Guyana Times Epaper - Saturday, September 15, 2018

Caribbean Airlines honours loyal customers, corporate partners Page 10

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

Issue No. 3687

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, September 15, 2018

China concerned over robberies of Chinese businesses in Guyana

…Ambassador meets Top Cop, Minister

GWI employee stabbed to death

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$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

President denies stifling Local Govt P3 democracy Page 7

Page 7

– as APNU launches LGE campaign

Guyanese P11 correctional officer killed in NYC roadrage attack

Man remanded for driving P8 away without paying for gas …“I lost my job, couldn’t afford it”– accused

President David Granger and Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ivan Sierra, cutting a cake at the Marriott Hotel on Friday evening in celebration of the 208th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Mexico (Dexter Ceres photo)

Kwakwani residents protest poor water, electricity supply

Page 11

Judicial appointments

Teachers’ salary impasse

Jagdeo calls out President over rejection justification Page 9

Govt rejects GTU’s proposed Page arbitrators 2

…Union vows not to be bullied

Oil production and green P13 state development possible – US professor

– urges Guyana to take advantage of uniqueness

Guyanese P5 nabbed with cocaine at JFK airport

2 news

saturdAY, september 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teachers’ salary impasse

Govt rejects GTU’s proposed arbitrators …Union vows not to be bullied

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he Education Ministry on Friday rejected the Guyana Teachers’ Union’s (GTU) proposed arbitrators without giving a reason, resulting in the Union also rejecting the Ministry’s arbitrators during the second meeting held this week to put an end to the ongoing teachers’ salary impasse.

GTU President Mark Lyte, in a much-dissatisfied tone, told media operatives at the Labour Department that the two parties were unable to agree on a panel.

“We were able to agree on the additional Terms of Reference for the tribunal but unfortunately couldn’t agree on the chairmanship of the tribunal panel,” he informed.

The two officials which Government proposed were Permanent Secretary of the Telecommunications Ministry, Derrick Cummings and Human Resources Manager of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Glenndon Hariss.

On the other hand, GTU proposed former Home Affairs Minister Jeffrey Thomas; former Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashleigh Jackson and an experienced arbitrator, Aubrey Armstrong.

GTU President Mark Lyte speaking to the media after Friday’s failed talks

Lyte argued that the Ministry rejected their nominees without reason, while they rejected the Ministry’s due to no confidence issues.

“They were all rejected with no reason given as to why they were rejected. The Ministry put forward two names which are all present and functioning Government official. Of course the Union had to reject those because we cannot accept nominees from the Government to chair,” he explained.

According to Lyte, the Union requested a reason for rejection for its list of nominees only to be told “they can’t give reasons at this point in time.”

General Secretary of the

Union, Coretta McDonald, chimed in with the Union’s President saying they entered Friday’s meeting very optimistic that the officers would resolve the issue.

“We were very optimistic that this (Friday) afternoon since we are serious about this whole business of education, that persons were going to sit here as matured individuals to arrive at names and even if we were to disagree on names that were submitted we would disagree with a purpose, a reason for disagreeing with the names,” she said.

McDonald argued that the Ministry seems unconcerned about its teachers. “It has left us with one conclu-

sion that the officials at the Ministry of Education, they are not serious about this business of education, they are not serious about awarding and rewarding teachers, they are not serious about anything”.

Moreover, the General Secretary added that the ministry wants to bully the Union into getting them to do exactly what they want.

“They want to get in to the mode of bullying the GTU so that we can accept whatever name they put forward to us”.

She posited that the Union stands firm on the names it would have submitted and at this point is unwilling to change those.

It was further disclosed that the two sides have not selected a day for another meeting, while the GTU has promised to engage its members over the weekend to decide on a way forward.

When asked if the Union is considering resuming strike action, the smiling General Secretary noted, “We need to go through this process and if we cannot come to a resolution in terms of arriving at someone who is going to be the chairperson then we’ll decide what happens after then”.

Education Minister Nicolette Henry who did not sit in Friday’s meeting was represented by the Chief

Education Officer Marcel Hutson, who walked out of the Boardroom dodging reporters after the failed talks.

The GTU last Thursday called off the nationwide strike after the Government gave in to arbitration during the second round of conciliation talks, being mediated

by Minister Keith Scott.

At that time, some 4000 teachers were on strike after several talks failed between the two parties with regards to a salary increase for teachers. The Union said they were willing to accept a ‘substantial’ payout from the Government even after the GTU rejected Government’s

request for teachers to agree to a debunching payoff of $200 million for 2018/19.

Lyte said the Union similarly rejected the $700 million cap that was placed on salary increases which was for 2018 only.

Government also wants the clothing allowance to remain at $8000, a figure which Lyte said was given in 2011. He said, too, that for Whitley Council Leave, teachers still have to wait four years before getting their one-month off, even though the GTU appealed for that period to be reduced to three years. (Davina Ramdass)

Accused fraudster walks free

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lleged trickster Travis Roberts appeared on Friday before Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly facing two counts of fraud, one alleging that on September 12 last, in the vicinity of Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained $8000 from Stephon Isaacs by falsely pretending or purporting to show that he had in his possession a gold chain to sell.

The other charge alleges that, on June 4, 2018, he ob-

tained $12,000 from Nelson Waldron by falsely pretending or proporting to show that he had in his possession a gold chain to sell.

Neither of the virtual complaints ever received the gold chain.

Roberts denied the charges read to him, and Magistrate Daly discharged the matters against Roberts after he agreed to return to both virtual complaints the money he had taken from them.

news

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saturdAY, september 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 15 – 08:30h-10:00h and Sunday, September 16 – 09:30h-11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 15 – 07:40h-09:10h and Sunday, September 16 – 08:25h-09:55h.

President denies stifling Local Govt democracy – as APNU launches LGE campaign

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

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

Temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South Easterly to Easterly and East Northeasterly between 1.78 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 08:04h and 20:18h reaching maximum heights of 2.43 metres and 2.42 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:36h and 13:53h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metres and 0.86 metres respectively.

WEDNESDAY, september 12, 2018

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friday, september 14, 2018

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From left: Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, President David Granger, Social Protection Minister Amna Ally and Minister of State Joseph Harmon

O

fficially launching its campaign, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday defended itself against questions about its involvement at the Local Government Elections potentially coming at the expense of independents and smaller groups.

At a press conference at Congress Place, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, the question was posed as to why large parties like APNU are contesting in certain places instead of leaving it to smaller parties or individuals. But APNU Chairman David Granger was adamant that their party’s involvement does not weaken but rather strengthens democracy.

“In conducting countrywide elections, you need an organisation. And that organisation strengthens democracy,” Granger said. “It doesn’t weaken democracy.

And organisations are one of the principles laid down in our discussions with other parties. There must be organisation that people shouldn’t feel free to come and go.”

“Because the voters must know that year after year, they’ll be able to contact the persons that they’ve elected. So we adhere to the idea of organisation, but we encourage persons who do not belong to APNU but who share our ideals to

come and work with us and campaign.”

Granger also pointed out that these elections combine the First Past the Post and the Proportional Representation (PR) principles. In light of this, he noted that the population is in favour of a system where the party at the local level can also represent their interests at the national level, be it Cabinet or the National Assembly.

Hard work

Granger also noted that individual candidates must have the capacity to go door to door and campaign actively. He noted that organisations are therefore necessary because Local Government Elections is "hard work."

"Let me assure you that APNU will do everything possible to fortify grassroots democracy by ensuring that local residents are allowed to play a greater role in managing their own neighbourhoods, villages and towns," Granger stated.

Meanwhile, APNU General Secretary Amna Ally informed the media that the party would be contesting in 76 out of 80 Local Authority Areas.

Nomination Day, which will see the introduction of the party candidates, will be on September 21. But according to Ally, the wheels were already in motion in her

party’s campaign.

“We have begun our preparation some time ago.

But we are intensifying this. As you see, we have our campaign managers here. And we are intensifying our preparations, making sure that our legal requirements are in place,” Ally explained.

The head table was asked about the number of candidates from APNU’s different parties that would contest the elections. It was explained by Granger that CN Sharma of the Justice For All Party (who was present at the press conference), as well as the other smaller parties, would take part.

Elections

The elections are slated to be contested on Monday, November 12. It is understood that approximately 62 symbols were submitted to GECOM, though one candidate subsequently withdrew.

While APNU contested the election in 2016

joined at the hip with coalition partner Alliance For Change (AFC), things are different this time around.

The AFC has already indicated that it will go to the LGE polls on its own.

The Cummingsburg Accord the AFC signed with APNU in 2015 has a lifespan of a minimum of three years and maximum of five years, and was focused primarily on the General and Regional Elections.

To this end, the AFC had proposed as part of the nine points up for negotiation with its coalition partner that an agreement on LGE be crafted. In fact, the minority coalition partner detailed some of its positions for negotiation in the LGE Accord.

The AFC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), after a May 1 meeting, had allowed additional time for the two coalition partners to have a definitive written agreement in the form of a Local Government Elections Accord.

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saturdAY, september 15, 2018

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

Pushing sport tourism

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he concept of sports tourism and the impact it could have on our country’s economy is now being discussed on a wider scale. So far, Guyana has not put the systems in place to capitalise on this niche market, like some other sister Caricom countries; and it is certainly time that the various stakeholders give some serious attention towards doing so.

Analysts have pointed to the fact that sports tourism is a huge and growing industry, with important economic implications for the sport, the event, and the impact of travel and tourism-related benefits on host destinations.

Many believe that sports tourism could become a viable and sustainable component of Guyana’s overall tourism product, and could make a tangible contribution to national development.

Veteran cricket commentator and sports consultant Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira has taken the initiative to compile a list of sports tourism projects in which the tourism sector can invest. Speaking from decades of experience in the field of sports, Perreira posited: “I feel it’s time that the Guyana tourism officials implement a sports tourism programme that would allow Guyana to join the Caribbean nations and the rest of the world in benefiting from this expanding niche market.”

According to Perreira, the success of a sports tourism programme would need the support of a department strictly dedicated to sports tourism, even though situated within the Ministry of Tourism. This department can work alongside other national sports associations, and receive support from organisations with a mandate to promote Guyana through tourism, such as the Guyana Tourism Authority, travel companies, embassies, high commissions, and the national press etc A primary function of a sporting event is to provide the host community with an opportunity to secure high prominence in the tourism marketplace. Therefore, the introduction of sports tourism as a major industry here is an excellent idea, and it would certainly be in the nation’s interest if the major players involved work seriously towards designing and implementing the necessary programmes and policies that would see Guyana taking advantage of the many opportunities available in the sector.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games here are a good example of the tremendous benefits that could be derived from a sporting event of that magnitude. Guyana, through the CPL, has benefited significantly from sports tourism since the inception of the tournament. The games’ economic impact locally has been both direct and indirect.

According to CPL, assessment reports compiled showed that the economy received close to US$17 million last season. The net sum was calculated by looking at the influx of tourists to the country, hotel bookings, vending during the games, and the overall spending of persons during this period.

The League attracts some of the best international cricketers from across the globe, which has set the stage for a plethora of thrilling T20 cricket for Caribbean fans and those in the Diaspora.

Each year, the National Stadium at Providence, which is the home ground of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, attracts sold-out crowds. With tournaments such as these, it is not only the sold-out stadiums that warrant the prestige, but it is a chance to showcase one’s country on the global market, since television viewership would usually span each continent.

Guyana must therefore capitalise on the economic successes of CPL, and work towards further developing sports tourism in general. The tournament has provided stakeholders here with a perfect opportunity to create a sustained sports tourism initiative.

However, for Guyana to fully benefit, there are a number of challenges which must be addressed urgently. These include ensuring adequate facilities are in place to host highlevel games, and investing in training of personnel to ensure that we have the necessary human resources to organise and manage the activities, among other things.

As we had stated before, Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada are regarded as good models of sports tourism. For these countries, sports tourism is a huge market, but they have made the bold decision to pump the necessary investments into critical areas. Guyana could also do the same. In the words of veteran broadcaster Joseph “Reds” Perreira, “Guyana has tremendous possibilities for sports tourism”. CPL and the Amazon Warriors have provided a perfect start.

Students of the hinterland regions concluded their one-week educational tour on Friday at the Guyana National Library and at Parliament Building. The annual trip usually forms part of the month-long activities for Indigenous Heritage Month, held every September. In photo, students enjoy a moment of being Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly

Greater transparency not only from politicians, but from Private Sector Dear Editor, Recent comments by the former Petroleum Presidential Advisor, Dr Jan Mangal, provided for interesting reading; more particularly where he comments on the “stages of influence” that oil companies exert to make countries forfeit their wealth.

Dr Mangal has said: “The oil company and their agents will first influence the politicians. They do this very well. They do it all the time all around the world (in the rich countries as well). This has already happened in Guyana. Then they will influence the private sector by giving them some contracts. This has already happened in Guyana,

judging by the words/actions of the private sector, judging by how some prominent Guyanese have suddenly gone quiet or changed their tune.”

The latter point, regarding the private sector, is particularly interesting.

Politicians will be frowned on for having engagements (contracts, etc) with the oil companies, but what about the heads and executives of private sector groups?

Guyanese are treated to an endless stream of comments from private sector officials, which are portrayed as impartial positions. But how can we be sure? The answer, I think, and more so to lend greater credibility to voices from

the private sector, could lie in there being full disclosure.

Maybe it is time that there is a declaration by private sector heads and executives, in particular, about what contracts or agreements they are engaged in with ExxonMobil. Maybe it is time that Guyanese are made aware of how these heads and executives of private sector groups are personally benefiting from the oil company.

Guyanese have also been treated to the trend where private sector groups bring in consultants for oil and gas forums; another attempt to lend credibility, in my view, to some of the positions taken. But we

have seen that some of the very consultants who were brought in were linked to the oil companies – as was the case with Rystad Energy. It was Dr Mangal himself who pointed out that Rystad Energy was part of the company’s lobbying machinery.

I agree with Dr Mangal when he says: “The odds are stacked against Guyana, but Guyana can succeed.”

But such success, I think, can be realised if we start with greater transparency from not only the politicians, but also from the private sector groups and their heads and executives.

Sincerely, Baldeo Mathura

Youths of this country still waiting on jobs Dear Editor, In Guyana, the youths comprise approximately 60 percent of the population. In my humble opinion, enough emphasis is not being placed on the young people of this country, who are the future.

Each year, hundreds graduate from secondary schools, and are unable to further their studies (worse if they are not from Georgetown).

Even more graduate from the university, to venture into the world of work in which there are no jobs for them.

Many are forced to suppress their dreams and aspirations despite being qualified; despite working and studying hard to finish their schooling; despite being ac-

ademically equipped to face the challenges of the world of work, only to be surprised that the real challenge is in gaining meaningful employment in Guyana. Any hope of a productive and meaningful life, the chasing of one’s dream, significantly diminishes, leaving nothing but a struggle for survival.

As a young Guyanese, I find this challenge burdensome.

I pity those who are not qualified; for if those of us with our qualifications find it so difficult to secure employment, what about those without? Many are talking about things being better in this country; they need to be more aligned to the common man and the everyday hardships he endures just to sur-

vive in this country, because the struggle is real.

We, the youths, constitute Guyana’s only hope for a real future. The youths of this country are ambitious, enthusiastic, energetic and promising.

We are considered vulnerable in today’s society because of the rapid pace of change we experience at this time in our lives. A national youth development policy should be created and designed to advocate for youth and youth development. This policy should view youth welfare as vital to Guyana as a nation, and to its socio-economic development. Identifying and addressing these issues would enhance the lives of youths

in Guyana, and would improve overall national development.

Now is the time. What are our leaders waiting for?

The formation/creation of a youth policy must have youth participation on a national level, which should involve recognising and nurturing the strengths, interests, and abilities of young people of this country through the provision of real opportunities for us youths to become involved in decisions that affect us at individual and systemic levels.

It is time the young people become involved in the decision-making process that adversely affects our lives, both now and in the future. continued on page 5

saturdAY, september 15, 2018

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News

Guyanese nabbed with cocaine at JFK Airport

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ust two days after Guyanese hairdresser Karen Stuffle was sentenced in a local court to four years’ imprisonment and fined $2.3 million for attempting to smuggle cocaine into the USA, Guyanese Alicia Coppin was subjected to a search by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on Tuesday when she arrived at the JFK International Airport in New York, and later admitted to attempting to traffick cocaine into

the USA by inserting a quantity of the narcotics into her vaginal cavity and stomach.

According to reports, Coppin was seen acting in a suspicious manner, and DEA agents proceeded to question her.

An X-ray examination performed on the woman revealed that a quantity of cocaine was stashed in her vaginal cavity, and several cocaine pellets were in her stomach.

She was later taken to a med-

ical facility, where she excreted the drugs, the amount of which has not been disclosed.

The woman remains in custody of the NYC Police, and is likely to face drug trafficking charges soon. In fact, this publication understands that her case is in the docket of the New York Eastern District Court, where a pre-arraignment complaint has been filed against her by the state since September 11.

Only last Sunday, a search

Alicia Coppin

conducted on Guyanese hairdresser Karen Stuffle by CANU ranks at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) resulted in 100 cocaine pellets, totalling 1.42 kilograms, stashed in her vagina and stomach, being unearthed.

After admitting to the offence on Thursday, the 48-yearold Stuffle told the court she had been paid some US$400 to traffic the narcotics, and her airfare had also been paid in full.

Region 3 honours outstanding teachers, students

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he Education Department of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Friday recognised the exceptional performances of teachers, students and athletes in their annual Regional Award Ceremony, held at the Aracari Resort at Plantation Versailles, WBD. Proceedings were held under the theme: “Rewarding success and dedication,” and the ceremony was conducted in the company of First Lady Sandra Granger, officials of the Education Ministry, teachers and students from across the region, and the regional executives.

The event covered the distribution of awards for both 2016-2017 and 20172018 academic years, since there were some setbacks in the event last year.

Nevertheless, pledges were made to continue this annual tradition.

Regional Education Officer (REDO) Anesta Douglas was among the list of invitees, who expounded on the works of the educators throughout the region

The teachers and students who were awarded for their successful work

to produce remarkable results.

She remarked, “We want to recognise all our teachers who have contributed in one way or the other towards the development of education in this region. Our teachers have been in essence a strength and a great pillar of support to all of us throughout those two academic years.”

As she indicated, there have been changes in technology throughout the past few decades, with the transcendence from cassette players to smartphones, and the First Lady called on the

Youths of this country...

From page 4

I implore those responsible to provide technical training to our youths, to prepare them specifically for jobs. Technical and Vocational Training and Education (TVET) would help address the skills crisis. Youths who are not academically inclined and/or are school dropouts are often the most unprepared to acquire jobs, due largely to their lack of skills. With our resources and the money from our oil, a technical institute should be available in each of the 10 administrative regions of this country.

This would be more convenient for persons living out of Georgetown or Linden, where two of our institutes are located. Youths who are neither working nor studying do not have the opportunity to learn and improve their skills. They are progressively marginal-

ized, and in turn can develop anti-social behaviours (hence, crime mostly involving youths, drug abuse and gang-related problems and teenage pregnancy, and a whole host of other social ills that negatively affect our society).

For the “Good Life” that was promised a while over three years ago, we, the youths of this country, still await those jobs.

It is time for the youths.

Please do not fail us with your divisive politics and petty agendas. We are the future of this country; invest in us, create that foundation that we so desperately need.

Be our role models, and ensure that you set a good foundation for the future generations of this beautiful land of Guyana.

Regards, Nkosei Williams

students to utilise these resources.

“This is the age of technology, and so we have to constantly upgrade our skills and learn new ones if we want to remain relevant in the modern workforce.

Technology has opened the doors for innovation in so many aspects,” the First Lady said. Encouragements were also echoed for girls to complete their secondary education programme, which would reduce the scourge of teenage mothers and other social issues.

“I urge you to think be-

yond today, and imagine what you will want to be a few years down the road.

Focus on the skills that will help you to get employment after you leave school, and recommit your time and efforts to reaching a high performance in subsequent examinations.”

Some of the categories for the awards included teachers who would have produced excellent grades at the national examinations; exceptional work in the Education Management Certificate Programme; recognition of teachers who

would’ve served 27 years and counting; outstanding performances by students; and appreciation to stakeholders who would’ve assisted the region’s education sector.

Ten students received awards for their performance at the CSEC level, inclusive of the Arts, for 2017 and 2018; as well as the top performers for each secondary school at the CSEC level.

Top performers from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) were also recognized, and awards

were given to the most improved schools at the nursery, primary and secondary levels, as well as both male and female champion athletes for 2017 and 2018.

Some of the teachers who were recognised for their service were Gita Dudnath Ramotar, Althea DanielsStuart, Alana Fingall, Melanie Bumbury, Latoya Bostou, Roslyn Glasglow, Latoya Clarke and Vineta Juman. The Department also acknowledged 52 retired teachers who taught at the nursery, primary and secondary levels.

Thakoordine Persaud of Cornelia Ida Primary School attained the top prize for the National Grade Two Assessment, while Darren Ramphal of Leonora Primary was awarded in the National Grade Assessment category for the region, and Colin Osborne of La Harmonie Primary for the riverine area.

The most improved schools this year was Parika Back Nursery, Greenwich Park Primary, and Stewartville Secondary.

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By Tracy Asamoah, MD

W

hich of your children is your favourite?

Your reflex response is probably “none of them.”

What kind of parent would choose one child as his or her favourite? The truth is: many parents.

Years of research support what many have suspected

– most parents have a favourite child. Studies have explored factors from birth order to gender and shared interests. Yet even with years of research that supports this idea, parents are still plagued by guilt and live in denial of having a favourite child.

Even if there is no discernible parental favourite amongst siblings, studies have shown that children often perceive preferential treatment of their sibling by their parents.

Unsurprisingly, family conflicts and feelings of sadness and depression can result from favouritism, whether it’s real or perceived.

The question isn’t whether or not you have a favourite child, since it’s pretty clear that many parents do. Typically, favouritism has little to do with loving one child more.

Foundation It is more about how your personality resonates with one child’s personality more than the other’s. Essentially, it’s a question of like.

Still, why is it so hard for us to admit that one of our children might be our favourite? Some parents might worry about harming his or her child emotionally or psychologically.

Some

parents confuse liking one child’s personality with the love he or she shows to each child. Parents also worry about discriminatory parenting practices that favour one child over the other. However, in recognising that you might hold preferential feelings towards one child, you are taking an important step into creating a better parenting relationship with all of your children. Becoming connected to subconscious motivations and drives can improve your parenting relationship and lead towards a healthier family environment.

Increased awareness Instead of succumbing to guilt or resorting to denial, you can (and should) reflect on how you relate to each of your children, and make an effort to understand how your feelings

towards each child can impact your parenting practices and the parent-child relationship.

Examining your feelings towards each of your children can provide greater insight into your own personality and how you function in relationships – and in fact, how you feel about your children might reveal more about your thoughts and feelings about yourself than

them. Increased awareness about your internal world can help you build and sustain healthier relationships.

Here are a few lenses from which to view this issue: Our relationships with our children have deep roots There are reasons that you connect with your children in different ways. Some of those reasons stem from your past experiences. Your childhood relationships with your parents and other important figures in your life have a significant impact on your current relationships.

A child may remind you of a favourite grandparent, and your interactions with this child might invoke similar feelings of affection. Another child might display behaviours similar to a parent that you had conflicts with. That child’s

behaviours might trigger a negative response that has old, deep roots.

Recognising how old relationships might impact your relationships with your children increases awareness.

This increased awareness allows you to examine whether your feelings are specific to your child or carry greater significance. If need be, you can make changes in how you interact with your child that are appropriate to who he or she is as an individual without the weight of your past.

Your children can reflect your personality back to you Sometimes, we respond to characteristics in our children that we also see in ourselves.

Characteristics in ourselves that we embrace are often celebrated when mirrored in our children. When the mirror reveals a flaw, we often respond negatively. We can respond in anger or avoidance out of discomfort with our own shortcomings.

Your feelings towards your children may be seasonal Remember that our relationships with our children are not fixed. They are dynamic, growing and developing as we go through life’s joys and challenges. While one year, you might feel more connected to your oldest child, a year later, that affinity might switch to your middle child. Recognising these changes and taking time to examine the factors that contribute to the changes can increase your understanding of your relationships with all of your children.

plenty of opportunity for growth in between. Being proactive in understanding the nature of these relationships and what factors are at play in a given time will help the relationships flourish. While you might like your children differently, it is important that all children receive equal love

By Jennifer Cooper

T

oday, let’s use our imagination to take a trip to learn about a place that is rich in history and culture; where east meets west; old meets new. Let’s visit Turkey!

For this Adventure in Learning, we’re going to try our hand at Ebru: the Turkish art of Marbling. Before we begin, let’s see how geography

and nurturance from their parents.

So, relax and acknowledge that at this moment, you might have a favourite. Then go a step further to examine how that simple fact can lead you to a better relationship with all of your children creating a stronger, healthier family. (Excerpt

from psychologytoday.com)

a marbled masterpiece.

To make this project kidfriendly, I consulted with my friend Carla Wiking who taught me a cool way to marble using shaving cream. Ready?

You’ll Need: Shaving cream Acrylic paint Cookie sheet or aluminium pan Popsicle stick or skewer Butter knife Card stock or sheets of

Looking for areas of growth At the end of the day, your relationship with your child is just that – a relationship. As with all relationships, there will be ups and downs with

affects art: The art of marbling is thought to have originated in Turkey, spreading west to countries throughout Europe and east to China, India and Persia. A quick look at a world map shows that Turkey bridges the continents of Asia and Europe. It’s also important to note that the Silk Road ran through Turkey, making it easy for art and culture to spread.

In traditional Ebru, paint is dripped onto the surface of water and a fine brush or metal comb is used to create marbled patterns. After a pattern is created, a piece of paper is gently laid on the surface of the water. The paint adheres to the paper, creating

water colour paper Directions: Before we begin, Carla warned me that this project is a bit messy, so roll up those sleeves!

1. Cover a cookie sheet in shaving cream.

2. Drop paint onto the shaving cream.

3. Use a skewer to make swirls with the paint.

4. Lay a sheet of card stock on top of the shaving cream.

Press gently.

5. Remove the paper. Let sit for about a minute.

6. Scrape off the shaving cream.

7. Let the paper dry. (Excerpt from

pbs.org)

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saturdAY, september 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

China concerned over robberies of Chinese businesses in Guyana …Ambassador meets Top Cop, Minister

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mbassador of the People’s Republic of China, Cui Jianchun, on Friday raised his concern over the high number of Chinese stores being robbed and burglarised as he met with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and the Commissioner of Police Leslie James, to discuss security issues related to the Chinese community.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Public Security Ministry highlighted these concerns even as it acknowledged that a “number of Chinese business places have been burgled, with property stolen, sometimes under circumstances of violence.”

This, the Ministry said, has led the Chinese business community to feel that it is a targeted group. However, Ramjattan is contending that this is a misperception.

In dismissing the concerns of the Chinese Ambassador, Ramjattan and James assured that crime statistics and the motives of those caught does not suggest such profiling.

In fact, the Ministry said those “who are victims are generally as a result of opportunistic criminals who

Top Cop Leslie James

prey on those who may have been unalert and vulnerable.”

The two, who met with Ambassador Jianchun, nevertheless assured that every effort is being made to ensure additional Police patrols are prominently positioned in the commercial areas of the City and other communities which will deter criminal activities across the board.

The Ambassador further agreed that a meeting with the Chinese business community should be held as early as possible so that a number of concerns and questions can be directly answered.

During Friday’s meeting, the parties also dis-

GWI employee stabbed to death

Dead: Roger Allen

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hat was described as a friendship, on Friday morning ended deadly, after a Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) employee was stabbed during a row on D’Urban and Chappel Streets, Lodge, Georgetown.

The now deceased man, Roger Allen of Lot C D’Urban Street, Georgetown, was reportedly stabbed at least twice to his arm at about 17:00h on Thursday after he went to a minimart in the area to settle an argument between himself and his friend who was employed at the minimart.

According to the Police, the suspect, who resides at 214 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was on duty when Allen went to make a pur-

chase, during which the two had an argument.

Allen subsequently left the minimart and returned with a knife and a piece of wood around the time the suspect was to leave his workplace and attacked him, causing both men to be injured in the process.

The duo were escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Allen underwent emergency surgery for two stab wounds but succumbed at about 04:00h on Friday morning.

The suspect who was treated and discharged is in custody assisting with investigations.

The mother of the now dead man, 61-year-old Donna Whyte, of Lot 60 Freeman Street, Georgetown, told Guyana Times that she was informed that her son was involved in a scuffle with the young man and was taken to hospital.

According to her, Allen who works with the disconnection crew at GWI, had earlier disconnected his friend’s water, which angered him.

“I was told that himself and someone, well he works at water works and he disconnected someone’s water.

Probably the guy had that in his mind and then some cigarette problem and that is what triggered the incident,” she said.

Investigations are ongoing.

cussed the Smart City project, which will be funded by a loan from China. In addition, discussions were forged on the China-Caribbean Countries Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Conference held in Grenada recently. Ramjattan seized the opportunity on Friday to thank the Ambassador for the numerous contributions the country has made to the Force, which include providing assets and training for its ranks.

Only recently, three armed males pounced on the owner of the Real Value Supermarket located at Lot

China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun

246 Church and Thomas Streets, Georgetown and relieved the Chinese businessman of a significant amount

of foreign and local currencies among other valuables.

Some weeks ago, three armed bandits were caught after they broke into a Chinese supermarket at Grove, East Bank Demerara.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday the Guyana Police Force said it recorded a whopping 23 per cent increase (37 against 30 cases last year in the same period) in robberies. According to the Force, no instruments were used by perpetrators while a one per cent hike (405 against 402 cases) in armed robberies where firearms were used was recoded. It stated that robberies with violence saw a five per cent increase

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

(104 against 99 cases), while burglaries went up by four per cent (142 against 136 cases).

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IN THE COURTS

Man remanded for driving away without paying for gas …“I lost my job, couldn’t afford it” – accused

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aisnarine Persaud appeared on Friday before a city magistrate to answer three charges of incurring a debt by pretending he was in a position to pay.

The charges he faces read as follows: That on September 4, 2018, at the GuyOil Service Station in Kitty, he incurred a debt of $12,000 by falsely pretending he was in a position to pay the pump attendant for

fuel pumped into the vehicle he was driving.

That on September 5 and September 6, at Providence and Georgetown respectively, he incurred debts of $30,000 and $15,000 respectively at GuyOil Gas Stations.

The Prosecution’s case is that Persaud is the registered owner of two vehicles, one of which is a luxury vehicle. On the days in question, Persaud visited the

gas stations and ordered the pump attendants to fill up the gas tank of the vehicle he was driving. He then drove away without paying for the gas.

The court was informed that the man had just settled a matter of a similar nature with the proprietor of another service station located on the East Coast of Demerara.

Persaud admitted to all three charges, and told the

court that, prior to the incident, he was relieved of his job, as a result of which he suffered financial difficulties.

“I lost my job and didn’t have money to pay. I’m sorry for what I did; I am really sorry,” Persaud explained.

The magistrate, however, remanded Persaud to prison and ordered that he be sent for mental evaluation. His matters will continue on September 28.

Queenstown man charged for assaulting wife

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habinauth Deoram reportedly assaulted his wife Ronnie Barry on September 10, 2018 at their home at Lot 87 Oronoque Street, Queenstown Georgetown.

He found himself before Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday, facing two counts of assault, both of which he denied.

No other facts on the incidents were presented to the

court, and the Police prosecutor did not object to Deoram being placed on bail, requesting only that the couple be placed on a bond to keep the peace, since the defendant is in the habit of assaulting the

virtual complainant.

The VC was able also to obtain a restraining order against her husband, who was released on $20,000 bail.

The cases will continue on September 25.

Taxi driver slapped with rape charge

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axi driver Tevin Vickerie appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday to answer a charge of rape, wherein it is alleged that he engaged in sexual activity with a minor without her consent during

the month of January 2018 on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

According to reports, Vickerie would pick up the teen from school and drop her home on a daily basis.

However, during the month in question, the 22-year-old

accused picked up the teen from school, but failed to drop her home; driving instead to a lonely area in the vicinity of the SoesdykeLinden Highway and demanding that the teen have sex with him.

The prosecution is con-

tending that the teen allegedly refused his demand, and Vickerie locked the vehicle, climbed into the back seat where the girl was seated, and forced himself on her. He later took her home.

Upon returning home, the girl informed her relatives about the incident, and the Police were subsequently informed.

Not required to plead to the indictable charge, the unrepresented Vickerie was eventually placed on bail in the sum of $400,000, and the case has been set for continuation on September 19.

Bleeding…

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…sugar workers ver since the PNC-led Government of David Granger slid into office, he’s led the way in justifying the firing of 7,000 sugar workers -- and shutting down four of the seven sugar estates -- by invoking the imagery of them “bleeding” the treasury. And, of course, if this were allowed to continue, the “patient” Guyana would have “haemorrhaged” to death.

In this scenario, the sugar industry was “sick”. And the situation was so dire, the subsidy for three years -recommended by its own CoI! -- couldn’t be extended to bring the entire industry to a point of sale!! But, to conclude: the industry was in its death throes and taking down the country with it. Shouldn’t Granger have at least factored in the role his PNC party played to get the industry into that state?

At the very minimum, this might’ve reminded him of the deeper structural challenges the industry faces, and perchance dissuade the regime from applying a treatment that looks like it’s worse than the disease!!

So why and when did sugar become sick? We know that, up to the sixties -- when we were about to gain independence -- sugar production had climbed all the way up to 350,000 tonnes!

By the end of the decade, workers had even won “profit sharing” – 60% to workers and 40% to Bookers. But when sugar prices skyrocketed by SEVEN times in 1974, and every sugar worker would’ve become a millionaire after profits were declared, this was something that Burnham couldn’t stand!! How dare sugar workers – rabid supporters of the PPP – become wealthy??!! They must remain in penury.

He immediately imposed the SUGAR LEVY, which not only scraped off all the excess profits for that year… but from every year after, when sugar had returned to “normal prices”. By 1976, after he’d nationalised the sugar industry, on top of the LEVY, he appointed PNC loyalists to run the industry. Even if they wanted to, those loyalists couldn’t modernise the factories, because there was no money available after the levy. Workers’ wages fell precipitously, and the industry production fell to half its level by 1990.

The point of all of this is the “haemorrhaging” Granger now complains of was caused by the deep wound inflicted by the PNC’s levy and politicised management – which even the PPP’s Herculean efforts couldn’t staunch.

The Skeldon Modernisation Plan was a belated effort to rationalise sugar production, and its failure was not in strategy, but in implementation. When the sugar levy was carrying the country on sugar workers’ backs for thirty years, no one complained then that SUGAR WORKERS were haemorrhaging the treasury.

The PNC’s “bleeding” slander against sugar workers only adds salt to their dismissal wounds.

Shame on them!! …from self-inflicted wounds Is there no end to the follies of Basil Williams? Your Eyewitness wouldn’t have minded if it was just Basil Williams…but since he’s the AG of Guyana, folks outside of Guyana end up thinking if such a man could be the legal advisor to our Government, what does that say about our country? His record as AG in the Caribbean has already caused much mirth in the Caribbean legal fraternity, but his latest caper takes the cake.

This is the Law School he’s been assuring all and sundry he was going to establish here by this yearend.

Now it’s next year. While he insisted he had approval for the school, and even blamed the previous AG and the former Chancellor for stymieing it, it turns out the Public Private model he’s proposing isn’t even permitted by the Council of Legal Education!! …rigging Why would Patterson, the PNC’s man at GECOM, so arrogantly spurn the UNDP’s offer of assistance on the imminent Local Government Elections?

Is rigging so inbred in the PNC’s makeup it just spurts out even without provocation?

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

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saturdAY, september 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Judicial appointment

Jagdeo calls out President over rejection justification

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ne day after President David Granger said Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo would have to justify his rejection of Justice Kenneth Benjamin and Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards as nominees for the substantive posts of Chancellor and Chief Justice respectively, Jagdeo is reminding the Head of State of his own rejection of the 18 nominees submitted by the Opposition for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) chairmanship post without any justification.

“You recall this very President saying he doesn’t have to give reasons for rejecting the 18 names that I submitted to him. Eighteen persons of reputation, people who are professionals, people who have the capability of being a good chairperson of GECOM and he didn’t have a problem with dissing all of them without any reason. Now he wants me to justify rejection of [his] Chancellor and Chief Justice nominees,” the Opposition Leader pointed out to reporters at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

On Wednesday, President Granger told media operatives that “[Jagdeo] has not told me what his process was in rejecting…

If he can show that he has a similar process and justify the rejection of my candidate, it is something to be considered.”

However, Jagdeo posited he was never formally asked to make such justification.

“He never asked me (to justify my rejection)… I don’t conduct business, constitutional matters based on what I read in the newspapers. There is a process to this matter; you write me, this is not a cake shop.

I wrote the President when he sent me the list and I said I didn’t support (his nominees). He has not responded in writing to me until

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

now and that has been 78 months… So he might be talking around, when you catch on the corners of public events but that’s not a consultation,” the Opposition Leader contended.

Moreover, Jagdeo did not say whether he would justify his rejection of the nominees if formally written to. Nevertheless, he

went on to say too that the President does not seem serious enough about the appointment of the top judicial officers given the manner in which he has approached the entire matter.

For months, there has been deadlock on the two judicial appointments, after the Opposition Leader rejected the President’s two nominees. Since then, there has not been any consensus between the two on the matter.

Article 127 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana states “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

While the two Guyanese leaders are expected to reignite discussions on the nominations during one of their planned engagements this month, local stakehold-

President David Granger

ers including the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) has been calling for the substantive appointments of acting Chancellor Justice Cummings-Edwards and acting Chief Justice, Justice Roxane George.

However, the Head of State had previously dismissed these calls, saying he went through the constitutional process and recom-

mended a candidate.

Meanwhile last month, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders, said this current impasse has implications for the proper running of the Guyana courts as he calls on Guyana’s ‘political directorates’ to urgently resolve their issues and appoint the top judicial officers.

“Guyana has not had a Chancellor for 13 years since Chancellor [Desiree] Bernard demitted office to become a Judge of the CCJ. Since then there have been persons acting in that position… We are outsiders to Guyana’s political systems, but we are entitled to express views we have that directly concerns the administration of justice. But ultimately, it’s a matter for the Guyana Political Directorate and I just wish that steps be taken to resolve those issues,”

the newly appointed CCJ President asserted.

Cognisant of the current constitutional requirements in making such appointments here, Justice Saunders posited that Guyanese authorities may want to revisit this procedure.

“That formula is likely to throw up this kind of situation and so perhaps some attention should be given to perhaps whether that is an appropriate formula or if the formula is to be kept, what other mechanisms should be put in place to break a deadlock. But for the country to not have a chancellor, and it has implications for the Chief Justice as well because it just cascades down for that length of time, it’s just not right,” he posited, while noting, however, that it is not his place to say what measures should be put in place to break the deadlock.

LAA legal challenge

Case adjourned to October 8 – as parties given leave to file affidavits

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

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he legal challenge against Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan’s creation of new Local Authority Areas (LAAs) has been adjourned until October 8,

Justice Gino Persaud

as the showdown got underway before Justice Gino Persaud in the High Court on Friday.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Attorney Marcia Nadir appeared on be-

half of the applicant, Guyana Elections Commissioner Bibi Shadick. In addition, Solicitor General Kim Kyte appeared on behalf of Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan and Attorney Roysdale Forde represented Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield.

In his arguments, Nandlall emphasised the urgency of concluding the matter before Local Government Elections which are due on November 12.

Leave was therefore granted to the respondents to file their Affidavits of Defence within 14 days. “I am to file a reply if necessary,” Nandlall explained to this publication, after the case was heard. “And all three sides are to put their submissions and legal arguments in writing before October 5.”

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

In the writ which was seen by Guyana Times, the Applicant is seeking a several orders which seek to bring the Communities Minister’s alterations into the conformity with

GECOM Commissioner Bibi Shadick

Local Democratic Organs Act, Chapter 28:09. The applicant is also petitioning the court to have Bulkan’s orders declared null and void. continued on page 12

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Caribbean Airlines honours loyal customers, corporate partners

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aribbean Airlines on Thursday honoured several of its corporate partners and longstanding top tier frequent flyers at a customer appreciation reception held at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

In a release, the Airlines stated that the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, GTT and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) were honoured for their contribution to trade and investment in Guyana, as well as their existing and continued support of Caribbean Airlines as their preferred air carrier for travel and air freight.

Caribbean Airlines also

Chairman of Caribbean Airlines, Shameer Mohammed (left); Vice Chairman of Caribbean Airlines, Michael Quamina (right); and Garvin Medera (third from left), CEO Caribbean Airlines, poses with some of the award recipients

recognised Abdool Hamid, as the top flyer in the highest tier Executive Gold cate-

gory in Guyana. Hamid flew over one million miles since the start-up of the airline in

2007 and was awarded with Lifetime Club Membership, in the airline’s Club

Caribbean. Thirteen Gold Members were also rewarded for travelling over 40,000 miles each for 2017/2018.

Chief Executive Officer, Garvin Medera in his feature address stated, “In the world of business, and especially in the world of airlines, loyalty is greatly valued. It takes hard work to achieve it, and even harder work to keep it. At Caribbean Airlines we do not take loyalty for granted and nothing lifts our hearts more than the support of our customers. This evening, we honour and reward some of those truly loyal travellers for whom Caribbean Airlines is always the preferred option. Achieving

Gold and Executive Gold membership status is not an easy task, and tonight’s awardees have attained elite status within our customer base.”

As a further gesture, Caribbean Airlines distributed 300 complimentary Club Caribbean cards to selected stakeholders in the business community.

“Guyana is a significant destination to Caribbean Airlines and as the designated carrier for over a decade, the Airline continues to honour and serve the people of Guyana, the Guyanese Diaspora and its valued stakeholders within the Caribbean region and beyond,” the airline stated.

Parking meter controversy

Cabinet subcommittee to make recommendations – Bulkan

…expresses support for project once fees are not excessive

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Cabinet sub-committee that will look into, and make recommendations on, the implementation of parking meters has been formed, comprising of members from across several ministries.

This was explained by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan. While he shied away from providing a deadline for the subcommittee to complete its work, he noted that its first meeting was held on Thursday.

“Following the renegotiated contract that has been entered into, the Council made a presentation to Cabinet and Cabinet has

mandated the formation of a subcommittee that comprises several Ministries.”

According to Bulkan, these will include the Ministries of Public Infrastructure, Business and Legal Affairs. In addition, the subcommittee would be chaired by the Communities Ministry.

“The initial meeting of that subcommittee was held yesterday [Thursday]. It’s a work in progress. It is to take into account the concerns that have been expressed by the Central Government previously, as well as those of the citizens and to make recommenda-

tions to the Cabinet.”

Bulkan also reiterated his support for parking meters on the condition that the fees are not onerous.

According to the Minister, if implemented correctly, the parking meters have the potential to bring back order to the city streets.

“I’ve always said there are many positive aspects of instituting paid parking in our city. It will help restore order to our chaotic conditions in our city streets and regulate the flow and management of traffic. And once the rates are not onerous or excessive, the benefits outweigh what motorists will

The parking meters have touched off popular opposition since the idea was first proposed

have to pay,” Bulkan explained.

‘Green machines’

Following re-negotiation, SCS and the M&CC reached

a new agreement under the controversial parking meter project, which will now see persons paying $150 per hour and $800 for eight hours of parking in the city.

Meanwhile, residents of the city would be issued with a restricted residential pass for free parking from 19:00h-07:00h (7pm7am) Monday to Friday, while parking will be free on Saturdays.

Under the modified contract, both parties have agreed to have an oversight committee set up to monitor, review, and manage the operation of the project.

The committee is expected to have three representatives from City Hall, three from Smart City Solutions, and one third party with the Terms of Reference for the committee expected to be agreed upon at a later date.

The committee’s report

noted that during the renegotiations, the subject of share profit and contractual obligations were discussed and it was agreed to have it remain the same being the 20/80 M&CC-SCS for a period of 20 years. It was also disclosed that in the event of arbitration, the proceedings would be held in Miami, despite the jurisdiction being Guyana. Despite the new proposals, the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc (GCCI) and the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) have already rejected the project’s return.

From the onset, MAPM and the business community have been opposed to the installation of parking metres in the city. The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has also maintained its non-support for this initiative. (Jarryl Bryan)

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correctional officer Kwakwani residents protest Guyanese killed in NYC road-rage attack poor water, electricity supply A

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everal residents of Kwakwani in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Friday took to the streets to protest the poor quality of water and electricity supply in the area.

Guyana Times understands that the residents stood in front of the Kwakwani Utilities Inc (KUI), Kwakwani Park Office, attempting get the attention of a senior representative, to address the ongoing issues affecting them.

The villagers have long been complaining about the poor quality of water they receive as well as the constant fluctuation in power supply. According to one of the protesters, a member of KUI’s Board engaged them and in the end referred to them as “jackasses” for protesting.

Meanwhile, over in Kuru Kururu on the Soesdyke Linden Highway, several residents complained of being without power from more than 12 hours after a transformer exploded around 20:00h on Thursday evening. <<<<Guyana Times>>>> understands about 60 residents were affected due to the explosion of the transformer on Thursday evening.

A section of the protesters in Kwakwani, Region 10 on Friday

One disgruntled resident, Anita Singh, who said she called the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) one month prior to the explosion, to complain of load shedding among others problems being experienced, noted that the company never visited to address the situation.

According to her, she reported the issue to GPL some one month back after she observed sparks on the transformer, which is just to the head of her street.

The woman complained,

“I’ve made several calls to GPL but they refused to come and have a look at it, however last night (Thursday) at just around eight o’clock or just before they had an explosion which left us without power for the entire night”.

Singh added that she was worried about her meat in her refrigerator since she has suffered losses due to similar cases before with the power company. She even noted how affected her two children were during the

entire night, although they were expected to go to school the following day.

A senior citizen in another street who was also affected noted how scared she was since the crime rate in the area has been increasing. That resident said she was not only without power, but without phone lines and felt helpless.

Guyana Times understands that the community had their power restored at 13:00h.

n off-duty correction officer of Guyanese parentage was shot and killed in a possible road rage incident in Queens, New York early Friday morning, according to the New York Post.

It was reported that 27-year-old Jonathan Narain was in his 2013 maroon Honda Accord on his way to work at Rikers Island when a motorcyclist blasted him once in the head on 120th Street and 103rd Avenue in Richmond Hill at about 01:45h.

According to the New York Post, Narain had just stopped at a store to pick up food before his life was cut short. Emergency responders rushed the correction officer, who had nearly two years on the job, to the Jamaica Hospital – less than a mile away from his home – where he was pronounced dead.

The article detailed that NYPD Chief of Citywide Investigations, William Aubry, said surveillance footage from the scene revealed that the victim was making a U-turn when he had an initial encounter with the motorcyclist.

Moments later, the motorcyclist pulled up alongside Narain’s car, which was stopped at a traffic light.

“There was a short exchange of what we believe

Dead: Jonathan Narain

was a conversation — very, very short, only seconds -and then the shot was fired,” Aubry said.

The suspect, whom Police described as a dark-skinned man wearing dark clothing and a helmet, shot Narain one time in the left temple before fleeing, the news entity said.

It went on to note that the Police say Narain was armed at the time, but his gun was not out. Authorities do not believe that the fatal attack was work-related.

Hours after the shooting, Narain’s devastated mother – a retired school cook for the Department of Education — showed up to the scene and gazed at the Honda in which her son died. continued on page 15

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Death of La Grange toddler "Guyana’s relations with Mexico remain unshakeable" – President Brother bought poison to

kill rats – CC&PA head

Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Ivan Roberto Sierra Medel shows off some pictures of Mexico, which were on exhibition, to President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger

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resident David Granger on Friday evening said that bilateral ties between Guyana and Mexico remain strong as the two countries have cooperated in the areas of agriculture, disaster management, education, oil and gas and trade.

The President was at the time delivering the feature address at a reception held at the Marriott Hotel Guyana to commemorate Mexico’s 208th independence anniversary.

“Mexico’s Independence gave birth to a nation, which today enjoys regional and global respect. Mexico can be proud of its achievements over the past two hundred and eight years. Guyana and Mexico have enjoyed excellent relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations on March 1, 1973. Guyana and Mexico this year celebrated forty-five years of diplomatic ties. Mexico has provided a valued, new market for Guyana’s rice; provided valuable technical support to re-

suscitate the coconut industry; provided scholarships to build Guyana’s human resource capacity; provided assistance in the field of disaster management and has begun to work towards cooperation in the field of oil and gas,” President Granger said.

The Head of State said following the Fourth Caricom-Mexico Summit, held in Belize, last October, he met Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto and Mexico decided to provide training to Guyana in disaster management.

Since then, two representatives from Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC) have gone to Mexico to attend a disaster preparedness workshop.

“Guyana’s relations with Mexico remain unshakeable. Our two states are forging enduring and fruitful ties. Guyana, on this auspicious occasion, reaffirms its close friendship with Mexico,” said President Granger.

Meanwhile, Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, His

Excellency, Ivan Roberto Sierra-Medel, said Mexico is grateful for Guyana’s support and friendship as he noted that significant progress has been made in key areas of bilateral relations.

He noted that while cooperation has increased, particularly in the areas of climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness and response and education, there has been much success in the rice industry.

“Reciprocity is the bedrock of diplomacy so Guyana’s amazing hospitality encourages us to work harder to yield better results. Mexico is now the largest buyer of Guyana’s paddy. In just 12 months, we have bought more than 200,000 tonnes of paddy from Guyana and may I say, high quality paddy,” said the Mexican Ambassador.

The event was also attended by First Lady Sandra Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and members of the diplomatic corps.

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CC&PA Director Ann Greene

s investigations continue into the death of a one-year-old toddler who died after ingesting carbon tablets, which were reportedly fed to him by his older brother, the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) has indicated that the substance was bought for the sole purpose of killing rats.

The village of La Grange, on the West Bank of Demerara, slumped into despair on Wednesday when villagers learnt of the incident. Initial reports were that the toddler, who was identified as Andre Keron Tappin, was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) after his mother observed he was vomiting continuously at their Lot 18 La Grange home. Tappin died while receiving treatment and all indications were that his nine-year-old brother had fed him the rat poison. However, the CC&PA discovered differently while conducting their inquiry.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Friday, Director of the CC&PA Ann Greene

claimed that a detailed interview was conducted with the older brother, who indicated that he purchased the rat poison at a known location in the community after rats were damaging his stepfather’s books.

“There is nothing that shows that he was killed by his brother… The investigation is going on and we have the child in care and the child is being able to give a good account. He bought the rat poison not to kill his brother, but to kill rats,” Greene told this publication.

arrived home and placed the rat poison on a low table. He subsequently went to prepare tea and in his absence, the one-year-old child consumed the tablet.

“He came home and put it on a low table and then he went to make tea for him and his brother. The little one went to the table and got it and started to eat it.

By time he notice and he looked, he child had eaten a greater part of the thing and he raised an alarm and woke up his mother and they took the child to the hospital,”

The home which the family shared

According to the young man, his mother and stepfather were quarrelling over the presence of rats in their home and he thought it best to ask a friend at school for money to buy the poison.

“This child said on camera in the interview that his parents had an argument, the mother and stepfather about rats eating up the stepfather’s books or something. So this child went to school and get money from a friend, beg his friend for $100 and he went to a shop and bought the rat poison to kill the rats.”

Greene said the child recalled that he would have

Greene said.

The CC&PA Director posited that the child was “traumatised” after being blamed for the death of his younger brother. However, she claimed that the individual who sold the poison is entirely responsible.

“This is so hard for this child. When we interviewed this child, this child was so traumatised and how they were blaming him for the child’s death. Anybody to be blamed is who would sell or give rat poison to a nineyear-old child. What sort of society do we live in?”

Greene related.

Turn to page 15

Case adjourned...

from page 9

The Applicant made an application for an Order or Writ of Certiorari to quash Bulkan’s order of holding elections of seven NDCs without first issuing an Order under the Local Democratic Organs Act, to identify the NDCs by name, boundaries, and number of members. These NDCs are Moruka/Phoenix Park; Kitty/Providence; Nile/Cozier; Lamaha/ Yarrowkabra; Hauraruni/ Yarrowkabra; Plegt Anker/ Kortberaad; and Wyburg/ Caracas.

The Applicant is also seeking two Orders of Certiorari against GECOM CEO Lowenfield.

The first moves to quash the Commission CEO’s decision to fix the exterior boundaries in respect to the said seven NDCs, adding that the move was an abuse of power, illegal and constitutes a “usurpation of the statutory functions” of Minister Bulkan.

A second Certiorari order seeks to quash his de-

cision to demarcate constituency boundaries within the said seven NDCs on grounds that his actions did not first involve the consultations of electors and stakeholders which include political parties. In this regard, Shadick views Lowenfield’s actions as irregular or improper exercise of discretion, in bad faith, or having cited irregular consideration, adding that it has no legal effect since this would be a violation of Article 13 of Guyana’s Constitution.

Shadick is also seeking an Order or Writ of Mandamus to compel Minister Bulkan, under the Local Democratic Organs Act, to establish the boundaries and number of members in respect to the municipality of Mahdia and eight other LLAs so that elections could be held by November 12.

The Applicant is seeking another Order of Mandamus for Lowenfield to compel him to hold con-

sultations with stakeholders on the establishment of constituency boundaries within the said Local Authority Areas.

The Applicant’s final Order or Writ of Mandamus seeks to have Lowenfield also hold consultations in relation to the re-demarcation of constituency boundaries in Rose Hall and Rose Hall and 13 NDCs. Shadick is also seeking the State to pay her court costs in addition to seeking other orders, directions or writs as the court sees fit. The writ also outlines that the purported establishment of seven NDCs without complying with the provisions of the Local Democratic Organs Act is unlawful, ultra vires, null, void and of no effect. She said too that Lowenfield acted with authorisation in this regard, while adding that Minister Bulkan unilaterally made changes to the number of seats in 14 Local Authority Areas.

(Jarryl Bryan)

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saturdAY, september 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Oil production and green state $6M pledged to fight teen development possible – US professor pregnancy in Region 9 – urges Guyana to take advantage of uniqueness

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s there continues to be doubts of Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) when the country is on the path of becoming an oil producing nation, US Professor Gary Dirks is of the view that the two can very well co-exist.

“There is absolutely no reason why you cannot have a green growth agenda pursued aggressively and being an oil producing nation at the same time,” the professor said during a lunchtime-lecture organised by the Guyana Press Association (GPA) and Conservation InternationalGuyana on Friday at Moray House in Georgetown.

Professor Dirks, who is a director of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability – a hub of the Arizona State University – has expertise in both environment sustainability as well as petroleum development. He has served on the boards of the India Council for Sustainable Development, the US-China Centre for Sustainable Development, and the China Business Council for Sustainable Development, and is currently a member of the Science Advisory Board of Conservation International.

Additionally, before joining the ASU, Dirks was the President of the British Petroleum (BP) Asia-Pacific and the President of BP China. In China, he grew BP from an operation with fewer than 30 employees and no revenue to more than 1300 employees and revenues of about $4 billion in 2008.

Speaking to local media operatives, he pointed out that the world would die without the existence of fossil fuel but with the phenomenon of climate change, it also needs green development to survive and Guyana is in a unique position to capitalise on both.

“The world needs this oil and frankly, if done right the country of Guyana can benefit from it. Now this means you have to ensure that ExxonMobil does a good job of protecting the environment where they’re in development, you have to make sure that they’re meeting all kinds of the regulations that you’d expect so that their development hae the smallest footprint possible… This is not the first time resources have come to the forefront as an opportunity for the country. What you have, you to be thinking about is the best way to use those resources.

What sectors of the economy do you want to see developed and how do you want them to develop so that you can minimise your environmental footprint and at the same time, raising standards of living for your population,” he outlined.

According to Professor Dirks, while Norway is one of the best models out there in terms of developing both an oil sector and preserving it

Professor Gary Dirks

environment, Guyana needs to exploit its uniqueness.

“You wanna look at the experience of other countries for what you can learn from it but you really need to do is exploit your uniqueness.

There is really no place on the planet that I can think of that is going to have the experiences that you do and is going to have the opportunities that you do,” he contends.

Moreover with Guyana expected to commence commercial oil production in two years’ time, Professor Dirks went on to say too that as a first time country Guyana seems to be progressing well in terms of preparing for first oil.

“I think the country is doing its homework pretty

well… You’re laying out the landscape of what needs to be thought about both from the oil and gas standpoint and from the green development standpoint really pretty well… [So] I’ve seen pretty much what I’ve expected to see based on the experience I’ve had in other parts of the world,” he stated.

Further, the US Professor encouraged Government to continue to engage the public through the media as to the development of the new sector.

“You just need to stay engaged and you need to understand that you’re on a journey and you’re going to be on this journey for a very long time,” he posited.

The local economy is expected to explode once oil production commences in 2020. Based on reports, US oil giant ExxonMobil has found in excess of four billion barrels of oil-equivalent in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana with its ninth find last month.

Meanwhile earlier this week, Eco Atlantic, one of several companies drilling for oil offshore Guyana, has announced a gross figure of approximately 2.9 billion barrels of oil and gas equivalents in its Orinduik block, verified by the first ever independent assessment done on the field.

ing with adolescent mothers for over the past 10 years.

UNICEF has also prioritised cross-sectoral initiatives in the 2017-2021 Country Programme Document (CPD) to strengthen capacity at the regional and community levels to address challenges that are monumental. One of these is the issue adolescent pregnancy.

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he recurring high percentages of adolescent pregnancies in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has captured the attention of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which has introduced mechanisms to control the high numbers.

Partnering with the Women’s Across Differences (WAD), the Public Health Ministry and the Social Protection Ministry, an agreement was signed recently which will see the injection of $6.8 million into the initiative.

Findings in 2014 from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) have demonstrated that the adolescent birth rate in Region Nine is 6.5 per cent, which is almost twice the national average.

WAD will implement a three-prong approach which includes the prevention of

adolescent pregnancy, the prevention of a second pregnancy in an adolescent child and livelihood skills for these young mothers. Training will also be provided at the regional and sub-regional levels to prevent and address such circumstances.

Over the next 18 months, the two bodies will seek to realise some of the objectives that were set out which will be achieved through addressing adolescent pregnancy and providing life-skills support, livelihood skills guidance, referrals and provide access to quality of services.

WAD is a non-governmental organisation which enables women and girls to empower themselves through access to social and economic resources. The organisation has vast experiences work-

WAD has pledged to work with the organisation in all the sub-regions of Region Nine to implement the Comprehensive Empowerment Programme for the Prevention and Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in order to prevent and reduce pregnancy and eradicate the chance of another pregnancy among young girls.

It is envisaged that this project will complement the impact that already exists from previous projects implemented by UNICEF and other stakeholders.

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saturdAY, september 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GRA meets UAE Govt Debris in drainage pumps to negotiate double costs City Hall $$$ to rectify taxation agreement

Section of the city under water

Officials of the GRA, including Chairman of the GRA’s Governing Board, Rawle Lucas; CommissionerGeneral Godfrey Statia and UAE Government representative Hamid Nasr, along with his delegation

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fficials from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Foreign Affairs Ministry recently met a delegation of representatives from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government for talks on negotiating a double taxation agreement between the two countries.

The engagement was held at the GRA Headquarters on

Camp Street, Georgetown, and came at the behest of the Governments of Guyana and the UAE as they sought to reach an accord on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion.

The foreign delegation was led by Economic Expert of the UAE’s Finance Ministry, Hamid Nasr; who was accompanied by Head of

Bilateral Treaties Division, Abdalla Al Obaidli; a representative from the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at the Department of International Law, and Second Secretary of Embassy of the UAE Brasilia, Addelrahman Abdulla Almaazmi.

The Guyanese officials comprised Chairman of the GRA’s Governing Board, Rawle Lucas; CommissionerGeneral Godfrey Statia; Functional Head of the Legal Department, Lancelot Wills; Legal Officer within the Commissioner-General’s Secretariat, Joy Persaud; and Foreign Service Officer of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Natala Anderson.

Recommendations were drafted from the negotiations, and will be submitted to the respective Governments for review and approval.

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he Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Thursday highlighted that debris in drainage pumps across the capital city, continues to cost the Council millions to rectify.

This was according to City Engineer Colvern Venture during a press conference held at City Hall, when sections of the city flooded on Thursday due to heavy rainfall.

clogging issue.

He informed that the South area of the city was flooded. “It was evident in South Ruimveldt, North Ruimveldt and also we had in Alexander Village, East and West Ruimveldt where we had a lot of waters in those areas”.

According to him, the issue was compounded by the sluices being closed at the time in those areas.

to protect their feet from flood waters.

In the meantime, persons who could not have avoided the waters found themselves wading through to carry out their daily activities.

This was the case on Main Street, Georgetown where employees made their way through the waters to get to their various workplaces.

Believers who were in

“These pumps most of the time are down because of debris getting into the pump foot and as such is costing the Council millions of dollars to have these pumps repaired, so I am emphasising that the residents and persons to desist from disposing of their waste in canals or waterways in the City,” he said.

Venture noted that two of the City’s pumps are currently down due to the same

Among the things being done to reduce the water levels in the city, the Engineer noted that the drains were cleared and the sluices were subsequently opened.

His statements came at a time where sections of the city were again sheeted with floodwaters due to the heavy rainfall experienced on Thursday morning.

Children were seen making their way to school while decked in their water boots

need of prayers and counselling even braved the flood waters to enter the different churches around the city which were also flooded.

Route 42 (Timehri to Georgetown) minibus operators who were also affected by the floodwaters were as much as removed from their bus park on High Street, opposite Ashmins Trading for a second day due to the situation.

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saturdAY, september 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Religious freedom is everybody’s Food For The Poor contributes to Psychiatric, New Amsterdam responsibility – First Lady Regional hospitals

First Lady Sandra Granger

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pholding religious freedom in Guyana is not the sole responsibility of the State but that of every citizen, First Lady Sandra Granger said on Thursday evening when she participated in a Religious Freedom Conference organised by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The First Lady believes that the national discourse should be focused on respect for diversity in religious beliefs.

“I agree and whole heartedly believe that the State must play a role in the freedom and rights of individuals, including the right to freedom of religion or belief” the First Lady said, adding

“But this does not preclude the duty of every citizen to promote and preserve those rights,” said Granger.

She said too that every citizen has a role to play in ensuring religious freedom. “The politicians, the Judiciary, law enforcement officers, public servants, representatives of religious and rights organisations… in fact, every citizen has to play a role in the implementation and defence of these freedoms.”

She stressed that while the State creates laws, those laws are interpreted and enforced by people who have their own values and belief systems, and as such, “it is important that the value of

these freedoms be taught to our children and reinforced for all at the formal and informal levels”.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) – Pastor Ronald McGarrell said the ultimate destination of the path followed by all religions should be peace. Pastor McGarrell said too that if division is created by insisting that only one religion is the only path to salvation, then it would be going against a desire for peace by God. Pandit Deodat Tillack, representing the Hindu community stated that Guyana is a country of religious tolerance, pointing to the Constitution of Guyana but noted the need for more effort to be placed on understanding the various religions.

Additionally, President of the Elders quorum of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Wayne Barrow, said religious freedom is a very technical issue which is often times not discussed by the masses.

Sidi Neil Bacchus, Secretary an executive member of the Muslim League, along with President of the Georgetown district of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Colin Goodluck also attended the conference.

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total of 21 executive chairs for the staff of the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital (NARH) along with other utensils and items to be utilised by staff and inpatients of the National Psychiatric Hospital were handed over to Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence. This donation was received from Food For The Poor (FFTP), Guyana Inc. Minister Lawrence received these items on behalf of the Director of Health Services in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Jevaughn Stephens. FFTP representative and the Public Health Ministry’s Focal Point in the region, Alex Foster, said this is a usual gesture by FFTP and is warmly welcomed by the region.

As the NGO’s representative in the region, Foster indicated that where needs are or whenever requests are made, FFTP steps up to the plate and meets the required demand while catering to unrequested needs.

Items contributed to the Psychiatric Hospital include two pots, one industri-

Some of the items donated by Food For The Poor

al stove, one tiller and other agricultural tools, clothing, bed sheets, towels, toiletries for patient’s hygiene and material for art and craft, including fabric paint.

Foster pointed out that, “The patients on a daily basis need to be involved in several activities so Food For The Poor visited last month and decided that they would like to contribute and enhance the operation at the Psychiatric Hospital; this is an ongoing operation between Food For The Poor and the Ministry of Public Health.”

On behalf of the hospi-

tals, acting Matron of the NARH, Suzette August and acting Administrator Luan Sulker were both pleased with FFTP’s continued support.

Minister Lawrence has been stressing to regional health administrations not to depend solely on Government for an efficient and effective service delivery.

She has emphasised how important and critical it is for community involvement since Government cannot do it alone. Therefore, this contribution was welcome.

Over 57,000 house lot Employee charged for applications at CH&PA stealing from boss T

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alvin Francis, a maintenance worker attached to a popular restaurant on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, made his first appearance on Friday before Magistrate Leron Daly to answer a charge of simple larceny alleging that he stole $109,000 from his employer on September 12th last

while he was employed at the man’s place of business.

The prosecution is contending that on the day in question, the defendant was seen on closed circuit television footage entering the restaurant and carting off a box which contained the cash.

Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh informed the court

that Francis, who has no fixed place of abode, had previously been charged for simple larceny and robbery.

In his defence, Francis told the court that he did not take the money, and that he was being framed.

Magistrate Daly, however, remanded Francis to prison.

Guyanese fatally shot in... from page 11

“His mom is really taking it hard. Everybody is taking it hard. We have a big family, and none of us expected this,” said Narain’s cousin, Kevin Ramdhani, 29.

Ramdhani called Narain “a good guy” and “a good cousin.”

“We grew up together, doing things, playing laser tag…I’m just really sad right now. I still don’t believe it,” he said. “I saw him in the hospital and I still don’t believe it. I told him to wake up, open his eyes, talk to me — even though I knew he was gone.”

Narain, a Hindu with Guyanese roots, who was active with his madrasa in East New York, Brooklyn,

had dreams of joining the NYPD, and had recently passed an entrance exam, Ramdhani said, noting that Narain “loved” working for the Department of Correction.

“He loved it, that job. He couldn’t stop talking about it,” Ramdhani recalled. “I would be like, ‘Doesn’t it feel like you’re in jail?’ and he’d be like, ‘No. I love my job.’ He loved the idea of keeping order and upholding the law.”

Ramdhani described Narain as “a go-getter.”

“That’s always been his MO,” said Ramdhani. “He came a long way — bachelor’s degree in business.

I looked up to him, and he was younger than me. A lot

of people don’t have motivation like he had.”

According to the New York Post, the Department of Correction Commissioner Cynthia Brann said in a statement: “The entire Department of Correction is grieving this morning upon learning of the tragic shooting death of an off-duty Correction Officer. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues throughout the department. We are in close communication with the NYPD.” Narain’s killer remains at large, the news entity said.

he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) says it is working to address the needs of the 57,000 applications it has on record.

Minister within the Communities Ministry with responsibility for housing, Valerie Adams PattersonYearwood, is quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information that “we can’t get it all in one year, in two or three years, but what I can assure you is that we are working towards that.”

She was addressing new landowners in Region Three (Essequibo Island- West Demerara) at the Regional Democratic Council office.

The Minister distributed close to 100 house lots to a number of applicants in the region, some as far back as 1989.

According to the Minister, there are cur-

Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams Patterson-Yearwood

rently house lots available at Tuschen Village, Essequibo Coast; however, the CH&PA has made submissions in its 2019 budget for some other areas in the region to be made available

to citizens.

Minister PattersonYearwood spoke of the houses that are currently being built at Onderneeming on the Essequibo coast and encouraged persons who are interested to contact the regional office.

Minister PattersonYearwood said the CH&PA will be focusing on building homes especially for persons in the low-income bracket. She said it has been found that the greatest need for housing is at the low-income level.

Houses will be constructed at Prospect, East Bank Demerara, for prices ranging between $3.5 million to $6 million, to meet the needs of low-income earners. The construction of the homes will follow a housing exhibition, which is slated for December later this year.

Brother bought poison...

When this publication visited the area, some of the neighbours seemed to have not had much interaction with the family and one man said he had only heard of the incident after the toddler’s death. It was not clear what role the father of the nine-year-old played but reports stated that he informed the boy’s teachers that he would not

attend school on Thursday.

While the child is under supervision at the Agency, his mother was detained at the Den Amstel Police Station as Police continues to probe the matter.

Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan on Thursday confirmed reports that the young child was taken

from page 12

to the Georgetown Public Hospital by his mother after she observed he was vomiting on Wednesday.

Reports stated that the child would usually be left in the care of his nine-yearold brother on numerous occasions. Efforts to obtain an update from the Police on the case proved futile.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, september 15, 2018

Regional

Trump extends 1917 legislation against Cuba

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S President Donald Trump has extended the Trading with the Enemy Act, one of the legal grounds for the decades old economic, trade and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba.

This is the second time that Trump has extended the validity of the legislation that was first approved in 1917.

He did the extension through a memorandum sent to the US Secretary of State and Treasury.

The legislation grants the president the opportunity to apply economic sanctions in periods of war or any other period of national emergency in that nation, as well as banning the trade with the enemy or its allies, during armed conflicts.

It has been in force since the First World War and it

US President Donald Trump

is only applied on Cuba in spite of the White House never having declared a national emergency in relation to Cuba.

Those restrictions prohibit Americans or people subject to the jurisdiction of that nation to carry out financial transactions with the island which not only limit their

rights but also grant that blockade an extraterritorial nature and harms third nations.

The United Nations General assembly has over the years passed resolutions condemning the UN economic blockade of Cuba with Washington getting support mainly from Israel. (Jamaica

Observer)

C'bean urged to sign landmark environment treaty

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nited Nations human rights experts are urging Caribbean countries to sign and ratify as quickly as possible, the Escazú agreement, described as a ground-breaking environment treaty for the region.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said that the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean was adopted on March 4 in Escazú, Costa Rica, and will be open for signature on September 27 at

the UN General Assembly in New York.

The treaty is the first of its kind in the world to include specific binding provisions for the protection and promotion of people, groups and organisations that promote and defend human rights in environmental matters, ECLAC said.

It said the treaty, which was negotiated under its auspices, is the only binding treaty stemming from the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).

“This landmark regional treaty not only guarantees good governance and basic democratic rights but is also an enabler for environmental

protection and sustainable development,” the 27 UN experts said in a joint statement.

They also praised the treaty's explicit recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples, as well as the acknowledgement of the cultural diversity of Latin America and the Caribbean and of their peoples.

ECLAC said provisions in the treaty aimed at ensuring access to information and justice, in the various languages used in each of the countries, and fostering public participation and cooperation were also welcomed by the UN experts. (Excerpt from Jamaica

CCJ President to visit Antigua and Barbuda next week

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he new President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Adrian Saunders, will visit Antigua and Barbuda next week.

Saunders is visiting as the country prepares to vote in a referendum that will determine whether it delinks from the UK-based Privy Council and accedes to the CCJ in its appellate jurisdiction.

His visit comes as a committee this week launched a

public education campaign about the CCJ and the Privy Council ahead of the referendum slated for November 6.

Another OECS state, Grenada, will also hold a referendum on that date.

The Government says that during his visit, from September 18-20, President Justice Saunders will hold several media engagements, a town hall session, a meeting with tertiary level students from various institutions at the Antigua State

College as well as pay a courtesy call on the Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams and meet with the Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Cabinet.

Justice Saunders will also meet with members of the Opposition. The CCJ President was appointed in July and he will serve a seven-year term. He took over the court’s presidency after the mandatory retirement of Sir Denis Byron, at the age of 75 in July. (Excerpt from Antigua

Observer)

Non-nationals can work for 1 month in T&T without permit – Dillon

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non-national of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) can work in this country for 30 days without a work permit for one time only during a year, Housing Minister Edmund Dillon has pointed out.

Dillon gave the informa­ tion in the Senate on Thursday following queries from Opposition Senator Wade Mark on what action was being taken by Udecott against contractors who “openly flout” T&T’s Immigration laws by continued employment of non-nationals without the relevant work permits.

This followed Thursday’s T&T Guardian exclusive which revealed some 70 workers had been fired from the Red House project because they lacked work permits.

Dillon said, “Udecott has taken an initiative whereby when the issue was brought to the public do­main they wrote the contractors outlining the Immigration laws regarding work permits. Additionally, Udecott has done random checks at all their sites between July, August and this month and has assured me that to date there is no one on any of their sites non-nationals without the relevant work permit.

“I also want to put into the public domain the Immigration laws. You have to do a lot of investigation. Non-nationals can come

Housing Minister Edmund Dillon

into this country as long as they declare to the Immigration officer and they can work without a work permit for 30 days. They can do so for once in any one year. So there are people – non-nationals – who can work for 30 days in this country without a work permit.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Relations with Venezuela behind Brazil meeting votes to protect US visa renewal interview waiver decision, says Antigua-Barbuda world’s whale population Observer)

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Many species of whales are still endangered. Japans hunts and kills hundreds of whales every year

embers of the International W h a l i n g Commission (IWC) have voted to back a Brazilian proposal to give indefinite protection for the world's whale population, following an angry debate.

The non-binding "Florianopolis Declaration" sees whaling as no longer being a necessary economic activity. The proposal was backed by 40 members with 27 voting against.

Pro-whaling states, including Japan, Norway and Iceland, rejected the resolution.

Instead, they are backing

a Japanese counter-proposal that envisages "co-existence" between commercial whaling and conservation.

Patrick Ramage, whale programme director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, described the declaration as "a big win for whales".

On Wednesday, pro-whaling nations at the IWC's biennial meeting blocked an attempt to create a whale sanctuary in the South Atlantic.

Brazil's Environment Minister Edson Duarte, whose country proposed the sanctuary, said he was "disappointed" but would not be deterred.

The IWC already recognises two whaling sanctuaries – one in the Indian Ocean and the other in the waters of the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. In 1986 it also agreed to a moratorium on hunting, which eventually became a quasi-permanent ban.

But by using an exception in the ban that allows whaling for scientific purposes, Japan has still killed between 200 and 1200 whales every year since, including young and pregnant animals.

Commercial whaling in the 19th and early 20th Century brought the giant mammals to the brink of extinction. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ntigua and Barbuda’s exclusion from the visa renewal interview waiver with the United States is based on its support for Venezuela, the Antigua Government has claimed.

On Wednesday, the Cabinet discussed the US Government’s decision to exclude citizens from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, three of six Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) countries, from an announced waiver that eliminates the need for citizens to pay in-person visits to the Barbados Embassy in order to renew visitor visas.

The statement said that Antigua enjoys good relations with the United States “but the USA cannot compel Antigua and Barbuda to act in a manner inimical to Antigua and Barbuda’s interests, and contrary to good international law.”

The Government said

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro (left) with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne

relations with Caracas are solid. Venezuela recently forgave a debt of US$250 million dollars, owed to it

by Antigua and Barbuda through the PDV Caribe, coincidentally a similar amount to the unpaid World Trade Organisation (WTO) award that the US now owes Antigua and Barbuda for unfair trade practices but which it has refused to pay for some 15 years.

When Hurricane Irma

struck last year, Venezuela airlifted hundreds of tons of relief and emergency supplies, and provided a military aircraft to fly nearly 600 Barbudans to Antigua in order to escape from another impending storm.

In 2009, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez rescued Antigua and Barbuda from the brink of collapse by lending US$50 million to the Spencer administration.

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

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saturdAY, september 15, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Hurricane Florence: At least 4 dead as storm downgraded

Philippines braces for ‘very destructive’ typhoon

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woman and her child died after a tree fell on their house in Wilmington, North Carolina, the first reported fatalities from Hurricane Florence, which made landfall earlier on Friday.

Police confirmed the fatalities on Twitter, saying the father of the child was being transported to a local medical centre to be treated for his injuries. Authorities later said one person was killed while plugging in a generator, and a man was knocked to the ground while outside and died.

The reports came just hours after Florence made landfall as a Category 1 hur-

ricane at 07:15h local time (11:30 GMT) at Wrightsville Beach, a few miles East of Wilmington, as the centre of its eye moved onshore, the National Hurricane Centre (NHS) said.

By 16:50h (20:50GMT) on Friday, NHS had downgraded the hurricane to a tropical storm, but Florence’s forward movement had slowed to a crawl, piling on the rain in a siege that could go on all weekend long.

“It’s an uninvited brute who doesn’t want to leave,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on Friday. He said parts of his state had seen storm surges as high as 10 feet, adding

Manafort agrees to plead guilty to avoid new Washington trial

Paul Manafort

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aul Manafort has decided to plead guilty to charges brought

by Special Counsel Robert Mueller and avoid a second criminal trial, but it’s unclear whether he will cooperate with Mueller’s inquiry into Russian election interference.

Manafort agreed to plead to conspiracy against the US and conspiracy to obstruct justice by tampering with witnesses. He also agreed to forfeit some properties.

His decision to plead guilty, indicated in a court filing on Friday, came just days before jury selection was set to begin September 17 in Washington, where Mueller accused him of conspiring to launder money, acting as an unregistered foreign agent of Ukraine and obstructing justice.

Manafort, 69, was convicted last month of bank and tax fraud after a trial in Alexandria, Virginia.

Mueller, who is primarily examining Russian election interference, has secured

guilty pleas and cooperation from several people, including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Trump’s former fixer and lawyer, Michael Cohen, admitted financial crimes and is helping federal prosecutors in New York.

Manafort’s Admissions In pleading guilty, Manafort, the former Trump campaign chairman, would admit he broke the law – a concession he refused to make throughout his Alexandria trial and since he was charged nearly a year ago in Washington.

Manafort faces up to a decade in prison after the Virginia jury verdict, and a conviction in Washington could have increased his prison time. He could also get a pardon from Trump, which would set off a political firestorm.

Manafort’s guilty plea would come with a detailed admission of wrongdoing, which could shed light on his interactions with oligarchs from Ukraine and Russia.

(Excerpt from MSN)

that the storm was “wreaking havoc” and could wipe out entire communities as it makes its “violent grind across our state for days”.

Florence flattened trees, crumbled roads and knocked out power to three-quarters of a million homes and businesses.

Forecasters said “catastrophic” freshwater flooding was expected along waterways far from the coast of North and South Carolina.

Winds bent trees towards the ground and raindrops flew sideways as Florence moved in for an extended stay, with enough of its killer winds swirling overseas to maintain its power.

NHS said the storm’s top sustained winds dropped to 110kph and its centre was about 75km WestSouthwest of Wilmington, North Carolina, and about 45km North-east of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Although the storm was downgraded, forecasters said it will continue to threaten North and South Carolina with powerful winds and catastrophic freshwater flooding.

Earlier on Friday, a gust of 169km/h was recorded at Wilmington airport, surpassing the power of Hurricane Fran two decades ago. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

hilippine authorities evacuated more areas on Friday and warned an estimated 5.2 million people in the path of a “very destructive” typhoon to stay indoors, as the country braced for heavy rain and damage to infrastructure and crops.

Super Typhoon Mangkhut is expected to barrel through the northernmost tip of the Philippines Saturday morning, carrying 205kph wind speeds, and gusts of up to 255kph, that it has maintained since it struck Micronesia earlier in the week.

More than 9000 people have been moved to temporary shelters as Mangkhut, locally known as Ompong, makes its way toward the rice- and corn-producing provinces of Cagayan and Isabela where it is forecast to make landfall overnight.

Disaster officials warned

that tens of thousands more may need to be moved and weather forecasters warned of storm surges as high as six meters in coastal villages in the typhoon’s path.

Second and third contingents of rescue teams were being prepared, in case first-responders get into trouble themselves. “My appeal is that we need to heed the advice of the authorities. Stay indoors,” said presidential adviser Francis Tolentino, the government’s disaster response coordinator.

The storm further picked up speed and was about 340km East of the Philippines late afternoon on Friday. Video posted on social media by Cagayan residents showed trees being whipped by fierce winds under dark gray skies as rain lashed down on buildings. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Austria, Italy propose holding migrants on ships for days

A

ustria and Italy’s farright interior ministers suggested on Friday that the European Union hold migrants rescued at sea on ships for days while an initial screening of their chances of obtaining asylum is carried out.

Far-right parties like Italy’s League and Austria’s Freedom Party have long pushed for a system where migrants rescued while attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing be taken back to Africa rath-

er than brought to Europe, where they can stay while their asylum claims are processed.

“For those who manage to make it into a European state’s territorial waters and are then picked up by a ship, we should use the ships to carry out the appropriate checks on whether they deserve protection,” Austrian Interior Minister Herbert Kickl told a joint news conference in Vienna with his visiting Italian counterpart.

Italy has become the

main route into Europe for hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers arriving by sea since the other main route from Turkey to Greece was largely shut in 2016.

Although numbers have dropped over the past year, Italy’s new populist government has made shutting down the route a policy priority.

Migration dominated last year’s parliamentary election in Austria, which took in more than 1 percent of its population in asylum

seekers in 2015. The conservative-led government has pledged to prevent another such influx, even if that means restricting border crossings from Italy.

Kickl’s suggestion was aimed at offering an alternative to a proposal for “regional disembarkation platforms” at Mediterranean ports from where arrivals would be spread around the EU – a proposal that seems unlikely to be put into effect.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Israeli troops kill boy, 2 men in Gaza protests: medics I

sraeli soldiers killed three Palestinians, one of them an 11-year-old boy, and wounded at least 248 others taking part on Friday in weekly protests at the fortified Gaza Strip border, Palestinian medical officials said.

The Israeli military said it used force necessary to repel 13,000 Palestinians who massed at several points at the fence.

Some hurled rocks, firebombs and grenades at troops under cover of smoke from burning tyres, injuring a soldier, and nine Palestinians briefly crossed into Israel, the military said.

Friday’s dead brought to 177 the number of Palestinians killed since the

A Palestinian holds a sling to hurl stones at Israeli troops during a protest calling for lifting the Israeli blockade on Gaza and demand the right to return to their homeland, at the Israel-Gaza border fence, east of Gaza City September 14, 2018

sometimes violent demonstrations were launched on March 30 to press demands against Israel. The 11-yearold, Shadi Abdel-Al, is the youngest fatality from Israeli gunfire.

“He used to go every Friday to the marches like thousands of other people.

This Friday was his destiny

to die as a martyr,” the boy’s father, Abdel-Aziz Abdel-Al, told Reuters.

Asked about Abdel-Al’s death, a military spokeswoman said only that troops had kept to their open-fire regulations. Since March 30, Gaza has also seen shelling exchanges between the coastal enclave’s

Islamist Hamas rulers and Israel. An Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper and Israel has lost tracts of forest and farmland to cross-border incendiary attacks.

Israel’s tactics against the protests have drawn international condemnation.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

18

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saturdAY, september 15, 2018

ARCHIE

Find a way to increase your income or reduce your (March 21- overhead. Don’t be fooled by April 19) fine print or contracts that are difficult to understand.

Get expert advice before you make a commitment.

ARIES

Walk away from adverTAURUS sity. Plan to enjoy your day (April 20- instead of spending it with May 20) someone who has a bad attitude. A change will do you good. Focus on self-improvement.

dilbert

Someone will try to get GEMINI (May 21- away with something or talk June 20) behind your back. Emotional manipulation will point you in the wrong direction. Listen to facts, not to fabrications.

If you look for the best way to employ your talents, (June 21- knowledge and expertise, July 22) you’ll be able to bring about positive change. Alterations at home will enrich your personal life.

CANCER

Peanuts

Think before you act. Bad LEO blood or a dust-up will leave (July 23- you in limbo regarding what Aug. 22) needs to be accomplished.

Check your ego and emotions at the door if you’re socializing with opinionated people.

Keep a lid on your feelVIRGO ings until you’ve figured out (Aug. 23exactly what you are trying Sept. 22) to achieve. You are likely to say something you’ll regret if someone makes you angry.

Calvin and Hobbes

Keep busy around the LIBRA (Sept. 23- house. Stay on top of your Oct. 23) domestic responsibilities and don’t make waves. Focus on personal goals and clearing the way for new beginnings.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — AGGRAVATE (AGGRAVATE: AG-ruh-vate: To make worse or more troublesome.)

SUDOKU

Avoid an emotional conSAGITTARIUS frontation with a friend, rel(Nov. 23- ative or someone who can afDec. 21) fect your status or financial future. Stick close to home and get rid of physical and emotional clutter.

Average mark 19 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 27 or more words in AGGRAVATE? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — PURSUANT pant rust sunup part snap supra past span sura prau spar aunt punt spat taps unapt sprat tarn upas spun tarp upturn spur trap usurp spurn tsar rant spurt tuna rapt star turn rasp strap runt stun RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Show someone how much SCORPIO you care. Offer physical help, (Oct. 24but don’t promise to do the Nov. 22) impossible. A change in the way you feel about someone is best dealt with openly and honestly.

A change will do you good.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- Discuss your plans and turn Jan. 19) an outing or family day into an adventure. Love and romance are in the stars.

solution for last published puzzle A partnership will be on AQUARIUS shaky ground if you cannot (Jan. 20- come to terms with the changFeb. 19) es taking place. Moderation will keep you out of trouble.

Walk away from temptation.

Don’t try to take on the PISCES (Feb. 20- world. Look at all sides of a March 20) situation and be sensitive to how others feel. Making a wise choice will benefit everyone.

saturdAY, september 15, 2018

19

Singapore GP…

Raikkonen top as Vettel hits wall

F

errari’s Kimi Raikkonen led Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes by just 0.011 seconds in second practice at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Hamilton’s title rival Sebastian Vettel was ninth after hitting the wall and damaging his car’s right rear corner.

Vettel was one corner from the end of a lap that looked set to put him up with Raikkonen and Hamilton.

The German was able to get the car back to the pits but the extent of the damage ended his session.

Vettel slid sideways into the wall on the exit of Turn 21, at the end of what would have been his fastest lap of the season, catching it with his right rear wheel.

It was a glancing blow and the wheel stayed attached to the car but he im-

Charles Leclerc, who has just signed for Ferrari for 2019, made a rookie mistake hitting a wall in first practice

mediately felt damage and pulled straight into the pit entry.

As he parked in the Ferrari pit, hydraulic fluid was pouring from the back of the car.

Vettel is 30 points be-

hind Hamilton with seven races to go.

“The bad was the touch to the wall, which made the session come to an end. We lost some time, which is not ideal but nevertheless the feel I had for the car was all

right and we should be fine for tomorrow.

“It was very close and I expect it to be very close tomorrow.”

Ferrari came into the weekend as favourites on a track where Mercedes have

traditionally struggled.

Hamilton said on Thursday that he “hoped” Mercedes would be competitive but that “Ferrari should have the upper hand”.

Ferrari have ended the day quickest, but the Mercedes is much closer to it on pace than had been expected - both in qualifying trim and later in the session on race fuel loads.

It’s been an up and down week for Raikkonen, but he finishes on top in the second practice session Raikkonen and Hamilton were very evenly matched on their race simulation runs. Hamilton ended his run on the hyper-soft tyres on which teams are likely to start the race with a slightly quicker average lap time than the Finn.

But it was difficult to be absolutely sure of the relative pace of the cars because

Super Samoan headlines fight night 136

GGG vs Canelo II…

Canelo Alvarez (right) and Gennady Golovkin battled to a split draw in their first encounter

Pressure on Alvarez to deliver T W BA and WBC middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin will defend his titles against Canelo Alvarez on Saturday night in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile Arena in a rematch a year in the making.

Last year in September, the two men battled for Golovkin’s WBA, WBC and IBF titles. The Kazakh champion has since been stripped of the latter title as part of the mix-up created

by Alvarez’s failed drug tests and the subsequent delays that have taken place.

Alvarez hasn’t competed since he and Golovkin fought to a draw in 2017. Golovkin blew through Vanes Martirosyan earlier this year once the initial date for the rematch was scrapped. According to Bovada, Golovkin is a slight minus-155 favorite to win the rematch.

Alvarez checks in as a plus135 underdog, but as the hours peel away leading up to the fight, the odds could change.

While the first fight wasn’t a snooze fest, it was a tactically fought battle that saw both men show the other a high level of respect. Golovkin might have given away many of the early rounds as he seemed tentative and slow to push the action.

In the second half of the bout, GGG pushed the action and established his jab.

With his performance in the later rounds fresher in the minds of the public, there was a sentiment that the decision robbed Golovkin of a victory.

That case was made stronger by a seemingly implausible scorecard from controversial judge Adelaide Byrd.

The frustration behind the decision grouped with the inconvenience of the delays

Hamilton punctuated his run with a number of slow laps that might have helped the longevity of his tyres.

Max Verstappen was third fastest for Red Bull ahead of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo. The Dutchman was 0.522secs off the pace but Red Bull appeared to be much closer on race pace, Ricciardo setting an average 0.064secs quicker than Hamilton but on a slightly shorter run.

The second Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas was off the pace - 0.669secs off the Briton’s pace.

Best of the rest was Renault’s Carlos Sainz, ahead of Haas’ Romain Grosjean and the McLaren of Fernando Alonso, an encouraging start for the Spanish double world champion on a track where he has always excelled. (BBC Sport)

and the negative coverage of Alvarez’s failed drug test has created some seemingly authentic bad blood between the two men.

Both fighters have talked about the rematch producing more action than the first fight, and not leaving the decision in the judges’ hands. We’ve heard that kind of collective message from fighters before, and seen something different once the two men meet in the ring.

Despite the age difference being in Alvarez’s favor, it appears GGG and his camp may believe they have the edge in stamina. Alvarez has had issues tiring late in fights early in his career. According to Golovkin’s trainer Abel Sanchez, who spoke to me and Peter Kahn on the Fight Guys podcast, all the pressure is on Alvarez this time around. (Forbes)

he UFC travels to Moscow, Russia this weekend for a rare Saturday Morning event.

The show will start on at 10:30 AM and will take place at the Olimpiyskiy Arena in Moscow. The entire fight card will be broadcasted only on UFC Fight Pass, which is the UFC’s paid service that allows you to watch taped fights, some live events and more.

UFC Fight Night 136 Main Event Breakdown

The main event for UFC Fight Night 136 will feature one of the heaviest hitters in the UFC against one of the submission specialists in the UFC as Heavyweights Mark Hunt and Alexey Oleinik will face off in a scheduled 5 round war! All though this fight is scheduled for 5

Knockout Monster Mark Hunt (right) lands an elbow against Antonio ‘Big Foot’ Silva at UFC 193

rounds, it is very unlikely it will go 5 rounds as both of these guys are finishers.

Hunt enters this fight for his 26th fight as a pro at the ripe age of 44 years old. Hunt is 13-12-1 overall and enters this fight off a unanimous decision loss at the hands of Curtis Blaydes. Hunt has fought the best of the best in the UFC’s Heavyweight Division and has proven his ability to strike with the best strikers and avoid being taken down by the best grapplers in the division.

One thing that Hunt has is that one punch walk-off KO power that he has become so well known for.

Standing across the cage from Hunt will be 41-year old Alexey Oleinik. Oleinik is 56-11-1 in his professional career…..that is correct, you read that correct, he has 68 professional fights and it

is starting to show his wear and tear as his chin isn’t what it use to be. Oleinik is mostly known for his submission game, which he specializes in a crazy ezekiel choke that earned him the name, “The Boa Constrictor”.

In order for Oleinik to be able to get the win, he has to be able to grab ahold of Hunt and that is not easy.

Grapplers such as Frank Mir and Fabricio Werdum, as well as wrestlers like Brock Lesnar and Ben Rothwell, have all tried to take the big man down and most fail as he has immense power in both hands and can put you on your backside for getting close enough, to try and take him down. That will be the difference here as Oleinik is use to taking a few shots to get close enough to wrap his arms around you, to get the choke. (MMA Junkie)

20

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saturdAY, september 15, 2018

GSSF/DIG host fruitful maiden Steel Challenge – the McKinnons emerge winners

V

eteran shooters and married couple Ryan and Vidushi McKinnon emerged winners of the inaugural Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF)/Dental Imports Guyana Inc. (DIG) sponsored Steel Challenge match held this past weekend.

The McKinnons created history last Saturday when they emerged first place winners in their respective divisions -- Limited and Production -- following the end of the Tier 1 Steel Challenge Match at the Timehri Ranges.

Competition was particularly high in the Limited Division, with the CZ Shadow 2 showing what it’s capable of.

Shooters competed against each other in 3 stages: Smoke & Hope, Showdown and Roundabout; and when the smoke cleared, the local steel challenge champ McKinnon secured another win in 2018.

The veteran marksman

Winners: Ryan McKinnon and Vidushi McKinnon (centre); Pravesh Harry (L); and at right, the two 2nd place winners (Rajiv Latchana)

and current GSSF President shot an amazing 47.20 seconds, eclipsing second place

John Phang, who recorded 53.86 seconds. Organiser Dr. Pravesh Harry missed

Phang’s score by just over 2 seconds, as he also shot well

for his 3rd place score of 55.09 seconds.

Former GSSF President, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, outshot her lone competitor in the Production Division, ending with a time of 73.81 seconds, ahead of the 2nd place Rajiv Latchana with 85.51 seconds.

Scoring was efficiently conducted by Stats officer Harry, using a specialised scoring application; and it was uploaded to the Practiscore website.

Trophies, together with the presentation of shirts to the winners, followed the event, and Dr. Harry, in the closing ceremony, reiterated his pleasure at being able to sponsor a Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation’s Steel Challenge match. He indicated DIG’s commitment to the GSSF and safe sport shooting activities.

The GSSF has extended its sincerest gratitude to the Commissioner of Police; the Guyana Police Force; Mr Guy Nurse, OC of the TSU;

and the ranks of the GPF Armoury and TSU. Gratitude has also been extended to Brigadier Patrick West and the GDF for permitting the use of their range facility at Timehri.

DIG Inc, recently established by Dr. Pravesh Harry and Dr. Kevin Jodah, is a local, efficient, and reliable dental supplies company whose main focus at this point is to supply dentists in and around Guyana with a wide range of dental materials at competitive prices.

Limited Division 1st – Ryan McKinnon (47.20 seconds) 2nd – John Phang (53.86 seconds) 3rd – Pravesh Harry (55.09 seconds) Production Division `1st – Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon (73.81 seconds) 2nd – Rajiv Latchana (85.51 seconds)

CWI President pays Guyana drawn in Group F Minister of State a visit G 2018 CONCACAF Men’s U-20 C/ships…

W

Minister of State Joseph Harmon and CWI President, Dave Cameron, during their meeting on Wednesday

ith tons of cricket set for Guyana over the next few months and beyond, it was opportune for Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dave Cameron, accompanied by Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Secretary and CWI Director, Anand Sanasie, to pay a visit to, and engage in discussion with, Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The primary objective of their visit was to ensure that overall development of the sport in Guyana was at the forefront of every enti-

ty’s plan. With Providence being a venue slightly behind the times because of the absence of an electronic scoreboard, the urgent need to ensure the facility is outfitted with this piece of electronic equipment was outlined.

Minister Harmon took the opportunity to assure the Windies directors that the Government of Guyana remains committed to the expansion of sport, and would be seeking to lend the necessary assistance going forward.

Apart from the ongoing Hero CPL, other topics discussed included upgrading

of the Providence National Stadium, player development, and other areas related to the growth of the sport locally.

With Guyana recently concluding its seven 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches at the Providence National Stadium, and having secured a spot in Sunday’s finals, the Calender of activities continues after the T20 Party ends with the upcoming ICC Women’s World T20 which Guyana is co-hosting, along with the upcoming CWI Regional Season.

uyana has been placed in ‘Group F’ of the six groups that would be contesting in the 2018 Under-20 playing of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Championships, following the official drawing yesterday.

The tournament, which involves 35 teams, will see Guyana competing against El Salvador, Guatemala, Curacao and Cayman Islands at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida from November 1 – 22.

Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Ian Greenwood, thinks the tournament would contribute to further development of the U-20 players.

“The redesign and concept of the U-20 Championships is very exciting. We are in a competitive and challenging group. The exposure (that would be gained from) playing Central American opposition such as El Salvador will massively benefit our players as they develop into senior football.

“Our U-20s are a talented group, with several already in and around the Senior Golden Jaguars set-up,” he declared.

CONCACAF has declared this year’s tournament format different from what had obtained in previous years. This year’s format is designed to enable participating teams to be engaged in highlevel, consistent and competitive football.

“Unlike the previous format of the Men’s Under-20 competition, which included regional qualifiers in the Caribbean and Central America and one final championship, the redesigned 2018 format would ensure that all the participating teams have access to play

more top-level football matches,” Greenwood has said.

The first round of the tournament would see five groups consisting of six teams and one group consisting of five teams engaged in a round-robin format of play. CONCACAF explains the format by stating, “Following the first round, the six group winners will advance to the qualification stage, where they will be divided into two groups of three teams. After a second round-robin play, the two group winners plus the second placed finishers will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Additionally, the two groups winners will advance to the tournament’s final to determine the regional champion.”

Other teams participating in these championships are as follows: ‘GROUP A’: USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the US Virgin Islands.

‘GROUP B’: Mexico, Jamaica, Aruba, Nicaragua, Grenada, Saint Martin.

‘GROUP C’: Honduras, Cuba, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominican Republic, Belize and Sint Maarten.

‘GROUP D’: Panama, Canada, St. Kitts & Nevis, Guadeloupe, Dominica and Martinique.

‘GROUP E’: Costa Rica, Haiti, Bermuda, Saint Lucia and Barbados.

‘GROUP F’: El Salvador, Guatemala, Curacao, Guyana and Cayman Islands

GFF Technical Director, Ian Greenwood

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T

he Bravo brothers, Kieron Pollard and Lendl Simmons have all made themselves available for the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in Cricket West Indies’ upcoming Super50 Tournament. This is another step towards returning to the national side for the 2019 World Cup in England.

A release from the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board has stated that Bravo would in fact be the vice-captain of the Red Force, which will be led by wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin. Also named in the squad was fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, who last played for West Indies in November 2015.

This latest development comes after it had emerged in July this year that talks were ongoing between the players and Cricket West Indies.

The board subsequently shifted the Super50 from February 2019 to October this year, to ensure minimal clash between the domestic 50over competition and various T20 leagues around the world in which

t h e players participate.

Johnny Grave, CWI chief executive officer, had told ESPNcricinfo then that the board intended to let the players perform in the Super50, to earn their way back into the national squad. The view was seconded by Courtney Browne, the chairman of selectors.

These developments serve to further bridge the differences between the players and the

board, which began when Narine, Pollard and Darren Bravo chose the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over representing West Indies in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Matters then took a turn for the worse when the Bravo brothers, Pollard and Narine claimed that they were denied an opportunity to help the Caribbean people after being ignored for a Hurricane Relief charity game between West Indies and a World XI side in May.

This move is now the latest in a series of remedial measures that have resulted in the return of Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Andre Russell to the ODI fold for the first time since November 2015, and a revamped player contract system being introduced. (ESPNcricinfo)

Dwayne and Darren Bravo

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Assistant coach Salieg Nackerdien in a huddle with some SA Women Cricket players

SA confident ahead of Windies clash on Sunday

– thrash BCA Women by 137-runs

D

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21 Bravo brothers, Pollard, Simmons edge closer to Windies returns sports

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

espite a 137-run win in their warmup match against the Barbados Cricket Association Women Select XI on Thursday, South Africa women’s cricket assistant coach Salieg Nackerdien believes the side can still improve.

The tourists racked up 222/4 in their rain-affected, 33 overs a side match. Suné Luus top-scored with 86 runs from 91 deliveries (6x4s, 1x6) while other meaningful contributions came from captain Dané van Niekerk (48 off 43 balls), Mignon du Preez (36* off 18) and Laura Wolvaardt (29 off 39).

The Barbadian team’s reply was restricted to 85/8 thanks to Masabata Klaas (2/13) and Zintle Mali (2/18) who spearheaded the attack and returned two wickets each.

Coach Nackerdien said he

had identified areas of their game which needed attention.

“I’m very, very pleased with the way we went about our batting, the intent that we showed, it’s always very important to set the tone up front especially after we lost Lizelle Lee quickly,” he said.

“That is good momentum that we can take into the first ODI. It was also nice to be outdoors and in a game situation after we’ve been practicing for two days now in the nets.

“Areas that we can improve on is running between the wickets, especially when we’re hitting the boundary riders.

We can definitely turn our twos into threes, but I must also say that we’ve improved massively in terms of getting off strike quickly and that was pleasing to see.

“From a bowling point of view, the extras are a bit

of a concern, but that can be addressed along with the bowlers’ personal game plans. They did well today in unaccustomed heat and heavy humidity. All in all it was a good day out.”

South Africa’s first ODI match against the West Indies will be on Sunday, giving the visitors another two days of preparation. Nackerdien believes that the side will be firing from all cylinders by then.

“There’s still a lot to do in the next two days, we don’t want to get complacent after a win like this. The team has been working really hard, the players are focussed and they want to have a good tour. If we can work on the areas that need improvement and we play to our full potential, we’ll be a very tough team to beat.”

(IOL)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, september 15, 2018

Chanderpaul bats for Windies Women in ICC WWT20 T

he former Guyana and West Indies Cricket Captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul has recently come on board the Windies Ambassador Programme, and is batting for the ladies ahead of the upcoming historic ICC Women’s World T20, 2018.

Chanderpaul, who started playing for the Windies at 19, represented the Caribbean side for 21 years, and served the region in several capacities, including captain for 14 Tests and 16 ODIs. He will join other selected ambassadors in making a variety of appearances from September to November, ahead of the first ever stand-alone tournament hosted in the Caribbean.

Commenting on his role, Chanderpaul said: “I want to thank Cricket West Indies for inviting me to participate in this fantastic tournament. It is another great opportunity to serve my country, the region, and the sport that I love so much.

Everyone knows I am a student of the game, and

what better way to be involved than to be an ambassador for this prestigious event?”

He continued, “I am also a huge fan of women’s cricket, and I jumped at the opportunity. I have played cricket all over the world, and I enjoyed every moment, especially meeting fans and entertaining the crowds.

This tournament is for the fans of the West Indies, and I want to urge everyone to come out and #WatchThis. It will be a great few weeks of brilliant performances by some of the best women players to ever play the game. I’m delighted I will be part of it,” he added.

Tournament Director Jennifer Nero welcomed Chanderpaul to the team by saying, “This is an incredible opportunity for our present and former players to interact with each other and with fans at all levels. Our main aim is to support the women with filled stadiums across the region for the tournament; and the reach of the Ambassadors, we

hope, w i l l help us achieve that”.

The National Stadium at Providence in Guyana will host matches for warmup and preliminary rounds from 4 to 17 November. The ICC Women’s WT20 is for the first time being held as a stand-alone event this year. It is scheduled to be held from 9th November to 24 November, and will be held at the National Stadium at Providence in Guyana, the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia, and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Limacol KO Football Tournament…

Primo’s 5 destroys Pele F

ootball fans were treated to a spectacular display of skill and talent when the third annual Limacol Knockout Football competition continued on Thursday evening at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.

The games saw numerous displays of individual talent as Santos and Police each registered their second win, but the night belonged to former national striker Manasseh Primo, whose heroics spurred the lawmen to victory.

In the first encounter,

when the matchup looked fairly even, Keith Cains distinguished the Santos side by burning the Pouderoyen net in the 18th minute to give his team the upper hand. And astonishingly, he repeated the feat in the 38th minute.

B o t h teams exhibited dogged determination in the sec-

ond half of play, even as Pouderoyen waged a valiant struggle to exact revenge.

Ashley

Harding buoyed Pouderoyen spirits in the 80th minute when he finally avenged their honour; but with ten minutes remaining to the end of play, it proved too little time for Pouderoyen to do

anything but settle for a 2-1 loss to Santos.

As the crowd swelled, Police later took to the field to match skills with Pele FC. The teams looked complete opposites, with Pele opting for youth and Police relying on experience.

Unfortunately for Pele, experience prevailed.

Manasseh Primo of the lawmen posse had an excellent night, racking up 5 goals for his Police team.

He started out in a blaze of glory, netting his first goal in the 4th minute, and continued in similar vein throughout what some might call the mismatch.

A few moments after opening the Police account, he burned the Pele net for a second time; and in ten-minute intervals, he managed to end the first half of play with four goals to his name.

Not intimidated by the heroics of the lawmen and their solid defensive play, Pele’s Alex Hopkinson was able to light a small fire in the Police net within 20 minutes of play.

Then, with assistance from Stephan Ramsey, Primo burned another hole in the Pele net to hand Police a 5-1 victory over their opponents.

Action in the Limacol Knockout Football tournament will continue this evening at the regular venue with two matchups.

Pouderoyen will look to save face when they meet Grove Hi Tech in an encounter set for 18:00hrs; and at 20:00hrs, Georgetown Football Club (GFC) will face the Buxton Stars.

A total of twelve teams are engaged in this competition for the grand prize of $600,000.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Guyanese cops best Hero CPL Groundsman Award – to spend 3 weeks in New Zealand improving craft

Wasim Habib inspects one of the two pitches at Providence

G

uyanese curator Wazim Habib will have a first-hand look at how pitches are made in New Zealand, after being named Best Groundsman of the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The National Stadium at Providence has been regarded as one of the best venues among all the venues in the Caribbean in terms of drainage and irrigation.

Under the craftsmanship of Habib, the venue has now been transformed from a sluggish 140-score track to a belter that has been producing consistent scores of 170 or more.

The highest total was achieved the other night when the Jamaica Tallawahs and the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots clashed in a spot for Sunday’s final. Batting first, the Tallawahs posted a record score of 191, only to have it overtaken shortly after when the Patriots posted 193 to win the encounter by

two wickets. Such scores are a credit to the curator’s dedication to ensuring the pitch has been vastly improved ahead of the tournament.

As his reward, the man from Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, with some 21 years of experience in his craft, will wing out to New Zealand for further training, where he will spend time in Christchurch and Auckland and see first-hand how pitches are prepared from an international perspective.

Habib will spend time with world renowned pitch expert Mark Perham as he looks to further improve his skill and craft as a ground curator.

The Busta Sports Club groundsman has been the head pitch man at Providence for the past four years, and has been instrumental in the works since 2016, when the pitches first underwent rehabilitation.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturdAY, september 15, 2018

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

TKR steam into final Brandon King is bowled by Sunil Narine

Machel Montano performs during the innings break

T

rinbago Knight Riders (TKR) will have one more shot at defending their Hero Caribbean Premier League title following a convincing 20-run win in the semis over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (SKNP) at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad on Friday evening.

pired.

They now meet the Guyana Amazon Warriors who have defeated them in two consecutive matches in under a week in the final.

The impressive Ali Khan tormented Chris Gayle from the start of the chase with 5 hard-to-read deliveries which were followed up by a beau-

Chris Gayle is caught behind by Denesh Ramdin

ment was adjudged the Hero Moment of the Match. Even with Devon Thomas’s 35, Ben King’s 33, and Fabian Allen’s unbeaten 32, Patriots could not keep the defending champions out of the grand finale, which is set for Sunday at the same venue.

Fawad Ahmed, the man of the match, led with the ball, finishing with 3 – 13 from four overs. He was solidly supported by Sunil Narine, who had 2 – 21; while Khan, Colin Ingram and Kevin Cooper each had a SKNP skull.

Thomas scorched his score from 26 balls, four of which went to the boundary while one ended up over the ropes. Rassie van der Dussen (14), Evin Lewis (4), Anton Devcich (6), Ben Cutting (2), and Carlos Brathwaite (16) were all removed cheaply at regular intervals by a dominant TKR bowling line-up.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots celebrate the wicket of Colin Munro

Once again, TKR had the crowd support behind them as they batted first after losing the toss; and climbing to 165-6 from their allotted overs, they then proceeded to restrict Patriots to 145 – 8 when the Patriots’ overs ex-

ty as Gayle nicked one to Denesh Ramdin behind the stumps for a golden duck.

Certainly, that was the wicket that completely rocked the Patriots’ chasing strength and caused TKR to smell victory very early. That mo-

TKR have been the most dominant side this season batting first, but have somewhat lost their steam for the last three matches.

Knowing this, their top order stuck it out, even with the early removal of Colin

was stopped by Cottrell, who got him to top edged a delivery on the sticky wicket to Anton Devcich at point.

Ramdin and the skipper combined next for a 37run partnership for the fifth wicket. Dwayne forced a quick single and found himself short against a direct hit from Devon Thomas. TKR were now 153-5 with 1.1 overs left to bat.

Carlos Brathwaite was tasked with bowling the final over after going for just 15 in three overs. The new batsman, Kevon Cooper, made three, then flicked one to Evin Lewis at deep midwicket. The in-form Ramdin was able to secure 8 runs off the last four deliveries, as TKR recovered well with 165.

Cottrell finished his spell with two, while Gayle, Cutting and Brathwaite claimed a wicket each.

Ali Khan

Ingram for 5 in the third over, with the score on 8.

This triggered the start of the backbone partnership of 71 between Brendon McCullum and the tournament’s top run scorer, Colin Munro.

They weathered the storm and kept the run rate modest, until Gayle joined Sheldon Cottrell on the wicket-taking list when he removed McCullum lbw for 43. The much anticipated Decision Referral System (DRS) made its inaugural run, as McCullum used the only TKR review and was unsuccessful.

He had laced his 26-ball innings with three Hero maximums and two fours.

TKR were 79-2 in 10.5 overs.

Four balls later, Munro was caught by Gayle for 29 off Ben Cutting, going for an expansive drive but having a mishit.

Denesh Ramdin and Darren Bravo then featured in a 35-run partnership, lifting the score to 116 before the latter became the next wicket to fall. Darren’s 18-ball 20

SCOREBOARD

Trinbago Knight Riders Innings (20 overs maximum) CA Ingram c King b Cottrell 5 BB McCullum lbw b Gayle 43 C Munro c Gayle b Cutting 29 D Ramdin † not out 27 DM Bravo c Devcich b Cottrell 20 DJ Bravo (c) run out (†Thomas) 24 KK Cooper c Lewis b Brathwaite 3 SP Narine not out 0 Extras: 14 (b 2, lb 1, w 11) 14 Total: (6 Wickets, 20 Overs, RR: 8.25) 165 Did not bat: Fawad Ahmed, A Phillip, Ali Khan Fall of wickets: 1-8 (CA Ingram, 2.2 ov), 2-79 (BB McCullum, 10.5 ov), 3-81 (C Munro, 11.3 ov), 4-116 (DM Bravo, 16.1 ov), 5-153 (DJ Bravo, 18.5 ov), 6-157 (KK Cooper, 19.2 ov) Bowling: SS Cottrell 4-0-242, CR Brathwaite 4-0-261, BCJ Cutting 3-0-30-1, T Shamsi 4-0-39-0, CH Gayle 4-0-33-1, FA Allen 1-0-10-0 St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Innings (target: 166 runs from 20 overs) DC Thomas † b Ingram

35

CH Gayle (c) c †Ramdin b Ali Khan 0 HE van der Dussen c & b Narine 14 E Lewis c Munro b Fawad Ahmed 4 BA King b Narine 33 AP Devcich st †Ramdin b Fawad Ahmed 6 FA Allen not out 32 BCJ Cutting lbw b Fawad Ahmed 2 CR Brathwaite c DM Bravo b Cooper 16 SS Cottrell not out 0 Extras: (lb 1, w 2) 3 Total: (8 Wickets, 20 Overs, RR: 7.25) 145 Did not bat: T Shamsi Fall of wickets: 1-1 (CH Gayle, 0.6 ov), 2-44 (DC Thomas, 6.6 ov), 3-50 (HE van der Dussen, 7.6 ov), 4-75 (E Lewis, 11.2 ov), 5-89 (BA King, 13.3 ov), 6-96 (AP Devcich, 15.1 ov), 7-98 (BCJ Cutting, 15.3 ov), 8-143 (CR Brathwaite, 19.5 ov) Bowling: Ali Khan 4-0-241, Fawad Ahmed 4-0-133, SP Narine 4-0-21-2, A Phillip 1-0-17-0, CA Ingram 1-0-10-1, KK Cooper 2-015-1, DJ Bravo 4-0-44-0

saturdAY, september 15, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Trinbago Knight Riders celebrate the wicket of Devon Thomas

Page 23 Brendon McCullum

TKR steam into final Guyanese cops best Hero CPL Groundsman Award

2018 CONCACAF Men’s U-20 C/ships…

Page 22

Wazim Habib

Guyana drawn in Group F Page 20

– to spend 3 weeks in New Zealand improving craft

Guyana’s goalkeeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle

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