Guyana Times - Saturday, MArch 2, 2019

Bosai to invest US$23M on expansion plan P13

P12

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3851

saturday, MARCH 2, 2019

Trapped pensioner perishes in early morning fire Page 7

New Amsterdam Govt threatens to Police Station shut down Rusal robbed

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P7 Berbice labour killed by neighbour

Fire destroys community centre in P12 Linden

Firing of striking workers...

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Page 13

Suspected aircraft part surfaces in Corentyne River

Boat Captain Roshan Haniff and his crew lifting what is suspected to be part of an aircraft that was pulled from the Corentyne River on Friday afternoon

Hearing date set 7 days before constitutionally due elections deadline

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P14 LGC Commissioners, staffers finally paid

Pomeroon miner sentenced to death for killing pensioner P12

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No-confidence Motion appeals

After 2 months

Cassava factory

No job opportunities as promised – Regional Chairman Page …says workers being laid off

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Farmers P11 charged for trespassing on Belle Vue “private” lands

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news

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saturday, MARCH 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, March 2 – a night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, March 3 – a night retraction at 03:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, March 2 – 14:05h-15:35h and Sunday, March 3 – 14:45h-16:15h.

No-confidence Motion appeals

Hearing date set 7 days before constitutionally due elections deadline

Justice Rishi Persaud

Justice Dawn Gregory

records of appeal in relation to the case filed by Government supporter, Compton Reid, who had unsuccessfully challenged the vote of former AFC parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud based on his dual citizen status, is not yet ready. But it is expected to be ready in time to be heard alongside the other appeal

ly: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence” and “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such lon-

Elections Commission (GECOM) last week informed President David Granger that it cannot hold elections before the constitutional deadline.

This comes almost two months after Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, along with stakeholders, has been calling on President Granger to set a date for General and Regional Elections.

GECOM had previously claimed that it can only commence preparations for elections after a date is set by the President.

Earlier this week, President Granger, without setting a date for the hosting of polls, ordered GECOM to prepare for elections while also asking for consultations with the elections body as well as with the Opposition Leader on the way forward.

However, Jagdeo has since indicated that he would only meet with the Head of State if a date for elections is set on the agen-

cases.

“Hopefully we can fit it in the timeframe so that that matter is not left out [the other hearings] because the issues are very related if not identical, and they were all heard and determined together [in the High Court] in any event and it would be ideal if we can get them to be heard again at the appellate stage,” Attorney Anil Nandlall, who is representing the Opposition Leader, explained to reporters.

However, these appeal cases will come up mere days before the March 19, constitutionally due elections deadline.

The December 21, 2018 passage of the Noconfidence Motion gave effect to Articles 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution which states, respective-

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

However, after weeks of what was described as a deliberate delay on its preparedness, the Guyana

da. Minister of State Joseph Harmon in a letter to the Opposition Leader, on behalf of the President, said the agenda of the meeting fixed for Wednesday coming includes matters relating to “the National Assembly’s constitutional role in the current situation” and “the Guyana Elections Commission’s readiness and requirement for funding to enable it to conduct General and Regional Elections.”

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected throughout the day, followed by clear skies in the evening. Overall temperatures will range between 20 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 01:47h and 14:05h reaching maximum heights of 2.09 metres and 2.20 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:37h and 20:11h reaching minimum heights of 1.13 metres and 0.96 metre respectively.

WEDNESday, FEBRUARY 27, 2019

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DAILY MILLIONS

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Acting Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

J

ust mere days before the constitutional due March 19, 2019 elections deadline, the Court of Appeal is set to commence hearing of appeals filed against the High Court judgements on the Noconfidence Motion.

The Full Bench of the Court of Appeal on Friday held a case management session following which dates were set for the hearing of appeals cases. The cases were heard by acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Justice Rishi Persaud and Justice Dawn Gregory.

On March 12, the court will commence hearing the appeals filed by Attorney General Basil Williams against acting Chief Justice Roxane George – judgements on the case relating to the 33 against 34 majority votes that was used to pass the No-confidence Motion on December 21, 2018 and on Christopher Ram’s application to validate the successful passage of the motion and have Government resign and call elections.

The Chief Justice on January 31, 2019 had upheld both cases, ruling that the no-confidence vote was validly passed and that Cabinet should have resigned. However, Williams in his appeals is claiming that the Chief Justice made an error in both of these rulings.

As such, the March 12 hearing is for consideration of submissions by the parties, which also includes the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo; Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland; and APNU representative Joseph Harmon.

On the other hand, the

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saturDAY, MARCH 2, 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

Protecting our wildlife

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omorrow, Sunday March 3, Guyana and the rest of the world will observe World Wildlife Day (WWD).

Every year, this day is set aside by the United Nations (UN) for countries and international organisations to reflect on what is being done and plan for the future in terms of sustainable wildlife management and conservation. The UN has renewed its commitment in doing all that is necessary to protect wildlife and stop wildlife crimes, such as poaching and trafficking.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), wildlife trafficking and poaching have ravaged key populations of endangered wildlife, driving many to the brink of extinction. Elephants, rhinos, tigers, lions, sharks, jaguars and gorillas, among many others, are under serious threat. Poaching threatens local livelihoods, and undermines environmental health and ecological integrity, removing species that play important roles in maintaining a natural balance in their respective ecosystems.

All over the world, especially in countries with a huge wildlife population, the call is being made for the authorities to take more proactive steps in halting the illegal trade in wildlife and to manage wildlife in a more sustainable manner. The animals and plants that live in the wild have an intrinsic value and contributes to the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic aspects of human well-being and sustainable development.

World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people. At the same time, the day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime and human induced reduction of species, which have wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.

Here in Guyana, it is well known that persons are still engaging in the illegal trade in wildlife. This is in spite of the fact that a number of critical steps were taken by the authorities to bring a halt to the practice. There are even allegations that the illegal trade in wildlife is being done sometimes with the knowledge of the law enforcement authorities who turn a blind eye to it.

Just recently, there were reports in the media of the killing of a jaguar, Guyana’s national animal. A photo of the dead jaguar began circulating on social media earlier this week and has since sparked debates and awareness about the need to protect this endangered species of animal. From all indications, based on the post, the animal was killed during a hunting trip. But it is against the law to hunt and kill an animal which falls under the protection of the law.

We have noted that the Natural Resources Ministry has since called for an investigation into the matter. Certainly this is a serious issue and must be treated as such. It is therefore hoped that a thorough investigation will be carried out and the relevant action will be taken to ensure that there is no recurrence.

The jaguar is known as Guyana’s national animal and is protected by the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2016. According to the legislation, collecting, holding in captivity, hunting, killing, or otherwise molesting ‘protected’ species is prohibited.

The jaguar is the third-largest feline in the world, and the largest in the Western hemisphere. Globally, jaguar populations are on the decline mainly due to the loss of habitat and conflict with people. As a result, these animals are listed as a ‘near threatened’ species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Guyana must therefore show by its actions that it is serious about protecting this rare animal.

In an effort to strengthen the regulation and management of the international wildlife trade, regulations were put in place to make provisions for among other things, penalising the harvesting of prohibited species of wildlife, exporting, reexporting or importing wildlife without permits and the use of prohibited devices and methods to hunt wildlife.

It should also be mentioned that the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) is working on the development of a 10-year strategic plan aimed at developing regulations on the hunting, trapping, trade, protection, conservation, management and sustainable use of wildlife. While this sounds good on paper, it makes very little sense if serious efforts are not made towards ensuring that these policies are effectively implemented.

One of the 19 nominees for Queen of the Carnival of Santa Cruz shows off her costume on the main stage during carnival celebrations in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, on the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife (voanews.com)

No military intervention in Venezuela, just “appropriate actions” – Abrams

US envoy to Venezuela Elliott Abrams

U

S envoy to Venezuela and regime change enthusiast Elliott Abrams offered no specifics on the US’s further plans to oust President Nicolás Maduro, but warned that “dictatorships come to an end.”

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Abrams – the regime change engineer behind Iran/Contra – dismissed warnings from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that the US might intervene militarily in crisis-stricken Venezuela.

“I don’t think he actually believes we’re attempting to do that,” Abrams said. Abrams did state the oft-repeated line that “all options are on the table,” but that the US would stick to economic, diplomatic, and other “appropriate actions” for the meantime.

“Dictatorships come to an end,” Abrams shrugged

when asked about “losing momentum” and comparisons between Libya and Venezuela. “Some last for a very long time, others a much shorter time. This one in Venezuela will also come to an end. We hope that it comes to an end quickly and peacefully.”

With military intervention shelved for the meantime, Abrams gave self-declared interim President Juan Guaido a pep talk.

Guaido, he said “has become much more of an international figure in the last week,” meeting with various Latin American leaders and with US Vice President Mike Pence.

However, the US’s star pupil has thus far failed to win over the support of Venezuela’s military and failed to make good on a promise to bring in shipments of US-supplied humanitarian aid. Maduro still holds the levers of

President Nicolás Maduro

power in Venezuela, and America’s attempts to dislodge him have fallen flat.

Guaido is still in Colombia, and Abrams warned of a “very large reaction” if he were to be harmed by Venezuelan authorities upon his eventual return.

Abrams went on to Russia and China for blocking a US resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have blamed Maduro for causing “economic collapse” in Venezuela and called for new elections.

The envoy – best known for using aid shipments to ferry arms to right-wing Nicaraguan rebels in the 1980s, and for defending despotic regimes in El Salvador and Guatemala – called a counter-resolution

by Russia urging a political solution “pathetic.”

Opposition Leader Juan Guaido

With UN support ruled out, sanctions remain the US’ primary weapon against Maduro. The Treasury Department sanctioned six Venezuelan security officials earlier on Friday, whom it said were “obstructing” humanitarian aid deliveries last weekend. The State Department also revoked the visas of “dozens” of Maduro associates in the United States, Abrams said during the briefing.

However, Abrams could not reveal more about the visa revocations, and could not reveal whether the US had talked any other countries into imposing sanctions on Venezuela. All the envoy could do was remind the press that the US will “continue to take appropriate action against Maduro,” whatever that may be. (rt.com)

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saturday, march 2, 2019

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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

Reoccurrence of dictatorial doctrine

Dear Editor, Some time back, Sir John Robert Seeley coined the axiom “History is past politics and politics present history”. What this means in Guyanese local parlance is not only the rhizome relationship between history and politics but also how politics and history have evolved and manifested themselves.

Since 2015, some sections of Guyana have always wondered if the above would repeat themselves under the APNU/AFC coalition regime, namely the reoccurrence of PNC dictatorial doctrine of State cameralism and biological nationalism. Their suspicion was brought about by the current regime’s useless moribund manifesto, poor governance and now the refusal to accept or even acknowledge the constitutional verdict of the No-Confidence Motion.

While the Government has the right to appeal and carry its case against the NoConfidence Motion all way until hell freezes over at Caribbean Court of Justice, not everyone, however, is convinced or even fooled by its action. From the outset, the Government’s reckless, careless and callous actions

have always looked like a duck, walked like a duck, quacked like a duck and now, it smells like a duck to them.

Shocking as it may sound to loyalists of the APNU/ AFC coalition regime, only a small section of Guyana disagrees with the feeling that the country is descending into a constitutional crisis and strongman tactics.

The regime continues blaming Charrandas Persaud, the messenger, instead of addressing his message: you have failed your supporters, your party, and above all, your nation, to deliver as promised. For those not in the know, recently, rambunctious Khemraj Ramjattan on GlobalSpan24x7 lambasted Persaud, calling him a Judas repeatedly. What a crying shame. Ramjattan and others like him in the coalition see politics as a self-contained game with inflexible rules. Party members must toe the line especially when the stakes are high. This position smacks at the heart of the coalition campaign and manifesto as well as at the “good life” promulgation for Guyanese. Instead of seeing the entrance into leadership as a historical moment to

wield State power in accordance with visions of a good life for all, the regime has extended State benefits to itself and increased the tax burden on the populace, among others, with unconstrained freedom of action.

Upon reading the literature on the evolution of political history, one is inclined to say that the mindset of the regime is not guided by grand ideas, which apparently should be the main focus, but how each individual should successfully apply him or herself for advantages within an unstable political system. Do you remember the perks and salary increases coupled with the noble missing principles of transparency and accountability?

Aww, it hurts bad, bad. The approach to understanding the individual within the current regime should not be on ideology and belief since that would be a futile endeavour and exercise. The focus ought to be on prosopography, a study of the collective biography of a group that invariably means exploring the hidden and dark side that frequently determines individual action. I have to call in the local Sigmund Freud

to psychoanalyse “dem boys” in the regime.

There is little doubt that the APNU/AFC regime has “slapped up” GECOM to ensure that no Charrandas episode would ever be repeated under its watch. A section of the local media in its editorial on February 25, 2019, quipped that “There is no spin to be placed on it. The Government majority on GECOM has allowed itself to be subverted and this constitutes a serious blow to constitutional governance and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms”.

Even the regime’s blind loyalists, extremists, and propagandists would shake their heads in the affirmative and say “Amen you can say that again”. A national responsibility now rests on those who have showered so much support and blessing to speak out against despotism in GECOM. One person said to me, “we have started the fire of resistance, we have to now encourage others to fan the flames of resistance”. It is the human thing to do.

Sincerely, Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine

New house-to-house registration not needed Dear Editor, In conversations with several former poll workers and GECOM administrators (officers) of past elections, they are of the view that there is no need for new house-to-house registration to hold timely elections. The general public and the business community also feels the same. The voters’ list can be updated to include all eligible voters (adding those excluded) and to remove phantom voters (those who died or migrated) as well as transfer voters to their new polling locations (having changed place of residence). It is illogical and foolish to enter into an exercise of new voter registration when the law requires elections to be held

by March 19. The only sensible thing to do is to amend the list to include all eligible voters. This can be done in two weeks.

No one would and should be excluded from the list as voters would be allowed to update their information

and certify they are on the list. There has been continuous registration over the years allowing voters to be added to the list. So no one is excluded. Even those who attained age 14 are provided ID cards; when they reach voting age 18, their names are easily transferred to the voters’ list. If anyone is excluded, their names can be added to the list. When an election is announced, it has been the tradition to allow eligible voters, not on the list, to be included. Instead of new voters’ registration as being bandied about by the Chairman, with the sole objective of delaying the constitutionally due elections, there can be a brief period of claims and objections (two weeks perhaps) – to remove ineligible voters and add legitimate voters. So, elections can be held soon to resolve the matter pertaining to the no-confidence motion of December 21, 2018.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

What’s the problem at GECOM? Dear Editor, As Guyana rapidly slips into a very serious constitutional crisis, the PNC/APNU orchestrators act as though citizens will allow the cabal to bully them and rule dictatorially by staying in power illegally. This is far from being realistic and our nation is in for its most trying times since gaining independence approximately 50 years ago. The recent ruling of Court of Appeal Justice Rishi Persaud in denying the request for staying the fallen Government status quo, reifies the maladroitness in the Government actions.

Critical among the fomenting issues that led us to the precipitously threatening position is the demonstrated characteristic untrustworthiness which seems to have no point of redress. They have been outright uncaring, dishonest to the nation and full of vengeance against any citizen who stops to identify the APNU/AFC Administrator’s clandestine, fraudulent and underhanded intent. Thanks to the Constitution, there is a measure of recourse that the Opposition utilised to successfully challenge and fall this visible epidemic.

Aside from the significantly burdensome tax-lad-

en investiture imposed by the APNU/AFC regime, President Granger’s previous sidestepping of the legitimate expectancy in the naming of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was wait laid and deliberate.

Their sinister and fraudulent orchestrations were surprising to many, even supporters, and spewed on citizens under a dictatorship program designed towards an unconscionable spendthrift position. Guyanese now demand the indemnification of this ungainly situation in their favour.

The APNU/AFC leader’s conjured delays and the defiance of President Granger’s inappropriate treatment of the result of the No-Confidence Motion is yet another attempt at constitutional subversion and abuse that Guyanese will not allow to happen. Word on the street from the echelons of the PNC/R-led APNU/AFC coalition is that the Opposition does not have the testicular fortitude to take any actions in the likely constitutional crisis. In abstract mode, they seem myopic to the international ramifications even as citizens are now readying for the trenches in revolt. Our

people must unite, and cost it what it will, stand up to any illegal regime.

The Government is on a path of political influencing while some GECOM officials are playing the delaying games with the constitutional clock ticking. This makes many administrative officials of GECOM complicit of a major fraud on our citizens’ rights. It is pellucid that GECOM’s Chief Executive Officer Lowenfield already said that the voters’ list is valid up to April 30, 2019, it is clean and ready for elections. Additionally, Public Relations Officer Ms Yolanda Ward in speaking to the press on December 28, 2018, stated that “the Commission would uphold its constitutional mandate, and would have to immediately put systems in place to run off the elections once a date was set”.

The clear inconsistencies that have since emerged with GECOM stating that it needs approximately five

months to be ready are farcical and demand persons responsible to be held accountable following the necessary inquiry after the elections. More so, GECOM’s announcements that the agency does not have elections funds and that it will proceed with house-to-house registration is a flagrant violation of its constitutional mandate and obligations. It is GECOM’s role to be ready for any arising elections in keeping with the intent of any circumstance enshrined in the Constitution.

Article 222 A of the Constitution provides for the lump sum appropriation of funds to GECOM to deal with as necessary in such manner as it deems fit for the efficient discharge of its functions, subject only to the financial practices and procedures approved by the National Assembly to ensure accountability. With the Constitution being supreme of all national legislation,

there is simply no rational excuse regarding GECOM’s failure to do what is required.

It is the constitutional mandate that National Elections be held within 90 days from December 21, 2018, and, therefore, that of GECOM. There have been many previous precedents of notice of elections advised to the Commission in shorter timelines and the implementation executed within the period. The Government now conveniently represents that young persons will be

disenfranchised. It is widely known, however, that GECOM has offices across the country that should normally be used for them to facilitate the Claims and Objections. Additionally, the current database system of the organisation allows for automatic update of persons achieving the voting age of 18 years. So what’s the problem?

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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saturday, march 2, 2019

Page

By Robert Myers, PhD

(Continued from Friday)

Are your kids glued to their electronics?

Learn how to create a healthier, happier family that understands the importance of spending less time glued to their electronics and more time communicating and connecting.

Several programmes provide an introduction of music education for preschoolers which include participation by parents. My wife and I love music, and we exposed both of our children to music early. I remember coming home from work one day and finding my wife lying on the couch with the stereo headphones on her belly. She said, “I’m giving him/ her some culture.” Both of our kids also participated in early music programmes, and we played along with them. They both can play several musical instruments. My daughter also sang in choirs for years and is using music in her work teaching special education students. My son works in the film/tv industry as an editor and now, after getting advanced training in music, is doing orchestration and composing for film.

Sharing musical moments with your kids will improve your relationship

A research article published in the Journal of Family Communication in 2018 found that parent-child musical engagement with children and teens improved the relationship between parents and their children, particularly in the area of empathy and social interactions. Participating in music such as dancing or singing to-

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Foundation

gether requires synchronisation.

Even simply listening to music activates areas of the brain associated with empathy, positive feelings, and pleasure. Neuroscientific research has found that listening to music results in the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that activates the pleasure centre of the brain.

You could say that participating in a musical activity together makes the participants more in tune with one another. This synchronisation goes beyond the musical experiences to everyday life. Other research indicates that the development of empathy during childhood leads to pro-social behaviour including cooperation and improved social interactions.

There are many ways parents and children can interact musically.

Singing often starts with parents singing a lullaby to their baby.

Parents are encouraged to sing often to their babies and young children.

Singing to infants and toddlers not only instils bonding, but it’s also vital to language development. With older children, you can sing along with them. Singing together gets you in sync with each other. Find fun songs you can learn to sing together one on one and with the whole family. Singing is a great activity for road trips, campfires and family nights.

Here are some lists of songs you and your kids might enjoy singing together: * 10 funny songs to sing with your kids * 100 sing-along favourites for kids

* 16 family-friendly songs that won’t drive you crazy Dancing with kids can start with you picking up your baby, holding her close, and singing and dancing around the room. With a toddler, it could begin with “Ring Around the Rosy.” Look for songs your children like, and sing and dance along with the song. With school-age kids, let them teach you to dance with songs you both enjoy. Oldies are often a hit with all ages. Be silly and have fun. Follow this link for some ideas for dancing with kids’ music from Amazon.com. With your teens, again let them teach new dances to you, or the whole family could take up line dancing! Another idea is to get a workout video for kids and exercise together while also encouraging them to work out on their own. This is an excellent substitute for screen time while boosting physical fitness.

Listening to music together is great fun as well. Find your favourite tunes and enjoy. Try new music.

Introduce your kids to listening to classical music at home. YouTube has some fantastic videos to introduce kids of all ages to classical music.

Going to a concert together is a wonderful way to spend some special time with your kids. If your community has a symphony orchestra nearby, many of them provide special programmes for kids to introduce them to the classics. These programmes are fun and usually are meant for kids and parents to attend together.

Look for concerts for other types of

music such as pop and country to attend with older children and teens.

Learning to play an instrument together is an activity to consider for you and your child. Your participation would be a motivator for your child, and research shows that evolvement in music benefits cognitive functioning and social/emotional skills for adults as well. This could become a shared hobby/interest, and you could play duets together.

Singing in a choir together can be another way to share an activity with your teen. If you both like to sing, you should consider joining a church or community choir.

When I was in high school, I sang in a church choir and thought it was cool when my dad joined. It brought us closer together.

Music has proven to be positive for development and as a joint activity. In my upcoming book The Well-Balanced Family: How to Reduce Screen Time and Increase Family Fun, Fitness and Connectedness, I devote a whole section on the concept of connectedness. Connectedness creates a sense of belonging as well as feeling safe and secure. The basics include engaging in fun and meaningful activities, creating moments of close personal one-on-one time, developing family traditions, and providing personal space when needed. Sharing musical experiences with children fits in with two key ways to improve connectedness – play and family activities. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

F

or many children, art comes naturally. From painting and drawing to making music; the arts are not only a source of fun but also a way to inspire collaboration, build confidence and foster problem-solving skills. If your little artist is ready to learn how to play music, act, paint or draw, follow these tips to support his or her creative journey:

Provide music lessons

Children who play musical instruments have a higher IQ and do better on standardised tests than their peers, according to research from Brown University. If your child is interested in playing music, find an instrument he or she wants to play. Oftentimes, parents make the mistake of choosing the instrument for the child, which may lessen his or her interest. Instead, have your child test out a few different instruments to see which one he or she likes best. CMUSE, a website dedicated to all things music, suggests starting with basic instruments. This may mean that the oboe, bassoon, violin and French horn may be out of the question.

If you’re not a professional musician, hire someone to teach your child the basics, such as reading music and caring for his or her instrument. Online resources, such as Take Lessons, let your browse through dozens of local music teachers and tutors with the click of the button. Look for a music teacher who is energetic and passionate about music to inspire your child to play.

Inspire creativity

When children are encouraged to express themselves through art, they develop a sense of innovation that extends into their adult lives. Following directions is great, but, according to experts, young artists are more forward thinking than their peers and more willing to take risks, reports PBS Parents. Additionally, art helps young children develop finetuned motor skills, and it impacts visual learning, language development, decision making and cultural awareness. A report from Americans for the Arts shows that children who participate in arts activities for at least three hours per day are more likely to be recognised for their academic performance than children who do not participate in arts activities.

When it comes to art, give your child room to express him or herself – without colouring on the walls, of course.

Art supplies, such as easels, sketchbooks or even a large paper roll can be your child’s canvas. If your kiddo is a budding Picasso, show him or her that you’re proud of his or her artwork. Don’t just hang it on the refrigerator, either. Instead, have his or her artwork framed and hung. Not only are you preserving a childhood memory, but you’re supporting his or her creativity. (Excerpt from childdevelopmentinfo.com)

7 Trapped pensioner perishes in early morning fire news

SATURday, MARCH 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

What remains of the burnt-out two-storey building

By Leah Hernandez

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he quiet village of Non-Pareil, East Coast Demerara, was jolted awake in the wee hours of Friday morning after the screams of a burning 65-year-old pierced through the community.

Many rushed to help but they were too late since Rovena Hassan’s two-storey home was already engulfed in flames and she was trapped by the heavy grills on her windows and doors.

The grills made it impossible for the pensioner

to escape and her continued screams while being trapped in the flaming building made it even worse for her neighbours who just stood there helplessly. The fire, which is suspected to be of electrical origin, started around 00:30h and quickly spread through Hassan’s Lot 22 Non-Pareil home.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, after the fire started, neighbours were awoken by the now dead woman’s screams for help as the fire spread quickly on to the neighbouring buildings. The concrete

and wooden structure was located between a hardware store and a tire shop.

When this publication visited the scene, Hassan’s neighbour, Travis Pairalall, related that he was jolted out of his sleep by the screams of “fire”. He along with other neighbours quickly raised an alarm and summoned the Guyana Fire Service and firefighters arrived sometime after.

While they awaited the arrival of the firefighters, neighbours began evacuating their homes as well as making efforts to save both

Berbice labourer killed by neighbour

A

Berbice labourer is now dead after being hit by a neighbour in what was described as an act of revenge, leaving a one-day-old baby fatherless.

Dead is Muhammed Ally, 24, of Benet Dam, Rosignol, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

According to reports, Ally and some of his in-laws were walking out of the street on their way to the New Amsterdam Hospital to visit Ally’s wife, who had given birth to a baby girl on Friday, when the incident occurred.

This newspaper was told that Ally was attacked by a

Dead: Muhammed Ally

neighbour, who hit him to his head with an iron pipe.

Following the blow, he col-

lapsed and was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The neighbour was subsequently arrested.

Guyana Times understands that Ally’s in-laws and the suspect, who was released from prison last week, have an ongoing feud.

In January, the suspect was remanded to prison after an attack on one of the in-laws.

Ally had been living on the East Bank of Berbice and then moved to East Canje before marrying and joining his wife at Rosignol last year.

the tire shop and the hardware store which were beginning to burn.

“By the time we come out there was so much people outside already and we tried throw some water on this tire shop because the fire started to spread…it was going over to the hardware store and if it de catch the hardware and hit the tire shop, then all these surrounding houses would’ve been gone. The fire service came, they were prompt actually, they help to save the day because if they weren’t on time then the tire shop would’ve gone and everything would’ve went,” he stated.

A concerned Pairalall added that the fire had reignited within the building that housed the tire shop and it had to be broken into to have the flames put out to prevent further damages.

When the Guyana Fire Service arrived, it was too late to save Hassan or her home, but they were successful in containing the raging fire to just her house.

Neighbours further re-

Dead: Rovena Hassan

lated that the screams of the pensioner were heard coming from the bottom flat of the burning building but onlookers, who were panicking and frustrated could not have saved her due to the heavy grillwork and intense flames.

“When we tried to sort everything out then we realised the woman is there.

Apparently, mommy and some other people heard the screams and after that, they didn’t hear back anything,

but nobody could’ve done anything….it could’ve been electrical,” Pairalall added.

The young man related that faulty electricity supply and constant blackouts have been plaguing the area for over a decade with the power company reportedly doing nothing to correct the issue.

He explained that while other parts of the village would have electricity, Non-Pareil front would be without power and vice versa.

The elderly woman, who lived alone, was last seen alive by her son, Syed Hassan, on Thursday. She was described as a quiet but friendly person.

Her charred remains are at the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy while the Fire Service and the Police Force are conducting their investigations.

Hassan is the second senior citizen to be killed in a fire for this year, the first being 87-year-old Yowani Sasenarine who perished in a fire at her Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara home on February 17, 2019.

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Ex-Police prosecutor Mother, son charged for drug trafficking slapped with fraud charges A

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n ex-Police prosecutor was on Friday slapped with fraud charges after he reportedly collected money with the aim of attempting to have a firearm possession charged dropped against a defendant.

Terry Bostwick of Pike Street, Kitty, denied the charges which were read by Magistrate Leron Daly.

The first charge against him alleged that he collected $100,000 from the mother of Tyrone Kennedy at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts in December 2016 by falsely claiming that he was in a position to have a charge against him dropped.

The 34-year-old man allegedly collected $100,000 in January 2017 at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, from Moreine Kalli with the same claim of being able to have the matter against her son dropped. The final charge stated that on

January 31, 2017, he collected $100,000 from the sister of the accused for the same purpose.

Bostwick was represented by Attorneys-atlaw Bernard DaSilva and George Thomas who both made a successful bail application. He was released on $75,000 bail for each charge and the case will continue on March 20, 2019.

Bostwick was reportedly assigned as the prosecutor in Kennedy’s case.

He reportedly contacted the family of the accused and told them to pay him $300,000 and he would get the charges dropped.

They complied but Kennedy was subsequently jailed for the offence.

The matter was reported to the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the prosecutor was transferred and later dismissed from his job.

mother and her son found themselves before Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday, charged with trafficking cocaine and cannabis.

Shantaline Dawson, 52, of Lot 155 Higginsville, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD); and her 34-year-old son, Edgar Dawson of Lot 173 Charlotte Street, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday and denied the charges which stated that on February 25, 2019, they

had in their possession 132 grams of cannabis and 23 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

According to Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh, the illegal substances were discovered hidden next to a garbage heap in the Charlotte Street, Georgetown yard.

In a bail application, lawyer for the Dawsons’ in a bail application inform the court that Shantaline suffers from kidney stones. Both mother and son were released on $50,000 each. The case will continue on April 5.

Duo jailed for stealing undergarments

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wo men were on Friday jailed for 18 months after they admitted to stealing a box of women’s undergarments.

On their initial appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Leslie Ferdinand and Harry Mowanie denied that they

stole the items from the Stabroek Market Wharf on January 23, 2019. However, on Friday when the men reappeared in court, they admitted that they stole the box belonging to businessman Mondale Rogers, which contained 30 pairs of slippers, 10 panties and a number of brassieres with a total value of $391,000.

According to the prosecution’s case, the men were found with some of the stolen articles in their possession. Following their first court appearance, they were both remanded to prison after they could not give the court a fixed place of abode.

However, when they reappeared on Friday, the duo told Magistrate Leron Daly that they wished to change their plea, and as such, they were jailed.

Student charged for raping 14-yearold

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n 18-year-old student found himself in hot water after he reportedly forced himself on a 14-year-old girl and raped her.

Tevin Fraser stood before Magistrate Faith McGusty and was not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on March 1, 2018, he raped the young woman in Georgetown.

The prosecution is contending that the Virtual Complainant (VC) is known to the accused and on the day in question, Fraser reportedly made sexual advances towards the teen, who rejected him. As such, he allegedly forced himself on her and raped her.

The VC informed her parents about the incident and a report was made to the police. The teen was recently arrested and charged. In court on Friday, the teen was released on $150,000 bail.

The case will continue on March 11, 2019.

Forked tongue…

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…President? ne of the few sayings that have entered the English language from the Native Americans is “to speak with a forked tongue”. It means saying one thing and meaning another – to lie through your teeth, in other words. Of course, they are also described as having forked tongues.

Well, how else but “speaking with a forked tongue” can you describe President David Granger, who just said one thing in a letter to his hand-picked Chairman of GECOM - about resolving the constitutional cataclysm Guyana faces, by asking him to schedule elections? For within minutes he writes something completely different to the same man, pulling back his instruction!! Why the forked tongue??

Well, when you compare the two letters – and then consider the actions of the PNC minions after Granger flew off to Cuba for his chemotherapy – the reason jumps right out at you!! In the first letter, Granger refers to the NCM, and in that context asks for elections to be scheduled. Which would mean 90 days after the passing of the NCM on Dec 21, 2018, or March 19, 2019. In the second letter, however, Granger merely tells Patterson that he’s prepared to do whatever it takes for GECOM to be able to conduct “credible” elections!!

You see the forked tongue at work?? As President of Guyana, it’s GRANGER’s duty to dissolve Parliament and call for elections – even though the Constitution might’ve already determined the date through the 90day rule inherent in successful no-confidence motions.

He can’t just fob it off on GECOM, which is supposed to be ALWAYS in a state pf readiness to conduct elections within 3 months! What’s this nonsense about ASKING GECOM when it’ll be ready to hold elections? Is the Constitution to be made an ass? It’s like buying a $100 million Porsche to be able to go from zero to sixty in 6 seconds, and then pressing the gas and asking why it can’t overtake a donkey cart!!

Hey! What was GECOM doing with all those billions – apart from buying radio sets that can’t work?? At the GECOM Commission meeting, the reason for the subterfuge in the “Case of the Forked Tongue President” was revealed. When the PPP Commissioners referred to the first letter and asked that the Commission declare – after much desperate, disparate foot dragging! - how close to March 21 it could hold elections, the PNC Commissioners pulled out the second letter and insisted that the subject should be “house to house” registration!!

Did the President listen to Spike Lee and wanted to “do the right thing”, but the hardliners stepped in and split his tongue in two!??! …Christian?

You live and you learn. And your Eyewitness is never too old to learn - even though he’s getting long in the tooth. After the subterfuge of the two Presidential letters to the GECOM Chair, the Opposition Leader – who’d been burnt already in a “good faith” meeting with the President on elections scheduling – cried, “Fraudulent behaviour!!” Well who told him to say that!!

The President’s spokesman immediately jumped up on his high horse and exclaimed, “I have never heard anyone level such an accusation against President David Arthur Granger, a Christian man who espouses and practises Christian values; who understands the Bible… all Christians; all people of religion across the world, must recognise that this is an attack on the religion of the President”!! Imagine that!! So once you profess you’re a Christian and go to church, you can’t engage in fraudulent actions??

Even if Burnham might’ve held some unorthodox ideas on religion, wasn’t Hoyte a good church-going Christian who fraudulently rigged the 1985 elections?

Your Eyewitness won’t even mention all those pedophile priests ousted by the Pope! …Union Leader Your Eyewitness salutes Trade Union solidarity over RUSAL’s axed 90 workers. But as GAWU’s Komal Chand picketed and protested, did he ask those other unions why they weren’t on the picket lines when 7000 sugar workers were fired?

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

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Firing of striking workers

Govt threatens to shut down RUSAL A

fter a series of protests by various stakeholders in Guyana against the recent actions of Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI), which is owned by Russian Aluminum company, RUSAL, where 61 striking employees were fired, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Friday said Government is geared at taking action against the company, even if it means having the company shut down its operations in Guyana.

“What I can say is that I have ordered the GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission) to conduct a technical and legal assessment of all of RUSAL’s operations. I am hoping that I can get that report for presentation to his Excellency (President David Granger) and other Ministers on Tuesday. And we are looking at all of the legal and other consequences, either them closing or we closing them. We just can’t have the status quo continue as is,”

said the Minister on Friday, on the sidelines of a tour of the bauxite operations in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

He said the lawyers representing the Government have advised that an assessment needs to be completed before further comments surrounding the issue can be made.

Conciliation

Meanwhile, in a release to the media on Friday, Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle stated that he has invited the management the company along with the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GB&GWU) to a meeting on Monday at the Labour Department.

The Chief Labour Officer is optimistic that at Monday’s meeting, he would be able to convince management of the Russian-based company that in the interest of all stakeholders’ normalcy be returned without further delay.

The 61 workers were fired by the Russian owned

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

company after they protested a one per cent salary increase, which they said were agreed to by Government.

Following a meeting with Government, RUSAL refused to reinstate the workers and subsequently dismissed 30 more persons from the department in order to temporarily close it as a result of the strike actions.

On Thursday, union leaders in Guyana took to the streets to stage a picketing exercise in front of

Police school delinquent bus operators, touts on proper conduct

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The detained bus operators and touts during the schooling session at the Brickdam Police Station

s part of an enforcement exercise aimed at enforcing traffic laws and maintaining law and order at the various bus parks at Stabroek, ranks of A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) clamped down on delinquent bus operators and touts.

The “Traffic Enforcement Exercise” commenced on Thursday and continued on Friday during which some 17 persons were arrested for touting and several minibus drivers and conductors were detained for various offences, a statement from the Force’s Public Relations Office said.

These include: soliciting of passengers; having offensive weapons (knife and ice picks); tint; breach of road services licence (amplifier set and equaliser in minibus); breach of road services licence (offensive words and designs on minibus), and defective tyre.

As part of the exercise, traffic ranks stationed at the Brickdam Police Station,

which also houses the Divisional Headquarters, took the opportunity to educate the delinquent drivers and conductors about the seriousness of these offences prior to releasing them.

They were advised on issues such as the seating capacity of a minibus; working attire; obstruction of traffic around the Stabroek Market area; playing of loud or offensive music; speed limit; cleanliness of the interior of the minibuses; paying of traffic tickets; insurance of motor vehicle, and adhering

to all traffic laws and regulations.

Following the teaching session, the drivers were all grateful to the police for their leniency and thanked them for the advice given.

The “Traffic Enforcement Exercise” was spearheaded by Second-inCharge ‘Traffic’ A Division, Assistant Superintendent Forbes Browne, and assisted by Inspector Gavin Boyce along with a team from the Brickdam Police Station’s Traffic Department.

Some of the detained vehicles at the Police station

RUSAL’s headquarters in Queenstown, Georgetown.

The leaders called on Government to take action against the foreign enterprise, citing that it had violated laws of Guyana and the rights of workers.

GB&GWU President Lincoln Lewis, during the protest, told the media that the protest attracted the leaders of all trade unions operating in Guyana because they are cognisant that over the last decade RUSAL has been operating in a manner without impunity resulting in the citizens of Guyana suffering.

Sugar workers’ call

Meanwhile, sugar workers, particularly those fired following the closure of several estates, are now calling for similar representation in

the wake of the unions’ collective response to RUSAL’s termination of over 90 bauxite workers.

Over the past three years, Government has closed four sugar estates – Skeldon, Wales, Enmore and Rose Hall – putting more than 7000 workers on the breadline. The rights of some of these workers were trampled upon after they were forced to wait for more than one year to receive their severance packages from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

As such, in light of Thursday’s protest by the trade unions of Guyana outside RUSAL’s headquarters, the sugars workers believe a similar approach would be beneficial to their cause.

BCGI position

During a meeting at the Labour Department last week, the BCGI representatives said the company does not recognise the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union.

“We have no relation with this union,” the Russian company’s representative had said. “It happened before I came to Guyana to work … it was an alternative poll. This poll took place on October 3, 2017. It was won by Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union.

Only a few weeks after,

we got information that the Judge in (a case decided) this board was constituted with some breaches and could be considered illegal.

It meant former worker was considered by decision of Judge illegal. I think many people knew the board was illegal. But nobody said to us such a (poll) could be considered nil and void,” the company’s representative said.

This is a reference to the judgement issued in the case of the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB) versus the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).

FITUG General Secretary Carvil Duncan had claimed that TURCB unilaterally appointed a chairman in 2015 without consulting them, and only recognised the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).

In the written judgement issued by the High Court on November 8, 2017, it said FITUG was not consulted prior to the appointment of a chair in 2015.

This was found to be in violation of the Trade Union Recognition Act, especially as it relates to the selection of a chairman of the organisation.

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Cassava factory

No job opportunities as promised – Chairman …says workers being laid off

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he $10 million Cassava Flour Processing Factory in Kwebanna Village, Moruca District, Region One (Barima-Waini) is presently being constructed. It is intended to bring multiple benefits to residents in the area, one of which is employment opportunities.

However, residents are now complaining that persons who were employed to assist in the execution of this project have been laid off, and instead workers are being outsourced from their

region.

Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley, in a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Friday, stated that he has received numerous complaints from residents of the Moruca district about the process the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry and the contractor identified to execute the project.

He said that residents, inclusive of Councillors in that District of Region One, have brought to his attention that there appears to be

Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley

a lack of transparency in the construction process of the factory, and that there is an unavailability of job opportunities for them, contrary to what the Government had promised.

Initially, at the commencement of this multi-million-dollar project, Government had stated that employment was created for several villagers who supplied most of the materials being used, with jobs being created for actual construction.

However, according to the Regional Chairman, the complaints about the project vary, and one disturbing issue is that residents who were employed as part of the workforce for the factory’s

construction are claiming that they have been fired, only to have persons from outside of the region being contracted to perform duties which they are capable of doing.

“Several residents, even Councillors of that area, have contacted me about the construction of that cassava factory, and their issues are mainly related to the residents there not benefiting from employment, workers being laid off, and of course workers being outsourced.

They are saying that the engineer and contractor for the project (are) only discussing the process with two individuals, as against all of the persons who should be included. They have also

raised concerns about financial transactions, payments also,” Ashley told this publication.

He added that he is expecting this issue to be resolved in a timely manner, but if need be, a visit by his office to the site would be made soon.

When the project was initiated, Government had said that works on the facility began in December 2018, at the cost of $10 million. The funds also catered for the clearing and preparation of 30 acres of land, and the purchasing of cassava sticks for planting. An additional $16 million was allocated this year for equipping the facility, making the total invested

by Government $26 million.

Zeelugt residents affected by bee infestation

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ome 40 households at Zeelugt on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) have been affected by an infestation of bees on a pole belonging to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

Councillor of Constituency Four at Zeelugt, Poorandai Sukhu informed Guyana Times on Thursday that the issue started some four months ago and has affected multiple persons. She noted that persons are not allowed to create any noise since this triggers the bees to escape from their habitat, a nest on the pole.

Adding to that, residents closest to the nest are left with no other option but to desist from turning on lights at night since the insects are attracted to the illuminating medium, resulting in persons being stung.

Speaking with this publication on the matter, Amanda (only name provided) said the issue arose since November 2018 and when contacted

about the issue, officials from GPL contended that the problem should be dealt with by the respective Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

“We can’t even put on the light in the night so it’s really affecting us. The bees sting me before and I have grandchildren coming on the weekend and we can’t keep them in front the yard so we want the people to come and remove this bee from here,” said the disturbed woman.

Another resident, Shazo, stated, “My children can’t do their school work because when the light on, the bee them flying in the kitchen and in the house, and it also sting me two times”.

According to the Councillor, the UitvlugtTuschen NDC was briefed on the matter and residents were informed that the utility company is responsible for removing the bees. However, GPL has made no efforts to address the matter.

“So far, no one came to

look at the issue. It will be like forty houses that are affected.

Up to yesterday (Wednesday), I spoke with the Chairman of the NDC and he said the matter is at GPL’s hands for them to come and see what they can do,” said Sukhu.

“Persons can’t come out of their house if someone make a little noise or else the bees will come out. Some of them already get bitten by the bees more than once and it has been over four months.

The community wants to know what can be done because it’s very hazardous,” the Councillor added.

She related that there is a recreational facility a short distance away and when music is played loudly, many persons are up in arms with their distresses. They are moreover, concerned that young children will be stung by the insects, which can be disastrous.

Several calls by this publication to GPL went unanswered.

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Farmers charged for trespassing on Belle Vue “private” lands Suspected aircraft part surfaces in Corentyne River A

The part of the aircraft that was found in the Corentyne River

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olice in Berbice are investigating the discovery of what is suspected to be part of an aircraft that was pulled out of the Corentyne River by a fishing crew on Friday afternoon.

According to reports, boat Captain Roshan Haniff and his crew of four were returning to the Corentyne Coast after a fishing expedition when they saw the object floating in the river.

Upon closer examination, the men observed that the object appeared to be the top of an aircraft. As such, they pulled it ashore.

The object measures about eight feet by eighteen feet. It had the words “Space Group” on the outer side of the object, while there were several other markings on the object. On the inner side, there was the inscription: ‘E410436-005’ and ‘262541/8404’.

The Corentyne River borders Guyana and Suriname.

The discovery of the object has since been reported to the Police and an investigation has been launched.

s tensions rise over several acres of land continue at Bell Vue, West Coast Demerara, 11 farmers have been charged for trespassing on private lands.

This was related to Guyana Times on Friday by a farmer, Satesh Rajpat, who explained that several farmers – including Ramcharran Sookram, Imraz Hassan and his father Ramesh Rajpat – who have been planting pineapples, corn, cassava, sweet potatoes, plantain and banana sucker, red bean and cash crops; including tomatoes and other vegetables, were told they were planting on “private lands”.

According to him, those farmers were taken to the Wales Police Station on Thursday and released on $20,000 station bail each for trespassing. Satesh Rajpat added that those charges were instituted after a report was made by the Belle Vue Cane Farmers Marketing Coop Society Chairman, Deodat Deokinandan, who is claiming the farmers have been squatting on the land.

Rajpat added the matter is expected to come up at the Wales Magistrate’s Court later in March; however, the farmers are also contemplating taking legal action as they believe their rights are being stifled by a wealthy businessman.

“They are claiming now that they have a lease from NICIL (National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited) who is now the owner of all of the Guyana Sugar

A few of the aggrieved farmers complaining to Police Officers recently at Belle Vue

Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Wales Estate assets but when we spoke to NICIL, they (said) they never issued such a document, so an investigation would be launched into that to find out who issued them with a lease from NICIL,” the farmer stated.

He added that they are making arrangements to file legal actions in the High Court for damages and compensation. The farmer said they have reached out to the Government to intervene in the matter.

Although the farmers are confident that they have been utilising State lands to ply their trade since the fall of the Wales Sugar Estate, the Coop Society Chairman recently produced documents to prove that many of the farmers allegedly sold their shares to the society while others supposedly relinquished their lands for the society to operate.

“I am never a bully and will never be a bully. These people come illegally and squat

on the Society’s land and it is not the right thing to do and dem ah seh de President tell them to do that… I don’t know who is the real bully but these people already take compensation from the Society; some in 2011 and some in 2014,” Deokinandan explained during a previous interview.

The dispute between the farmers and the businessman erupted on February 17, 2019, when the Police were called in after farmers contended that they, and their predecessors, have cultivated cane from 1956 to 2016 under a co-operative arrangement following an initial Bookers contract, but a businessman had erected a fence adjacent to the Belle Vue Public Road and other partitions, including one blocking the entrance on a reserved space for a dam along which machines could be driven to clean waterways.

When the Wales Sugar Estate ceased operations by the end of 2016, the farmers petitioned Government

to be allowed to cultivate diversified crops as their original contracts disallowed them from doing so. They indicated that after President David Granger granted the approval, they opted to begin planting in 2017. However, according to the Belle Vue farmers, they are being bullied for the land.

They said the businessman allowed cows to graze in the crops which would hinder a return on investment.

Deokinandan explained that the cows grazing in the lands fenced off are legally placed since this was passed during a general meeting of the Society. He also denied claims that he has been threatening the farmers at Belle Vue. Society Secretary Antoinette Manichand meanwhile said many of the farmers were errant members and were taken to arbitration for not paying their share of fees in land rentals to GuySuCo. She observed that it would be unfair for the Society’s contributing members to offset the costs for those who were not paying their dues. It was earlier explained by members that the descendants were reportedly no longer interested in cultivating sugar cane.

She also claimed one such farmer was Francis Ferreira, who was allegedly paid $290,000 in compensation; a cheque made out in the name of the businessman, while others were paid hundreds of thousands and some over a million dollars for their fields.

She provided documents to this effect.

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SATURday, MARCH 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pomeroon miner sentenced to death for killing pensioner

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enrick Lyte of Good Intent, Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) was found guilty of murder on Wednesday by a 12-member jury at the Suddie, Essequibo Coast, High Court.

The 43-year-old man was charged in 2014 for the murder of 72-year-old Osmond Fiedtkou.

The prosecution contended that the incident took place at Groete Creek, Essequibo River, between July 9 and 13, 2014.

According to the prosecution’s case, Lyte and the pensioner were alone in a boat when an argument ensued over monies owed to

pensioner to his chest then threw away the gun and sank the boat.

During the trial, the accused maintained that he is innocent and is not responsible for the crime.

In closing arguments, the Defense Counsel agreed that on the day in question the accused and the deceased were last seen to-

gether, he, however, noted that none of the witnesses provided evidence to prove that the accused had an argument with the deceased and then shot him. He further stated that none of the witnesses saw the accused sink the boat and dump the gun that was used to commit the murder.

The prosecution urged

the jury to rely on the circumstantial evidence when arriving at their verdict.

The prosecution argued that there was a motive to commit the act, since the accused owed the deceased money and the accused, in his caution statement, alluded that he indeed had an argument with the deceased.

The post-mortem examination revealed several pellets which were found in the victim’s chest, which suggested that the victim was shot at close range.

The presiding Judge, Justice Sandil Kisoon handed down the death sentence after pointing out that the accused deprived an elderly gentleman of his life.

Fire destroys community centre in Linden Kenrick Lyte

the deceased by the accused.

It was contended that Lyte took a shotgun that was inside the boat and shot the

A

fire of unknown origin gutted the Lyndon Johnson Community Centre building in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Friday.

Reports are the fire start-

The burnt-out community centre building in Linden

commissioned the Play Park, situated at the Victory Valley Community Centre Ground which also housed the centre. Resident Ken McBean said the community uses the centre as a meeting point to socialise.

“All we community projects we plan from here.

Recently the Government give we free Wi-Fi. All the children does come here. This is the computer room. It had about eight to nine computers in here, where the chil-

ed inside the building situated at Victory Valley, Wismar, at about 04:30h.

This newspaper was told that the flat concrete structure housed a computer room which contained eight computers along with several computer desks and chairs, all of which were burnt.

Firefighters from the Linden Fire Station were summoned to the location shortly after, however, by the time they arrived the building was already engulfed in flames. The firemen were unsuccessful in saving the items in the building.

According to the electrician in charge of the Information and Communication Technology section at the centre, Leon McBean, he left the location at about 00:30h on Friday after watching a basketball game on one of the computers in the computer room.

He noted that he secured the building and proceeded to his Victory Valley home.

McBean said he was later awakened by a friend who informed him that the building

dren does come and do their homework and stuff. We will be glad for the Government and other donor agency to help us to get back a centre as early as possible. It’s a great loss to us,” he said. The Police and Fire Services have launched investigations into the incident.

The inside of the gutted building

was on fire and he immediately went to the location. By the time he arrived, he noted, the fire was already extinguished by firemen.

Meanwhile, residents of the Victory Valley community noted that they are adversely affected by the loss.

In April, the Government

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Bosai to invest US$23M on expansion plan

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whopping US$23 million investment by the Chinese-owned Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc has already begun as part of the company’s expansion plan for its Linden, Region 10, bauxite operations.

This announcement was made on Friday morning by the mining company, which said that with these major expansions, additional longterm employment will be provided for the residents of the community.

Guyana Times understands that Bosai has already commenced preparatory works for a new number 15 rotary kiln for

calcined bauxite production. This new kiln and its auxiliary facilities will cost US$20 million and are expected to produce 170, 000 metric tonnes of refractory A Grade super calcine bauxite per year.

According to the mining company, it is also investing in a new number 16 drier and auxiliary facilities, costing US$3 million, which is projected to produce 150, 000 metric tonnes of sized chemical grade bauxite.

Presently, there are 600 Guyanese employed by Bosai and this latest investment is expected to create between 150 to 200 jobs for locals.

Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc’s operations in Linden, Region 10

New Amsterdam Police Station robbed

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Central Police Station, New Amsterdam

he Criminal Investigations Department at the Central Police Station, New Amsterdam, was reportedly broken into sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning.

Guyana Times understands that perpetrators reportedly gained entry to the building by removing the lone padlock on the side door of the police station.

Sources have confirmed

that several items are missing, including evidence for several cases currently under investigation.

Police in Berbice remain mum on the issue, however, this publication understands that the building was ransacked.

The office of the officer in charge, Superintendent Chubbilall Singh was also reportedly broken into and the thieves escaped with two cameras with photographic

evidence.

Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Police Force, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan told this publication that he was unware of the incident. However, senior officers in the region confirmed that the items are missing. This newspaper was told that ranks are reviewing surveillance footage from cameras on nearby buildings as investigations continue.

The announcement was made on Friday during a site tour by the Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Minerals Resources, Godfrey Oliphant.

“Government is happy that Bosai, despite its challenges, and despite our own difficulties with each [other] that Bosai continues to mine,” said the Minister in an invited comment.

According to Bosai’s website, the company has ownership of over 200 million tonnes of high alumina and low iron bauxite deposits, and a bauxite reserve as such is unique around the

globe in respect to quality and quantity. Currently, the company produces 1.5 million tonnes of metallurgical grade bauxite, 300,000 tonnes of refractory A Grade super calcined bauxite, 200,000 tonnes of sized chemical grade bauxite and 200,000 tonnes of cement grade bauxite, making it the largest supplier of calcined bauxite on the world market.

This investment by Bosai comes at a critical time in the bauxite mining company when Russian-owned RUSAL has laid off workers who protested a one per cent salary increase recently.

14 news Guyanese delegation After 2 months LGC Commissioners, staffers finally paid to attend largest int’l oil conference E saturday, MARCH 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is presently preparing a delegation to head to what has been dubbed the largest international oil conference slated to be held between May 6 and 9, in Houston, Texas, United States.

The Chamber has secured the participation of seven local businesses but is seeking a larger group to make a statement while representing Guyana on the international stage.

Vice President of GCCI, Nicholas Boyer told the media on Friday that the organisation is hoping for the participation of more local companies which are only required to be a member of the Chamber.

Boyer added that the conference is expected to see the participation of about 10,000 persons from the oil sector. According to him, the goal of the mission is to foster relations with other oil producing companies to benefit Guyana and its economy.

The Vice Chairman told the media that local businesses have shown interest in the oil sector, but the oil industry is coming with “a lot of standards” and new methods of business that Guyana is not used to.

In this regard, he pointed to the need for this gap to be bridged so that interested businesses can be transported to the other level or actually offering services.

He said, “It is through education not just by learning what this specific machinery do in the oil industry but the networking because one of the underrat-

GCCI Vice Chairman Nicholas Boyer

ed ways of learning is networking and by networking these businesses have the interest and will learn a little bit more and a little bit more in terms of what they can do to reduce that barrier to entry to finally get across that hurdle to say hey I can now start selling a product, I can now start performing a service.”

It was on this note that the GCCI bragged of the success from the previous trade mission it had to the city of Aberdeen in Scotland, United Kingdom.

The Vice President explained that the trip managed to meet the objectives and in fact, the two countries are likely to set up a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

In addition, he noted that a number of other companies have expressed interest in investing in Guyana and are likely to begin before year end.

The trade mission to Aberdeen was facilitated last November by the GCCI.

mployees of the Local Government Commission (LGC) have finally been paid, after waiting for over two months for the Communities Ministry to release the monies.

This was confirmed by a commissioner of the constitutional agency on Friday, who noted that while the payments were disbursed, concerns are still being raised as to why the Commission has not been aligned to the Fiscal Management and Authority Act, so as to acquire control of its financial expenditures.

Without this document, there are inaccuracies in the salaries which are set aside for some commissioners, since this amount was a temporary fix until the amendment was intact.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan was responsible for ensuring that all legislations were in place when the Commission was established.

“They paid what was owed but they never paid what was budgeted for us for 2019. I think the issue with which budget agency we’re under was just because they didn’t want to pay us proper salaries. Some of the staff are being paid way above the public service while some of the commissioners are still given a small salary, like a stipend,” the commissioner said.

The commissioner questioned why the LGC is recognised as a constitutional agency but not as one which can manage its finances.

“What was budgeted for us was never paid. From the time the Commission was sworn in, we were receiving this payment because although we are a constitutional agency, the Communities Minister was supposed to do a simple amendment to ensure that we are aligned to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act.

Although the 2019 budget was approved, they refused to give us. How are we recognised for everything as a constitutional body, but we’re not recognised for payments,” the commissioner added.

This issue was brought to the fore some weeks ago, to which Chairman of the Commission, Mortimer Mingo, explained that the Permanent Secretary of the Communities Ministry, Emil McGarrell, refused to countersign documents to release funds for salaries and other expenses.

“It then became apparent, by a way of a letter received by the Commission from the Deputy Permanent Secretary… that the Ministry was not in agree-

ment with the level of pay that the Commission’s staff was receiving, since according to the letter, these salaries were not in keeping with the traditional public sector emoluments,” Mingo had said.

As such, the LGC opted to settle the matter through a meeting with McGarell on January 28, but the Permanent Secretary did not withdraw his decision not to sign the documents.

This sparked some controversy with former Local Government Minister, Ganga Persaud who placed the blame on Bulkan, stating that operations were stymied due to the withholding of funds.

“If this Government can react to its Commission and

the 27 staff members that it has done, then I think it is really unjust. It is a travesty and an injustice against the working people of this country. It is a crime against humanity,” Persaud had told Guyana Times.

According to Persaud, this move is aimed at leaving the Commission with no other option but to relinquish its responsibilities to the Ministry, another way for Government to take control of local democratic organs. All entities under the Commission are also deprived of payments for this time.

Persaud said to rectify this issue, the Commission must be duly established to function as any other constitutional body.

Budget 2019

GMSA presented measures to reduce taxation on small businesses

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ome 50 measures were presented in the Budget 2019 by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) to assist small businesses with the hefty taxation costs which they face among other key challenges.

This was shared by the President of the organisation, Shyam Nokta, during the presentation of the annual report for 2018, where he noted that specific measures were created for sectors under their association.

“For Budget 2019, the GMSA advanced about 50 measures covering a range of areas from taxation, access to finance, public procurement, energy, standards and regulations among others. We also put forward very specific measures for sectors under the GMSA forestry and wood products, agro-processing, construction and engineering and services,” he said.

According to Nokta, this is in keeping with their mandate to stimulate the economy and improving the manufacturing sector entirely.

He is of the view that these points will prove to be of tremendous support. Taxation was reduced in some areas on some locally manufactured products.

“We are of the firm belief that these measures,

Shyam Nokta

if implemented, could help stimulate the economy and help to boost manufacturing. Budget 2019 did contain provisions that can prove helpful for the manufacturing sector. The reduction of the manufacturing and non-commercial rate to 25 per cent reduction of income and corporate tax to 25 per cent on taxable profits and reduction in excise tax on indigenous wines and other locally manufactured beverages,” the GMSA President stated.

However, one of the concerns shared related to the structure in which businesses are conducted, stating that the scheme has not been modified to make it easier for stakeholders.

“These measures can prove to be helpful.

However, the overall business environment and ease of doing business has not been significantly enhanced in recent years and this ultimately could have implications for all businesses.”

On the Government’s end, consultations were extended on the Food Safety Bill along with a facelift to the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAFDD).

Weighing in on successes, Nokta stated that the Marketplace Uncapped was undoubtedly a hit in providing a medium for persons to showcase their products.

Plans are on stream to make this event a regional awareness programme for 2019.

“The uncapped initiative targeted small agro-processors and already, some have been benefit in having their products recognised at the national level and also being featured in local supermarkets while some have been able to secure lucrative regional and international markets. The uncapped initiative will soon be embarking on a nationwide public awareness programme to further promote and feature agro-processors and their products.”

news

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SATURday, MARCH 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police destroy ganja ISG launches new highfarm at Rockstone quality motorcycle lubricant

The ganja farm which was destroyed by Police

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anks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Friday conducted a drug eradication operation at Rockstone, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper

Berbice) where they destroyed a farm of marijuana plants.

The exercise was carried out somewhere around four to five miles from the

Rockstone Trail, and commenced at about 07:30h and ended at 15:00h.

One farm that was divided into two, measuring about an acre, was found with about three to four thousand cannabis plants with heights varying from one foot to four feet.

The plants were photographed, samples were obtained, and then the farm was destroyed by fire.

The land was marked by its location.

According to the Police, no one was arrested, but investigations are in progress.

MACORP’s Chief Executive Officer, Guillermo Escarraga

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o continue the celebrations of being in operation for 16 years, Industrial Supply of Guyana Incorporated (ISG) on Friday kick-started the launching ceremony of its newest motorcycle lubricant

omy, also extending engine life.

The event saw the attendance of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP), Guillermo Escarraga, rep-

Folklores in Guyana displayed during Region 10 float parade

Some of the bikers who participated in the parade on Friday

One of the floats during Region 10’s costume and float parade

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ursery and primary school students and teachers from across Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) took to the streets in Linden on Friday as they brought the curtains down on this year’s children’s Mashramani celebrations with the annual costume parade.

Glittery faces and colourful costumes engulfed the streets as the procession pranced from the Five Corner area, along Republic

Avenue before heading to the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC). The costumes were designed under the theme: “Folklores in Guyana”.

Gyrating to the sounds of Soca music, the students made their way along the path as hundreds lined the streets to get a glimpse of the spectacle. At the MSC, the displays of cultural themes were judged based on their originality and how well they depicted the spirit of Mashramani. In

the nursery category, Pine Street Nursery maintained its position with first place.

Coomacka Nursery placed second while Republic Avenue Nursery secured third place. In the Primary category, Amelia’s Ward Primary gained first place with their costume depiction, “Mermadaleons in action”, while St Aidan’s Primary placed second and Watooka Day Primary School copped third place.

with an eye-catching motorcycle parade with the Bikers Association of Guyana. The parade glided through the streets of Georgetown and ended at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club ground (GMRSC) where the product was officially launched during a thrilling ceremony.

The newest product line launched by ISG in collaboration with its Trinidadian partner, National Petroleum, is the Ultra Motorcycle Oil, a high-quality oil specifically made with a number of detergents and solutions designed to reduce engine corrosion, improve engine response, remove wet clutch slippage resulting in greater power and fuel econ-

resentatives of National Petroleum, staff of ISG and other excited customers.

Escarraga expressed excitement for the event since it adds to the number of products distributed by its subsidiary company ISG. “We’re really excited because this is the newest addition to our product line, and with as everything with ISG this is a high-quality product that people can rely on. We want to let everybody know that now this product is in the market, so people can come and ask about it and just get the benefits of a wonderful product,” he asserted.

MACORP’s CEO added that the creation of the new product stemmed from

the increased number of persons riding motorcycles in Guyana, “We have recognised the increase in the number of bikes that ride on the roads of Guyana on a daily basis…and the bikes needs a specific oil, and this oil was specifically designed for the engines of the motorbikes”.

The launching ceremony enticed numerous customers as they were entertained by the expertise and stunts performed by bikers present at the event, as well as the Ultra Lubricant promotion which customers were advised to be a part of simply by purchasing the Ultra Motorcycle Oil which is solely distributed by ISG.

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Regional

US slaps new sanctions on Venezuela Liat has 10 days' cash to stay functioning regime as Russia ups support

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he United States and Russia clashed Friday over how to assist ailing Venezuela, with Moscow pledging new relief channelled through President Nicolás Maduro and Washington slapping sanctions over the blocking of US aid it tried to force through the border.

A day after Russia and China vetoed a US and European resolution at the UN Security Council that called for unimpeded aid deliveries, Washington said it was targeting six Venezuelan military officers for stopping last weekend's US-led con-

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

voy.

Four people were killed in

the melee as Maduro's forces prevented the 178 metric tonnes of rice, beans and other food from crossing, with the leftist strongman seeing the aid as a pretext for a USled invasion.

"We are sanctioning members of Maduro's security forces in response to the reprehensible violence, tragic deaths and unconscionable torching of food and medicine destined for sick and starving Venezuelans," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

The six include Major General Richard Jesus Lopez Vargas, the commander of the

Venezuelan National Guard.

The sanctions freeze any assets in the United States and penalise US financial dealings with the officials.

The United States also revoked the visas of "dozens" more officials and their families, said Elliott Abrams, the US special representative on the crisis.

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaido, whom Washington has recognised as interim President, had hoped to triumph in bringing in the stockpiles of food, which the United States coordinated with Colombia and Brazil. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Caricom says EU’s shifting tax compliance requirements encroaching on Caricom’s sovereignty

C

aribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has expressed strong disquiet that the constantly shifting parameters for good tax governance set out by the European Union (EU), are encroaching on the region’s sovereignty.

Speaking the Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government this week, the Secretary General also associated the principle of non-interference with Caricom’s position on efforts to secure a peaceful resolution of the crisis which has engulfed

Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

Venezuela.

That solution must come

from among the Venezuelan people, the Caricom Secretary General stated, adding: “It should abide by the internationally recognised and accepted principles of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of states, respect for sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights and democracy.”

As Caricom confronted what he described as “a persistent threat” to its efforts for development, LaRocque said that the principle of non-interference applied with respect to concerns about the EU labelling some

Caricom countries as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.

The EU’s self-determination of what constituted good tax governance, “reeks of a by-gone era which came to an end with our political independence,” the SecretaryGeneral said.

The Caricom Secretary General said that the “onerous requirements being imposed are constantly shifting and go beyond those established by the OECD.” “Our Member States are committed to accomplishing those goals which would help us build resilience against our inherent vulnerabilities,” he added. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Young: Amnesty for all Venezuelans in T&T

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rinidad’s National Security Minister Stuart Young says there will be no cap on the registration process for legal and illegal Venezuelans in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

Young first raised the issue while announcing an amnesty for illegal Venezuelans in T&T on Tuesday, saying they could register with his ministry and would be allowed to work for a year. He reiterated his call for them to take advantage of this facility during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing. He advised that the registration process was not for refugees or asylum seekers but for Venezuelans who are already in T&T. The registration, he said, will help prevent employers from ex-

A man carries a set of used tyres into Venezuela, through a blind spot on the border near the Simon Bolivar International Bridge in La Parada, Colombia, on Wednesday. The tyres were bought in Cucuta, Colombia and carried across the border into Venezuela

ploiting and ill-treating Venezuelans.

“So once they are legal and they register with the BIR (Board of Inland

Revenue) they will now have rights,” he said. Asked if the Venezuelans would not now infiltrate the local workforce, denying locals oppor-

tunities, Young said jobs would be open to everyone and may the “best person win. We will see how that unfolds.”

If a Venezuelan is found to be involved in criminal activity, Young said they will be sent packing. “If we find that anyone provides us with false information during the registration process we will deport you,” he also warned.

Young said once Venezuelans find work and their monthly pay is above TT$6000 they will be required to pay taxes.

Deductions will also be taken out for health surcharge and they will be entitled to health care, while children of registered Venezuelans will have access to free education. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Argentine 11-year-old's C-section sparks abortion debate

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ews that doctors performed a caesarean section on an 11-yearold rape victim has reignited a debate on Argentina's abortion rules. The girl became pregnant after being raped by her grandmother's 65-year-old partner and had requested an abortion.

However, her request was delayed by almost five weeks, and some doctors refused to carry out the procedure. Eventually doctors car-

ried out a C-section instead, arguing it would have been too risky to perform the abortion.

The baby is alive but doctors say it has little chance of surviving. The girl was 23 weeks pregnant when – after several delays – she was to have the abortion.

Abortion is legal in Argentina in cases of rape or if the mother's health is in danger, but in the case of the 11-year-old girl uncertainty

about who her legal guardian was caused delays.

Further problems surfaced when a number of doctors at the local hospital refused to carry out the procedure, citing their personal beliefs. On Tuesday, the health authorities in the northern state of Tucumán instructed the hospital director to follow a family judge's decision and to carry out the "necessary procedures to attempt to save both lives".

Abortion is a contentious issue in Argentina and this latest incident comes six months after a divisive debate about whether abortions should be legalised in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

A bill to that effect was defeated in the senate, much to the dismay of pro-choice groups which had been campaigning for a loosening of the laws for years. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

I

nter-Caribbean airline Liat Ltd only has enough cash to function for the next 10 days and will face a shut down if Caricom does not intervene. The faltering airline needs an immediate cash injection of some US$5 million to keep flying, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said after returning from the 30th Caricom meeting in St Kitts and Nevis.

Speaking moments after landing at the Piarco International Airport, Rowley told the media that the Liat shareholders said they needed to act with urgency in order to keep the airline afloat.

"Currently, part of Liat's problems is that Liat is flying uneconomic routes with loads that are heavily subsidised. If the airline is to remain flying to countries that have routes like that, the shareholders are saying that such countries will have to guarantee a minimum revenue stream to the airline or the airline would cease to fly those routes," Rowley said.

"As I speak to you now, I

do not know what the situation is for T&T. "If the routes coming into to Trinidad and Tobago are uneconomic and the receiving country requires the service to continue then we may or may not have to enter an agreement."

Currently, T&T has a one per cent share in Liat so although the country would not be financially impacted if the airline goes belly-up, Rowley said the failure of the airline could still negatively impact the country.

He said one of Liat's major cost centres was airline maintenance.

"I have agreed to allow them to talk with CAL (Caribbean Airlines) to see whether there is any economic benefit of cooperation between CAL and Liat from that standpoint," he said.

Staying on the topic of inter-island travel, Rowley said the Caricom heads also discussed the viability of a passenger sea ferry to service the islands up the Caribbean. (T&T

Guardian)

Haiti launches multimilliondollar humanitarian plan

H

aiti has launched a multimillion-dollar humanitarian plan aimed at meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country.

Prime Minister Jean Henry Céant, the Minister of Planning Jean-Claudy Pierre and representatives of the international donor community, attended the launch of the US$126.2 million initiative.

The 2019-2020 Humanitarian Response Plan, is intended to meet the humanitarian needs of 1.3 million Haitians and aims to assist the most vulnerable people identified during the humanitarian needs assessment exercise conducted in late 2018.

It will focus on: responding to food insecurity, enabling access to services and protection for the most vulnerable, strengthen the fight against epidemics including chol-

era, malaria, diphtheria and strengthening the resilience of the population and national institutions to recurrent crises and natural hazards by working hand-in-hand with development actors.

“The Humanitarian Response Plan we are launching today is the result of joint, inclusive work that addresses the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable populations in Haiti,” said Pierre.

UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mamadou Diallo, said the presence of the international community at the launch “is first and foremost the expression of our sustained and renewed commitment to these populations who have a need for humanitarian assistance, assistance that aims to protect the most vulnerable, rebuild economic and social livelihoods, strengthen resilience and community solidarity.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Brazil to launch corruption probe into Vale dam disaster

B

razil’s authorities will investigate miner Vale SA over possible corruption in misleading officials about the safety of its dam that burst and killed hundreds, a spokeswoman for the Mines and Energy Ministry said on Friday.

Bloomberg first reported that the Ministry’s Mining Secretary Alexandre Vidigal de Oliveira said in an interview that he had requested an investigation be opened into whether Vale had colluded with auditors to misrepresent the safety of the dam.

Vale shares fell as much as 5.4 per cent after that report was published, before partly recovering to be down 0.4 per cent in early afternoon trading.

Vale said in a securities filing on Friday that it had not been informed of the investigation and denied that any of its actions could fall under the scope of the anti-corruption law.

The company said it has always acted within the law and denied any interference in the government’s oversight of dams.

A tailings dam at Vale’s Corrego do Feijao iron ore mine in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais burst on January 25, releasing a torrent of mining waste that buried its workers and local residents. The disaster in the town of Bruamdinho has left at least 182 confirmed dead and more than 100 missing and presumed dead. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

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17

Around the World

Canada approves Somali forces end dayextradition hearing against long Mogadishu siege top Huawei executive S

T

he Canadian Government, as expected, said on Friday it would allow an extradition hearing to proceed against the Chief Financial Officer of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, who was detained in Canada late last year.

Meng Wanzhou, currently under house arrest, will appear in a Vancouver court on March 6 to set the date of the hearing. Meng and Huawei face US charges of conspiring to violate US sanctions on Iran.

“Today, Department of Justice Canada officials issued an authority to proceed,

formally commencing an extradition process in the case of Ms Meng Wanzhou,” the Government said in a statement.

“The Department is satisfied that ... there is sufficient evidence to be put before an extradition judge for decision.”

It could be years though before she is ever sent to the United States, since Canada’s slow-moving justice system allows many decisions to be appealed.

The decision is likely to sour Canada’s already bad relations with China, which is demanding Meng be released.

After her detention, China arrested two Canadians on national security grounds, and a Chinese court later sentenced to death a Canadian man who previously had only been jailed for drug smuggling.

US President Donald Trump told Reuters in December he would intervene if it served national security interests or helped close a trade deal with China, prompting Ottawa to stress the extradition process should not be politicised. Last week Trump played down the idea of dropping the charges. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Pakistan hands over captured pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to India

P

akistan has handed over a captured pilot to Indian authorities at the Wagah border, a move aimed at de-escalating tensions after days of hostilities between the South Asian neighbours.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman crossed the Wagah-Attari border at around 09:00h local time (16:00 GMT) on Friday, hours later than expected and sporting a black eye from his ordeal.

His release came two days after he was captured following a rare aerial engagement between the nuclear-armed rivals over the disputed region of Kashmir, divided between the two countries since 1947.

At the famous Wagah border crossing, thousands of Indians, waving flags, singing and dancing with patriotic fervour, had gathered to welcome Varthaman home.

But the crowd dwindled after his release was delayed inexplicably by hours.

The attack happened in an area lined with hotels and restaurants

himself up in a car, destroying other cars on the road and the front of Hotel Maka al-Mukarama, witnesses say.

The suicide car explosion was then followed by gunshots from other al-Shabab militants who stormed an adjacent building.

US-trained Somali troops known as the Alpha Group were called in to surround the building and end the siege.

Somalia’s Information

Minister said on Friday afternoon that the use of human shields by al-Shabab had prolonged the siege.

“We could have ended this hours ago but we were concerned [about] the civilians, whom they [al-Shabab] don’t mind using as shields but we would rather be the shields for them [the civilians],” Dahir Mahamud Gelle said in a televised speech. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Saudi Arabia strips Osama bin Laden’s son of citizenship

S

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman stands under armed escort near Pakistan-India border in Wagah

Al Jazeera’s Sohail Rahman, reporting from New Delhi, said the processing of Varthaman’s return at the Wagah border crossing had gone “according to plan, though the Pakistanis delayed the release of the Wing Commander at least three times during the day”.

Rahman also said the pilot’s release was unlikely to end the ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan.

Gun battles in India-

administered Kashmir on Friday left two rebels and four members of the Indian security services dead, while a civilian was killed in later protests, police said.

“Regardless of what’s going on with the Wing Commander and him being transferred back to India, the situation in terms of any semblance of peace and tranquillity is certainly far from it,” said Rahman. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Algeria protests: Thousands denounce President’s bid for fifth term

T

housands in Algeria have taken to the streets angry at 81-yearold President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s plan to seek a fifth term in office.

Anti-Government protests are rare in Algeria but several broke out after Mr Bouteflika confirmed his candidacy.

He has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013 and is currently undergoing medical checks in Switzerland.

As they marched through the streets of Algiers on Friday, some demonstrators carried banners saying “leave means leave”. Others stressed their intentions were peaceful.

Some protesters threw stones near the presidential palace and were driven back by police firing tear gas.

Witnesses said there were injuries on both sides.

Demonstrations also took place following Friday prayers in several other cities

omalia’s Special Forces have killed all three gunmen who had taken over a building in central Mogadishu, using civilians as human shields, officials say.

The attack, which killed 20 people, began late on Thursday when al-Shabab militants stormed an area lined with hotels, shops and restaurants.

They then seized a nearby building.

This was the longest siege by the militant group since it was forced out of the Somali capital in 2011.

The final gunman was killed on Friday evening, about 22 hours after the initial attack.

Al-Shabab has said it was behind the attack in the busy Maka al-Mukarama road, which has also injured more than 60.

A number of civilians were rescued from the building.

There are fears that the death toll could rise further.

An al-Shabab fighter blew

audi Arabia has stripped a son of deceased former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden of his citizenship, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement published by state media.

The decision was made by a royal order in November, according to the statement, which ran in Umm Al-Qura newspaper on Friday.

The move comes a day after the United States announced a reward of up to one million dollars for information on the younger bin Laden’s whereabouts.

Described by the US State Department as an “emerging leader” within al-Qaeda, Hamza bin Laden has been classified as a “terrorist” by the US since 2017.

He has released audio

in Algeria.

Mr Bouteflika came to power in 1999 and is credited with putting an end to a civil war that is estimated to have killed more than 100,000 people.

Protests against food prices and unemployment broke out in 2011 during the Arab Spring but he responded by lifting a nearly two-decadeold state of emergency, meeting a key demand of protest-

ers.

After his stroke he won re-election in a poll denounced by the opposition and dissolved the country’s powerful spy agency, replacing it with a body loyal to him.

Critics say his ill health means that he is unable to perform his duties as President.

Despite the show of dissent, Mr Bouteflika is still widely tipped to win the election in April. (Excerpt from BBC News)

and video messages on the internet calling for attacks on Western capitals and has threatened revenge for his father’s killing in 2011 by US forces, according to a State Department statement.

He has also threatened to target US citizens abroad and urged Saudi tribes to unite with al-Qae-

South Korea to work with US and North Korea after failed nuclear talks

S

The protests are thought to be the largest since the Arab Spring

Hamza bin Laden is described as an “emerging leader” within al-Qaeda

da’s Yemeni branch to fight against the Saudi state.

Analysts say the younger bin Laden provides a youthful voice for al-Qaeda, whose ageing leaders have struggled to inspire potential recruits around the world as successfully as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS).

Since its formation in Saudi Arabia in 1988, al-Qaeda’s presence and influence has spread significantly. The group has established affiliations with armed groups on several continents and carried out dozens of attacks.

Al-Qaeda is classed as a “terrorist” organisation by dozens of countries and international bodies including the United Nations and European Union. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

outh Korea will work with the United States and North Korea to ensure they reach agreement on denuclearisation, the South’s President said on Friday, a day after talks between the US and North Korean leaders collapsed over sanctions.

South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in has been an active supporter of efforts to end confrontation on the Korean peninsula, meeting Kim three times last year and trying to facilitate his nuclear negotiations with the United States.

Moon also said South Korea would consult the

United States on ways to resume joint projects with the North including tourism development at Mount Kumgang and the Kaesong industrial complex, both in North Korea.

Trump said two days of talks had made good progress but it was important not to rush into a bad deal.

He said he had walked away because of unacceptable North Korean demands.

However, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho said North Korea had offered a realistic proposal involving the dismantling of all of its main nuclear site at Yongbyon, including plu-

tonium and uranium facilities, by engineers from both countries.

The United Nations and the United States ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea when the reclusive state conducted repeated nuclear and ballistic missile tests in 2017, cutting off its main sources of hard cash The US official said North Korea had proposed closing part of its Yongbyon nuclear complex in exchange for the lifting of all UN sanctions except those directly targeting their weapons of mass destruction programs.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

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ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

If you want change, take action. Stay in control and do what’s right. If you want something, it’s up to you to go after it. Stand up and be counted.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

The power of persuasion should be used properly. If you make unrealistic promises, you will be caught in a dilemma. Stick to the truth and abide by the rules.

CANCER

Don’t underestimate the size of a job. Use your ingenuity to come up with a common-sense plan that will encourage others to get involved. Hard work will pay off.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

WORD GAME

Take better care of your physical and emotional well-being. Nothing is worth jeopardizing your health.

Exercise will give you the outlet you need.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Turn anger into passion.

Don’t waste time on things or people you can’t change.

Focus on personal growth, self-reliance and good health. Choose peace and love over chaos and discord.

Get cracking and start achieving. Participation will get you moving in the right direction. You can make a difference if you stand up and do what’s right.

Embrace the future.

Express yourself. Show compassion, but also stand your ground. Be direct about the way you feel and what you want to see happen.

Your strength will attract opportunity and change.

Look at every angle and put your health and emotional well-being first.

Arguing is not an option, but removing yourself from a bad situation is. Do what’s best for you.

Refuse to let anyone SAGITTARIUS stand between you and what (Nov. 23- you want. It’s up to you Dec. 21) to take a stand and make things happen. Focus on truth, fair play and doing what’s right.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

Be secretive about what CAPRICORN you are doing until you are (Dec. 22- fully prepared to share.

Jan. 19) Underestimating the extent of a job will leave you scrambling. Step back and revise your plans.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Make changes for the right reasons. Question your motives if you feel you are acting on impulse rather than reason. Walk away from temptation and do what’s best for you.

Your diligent approach to helping others will pay off. A steady pace, consistency and the lessons of experience will help you ward off temptation and indulgence. Romance is in the stars.

SATURday, march 2, 2019

19

Mercedes driver braced for “toughest battle yet”

L

ewis Hamilton says he is braced for his “toughest batFerrari team principal Mattia Binotto said: “I’m happy tle yet” after conceding Ferrari have had the best car to know Hamilton believes we are faster and very strong in pre-season testing. but I believe Mercedes will be very strong in Australia and The five-time world champion believes his Mercedes it would be completely wrong to think we are faster than them. I am not expecting them to be behind us. I think they team’s deficit to Ferrari is “potentially half a second”.

However, Hamilton ended the final test day just 0.003 will be very, very close.” seconds slower than Sebastian Vettel’s pace-setting time.

Vettel ended pre-season with the fastest time, and Hamilton’s late surge moved him ahead of the “Last year there were many occasions we as a team were behind on performance German’s team-mate, Charles Leclerc, who was just 0.01secs slower than Vettel. and had to achieve,” Hamilton added.

“We were not behind anywhere near as much last year.”

Ferrari have been consistently quick during two weeks of testing in Spain and their car has proved easy to drive and fast in all conditions.

The Mercedes, by contrast, Vettel says his Ferrari “feels good” despite problems during this week’s testing session has been difficult to balance and prone to tyre problems.

Hamilton, who was helped on his way to the title last year by a series of mistakes by However, Ferrari’s final test has been troubled by recurFerrari and their lead driver Sebastian Vettel, said: “Last ring reliability problems. year they arrived with a car working well but they have Leclerc lost time to a cooling system problem on the first day, Vettel crashed on the second day because of a wheeldone even better this year.

“It’s OK. We don’t mind the challenge, it just means we rim failure, which also cost Leclerc running.

And on Friday Vettel had to abandon a race-simulation have to work harder. I’m not worried or disappointed or anything. We have a hill to climb but we know how to do it.” run in the afternoon when his car broke down on track with

an electrical problem that forced them to abandon the rest of the test.

Red Bull also hit trouble on the final day of the test. After Pierre Gasly crashed the car at high speed on Thursday, the team were half an hour late getting the repaired car out on track on Friday, with Max Verstappen at the wheel.

The Dutchman then lost time with a gearbox problem in the afternoon and ended the day 11th fastest, although Red Bull did not run the two fastest tyre compounds.

B

club in summer

Fastest times, day four, final pre-season testing, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

1 Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Ferrari) one minute 16.221 sec onds 2 Lewis Hamilton (GB) Mercedes 1:16.224 3 Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Mercedes 1:16.561 4 Nico Hulkenberg (Ger) Renault 1:16.843 5 Daniil Kvyat (Rus) Toro Rosso 1:16.898 6 Carlos Sainz (Spa) McLaren 1:16.913 7 Romain Grosjean (Fra) Haas 1:17.076s 8 Daniel Ricciardo (Aus) Renault 1:17.114 9 Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Alfa Romeo 1:17.239 10 Kevin Magnussen (Den) Haas 1:17.565 11 Max Verstappen (Ned) Red Bull 1:17.709 12 Sergio Perez (Mex) Racing Point 1:17.791 13 Robert Kubica (Pol) Williams 1:18.993 All times set on fastest tyre except Verstappen, who was on the middle tyre of five.

World number one bridge player Manchester United handed one-year ban for doping captain set to leave ridge authorities should look at the sport’s “totally unsuitable” anti-doping rules after world number one Geir Helgemo was banned for a year, says the Monaco Bridge Federation.

Helgemo, who is Norwegian but represents Monaco in the card game, tested positive for banned substances Clomifene - a female fertility drug - and synthetic testosterone.

His ban will expire on 20 November.

The Monaco Bridge Federation said it “regrets” Helgemo’s sanction.

“Experience shows that anti-doping regulation cannot be applied without discernment to the brain sport of mind games,” the federation’s president, Gilbert Vivaldi, told BBC Sport.

“Do you think testosterone levels can seriously influence intellectual performance?

“We regret that a talent such as Geir Helgemo is sanctioned under an anti-doping regulation that is certain-

ly adapted to physical sport but totally unsuitable for brain sport.

“We hope that this event will prompt interested authorities to look into this problem.”

Helgemo, 49, provided the sample at the World Bridge Series in Orlando in September, and previously accepted a provisional ban, to which his suspension has been backdated.

Kari-Anne Opsal, the president of the Norwegian Bridge Federation, said the drugs were “not performance enhancing”.

In a statement, she said: “Geir

Helgemo has previously played for the Norwegian national team and is our biggest star. Many within the bridge community know Geir and respect him.

“It is his responsibility not to take substances that are on the doping list, even though in this instance they are not performance enhancing in bridge.

“I feel for Geir in this situation and hope he will come back stronger after 20 November, 2019, when his ban ends.”

Helgemo is not the first bridge player to be found using banned substances. The World Bridge Federation is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and as such abides by World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) rules.

In 2015, Wada figures showed 3.6% of bridge players had returned adverse analytical findings.

In 2017, Helgemo and world number two, fellow Norwegian Tor Helness, 61, were both convicted of tax evasion.

(BBC Sport)

A

ntonio Valencia is set to leave Manchester United this summer.

The club captain is approaching 10 years at Old Trafford but United have not triggered an option on Valencia’s contract that expired on Friday evening.

It is understood the 33-year-old former Wigan player is resigned to leaving the club this summer, but is keen to extend his career.

Valencia is currently at home in Ecuador recovering from a calf injury.

He has made just nine appearances this season and has featured once - at Newcastle on 2 January - since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho in December.

United do have other op-

Antonio Valencia joined Manchester United from Wigan in 2009

tions at right-back, including Ashley Young, who signed a one-year contract extension last month, and 19-year-old Diogo Dalot, who joined the club from Porto for £19m in June. (BBC Sport)

No more Monday La Liga games, says Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales

A

laves supporters dressed in black and carried a mock coffin in protest at their game being switched to a Monday night for live TV coverage La Liga games will no longer take place on Mondays, says the Spanish FA’s president Luis Rubiales.

Alaves supporters held a mock funeral during their La Liga win over Levante in protest at the match being

switched to Monday night for live TV coverage.

Alaves fans also protested about fixture changes during their game against Athletic Bilbao, held on a Monday in December.

“Business is important, but fans more so,” Rubiales said on Twitter.

He added: “There will be no more football on Mondays. From next season in La Liga, there will be

Alaves supporters dressed in black carrying a mock coffin in protest during their game against Levante

football on Saturdays and Sundays. We will see what happens on Fridays, if we reach a good agreement for all.”

Spanish top-flight games have been played on Mondays since 2010 and while the league’s organising body says the matches have large television audiences, they have led to a fall in attendances. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturday, march 2, 2019

Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club horse meet set for April 7

T

he Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facility at Alness Village on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice will be hosting one of its many horse racing meets on April 7, 2019.

With several entries already confirmed for the card, which consists of seven categories, the day promises to be an exciting one.

Feature event of the meet is the Alness Classic, to be run over 1400 metres. A winning purse of $500,000 and trophy is being competed for. Other events listed on the card would see the event for I and Lower horses over a

distance of 1000 metres competing for a first prize of $240,000 and trophy.

The race for 3 Years Old maiden horses, to be run over 900 metres, will carry a winning prize of $200,000 and trophy. There is an event for horses classified J and Lower to be run over 1000 metres for the package of $170,000 and trophy.

While the L3 Unclassified, which is to be run over 1000 metres, would reward the winner with $100,000, L1 and Lower animals would be competing for a top prize of $100,000 duking it out in their 1200 metre journey.

The other race is for horses classified under the L2 and Lower, which is

open to colts and geldings.

The distance to be covered is also 1000 metres, and the first prize on offer is $80,000 and trophy. The final event will see the L and Lower animals racing over a distance of 1200 metres for a winner’s prize of $200,000 and trophy.

The races will be run under the rules of the legislative draft of the late Marcel Crawford.

All entries close on April 7, 2019. For further information, persons can contact Marcel Crawford Jr on 678-5342 or 696-9009.

Individual trophies and other incentives will be given to riders who have performed exceptionally well.

UFC 235: Jones not ashamed after testing positive for banned substance

J

on Jones says he “has no shame” about traces of a banned substance being found in his system before his light-heavyweight title defence at UFC 235.

The American faces Anthony Smith at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on Saturday.

Jones will be allowed to fight, with authorities believing the substance remains from a positive test for which he has already served a suspension.

“I am comfortable with the idea that it’s going to be a part of my career,” said Jones.

The 31-year-old was handed a 15-month backdated ban after testing positive for a banned substance before UFC 214 in July 2017, although the United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) found he “was not intentionally cheating”.

In December, UFC

Jones served a 15-month backdated ban after testing positive for a banned substance before UFC 214

moved a whole card from Las Vegas to Los Angeles at five days’ notice after he

tested positive for a tiny amount of the same metabolite and the Nevada

State Athletic Commission (NSAC) said it did not have time to investigate.

The NSAC then confirmed on Thursday that two of five drug tests it subjected Jones to in the run-up to UFC 235 also returned positive tests.

However, it said Jones was “co-operative” and that there was no evidence the metabolite had been re-administered or would give him an “unfair advantage”.

“I just wish fans would not just look at the headlines, click on the links and read and learn what’s going on,” added Jones.

“I am comfortable in this space. I’ve set myself free from any level of embarrassment, I have no shame.

“What makes me sleep at night is knowing I have submitted myself to every drug test, I am getting tested by three of the most powerful agencies in the world, I have never avoided a test.”

Jones, who has been tested by the NSAC, Usada

and the Voluntary AntiDoping Agency, says he has learned of Major League Baseball players and other fighters in the UFC who have suffered the same problem.

“When I found out the last event was cancelled and switched, I broke down crying,” added Jones, who beat Sweden’s Alexander Gustafsson to claim the vacant title.

“I just feel like the more I am accessible, the more data they’ll understand and the more everybody will understand.

“Every time it’s like an ‘oh darn it’ moment, but I am comfortable with the idea that it’s going to be a part of my career and I don’t know how long this is going to last.

“I am not going to allow anything to hurt me any more. I am not going to let it bend me or break me.” (BBC

Sport)

“Billy” Heaven trounces Neita Federer to face Tsitsipas to return as JCA boss in Dubai Duty Free final

I

ncumbent Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) president Wilford “Billy” Heaven easily survived a challenge from Mark Neita to return to the top post for another two years.

Heaven, who will now serve a third term, recorded a comfortable 62 to 37 win during the association’s General Meeting on Thursday. In a resounding victory, a breakdown of the vote showed that Heaven was triumphant in three of the four divisions. The incumbent won division 2, 215, division 3, 16-6 and division 4, 15-9 with Neita scoring a 17-10 victory in division 1.

The rest of his Heaven’s slate was also highly successful. In the race for second vice president, Fitz Harris defeated Nehemiah Perry 64-34.

Diann Campbell secured the post of honorary secretary after defeating Neil Reese 7325. Clinton Clarke defeated Major Aubyn Sibbles 71-26 to claim the post of assistant secretary. Kerry Scott defeated Nigel Logan 75-23 to

claim the position of treasurer, with Michael Atterbury securing the nod

over Errol Moodie via a 6829 margin for the post assistant treasurer.

Dr Donovan Bennet will serve as first vice president after securing the nomination to the post unopposed. He will replace Neita who held the post in the previous administration.

(Sportsmax)

Jamaica Cricket Association boss Wilford “Billy” Heaven

R

oger Federer is one win away from a 100th ATP singles title after a semi-final victory over Borna Coric at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Federer, 37, showed his best form of the tournament in easing to a 6-2 6-2 win over the 22-yearold Croat.

He now faces Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, who beat Federer in the Australian Open last 16 in January.

A win will make Federer the second male player to win 100 singles titles after American Jimmy Connors, who won 109.

“Tsitsipas is tough to play, tough to beat,” said Federer. “He showed me that at the Australian Open, how hard he is. Maybe

the final is a little bit of a revenge match.

“Reaching 100 titles we’re still far from it. I’m just going to try to focus and play good tennis,” Tsitsipas recovered from a

set and 3-1 down to get past Frenchman Gael Monfils 4-6 7-6(4) 7-6(4), a win which will propel the 20-year-old into the world’s top 10 for the first time in his career.

“The whole match changed out of nowhere,” Tsitsipas said.

“I’ve improved since last year.

Beating the big guys, big players, players that have been in the top 10, it means a lot.” (BBC Sport)

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sports

IPL won’t impact World Cup selection – Virat Kohli

V

irat Kohli made this much very clear ahead of the first ODI in Hyderabad: The IPL will not impact World Cup selection.

“I don’t see IPL having any influence on World Cup selection,” he said. “I think that will be a very radical sort of analysis.

We need to have a solid team. Before we head into the IPL, we need be absolutely clear of what team we want for the World Cup. “I don’t see anything changing despite how the IPL goes for any of the players. If one or two players don’t have a good IPL season, it doesn’t mean that they are out of the picture for the World Cup. Those things are not going to matter.”

He also made it clear India won’t compromise on their bowling attack just to give World Cup aspirants enough game time. As such, India’s squad has a settled look with just one or two spots up for grabs. Among them are Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar, a batting allrounder who is now in the mix following Hardik Pandya’s back injury.

Vijay’s bowling was tested in the second T20I in Bengaluru, where he returned figures of 2 for 38. Bowling four overs in a T20I is one thing, completing 10 in an ODI another. India’s captain insisted that going with one fewer genuine bowler will not be a wise move.

“We will have to think about the combinations, I don’t think playing a bowler less is a good idea,” Kohli said.

“Because with the extra fielder in till the 40th over, it becomes very difficult to sort of get few guys to chip in with a few overs here and there. We will have to work out the batting combination to try and give game-time to the guys we want to. But, I don’t see the bowling combination changing.”

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India had rejigged their combination both in New Zealand and in the two T20Is against Australia at home, but Kohli stressed that they have prioritised winning this ODI series over experimentation.

“We are playing to win the series, else I’ll leave the ball to hit the stumps,” he said. “As I said earlier, if we want to see how a few guys play in a certain situation, we’ll make play them again in that situation.

“It’s not like if a guy is not playing in a certain situation, he doesn’t have the ability. We could not win the T20 series because in the first match we didn’t play good cricket and in the second match, Australia played better than us.

“I think it’s important you understand why we lost. From outside, it’s easy to say, they don’t have the heart to play.

We always want to win games for India.

If we only had to experiment, we would have got out for 50 as everybody would have got out trying to hit sixes.”

Kohli was particularly buoyed by KL Rahul’s return to form following a horrid time of late. He was troubled by inswingers and eventually lost his place in the Test squad in Australia last year. Then, he was suspended for his controversial comments on an Indian chat show.

However, he worked his way back into international cricket by finding form with the India A side. Against Australia in the T20Is, he unfurled some sparkling shots, including the lofted drive that he mastered during his stellar run in IPL 2018.

“It [Rahul’s return to form] augurs really well,” Kohli said. “When he plays well, KL is operating at a different level, I feel, and we’ve seen him do that in the IPL last year and in patches over the last

Virat Kholi congratulates Hetmyer on his third ODI century

season we played as a team. Hopefully, he can keep batting like that. It’s very difficult to find a consistent player who can find good cricketing shots and still win you games and strike at over 140 or 150.

“He has all the shots and has a solid game as well. Hopefully, he can build on it and get as many games under his belt, playing as much cricket as possible. And then it will be interesting to see what happens in the final World Cup squad.

Definitely, he has made a strong case for himself.”

Since the start of the Champions Trophy India have tried out as many as nine players at No.4, with Ambati Rayudu getting the most chances there.

He has made 431 runs in 11 innings at an

Smith returns to the nets, elbow ‘feeling good’

S

VACANCY

21

teven Smith has returned to the nets for the first time since his elbow surgery in a bid to be fit for the World Cup. Smith posted a short video on Instagram of him having a hit wearing his New South Wales shirt. “Great to have my first hit back,” he wrote.

“The elbow is feeling good!”

He and David Warner, who are both coming towards the end of their 12-month international suspensions for the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town, returned from the Bangladesh Premier League in January to undergo elbow surgeries.

Smith’s was the more severe problem and a timeline of his return to action remains unclear.

It is understood that Warner is making good progress and may yet look to squeeze in a grade match before the season finishes.

They are eligible to return to Australia colours on March 29, which is the day of Australia’s fourth ODI against Pakistan in the UAE, but Smith is unlikely to be ready for that while Warner could be overlooked even if he returns to playing by then with the IPL that starts on March 23 a possible route back for both players.

“From all accounts they should both be ready for the IPL, which is really positive,” Australia coach Justin Langer said in India.

“Dave’s probably a little more advanced but my understanding is they’ll be ready to go in the nottoo-distant future.”

Australia head straight from India to the UAE for their five-match ODI series against Pakistan to bring the curtain down on their international season. The World Cup squad needs to be named by April 23 - although it can be changed later - and will then convene in Brisbane in early May for a training camp which involves warm-up matches against New Zealand.

Should they both be fit, that period is shaping as the formal reintegration of Smith and Warner to the Australia set-up ahead of the squad leaving

for the UK in mid-May. Langer has spent time with both players during the Australia season with them training, albeit separately, with the New South Wales squad. The pair faced each other during a grade game in Coogee earlier in the season.

“I speak to them all the time. We’re in touch all the time,” Langer said. “[I’ve] been in touch with them for the last nine months and, as it gets closer to them coming back in the squad, I’m not sure it increases - how much we speak to each other.”

T h e third player banned, Cameron

Bancroft, returned to professional cricket at the end of December for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash. He Steven Smith then marked his comeback firstclass match since Newlands by carrying his bat for Western Australia against New South Wales followed by 86 in the second innings as he faced over 600 balls in the match. (ESPN

cricinfo)

average of 53.87 and strike-rate of 89.23.

Kohli hasn’t batted at No.4 in this period, but is ready to move down from No.3 if the management wants him to.

“If that [batting at No.4] is the requirement of the team at a particular stage in the game or before a particular game, I’m more than happy to do it,” he said. “I’ve batted a lot of times at No 4, so I don’t necessarily need to try it out because I’ve done that a lot of times in the past.

“My game doesn’t change from No. 3 to No. 4 because template is quite similar. In any given situation, I back myself to play the game that I know. If the team wants it at any stage, I’m more than happy to do it.”

Veronica Campbell-Brown gives birth to a daughter

M

ultiple Olympic medallist Veronica Campbell-Brown has given birth to a daughter.

Just months after the two-time Olympic champion announced her pregnancy she delivered Avianna Amora Brown on February 23.

“Thank you Jesus for blessing us with this precious gift,” the veteran athlete posted on Instagram whose daughter weighed six pounds four ounces at birth.

Campbell is the third elite female Jamaican sprinter in the past four years to have become a mother, following Sherone Simpson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

The iconic sprinter received dozens of congratulatory responses to her Instagram post.

Among them 2016 double Olympic gold medalist Elaine Thompson, Novelene Williams-Mills, Omar McMcLeod, Ristanana Tracey, and Shericka Williams. Commonwealth Games medalist Alia Atkinson also offered her congratulations as did recently retired US Olympic hurdles star Dawn Harper and retired Canadian star athlete Perdita Felicien. (Sportsmax)

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saturday, march 2, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter County tournament…

Thorne and company wary of Demerara scare - rivalry continues today in Demerara/Berbice final

By Brandon Corlette

I

n the first round of play in the GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County Cricket tournament, Demerara defeated Berbice by 57 runs at the Georgetown Cricket Club. These two teams will renew their rivalry for the final time this tournament when they face-off in the final at the same venue, starting from 9:30h today.

Speaking exclusively with this publication, Berbice Under-15 captain Isai Thorne was all confidence ahead of the final. Undoubtedly the fastest bowler in this tournament, Thorne explained that the Berbice team members are feeling great and are confident in their ability.

“Each individual in the team will have to execute the game plan that we set”, Thorne disclosed. The Guyana Under-15 player added that the top order batsmen will have to produce a good start, so the middle order can use the start to build good totals or chase.

Speaking on behalf of the bowlers, the Berbice captain, who grabbed a Player of the Match award in round 3, declared that the bowlers have been bowling exceptionally well in the tournament. He pointed out that Matthew Pottaya has been the star with the ball, while Salim Khan and Bhaskar Dhani have played their roles with the ball. Thorne is expecting more from fellow fast bowler Christopher Deoroop and from himself with the ball.

In this tournament, outstanding performers from Berbice have been Rampertab Ramnauth and Matthew Pottaya, respective-

Run machine and lone centurion tournament, Rampertab Ramnauth

of

the

ly leading run scorer and leading wicket taker. In order for the Berbicians to overcome the balanced Demerara team in today’s final, the

big players will have to stepup, Thorne said.

Ramnauth has played three matches, scoring 194 runs with scores of 37, 147* and 10. Talented off-spinner Pottaya has 11 wickets.

He had match hauls of 4-27, 3-12 and 4-20 in the first three rounds. Tameshwar Mohabir, Avishaker Persaud, Kelvin Samuels, Christopher Deoroop and Ravishkar Sobhai will have to make their bats talk.

Sharing his opinion of the opposition Demerara team, Thorne said, “They have some quality players in Mavindra Dindyal, Zachary Joda and Jadon Campbell, but we are coming strong for them.”

The well-balanced Demerara team, favourites to win, will rely on opening The tournament’s favourite team, Demerara, are well-balanced batsman Campbell to pro- (Brandon Corlette photos) duce a good start. This giftplayers with Player of the Match performanced batsman has shown consistency in scoring es this season.

156 runs thus far in the season. He had scores Demerara Captain Alvin Mohabir has led of 35, 81 and 40* in his fruitful season as the his troops well, playing three matches and top-order batsman. ‘ registering three victories. With all to play Windies U-16 player Dindyal may be for in the final starting from 9:30h at Bourda, saving his big score for today’s big occasion. the best team will be crowned champions of He has scores of 22, 41 and 22* in the three the Dave West Indian Under-15 Inter-County rounds he has played. Zacahary Joda, Krsna tournament.

Singh and Omari Lalbachan are the few star

DDL renews sponsorship with GBA

GFF Elite League Season IV commences March 15 – Pepsi Mike Parris U-16 tourney

T

he Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) Elite League Season 4 is scheduled to commence on Friday, March 15, 2019 even as preparations intensify to ensure the efficient operation of the new season.

This was announced today by GFF’s Competitions Director Ian Alves following a consultation with the Elite Clubs yesterday, including representatives from the two newest additions -- Santos FC and Police FC respectively, w h o e n tered t h e

League following an E l i t e League promotion playoff held on February 9 & 10, 2019.

According to Alves, Thursday’s meeting sought to discuss the proposed fixtures and amendments to the rules of Season 4. “As a result of a consensus, adjustments were made to the rules, and it was agreed that, for the most part, every club will contest at least one match each week, and the current season of the league will be conducted over a period of nine weeks.

“Western Tigers FC were unavoidably absent. Notwithstanding, Santos FC and Police FC were present, and decisions were agreed upon, and we look forward with enthusiasm for a grand start to the league on

March 15.”

As a lead up to the League, and with the increased schedule of competitions expected during the year, a training session on competitions management and venue preparation, inclusive of pitch marking, will be held tomorrow for representatives of regional member associations (RMAs).

This session is geared towards improving capacity of the RMAs to host and manage competitions at all levels. It will cater specifically to the Competitions Manager and Venue Coordinator of each RMA, and is expected to have 30 participants. The session will be held from 09:00hrs – 15:00hrs at GFF’s N a t i o n a l T r a i n i n g C e n t r e , Providence.

The GFF Elite League is the highest form of competitive football played in Guyana; and according to the Rules and Regulations of Season 4, the 10 clubs “will play one (1) round of football, resulting in the club acquiring the most points being declared the winner. Match days will feature mostly double-headers at stipulated venues on Fridays and Sundays, with a few match days being scheduled for Saturdays, and the overall league Champion Club will be awarded an automatic qualifying spot at the CONCACAF/Caribbean Shield Championships.”

The League is scheduled to conclude in June. Detailed fixtures will be made available soonest.

commences today

DDL representative Larry Wills handing over a cheque to President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, in the presence of Technical Director Terrence Poole

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), on Friday at the DSL Headquarters, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, saw Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) brand the Mike Parris U-16 Boxing tournament under their Pepsi brand.

At the simple press conference hosted, President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, stated that the association is happy, since the beverage giant has renewed its sponsorship with the association for the 7th year, to assist in the development of youth boxing in Guyana.

Ninvalle also said, “In 2012, we formed a partnership with DDL, and that gave birth to the GBA/Pepsi Mike Parris U-16 tournament. From that tournament, there has been a spill-off effect whereby we were able to host the Caribbean School Boys and School Girls Junior Tournament, which is the only of its kind in Latin America”.

The GBA President also said the tournament has had its successes, one of which is local talent Kevin Allicock, who has worked his way up the ranks in the tournament.

Also speaking on behalf of the GBA was Technical Director Terrence Poole, who thanked

DDL for staying on board with the association.

He also said that, besides Allicock, the GBA has produced many other talented boxers, and he has promised DDL that the GBA will continue to grow and produce more talents, in hope of the beverage giant not only supporting the School Boys and School Girls Tournament, but the Elite League.

DDL Representative Larry Wills added that DDL appreciates the way the programme is held and executed, and would look forward for the same high standard this year. Wills also noted that DDL, under its Pepsi brand, is very willing to support its “grass roots” projects, wherein they can assist children in sports or outside the realm of sports, as DDL would always continue to support sports in Guyana.

In closing, Ninvalle stated that the upcoming tournament is the second tournament for the year that the GBA has hosted.

Action gets underway today from 13:00hrs at the Andrew Lewis Gym in Albouystown.

Some of the participating gyms are Forgotten Youth Foundation, Pocket Rocket, Rose Hall Jammers, Young Achievers, Sophia Boxing Gym and Harpy Eagles. Cuban Coach Francisco Roldan will be on hand to assess the young fighters.

23

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saturday, march 2, 2019

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day tournament…

Reifer, Mosely half-centuries highlight 9-wicket day - Pride ahead by 103 runs with 4 wickets intact

By Brandon Corlette

I

t is all set for a day 3 finish. An intriguing day two at the National Stadium at Providence saw Guyana Jaguars being bowled out for 201 in their first innings in reply to Barbados Pride’s 76.

After the Jaguars attained a lead of 125, thanks to Reifer’s unbeaten 52, Pride replied in their second innings with 228-6, accumulating a lead of 103 runs.

Barbadian opening batsman Shayne Mosely struck a classy 64 after Carter had hit 47 and Brooks had stroked 44.

Resuming day 2 on 162-7, Guyana Jaguars’ first innings concluded when Jonathan Carter removed their final batsman Veerasammy Permaul at 201 all out in 77 overs.

Romario Shepherd resumed the day on seven, while Reifer rebooted on 33. In the fifth over of the morning, Pride removed Shepherd for nine, trapped in front by paceman Marquino Mindley at 170-8.

After the 30-run partnership between Shepherd and Reifer, the latter continued to keep the scoreboard ticking. Jaguars’ debutant Ramaal Lewis was out for 11 off Jomel Warrican, as Reifer began to run out of partners. The Bajan boy reached his 14th First Class halfcentury with a boundary off Warrican in 118 balls in an innings that spanned 159 minutes.

Carter was in fine form during his 47

He remained unbeaten on 52 from 126 balls in an innings that included seven boundaries.

Bowling for the Pride, medium pacer Carter grabbed 4-42 in 22 overs, while Miguel Cummins and Marquino Mindley had two wickets each. Warrican and Shamar Springer had one wicket apiece in a spirited bowling performance.

Jaguars ended their first innings with a lead of 125 runs. Pride opening batters made their way out to the middle under glorious sunshine post lunch. Rashidi Boucher and Shamarh Brooks negotiated the tricky session, ending on 19-0 in 9 overs at the lunch interval.

Lunch was well served from everyone’s point of view, and two balls into the afternoon session, Sherfane Rutherford struck, shattering the stumps of Boucher for 14 made from 29 balls. At 19-

Brooks has his furniture destroyed and bails flying as he is bowled by Permaul

1, Mosely partnered Brooks, and the duo fought hard in a 74-run second wicket partnership. Brooks was the batsman dismissed by Permaul to a ball that kept low.

The Pride captain, Brooks, had looked set for a big score, playing impressive shots, but fell for a solid 44 from 101 balls, which included six boundaries.

Carter join forces with Mosely at 93-2, and the duo batted until the tea interval, ending on 115-2 in 40 overs.

Moseley stood tall on 42, while Carter was unbeaten on eight, trailing Jaguars by ten runs.

The elegant left handed Shayne Mosely reached his eighth First Class half-century from 89 balls played in 117 minutes when he cleared midon with a boundary off the bowling of Permaul. It was the debutant Lewis who, bowling with great control, removed Mosely to a good ball, trapping him in front for a composed 64 made from 120 balls, including 11 boundaries.

The 74-run third wicket partnership concluded at 167-3. Carter continued his great form at the Regional level with mature batting when Aaron Jones came to the crease. Carter, who entered this The Reifer show. He match on 523 runs this season, was struck an unbeaten undone by some brilliance at short leg 52 (Brandon Corlette photos)

by Tagenarine Chanderpaul. His shining innings of 47 off 72 balls, which included seven fours, came to an end off the bowling of Permaul.

3

SCOREBOARD

Barbados Pride 1st Innings 76 all out Guyana Jaguars 1st Innings 201 all out T Chanderpaul c Walcott b Carter 19 C Hemraj b Cummins 9 V Singh c Walcott b Cummins 33 L Johnson c Walcott b Carter 1 C Barnwell c Warrican b Carter 2 A Bramble lbw Mindley 23 R Reifer not out 52 S Rutherford c Carter b Springer

15 R Shepherd lbw Mindley 7 R Lewis c Holder b Warrican 11 V Permaul c&b Crter 4 Extras 23 FOW 1 – 12 (Hemraj, 8.2 Ov), 2 – 68 (Chanderpaul, 28.5 Ov), 3 – 73 (Singh, 32.4 Ov), 4 – 76 (Johnson, 33.2 Ov), 5 – 78 (Barnwell, 34.6 Ov), 6 – 104 (Bramble, 39.4 Ov), 7 – 140 (Rutherford, 49.5 Ov), 8 – 170 (Shepherd, 64.4 Ov), 9 – 191 (Lewis, 73.4 Ov), 10 – 201 (Permaul, 76.6 Ov) Bowling M Cummins

17-0-51-2

M Mindley S Springer J Carter J Warrican C Holder

14-3-35-2 8-5-11-1 22-3-52-4 11-2-27-1 5-1-11-0

Barbados Pride 2nd Innings 228-6 R Boucher b Rutherford S Brooks b Permaul S Moseley lbw Lewis J Carter c Chanderpaul b Permaul A Jones lbw Reifer S Springer b Reifer T Walcott not out J Warrican not out Extras Total 2286 (71overs) FOW 1 - 19(Boucher, 9.2 Ov), 2 - 93(Brooks, 30.2 Ov), 3 - 167(Moseley, 51.6 Ov), 4 - 177(Carter, 54.4 Ov), 5 - 192(Springer, 59.5 Ov), 6 - 205(Jones, 63.3 Ov)

14 44 64 47 15 6 28 3 7

Bowling R Shepherd (10-1-41-0) R Reifer (9-4-18-2) R Lewis (20-3-63-1) S Rutherford (9-2-34-1) V Permaul (22-6-56-2) C Barnwell (1-0-9-0)

After Carter was dropped on 10 off Johnson at slip, he failed to ride his luck when he departed at 177-4. In Reifer’s final spell, he came and removed Shamar Springer for six, at 192-5, when he was out bowled all ends up. Reifer continued to move the ball late, and he reaped success, trapping Aaron Jones leg before for 15 with the score on 205-6.

Wicket-keeper batsman Tevyn Walcott remained unbeaten on 28 from 36 balls, while Warrican remained unbeaten on three. Pride ended on 228-6 in 71 overs in their second innings. They have a lead of 103 runs. Bowling for Jaguars, Reifer has 2-18 in nine overs, while Permaul has 2-56 in 22 overs. Lewis and Rutherford each have one wicket.

Perhaps the match will be completed today on the penultimate day. The first ball will be bowled at 9:30h local time.

Gayle the key as Windies plot comeback

Chris Gayle

Andre Russell

ngland have the chance to avenge their loss in the Test series when they take on West Indies in the fifth ODI in St Lucia on Saturday, 2 March, but they will have to work around the opposition’s marauding opening batsman.

More than 800 runs were scored at St George’s the other day, with three centuries across the two sides in a game of 100 overs. It took Jos Buttler’s 150, captain Eoin Morgan’s 103, and Adil Rashid’s five-wicket haul to get England a crucial lead in the series, but when Chris Gayle was at the crease, all

results were possible.

Gayle’s six-laden 97-ball 162 not only threatened to scale down England’s mountainous 418/6, but also posed another potential series loss on the visitors. Now in the lead, England will look to make the most of it, and get one back on the hosts, who beat them 2-1 in the Tests.

For that, England will have to work around Gayle. The opening batsman has two centuries and a fifty in three matches, and crossed 10,000 ODI runs in the third ODI – only the second West Indies

E

played to do that after Brian Lara. “We needed wickets all the time, because we felt that if Gayle batted long enough they’d win the game, which is incredible when you’ve got 420 on the board,” Buttler said after the fourth ODI. But Gayle wasn’t the only one who impressed for West Indies. Darren Bravo hit four fours and as many sixes in his 59-ball 61, and Carlos Brathwaite blasted 50 off just 36 balls. In a chase of 419, however, these efforts proved insufficient.

The credit for this must go to Rashid who dismissed all of Jason Holder, Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Devendra Bishoo and Oshane Thomas, the last four coming in one over – the 48th, when England need 32 runs with four wickets in hand – to choke Windies towards the end.

“Being able to spin the ball both ways, he (Rashid) is tough to get after. We juggled the bowlers well, and for Adil to bowl an over like that at that time was special,” Buttler said of the legspinner.

So, what do the Windies need to level the series? Good bowling. They conceded more than 400 runs, with Holder and Bishoo conceding more than 10 an over, and Thomas going for over eight an over. The hosts need to put the brakes on England’s manic batting to make it easy for themselves.

For England, it’s about restricting Gayle and batting as well as they did in the last match. But if Andre Russell, who is in the squad but didn’t play the last match, is included in the XI, England may

Joe Root

have one more headache to neutralise.

Windies: Jason Holder (c), Fabian Allen, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, John Campbell, Ashley Nurse, Carlos Brathwaite, Nicholas Pooran, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Andre Russell England: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood (ICC)

saturday, march 2, 2019

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

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2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Page 23

Reifer, Mosely half-centuries highlight 9-wicket day - Pride ahead by 103 runs with 4 wickets intact

Shayne Mosely hit a constructive half-century

Jump for joy! Jaguars celebrate a wicket late on day 2

GFF Elite League Season IV commences March 15

Page 22

Club representatives during the meeting held to discuss the Elite League Season 4 rules, regulations and fixtures

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter County tournament…

Page 22

Thorne and company wary of Demerara scare

- rivalry continues today in Demerara/Berbice final

Directing proceedings. Berbice Captain Isai Thorne (Brandon Corlette photos)

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