Guyana Times - Saturday, March 23, 2019

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Issue No. 3872

THE BEACON OF TRUTH saturday, MARCH 23, 2019

Divided Appeal Court inserts need for "absolute majority" in Article 106 (6) Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Tendering process being flouted in Region 3 projects P14 – Chairman

…PPP to appeal rejection of 33 as majority of 65 to CCJ

“Strange Mathematics” cannot change what is in Guyana’s Constitution – Jagdeo Page 7

Guyana lacks capacity to treat cancer P10 – CMO

..assures supporters the struggle continues

Thousands of PPP supporters protest Govt

Man remanded for cocaine in “Krazy Glue” container P8

Trump dangles investment to Caribbean leaders who back Venezuela’s P17 Guaido

Thousands of People’s Progressive Party supporters across the country on Friday led peaceful protests against the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government. In composite photos are protesters from Regions Two and Three, and those gathered outside the Ministry of the Presidency in Georgetown

Sugar worker killed by Africanised bees Page 2

Charrandas Persaud files $30M lawsuit against Ramjattan

Page 9

Peacemaker P11 shot, stabbed

Man says lack of employment led him to P8 traffic ganja

2 news

saturday, MARCH 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sugar worker killed

by Africanised bees

A

Berbice sugar worker was on Thursday killed by a swarm of Africanised bees as he was clearing bushes.

Dead is Rameshwar Poonoo, 31, of Lot 7 Grassfield, Ankerville, Port Mourant, Berbice.

Two of his colleagues, Mohan Persaud and Radesh Ishmail, were also injured during the bee attack. This newspaper was told that the father of two arrived at work at about 07:00h at the Albion Sugar Estate. He along with Persaud and Ishmail were instructed to build two “footbridges” and to cut a tract on the Resource Middlewalk Dam. They were supposed to build the bridges so that planters could get access to the field on Friday.

However, during the process, the men were attacked by a swarm of bees.

Persaud and Ishmail, who were stung several times, were able to run to the sideline and escaped the attack.

However, Poonoo was unable to escape and remained in the water. One of the injured men sought help and persons rushed to their aid.

Dead: Rameshwar Poonoo

However, the men encountered difficulties in reaching Poonoo. This newspaper was told that the men had to use improvised shields to protect themselves from the bees as they assisted their colleagues.

After much struggle, the men were able to pull Poonoo from the water.

He was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, management of the Albion Sugar Estate has since contacted Poonoo’s family. A post-mortem examination is expected soon. The two injured workers were also treated at the Port Mourant Hospital.

Poonoo leaves to mourn his wife, two children and parents.

Body of man found in East Street drain

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Police ranks at the scene where the body was found

n unidentified body of a male was discovered in the western drain on East Street, Georgetown.

Reports are that at about 17:00h on Friday afternoon, a passerby noticed the motionless body of a male East Indian lying in the drain.

The police were summoned to the scene and ranks reported that the dead man was clad only in

a pair of checkered trousers.

According to the police, he is estimated to be between 45 to 65 years old.

Blister marks were found on both of the hands and feet. It is believed that the marks are blisters caused by the sun.

The body is presently at the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination and identification.

news

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saturday, MARCH 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Saturday, March 23 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, March 24 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, March 23 – 05:55h-07:25h and Sunday, March 24 – 06:30h-08:00h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny intervals are expected to prevail throughout the day, followed by Sunny skies in the later afternoon. Clear skies are expected in the evening, with overall temperatures ranging between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 06:05h and 18:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.88 metres and 2.80 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:01h reaching a minimum height of 0.32 metre.

WEDNESday, march 20, 2019

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Divided Appeal Court inserts need for “absolute majority” in Article 106 (6) …PPP to appeal rejection of 33 as majority of 65 to CCJ

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Opposition will be moving to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to challenge Friday’s Appeal Court ruling, which stated in a 2:1 split decision that a majority of 34 votes would have been needed to validly pass the no-confidence motion brought against the Government last year.

The ruling means that the motion was not validly passed, and hence the coalition administration was not toppled as a result of the events that occurred in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018 – when the minority Opposition had secured the crossover vote of former Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud to obtain a 33 majority to pass the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly.

Government had subsequently asked the House to reverse the passage of the motion, but its Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, had declined the request and had advised that the court be approached. As such, Government had gone to the High Court to challenge the validity of the motion, saying that a 34 majority is needed for it to be successfully passed.

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George had, in January, upheld the December 21, 2018 passage of the no-confidence motion, ruling that in Guyana’s 65-member National Assembly a majority is 33.

This, however, was appealed by Attorney General Basil Williams.

While Justice Rishi Persaud on Friday dismissed the appeal and conferred with the ruling of the High Court, his col-

Acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards

league appellate judges allowed the state’s appeal. Both Justices Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Dawn Gregory opined that while 33 is the majority of the 65- member National Assembly, the successful passage of a no- confidence motion requires an “absolute majority” of 34, and not the “simple” majority of 33 that has been used to pass ordinary business in the House.

On the other hand, the three appellate judges upheld the Chief Justice’s ruling regarding the appeal filed by private citizen Compton Reid on the validity of Charrandas Persaud’s vote, given his dual citizenship status.

Justice George had ruled in the High Court that while it is illegal for MPs to be dual citizens, in Charrandas’s case, this did not affect the validity of his vote on the motion; and as such, the Appeal Court judges on Friday dismissed the appeal filed by Reid.

Meanwhile, both Justices CummingsEdwards and Rishi Persaud dismissed the state’s appeal regarding the matter involving political commentator Christopher Ram, who had petitioned the court to have Government re-

Justice Rishi Persaud

Justice Dawn Gregory

signed and President David Granger call elections within 90 days, as stipulated by Articles 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution.

The High Court had ruled that Cabinet should have resigned upon the passage of the motion.

The acting Chancellor said in her ruling that the State’s arguments on the Ram case were “out of hand”, and as such, the decision of the CJ would “suffice”.

However, Justice Gregory, in a dissenting decision, posited that because a 34 majority was need to pass the motion in the first place, Ram’s was not entitled to the orders he had sought.

Following the threehour court session on Friday, Attorney Anil Nandlall, who was representing Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in the proceedings, indicated that the Opposition will be appealing the Appellate Court’s ruling on the 34 majority.

“It was always an accepted fact by all sides that the case will go to the Caribbean Court of Justice; and it will go there, because

this is an important matter.

“Unfortunately, one issue, just a singular issue, has to be determined now.

So this is a case that can be heard in a matter of days.

This court has accepted everything that the Chief Justice said, except what constitutes a majority; so that is the narrow issue… that is the only ground upon which we will appeal,” he asserted.

Nandlall, a former Attorney General, went on to express his disappoint at the rulings, saying that 33 has always been considered the majority in the National Assembly since independence.

“Belief of ours, supported by reality, has been turned upside down. So whilst we would have won on all the issues of law…we lost on maths; and I never thought this to be a case of maths, I thought it was a case of law. But you heard the judges, they rejected every single submission by the appellants, the Attorney General and Mr. Reid, but upheld that singular argument that 33 is not a majority of 65,” he stated.

Turn to page 9

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saturday, MARCH 23, 2019

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

Safety at congested parks

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ate last year the Georgetown Mayor and City Council displaced the East Bank of Demerara minibus and car park in preparation for the relocation of vendors who are to be removed from the Stabroek market wharf to facilitate much needed repairs there. The park is now in an area just South of where it originally was.

The first challenge is the obvious smaller area which cannot accommodate the volume of vehicles. The unavoidable searching and jostling for parking spots create congestion leading to traffic buildups in an already overly congested area. In addition, the area is poorly lit at night and with the menace of ever-present rampant gangs, many commuters have been robbed.

This seeming norm in criminal activities in that environ creates high risks for all who depend on public transportation, especially women, with reports of some being groped. Children are also exposed to these dangers. With no alternative, commuters have to take those risks every day with fear lingering in their minds at a place that is literally a stone’s throw away from the country’s Parliament Building.

Many questions abound. Despite national cognizance of the space constraint in the city, more specifically that area, the question of why would the Council remove that main public transportation park to accommodate vendors is still unavoidable.

This does not take away from the fact that the vendors needed to be relocated.

The Council in its defence would cite lack of space. While that’s a good argument, probingly, it must be asked if the related deliberations were thorough and inclusive of all Councillors.

On the surface, it appears that safety and other concerns of commuters were and probably are still not given the necessary consideration as thousands are being affected every day.

The Council cannot be oblivious of the security concerns at all transportation parks within the city for incidents of robberies continue to be highlighted in the media. It did make effort towards some lighting and, with the Guyana Police Force, to have some level of security presence. However, it is not adequate and from reports, the security presence is not sustained especially in the evenings and late into the nights.

Even if the necessary security measures are implemented at the parks, it is not a guarantee that crime will disappear. However, it will offer a much needed and effective deterrent allowing for almost immediate response and very importantly, comfort the troubling mindsets.

Adequate and necessary security measures, including effective lighting, should have been in place immediately upon the relocation of the park. It therefore becomes mindboggling as why such necessary things were not implemented and sustained even months after. All of the bus and car parks within the city are security risks and all are poorly lit, including some main roads that lead to them.

That, and the criminal activities it encourages, continue to compromise that aspect of public safety. This is a continuous cycle and with every passing day, frustration and fear among commuters increase. One can argue that if the City Council is really concerned about commuters’ safety, it would be making more noise, increased Police presence, even if it’s just to appease.

The knowledge and presence of security measures have positive psychological effects. Its absence, or being grossly inadequate, causes one to wonder if the leadership and the rest of Council really understand the magnitude of what transpires at those parks especially in the evenings and nights and particularly at the East Bank park.

There is great difficulty in accepting the Council being unaware which brings to the fore the frightening scenario of the current inadequacies probably being accepted as adequate with believably scant regard for commuters’ safety.

It must be noted that for every sitting of Parliament, traffic within the immediate area is restricted. This further compounds the congestion at the East Bank park and further increases the risks for criminal activities. Importantly, Police ranks are deployed to enforce the traffic restrictions for the duration of a parliamentary sitting which sometimes go beyond midnight.

While that is deemed necessary to ensure the safety and easy access for parliamentarians, it demonstrates that ranks could be made available to be stationed at the parks during the entirety of what is considered as the high-risk hours. This is what City Hall should be advocating for given that its own resources may be limited.

The Police implements generally effective and pleasing security mechanisms for the Christmas period with temporary outposts at various points. The positive effect of that is known.

The obvious question is why it cannot be sustained to some extent with emphasis on the parks throughout the year.

While the force has its own constraints over resources, collaboration with the Council and strategic planning can result in an acceptable and adequate mechanism that could mitigate the current situation. From the Council’s standpoint, even if it is not responsible for the security at the parks, it can demonstrate its genuine concern for commuters’ safety by being proactive. All it takes is will.

A lookout tower( left) and the broadcast tower of Antenna Hungaria at the top of Karancs mountain are backdrop by the rising moon as seen from the vicinity of Karancskeszi village 128km North-east of Budapest, Hungary (Telegraph.co.uk photo)

South American leaders announce new regional bloc

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group of South American leaders have signed a declaration creating a regional bloc of nations that they say is open to any country, regardless of ideology, to collaborate on solving regional problems.

Presidents from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru attended a summit on Friday in Santiago, Chile where the declaration was signed.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera and Colombia’s Ivan Duque had led the push for the new political grouping after more than half the members of the previous regional bloc, UNASUR, left last year, saying it had failed to take action on Venezuela.

The new seven-nation bloc, known as Prosur will have “a firm and clear commitment to democracy, freedom and a respect for human rights,” according to Pinera who spoke at a press conference during the summit.

In a tweet on Friday, Pinera said the forum would allow South American coun-

Argentina, Brazil and Colombia are among the members of the new bloc

tries to “move together towards better freedom, integration and development”.

The Venezuela question

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was not among the leaders invited to meet in Santiago on Friday, prompting some leaders to criticise the organisers who invited Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaido instead.

Guaido is recognised by all of Prosur’s members and several other countries as Venezuela’s legitimate interim-president until new elections can be held, following

the controversy surrounding the reelection of Maduro in May 2018. Guaido declared himself interim president in January in a move Maduro described as an attempted coup.

Guaido did not attend the summit, nor send a representative as had been expected.

Also absent were Bolivian President Evo Morales – a close ally of Maduro – and Uruguay’s President Tabare Vazquez. Uruguay had, along with Mexico been urging regional powers to work with the Maduro Administration to find a solution to Venezuela’s multiple crises, but changed

gear in February, calling for new elections.

Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman, reporting from Santiago, said Prosur was already facing criticism from some who see it as a rightwing rebranding of Unasur.

“There are a lot of people of think that the point of Prosur, at least in the short term, is to be yet another forum, another mechanism for putting pressure on Maduro and forcing him out of power.

“A lot of people who are even critical of Maduro say that this organisation, rather than favouring and defending multilateralism, seems to be playing into this new rightwing populist wave in the region,” she said. “They say it must be pluralistic because governments change, but institutions should not”.

Unasur was created in 2008 when the leftist populism advocated by Maduro’s predecessor Hugo Chávez was at its strongest in South America, but in recent years, the bloc has been paralysed by divisions as centre-right governments have risen to power. (Al Jazeera)

US imposes sanctions on Venezuela bank Bandes after Guaido aide’s arrest

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he United States imposed sanctions on Venezuela’s development bank Bandes, a day after the Trump Administration warned there would be consequences for the arrest of opposition leader Juan Guaido’s top aide.

The US Treasury said it was slapping the sanctions on the Banco de Desarrollo Economico y Social de Venezuela, including its subsidiaries in Uruguay and Bolivia. “(President Nicolás) Maduro and his enablers have

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

distorted the original pur-

pose of the bank... as part of a desperate attempt to hold onto power,” US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement announcing the action.

Guaido, who invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency in January, has accused Bandes of being used by officials of Maduro’s Government to steal funds.

The US Treasury said Maduro tried to move US$1 billion out of Venezuela through Banco Bandes Uruguay in early 2019. Bandes has received billions of dollars over

the past decade from the China Development Bank, in exchange for oil, which the Venezuelan Government used to fund infrastructure projects.

The sanctions freeze assets belonging to the bank and its subsidiaries, and prevent US citizens from any dealings with Bandes.

The announcement comes after Venezuelan authorities detained Guaido’s Chiefof-Staff, Roberto Marrero, on Thursday in a pre-dawn raid, sparking vows of reprisals from the United States, which backs Guaido. (CNBC)

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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

Govt eroded economic gains made by PPP Dear Editor, It is the mother of all ironies that this Coalition Government, which is addictive to the use of the term ‘fit and proper’, has proven beyond any reasonable doubt that it has now dived into the dark abyss of the ‘unfit and improper’ to the point of no return!

The time has passed for any type of salvage operations, unless directives and interferences into the operations of GECOM are brought to a screeching halt.

It is now conclusive that both the Coalition and GECOM are embarked on a premeditated course to delay elections close to the 2020 Elections due date, in order to buy the PNC enough time to rig. The former DCEO of GECOM, Mr Vishnu Persaud, has stated that it is not possible for elections to be held by November, since the houseto-house registration will take at least 68 weeks, or 17 months. This will take us to September 2020. In other words, the original due date for the 2020 Elections.

Moreover, the courts cannot direct GECOM to call an

Election, and the President has bowled the election ‘preparedness’ spin to GECOM, which swallowed it hook, line and sinker, and added it to its repertoire of excuses and trickeries.

GECOM’s Chairman has served the purpose of his appointment with flying colours, and Granger is a proud Burnham disciple!

This time frame would allow the PNC-dominated Coalition to properly install its rigging machinery. This will be done by such tactics as padding the voters’ list and recruiting PNC supporters as polling agents to facilitate multiple voting, etc. It will also give them enough time to use state resources to buy support where they have lost it.

The Coalition is fully aware that, should an election be held any time soon, they would be voted out of office. This is an option they can ill-afford. This means that they would lose the billions of oil dollars which would be available in the near future to perpetuate their good life status. We must be reminded that the old PNC rigged elections af-

ter elections for far less! The PNC simply cannot afford to lose the next elections.

The ‘fit and proper’ Coalition piloted by the PNC have not only failed to deliver on their campaign promises, but they have eroded the economic gains made by the PPP/C Government, who had inherited a bankrupt economy from the same PNC in 1992. Hordes of the Coalition’s own supporters have now rejected them, and in just over 3 years, the PNC’s partner in crime, the AFC, has completely disintegrated except for the few remaining hustlers and thieves.

Moreover, Guyanese must not be fooled by President Granger’s theatrics. He has been playing games and giving directives to the GECOM Chairman on precisely what GECOM should deliver, and that is: to delay the constitutionally due General and Regional Elections until next year.

The house-to-house registration will ensure that.

We have been hearing regurgitations about GECOM’s preparedness, even though GECOM itself

had declared in December that it was prepared to hold Elections at any time they are required to do so; so Granger, aided by GECOM, has resorted to tricks, lies and deceit to con the populace.

The President is not interested in abiding by the Constitution, and is willing to incur the wrath of not only Guyanese, but the international community as well. He has played games with the Leader of the Opposition, and has now played games using GECOM. What a legacy Granger is willing to leave behind.

He simply wants to outdo his mentor, the late LFS Burnham. We have seen those nefarious manifestations during the 28 years of the PNC dictatorship.

History will repeat itself!

We must be unrelenting in our quest to ensure the eviction of this illegal Government by all means peaceful and legitimate!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC CouncillorRegion Six

Banding together in face of adversity Dear Editor, The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, might not be physically tall, but she certainly stood tall for her country, and particularly the Muslim community, following the recent horrific terrorist attacks on two

mosques in that country.

She led from the front on how a country can be one by her many acts of caring, sharing and commiserating with her nation; thus unifying a nation and people during that difficult time.

Her swift and decisive

actions in reforming and revamping gun laws must be seen as, and go down as, her shining moment and one of the hallmarks of her tenure.

Now, in a further act of unity, the Muslim call to prayer was broadcast live on Friday, the one week

anniversary of the attacks.

There are many lessons to be garnered from the simple but important acts on how to band together in the face of adversity.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

Discern before decide Dear Editor, It is disheartening to read horrific stories of ending another’s life through violence. The fundamental question is: why does anyone be violent against another? It is baffling as to why some turn violent; or, as we call it, ‘no blood in the eye.’

This chronic issue is pervading humanity, and the problem rests on the perpetrator with his background. I would like to hail the theory of ‘warrior genes’ by scientist Prof.

Jim Fallon, who learned from an extensive experiment with the psychopaths from behind bars. The violent criminals and the psychopaths have, or inherit, “warrior genes” from birth.

They are unique people with some little impulsive disorder. These warrior genes take priority in their lives. Their genes feed on the abuses and bad experiences from their childhood; and they grow up to be violent, having nourished their warrior genes.

This triggers their brain to act in a different manner. They don’t feel, but they think. Any feeling is the same feeling for this, whether it’s murder or a table, it’s the same.

This is an extraordinary problem which leads them to act violently, even to the extreme of killing other fellow humans. If at all they had been treated well in

their childhood, they would have turned out to be good people. In the case of marines, these warrior genes are trained and motivated so that they would be able to combat the opponents without fear. This may be the case with sports. The team must be trained to possess these genes to fight against the opposite team.

If not managed in time, anger can lead to rage.

Anger is not an evil feeling, but consequences of anger matter. The consequences of anger can be detrimental. Much ink has been spilled on this topic. Each one needs to have tools to manage anger. If not managed, anger can control us, and it can be disastrous.

Like any other emotion, anger can blank our reason, hence causing us to act not on reason, but on emotion. Our emotions must be reasonable, and for this to happen we must discern and not decide. It is good to be slow to act, rather than sorry afterwards.

‘Child is the father of Man’. Children learn from imitating parents and adults. It is imperative that the child has a safe environment, wherein one cannot inherit or breed these warrior genes. In any case, if a child learns to be violent, it is important to ‘nip it in the bud.’

Sincerely, Jerri Dias

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saturday, march 23, 2019

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Foundation Active listening improves communication in the parent child relationship

By Genevieve Simperingham

W

hy won’t my child listen to me? Why won’t she open up when it’s obvious that something’s bothering her? Why does he answer back? Why does she shout rather than talk when she gets upset? Why does he lash out when frustrated rather than seeking my support? Why do they lie?

Active listening is a communication skill that can bring greater connection, cooperation, clarity and understanding to relationships.

Parents are often baffled to see their child being defiant, uncooperative or becoming verbally or physically aggressive rather than talk about their feelings. They can’t understand why their child will shut down and refuse to speak or interact when they’re clearly troubled.

Parents know how much they love their child and hope or expect that their child can trust that they can turn to their parent for comfort. Yet, many of the responses from parents to children when a child needs to feel heard, including very well meaning advice or discipline, inadvertently gives children the message that their feelings are not valued, cared for or understood and, when practiced, can truly transform how your children talk to you, listen to you and generally improves the quality of communication and co-operation between you.

Active listening tends to result in the connection, the trust and hence the flow of communication opening up, sometimes deepening, sometimes becoming lighter, but certainly moving at least a couple of steps from disharmony to harmony.

Children listen to us more or less as well as they feel listened to. Probably the number one top complaint of parents is that their child “won’t listen” to them, but what if the child’s refusal or disinterest in listening to us is an indicator that, quite often, they don’t feel very good when listening to us, resulting in some breakdown of the communication. It’s hard to relate to our child’s feelings and frustrations when we feel ignored by our child or feel that our child is purposely fighting us. Yet, it’s when we can see past their refusal to cooperate and try to relate to what feelings they may be showing us that things can start to move from stuck back to open connected communication that works for parent and child!

What helps you feel seen, heard and understood? To gain some insight into your child’s world, perhaps first think about this from your own perspective: Bring to mind a relationship where you struggle to get your point of view across, a relationship that always feels like a one way communication,

even when they listen, you can tell they’re not really listening, that they’re amped to jump back in and get their point of view across, to give advice, to correct or criticize you (perhaps subtly) and generally always bring the communication back to their thoughts, feelings and opinions.

You might wish they could show genuine interest in hearing and understanding your perspective.

Notice how you feel when thinking about this person and these interactions. If you were to need this person’s help or cooperation, what thoughts would come up for you?

Possibly, you’d rather not need them at all and if you do need to ask their help or advice, you would probably already feel defensive and quite stressed.

Now think about the person who always shows genuine interest in your point of view, in your experiences and feelings and gives you positive reflections. Think about how you feel if you need to seek their help? Much calmer? If you think about the messages you receive from these different experiences, you’ll no doubt

gain some valuable experiencebased insights into what active listening is and is not. These insights are way more valuable than anything you can read on the subject!

Love is not enough, we need communication skills. The difference between these two different interactions probably has a lot to do with whether a certain person can practice active listening or not.

When active listening, the listener resists the temptation to make the assumption that they already know what the speaker is trying to say. It’s easy to think “oh I’ve heard this before” or “I know what you should do”, “yeah right, as if you’re so innocent in this” or “come on get to the bottom line”. Such thoughts make it difficult to properly hear and interpret the speaker’s words and can deny both parties the opportunity for deeper understanding and to resolve potential misunderstandings.

Mostly when people are speaking, they are showing feelings, not just information and facts. When the listener responds back to the

facts while ignoring the feelings, this can leave the speaker with an unsatisfied sense that their feelings haven’t been seen, understood or cared about (empathized with) hence leading to tension between listener and speaker. This can subsequently make it more difficult for the speaker to then listen actively when it’s their turn to listen.

Yet when the listener has tuned in to the feelings being expressed, as well as the information and facts, and shows a good attempt to acknowledge those feelings (“oh I can well imagine why you found that so frustrating”), then the speaker (be they a child or an adult) may gain more satisfaction and hence in turn feel more open and positive as the communication continues.

Good communication depends on clear coherent feedback.

People often listen passively, not giving any feedback to the speaker about whether they are accepting or understanding what’s been spoken. When the speaker either doesn’t receive feedback, be it verbal or non-verbal, this can add to the tensions between speaker and listener.

With active listening, the listener reflects to the speaker while they’re still speaking that they are fully listening, this can involve sounds like “mmm”, “yea”, “ok”, “aahh” and it can also be reflected through eye contact, nodding the head and body language that shows patience, presence and interest. The listener can then reflect verbally what they think they’ve understood and then give the speaker a chance to clarify or further explain; for example “ok what I think I understand from what you’ve said is that ... this happened, then this happened ..., which led to you feeling .... and what you now need is for .... Does that sound right?”.

Active listening can deepen the bond, the trust, the mutual respect and mutual understanding in relationships.

Children from birth onwards need and benefit hugely from active listening. With active listening, the listener gives their full attention to the speaker.

They show the speaker that they are truly present, as opposed to half listening or impatiently waiting to jump in with what they have to say. The majority of communication between people is non-verbal, maybe about 92 per cent, which is why it works so well with babies who are pre-verbal as well as older children and not to mention partners!

Active listening promotes a deeper level of empathy and attunement in that when the listener is fully present and receptive, they tend to become more attuned with the speaker and pick up on a lot more of the non-verbal communication,

guyanatimesgy.com

tone of voice, eye contact, facial expressions, body language and notice what’s not being said through hesitation in the voice, etc. It’s all too easy to view communication in terms of the relaying of facts and ignore the all-important emotional information.

When a parent uses active listening, children generally feel more supported and less controlled. It’s hard for parents to resist giving endless advice and lectures as they feel the huge responsibility of teaching their child. Believe me I know this so well, 18 years down the parenting path I still have to edit what moves from my thoughts to my words, it’s a feeling of pulling in my own reins! And there is of course a place for giving advice. Yet, it’s rarely the best first response. And one of the gifts of doing more listening is that children tend to be more open to hearing their parent’s advice because it no longer compromises their chance to express what’s important to them, and take ownership of

their challenges.

Our children, like us adults, benefit from the opportunity to work things out as they speak, they like to self-correct and develop self-discipline. A great way to support our child’s selfconfidence and self-competence is to hold back the advice and replace it with active listening as often as possible. Your time and patience will soon start to pay off as you notice your child taking more responsibility and using these listening skills that you’ve modelled. By slowing down the communication and resisting giving advice and solutions, parents also give the message to their child that they trust them to find their own solutions and trust them to ask for and access as much or as little help as they need.

With active listening, the listener becomes more present and really allows the communication to slow down.

Generally, as tensions rise in an interaction, the communication speeds up making it less and less likely that either party will end up feeling heard, understood, trusted or supported. Active Listening creates more time, more presence and more spaciousness to the communication de-escalating stress and increasing mutual listening. (www.peacefulparent.com)

To be continued

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saturday, MARCH 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Strange Mathematics” cannot change what is in Guyana’s Constitution – Jagdeo …assures supporters the struggle continues

T

he Constitution of Guyana is pellucid on what number of votes is needed for the passage of a no-confidence motion; it is a majority of all elected Parliamentarians – the majority of 65 is 33 votes.

This declaration was made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday (March 22, 2019) evening in a televised video recording following the hot-button issue that was the ruling of the Appeal Court on the cases related to the no-confidence motion.

The Court of Appeal on Friday overturned the ruling of the Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire, relative to one of the three cases that challenged the validity of the vote on the no- confidence motion on December 21, 2018 – a vote that was upheld by Guyana’s Legislature. In a 2-1 vote, Justices Yonnette Cummings-Edwards and Dawn Gregory ruled that the 33 votes are not a majority of 65; rather, 34 is the majority. Justice Rishi Persaud voted to uphold the ruling of the Chief Justice (ag), which was handed down on January 31, 2019.

Jagdeo noted that Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states that: “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.”

According to him, the Constitution is clear in saying that the vote is valid if a majority of all elected Parliamentarians – 33 Parliamentarians – cast their vote in favour of the passage of a no-confidence

motion.

He added that all right-thinking Guyanese would conclude that 33 is the majority of 65 – a conclusion that was extensively addressed by the Chief Justice (ag) in her ruling.

“No strange mathematics can change what is in the Constitution…a majority of all elected members in the National Assembly is 33,” Jagdeo said.

He explained that the argument about a vote of 34 being needed was not the argument he expected to be used by the Appeal Court to overturn the ruling of the Chief Justice (ag).

“I thought (that) if the Chief Justice’s ruling was to be overturned, it would have been on another technicality, not this one…this is probably the weakest argument,” Jagdeo said, adding that the ruling of the Chief Justice was profound and well-reasoned.

The Chief Justice in her ruling had said: “While the terms ‘simple majority’ and ‘absolute majority’ may be useful in common parlance for the purposes of interpretation – and some Constitutions do have such language – it might be best to focus on the meanings of those terms instead of the terms themselves. That is, instead of asking what constitutes an ‘absolute majority’, this court will consider what constitutes a ‘majority of all elected Members of the National Assembly’. “…in the case of a requirement for a majority of all elected members of the National Assembly, at least thirty-three (33) votes must always be obtained to meet that requirement. “…it must be noted here

ue to call for GECOM to be prepared for early elections.

“There is a great possibility that the CCJ will overturn the ruling of the Appeal Court… If it is overturned and GECOM is not prepared, there could be further delays. If we do prevail at the level of the CCJ, then GECOM must be ready for Elections soon, very soon,” he said.

Message To Supporters

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo speaking to supporters at his Church Street head office on Friday morning

that in the no-confidence motion moved in our National Assembly, the Speaker found that the motion had been carried by a majority of thirty-three – thirty-two (33-32).

“It must also be noted that, as the Applicant [Attorney General Basil Williams] admitted in his oral submissions, no one in the National Assembly at the time, neither the elected members nor anyone else, indicated to the Speaker that the vote could not be carried by a majority of thirty-three – thirty-two (33-32). “…in our 65-member National Assembly, therefore, a majority of all elected members of the National Assembly, in accordance with the principle of “one over all rivals combined”, is thirty-three (33) members.

This is so since the maximum number of potential opposers can only be thir-

ty-two (32).”

The Opposition Leader noted that, in 2014, when the Alliance For Change (AFC), supported by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), advanced a no-confidence motion against former President Donald Ramotar, it was done with the explicit acknowledgement that AFC and APNU had the 33 votes that were needed for their no-confidence motion to be successful.

He added that prior to the December 21, 2018 vote, the Coalition Government boasted that it had 33 votes, and therefore the no-confidence motion could not be passed with a vote of 32.

After the vote, according to him, both President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo accepted that the PPP/C no-confidence motion was validly passed in the House.

Move To The CCJ

Making it clear that the ruling of the Appeal Court will be respected, Jagdeo disclosed that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will be moving swiftly to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

“We hope that we will be able to convince the CCJ that the no-confidence motion has been validly passed,” he said.

According to him, the adverse ruling of the Appeal Court allows the PPP/C to pursue the matter swiftly at the CCJ, as opposed to being faced with the possibility of a drawn out process led by the Coalition if the Appeal Court had gone in a different direction.

Relative to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Jagdeo stated that the PPP/C will contin-

Addressing supporters of the PPP/C directly, Jagdeo acknowledged that while some may view the Appeal Court’s ruling as a setback, the PPP/C was aware that the Appeal Court represented a hurdle; more so, considering the rulings in political cases, such as the challenge to the unilateral appointment of the Chairman of GECOM by President Granger.

“I urge all of you not to be dejected…we have to keep working hard, talking about what we stand for and bringing people together… We knew that this was a hurdle, but that is why we have an external review by way of the CCJ,” the Opposition Leader said.

He added that the PPP/C will remain mobilized, and will continue to work to expose the nature of the APNU+AFC Coalition.

“We will continue to work across all of Guyana…

People have seen the true nature of this Government… they want to hang on to power…the struggle has to be intense…they cannot hide from an election forever… they can hang around for a while, but they cannot hide forever…the Election will come,” the Opposition Leader said.

8 News

saturday, MARCH 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man remanded for cocaine in “Krazy Glue” container A Defending... man who reportedly hid cocaine in a Krazy Glue container was on Friday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for trafficking in narcotics.

Dexter Cross appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly, who read the charge which stated that he had three grams of cocaine in

his possession on March 15, 2019, while he was in the vicinity of Bourda Street, Georgetown.

After the charge was read to him, Cross explained to Senior Magistrate Leron Daly that he does not know whether he should plead guilty or not.

“Your worship I don’t even know what to say, but it wasn’t me own,” Cross

said.

As such, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf by the court after he denied ownership of the drug.

The court heard that on the day in question, the defendant was observed acting in a suspicious manner when he was subjected to a search by ranks of the City Constabulary.

During the search, the

alleged cocaine was found stashed in his trouser pocket, concealed in a container.

The prosecution opposed bail citing the prevalence of the offence. The prosecution’s submission was subsequently upheld by the magistrate who remanded Cross to prison.

The matter will continue on April 12, 2019.

Alleged thief remanded

J

ames Allen was on Friday remanded to prison when he appeared before a city magistrate to answer to a robbery under arms charge.

Allen denied that on March 14, 2019, while in the vicinity of Waterloo Street, Georgetown, and while being armed with a knife, he robbed Timothy Broach of his cellphone and a gold chain valued $33,000.

The court heard that the matter was reported to the police by the victim and as

they were attempting to arrest Allen, he allegedly used the same weapon to inflict wounds on an officer.

As a result, he was shot once to his left foot by the officer.

In court on Friday, the prosecution opposed bail on the grounds of the serious nature of the offence and the fact that a dangerous weapon was used during the ordeal.

Further, the prosecutor cited the fact that the 25-yearold man was also charged and convicted in 2018 for a matter

of similar nature.

The court was also informed that on the day of the alleged robbery, a search was carried out on the person of the defendant and the virtual complainant’s cellphone was found in his pocket.

In Allen’s defence, he told Magistrate Leron Daly that

on the day in question, he was only carrying his key ring when he was shot by the police.

“The only thing I had pun me was me key ring and it contain a flick knife and de police shoot me in me foot boy,” Allen stated. The case will continue on April 12, 2019.

Man says lack of employment led him to traffic ganja

S

enior Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday sentenced a Kitty, Georgetown resident to three years’ imprisonment and fined him $30,000 after he admitted to a charge of cannabis possession.

Navindra Harichorin of Lot 7B Owen Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was charged jointly with Martin Ishmael of Foulis, East Coast Demerara. Harichorin admitted to the offence while Ishmael denied the charges when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

The charge stated that on March 20, 2019, at a house located in Kitty, Georgetown, they had in their possession 140.13 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. Prosecutor Sanj Singh revealed that the narcotics were found in a bedroom concealed in a drawer in the presence of both defendants.

According to the prosecutor, both men were taken into custody where Harichorin gave a caution statement and admitted to the offence. He admitted that the cannabis belonged to him and that he usually sells it as his means of income.

“Officer, the weed is my own. I buy it to sell so I could buy food to eat because I looking fuh wuk but I ain’t finding nun,” he admitted in his statement the court was told. On Friday, Harichorin was jailed for three years and fined $30,000 by Magistrate Daly.

Ismael, on the other hand, was refused bail after Prosecutor Singh objected to bail being granted, citing the fact that no special reasons were given. That case will continue on April 26, 2019.

A

...the status quo s we go into the second day of the illegal PNC-led regime, we’ll begin to see all sorts of excretions of the budding dictatorship-in-creation. The lies and fabrications on the constitutional crisis we can expect and we suspect most have become inured to them by now, and their regurgitation is simply to reassure the PNC faithful. What’s more insidious will be those who’ll pretend to occupy some kind of moral “high ground” and shed crocodile tears for “our country”, even as they defend the illegal status quo.

Now, dear reader, you have to always be careful of anyone who defends the status quo, ‘cause once you scratch the surface, you can be certain they’re benefitting from it. There’s even a syndrome called “status quo stonewalling” – of which the moral high ground claim above is one characteristic - that describes their modus operandi. What you should know is: whenever folks start to stonewall, you know they’ve run out of substantive arguments against the change they’re opposing.

This line is exemplified by the oleaginous letter in the press from a hardline PNC journalist, starting out with two maudlin stories of Guyanese reaching across the ethnic divide to help each other, and ending up with the “plea”: “Don’t allow anyone to tear that fabric apart.” You could almost see a tear roll down his cheek – probably after squeezing an onion!

So exactly who is “tearing this country apart”? In his media outlet, why has he supported the Government’s nonsense on stilts about “33 not greater than 32”, and not obey the Constitution? Wasn’t that “tearing the country apart”?

But more to the point, why has he waited until the Opposition gave in and gave in until the constitutionally due date for elections has passed and they have to defend the constitution to make his “call”?? Plain and simple, he and others of his ilk will just be playing on the emotions of Guyanese, to get them to ignore the Government’s trampling of the Constitution so they’ll do nothing about it, lest “the national fabric” be torn.

But heck…the PNC already violently ripped that fabric when they somersaulted from their initial acceptance of the constitutionally- sanctioned NCM and came up with their cock and bull nonsense which they took to the courts.

Fact of the matter is that Guyana is again at the crosswords, where the PNC has brought it once again – undermining the Constitution, which is supposed to protect the people from the Leviathan – and folks like this journalist are giving them a free pass.

Now is the time for all Guyanese who really care for the integrity of the “fabric” of our society to stand up and be counted!! …own “blackpot” Imagine James Patterson - David Granger’s handpicked 85-year-old GECOM Chairman - made the casting vote to reject the highest scoring Dep CEO candidate.

His excuse was: “…he came over to me as shifty and unreliable…and I wasn’t going to recommend him in the place of someone who I think was…fit and proper.”

Asked if he’d even interviewed Persaud - who had 15 years of experience with GECOM; a Masters Degree plus a diploma in electoral matters – against the rival Myers, who had no such experience or electoral qualifications, Patterson admitted he hadn’t even ever seen the gentleman!! He claimed to have “a paper trail” for his assessment, and promised to produce this – which he never did! In the meantime, the successful candidate – who just happens to be an avowed PNC supporter – remains on the job!!

But your Eyewitness believes Patterson’s assertion of “shiftiness” was a PROJECTION of his own character flaw.

Remember he claimed it was a “slip of the pen” to write he was a Chief Justice of Grenada, on his CV!!

Shifty!! …the FORCE The Chief of Police denied media reports that his organisation was now the “Police SERVICE”, and not the “Police FORCE”.

What else could he say when he was preparing to “deal condignly” with Opposition protests against the illegal Government??

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

9 Charrandas Persaud files $30M lawsuit against Ramjattan F News

saturday, MARCH 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

ormer APNU/AFC Parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud has filed a $30 million lawsuit against Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan for libel committed after the passage of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018.

Persaud voted in favour of the no-confidence vote brought by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo which led to the toppling of the current Government.

Following his vote

against the APNU/AFC, Ramjattan ordered that an investigation be launched into Persaud’s activities leading up to the vote after he was accused by the Minister of a corrupt act, taking a bribe and colluding with the opposition among other accusations.

Persaud had responded to the Minister’s accusations by pointing out that he took the conscious vote to eliminate the sufferings of persons in Region Six after the Government unilater- Former APNU/AFC MP Charrandas Persaud

Divided Appeal Court...

N

andlall further rejected the claims by the judges in their decisions: that it was accepted by all the counsels that Article 106 (6) required an absolute majority. The former AG contended that there was no mention of the term “absolute” in front of the word “majority” in the article, which is something that was deliberately done by the framers of the Constitution of Guyana. “…If the framers of our Constitution wanted to use the term ‘absolute majority’, they would have used

that term; instead, they said “a majority of all [the elected] members of the National Assembly”, and a majority of all the members of the National Assembly when the whole is 65, in my view, continues to be 33,” Nandlall said.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Williams told reporters after the ruling that he was pleased with the decision of the court, but could not say whether Government will discontinue its efforts to prepare for General and Regional Elections later this year.

from page 3

President Granger on Wednesday informed Jagdeo via a letter that he will soon announce a date for polls based on the guidelines provided by the Guyana Elections Commission.

The elections body has advised the Head of State that it would not be ready to host elections until late November, when a new voters’ list will become available following house-tohouse registration.

On the other hand, the attorneys representing the other parties have since indicated that they will also be

ally closed down several sugar estates.

Hours after his historic vote, Persaud boarded a plane at the Eugene F Correia Airport, where he left the country for Canada.

In an interview with C a n a d i a n Broadcasting Corporation

(CBC) following the vote, Persaud said he made the move to leave Guyana since he was fearful for his own safety because of Guyana’s history of political assassinations.

The CBC reported that Persaud added that the feeling only got stronger after the vote when he said another MP told him he would be dead that night.

“It was not an idle threat I entertained…Thank God for the advent of cellphones.

Too many people were

watching internationally and locally,” he told CBC. Persaud added that he did not take any chances and after the sitting, he went directly to the Canadian High Commission in Georgetown where he flew to Barbados and then Toronto.

Adding to that, Ramjattan had admitted in January that he initiated the ongoing probe against the party’s expelled Member of Parliament (MP).

approaching the CCJ to reverse the Appellate Court’s upholding of decisions handed down by the Chief Justice.

Senior Counsel Neil

Boston, representing Reid, insisted that Charrandas’s vote was not saved, as posited by the judges in their rulings.

Attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde, representing Minister of State Joseph Harmon, also held the same view.

10 news

saturday, MARCH 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana lacks capacity to treat cancer – CMO

By Davina Ramdass

T

he Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud on Friday said that Guyana has been facing challenges in the health sector when it comes to meeting the needs of the population, especially those who require treatment for cancer.

“Health care is a very dy-

namic process and I think that from the diversity of the different conditions for example and the demand for additional services is really growing rapidly,” Dr Persaud said in an interview with Guyana Times.

The CMO explained that Guyana has been trying to keep up with the global health trends but has been failing to gain the requisite

capacity in a few areas, with cancer being a major aspect.

He noted that what the country has been trying to do is partner with the private health facilities and even overseas medical institutions to address those gaps.

Dr Persaud explained that in Guyana, the demand for a specific service may not be great in number, howev-

Chief Medical Officer, Shamdeo Persaud

Dr

er it still remains crucial.

He made specific reference to the three little leukemia patients who died at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“Many times the demand might not be great in terms of numbers but it’s essential, like the instance of children with leukemia for example so there might be a small number but they’re also very precious Guyanese who really require this service so we try to partner with various institutions to get that going,” he posited.

According to him, Guyana has been partnering with various organisations from North America to fill existing gaps. In addition

he pointed out partnerships with Trinidad, Cuba and China which aid in identifying weak points while securing the relevant health professionals needed.

So far, the CMO said Guyana has had help to develop special services for neonates, as the health sector continues to grapple with a high rate of neonatal deaths.

“We also have some collaboration in cardiac care, well of course you know there is the existence of the Caribbean Heart Institute here at Georgetown Hospital but we have also been working with other partners to try to develop more timely diagnostic procedures like the echocardiograms and so on,” he added.

The echocardiogram is a type of test that uses high frequency sound waves or ultrasound to make pictures of a patient’s heart.

The CMO added that “the cancers are the ones that we still are in the stage of development so we are looking for persons who can contribute to helping us build those services.”

He said he believes if Guyana is to up its game in this area, the country may very well require more spe-

cialised medication, better techniques and procedures and even additional equipment, among others.

“Hopefully our health service will develop as we go along,” the CMO added.

The CMO’s statements come at a time when even Head of State David Granger has been flying out of the country to be treated for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.

Just recently also, the country’s premiere health institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital, was placed in the spotlight after three children lost their lives as a result of negligence on the part of the doctors who were treating the children for various types of cancers.

An investigation found that the doctors at GPHC who administered the pre-chemotherapy drug did so without following protocol, which eventually led to the deaths of seven-yearold Curwayne Edwards on January 14; three-yearold Roshini Seegobin on January 18, followed by sixyear-old Sharezer Mendonca who died on January 24.

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saturday, MARCH 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Peacemaker shot, stabbed 22 health facilities certified

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elebrations on Thursday turned to distress for a young man who was dealt several stabs to his back and allegedly received a gunshot wound to his knee after he tried intervening in an argument between his sister-in-law and another female.

Injured is 27-year-old Kezil Brazalio. According to reports, at about 18:30h Brazalio was along Sussex

Street, Albouystown, when he noticed two females in a heated argument.

Realising that one of the women is his sister-inlaw, he attempted to make peace among the duo.

However, the mother of the other female involved in the argument allegedly approached Brazalio and dealt him several stabs to his back. He then fell to the ground but things took a turn for the worse

when a male resident from Charlestown, Georgetown, approached him and fired several shots in his direction.

After discharging the rounds, the male perpetrator made good his escape while Brazalio was rushed to the Woodlands Hospital where he was admitted a patient. He was shot once to the knee.

The police have since launched an investigation.

across Guyana

…94 certification applications pending

ERC calls for prevailing calm among Guyanese

T

he current political situation in Guyana is not going unnoticed by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and the entity is calling for the prevailing calm to remain in what it described as a hallmark “in a demonstration of our ability as a people to resolve our challenges” in a mature way.

On Friday, the ERC said that by doing so, this would ensure that the welfare of both the nation and all Guyanese is placed on the front burner.

“The Commission, therefore, takes this opportunity to remind all involved of the need to exercise utmost care to not exacerbate tensions and

incite; to be tolerant of our differences and the right to amicably disagree and to demonstrate mutual respect for each other when making public utterances keeping in mind the impact of influence.

Importantly, this sense of being thoroughly responsible must not be confined to meetings and the traditional media outlets, but be extended to social media as well,” the ERC said.

The ERC reminded that

its monitoring department will continue to stringently monitor pronouncements.

Mindful of the need for maturity even in disagreement, the Commission said it remains optimistic that time will reveal that, as a nation, these challenges will be “resolved through our common goals for peace and unity for Guyana and Guyanese deserve nothing less.”

These sentiments come on the heels of the peaceful country-wide protest held by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) where thousands of the party’s supporters on Friday morning protested the Government’s action on matters on national concerns.

Some of the representatives from health facilities which received certification on Friday from Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud

S

ome 22 health facilities, both public and private, were on Friday presented with licenses by the Public Health Ministry at the Blood Transfusion Unit, Georgetown, to conduct various services.

The health facilities, which were presented with their certification documents, were required to meet specified standards before obtaining their certificates.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud explained that among the requirements needed for certification is space enough for confidential consulta-

tion, adequate waiting facility, proper record system and procedures for sterility among others.

“You would want to ensure that there is adequate waiting facility, there is a proper record system and so on in place, that you provide space enough for confidential consultation so they would usually look at consultation rooms for the doctors, nursing rooms, procedures for sterility, cleaning, waste disposal and so on generally,” Dr Persaud said.

When it comes to facilities that cater for in-patient services, those health institutions were required to have adequate and safe

meals as well as water.

The inspectors also paid keen attention to waste disposal and the toilet facilities at those institutions prior to their certification, among others.

Among the health institutions certified were Balwant Singh’s Hospital, St Joseph Mercy Hospital and Resident Care, Industry Health Centre and Ithaca Health Centre.

“Most of the licenses as you would see for this year would be accompanied by a list of the services that are approved for that facility, so not all facilities are licensed for everything,” he said.

In this regard, he said that he hopes those facilities can become fully certified to offer all the additional services.

Moreover, the CMO noted that he looks forward to those health institutions maintaining their standards.

With 22 institutions scratched off the list, some 94 applications are said to be pending which will allow more health facilities to be certified.

The Chief Medical Officer said he aims to have all 372 health establishments, including Health Centres, across the country certified this year.

12

saturday, MARCH 23, 2019 |

Thousands of PPP supp

By Kristen Macklingam

T

PPP Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali leading the Region Three delegation

housands of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) supporters in all ten administrative regions of Guyana on Friday morning protested the Government’s action of not naming a date for elections. The protest came hours before the Court of Appeal in a 2:1 judgement held that the no-confidence vote was not validly passed on December 21, 2018, since a requirement of 34 persons was needed to pass the motion in Parliament.

However, the Chief Justice, Roxanne George, had previously ruled that 33 was the majority and the vote was valid. Nevertheless, the PPP has since indicated that they will be appealing the Court of Appeal’s decision at the level of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Meanwhile, during the peaceful protest on Friday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said that the party will continue to “mount pressure on this illegal Government until they call elections”. He made the comment while he along with PPP’s Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali along

with party executives led a large crowd of supporters in front of the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday morning.

According to Jagdeo, the protest actions will continue sporadically.

“We don’t want to disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens, we don’t want to disturb the business community, the public servants and other workers across the country, our security forces. But we will target those who have been holding our country hostage…. as for GECOM, it is complicit with the Government, that is the three Governmentappointed Commissioners and the Chairman, and they take instructions from the Government and just repeat what Congress Place wants them to say,” Jagdeo said.

Meanwhile, PPP Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali stated that the protest action was countrywide.

He explained that the actions by APNU/AFC are a testimony to the breakdown of the rule of law as well as the disregard and disrespect for Guyana’s Constitution.

“So what you are seeing

Residents of the Essequibo Coast on the picket line on Friday

Bartica residents showing their support for the Opposition

Region Nine residents out in their numbers on Friday

Guyanese based in Toronto, Canada, also picketed on Friday

Protesters outside the Ministry of the Presidency

here is the people power, the people power demonstrating their fundamental human rights. We were debarred, we were barred from going in front of the Office of the President a few minutes earlier so we came on the back, no reason was given, as you can see this is a very peaceful protest and this is the will of the people. And it is all across the country.”

He added that similar protests were held in Trinidad, Canada, New York and in the United Kingdom.

Also on the protest line was former Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who argued that on December 21, 2018, the majority of the Guyanese populace, through their representatives in the National Assembly, voiced that neither do they have any confidence in the Executive arm of the Government nor do they trust the Executive arm of that Government.

Region Two

At Anna Regina, Region Two, (Pomeroon-Supenaam) over 1000 party supporters and residents across the coast decked out in the party’s co-

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13

3, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

upporters protest Govt

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road, the

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lours as they too protested against the APNU/AFC coalition.

Some of the placards read – “GECOM is not above the law, time to respect the Constitution, Granger has violated the Constitution, no Parliament without election date.”

Regions Five & Six

The demonstrations in Berbice were held outside of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) Regional office at Fort Wellington in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam where the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) office is located.

Former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy addressed the scores of protesters, where he stated that Guyana exited the fold of free and democratic nations and is now among a handful of countries without freedom and democracy.

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal called for persons to keep the pressure to ensure that democracy is upheld.

In New Amsterdam they chanted, “Granger must go”

and “We demand elections now”, among others while holding placards. Some of the slogans displayed read: “Granger is not above the law”, “The Prime Minister is illegal”, “Patterson must not take instructions from Granger”, “Send home the GECOM Chairman now he is not fit and proper for the position – we do not trust him”, “GECOM is playing games”.

Meanwhile, Region Six Chairman David Armogan in his address to the gathering said that that the coalition Government has thrown aside everything that is lawful and is now imposing illegal actions.

Region Nine

Meanwhile, residents of Region Nine also joined in protesting for free and fair elections to be held in a timely manner.

PPP’s Alister Charlie, who was on the front lines of that protest stated that the residents in his region were protesting for democracy.

Region 10

Demerara-Berbice), PPP supporters turned out in their numbers at the Five Corner on the Mackenzie shore in support of the country-wide protest The protesters were led by former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Juan Edghill. Protesters were drawn from areas across the region, including Kwakwani.

In an invited comment, Edghill said the protesters were part of the nationwide stand up of peaceful picketing against the “unconstitutional” and “unlawful” Granger-led Administration.

Similar sentiments were also uttered by Hinds, who noted that President Granger should have arranged for elections to be held before March 21.

Speaking with this publication, a resident of Kwakwani, Sashi Parvaton said she believes that the Government should have resigned based on what the Constitution outlines. (Additional reporting by Andrew Carmichael, Utamu Belle and Mohanlall Seulall)

Region Five residents protesting

NYC-based Guyanese joined in on the protest

In Linden, Region 10 (Upper

A section of the Region Five gathering

A section of the protesters in Region 10

Region Six Chairman David Armagon leading the protesters in Berbice

Lethem protesters on Friday

Guyanese in Trinidad joined in the protest

14 NEWS

saturday, MARCH 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Tendering process being flouted in Region 3 projects – Chairman

R

egional Chairman of Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Julius Faerber has revealed that there is a flouting of the tendering projects in the region, stating that the standard rules and procedures are not followed when awarding contracts.

During a recent interview with Guyana Times, Faerber stated that he was informed by the regional representative on the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board that the works are awarded when contractors provide three quotations.

“Works are ongoing and they have not been following the tender procedure. I was told by my tender board rep-

Regional Chairman Julius Faerber

resentative that works are awarded on a three-quote system, which is not in keeping with the tendering procedure,” he stated.

It is a requirement for all projects to be advertised

so that contractors can bid for the works. However, the Regional Chairman claimed that specific contractors are being called and granted the respective works.

According to him, this is a tactic to grant as much contracts before Guyana heads to the polls for General Elections.

“There are works taking place throughout the region that has not followed the procedure, which means that they had to advertise and then award but they didn’t advertise and so they have been calling contractors and just awarding works to specific contractors. This is what has been happening to ensure that monies are paid out before General and Regional Elections are held,” Faerber

stated.

While there have been much controversies over the years surrounding the local procurement process, these matters heightened following the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission.

According to the Procurement Act, among the key functions of the Commission are to monitor and review the functioning of all procurement systems to ensure that they are in accordance with the law, and monitor the performance of procurement bodies with respect to adherence to regulations and efficiency in procuring goods and services and execution of works.

For the recent time, Region Three has seen a large number of multimillion-dollar projects, with the rehabilitation of the Vreed-en-Hoop, Parika and Leguan Stellings.

Additionally, works were ongoing on a stretch of sea defence structure.

For Leonora, a contract was awarded to the sum of $175 million to address a gap of 325 metres while at Uitvlugt, a sum of $130 million was allocated to address 250 metres of sea defence.

For Stewartville, $107 million was awarded for 200 metres of work. No works have commenced to date as materials are now being acquired.

For De Willem, the works were pegged at $107 million and at Anna Catherina, two projects were tendered at $104 and $106 million, which will be executed simultaneously.

GGMC commences lottery for mining lands

Miners at the land lottery activity

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he Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has opened some 319 blocks of land within the six mining districts and small-scale miners were on Friday allowed to partake in a lottery process to obtain a plot.

Through the Natural Resources Ministry with assistance from the Closed Area Committee (CAC), stakeholders were tasked with selecting a district of their preference and choosing a random number which would determine the plot of land to be given. After submitting relevant information, the Commission would then proceed towards allocating the said land.

With no guarantee that their plot would prove wealthy in natural resources, many entered the lottery and selected within the six districts – Mazaruni, Berbice, Potaro, Cuyuni, North West and the Rupununi.

Speaking at the activity, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman stated that this initiative surfaced after complaints from miners about the absence of lands to carry out mining activities. As such, he believes this will remedy the issue significantly.

“I meet persons who ask for access to mining lands. We

have made a commitment to get those lands to you. I know some of you have been waiting some time,” said Trotman.

He explained that this is the first of a series of lotteries which will be drawn with persons from remote locations to provide equal opportunities. These include Matthews Ridge, Port Kaituma, Bartica and Mahdia over the next two months.

He explained, “This is the first of a series of lotteries; the first in Georgetown and we are going to go to the six mining districts and also hold similar lotteries. We do hope and expect that there will be some mineral recoverability in what you’re given”.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of the GGMC, Newell Dennison acknowledged that this is a fair process for the lands to be distributed.

Recipients must submit proof of identity through a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate, address and other relevant documents by April 22 or forfeit their opportunity to gain access to the lands.

Out of all the districts, Mazaruni provided the largest number of plots. The activity saw as much as 100 persons entering the drawing to be granted a mining plot.

15 More contraband found in NA Prison A news

SATURday, MARCH 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

n early morning raid at the New Amsterdam Prison on Friday by members of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service has unearthed several contraband items.

The items found include three cellphones, a Rambo knife, a shaving set, three improvised weapons, 11 phone chargers, four metal spoons, a quantity of wire, two nail clips, a pair of scissors, 25 cigarette light-

ers, two memory cards, one adapter, 13 construction nails, 27 razor blades and one gram of cannabis.

Contraband smuggling has long been a perennial problem within the prison system and this is compounded by the fact that both prison and Police Officers are facilitating the illegal trade, which is said to be “big business”.

While the authorities have been struggling to

Some of the items which were found in the NA Prison

curb the illegal practice, late last year there was a breakthrough in the apparent network among rogue prison officers. Following that breakthrough, four prison officers were arrested, charged and interdicted from duty.

In addition, another two ranks found themselves in hot waters following the discovery of illegal items at two separate prison facilities.

After months of waiting: Garbage contractors finally paid outstanding $80M

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he outstanding balance of $80 million owed to solid waste collectors attached to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and which was owed since 2018, was finally paid.

Business Development Supervisor of Cevon’s Waste Management told Guyana Times that this sum of money was disbursed by the Communities Ministry to his company and Puran Brothers Disposal Services.

“The Ministry of Communities would have paid us for these payments.

I’m not sure of the exact amount but it is somewhere around $40 million. That would have been the balance owed to us for last year,” said Archer.

While City Hall has been bailed out of their debts yet again, he noted that they were awaiting word from the local organ to resume full op-

City Hall’s large-scale solid waste contractors

erations. For now, services are only provided in a few areas.

The M&CC would have hired five smaller contractors after Puran and Cevons took strike actions for their

monies. These contractors are still operating in the city and its environs.

“Currently, we’ve been operating partially. Our contract was five groups but we’re presently operating in

Local businesses to benefit from new suites of technological services

….as Schneider Electric partners with Massy

L

ocal businesses entertainment will now have where there is the opportuniefficient access ty to benefit from a to data and renew line of products liable telecomand services aimed munications at improving reliabilare essential. ity and lowering the M a s s y cost of IT infrastrucTechnologies ture and facility manhas also agement operations, achieved its as Schneider Electric Elite Partner earlier this week disStatus upon closed its partnership meeting a set with Guyana’s techof prerequinology giant, Massy Schneider’s Sales Director Manuel Rodrigues (left) sites through Technologies Limited shares a handshake with Massy Technologies General the Schneider (LTD).

Electric ITD Manager Jason Sahai General Manager C h a n n e l cently announced expanof Massy Technologies Ltd, Partner Programme. This sion plans of IT Solutions Jason Sahai expressed eawas revealed by Schneider’s into Managed Services and gerness about his company’s Sales Director for the Cloud Solutions. Therefore, partnership with Schneider Caribbean Region, Manuel Schneider in its partnerElectric.

Rodrigues. ship with Massy can now of“We are very excit“Massy Technologies fer higher levels of service ed about partnering with (Guyana) Ltd achieved the and efficiency for UPS and Schneider Electric, the globElite Partner ITD status backup power supplies, serval leader in energy manwith Schneider Electric, er racks and cabinet among agement and automation… which now allows the comother services. this partnership complepany to better serve its cliIn addition to having a ments Massy Technologies ents in Guyana Region… positive impact for tradition(Guyana) Ltd offering in IT Partners that achieve this al data centres, Schneider infrastructure, solutions and status have a proven record products and services can services, to directly beneof performance, their prodbenefit from critical busifit our clients, who will now ucts and services are topness and sector environhave access to a more comnotch and they bring distinct ments mainly healthcare, plete suite of technologies” and often unique capabilities construction/engineering, Sahai noted. to the commercial and techmanufacturing, tourism and Massy Technologies renical ecosystem” he stated.

two groups. We’re still waiting on city hall to give us back the entire groups,” he related.

Archer said that City Hall had indicated intentions of renegotiating their existing contract, which expires in 2020. Discussions are yet to follow but this is seen as one of the reasons why they have not recommenced operations entirely.

Archer mentioned, “They had called us back to renegotiate because we have an

existing contract with them, which runs until October of 2020. They would have had the small contractors working the other groups in Georgetown. We’re giving them time at the moment since they wanted to renegotiate”.

On November 25, 2018, the collectors withdrew their services after months of operating without payments.

Immediately after the withdrawal, services were provided by five agencies name-

ly: Granderson, Trash Tech, Tri Star, C&S Services and Garbage Eaters.

The deadlock between the Council and contractors had many implications on the collection process within the capital city as residential and commercial areas were piled high with garbage just a few days after this decision was taken.

As such, both solid waste collectors met with Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan and officials of the M&CC, where it was promised that payments would be made; putting an end to the unending saga between collectors and the cash-strapped Council.

Back in January, Central Government had intervened to bail out City Hall of their debts by disbursing $100 million to the contractors.

During that time, the total owed amount was pegged at over $160 million.

Over the years, Government has bailed out the cash-strapped City Hall on several occasions.

16 news

saturday, MARCH 23, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Microscopes gifted to UG’s Engineering and Technology Faculty

S

tudents attached to the faculty of engineering and technology, at the University of Guyana (UG) will now enjoy a boosted research and training environment after some 23 Leitz Polarising microscopes were gifted to the department on Friday by the University of Toronto.

The simple handing over ceremony in the faculty’s lecture room was graced by the attendance of both students and authority officials of the University.

In opening remarks, UG’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith expressed gratitude for the donation while he pointed out that the University finds pleasure in having foreign partners who demonstrate an interest in the University and contributing to the development of Guyana’s human resource.

“We have the won-

derful opportunity at our University of strengthening what we do and how we do, we also know that those opportunities presents occasions for partnerships. Partnerships that are tangible demonstrations of the interest in the University, in the interest of our nation….it is an extra pleasure to have citizens of other nations but in the academy who are able to reach out and connect to help us strengthen what we do and how we do it,” he stated.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Elena Trim in her brief remarks reiterated thanks to the University of Toronto as she explained that the faculty will benefit greatly since prior to the donation, students were not privileged to utilise and access such equipment to have laboratories done. “These

From left: Faculty Dean, Elena Trim; Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith; and Professor Daniel Schulze and other officials pose with some of the donated microscopes

microscopes were donated for the main reason of having your laboratories done, we were not able to do so previously because we did not have microscopes….we have to maintain these mi-

croscopes because they are very expensive and they are going to keep the faculty up and running and be prepared for the near future.”

Speaking on behalf of the University of Toronto,

Professor Daniel Schulze expressed fulfilment in being able to make such a valuable contribution to Guyana’s University and its students.

Schulze added that the

high-quality equipment will mainly benefit engineers in the upcoming petroleum sector, he further underscored that it is intended to be used for the sole benefit of the students.

“I think this is the way to go, because we do need a microscope which is good for petroleum-based engineers….so it will [have] a long term use, it’s a basic microscopes we can use in junior years…..we hope that it be continued to be put to good use,” he said.

To show notable appreciation, Professor Schulze was presented with tokens on behalf of the University students after which Niossi Alsopp, a student of the aforementioned faculty, concluded the event by expressing delight and acknowledged the contributions being made.

Dominica blames US, Canada for setting stage of worsening socio-political situation in Venezuela

D

ominica on Friday blamed economic sanctions by the United States and Canada for setting “the stage for the

worsening” socio-economic and political environment in Venezuela as it reaffirmed its commitment to non-interference in the internal af-

fairs of the South American country.

President Charles Savarin, speaking at a ceremony where the new

Venezuelan Ambassador to Dominica Jose Durabio Moros Saveilli presented his credentials, said that “Dominica will continue to stand in solidarity with Venezuela in defence of its rights and sovereignty and the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign states’.

Savarin said that the imposition of sanctions against Venezuela by Washington in 2015 and by the US and Canada jointly two years later, had set the stage for

the unfolding economic and political situation in the country.

“In the wake of the presidential elections of May 2018 there has been a concerted effort to delegitimize the duly elected government instead of engaging in dialogue and negotiations to thrash out differences, internally, regionally and internationally,” Savarin added.

The United States and its allies are leading efforts to remove President Nicolas

Maduro from office and are supporting the Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, who has declared himself the interim president of the South American country.

Caricom leaders at their inter-sessional summit in St Kitts-Nevis last month had reiterated their position of non-interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela and said they were prepared to mediate in the process to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Jamaica, 8 other C’bean countries sign agreement to preserve UK trading

M

inister of She outlined that F o r e i g n the CARIFORUM Affairs and / UK Economic Foreign Trade, Senator Partnership Kamina JohnsonAgreement would Smith says Jamaica “roll-over” the terms and eight other counof the CARIFORUM tries in the region, /EU Economic have signed an agreePartnership ment to preserve existAgreement and ing preferential trade would therefore covterms with the United er trade in goods, Kingdom in a Post- Minister of Foreign Affairs and trade in services and Brexit era, backed by Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith trade-related issues UK Trade Minister, such as Intellectual uncertainties regarding the George Hollingbery.

Property Rights.

Brexit process.”

In a statement toThe Ministers are enThe signing took place day, Johnson Smith said: during the 25th Meeting of gaged in trade policy discus“Continuity and certainty are the CARIFORUM Council sions as well as preparations key to our business commu- of Ministers in Castries, St for the next phase of ACP / EU nity and for our Government. Lucia, from yesterday and Post- Cotonou arrangements.

Given that the United ends today.

The countries which signed Kingdom is our largest tradBarbados, Belize, “The signature of this were: ing partner within the EU, Agreement safeguards the Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, it has been important for uninterrupted continuation Jamaica, St Kitts-Nevis, St the Government of Jamaica, of trade between our region Lucia, and St Vincent and since the Brexit referen- and the UK, and is consis- the Grenadines. Other coundum in 2016, to work with- tent with the Government’s tries committed to completing in CARIFORUM to preserve vision that trade should be their domestic procedures in our existing preferential an engine of growth,” said the short order. (Jamaica Observer) trade terms notwithstanding Minister.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, MARCH 23, 2019

17

Around the World

China chemical blast Trump dangles investment to C’bean death toll rises to 47 leaders who back Venezuela’s Guaido

T

T

he death toll in a huge blast at a chemical plant in eastern China has jumped to 47, with 90 badly injured, according to State news agency Xinhua.

Many neighbouring factories inside the industrial park caught fire after the explosion.

China’s earthquake administration reported a tremor equivalent to 2.2-magnitude at the time of the blast.

The death toll makes it one of the country’s worst industrial accidents in recent years.

The blast happened at about 14:50h local time (06:50 GMT) on Thursday at a plant in Yancheng, run by Tianjiayi Chemical.

According to Xinhua, a total of 640 people were sent to hospital. Many were in critical condition and dozens had severe injuries, the agency reports.

The blast was so powerful that it knocked down factory buildings some distance

Hundreds were injured in the explosion, which was reportedly started by a fire at the plant

away, trapping workers, according to local media.

Staff at the Henglida Chemical Factory, 3km (1.8 miles) from the explosion, said its roof collapsed as they fled, and windows and doors were blown out.

The fire was brought under control at around 03:00h local time on Friday, State TV said.

Industrial accidents ranging from factory fires to mining disasters are common in China, often due to poorly en-

forced safety standards.

The exact cause of Thursday’s explosion is still under investigation. Tianjiayi Chemical, founded in 2007, has received six Government penalties in the past over waste management and air pollution, according to the South China Morning Post.

President Xi Jinping has called for an “all-out effort” to aid the injured and said authorities must learn lessons from the blast prevent future accidents. (Excerpt fr4om BBC News)

Trinidadian teen overcomes homelessness andmidisa accepted into 17 US universities university ad- family were given

A

missions scandal that has been dominating headlines in the United States, a teenager born in Trinidad and Tobago is making news for all the right reasons.

Dylan Chidick, 17, who migrated from the twin-island republic when he was seven years old, has overcome homeless and has been accepted into 17 universities after applying to 20 in total.

After relocating to New Jersey with his mother and twin brothers, in search of a better life, the family fell on hard times in 2017 because of the mounting medical bills for the twin boys who suffer serious heart conditions, and they were in and out of homelessness.

Chidick struggled to study in shelters where he and his

board. Eventually, the non-profit Women Rising put them in permanent supportive housing, giving Chidick a safe place to study as he pursued his high school diploma at the Henry Snyder High School and worked to help his family.

“I believe that education is the key to basically the world. Seventeen-year-old Dylan Chidick and his Nobody could take Mother Khadine Phillip away the knowledge pick, Chidick says he plans that you have,” the teen told to study political science and NBC News. “They could take history, and after graduating away your job or your money, he wants to attend law school. but knowledge that you have He will be the first person in in your brain, nobody could his family to attend college. ever take that away.”

(Excerpt from Caribbean360) Although he has not decided which university he will

rump met with leaders from The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Saint Lucia at his private club in Palm Beach, Florida.

He promised them that a high-level delegation from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the US development lender, would visit their nations in the next 90 days, the White House said.

The nations have broken from other members of the Caribbean Community, known as Caricom, in their support for Guaido. The organisation has officially advocated for talks between President Nicolás Maduro and Guaido, and most of its members have rejected resolutions by the Organisation of American States supporting Guaido.

The backing of the five for Guaido led to the meeting with Trump, though the White House did not specifically tie the carrot of investment to that support.

Guaido, who heads Venezuela’s National Assembly, invoked the con-

US President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pose before a meeting with St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina, Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Haiti President Jovenel Moise and Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, US, March 22, 2019

stitution to assume the interim presidency in January, saying Maduro’s election last year was not legitimate.

Maduro, who still has the support of Venezuela’s military, has clung to power with the support of Russia, China and Cuba.

The Caribbean region has long relied on oil and gas from Venezuela, which offered cheap financing through a program called Petrocaribe,

though shipments have declined in recent years because of production problems at Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA. The region has also been the recipient of a flood of investment from China. The White House said earlier this week that Trump wants to work with leaders to “counter China’s predatory economic practices.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Brexit’s fate “is in British hands”, says Donald Tusk

B

rexit’s fate is “in the hands of our British friends” after EU leaders agreed to delay the departure date by at least two weeks, said Donald Tusk.

If MPs approve Theresa May’s withdrawal deal next week - Brexit would be delayed from March 29 until May 22.

But if they do not, the UK has until April 12 to come up with a new plan.

European Council President Tusk said that until April 12, “anything is possible” including a much longer delay or cancelling Brexit altogether.

Speaking in Brussels on Friday, he said he was “really happy” the 27 EU leaders had reached a unanimous

European Council President Donald Tusk

decision to extend the twoyear Article 50 process, under which the UK was due to leave the EU next Friday.

“It means that until 12 April, anything is possible: A deal, a long extension if the United Kingdom decided to rethink its strategy, or revoking Article 50, which is a prerogative of the UK

Government.

“The fate of Brexit is in the hands of our British friends.

As the EU, we are prepared for the worst, but hope for the best. As you know, hope dies last.”

According to the final summit conclusions, the UK is expected to “indicate a way forward” before April 12, if MPs do not approve the withdrawal deal negotiated with the EU, which would then be considered by the European Council.

MPs are expected to vote on May’s deal for a third time next week, despite Commons Speaker John Bercow ruling that it could not be brought back for another vote without “substantial” changes. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

Australians evacuate homes as cyclones Venezuela crisis: Guaidó aide Trevor and Veronica approach faces terrorism charges

T

housands of Australians have been forced to evacuate their homes in preparation for two potentially devastating cyclones.

Over the weekend, Cyclone Trevor will hit the north while Cyclone Veronica will strike the country’s west coast.

Destructive winds are expected, while heavy rains and large waves threaten to cause severe flooding.

Experts say a “severe impact” is likely and residents have been told to prepare for a “massive weather event”.

It is only the second time in history that two cyclones

are predicted to strike the country at the same time.

Having already lashed the far north of Queensland, Tropical Cyclone Trevor is expected to hit the communities of Numbulwa and Borroloola in the Northern Territory on Saturday morning.

The storm could bring a year’s worth of rain in just a couple of days.

In the biggest ever evacuation ahead of a cyclone, people living in its path have moved into tented sites in Darwin and Katherine.

Emergency services and the military were called in to rescue residents from the island of Groote Eylandt,

off the north coast on Thursday.

The last evacuation of a similar scale was for Tropical Cyclone Tracy, which killed 49 people in Darwin in 1974.

In the mining town of Port Headland, where the storm is set to strike first, supermarkets have been stripped bare as residents stockpile in preparation, ABC News reported.

The town’s Mayor, Camilo Blanco, has warned residents to be ready for “this massive weather event” and people have been protecting their houses with sandbags. (Excerpt from BBC News)

A

top aide to V e n e z u e l a n Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó is being charged with terrorism after he was arrested by President Nicolas Maduro’s Government.

Guaidó’s Chief-of-Staff Roberto Marrero, 49, is accused of planning “acts of sabotage” against officials.

Venezuela’s Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said that “weapons and foreign currency” were found by intelligence services during a raid on his home.

Guaidó has called for Marrero’s immediate release. He said that the security forces had committed

an “illegal and unconstitutional” act, adding that he believed the items allegedly found at Marrero’s home had been planted there.

Guaidó has described his aide’s detention as a “vile, vulgar kidnapping”.

Marrero was arrested as part of an operation to dismantle a “terrorist cell” allegedly planning attacks on the government, Reverol said. His bodyguard, Luis Paez, faces similar charges.

Guaidó, head of the Opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself interim leader on January 23, 2019, saying Maduro’s re-election last May was illegitimate.

At a press conference on Thursday, he said Marrero’s arrest “won’t make us deviate from the path we are on” and asked Venezuelans to “stay united and mobilised”.

With the backing of the Trump Administration, Guaidó has been leading calls for Maduro to stand down as President as discontent with his socialist regime grows.

Marrero’s arrest has provoked international condemnation, with the US, the European Union and Latin American nations all demanding his immediate release. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, March 23, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Use your emotional energy wisely to turn a negative into a positive. Show respect for others and be kind and compassionate when someone needs help.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Make clear how you feel and what you want. Once you know if you and someone else are on the same page, it will be easy to decide whether to stay or to go.

CANCER

A partnership will help you reach your personal goals. Learn from your mistakes and surround yourself with helpers, not with takers. A commitment and agreement can be made.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Personal improvements can be made, but don’t overdo it. Subtle changes will have a big impact without breaking the bank.

Love and romance are highlighted.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Don’t let emotions get in the way of a good decision. Arguing or physical confrontation should not be the way you solve a problem. Look for a unique solution that benefits everyone.

Travel, socializing and relationships should be priorities. Much can be learned and accomplished through the connections you make. If you are open, you’ll receive valuable information.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Romance, personal improvements and putting the past behind you should take precedence over arguing about a moot point. Strive to achieve a simple, moderate and healthy lifestyle.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Surround yourself with creative people who can spark your imagination and help you flesh out your ideas and make them real and successful. Socializing will lead to partnerships.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Look inward and consider what’s best for you. Don’t let someone interfere in your personal life. Make decisions based on your needs, not on what others want. Trust in facts, not in hearsay.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

A change to where or how you live looks inviting.

If you accept the inevitable, you will discover that what transpires is in your best interest.

SUDOKU

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Do what you can to pitch in and help someone or a group, but don’t take on so much that you become rundown or risk injury. Monitor your actions and make reasonable gestures.

A financial change is heading your way. A gift, a winning or a found object will make your day. Sharing is honorable, but don’t let your generosity leave you at a loss.

saturday, MARCH 23, 2019

19

VIVO Indian Premier League 2019...

Hetmyer to debut for RCB in 12th edition’s opener I

n the first match of VIVO Indian Premier League 2019 (IPL 2019), defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will start their quest for a fourth IPL title when they meet perennial underachievers Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.

For Virat Kohli, it couldn’t be a bigger statement if his young side could start off with a bang at Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s “spritual home”, a task which will be easier said than done.

CSK, not the young ones in IPL 2019 CSK’s core members are the oldest in IPL 2019: Dhoni and Shane Watson are 37, Dwayne Bravo is 35, Faf du Plessis is 34, Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav are 33, and Suresh Raina will turn 32 soon.

CSK bowling strength in absence of Lungi Ngidi Chennai Super Kings have two spinners with truckloads of experience: both Tahir, 39, and Harbhajan Singh, 38, have ability to change the complexion of a game with one-off over. Even the two out-of-favour India players, leg-spinner Karn Sharma, 31, and seamer Mohit Sharma, 30, are on the wrong side of thirties. However, when it comes to match awareness, the CSK players are second to none.

CSK most consistent IPL franchise The most consistent franchise of the Indian Premier League, who have always been in the top four, are a formidable side at home with a slow turner and a vocal crowd complementing the quality.

While CSK is a three-time champion, the Bengaluru franchise is probably the biggest underachiever despite boasting of some of the best names in its squad. The outcome of Saturday’s game will depend on which team bowls better and holds its nerve as both side have players who can turn a match on its head in a jiffy.

CSK vs RCB head to head CSK enjoy an impressive record against RCB, having won 15 matches and lost seven with one no-result. The hosts haven’t lost to its rival since 2014.

RCB team news While the home team has a well-balanced squad with most of the bases covered, RCB is facing concerns over the availability of

The 2018 IPL Champions, Chennai Super Kings

some foreign players at certain stages of the tournament. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal will again be the key man for RCB as he has been over the past seasons and will need the rest of the bowling attack to step up.

Kohli has always led from the front and his exploits in the IPL are well documented, the RCB skipper will begin yet another campaign aware that his form could prove vital in the success of his side in the gruelling tournament.

All squads CHENNAI SUPER KINGS (CSK) Retained: MS Dhoni (C), Suresh Raina, Deepak Chahar, KM Asif, Karn Sharma, Dhruv Shorey, Faf du Plessis, M Vijay, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Billings, Mitchell Santner, David Willey, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir, Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu, Harbhajan Singh, N Jagadeesan, Shardul Thakur, Monu Kumar, Chaitanya Bishnoi Bought: Mohit Sharma (Rs 5 crore), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Rs 20 lakh) DELHI CAPITALS Retained: Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Rahul Tewatia, Jayant Yadav, Manjot Kalra, Colin Munro, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Sandeep Lamichhane, Trent Boult Bought: Hanuma Vihari (Rs 2 crore), Axar

Patel (Rs 5 crore), Ishant Sharma (Rs 1.10 crore), Ankush Bains (Rs 20 lakh), Nathu Singh (Rs 20 lakh), Colin Ingram (Rs 6.40 crore), Sherfane Rutherford (Rs 2 crore), Keemo Paul (Rs 50 lakh), Jalaj Saxena (Rs 20 lakh), Bandaru Ayyappa (Rs 20 lakh) Traded: Shikhar Dhawan from Sunrisers Hyderabad for Abhishek Sharma, Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem KINGS XI PUNJAB (KXIP) Retained: KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Andrew Tye, Mayank Agarwal, Ankit Rajpoot, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Karun Nair, David Miller and Ravichandran Ashwin Bought: Moises Henriques (Rs 1 crore), Nicholas Pooran (Rs 4.2 crore), Varun Chakaravarthy (Rs 8.4 crore), Sam Curran (Rs 7.2 crore), Mohammad Shami (Rs 4.2 crore), Sarfaraz Khan (Rs 25 lakh), Hardus Viljoen (Rs 75 lakh), Arshdeep Singh (Rs 20 lakh), Darshan Nalkande (Rs 30 lakh), Prabhsimran Singh (Rs 4.8 crore), Agnivesh Ayachi (Rs 20 lakh), Harpreet Brar (Rs 20 lakh), Murugan Ashwin (Rs 20 lakh) KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS (KKR) Retained: Dinesh Karthik (C), Robin Uthappa, Chris Lynn, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Kamlesh Nagarkoti Bought: Carlos Brathwaite (Rs 5 crore), Lockie

Ferguson (Rs 1.60 crore), Anrich Nortje (Rs 20 lakh), Nikhil Naik (Rs 20 lakh), Harry Gurney (Rs 75 lakh), Yarra Prithviraj (Rs 20 lakh), Joe Denly (Rs 1 crore), Shrikant Mundhe (Rs 20 lakh) MUMBAI INDIANS (MI) Retained: Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Krunal Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Mayank Markande, Rahul Chahar, Anukul Roy, Siddhesh Lad, Aditya Tare, Quinton de Kock, Evin Lewis, Kieron Pollard, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Jason Behrendorff Bought: Lasith Malinga (Rs 2 crore), Anmolpreet Singh (Rs 80 lakh), Barinder Sran (Rs 3.40 crore), Pankaj Jaiswal (Rs Rs 20 lakh), Rasikh Salam (Rs 20 lakh), Yuvraj Singh (Rs 1 crore) Traded: Quinton de Kock from RCB (for Rs 2.8 crore) RAJASTHAN ROYALS (RR) Retained: Ajinkya Rahane, Krishnappa Gowtham, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Gopal, Aryaman Birla, S. Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Stuart Binny, Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mahipal Lomror Bought: Jaydev Unadkat (Rs 8.4 crore), Varun Aaron (Rs 2.4 crore), Oshane Thomas (Rs 1.1 crore), Shashank Singh (Rs 30 lakh), Liam Livinstone (Rs 50 lakh), Shubham Rajane (Rs 20 lakh), Manan Vohra (Rs 20 lakh), Ashton Turner (Rs 50 lakh), Riyan Parag (Rs 20 lakh) ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE (RCB) Retained: Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Parthiv Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kulwant Khejroliya, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi, Nathan CoulterNile, Moeen Ali, Mohammed Siraj, Colin de Grandhomme Bought: Shimron Hetmyer (4.2 crore), Devdutt Padikkal (20 lakh), Shivam Dube (5 crore), Heinrich Klassen (50 lakh), Gurkeerat Singh (50 lakh), Himmat Singh (Rs 65 lakh), Prayas Ray Barman (Rs 1.5 crore) Traded: Mandeep Singh for Marcus Stoinis SUNRISERS HYDERABAD (SRH) Retained: Basil Thampi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Hooda, Manish Pandey, T Natarajan, Ricky Bhui, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul, Shreevats Goswami (wk), Khaleel Ahmed, Yusuf Pathan, Billy Stanlake, David Warner, Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Shakib Al Hasan Bought: Jonny Bairstow (Rs 2.20 crore), Wriddhiman Saha (Rs 1.2 crore), Martin Guptill (Rs 1 crore)

Malinga to miss Mumbai Indians’ first 6 IPL matches

L

asith Malinga has ruled himself out of at least the first six IPL matches for Mumbai Indians in order to qualify for the Sri Lanka World Cup squad. With Sri Lanka’s selectors having told players they must play in the forthcoming Super Provincial One Day domestic tournament if they are to be considered for the World Cup, Malinga has chosen to fulfil that requirement.

As he is out for over a third of the season, Malinga himself suggested Mumbai Indians may be better off replacing him for the entire tournament.

Although bought at the auction for INR 2 crore (approximately US$290,000), Malinga recently stated his commitment to Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign. Not only is he Sri Lanka’s present ODI captain, he has also been named captain of the Galle side in the Super Provincial tournament. That Super Provincial tournament runs from April 4 to April 11, with the squads expected to be training a few days before the tournament starts. Malinga does not get back to Sri Lanka until March 26, as he is still with Sri Lanka’s T20 side in South Africa.

“I had asked the board for the No-Objection Certificate for me to play in the IPL, and they had said that was fine, but that all players who want to go to the World Cup would need to stay back for the provincial tournament,” Malinga told ESPNcricinfo. “So I told them I’d play in the provincial tournament, and I asked the board to inform Mumbai Indians and IPL, since it was their decision. I’m ok with losing those earnings from IPL. I’m doing it for the country.”

SLC CEO Ashley de Silva also said Malinga had “intimated his interest” in playing the Super Provincial tournament.

Malinga had not been bought for the 2018 IPL, and had worked instead as a bowling mentor with the Mumbai Indians side. In that year, he had missed Sri Lanka’s foregone Sri Lanka’s provincial tournament in favour of working at the IPL, but after his good limitedovers performances for Sri Lanka reignited Mumbai’s interest in him as a player, Malinga has now shown a preference to go all in on his Sri Lanka commitments.

“Once I become available for Mumbai Indians, I would have

missed seven or eight games,” he said. “So there’s probably no point in them waiting around for me. Better for them to find someone else to replace me with.” If Malinga is picked in Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad - which is highly probable, given he has arguably been Sri Lanka’s best ODI bowler over the past six months - he may also be required to attend training camps through May, when the later stages of the IPL are still ongoing.

Although Malinga is captain of the Sri Lanka team for now, there is a chance he will not lead the side at the World Cup, with the selectors stating they will consider both Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne for the captaincy, largely due to Malinga’s woeful record as ODI captain. They have not ruled out a continued Malinga captaincy either, however.

Despite not having played the 2018 IPL, Malinga remains the highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history, with 154 dismissals at an average of 19.01, and an economy rate of 6.86. (ESPN cricinfo)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturday, march 23, 2019

Corporate power boosts Guyana’s fan base for Jaguars’ clash ...Industrial Safety Supplies Inc ensures viewership for 60 students

Headmistress of Covent Garden Primary School, Stacey Gonsalves-Abrahim receives the tickets from GFF EBFA Technical Development Officer, Devnon Winter

G

uyana’s quest to create history by qualifying for the CONCACAF Gold Cup next month for the first time ever will have the backing of dozens of students from schools on the East Bank, West Demerara and Georgetown.

Quite a number of business entities has headed the call of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to purchase tickets and distribute to schools to afford students the opportunity to be a part of history as well as to fuel the Golden Jaguars to victory this evening when they take on Belize from 18:30hrs at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. of 226

Camp Street, North Cummingsburg has ensured that students and teachers from Diamond Secondary and St. John’s College attend the match this evening to rally around their Golden Jaguars.

On Friday, Technical Development Officer of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) attached to the East Bank Football Association (EBFA), Devnon Winter handed over 15 tickets to Head Mistress of Diamond Secondary School, Ms. Lesline Collins.

EBFA President Franklin Wilson in brief remarks during the schools assembly informed the students and teachers of the importance of the match, citing the historical nature

of same. Wilson encouraged all the students, even those who will not be there to rally around the Guyanese team and propel them to victory.

St John’s College was also the recipient of a similar amount of tickets and they too, through their HM expressed gratitude for the gesture of the sponsor to have them as one of the school to benefit.

Manager of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. Hemant Narine said that his company was very pleased to partner with the GFF to ensure that students and some teachers can attend today’s match and support the Golden Jaguars to whom he extended best of luck to on behalf of his staff.

Guyana is 90 minutes

Physical Education Teacher of St John’s College and some of the students that will be attending today’s match show off their tickets

from creating history in the 117th year of its existence by qualifying for the Concacaf Gold Cup. Standing in its path is Belize which is also chasing down a spot at the Gold Cup; but the home team is confident of getting past this final hurdle and with the support of the students, teachers and the thousands of other Guyanese expected to invade Leonora, victory will be accomplished easier.

Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc also secures students

A number of students and teachers would be attending this evening’s match, thanks to the largesse of Secure Innovations

and Concepts Inc. through its Managing Director, Harold Hopkinson.

The businessman acquiesced to a request by the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) to purchase tickets for some of the students and teachers of the Covent Garden Primary School to attend this evening’s match.

Hopkinson in accepting the request said that while it is part of his company’s social responsibility to give back to society, he was happy for the fact that students would be able to be a part of history and be able to roar with the Golden Jaguars to victory.

“My company has always been giving back to sports and when we were approached to be a part of this event we had no hesitation in supporting especially with youths being involved.

Our company would like to wish the team and Guyana the best in their quest to create history on Saturday night.”

HM of Covent Garden Primary, GonsalvesIbrahim expressed sincere thanks to Mr. Hopkinson, Secure Innovations and Concepts and the EBFA for affording her students and teachers the opportunity to be a part of today’s huge match.

Ireland to host West Indies and Milo Schools U-18 Football Tournament…

Round of 16: Win or go home!

Bangladesh for tri-series in May

I

reland will host West Indies and Bangladesh for an ODI tri-series in the first half of May, with a double round-robin phase followed by a final. The tri-series will begin on May 5, with Ireland facing West Indies, and conclude with the final on May 17. All the matches will take place in Dublin, at Castle Avenue, Clontarf and The Village, Malahide.

The tournament will serve as preparation for West Indies a n d Bangladesh ahead o f the 2019 World C u p that begins i n England on M a y 30. West Indies p l a y their first

match on May 31, against Pakistan, while Bangladesh open against South Africa, on June 2.

The tri-series will not prevent some of the premier West Indies players from featuring in the IPL, including Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Shimron Hetmeyer, Nicholas Pooran and Oshane Thomas.

ESPNcricinfo understands that those players will be considered for selection only if their respective franchises fail to make the play-offs for the IPL, which are likely to begin from May 7. Cricket West Indies (CWI) is looking at the Ireland tri-series as a means to give some of their fringe players exposure before the World Cup, and have them ready to deal with English conditions should they be required during the World Cup as replacements.

Bangladesh only have Shakib Al Hasan playing in the IPL.

Tri-series schedule

Chris Gayle was dismissed by Tim Murtagh for 14 runs

May 5: Ireland v West Indies, Clontarf May 7: West Indies v Bangladesh, Clontarf May 9: Ireland v Bangladesh, Malahide May 11: Ireland v West Indies, Malahide May 13: West Indies v Bangladesh, Malahide May 15: Ireland v Bangladesh, Clontarf May 17: Final, Malahide

I

t will be a packed weekend of high intensity football when the Petra organized, Milo Schools Football Tournament hits its round of 16 stage from today at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Earlier this week, the fixtures for the knockout stage were revealed which has a double header pitted for today, as Group toppers Charlestown and Bishops’ High, take on Golden Grove and Cummings Lodge, from 11:00 hrs and 12:45 hrs, respectively.

On Sunday, four matches are scheduled with the first commencing from 11:00 hrs. Group winners Annandale, ChristianburgWismar, and St Cuthbert’s Mission tackle Friendship, Canje and Vergenogen in the first three matches.

The Linden side is the only team to have won all three Group matches.

President’s College takes on Queen’s College in the final match of the day from 17:00h hrs.

On Monday, the last two spots in the quarterfi-

nal are up for grabs with as St John’s will face St Stanislaus from 15:30 hrs then Lodge trashes it out with Tucville in the other showdown from 17:30 hrs.

Eight teams found the exit after the completion of the Group stages last Sunday.

This year will see a new champion after 2018’s winner, Sir Leon’s Lessons was barred from the tournament.

The grand finale is set for April 14 at the same venue.

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sports

21

Banks DIH support for Triple Crown endures

D

uring a simple but significant press briefing at Banks DIH’s Head Office at Thirst Park earlier this week, that company -- a

longserving patron of horse racing -- renewed their support by backing the second leg of the anticipated Jumbo Jet Triple Crown horse race meet, which

gallops off

to mo rrow at the Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) on the West Coast of Berbice (46 miles

from Georgetown).

Present at that ceremony were Chairman of the race

meet’s organising committee, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr, and Outdoor Events Manager of Banks DIH, Mortimer Stewart, along with other representatives of the company.

Mohamed expressed gratitude on behalf of the organisers, while noting that good relationships with sponsors are needed as the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) looks to develop horse racing in Guyana significantly in the notso- distant future.

Mohamed said tomorrow’s Triple Crown second leg will see the invasion of jockeys

from Trinidad & Tobago, along with a commentator from the twin-island republic and the return of ‘Vera’s Finally’, so far undefeated at the RSTC. He shared that the 2018 three-year-old horse of the year, ‘Not This Time’ from Sophia, will also be there.

Almost 70 entries have been registered, Mohamed said, and the track is in good condition and will maintain its standard once good weather upholds.

He revealed that over $20 million in cash and prizes are up for grabs over the three legs of the Triple Crown event, with the grand finale slated for

Easter Sunday, April 21, at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

Next Sunday’s feature races will attract a total prize purse of almost $2 million, with the winner of the ‘C’ Class and Lower contest pocketing $1million. The winner of the race for three-year-old Guyana-bred horses will pocket $400,000; the ‘F’ Class winner will pocket $350,000; the ‘H’ Class winner $300,000; the ‘I’ Class winner $250,000; the ‘J’ class winner $230,000; the ‘K’ Class winner $220,000; the ‘L’ Class winner $200,000, and the ‘L’ Class and Lower winner $140,000.

FOR SALE ONE COMPLETE MUSIC SET FOR SALE. CALL: 601-9855 OR 253-3070

LAND for sale Transported land 11.6 Acres. Lot 15 Public Road #2Village West Coast Berbice. Price $18 Million. Contact: 686-4818, 648-7109 PRINCESS STREET 5M, FORSHAW STREET 12M, DUNCAN STREET 55M, LAMAHA STREET 65M, TWO LOTS TURKEYEN 50M (1.4 ACRES AND 3 ACRES), SHERRIFF STREET 180M, RIVER SIDE 9 ACRES, 18 ACRES, 14 ACRES AND 250 ACRES. CALL GOODWILLREALTY 628-7605, 223-5204, 650-1184

property for sale PROPERTY FOR SALE LOCATED AT HERSTELLING BEHIND BUDDY’S SCHEME E.B.D, ONE STREET AWAY FROM MAJOR ROAD. LAND SPACE 60X90. PRICE: $8.7M. CALL 6190113 AUBARY BARKER 45 M, SOUTH RUIMVELDT PARK 25M, SOUTH ROAD 26M, CHARLOTTE STREET 45M, STONE AVENUE 20M, CAMBELLVILLE 50M, QUEENSTOWN 160M,100M,85M, MC DOOM PUBLIC ROAD 80M, ROBB STREET 50M,60M,80M,85M, REGENT STREET 140M/IM US, DURBAN STREET 24M (FRONT), SYBRYANVILLE 70M (ICE FACTORY FOR SALE). CALL GOODWILLREALTY 628-7605, 223-5204, 650-1184

SPIRITUALITY SUFFERING FROM PROBLEMS SUCH AS FAMILY, LOVE LIFE, MONEY, JOB, CHILDREN PROBLEMS ANY SORT OF OBSTACLES AND BLOCKAGES? THEN CALL 670-9278 FOR HELP. ARE YOU HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MONEY, JOB, LOVELIFE, DOMESTIC PROBLEMS/MARITIAL PROBLEMS, ALL DIFFICULTIES IN YOUR LIFE, YOU CAN ADJUST YOUR LIFE ETC. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT 692-9449.

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GMR&SC Drag Championships LGC Holi Tournament New strip will see return of ‘Mad Max’

H

aving dominated the Superbike category in 2016 and 2017, Mark ‘Mad Max’ Menezes will no doubt be aiming to continue his dominance of the division tomorrow, when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) stage their first round of the National Drag Championships at the South Dakota Circuit’s recently upgraded drag strip.

Menezes didn’t compete in 2018, but his return comes just after the club recently installed a launch pad which cost in excess of $20 million. In the past, ‘Mad Max’ on his CBR 600cc bike had swept aside all challenges, and had even confronted Shawn Persaud, driver of the powerful Toyota Caldina which holds the Championship record of 8 seconds, but he found out that he was no match for the S&D Performance vehicle.

Confirmation of the attendance of

Mark ‘Mad Max’ Menezes and his CBR 600RR

Surinamese competitors will add to the excitement of tomorrow’s meet, but the headline with be dominated by Team Mohamed and their Nissan GTR cars.

Cars were seen testing out the venue on Thursday and yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s meet, and according to feedback, everybody was generally satisfied with the traction of the new strip.

Ticket prices for fans desirous of witnessing the action will cost $1000 for adults and $500 for children, while there is VIP seat-

ing available at $4000.

Sponsors of the event include Mohamed’s Enterprise, BM Soat Auto Sales, Motor Trend Service Centre, Delco Ice Factory, TransPacific Motor Spares, Supreme Ventures, Air Services Limited, PowerLine Auto, Cyril’s Taxi, Omega Brokers, E-Networks, Prem’s Electrical, Miracle Optical, Choke Gas Station and Super Bet, R. Kissoon Contracting Services, Hand-inHand Insurance and Top Brandz Distributors.

T

commences today

he Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will be hosting a Phagwah/Holi Golf Tournament in observance of the national celebration of the Hindu Festival of Holi.

The tournament will tee-off at 12:30 pm with the medal play format of three flights. There will be prizes for the first two places in each flight, along with Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive.

According to President of the LGC, Aleem Hussain, “The LGC, whose membership includes golfers from each of the 3 main religious groups in Guyana, is pleased to observe this festival with the togetherness and great camaraderie that normally exudes from the golfers as they play, practise or compete weekly, and hopes that just as we at LGC demonstrate unity, love and togetherness out of our different cultures, religions and ethnicities, our example will help to inspire many in the nation to realise that ‘though from different backgrounds and

religious persuasions, we as Guyanese can live, work and play together in harmony.”

Hussain also noted that two pandits of national prominence, who are longstanding members – namely, Pandit Haresh Tewari and Pandit Rabindranath Persaud -- have served for years and continue to serve at LGC Executive level, bringing the virtues of their faith, along with their foresight and financial support, into the golfing arena, helping to cement national unity at this forum, and continuing to help with development of the sport.

This highly

anticipated tournament will feature some of Guyana’s top golfers, as they are continuously looking forward to the opportunity to show off the improvements they have been making during practise sessions, and have their names etched in the winners’ row.

The public is welcome to come and observe the golfers in action at this exciting tournament, and to also enjoy the great ambience of the LGC. For further information, persons interested in learning to play the game free of cost may visit the Club, or make contact via 220-5660.

Hamilton Green Cup starts April 7 at Den Amstel L

ennox Arthur, coordinator of the upcoming Hamilton Green 9-a-side Football Cup, is promising fans three days of exciting action when the tournament kicks off on April 7 at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground on the West side.

The annual inter-ward/ village extravaganza will see teams battle for prize monies in excess of $500,000; with the winners set to receive $300,000 and the John Fernandes Ltd

Trophy, while second, third and fourth place finishers will take home $100,000, $60,000 and $40,000 respectively.

These placed finishers will also be presented with the Courtney Benn, Techno Mills and Ready Mix Trophies respectively, while the winner and runner-up will be given hampers compliments of Ricks & Sari Ltd. The Most Valuable Player will receive dinette chairs, while the Best Goalkeeper will win a trophy donated by

the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Among the sponsors on board are: National Sports Commission; Minister of State, Prime Minister, Minister of Legal Affairs, New Thriving Restaurant, Top Brandz, IPA, Sattaur Gafoor, Guyana Police Force, Michael Cummings Electrical, Alfro Alphonso,& Sons, NaMilCo, B.E.V. Investments, BK International, E.C. Vieira, Sparta Family, Starr Computers, Star Party Rentals, E-Networks and A.H &L Kissoon.

Meanwhile, fixtures for the first two days are as follows: Vergenoegen versus Timehri Soesdyke vs Jetty De Kindren vs Liliendaal Kuru Kururu vs Stewartville North East La Penitence vs Agricola Sara Lodge vs Mocha Goed Fortuin vs Back Street Kings Winner of 1 vs 3 Winner of 2 vs 4 Winner of 5 vs 7 Winner of 6 vs 8

Sunday, April 14 Bagotville vs. Sophia Wales vs Mahaica Plaisance vs Belle West Stars Kitty vs Sparta Family Mahaicony vs Crane Pouderoyen vs Vreed-enHoop Uitvlugt vs Lima Dam Den Amstel vs West Side Masters Winner of 1 vs 3 Winner of 2 vs 4 Winner of 5 vs 7 Winner of 6 vs 8

22

saturday, march 23, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup…

Trinidad’s Britney Cooper playing a stylish shot at Everest

A

Jamaica aiming to end Trinidad’s unbeaten streak – Leewards, Windwards still searching for win

part tween

from the big clash beGuyana and Barbados at the National Stadium at Providence today, Saturday March 23, two other matches will be played across Demerara: Jamaica will play Trinidad and Tobago at the Everest Cricket Club ground in Georgetown, while the Leeward Islands will meet the Windward Islands at the Enmore Community Centre ground on the East Coast.

The Jamaicans will be aiming to display their ability to bounce back when they meet the undefeated Merissa Aguilleira-led Trinidad and Tobago Team. With the exception of their 8-wicket loss against defending champions Barbados, this has been a good season for the Jamaicans.

Led by Stafanie Taylor, the Jamaicans began their campaign with an 80-run win over the Windward Islands at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground. That encounter saw the Jamaicans scoring 236-8 in

50 overs, with all-rounder Chinelle Henry scoring 54 and useful knocks coming from Natasha McLean, Stafanie Taylor and JodiAnn Morgan.

The Jamaicans’ bowling was led by off-spinner Vanessa Watts and pacer Chinelle Henry, who helped the Jamaicans bowl the Windward Islands out for 156.

In the Jamaicans’ second match, they defeated Guyana by six wickets at the Everest Cricket Club ground. Outstanding performances came from Stafanie Taylor, who scored 119 and grabbed three wickets with the ball.

After the loss against Barbados, the Jamaicans have maintained their third position with nine points, picking up one bonus point in the previous rounds.

Meanwhile, the Trinidad and Tobago team sit in second position with 14 points, attaining only two bonus points in contrast to Barbados’s three bonus points. Barbados are on 15 points.

Windward Islands captain Afy Fletcher

Trinidad players have been performing brilliantly with the bat, after their captain, Melissa Aguilleira, thrice failed with the bat. The likes of vice-captain Reniece Boyce, Stacy Ann King, Rachel Vincent, Britney Cooper and Felicia Walters have scored runs when the team so required.

The Trinidadians’ bowling department is beyond equipped to battle in the conditions that obtain in Guyana. Anisa Mohammed, Felicia Walters, Leanna Ramdeen and Karishma Rambarack have been the spin queens that got wickets for their team in the three rounds thus far.

The Windward Islands are led by 32-year-old Afy Fletcher, who has represented Windies in 46 ODIs and 31 T20Is. She has been performing well with the ball in hand during this tournament, bowling

Leeward Islands captain Shawnisha Hector charging in to bowl

her leg spinners while notching up a half-century against Jamaica in round three. For her team to register victory, her team mates will have to put in a complete team effort and keep the Leeward Islands winless.

For the first time in this tournament, the Windward Islands are favourites to win, since the Leeward Islands team are w i t h out any player with Windies experience. However, cricket is considered a game of glorious uncertainties, and anything is possible in any given scenario.

All the matches played in this fourth and penultimate round will commence from 9:30 hours local time. (Brandon Corlette)

Digicel presents youngsters with opportunity to witness Golden Jags’ clash

D

igicel Guyana have handed over a quantity of tickets to some youths of the Kingston Football Development Academy Camp to enable them to witness the Guyana/ Belize Football Clash in the CONCACAF Nations League at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

The tickets, handed over on Friday, March 22, will afford those youngsters from Georgetown’s Kingston and Tiger Bay communities a rewarding experience in seeing the Golden Jaguars vie to secure a spot for a chance to qualify for the Golden Cup. Mr. Forrester, who is very instrumental in reviving the “Kingston Community Football Development Academy”, has described this gesture as affording the youths an

Youths from the Kingston and Tiger Bay communities turned up at the Digicel Head Office in Kingston to receive their tickets to attend the Guyana v Belize CONCACAF Nations League match

Sterling scores hat-trick as England checks Czech

R

aheem Sterling scored his first England hat-trick as their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign started in hugely impressive fashion as they outclassed the Czech Republic at Wembley.

Manager Gareth Southgate gave Jadon Sancho his first international start and Borussia Dortmund’s 18-year-old repaid his faith with a fine display.

But it was Sterling who stole the show as England built on the development that saw them reach the World Cup semi-finals in Russia and the finals of the inaugural Nations League.

Sancho showed his quality with a perfect cross for the stretching Sterling to open the scoring after 24 minutes and captain Harry Kane added the second in first-half stoppage time after the Manchester City forward was bundled over by two Czech Republic defend- Sterling now has seven goals in 48 games for England

opportunity of a lifetime. He said some of the children “love football, so this will be very exciting for them to witness a game of this magnitude first hand”. Forrester noted that this experience should stay a long time in the psyche of the young ones.

It has been explained that Digicel believe in imparting positive experiences that would impact youths in communities across Guyana. During the simple handing over ceremony, Digicel representative Vidya Sanichara noted that Kingston is very special to Digicel and opportunities such as these are never taken for granted.

“Since this is a significant game for the Jaguars, we are delighted to be able to provide the opportunity to these young ones,” she said.

ers.

England survived minor scares at the start of the second half but reasserted their vast superiority when Sterling scored on the turn just after the hour and completed his hat-trick six minutes later when his 20-yard shot deflected in off Ondrej Celustka.

Sterling was then given a standing ovation as he was replaced by debutant Callum Hudson-Odoi, with another of England’s young brigade Declan Rice having already been given his first Three Lions cap as replacement for Dele Alli.

And Hudson-Odoi, making his England debut before his first Premier League start for Chelsea, had a hand in the fifth when his shot was saved by keeper Jiri Pavlenka, only for Tomas Kalas to turn the rebound into his own net. (BBC Sport)

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, march 23, 2019

23

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup…

Confident Barbados ready for clash against Guyana, says Pedro Collins

Captain Hayley Matthews has led from the front with both bat and ball

– hosts must improve in fielding department

By Brandon Corlette

T

eam Guyana are fresh from a victory against the winless Leeward Islands Team, but their next mission is to outplay the Barbados Team when they clash at the National Stadium at Providence today, March 23. Defending champions Barbados are the happiest team in this Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup tournament, having registered three comprehensive wins in as many matches.

On the eve of the Guyana-Barbados clash, after their training session at the Gandhi Youth Organisation Ground on Woolford Avenue in the city, Barbados Assistant Coach Pedro Collins spoke exclusively with Guyana Times Sport declaring that his team’s spirit is very high and the girls

Team Guyana

Barbados assistant coach Pedro Collins sharing a light moment with Shakira Selman

are excited to play.

Collins described Guyana as just another team. “In order for us to retain this championship, we have to beat the best,” he explained. He declared that the Guyana team has some good players in the squad, then added, “But we, as a unit, are focused on our

T

he players’ draft of the Hero Caribbean Premier League will take place on Wednesday, 22nd May 2019 at the Gfinity eSports Arena in London. The state-of-theart production facility will allow CPL fans from around the globe to follow the action, which will be hosted by a world-class panel of pundits. Full details of where the draft will be broadcast will be confirmed nearer the date of the event.

Each of the teams will have the option to retain a maximum of six players.

These are the players that they can potentially retain, although there is no obligation to retain any players from the 2018 squads. A franchise is allowed three (3) West Indian players, one (1) overseas player, the team’s marquee player from 2018, and the team’s ICC Americas Player from 2018.

strengths.”

Collins disclosed that although his team has been playing good all-round cricket, “We have to fine-tune the bowling department, because (during) the last game we gave away 50 extras.”

He said the batting has been clicking, but if all three departments click for the Barbados team, it would be a competitive game for the Guyanese to win.

Collins declared that the pitches in Guyana are known for being on the lower side. He said his team’s last match -- against Jamaica at Bourda -- saw the ball coming on to the bat more.

He also revealed that Barbados will be playing aggressive cricket. “We have to be smart and control that aggression moving forward,” he explained.

He also said that the pitch at Providence is one of the better ones in contrast to the other venues. “Everybody wants to play there; (it is) probably the best wicket and outfield. But we do enjoy the ball coming on to the bat a bit more, and this can be anyone’s game if they stick together,” Collins explained.

Both Guyana and Barbados will be playing at the National Stadium at Providence for the second time this season.

Riding on Captain Hayley Matthews’s

7-27, the dominant B a r b a d o s outfit began their campaign with a seven-wicket win against the Leeward Islands Team at the Everest Cricket Club ground. In the second match, the Bajans put on a brilliant batting display, registering a 241-run win over the Windward Islands at the National Stadium at Providence. In that encounter, Deandra Dottin hit 94 from 50 balls, Hayley Matthews stroked 91, and Kycia Knight hit 81.

The Barbados batting line-up continued their impressive performance in the third round match against Jamaica at Bourda, recording an eight-wicket win over the strong Jamaica team, with Hayley Matthews’s superb century leading the Barbadians’ charge.

The Barbados bowling line-up is, without doubt, a star-studded one, with four players who currently feature in the Windies Women’s set-up -- Shamilia Connell, Shakira Selman, Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews. And they are only some of the weapons in that bowling department.

The Bajans’ assistant coach, 42-year-old Pedro Collins, represented West Indies in 32 Tests and 30 ODIs, picking up 106 Test wickets and 39 ODI wickets with his left-arm seam.

The Guyana Team, on the other hand, will be confident after attaining a victory, but they will – as they should -- be wary of the dangerous Barbados Team. The flaws in their fielding department continued even in their triumph, and this will be an area that they should be keen on correcting going up against Barbados.

The much-anticipated match will commence from 9:30h local time.

2019 Hero CPL Player Draft set for May 22 Besides the maximum six retentions, teams are also allowed one “Right to Match” option in rounds 7 to 17. This means that if a team selects a player who is a national from another team’s franchise territory, that team can match the offer and draft the player ahead of the team that selected that player originally.

The ‘marquee players’ may be signed before the draft, and will sit in the second spot on the draft list. In the past, players who were

CPL three-time champions, Trinbago Knight Riders

selected in this spot included Chris Lynn, Kieron Pollard, Shoaib Malik, Evin Lewis, AB de Villiers and Steve Smith.

Each team can draft

a maximum of five overseas players, but only four of these players will be allowed in each starting XI. The ICC Americas player does not count in this over-

seas category.

Speaking about the upcoming draft, M i c h a e l Hall, CPL’s Tournament Operations Director, said: “This year’s player draft promises to be even better than previous editions.

We made the decision to stage the draft 2 months later than usual to ensure that all of our franchises have a clearer picture about the international commitments of the overseas players they may be eyeing up.

We want to make sure that

we provide teams and the fans with the best possible playing talent.”

A NOTE, ON THE HERO CPL

First started in 2013, the Hero CPL (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere.

Combining broadcast and digital viewership, over 200 million fans watched the 2018 season to make it one of the fastest growing leagues in world cricket.

Trinbago Knight Riders are the current Hero CPL champions, and the other competing teams are Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St. Lucia Stars and Jamaica Tallawahs.

saturday, march 23, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Corporate power boosts Guyana’s fan base for Jaguars’ clash

Page 23

Page 20 Diamond Secondary School Headmistress, Lesline Collins accepts the tickets from GFF EBFA TDO, Devnon Winter in the presence of students

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup

2019 Hero CPL Player Draft set for May 22

VIVO Indian Premier League 2019...

Hetmyer to debut for RCB in 12th edition’s opener

Jamaica aiming to end Trinidad’s unbeaten streak – Leewards, Windwards still searching for win

Page 19

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