the wrong side of one of the rectangles so that there is 1/2" border of fabric all around the interfacing.

Run a hot iron over the interfacing, bonding it to the fabric.

Step 2 Turn the rectangle over and place the two pieces of loop velcro so that -- they are on the right side of the fabric -- they are parallel to the long side of the rectangle -- they are 3/4" apart and equidistant from either of the long sides of the rectangle -- their ends are 3/4" from one short side of the rectangle Sew around the edge of the velcro pieces to attach them to the fabric.

Step 3 Place the other fabric rectangle right side up.

Place the piece of hook velcro parallel to one short side of this second rectangle. Position it 3/4" from the short edge and centre it vertically. Pin and sew the edges to attach it to the fabric.

Part II

The Crown You will be working entirely on the 17" fabric circle now.

Step 4 Take the 4" bit of bias tape and sew it onto the circumference of the circle like you would attach bias tape to any raw edge.

Step 5 Start sewing just next to where the bias tape ends, and go round till you reach the other end of the bias tape and stop. Leave at least 4" of thread trailing from the bobbin and the needle when you cut the

threads. Sew a second line of stitches about 1/4" from the first all around the circle, again avoiding the bias tape. Again leave 4" of trailing thread when you cut.

Step 6 With one hand, take either the upper or lower threads from one end of both lines of stitching and pull gently, while gathering the fabric with the other hand so that the edge of the circle begins to pucker and curl inwards. Work till you have gathered the fabric evenly around the circumference –- the section with the bias tape will alone remain ungathered. It might help to do half the circle at a time, pulling the threads from both ends of the double line of stitching to gather the whole circle.

Step 7 Measure a section on the bias tape that is 2" long as shown. Mark the boundaries of this 2" section. Try to make it as centralised as possible i.e. with about 1" on each side of the marks Step 8 Adjust the gathers so that the circumference is 22" around from one red mark to the other. Pull the long trailing threads and gather more if it is too big, or loosen the gathers if it is too small.

Step 9 Knot the trailing threads (the ones you pulled to gather) in such a way that the gathers can no longer be loosened. You want the opening to stay 24".

The crown is now finished!

Part III

Attach the crown to the headband You are going to sandwich the crown between the two rectangles that form the headband. The important thing to remember (and which will save much gnashing of teeth later) is that the velcro ends have to be opposite. (ikatbag)

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saturdAY, January 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Town Clerk Royston King fired T

own Clerk of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Royston King has been fired from the local organ, months after a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) found that he was guilty of gross misconduct. The CoI was conducted by Retired Justice Cecil Kennard.

Guyana Times understands that King was dethroned from his position after a series of events unfolded throughout the past weeks.

After being engaged via a letter, he recently appeared before the Local Government Commission (LGC) to answer to the findings of the report and was also requested to present dialogue on other matters. However, his refusal to discuss the accusations which were brought against

Fired: Royston King

him triggered a decision on the part of the Commission to dismiss him with immediate effect.

One of the 31 recommendations from the CoI report

was that criminal charges be laid against King. If he was found guilty of several offences, a request was made for law enforcement agencies and the Auditor General to

Essequibo River accident

Boat Captain’s partially decomposed body found T he body of a missing Boat Captain who drowned after the boat in which he was travelling capsized in the vicinity of the Essequibo River on Monday has been recovered.

Dead is Junior Benjamin of Fairview Village, Kurupukari, Upper Essequibo River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Benjamin’s partially decomposed body was recovered by Police at about 16:00h on Thursday in the vicinity of Levi Falls, Siparuni River.

The incident had led to

an investigation by Police in E (Linden-Kwakwani) and F (Interior Locations) Divisions.

According to the Police, at about 14:00h on Monday, the boat captain along with three other men left Mabura in a boat which began to encounter difficulties with its engine while travelling along the Essequibo River.

At the time, the men who work at Mabura were reportedly in the vicinity of Levi Falls, heading to the Ewing Backdam.

After the boat capsized, the three other oc-

cupants reportedly swam to shore, however, checks revealed that Benjamin was nowhere to be found.

E Division Commander Linden Lord on Wednesday noted that Police attached to the Mabura Police Station received information about the incident at about 17:30h on Tuesday.

Lord on Friday noted that the body of the deceased has since been handed over to relatives for his burial.

Lord noted that upon the request of Benjamin’s family, no post mortem examination was conducted.

continue with the probe.

“That was the decision.

The decision was that the same time he issued a letter, they would have informed the Auditor General and SOCU (Special Organised Crime Unit), so that they would also have to deal with [the matter] simultaneously,” said one of the Commissioners when contacted by this publication.

As of now, the position of Town Clerk is currently occupied by Sharon HarryMunroe, who is one of the individuals labelled as “incompetent” in the CoI report.

Prior to his dismissal, King was sent on administrative leave on September 21, 2018.

The CoI report concluded that King leased lands to Quick Shipping Incorporated at Lombard Street, which are owned by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). Throughout that time, the company argued, payments of $625,000 were made on three occasions but there were only receipts at the Council for two disbursements.

While many stakeholders had testified before the Commission into some of the happenings under the super-

vision of King and the former Mayor, Patricia ChaseGreen, the Town Clerk appeared after being subpoenaed and positioned that he was “unaware” or couldn’t “recall” most of the incidents.

The management of the Giftland Mall also informed that King had a special arrangement between the City Hall and the enterprise, whereby he would waive taxes.

MCG Investments Inc Consultant Ray Hugh represented the owner of the Mall, Roy Beepat, and exposed that a meeting was convened between the duo whereby it was agreed that all rates and taxes, including penalties and interests would be waived completely for the years 2015 and 2016.

Giftland Mall would only be required to pay a sum of $11,467,500 after the interests and penalties would have been waived. This was after a letter was issued, stating that the Mall owed $44,255,183 to the municipality.

King reportedly issued a letter sometime after, stating that the agreement ‘no longer stood’ because of the lapse of time and ‘certain circumstances’.

The Town Clerk admitted

that he did attend the meeting, but only at the behest of the Finance Sub-Committee who thought of it as the best way of obtaining whatever sum was owed. King also refuted claims about the waiving of outstanding rates and taxes.

Testimony to the CoI pointed that Chase-Green and the Town Clerk were not working collectively to meet the needs of the city.

This was shared by CoI Chairman, Justice Kennard, who told the LGC and media operatives that neglect has been one of the key traits shared by senior officials.

“I’m convinced that the Town Clerk and the Mayor are not working in the best interest of the city…To sum it all, most of the woes of the City Council has been due to neglect and mismanagement by the top officers of the Council.”

Justice Kennard, in his report, had stated that the former Town Clerk was guilty of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and misappropriation of funds. He also stated that King performed the duties of treasurer and other officers of the Council, which were not his designated duties.

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saturdAY, January 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Kuru Kuru man charged for ganja farm

A

farmer, who hails from Kuru Kuru, LindenSoesdyke Highway, was on Friday remanded to prison in connection with the cultivation of a quantity of marijuana at Millie’s Hideout, Upper Demerara.

Gabron Williams, 22, also called “Short Man”, made his first appearance before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Friday, charged with cultivating a prohibited plant, cannabis sativa. He was remanded to prison and the case was scheduled to continue on

Gabron Williams

February 8, 2019.

Williams was arrested

by Police on Wednesday after he was reportedly discovered on a marijuana farm at 7 Miles, Millie’s Hideout during a drug eradication exercise by ranks attached to E Division (Linden-Kwakwani). At the time of the discovery, he was allegedly tending the marijuana plants. After being caught, the defendant reportedly led ranks to several other marijuana farms at the location.

Reports are on Wednesday last, Police discovered and destroyed several marijuana

camps at 7 Miles. The Police destroyed eight fields totalling 13 acres, which contained some 15,000 marijuana plants ranging from two to sevenand-a-half feet.

A nursery containing about 3000 seedlings and 1500 kilograms of dried cannabis, which was already processed, was also discovered. A total of five camps were discovered at the location. Additionally, Police found five live 12-gauge cartridges, three 12-gauge empty casings and a 1.45 spent shell.

Teens remanded for armed robbery

T

wo teenagers were remanded to prison after they were charged for robbing an elderly man at knifepoint on January 20, 2019.

Kevin Thomas, 19, of South Sophia and Joseph Macey of Agricola, Greater Georgetown,

stood before Magistrate Faith McGusty on Thursday and denied the charges when they were read to them in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The teens are accused of robbing Rishi Matura of a cellphone and other items total-

ling $14,000, while armed with a knife in the vicinity of Regent Street, Georgetown. The prosecution is contending that the teens were known characters to Police and as such, opposed bail.

In court, the Virtual Complainant (VC) explained

that he was familiar with the teenagers and recognised them as they would be “liming” at a popular bar at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara.

The prosecution’s submission was upheld, and the teens were remanded. The case will continue on February 13, 2019.

Implosion...

I

...in Venezuela

t would appear that Venezuela is in its final death throes as far as the "Bolivarian Republic" of Hugo Chávez is concerned.

Three million of its citizens have fled into neighbouring countries, leaving their homes and all possessions behind.

We've heard that 4000 of them are refugees in Reg 1. Inflation is running in the MILLIONS per cent – something that’s just beyond comprehension. Can you imagine a loaf of bread in our country costing $100,000? Thought not! Basic items like food and medicine cannot be bought – even if you had the requisite billions of Bolivars!

That this could happen to a country with the largest oil reserves in the world is shocking to some. But Guyanese who know their history wouldn't be surprised. Didn't Guyana, with gold, diamonds, timber, sugar, rice, and bauxite pretty much suffer the same fate under the PNC and Burnham during the 1970s and 1980s? Let us take a look at that horror story!

A lot of Opposition activists today carry on about the "fate" of bauxite workers and blame the PPP. They want us to forget that when the PNC was handed the country in 1964, Guyana was one of the largest producers of bauxite in the world and the LARGEST in the high-grade calcined bauxite. Bauxite workers had the highest standard of living in Guyana.

But it was all destroyed after the PNC nationalised the industry in 1970 and placed the party faithful to run it. They ran it all right...right into the ground!!! It's just like Venezuela and its oil next door...the government-run oil company just can't produce the oil efficiently to meet contract timelines!

They killed the goose that was laying the golden eggs!! Just like Burnham did to our golden goose – sugar.

In 1975, sugar prices had spiked to the highest level in history and filled Burnham's eyes. He imposed a levy that scooped off all the profit and frittered it away on a hydro project in Mazaruni. He gave the entire country hydro!! He then nationalised the industry which was also destroyed.

It has never recovered. We could go through all the other industries...it was the same ending – ruination. Because of this, Rodney dubbed Burnham "Midas" save that in his case, everything He Touched turned to sh*t!!!

And like the Venezuelans, we fled. We fled to Suriname; TT, all the other WI islands, AND Venezuela. Our homemakers were forced to prostitute themselves to survive just as Venezuelan women today. "Backtracking" was a new word invented to describe the process by which half of Guyana ended up in the US and Canada! We became the only country where the population actually SHRUNK between 1970 and the present.

And for those of us who remained behind, it was a living hell. "Kick down the door" bandits roamed at night to make the "choke and robbers" look like choir boys!! With the banning of basic foodstuffs like flour and "dhaal" not only did hunger stalk the land but it created "criminals" who were thrown into jail for smuggling food from "outside".

Yes...let us reflect on our history. Because those who don't will be doomed to repeat it – with a vengeance.

After all, it's the same PNC that wants to get its hands on our oil money today!!

...and Venezuela's political future

From all reports, the Venezuelan Government of Maduro's has followed Burnham and the PNC in one other crucial respect – they've flagrantly rigged elections to hold on to power. But this time, like by the 1990s here, the Americans have had it with them. The US and Canada have recognised the Opposition Leader as the President of Venezuela and the Lima Group of South American countries, to which we belong, has been exhorted to also do so.

What your Eyewitness thinks is that to impose and enforce this parallel government might lead to civil war since the army remains loyal to the Maduro Govt. What we believe has to be done, as in Guyana in 1992, is for the international community to insist on NEW elections in Venezuela, to determine which party will govern the country, and that they'll observe those elections.

The Venezuelan Opposition Leader had accepted this position and the US will also have to commit itself to accepting the will of the Venezuelan People. Learning from our experience this will give the latter a respite.

'Cause like the PNC, Maduro's clique will plot to return! ...and Guyana's reaction The Guyanese Government and Opposition have taken the sensible position not to recognise the Venezuelan Opposition as the new Government.

This can only be formed by the Venezuelan people through the ballot.

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

news

Opposition, Govt meet with Caricom top officials – discuss no-confidence resolution

the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Meanwhile, clause 7 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in Office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo (centre) with Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque; the President takes the oath Caricom Chairman and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris; PPP/C presidential of office following the eleccandidate, Irfaan Ali; Chief Whip Gail Teixeira; parliamentarian Juan Edghill and another official tion.” n Friday, a delegaSince the passage of tion of top officials the motion, however, perfrom the Caribbean sons aligned with the coaCommunity (Caricom) met lition party have sought to with Opposition Leader question the motion’s validBharrat Jagdeo and othity even as the vote has aler members of the parliaready been certified. These mentary Opposition and arguments formed part of President David Granger. the opinions presented to Heading the delegation Speaker of the National at Jagdeo’s Church Street Assembly, Dr Barton office was Caricom Secretary Scotland, in the hopes that General Irwin LaRocque, he would reverse the ruling. along with Chairman of He refused to do so.

Caricom and St Kitts and Amid calls to resign, Nevis Prime Minister Dr Government has insisted it Timothy Harris. is going nowhere until elecThey met with Jagdeo, tions are held. Several court who was accompanied President David Granger is greeted by Caricom Chairman and St cases were filed, in which an by the Party’s presiden- Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris order was sought to, among tial candidate Irfaan Ali, call at State House. The mer Alliance For Change other things, delay the elecOpposition Chief Whip Gail President was accompanied (AFC) Parliamentarian tions until the court rules on Teixeira and parliamentari- by Minister of State Joseph Charrandas Persaud broke the matter. an Juan Edghill. According Harmon, who is also per- ranks and made a conThat and other related to a statement from the forming the functions of science vote in favour of the cases came up for Hearing Opposition Leader’s office, Foreign Affairs Minister and motion. last Tuesday, but acting discussions at the meeting Guyana’s Ambassador to With the Government’s Chief Justice Roxane George centred on the no-confidence Caricom, Charlene Phoenix. defeat, the next steps are committed to a ruling by the resolution against the coaliOn December 21, 2018, spelt out in the Constitution end of this month, while nottion Government. the no-confidence motion of Guyana. Article 106 (6) ing that such an order would Meanwhile, the Caricom brought by the People’s of the Constitution states: be unnecessary. team also met President Progressive Party (PPP/C) “The Cabinet including the David Granger, on Friday, against the Government President shall resign if the paying him a courtesy succeeded when for- Government is defeated by

O

GECOM refuses to make...

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

The Chief Whips were mandated in the first place to query GECOM’s readiness after a meeting between the parliamentary Opposition and Government following the vote. Both Teixeira and Ally will now have to report back to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger respectively.

GECOM, which successfully ran the Local Government Elections in November 2018, less than three months ago, is being blamed by Government for not being ready, but it is the President of Guyana, who

has to give a date for elections and not GECOM as being touted.

The President of

from page 3

Guyana, according to the Constitution, has to dissolve Parliament and issue a date for elections.

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saturdAY, January 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

No-confidence motion challenge

Govt used 33 majority to carry other motions – Nandlall tells court

A

s oral submissions into the no-confidence resolution cases continued before acting Chief Justice (CJ) Roxane George at the High Court on Friday, Attorney-atLaw Anil Nandlall who appeared on behalf of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo argued that the court has no jurisdiction to deal with the application filed by Attorney General Basil Williams to “strike out” the vote on the no-confidence motion.

During his argument, Nandlall stated that 33 votes were always calculated as a majority and were also valid as it was used to carry motions in the past. As such he gave the court an example of when such an instance occurred. “When the Government didn’t want Member of Parliament, the Honourable Clement Rohee to deliberate during the 10th sitting of the Assembly, they voted and that same 33 votes majority was able to stop him. So how is it difficult now?” he asked.

According to Nandlall, Black’s Law Dictionary states “A majority always refers to more than half of some defined or assumed set. In parliamentary law, that set may be all of the members or some subset, such as all members present or all members voting on a particular question.”

The Oxford Dictionary defines a majority as “the state or fact of being greater, the number by which in voting, the votes cast on one side exceeds those cast on other.”

Moreover, the Webster Dictionary states that a majority is “the quality or state of being greater: a number greater than half of a total: the excess of such a greater number over the remainder of the total.”

Meanwhile, Attorney General Williams, through his Attorney Maxwell Edwards, argued on several grounds stating that in order for the motion to be carried, the Opposition would need “half plus one”, that is, 34 votes.

According to him, the provision in the Constitution which provides for the no-confidence vote is unacceptable to the earlier constitutional provision, as stated in Article 70 (3) which guarantees an elected Government a fiveyear term.

In this submission, Williams claimed that 33 is not a majority of 65. As such, the Attorney General maintained that in order for a decision to be passed in the National Assembly under section 168 (1), where all 65 members are present and voting, the votes of 34 members must be obtained. turn to page 10

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saturdAY, January 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP raises concerns about Govt Gunmen snatch woman’s bag after leaving bank spending with World Bank – to lodge complaint with IDB about use of funds

T

he People’s Progressive Party has raised concerns with the World Bank about Government’s expenditure during a period when the State should be paving the way for early elections.

This was communicated by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at his press conference on Thursday.

There, Jagdeo referenced home improvement subsidies that were recently distributed.

“You’ve seen the accelerated use of money, bypassing all the transparency safeguards. So they’re giving out money now, to fix your house … what should have been done over time, they’re rolling out in three months.”

According to Jagdeo, they have already raised concerns about Government spending with one donor agency. The next step, he said, is for the Party to raise its concerns with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

“This is money from the Inter-American Development Bank. We plan to write them. We plan to raise this. We’ve already raised this in a meeting with the World Bank, about the abuse of resources in this period.”

Jagdeo also raised con-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

cerns about land distribution and whether it was being done in an equitable manner. According to the Opposition Leader, there are cases where land is being distributed to persons aligned with the Government.

Since the passage of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018, the Opposition has said Government should be in caretaker mode.

Government has insisted that programmes under the 2019 Budget will be carried out as per normal.

At a recent post-Cabinet press conference, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had said that Government would

not operate in a caretaker mode, but would continue business as usual. In fact, the Minister issued a direct statement to public servants that they must continue to carry out their functions as per normal.

According to Harmon, Government fully intends to carry out all its programmes in the 2019 Budget. The Minister insisted that public servants had a duty to ensure these programmes are carried out. According to Jagdeo, however, Harmon cannot protect public servants who do wrong and as such, he advised them to be careful of being used for nefarious purposes.

A

woman was relieved of a bag containing $100,000 and other items while at the intersection at Main and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown on Friday. The robbery took place at about 14:00h.

Based on information reaching Guyana Times, the woman had finished a transaction at a commercial bank when a new model Premio motor car drove up alongside the car in which she was travelling.

One of the occupants of the Premio motor car exited the vehicle and brandished a gun at the woman during which he ordered her to hand over the bag containing the money.

He reportedly reached into the car and grabbed the bag containing the money, phone and important documents.

The man then re-entered the motorcar, which fled the scene. The Police are investigating the robbery.

Govt used 33 majority to carry...

No-Confidence resolution

On December 21, 2018, the no-confidence motion brought by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo sent the Government toppling when then Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud supported the motion.

Jagdeo has for some time argued that Cabinet should have resigned by now, pursuant to the laws of Guyana. Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states:

“The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Meanwhile, clause 7 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes

from page 9

of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Even though less than 90 days remain in which elections must be held, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has made no significant moves towards preparing for holding elections.

Chief Justice George has set January 31, 2019, as the date for the decision in these matters.

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saturdAY, January 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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saturdAY, January 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Over 300 acres rice lost to roaming cattle in Corentyne

By Andrew Carmichael

M

ore than 300 acres of rice have been destroyed by cattle in Corentyne, Berbice.

This has led to rice farmers pleading with Government to create a pasture for the cattle owners.

Some farmers are forced to spend the nights providing protection for their crop because, with the removal of the top of the rice plant, it can no longer bear.

Lindira Madho, who cultivates 60 acres of rice said that she has lost in excess of $3 million. The widow told <<<Guyana Times>>> that for three years she had been competing with animals for the rice she planted.

“Last crop I didn’t plant any rice but the crop before when I plant the cow eat every single grain. There was

Former Chairman of the Cattle Farmers Association Veji Latchminarine

Some of the affected farmers

not one grain in the field for the combine to go and cut it.”

Madho also told this publication that she attempted to get an appraisal for the damages, but the officer told her that his charges are based on the extent of the damages and as such she re-

linquished the idea.

“That is why I couldn’t plant last crop. I had no money to prepare the land so I had to take a loan this crop to do it and it is the same thing happening,” she explained.

Another farmer, who has 300 acres under rice cultivation, Newchand Dulchan, 69, said that he has also incurred a loss since the cattle are left unattended between Number 68 and 70 Villages.

“You can’t catch them and when you shine a light on them in the night is madness; sometime they rip through your fence. Is not easy because these cows come in from one end and you don’t see them but if you look, they in the farm and you have to go and chase them out. In the morning then you see is how much rice they damage,” he related.

Another farmer, Manish Persaud added that more than fifteen acres of the 90 acres he has cultivated has already been destroyed while Vijmanand Tajnauth has lost about ten acres of his 80-acre cultivation.

Arnold Tulsi, who has 100 acres under rice cultivation, explained that he is in the current crop only because he was able to secure a loan.

Explaining some of his expenses, the farmers said most of the fertiliser and pesticides have been credited.

“How we go begin pay back the loan? Cow eat out the rice. These crops totally destroy. In the day we got to wuk and night time we got to wuk just for the sake of the rice; now I can’t pay back the loan. Workman is $1000 a bag you got to pay them to spray the fertiliser and the throw the paddy and now I lost the crop,” the frustrated farmer said.

Cash crop farmers

Cash crop farmers have also expressed their disgust over the situation since they too have incurred losses as a result of roaming animals.

Mohindranauth Dulchan said he stopped planting vegetables after reaping nothing for two crops.

Some $500,000 in preparation, he added, has been wasted. All he has left now are plantains and bananas.

“These suckers suppose to start bearing already but because the cows coming

and eat I have to chop of the top so it can grow back and I keep doing that so they will never bear because I have to do it all the time. Don’t matter how strong fence you have they breaking the

some attention to that and clear a piece of land because they take away our savannah to plant cane and they didn’t fulfil their promise to clear a piece of land for us,” Latchminarine said.

Some of the rice which has been eaten by animals

fence and coming in because is wild cow. Dulchan has his farm next to a rice plot.

However, many of the rice farmers are themselves cattle owners. Veji Latchminarine is one such farmer. He said that there is a need for a pasture for the animals.

“All the cattle have to go in the savannah. The Government has to pay

Latchminarine, who has more than 100 cattle, is a former Chairman of the Cattle Farmers Association, he also has 33 acres under rice cultivation and 13 have already been damaged.

Nevertheless, the farmers took their issue to the Office of the Prime Minister and met with the Regional Representative, Gobin Harbhajan.

Duo remanded for stealing from employer

T

wo handymen were taken before the court on Friday after items belonging to their employer went missing on January 23, 2019 at the Stabroek Market, Georgetown.

Wesley Fernand and Harry Bhawanie denied stealing from their employer when the charge was read to them.

The men are accused of stealing a quantity of women’s clothing, along with other items valued a total of $391,000, property of Manelle Rogers.

Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh informed the court that some of the items were recovered.

Magistrate Leron Daly remanded the men to prison and the case will continue on March 1, 2019.

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saturdAY, January 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

NDIA cannot take over agriculture staff – Region 6 Vice Chair

A

proposal by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to take over the staff attached to the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) staff who work in the agriculture de-

partment cannot materialise. This is according to Regional Vice Chairman of Region Six Dennis DeRoop.

He noted that the NDIA dispatched a letter to the RDC indicating plans to utilise a part of the region’s agriculture budget and to take over the staff.

However, at a special meeting of the RDC yesterday, DeRoop said it is not possible for the staff to be transferred to the NDIA. Regional Chairman David Armogan at Wednesday’s special sitting of the RDC, announced that the NDIA is planning

to take over the staff attached to the agriculture department in the region.

The special sitting of the RDC was held to discuss moves by the Agriculture Ministry to have the NDIA take over the agriculture budget for that region.

Cabinet has taken a de-

Counselling unit dispatched to Mae’s Secondary School …following student’s suicide

S

tudents of Mae’s Secondary School underwent a special counselling exercise, on Friday morning, undertaken by the Education Ministry, following the death of 15-year-old Vanica Schultz who took her own life.

Those in attendance during the counselling session included guidance and counselling officers, along with the Education Minister, Nicolette Henry, Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson and Chief School Welfare Officer.

During the visit to the private education institution, Minister Henry and her team met with, listened and offered support to the administration and students.

She told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the Ministry plans to address this issue in a holistic way.

“Based on all we have heard so far, they are a lot of social issues that ought to be addressed. I believe what we saw there is a symptom of a larger problem, at the level of the Ministry of Education we have undertaken several initiatives under the broad umbrella of the school health programme and therefore I would want to see stronger collaboration with the public and private education system,” she explained.

The Minister expressed her concern for the safety, health and delivery of education to every child across the country and assured that the Ministry will assist in every way possible. She also urged students to consult with the relevant officials attached to their school concerning the loss of their colleague.

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson said, “It is quite sad that something of this nature would have happened…we feel that it is important to come here and address our students.” He also expressed his condolences to the deceased’s family and friends for their loss.

As part of the Ministry’s effort to transport welfare officers to areas in which persons are in need of counselling, the mobile psychoso-

cial unit was present at the school to help the students.

A visit was also made to the home of the deceased to provide support and other interventions for the family members.

The teen died while receiving medical attention at a private city hospital on Thursday after she started to vomit profusely in her classroom.

Guyana Times understands that the teenager was seen vomiting during the lunch recess and as such, teachers at the school were alerted. Eventually, the teen was placed in a vehicle and rushed to the hospital.

The Police were summoned to the educational facility and an investigation was launched.

Reports are the now dead teen was part of an investigation following the al-

leged discovery of ecstasy pills on the school premises some time ago. However, the school has since denied any such investigation. During a press briefing on Thursday afternoon, the school’s administration refuted claims that the drug, which was popularised at raves as a sensation-enhancing drug, was found on the school’s premises at any time.

According to Director of the school’s secondary division, Paul Burnette, the teen confessed to ingesting carbon tablets. The motive for taking her own life remains a mystery, but according to Burnette, Schultz arrived at school as normal and distributed letters to her friends.

The letters, according to the school’s administration, revealed that the teen had apologised to her peers for the wrong things she had done in the past and encouraged them to continue performing well in school.

Vice Chairman Denis DeRoop

cision to have the $114 million from the capital budget transferred to the NDIA along with $108 million from the current budget.

The region’s total agriculture budget is $370 million.

As it relates to the staff, DeRoop said the issue has already been discussed at various levels.

“There are saying that they will take over the staff but this is impossible. We have discussed this already at various level about taking over of staff. This cannot happen. The permanent staff under the Public Service Ministry cannot be transferred to an entity like NDIA. NDIA is just an entity that has been created to assist the Ministry of Agriculture. Permanent staff cannot be transferred to NDIA,” DeRoop explained.

He said any takeover of staff will mean that the

staff will have to relinquish their employment through the Public Service Ministry in order to take up temporary employment with the NDIA. “No permanent staff will agree to leave a permanent status and go into a contractual arrangement.

This can only be done by giving up their permanent status and going to a contractual arrangement with NDIA.” On Wednesday, the RDC took a decision to write Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan expressing its disappointment over moves by the Agriculture Ministry to have the NDIA take over the agriculture budget for that region.

DeRoop added that even if it was a Cabinet decision there is nothing that says it cannot be reversed.

“If this was a decision taken last year, why did they not make it adjustable in such a way that the money be budgeted under the Ministry of Agriculture and reduce the approbation under the regional budget.

There are a lot of unanswered questions. I think the perception is that the circumstances under which this decision was made are crookish. Many Cabinet decisions are being challenged in court, especially if there is a breach of the Constitution. This is a breach of the Constitution by taking money that was budgeted for the region and giving it to the NDIA,” DeRoop added.

14 news

saturdAY, January 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

India, Guyana seeking to develop direct business trade …as India’s 70th Republic Day observed

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he Indian High Commission on Thursday evening hosted a celebratory ceremony to commemorate India’s 70th Republic Day, which is commemorated on January 26 every year.

Speaking at the event, which was hosted at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown, India’s High Commissioner to

Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary since the establishment of complete diplomatic relations between Guyana and India.

He commented on the developments in India throughout the years and their present position in the world among the top-ranking nations. The Indian

High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam delivering his remarks at India’s 70th Republic Day celebrations on Thursday

Government is currently seeking to relaunch the country by 2022 as a place where equity is key and all are subjected to better livelihoods.

“During the last three years, India has proved to be a stable economy model in many areas including its regulatory framework.

India is shifting from being an informal economy to a formal economy. India has earned its reputation of one of the 10 most-wanted

Foreign Direct Investment destinations with an FDI of US$60 billion in 2018,” said the High Commissioner.

High Commissioner Mahalingam noted that since the establishment of full diplomatic relations between India and Guyana in 1968, the two countries have been “warm and friendly but also we have consistently held common positions and supported each other in the multilateral arena. India and

Guyana have much in common as we share the same colonial past, freedom struggle through peaceful means and our societies being multi-racial and multi-cultural.”

According to the High Commissioner, bilateral trade between the two nations is some US$35 million, a figure which he deemed as below potential. It has caused some increased thoughts on ways to enhance some direct engagement in agriculture, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals among others. “The annual bilateral trade between India and Guyana, as reported by both Governments, is around US$35 million,

which is far below potential. The trade through third countries for Indian goods and commodities is also equally high and it is expected to be much more than the actual reported trade figure. We are striving hard to enhance direct engagement between the business communities to enhance trade and investment in the fields of renewable energy, agriculture, education, mining, etc and enhanced cooperation in expanding pharmaceutical trade.”

His words were followed by a brief presentation by the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo who lauded the economic programme of the country, which has produced mass development.

“Your country has embraced a dynamic economic programme and has embarked on a transformational path…The bounds of friendship between Guyana and India shared close historical and ancestral bonds which continue to deepen our cultural exchanges at the people-to-people level,” said Nagamootoo.

Among those who attended the event were Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo; Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali; acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette CummingsEdwards; members of the diplomatic corps and other stakeholders.

Disorderly behaviour arrest

Condition of ECD man in ICU improves

T

he East Coast Demerara (ECD) man admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital, three days after he was arrested by Police has shown some improvement in his health.

This was confirmed by 39-year-old Kalicharran Sawak’s sister, Shavani, on Friday, who stated that his internal bleeding has reduced, but he was still unresponsive.

“We have seen some improvement … his bleeding stop a little, but he is still not responding to us,” the woman told Guyana Times.

Sawak, who resides at Lot Three La Bonne Intention (LBI), was taken into Police custody on Thursday last (January 17) after misbehaving with family members and breaking windows at his mother’s house. He was taken to the Beterverwagting Police Station and then transferred to the Sparendaam Police Station later that day.

His sister had related that her brother was scheduled to make a court appear-

ance on Tuesday, but was a no-show when the case was called. It was then that the family was informed that he was taken to the hospital.

The woman, along with her mother, Ramdai Sawak, is contending that the 39-year-old man was arrested in perfect health and he was mentally stable. As such, questions were raised as to what exactly transpired at the Police Station following his arrest.

The man’s sister explained that when a visit was made to the medical facility on Tuesday, her brother was unresponsive and suffering from internal bleeding.

Police had informed her that the man was creating noise, thus resulting in him being placed in a cell alone where he injured himself.

The family has since retained the services of Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall. He has since expressed that the Police Complaints Authority would be briefed on this issue and also called on the Police to conduct an independent probe into the situation.

news

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saturdAY, January 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibo Coast business PI commences with VC’s testimony saved after fire breaks out Alleged nightclub ‘beating’

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he Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the attempted murder of Romario Baljeet also called “Short Boss” who was allegedly beaten by businessman, Imran Khan at a popular Main Street, Georgetown nightclub commenced on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The matter commenced with the testimony of the Virtual Compliant (VC), Baljeet, before Magistrate Leron Daly. Apart from the chief witness, 18 others are expected to testify during the PI Hearing.

Upon completion of the PI, the court will determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to the High Court for trial.

On Thursday, Baljeet testified that on the morning of October 28, 2018, he heard what appeared to be gunshots and upon making his way to the gate, he saw Khan and another man identified as “Kevin” also called “Fatman” standing next to a silver-grey BMW motorcar.

He recalled walking between the two men as he made his way to his vehicle but it was at this time that he

felt one blow to the back of his head and as he turned around, he saw the accused, Khan.

He claimed in his evidence that Khan dealt him two lashes to his head and face causing him to fall to the ground.

The VC told the court that he later woke up at the Woodlands Hospital. He is being represented by Attorney Latchmi Rahamat while Khan is being represented by a team of lawyers consisting of former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh.

Baljeet is expected to continue his testimony on February 6, 2019.

Man found dead in Police lock-ups suffered heart attack – PM

A

post mortem performed on the body of Om Singh who was found dead in Police lockups at Anna Regina Police Station revealed that he died as a result of a cardiac arrest.

The autopsy was performed by Dr Nehaul Singh at the Suddie Hospital Mortuary after which the body was handed over to his family for burial. His wife, who was taken into custody was subsequently released.

Singh was arrested on Sunday last at about 21:45h by ranks of the Anti-Crime Patrol Unit, who responded to a domestic dispute, where the 46-year-old man and his wife were involved in a heated argument at

their Lot 35 Danielstown, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) home.

He was taken to the Anna Regina Police Station for questioning and later that evening he collapsed and died while in the lockups.

He was rushed to Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Guyana Times had reported on Tuesday that an investigation has been launched into the mysterious death of the Essequibo Coast resident.

It was alleged that Singh and his wife were engaged in a heated argument and the neighbours contacted the Police.

Nalini Singh, daughter of the now dead man had in-

formed Guyana Times that after she learnt of her father’s arrest, she visited the police station and saw him lying on the bench motionlessly.

However, at 02:30h on Monday, the Police ranks visited the home of the now dead man and requested his Identification Card (ID) or passport.

It was at this time that the relatives were told that the man had died, and the Police needed some form of identification. The Police related that Singh suffered a seizure and was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital.

Singh leaves to mourn his wife and five children. He was laid to rest on Friday.

O

ne of the largest commercial enterprises at the Charity Waterfront on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was saved from erupting in flames by firefighters on Friday morning.

Based on information received, a security guard attached to the A & S Complex reported that she was at the front of the building at about 00:50h when the scent of burning tires caught her attention.

The 41-year-old woman, Kowsilla Boodram, said she later saw smoke emanating from the third floor and immediately raised an alarm.

The Guyana Fire Service was summoned and officers on duty quickly brought the fire under control. Guyana Times understands that the section of the business which was burnt housed the electrical department, and contained millions of dollars in stocks.

When this publication ar-

The A & S Complex which was partially scorched

rived at the scene, the management was still calculating their losses while officers from the fire service were assessing the situation to determine the cause of the fire. General Manager of the Complex, Eric Gomes, said he was informed of the fire and rushed to the scene.

The enterprise is one of the most modern commer-

cial buildings in Region Two, which houses a bar, a modern hotel, shopping centre, supermarket and restaurant.

One of the main concerns faced by residents is the plague of vending on the roadway. In the event of a fire, the roadway remains blocked and fire tenders face difficulties in accessing the waterfront.

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saturdAY, January 26, 2019

Regional

US intensifies anti-Maduro push as Russia backs Venezuelan ally

T

he United States on Friday intensified its push to drive Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power, as US diplomats left the Embassy in Caracas, while Russia vowed to back its socialist South American ally.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to brief the United Nations Security Council today and urge members to recognise Opposition Leader Juan Guaido as the oil-rich nation’s legitimate Head of State, the US State Department said in a statement.

The meeting of the 15-member Council was requested by the United States after Washington and a string of countries in the Region said they recognised Guaido, the leader of Venezuela’s National Assembly, as Head of State and urged Maduro to step down.

Russia opposes the request and has accused

Washington of trying to usurp power in Venezuela.

Moscow will insist on compliance with international law, Russia’s RIA news agency cited Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying on Friday.

Private military contractors who do secret missions for Russia have flown into Venezuela in the past few days to beef up security for Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, sources said.

Earlier, American diplomats left the US Embassy in Caracas in a convoy of sport utility vehicles and with a police escort en route to the airport, according to a Reuters witness. Their departure came after Maduro broke off relations with Washington and ordered the US personnel out.

A video circulating on social media showed the same caravan leaving the embassy, a fortified compound overlooking the centre of the

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro gestures as he speaks during a news conference at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, January 25, 2019

Venezuelan capital.

The State Department has ordered some US Government workers to leave Venezuela and said US citizens there should consider leaving as well.

United Nations human rights boss Michelle Bachelet called on Friday

for an independent investigation into alleged excessive use of force by Venezuelan security forces or allied militia, citing reports of at least 20 people killed this week.

Latin American support

Guaido, who has galvanised Venezuela’s Opposition,

proclaimed himself interim president on Wednesday.

He is considering making a request for funds from international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), two sources said on Friday.

However, he still has no control over the Venezuelan State and the military, which appears to still be loyal to Maduro despite a deep economic and political crisis.

Most Latin American nations have swiftly joined the United States in supporting Guaido’s claim on the presidency, although Mexico’s new leftist government has said it would not take sides.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday his administration would be willing to mediate.

Maduro, in a fiery speech on Wednesday, said he was cutting off diplomatic relations with the United States for instigating a “coup” against him. US

President Donald Trump’s Administration said its relations would be with Guaido.

To ratchet up pressure on Maduro, who began a second term on January 10 following an election last year widely considered to be a fraud, the United States is seeking to cut off funds for his government, US officials said on Thursday.

Maduro said on Friday the Government would defend Citgo, the US refining subsidiary of State oil company PDVSA, as Opposition Leader and self-proclaimed President Juan Guaido reportedly considers naming a Citgo board.

“It is the property of PDVSA, and only PDVSA can determine Citgo’s affairs,” Maduro said at a press conference at the Miraflores presidential palace. “It is property of the Venezuelan people, and we will defend it.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Hundreds missing in Brazil after Vale Caricom to seek tailings dam breaks, area evacuated UN help to resolve

A

Brazil fire brigade said it was searching for about 200 people still unaccounted for after a tailings dam burst on Friday at an iron ore mine owned by Brazilian miner Vale SA in south-western Minas Gerais state.

A statement from the fire brigade issued in Belo Horizonte city said scores of people were trapped in areas by the river of sludge re-

leased by the dam failure.

Vale said there were employees in the administrative buildings of the dam that were covered by the surge of mud and water and there could be casualties in that area.

There was no immediate word of fatalities.

The mud hit parts of the local community Vila Forteco, near the town of Brumadinho, where families

were told to evacuate their homes in low-lying areas, authorities said.

Helicopters plucked people covered in mud from the disaster area, including a woman with a fractured hip who was among eight injured people taken to hospital, officials said.

Television reports showed people running away as the dam broke, and nearby fields with bean crops de-

stroyed by packed mud.

The region is still recovering from collapse of a larger dam in 2015 that killed 19 people. In that incident, a dam owned jointly by the Samarco Mineracao SA venture between Vale and BHP Billiton broke in the same region of Minas Gerais state, burying local homes in Brazil’s worst environmental disaster. (Excerpt from Reuters)

political crisis in Venezuela

Trinidadian jurist chosen to replace retiring CCJ Judge

T

Justice Peter Jamadar, Court of Appeal Judge in the Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago

rinidadian Judge Peter Jamadar is the newest judge to join the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

He has been appointed by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission to replace sitting CCJ Judge Justice David Hayton when he retires in July.

Justice Jamadar currently serves as a Judge of the Trinidad and Tobago Court of Appeal, a position which he has held since 2008. Prior to his ap-

pointment to the Court of Appeal, he worked in private practice until he was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Trinidad & Tobago.

In making the announcement, CCJ President and Chairman of the RJLSC, Justice Adrian Saunders said that the CCJ continued to attract some of the most qualified and talented jurists.

“Justice Jamadar has developed a well-earned reputation throughout the Caribbean and the

Commonwealth for his well-reasoned judgments and his outstanding work as a judicial educator. His exemplary leadership of the Judicial Education Institute of Trinidad and Tobago (JEITT) has contributed significantly to the success of that body, which has recently developed and rolled out a Gender Protocol for the Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said. “Justice Jamadar will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to our Bench.”

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Mexico woman accused of killing newborn child after miscarriage freed

A

Mexican woman who miscarried in a department store toilet has been freed after three years in prison.

Dafne McPherson, 29, was sentenced to 16 years after being found guilty of murdering her newborn baby.

Prosecutors accused her of inducing early birth and

drowning the baby, but an appeal found the scientific evidence used against her was unreliable.

Abortions were decriminalised in Mexico City in 2007, but are still banned in most Mexican states.

“The only thing I can say to other women who are in my situation is never lose

hope,” McPherson told reporters after leaving jail in central Mexico.

“They didn’t do a thing,” she said of the investigation.

“That’s why there are people inside who shouldn’t be in prison.”

McPherson had been working at the Liverpool department store in San Juan

del Río when the incident took place four years ago.

Prosecutors accused her of inducing delivery and drowning her baby.

Her lawyer, Aureliano Hernández, said the baby fell into the toilet after she fainted from blood loss, and that the toilets flush automatically. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and Caricom Chairman, Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris during an emergency meeting of Caricom Heads of Government on Thursday, January 24

A

mid global division over whether the Opposition Leader who declared himself Venezuela’s interim leader should be recognised over the elected President Nicolás Maduro, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) says it will not intervene, but it is calling on the United Nations to try to help resolve the political crisis there.

On Wednesday, amid anti-Maduro protests, the 35-year-old Leader of the Opposition and head of the National Assembly, Juan Guaido declared himself acting president in a move welcomed by huge crowds of protesters and several world leaders, including the United States’.

The development came a week after Maduro was sworn in for a second term in office, following disputed

elections that were widely regarded by some in the international community as a sham poll.

Following an emergency meeting via video-conference Thursday evening, under the chairmanship of St Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, Caricom Heads called for a peaceful resolution to the “unsatisfactory situation” in neighbouring Venezuela.

While the leaders reaffirmed their guiding principles of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of States, respect for sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights and democracy, they reiterated “the long-standing political crisis, which has been exacerbated by recent events, can only be resolved peacefully through meaningful dialogue and diplomacy”. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

17

saturdAY, January 26, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Queen makes plea for Britons Zimbabwe's violent crackdown continues with reports of rape to find “common ground”

A

violent crackdown continued in Zimbabwe as rights groups alleged women had been raped during house-to-house searches, while the Government criticised a report by its own rights commission that said security forces had used "systematic torture".

The army asserts uniformed perpetrators accused of abuses are "bogus elements" out to tarnish its image.

Fearful residents in poor and working-class suburbs of the capital, Harare, and sec-

The Queen visits the Sandringham branch of the Women’s Institute (WI) each year during her winter stay at the nearby Royal estate

T

he Queen has urged people to find "common ground" and to respect "different points of view".

Commentators say the remarks will be seen as referring to the Brexit debate, with MPs due to vote on the PM's deal for leaving the EU again next week.

MPs rejected the deal last week but the UK will leave on March 29 with no deal unless they can agree on a way forward.

BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said there was little doubt the Queen was "sending a message".

"It is impossible to imag-

ine that the Head of State would use a construction of words such as this without it being appreciated that they would be seen as a reference to the current political debate," he said.

Her words echoed the theme of her Christmas broadcast, our correspondent added.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said there was "huge wisdom" in the Queen's remarks.

He told Radio 4's Today programme: "I don't think anybody will be at all surprised to hear the Queen advocating the view that in

all things controversial we should seek compromise, we should seek common ground, we should seek a way forward."

The Queen also received praise from other Cabinet Ministers - including Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd, who called them "wise words".

Theresa May's official spokesman declined to comment directly on the Queen's remarks. He said: "The Prime Minister's own view is that we should always show great respect for the point of view of others." (Excerpt from BBC News)

Congressional leaders, Trump reach tentative deal to end shutdown

U

S President Donald Trump on Friday said a deal had been reached on legislation that would reopen the US Government through February 15.

"I am very proud to announce today that we have reached a deal to end the shutdown and reopen the Federal Government," Trump said at the White House.

"In a short while, I will sign a Bill to open our Government for three weeks until February 15. I will make sure that all employees receive their back-pay very

quickly, or as soon as possible," Trump said.

The President first allowed the partial shutdown to go into effect in December after Democrats refused to approve $5.7 billion in funding for a wall along the USMexico border.

The partial shutdown, the longest in US history, entered its 35th day on Friday.

Pressure mounted on Trump as the shutdown was threatening the economy and left hundreds of thousands of federal workers missing a second paycheque on Friday.

The Republican-led US Senate rejected two

shutdown-ending Bills on Thursday.

On Friday, however, Trump said the US does not need a concrete border wall along the entirety of the southern border.

"We do not need 2,000 miles of concrete wall from sea to shining sea. We never did," Trump said.

Trump added, "Our proposed structures will be in predetermined, high-risk locations that have been specifically identified by the Border Patrol to stop illicit flows of people and drugs."

ond city, Bulawayo, are locking themselves in at night.

At least 12 people have been killed in the unrest and more than 300 wounded, scores with gunshot wounds, doctors and rights workers have said.

"We have received very disturbing reports of a number of cases of women allegedly raped by members of security forces," said Dewa Mavhinga, southern Africa director for Human Rights Watch.

"Beatings, harassment and other abuses have continued after Mnangagwa's re-

turn and there are no clear actions from the Government to hold accountable those committing the abuses."

Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said she had not received any reports of rape.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said a critical report earlier this week by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, a constitutional body, was not based on "thorough investigation" and did not cover the "two most anarchical days" of last week's unrest. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Greece does “mission impossible”, ratifies North Macedonia accord

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras votes during a vote on an accord between Greece and Macedonia changing the former Yugoslav republic's name in Athens, Greece

G

reece on Friday ratified a landmark accord that changes the name of neighbouring Macedonia, ending a decades-old dispute with its neighbour and opening the way for the ex-Yugoslav republic to join the European Union and NATO. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who hammered out the deal with his Macedonian counterpart last year, secured enough votes to scrape the vote through a deeply-divided Parliament on the third day of a debate fraught with emotion, anger and cries of betrayal.

The settlement seeks to end a 28-year old row between Athens and Skopje over the use of the term “Macedonia” by renaming the tiny Balkan state “Republic of North Macedonia” to differentiate from Greece’s northern province of Macedonia.

Many Greeks opposing the deal view it as an attempt by their neighbours to hijack ancient Greek civilisation and culture.

But Tsipras, a leftist firebrand who swept to power an anti-austerity platform as Greece was deep in financial crisis in 2015, made a point of pursuing a deal.

“This is a historic day for Greece, ending a pending issue which was a burden on our foreign policy,” Tsipras told journalists.

Greece’s European Union allies, who once shuddered at the anti-austerity rhetoric from the 45-year old premier, welcomed the ratification.

“They had imagination, they took the risk, they were ready to sacrifice their own interests for the greater good,” European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted. “Mission impossible accomplished.” (Excerpt from

Reuters)

China among 76 WTO members Indian PM Modi's popularity at all-time pushing for new e-commerce rules (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

low; rival Gandhi closing in – poll

I

ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ratings have dropped to their lowest-ever level, but he still leads in popularity before a national election expected in the next few months, an India Today poll showed on Friday.

Modi is facing discontent over lack of jobs for young people and a weak farm economy, and polls have forecast his ruling alliance will fall short of a majority in the election due by May. The India Today poll, which was conducted from Dec 20 to Jan 8, showed his

popularity rating at 46 per cent. That’s down from 65 per cent in January 2017, a little over a month after he announced a nationwide ban of 500 and 1,000-rupee notes.

Rahul Gandhi, the main challenger to Modi and leader of the Opposition Congress party, has seen his ratings rise from a low of 10 per cent two years ago to his all-time high of 34 per cent, 12 percentage points shy of Modi.

In an earlier poll by India Today, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led

alliance was forecast to win 237 seats, down from 336.

The Congress alliance was expected to take 166 seats, up from 59 won in the 2014 elections.

Modi’s popularity began to wane after his sudden move to ban large rupee notes, then imposed tax reforms that hurt small traders and led to several factories closing.

The aftershocks of the two moves were exacerbated by falling commodity prices, which affected the incomes of a largely agrarian society.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

I

mpatient with a lack of World Trade Organisation rules on the explosive growth of e-commerce, 76 members including the United States, China, the European Union and Japan - agreed on Friday to start negotiating a new framework.

China, which is locked in a trade war with the United States, signaled conditional support for the initiative but said it should also take into account the needs of developing countries, in comments likely to rile Washington.

E-commerce, or online

trade in goods and services, has become a huge component of the global economy. A WTO report put the total value of e-commerce in 2016 at $27.7 trillion, of which nearly $24 trillion was business-to-business transactions.

On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, negotiators from the 76 countries and regions agreed on Friday to hammer out an agenda for negotiations they hope to kick off this year on setting new e-commerce rules.

“I’ve said for quite some time it was unacceptable that by 2018 ... the

WTO won’t have a deeper, more effective conversation about a phenomenon that is driving the global economy today,” said WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo.

Japan’s Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko said his country hopes to use its presidency of this year’s Group of 20 meetings of major economies to help accelerate negotiations.

“The current WTO rules don’t match the needs of the 21st century. You can tell that from the fact there are no solid rules on e-commerce,” Seko told a separate briefing. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, January 26, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Dig deep and learn all you can. Being informed will help you avoid making a mistake or save you from getting involved in something that could end up being costly.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Think matters through to the end before you make a move. Don’t trust someone who is offering too much. If you want something done, do it yourself. Show a loved one how much you care.

CANCER

Don’t fall into someone’s emotional trap. Offer suggestions, but don’t pay for or take on responsibilities that do not belong to you. Play nice, but know when to walk away.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Learn all you can and strive to look and do your best. What you put out will make a difference to how well you do. Make important relationships a priority.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Make plans well ahead of time. You’ll have fun and meet interesting people if you socialize or get involved in activities that are physically and mentally challenging.

Concentrate on what you want to accomplish. Hard work, precision and dedication will pay off. Take care of things on your own steam.

Your trust in someone may be challenged.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Attending a reunion or getting together with people from your past could lead to disillusionment if you believe everything you hear.

Don’t compare yourself to others; just do your best.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Listen to what people are saying and go to the source for verification. Chances are good you’ll be misled by someone trying to take advantage of you. Avoid joint ventures.

SUDOKU

Make your place more SAGITTARIUS inviting. Clear a space and (Nov. 23- start a new project. Explore Dec. 21) your options and adjust your current living arrangements. Show a loved one how much you care.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

Choose your words wiseCAPRICORN ly and don’t be taken in by (Dec. 22- hearsay. Consider how to Jan. 19) best use your strengths and look for interesting prospects. Don’t get involved in secret activities.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Invest more time in yourself and your assets. Update your skills, and show what you can do for someone who could use your expertise.

Keep busy doing things that are helpful to you as well as to others. Refuse to let temptation or unreliable people trick you into doing things that aren’t in your best interest.

SaturdAY, January 26, 2019

19

Djokovic beats Pouille to set up Nadal final T

op seed Novak Djokovic set up a tantalising Australian Open final against Rafael Nadal by thrashing Lucas Pouille in a one-sided semi-final.

The Serb, 31, needed just one hour and 23 minutes to win 6-0 6-2 6-2.

Djokovic broke serve seven times as he outclassed 24-year-old Frenchman Pouille, seeded 28th and in his first Grand Slam semi-final.

Djokovic and Spaniard Nadal - who have 31 Grand Slams titles between them meet on Sunday.

The world number one set up their first meeting in Melbourne since their epic six-hour final in 2012 - which the Serb eventually won - with a near flawless performance against Pouille.

He made just five unforced errors and hit 24 winners on Rod Laver Arena.

"It is definitely one of the best matches I've ever had on this court," said the 14-

Sam Stosur and Zhang Shuai reached the semi-finals of the US Open in 2018

time major winner.

"Everything worked how I imagined it before the match - it was a tough one for Lucas."

Djokovic is aiming for a seventh Australian Open crown, which would move him clear of Roy Emerson and Roger Federer in terms of all-time victories in Melbourne.

Nadal, who would trail

Federer by two if he wins his 18th major, could become the first man to claim a second career Grand Slam in the Open era.

Kvitova & Osaka meet with top ranking at stake

Naomi Osaka and Petra Kvitova meet in the Australian Open final on Saturday amid high emotional stakes and with the

world number one ranking on the line.

Osaka, who received her US Open trophy in tears, and to boos, after Serena Williams' meltdown, can become the first player since 2001 to follow her maiden Grand Slam title with another.

Kvitova, meanwhile, is in a first major final since being stabbed in 2016.

The winner will replace Simona Halep as world number one.

Japanese 21-year-old Osaka is aiming to become the first player since American Jennifer Capriati in 2001 to win back-to-back majors after a maiden triumph.

She hit 15 aces and 56 winners as she beat Czech seventh seed Karolina Pliskova, who knocked out 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams in the semi-finals.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova, 28, eased to a 7-6 (7-2) 6-0 win over unseeded American Danielle Collins.

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli said both finalists are "playing at their peak" but that Osaka has the edge over Czech Kvitova.

Stosur and Zhang Shuai win women's doubles title

Unseeded Sam Stosur and Zhang Shuai beat

defending champions Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic to claim the Australian Open women's doubles title.

Australian Stosur and China's Zhang claimed a 6-3 6-4 victory over the Hungarian-French second seeds.

It is Stosur's third Grand Slam doubles title - the 34-year-old also won the US Open singles title in 2011 and Zhang's first.

"We have a great friendship and I think that shows when we play," Stosur said.

The title is Stosur's first in front of a home crowd, following her victories with Lisa Raymond at the 2005 US Open and 2006 French Open.

Zhang considered retiring in 2015 after struggling for form but Stosur persuaded her not to.

The pair are now on a 10-match unbeaten streak after claiming their first title together in Hong Kong in October. (BBC Sport)

Roach, 1 “5-fer” away from joining elite Windies ranks W

indies speedster Kemar Roach is one five-wicket haul away from becoming the fifth player from the Caribbean to have 10 or more in Test cricket, joining legendary fast bowlers like Malcolm Marshall and Curtly Ambrose.

Roach, who blasted England away during their first innings on Thursday on day two of the opening Wisden Test series, ended with magical figures of 5-17 from just 1 1 overs.

The visitors felt the might of a fired-up Roach on his home surface at the Kensington Oval as they succumbed for one of their lowest scores in Tests – 77.

The devastation cause by Roach and his pack of pacers, who chipped in with wickets all around, saw Joe Root and his men making the record books in an unwanted way. Their 77 is the 17th lowest joint total in Test cricket while it is the fourth time in Test cricket his-

tory that England have been dismissed for a score of 77 – and for the first time by a team apart from their arch nemesis, Australia.

The pages in the history books of Test cricket have been filling up as of late, and Roach could also see his name etched among those greats from around the world and those who represented the West Indies in the past.

The Bajan fast-bowler currently has nine five-wicket hauls under his belt in Tests and should he replicate his feats during England’s second innings; he could sneak up on a few Windies legends in no time.

Only four West Indies bowlers in history have

West Indies pacer Kemar Roach is on course to becoming an elite player

managed to pick up five wickets or more at least 10 times in their career, to sit on a legendary list of bowlers from around the world with the most five-wicket hauls in Test history.

First on the list and the only slow bowler to feature, with the least number of 5-fers in Tests is the Windies spin legend Lance Gibbs, who ended his career in 1976 with 309 victims with a 2-run per over economy rate, after making his debut in 1958.

The next three spots are occupied by a trio of the W i n d i e s greatest pacers ever i n Courtney W a l s h , C u r t l y Ambrose and the late legend Malcolm Marshall, who are all tied with 22 hauls of five wickets or more up until their international careers elapsed.

Although Roach will be aspiring to have his name up in the ranks of those aforementioned legends from his coun-

try; hard work and more exhibitions such as the one he put on Thursday could see him easily eclipse his idols. However, history can still be made in the near future should he grab another 5-fer; he will become the fifth West Indies player in Tests to have 10 or more five-wicket hauls.

Among those players active currently and are already on the prestigious list with 10-plus 5-fers are England pacers Stuart Broad (16) and partner James Anderson (25), who are both involved in the Test series versus Windies; South Africa pac-

er Dale Steyn (26); Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin (26); Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan (18) and Pakistan leg-break bowler Yasir Shah (16).

One huge plus for Roach is that among those still bowling and chasing milestones, he’s the youngest, being just 30 with Broad and Ashwin coming in next at 32 years of age, respectively.

With 22 the bench-mark for the most five-wicket hauls in Tests by a Windies bowler, it is likely that Roach by the time of his career – barring injury or unforeseen circumstances, will easily break that record.

Roach just needs about an average of three hauls of five or more wickets a year until he’s about 34, which is considered the prime of a bowler’s life and he will comfortably surpass that tally .

At 30, the leader of the Windies bowling pack, having been flung onto the scene at a young age under difficult circumstances and with 9 5-fers under his belt, is well on his way, knowingly or unknowingly, to being one of the most successful pacers in Tests and probably one of the best to bowl for his country.

Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh

20 Manchester United see off Arsenal to maintain manager’s perfect start B GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, January 26, 2019

y now, it has become a familiar sight: Ole Gunnar Solskjær hugging his staff, eyes twinkling, applauding his players and celebrating the return of Manchester United, as we used to know them.

Quick, incisive football, willing to take on anyone and, more often that not, coming out on top. Solskjær has even taken to chewing gum, Ferguson-style, with the wrappers scattered round his feet, and at this rate the only possible regret for his club is that they did not tire of José Mourinho earlier.

This was their eighth straight win since Solskjær was handed the role on a caretaker basis and the case for him taking the job full time is building all the time, particularly now his restorative qualities even appear to stretch to Alexis Sánchez, who scored the opening goal on his return to his former club. Jesse Lingard put in United’s second goal soon afterwards but perhaps the most impressive part of United’s performance was the way they withheld some fierce pressure from an Arsenal side that lost but did not play badly. A lesser team would have wilted, and perhaps Mourinho’s United would have, too. Not the current side, though. Solksjær’s team feel rejuvenated, epitomised by the transformation of Victor Lindelof in the

heart of their defence.

Arsenal certainly gave it a good go after PierreEmerick Aubameyang’s goal late in the first half.

Ultimately, though, United were much more clinical with their chances. Solskjær was once part of the best counterattacking side in English football. He seems to be building the modern team the same way and United’s third goal, via the substitute Anthony Martial, ensured their passage into the fifth round.

Solskjær, will remember the years when Arsenal against Manchester United was the biggest occasion in English football. It is a bit different now, with Granit Xhaka against Jesse Lingard about as spicy as it gets where once it was Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane, and two managers who greeted one another with an embrace, as opposed to the days when a handshake between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger involved no eye contact and only the briefest meeting of flesh on flesh. Solskjær, in keeping with the modern rivalry, was even gentlemanly enough to instruct Luke Shaw to kick the ball out when Sokratis, the Arsenal centre-half, suffered the knee injury that ended his evening prematurely.

The only flicker of malevolence came on the occasions

Jesse Lingard made it 2-0 with a precise finish

when Sánchez had the ball and Arsenal’s crowd reminded their former player what they thought of his decision to switch clubs a year ago.

Even that, however, lacked real spite, quite possibly because the fans who were making their displeasure voluble must have known enough about the Chilean to realise he might take pleasure in turning down the volume.

Sánchez celebrated his goal with fists raised did not go in for any shushing gestures. He did not have to rub it in because nothing will have hurt his former club more than the sight of him wriggling past Petr Cech to score with the kind of skill that has been seen only fleet-

BCB/Spready’s Snackette Second Division 100 Balls Tournament

ingly during the last year.

For Arsenal, that was a devastating period bearing in mind Sánchez’s goal was followed three minutes later by Lingard adding another from a brilliant counterattacking move. Both times it was Romelu Lukaku with the decisive pass and, for the first one in particular, the striker’s through ball was weighted beautifully, completely deceiving the Arsenal defence.

Lukaku spent a lot of the match drifting into the space where Sead Kolasinac, Arsenal’s left-sided defender, occasionally vacated on his forward forays. It left Arsenal vulnerable to being caught on the break and Lingard’s finish, so calm

T

28 contributed. Bowling for Tamarind were D Ramsammy with 3 for 33 and R Deonarine with 3 for 21.

Rose Hall Town Tigers Cricket Club defeated Albion Open Cricket Club by 18 runs.

Rose Hall Town Tigers, batting first, were bowled out for 129 -2 from 100 balls. Delbert Hicks top-scored with 65 not out and Brandon Prashad made 20. Rosehall’s bowling was spearheaded by S Dhanai with 1 for 31 and B Mangal with 1 for 18. In reply to the small total, Albion were skittled out for 111 all out in 15 overs. Despite Andy Naidu’s 50, the only other batsman to reach double figures was S Dhanai, who made 16. Delbert Hicks (2 for 22); Rondell Lewis (2 for 25); Naresh Mahadeo (2 for 21) and M Goberdhan (2 for 15) were the main bowlers for Rosehall.

Courtland Cricket Club defeated Jai Hind by 27 runs.

Courtland Cricket Club posted 130 for 9 from 100 balls.

Jamal Cort led the way with 31; he was supported by Leroy Bristol (16) and John Percival (24). R Mangal bagged 3 for 8 and D Ramdat 2 for 33.

Despite T Baldeo’s, 53 Jai Hind were bowled out for 103,

as John Percival had figures 4 for 10.

Whim National Cricket Club defeated Toopoo Cricket Club by five wickets. Toopoo Cricket Club were unable to make any significant score as they were bowled out for 78 for 9 from 16.4 overs. Top-scoring were U Narain, 37, and M Shivmangal ,13, as V Samaroo with 3 for 13 and D Venkiah (3 for 9) were the strike bowlers. Whim National Cricket Club were able to make 81 for 5 from 11.1 overs. K Deonarine (24); M Basdeo (18); and V Samaroo (16) attacked the ball to chase down the small total. N Mangar, 2 for 26, and A Ramsammy, 2 for 20, were the main bowlers for National Cricket Club.

At Fyrish, Fyrish Cricket Club defeated Kilcoy Cricket Club by 60 runs. Batting first, Fyrish Cricket Club posted 158 for 8 from 100 balls.

Monilall Shivdyal led the way with 58, while Chandradat Roopnarine supported with 31. Kilcoy Cricket Club succumbed to the pressure and fell for 98 all out from 92 balls.

Bowling for Fyrish were Reeaz Ramcharran 5 for 20, Imran Ali 2 for 25 and Saif Azeez 2 for 14.

(The Guardian)

West Ham striker to stay despite China offer

Several teams advance W to 2nd round he BCB/Spready’s Snackette 100 Balls Tournament for teams in the Lower Corentyne area bowled off on Sunday last with several matches.

Chesney, Rose Hall Tigers, Whim National, Courtland and Fyrish recorded victories in the opening round to advance to the second round in the historic tournament, which is being contested by seventeen teams.

Rose Hall Town Bakewell and Albion Community Centre, the two powerhouses in Berbice Cricket, have been debarred from the tournament in an effort to allow other clubs the opportunities to win championships.

Chesney Cricket Club defeated Tamarind Root Cricket Club by two wickets. The matchup saw Tamarind Root Cricket Club post 130-6 off their allotted 100 balls, this included a brilliant 65 by P Deonarine and a resistant 23

by V Mangal. S Bacchus (3 for 16) and A Deonarine (2 for 28) spearheaded the bowling for Chesney Cricket Club. In reply, Chesney Cricket Club were able to chase down the target as they ended on 131 for 8 as Imran Khan 26, Krishna Amoi 18, and S Subahur

and collected, was a joy, too. There was no power in his shot. No attempt to put his laces through the ball, the old-fashioned way. He simply controlled Lukaku’s pass, opened up his foot and rolled the ball into the bottom corner.

At that stage Arsenal were in danger of completely unravelling but Aubameyang’s goal, two minutes before half-time, gave a new sense of hope.

Aaron Ramsey’s run and stepover created the danger in a congested penalty area. As the pass was flicked across the six-yard area, Alexandre Lacazatte could not get a full touch of the ball. Aubameyang was loitering with intent, hoping

the ball would reach him, and left with a simple finish.

Arsenal would have been level a minute into the second half had it not been for a superb one-handed save from Sergio Romero to keep out Ramsey’s header and supply more evidence for those who believe David de Gea’s understudy has legitimate credentials to be recognised as the outstanding second-choice goalkeeper in the English game.

The tie had ignited and the second half was an absorbing spectacle. Arsenal had to be adventurous and that meant the introduction of Mesut Özil. Alex Iwobi was the man who made way but the substitution had to be delayed because of a nasty blow suffered by Laurent Koscielny after challenging Lukaku, falling to the ground and accidentally taking his opponent’s studs to the side of his face, leaving him with a gash below his left ear. Koscielny was unable to continue after eight minutes of treatment on the pitch and that meant Arsenal had lost both their centre-halves, with all three substitutes used by the 64-minute mark.

Martial’s goal came from another counter-attack, firing in the rebound after Petr Cech had saved Paul Pogba’s shot, and United made it through ten minutes of stoppage time to seal the victory.

est Ham striker Marko Arnautovic says he will stay at the club despite an offer from China.

Arnautovic, 29, was the subject of a £35m bid from a Chinese club, thought to be Shanghai SIPG, with wages of around £200,000 a week on offer.

He was said to have wanted the move but the Austrian i n t e r national

climb as high as possible in the table and try to win the cup," he said.

This latest announcement from Arnautovic does not affect West Ham's interest in Celta Vigo's Uruguayan striker Maxi Gomez.

However, that deal is probably going to involve the Hammers buying the 22-year-old and then leasing him back to the Spanish side.

Sources at West Ham had said that if Arnautovic stayed and remained fully focused for rest of the seas o n , the club would be more sympathetic to allowing a summer move.

In a lengthy Instagram p o s t , Arnautovic added: "I guess it's no secret there has been an offer for me Marko Arnautovic and I have to admit the offer was a very n o w s a y s he wants to "put a stop" to speculation.

"I want to put offers aside, help the club

tempting one for me and my family.

"I have given 100% to my club duties but I have also needed some time to talk to my club, my wife and the rest of my family. I have now decided to put a stop to all the writings and speculation.

"It is clear that London and West Ham United feels like home for me and I hope the West Ham fans have always seen that.

"Let's focus on the rest of this season together and let those bubbles fly."

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini had made clear the club did not want to sell their joint-top scorer this season but conceded the player could leave if the deal was right for all parties.

Arnautovic, who is under contract until 2022, moved to London Stadium from Stoke in 2017 for a then club record £20m after handing in a transfer request at the Potters.

Speculation over his future at the club had increased when he waved to fans after being substituted late on in a win over Arsenal before being left out of the squad for Saturday's defeat at Bournemouth. (BBC Sport)

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21

Suzuki partners with the Windies to bring fans match highlights T

he biggest tour for ten years featuring England in the West Indies now has Suzuki on board to give fans easy access to match highlights.

Fans can enjoy these on their mobile, tablet or desktop brought to you by Suzuki.

Throughout the whole West Indies versus England series, the match highlights will appear on the www. windiescricket.com website and, for Caribbean viewers, Suzuki will also be presenting the highlights on the Windies cricket YouTube channel.

The 2 minutes and 45 minutes highlights, powered by Suzuki – The Caribbean’s Favourite SUV,

will be available for fans across the Caribbean 12 hours after the end of play, ready to watch from 5.30am the next day. Marketing Manager for Suzuki, Julia Griffith, said, “We are pleased to partner with Cricket West Indies

and are proud to support the Caribbean’s favourite sport with the Caribbean’s favourite SUV.” Commercial Director of Cricket West Indies, Dominic Warne says, “We continue to focus on making the WINDIES match-

es as accessible as possible including offering a variety of highlights on our website and YouTube channel. Our online followers and subscribers are growing rapidly and we are delighted that Suzuki has chosen to support this must-watch

content continuing their content sponsorship after their recent support of the Super50.”

The first Test started in Barbados at the Kensington Oval on January 23rd, with highlights available from 5.30am on the 24th January.

DAILY & SUNDAY

RHTY&SC makes donation to Umpires COPIES Association, Upper Corentyne CA OF THE GUYANA T TIMES

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

he Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and its ten cricket teams are known across Guyana for their kind acts of making contributions to fellow clubs, organisations and youths.

Last year, the Sports Club and the teams successfully completed a record 718 activities under a wide range of sub-headings that included sports, charity, educational, anti-drugs, anti-alcohol, coaching, religious, and social.

The teams have already started 2019 by making donations to several organisations and individuals. The Berbice Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) received fifteen small pack-

223-7230-1 (Ext 55) Simon Naidu hands over the donation to Isaiah Thorne

ages from the Sports Club for all of its active Umpires while promising National Under-15 fast bowler Isaiah Thorne benefitted from a donation of a pair of cricket boots. The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association received a quantity of educational materials to assist them to host an Inter Primary School Tournament in the Upper Corentyne.

The Flying Ace Cycling Club received a trophy for its Annual Award Ceremony while the Club and the Cricket Teams also assisted over twenty less fortunate students with educational materials to attend school under its Dare to Dream Programme.

Club Secretary/CEO

Ravin Kissoonlall and Keith Hicks hand over the donation to Jai Hardeo of BCUA

Hilbert Foster stated that while the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has lost one of its biggest sponsors with the upcoming closure of Scotiabank in Guyana, it is still committed to making positive differences in the lives of others. The donation of the cricket boots to the highly talented Thorne was the fulfilment of a promise made by Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board. Foster committed the Sports Club, to assisting Thorne after witnessing him bowl against Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets in an impressive spell. The RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO also promised Thorne to assist him to fulfil his dream of playing cricket for the West Indies.

The Sports Club, and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association enjoyed a close working relationship and

as such, the cricket teams were delighted to assist the Association with the educational materials for the Inter-Primary School Tournament, The materials included exercise books, rulers, calculators, pencils, erasers, sharpeners and pens. The members of the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association, Foster noted, were doing a remarkable job in Berbice and the donation was a small gesture on behalf of all the clubs in the Ancient County. The ten cricket teams of the RHTY&SC are King Solomon Logistics Under-12, Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female, along with Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division teams.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, January 26, 2019

Windies Women tour of Pakistan bowls off on January 31 A

– Matthews out with injury, Aguilleira to lead T20Is

fter naming their strong 20-woman training team ahead of the Pakistan series; Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that the two sides will bowl off their series with a

three-match T20 series in Karachi, Pakistan on January 31 and February 1&2.

With international cricket easing its w a y b a c k into

Following the detailed security plan from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the independent security assessment from Eastern Star International (ESI), Windies original skipper Stafanie Taylor has opted out of touring Pakistan and will join the team f o r

the ICC Women’s Stafanie Taylor opted out of the Pakistan tour but will resumed her captaincy for the ODI series in Dubai

Pakistan after a hiatus due to the unrest in the country, the mouth-watering T20 series serves as a prelude to the threematch International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Championship One-Day Internationals (ODIs) set for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Windies ladies are ranked fourth in the world of T20 with the Pakistanis dangling at seventh.

Championship ODIs in Dubai.

In her place, veteran wicket-keeper Merissa Aguilleira will take over as captain for the T20I series in Pakistan with Shakera Selman being appointed as her vice-captain. Taylor will however resume the role of team captain upon her arrival in Dubai for the ODIs. West Indies are sixth in ODIs while Pakistan hold

down the number 7 spot in that category as well.

The star-studded Windies team were also dealt a huge blow as they were forced to call up Karishma Ramharack as cover for vice-captain and all-rounder Hayley Matthews, who suffered a medial knee ligament damage to her right knee during the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) back in December of 2018. The opener is set to be out for a further 3-4 weeks of therapy before she can hit the field again.

Pakistan have been on the radar as one of the countries players are sceptical about travelling to after the number of attacks in the past which saw players being harmed. CWI Chief Executive Officer Johnny Grave, however, confirmed that the security status is a plus heading into the tour.

Ensuring that the tour was indeed properly assessed by security experts, Grave said: “The security plan arranged by the PCB is exactly the same level that the Windies Men’s team had last year and independent security advisors, Eastern Star International (ESI) have confirmed to both CWI and WIPA that they are satisfied that the risk is manageable and can be mitigated to an acceptable level.”

He continued, “We made it very clear to the players and support staff that should any of them has any personal reservations about this tour, we fully understand and accept their position.”

Meanwhile, the Southend Club will host

GABF to have new President today T

he Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation will be holding its 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Executive Committee Elections today at the Roraima Duke Lodge located on 94-95 Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown from 13:00h.

Affiliate members of GABF are eligible to vote; and include Basketball Associations from Bartica, Berbice, Georgetown, Linden & Guyana Basketball Officials Council, Women’s Basketball Association, Georgetown Masters and GT Pioneers. Two votes are allowed per affiliate for each position.

The AGM & Executive Committee Elections takes place as Guyana is expected to participate in the FIBA Americup Basketball Championship, scheduled for next month in Bogotá,

Colombia from February 2025.

Guyana has been placed in Pool B of the qualifiers alongside Bolivia, Paraguay and hosts Colombia, with the top two teams qualifying for the FIBA Americas Championships.

Current G A B F President Nigel Hinds will not be running for re-election.

V i c e President of Operations, M i c h a e l Singh is expected to become the new President and has provided the Federation his slate for the

Executive Committee Elections.

GABF will use the occasion to celebrate their achievements from 2014-2018 in the development and promotion of basketball in Guyana.

Michael Singh

Windies will miss the injured Hayley Matthews

the T20 series in the heart of Pakistan ahead of the three ODIs hosted in Dubai on February 7, 9 and 11.

The first ODI will bowl off at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DISC), with the second and third matches being played at the ICC Academy.

The visitors are expected to arrive in Dubai today, for a training and acclimatisation camp before making their way to Karachi on January 30.

Meanwhile, Bismah Maroof will lead Pakistan in their upcoming T20I series and the three-match series of the ICC Women's ODI Championship against the West Indies, the PCB announced on Friday.

Pakistan's regular captain stepped down from the post ahead of the ICC World T20 last year after recovering from a sinus surgery and played the tournament under Javeria Khan's captaincy.

A four-member committee headed by former men's Test cricketer Jalaluddin

also announced 14-member squads for the two series.

The other members of the committee were Asmavia Iqbal (former player), Mark Coles (women's team coach), and Maroof.

Windies Squad for Pakistan series: Stafanie Taylor (ODIs only), Merissa Aguilleira (T20 SKIPPER), Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Natasha McClean, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman and Rashada Williams Pakistan T20I squad: Bismah Maroof (C), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Irum Javed, Javeria Khan, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Nida Dar, Sana Mir, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (WK), Omaima Sohail Pakistan ODI squad: Bismah Maroof (C), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Javeria Khan,

Kainat Imtiaz, Nahida Khan, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Saba Nazir, Sana Mir, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (WK), Omaima Sohail

Schedule:

31 January – 1st T20I, Southend Club, Karachi Start time 11:00h Pakistan time 1 February – 2nd T20I, Southend Club, Karachi Start time 11:00h Pakistan time 3 February – 3rd T20I, Southend Club, Karachi Star time 11:00h Pakistan time 7 February – 1st ODI (ICC Women’s Championship), DISC Start time 09:30h Dubai time 9 February – 2nd ODI, (ICC Women’s Championship), ICC Academy Start time 09:30h Dubai time 11 February – 3rd ODI (ICC Women’s Championship), ICC Academy Start time 09:30h Dubai time

Guyana Chess Federation opens 2019 with tournament

T

he Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is set to kick off its 2019 calendar of events with back-to-back tournaments.

The first is a 9-round Open Rapid tournament that will be held today at the National Resource Centre. The time control is set for 15 minutes, with an incremental time addition of 5 seconds after every recorded move.

This event is sponsored by the office of Attorney-at-Law Elias Gentle, in collaboration with the GCF. Some of Guyana’s top players, both juniors and seniors, namely WFM Maria Varona-Thomas, CM Taffin Khan, Olympiad player and veteran Loris Nathoo, University of Guyana’s 2-time Champion Davion Mars, the National Junior Champion Joshua Gopaul, former National Junior Champion Saeed Ali, Ethan Lee and Andre Jagnandan are confirmed to make an appearance.

It is also possible that an appearance by the current National Champion Wendell Meusa can be expected as well.

The second event is the James Bond Blitz Bash and is slated for February 2 at the same venue.

Since blitz has taken quite a popular and central stage amongst

modern chess enthusiasts, this event will be expected to produce 12 explosive rounds of entertaining games.

The time format is set for 5 minutes, with an incremental time addition of 5 seconds after every recorded move.

The cash prizes will be sponsored directly by the GCF President James Anthony Bond.

Both events are expected to be quite eventful as they spark a new season in the local chess arena and will be the first GCF co-ordinated events since the conclusion of the Chess Olympiads last November.

Young players and veterans alike will be looking forward to gaining early momentum towards the 2020 Olympiads in KhantyMansiysk, Russia via laying early claims to successive tournaments’ glory.

Even though, the time controls are of the classical format for the Olympiad games, playing shorter time formats like Rapid and Blitz can aid in a player’s overall time management, and ability to remain confident in his/her ability to play accurately while utilising the incremental time resource when in time pressure.

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURdAY, January 26, 2019

Holder-Dowrich record stand leaves England fighting to save Test 18 wickets fell on Thursday, none on Friday.

Just to add to the freak nature of how the WindiesEngland contest has unfolded at the Kensington Oval is the eight wickets that fell on the opening day, making it three contrastingly different turn of events. What has changed in a more level progression is Windies' dominance in the Test.

In a period of 13 balls before Shane Dowrich had walked out to bat on Thursday, Windies had lost 4 wickets for 1 run. From thereon, the 'keeper batted and batted and batted, till the point England were deflated to a point where they were just waiting for the declaration.

But while Dowrich held one end up with steady defense, it was Jason Holder's assault from the other end that flattened England's challenge.

By the time the Windies s k i p p e r had walked out to bat on Thursday, the hosts were

a l ready in command courtesy a half-century stand between Shimron Hetmyer and Dowrich. However, he ensured that not only did he take the game away from

England but also punctured their morale.

After a day where 18 wickets were lost, England would have hoped that their pacers will have a role to play to dismiss Windies at the earli- est, with their last three having limited credentials

Windies captain Jason Holder celebrates reaching 200

SCOREBOARD

Windies 1st Innings – 289 England 1st Innings – 77 Windies 2nd Innings KC Brathwaite lbw b Ali 24 JD Campbell c Jennings b Stokes 33 SD Hope c Jennings b Stokes 3 DM Bravo c Stokes b Ali 1 RL Chase c Stokes b Ali 0 SO Hetmyer c Buttler b Curran 31 SO Dowrich † not out 116 JO Holder (c) not out 202 Extras (b 1, lb 1, nb 3) 5 TOTAL (103.1 Overs, RR: 4.02) 415/6d Did not bat: KAJ Roach, AS Joseph, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-52 (KC Brathwaite, 16.5 ov), 2-60 (JD Campbell, 19.2 ov), 3-61 (DM Bravo, 20.2 ov), 4-61 (RL Chase, 20.4 ov), 5-61 (SD Hope, 21.2 ov), 6-120 (SO Hetmyer, 35.1 ov) BOWLING: JM Anderson (18-4-58-0) SM Curran (17-1-69-1)

BCB/New York Business Group Under-19…

Sinclair’s double highlights latest round

N Rory Burns bats during the final session

MM Ali (20-3-78-3) BA Stokes (25-3-81-2) AU Rashid (9-0-61-0) JE Root (10-0-37-0) KK Jennings (4.1 -0-29-0) England 2nd Innings (target: 628 runs) RJ Burns not out 39 KK Jennings not out 11 Extras (b 4, w 2) 6 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 2.8) 56-0 Yet to bat: JM Bairstow, JE Root (c), BA Stokes, JC Buttler, MM Ali, BT Foakes †, SM Curran, AU Rashid, JM Anderson BOWLING KAJ Roach (5-0-16-0) ST Gabriel (5-2-10-0) JO Holder (4-2-9-0) RL Chase (3-0-10-0) AS Joseph (2-1-6-0) JD Campbell (1-0-1-0)

with the bat. But courtesy some risk-free cricket, Dowrich and Holder ensured England never went past them. Having batted for almost five hours on Friday, the duo remained unbeaten, stitching a 295-run partnership - the third highest for the seventh wicket in Tests - to take Windies to 415 for 6 before declaring their innings, setting a 628-run target.

England threw all the trouble they could.

J a m e s Anderson and Ben Stokes bowled tight but failed to create wicket-taking opportunities. Moeen Ali was dealt with safely, Adil Rashid was blunted and Sam Curran remained threatening. Joe Root and Keaton Jennings rolled their arms over, induced edges and created chances but not deliver the breakthrough.

The pitch had evidently eased out for batting and the Windies duo ensured they didn't let that advantage slip knowing they were the last recognised pair in the middle. Holder paced his innings well, bringing up his fifty off 60 balls and century at almost run-a-ball.

He opened up thereafter, and took a special liking to Rashid - who was smashed for three massive sixes, including one straight down the ground to bring up his century.

Holder smashed eight sixes to become the record-holder for most sixes in an innings by a West Indian against England, going past Viv Richards's seven, and with it also the second highest score by a player batting at No 6 or lower in the second innings - after Don Bradman's iconic 270.

Dowrich, meanwhile, played the second fiddle. By the time he brought up his century with a cut through the backward point region for a boundary, Windies had added 300 runs to their lead - from the time he had walked out to bat. In doing so, he became only the fifth West Indian 'keeper to register three or more Test centuries. Windies declared their innings after Holder brought up his double hundred, on 415 for 6, setting England a target of 628.

Having been on the field for almost 204 of the 234 overs in the first three days, the tiredness was bound to show up when they walked out to bat. After all it did show up in the field with the tired legs and dropped shoulders failing to react quickly, and in the process, letting go of three chances.

However, the English openers saw through the last one and half hours of play without any damage.

The Windies pacers managed to generate some extra bounce with the new ball but couldn't get a breakthrough.

England went to stumps on 56 for no loss, still 572 runs behind the target. (Cricbuzz)

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– Anderson, Outar also hit centuries

ational players Kevlon Anderson and Junior Sinclair, along with Jeetendra Outar, scored centuries as the 2019 Berbice Cricket Board/New York Business Group Under-19 Tournament continued recently.

Sinclair and Anderson, who have represented Guyana at the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels, scored 213 and 137, respectively versus Albion Community Centre ’B’ for defending champions Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘A’.

Similarly, Outar scored 109 to press his case for a Berbice Under-19 call-up in the upcoming Inter-county Tournament.

At Albion, the home team scored 388 for 5 from their allotted 50 overs with Outar, Reyad Karim (84), Sarwan Chaitnarine (69), Tameshwar Mahadeo (31) being the principal scorers. Bowling for No 73 Cricket Club, S Nahar took 2 for 81 and R Jamaladeen 3 for 82.

In response, No 73 Cricket Club was bowled out for 85 in 30.1 overs as only T Budhan (22) and S Nora (11) reached double figures.

Rico Ramsammy took 4 for 24, Beesham Surujnarine grabbed 2 for 23 and Kevin Umroa took 2 for 11.

At Hampshire, Rose Hall Town Pepsi ‘A’ scored a massive 517 for 7 from their allotted 50 overs versus Albion Community Centre ‘B’.

Junior Sinclair and Kevlon Anderson put on a record 340 for the first wicket. Sinclair struck 23 boundaries and thirteen sixes in a brutal exhibition of stroke play in his 213 while Anderson struck 21 boundaries and four sixes in his 137.

Mahendra Gopilall (63) and Tyrese Sealey (33) both chipped in with useful runs. Pavendra Ganesh claimed 3 for 31 from 8.2 overs to emerge as Albion’s best bowler.

Albion was bowled out for 96 in 23.3 overs to lose by a massive 421 runs. Off-spinner Junior Sinclair returned with the ball to take 4 for 6 while Mahendra Gopilall had 2 for 6 and Joshua Wilson 2 for 26.

At Edinburgh, Edinburgh Cricket Club defeated Mt Sinai by 77 runs.

Edinburgh made 154 all out then defended well as they restricted Mt Sinai Cricket to 77 all out in 20 overs.

At Kendall’s Union, No 19’s Kendall’s Kevlon Anderson U n i o n defeated Edinburgh by 101 runs.

Kendall’s posted 214 for 7 in 30 overs then restricted Edinburgh to 113 all out in 17 overs.

Hero CPL makes US$25M impact on T&T economy

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) recently announced the tournament’s economic impact for the twin island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago for 2018, created a total fiscal returns of US$25,689,199, a significant increase from 2017.

Hero CPL 6 bowled off from 8 August and ended 16 September last year and stats showed an increase on the 2017 figure

even with the tournament having two fewer matches in the country in 2018. The figure has been calculated using organizer spend, visitor spend and media value and was collated for Hero CPL by world-renowned researchers, SMG Insight.

In addition to

that economic impact figure the Hero CPL employed 254 staff in Trinidad & Tobago and filled 8,573 hotel rooms during the 2018 event. The value of med i a

exposure and mentions of Trinidad & Tobago from this coverage was US$5,490,704, more than double that achieved in 2017.

The Hero CPL spent

US$4,069,867 in Trinidad & Tobago during the 2018 event with the tournament hosting seven matches in the country, a significant investment that shows the commitment to staging cricket at both Queen’s Park Oval and the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Speaking about the report from SMG Insight the Hero CPL

Chief Executive Officer, Damien O’Donohoe said: “Trinidad & Tobago has always been very good to us as a tournament, with local support being absolutely fantastic. It means a lot to us that we are able to deliver tangible economic benefits to the country.

The finals for the 2018 tournament were fantastic and we can’t wait to be back in Trinidad & Tobago in 2019 to get the party started again.” He ended.

SATURdAY, January 26, 2019

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Holder-Dowrich record stand leaves England fighting to save Test

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Hero CPL makes US$25M impact on T&T economy

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Sinclair’s double highlights latest round – Anderson, Outar also hit centuries

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