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

Issue No. 3450

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Sunday, January 14, 2017

PRICE

Rebuilding Camp St Prison

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Local companies unwilling to tender for project – Ramjattan

PIO Conference in India P16

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AFC distances party from attack on Indian High Commissioner

…as Imran Khan disregards Joseph Harmon's caution

…despite 20 companies being prequalified in 2017 for reconstruction ...Govt sole-sources overseas firm Guyana Stockfeeds Inc

Sale of NICIL shares hit a snag Page 11

$120 vat included

Kitty Market vendors Page 9 protest market noncompletion

…matter for Cabinet discussion

Ruimveldt roads in deplorable condition

Police destroy ganja farms P8 …over 100kg cannabis found in 2 camps

Charity Marketing Centre wharf collapsing P17

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Shot fired as bandit attempts to take Police P18 gun

Residents of Marigold Street, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown were forced to place debris in the huge potholes to deter drivers from traversing the area, as the state of the road is in a deplorable condition.

A similar situation exits on the eastern half of the Ruimveldt Industrial Site (Dexter Ceres photo)

Bandits kill EBD 50% severance payment not man during enough – GTUC home invasion Page 9

Lack of furniture, leaking roofs exposed at P10 Linden schools

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…advises Govt, GuySuCo to rethink strategy

Caricom ‘deeply P13 disturbed’ by Trump’s derogatory remarks

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SUnDAY, january 14, 2018 guyanatimesGY.com

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, January 14 – a night retraction at 02:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Monday, January 15 – a night retraction at 03:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, January 14 – 14:55h-16:25h and Monday, January 15 – 15:25h-16:55h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Early morning sunny weather is expected to give way to thundery showers throughout the day, with partly cloudy skies expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 02:41h and 14:56h reaching maximum height of 2.30 metres and 2.43 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:28h and 20:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.91 metre and 0.77 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, january 13, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

01 05 13 14 15 19 12 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 03 04 06 10 24 LUCKY 3 7 7 0 Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

01

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Evening Draw

13 15 19

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

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SunDAY, january 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Rebuilding Camp St Prison

Local companies unwilling to tender for project – Ramjattan …despite 20 companies being prequalified in 2017 for reconstruction ...Govt sole-sources overseas firm

S

ince coming to office in 2015, the coalition Government has been engulfed in several controversies where it sole sourced goods and services.

However, this trend seems to be heading into 2018; with more matters of this nature to follow.

Speaking during the 83rd sitting of the eleventh Parliament, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan indicated that a company had been sole sourced out of the United States to reconstruct a prison at the ruined Camp Street Prison. Only the concrete block stands, following a devastating fire set by escaping inmates in July 2017.

His comments were in response to a motion originally spearheaded by Opposition parliamentarian Juan Edghill. It was subsequently introduced by Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, as Edghill’s suspension continues from the House.

In his response to the National Assembly, Ramjattan stated that local companies were unwilling to get involved in “this type” of tendering. The Minister suggested that the reason for this was because they were ignorant of the process.

“We had to ensure, because of a certain person in NPTAB (National Procurement and Tender Administration Board) saying there must be some experienced contractors that know a thing or two about prisons. And if we have to single source, we have to single source.”

“And we went and single sourced a firm out of America, (which) has built over 300 prisons and has built the Guantanamo prison steel cell. And so they got the contract and they will come down. The important point here is to know we are doing something. Steel cells came out of money we allocated last year,” Ramjattan declared.

Untruths

But Ramjattan’s words that persons are unwilling to bid for a project of this nature are not supported by what actually occurred.

Last year, Government cancelled a tender for the multimillion-dollar reconstruction of the Administrative Blocks for the Georgetown prison. The project was at the time being undertaken by the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

At the time, a total of 20 companies had been shortlisted from a prequalification process and were invited by the then acting Permanent Secretary,

Geoffrey Vaughn, to conduct a site visit on July 27, 2017.

They were to respond by the following day on whether or not they would be submitting a bid for the project.

However, the visit was rescheduled the following day by the Ministry’s Work Services Group Manager for Procurement and Contracts, Philip Bryan. The procurement manager, by way of email, indicated that the site visit for the project was rescheduled for the following day, July 27, 2017.

On July 28, 2017, Vaughn wrote again to the bidders saying, “The Ministry regrets to inform you that a decision was tak-

the procurement of medical supplies from Trinidad company ANSA McAL to the tune of $605,962,200.

This was even though local firms could have supplied the same quantity and quality of drugs at lower prices. It was subsequently found by the Public Procurement Commission that procurement laws were not followed.

In May of last year, the parliamentary Opposition had fielded questions in the National Assembly to Communities Ministry.

When a response came from Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan it was revealed that nine out of 10

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

What was left of the Camp Street Prison after the fire

en by the executing agency to annul this bid.” Vaughn, in giving reason, pointed to a clause which speaks to the “Employer’s right to accept any bid and to reject any or all bids.”

The Ministry subsequently clarified that the process was annulled because the Public Infrastructure Ministry was not the subject Ministry.

According to the Ministry, it was just providing “technical support” for the Public Security Ministry.

Disregarding procurement laws

The Government has been under fire for some time for continuously disregarding procurement laws by not putting requests for goods and services to public tender, but instead sole sourcing. Its policy for procuring drugs has especially been under the microscope.

The issue of the sole sourced drugs came to light when, in a letter dated February 28, 2017, the now ousted Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Chief Executive Officer Allan Johnson thanked the Public Health Ministry for authorising

regions in Guyana did no public tendering for drugs and medical supplies between January 2016 and February 2017. In addition, all regions indicated that no prequalification process was

followed. This was all done in the name of emergencies.

When in the Opposition, the coalition Government had been heavily critical of the former Administration procuring process.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

Editorial

Politics and sugar workers

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nevitably, the politics of sugar is playing out; and just as inevitably, given the nature of politics in Guyana, it is taking the form of a tragedy – a tragedy of epic proportions. Sadly, it has been a tragedy that was enacted many times in our history, and its form was established coterminous with the foundation of the country back in the seventeenth century.

Sugar cultivation and extraction was labour-intensive, and had to be cheaply available on demand at specific times of the year. African slavery “solved” this problem, but at costs that are still being extracted in broken psyches and structural underdevelopment one hundred and eight-four years after slavery was abolished. The bound labour from Madeira, the West Indies, intercepted slave ships from Africa, India and China that were sourced to provide the labour after the freed slaves balked were interpellated in the exploitative structural relations into the present by the logic of the undertaking and the specificities of Guyana’s history and geography.

In the pre-independence era, being the most exploited labour force, sugar workers played a pivotal role across the British West Indian colonies through their protests against their working conditions, which had a political impact, since the British sugar and British colonialism were coterminous.

Labour in general, and sugar labour in particular, therefore constituted the earliest political mobilisation in the Caribbean, and was the incubator of practically all the political parties.

In Guyana, because of the aforementioned early labour history, sugar workers by then were primarily, but not exclusively, Indian Guyanese, since most of the freed Africans and other indentured labourers had moved out. With the widening of democracy consequent to the introduction of the universal franchise, Indian Guyanese constituted a significant bloc of potential voters. The beginning of the modern version of Guyana’s tragedy was when the independence movement split and the two early political leaders -- Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham -- made “rational choice” decisions in mobilisation, which created an ethnically divided polity.

Sugar workers, for instance, supported the PPP, while bauxite workers supported the PNC. When the post-independence PNC Government decided to nationalise the sugar industry in 1976, the move was supported by the PPP, but the union representing sugar workers – GAWU, affiliated with the PPP -- was not given official recognition by the Government -- just as it had not been so given by British sugar. The sugar workers staged a massive 135-day strike, which saw the PNC call out its supporters and members of paramilitary forces to break the strike. While GAWU was eventually recognised, relations between sugar workers and management became a trope for relations between the PPP and the Government. This situation was polarised further, since rigging of elections removed any political initiative by the PPP in the formal political arena.

By 1990, when the IMF forced the PNC Government to introduce a foreign management firm to increase sugar production, this had fallen to one-third of the colonial high point, and workers were tragically impoverished, ironically exacerbated by alcohol, a by-product of sugar. Sugar workers felt they had been victimised by the PNC for their political support of the PPP -- especially since all sugar profits had been removed by a PNC-imposed sugar levy since 1974, and the industry was allowed to fall into disrepair.

When the PPP did not follow the IMF recommendation to privatise the sugar industry, but instead embarked on a Strategic Modernisation Plan crafted in 1998, they were accused of “playing politics”. The Skeldon component of that modernisation proved to be an albatross that further wounded the industry. The latest episode in the ongoing tragedy -- in which the Government ignored its own CoI recommendation to stabilise the industry within three years and then privatise it -- can only be explained in political terms, especially when the President boasted that his government “placed people before profits”.

But firing 5,700 workers and their 30,000 dependents is not just a tragedy for the workers; it is one that can rip apart Guyana, because of the political ramifications.

Celebrating Chinese contribution to Guyanese culture: Dancers performing at the commemoration of the 165th anniversary of the arrival of the Chinese to Guyana at Windsor Forest Primary School, West Coast Demerara

The symbolic lynching of sugar workers (Part One) Dear Editor, The urge to write again on the manifest racial onslaught on the sugar workers is visceral. I had first written to the primary media publication houses on the destruction taking place in the sugar industry in February 2017. The letter was carried by the three private dailies.

By the first quarter of 2017, I had stopped submitting letters to our Stateowned newspaper, the Guyana Chronicle; as my letters to them were not published, however, space was given to the Administration’s obedient supporters to respond to my letters.

The letter herein, takes precedence over the appointment of Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); in my view the President had the full authority under our poorly drafted Constitution to execute the appointment (no pun intended), in the manner it was done. Why the President

tortured the Opposition Leader by asking for unnecessary subsequent lists – is a question for the President’s royal viziers. As the President, once he found the first list unacceptable, he has the power and authority vested in him by the Constitution to unilaterally appoint the Chairman of GECOM. Of course, one could write on the tragicomedy of our mostly discombobulated Ministers, from the mismanagement of the D’Urban Park Jubilee event to the mixing up of two of our national holidays: Diwali – the festival of lights, and Phagwa – the festival of colours and love; the mix-up or clustered pronouncements, were further compounded by the inference in December 2017 in the National Assembly that only Guyanese of Kshatriya Indian descent, would know the difference between Diwali and Phagwa; thus, making Guyana 99.9 per cent a nation of Kshatriyas and also members of a noble and mil-

itary class.

Also, writing on the cruel and unusual punishment of the sugar workers; must take priority over the bungling of the Production Sharing Agreement between Exxon and the Government of Guyana, where the mouse has claimed to have had his way with the elephant.

Of course, malicious efforts by Government to take possession of Red House, inflated rental fees for the conversion of a house to a pharmaceutical bond, unjustifiable pharmaceutical supply contracts and the exponential increase in the number of contract workers along with the bourgeoning contract monies for contract workers or the findings or biased findings of the quote unquote – neutral Speaker of the National Assembly, are subordinate, though related to the termination of sugar workers.

The current flaccidly of our unlearning political columnists/commentators, such as David Hinds, Freddie

Kissoon and GHK Lall, to name some of our scribes and their post-2015 elections inability to call a spade a spade or identify racism as racism, when it happens under the current Administration to the terminated sugar workers, who are largely of one racial group.

These learned gentlemen commentators have suddenly become tongue tied or restrict themselves to platitudes and their pronouncements become twisted and biased by confusing persecution and racism with economic policy or by failing to say President Granger is ultimately responsible for the tragic treatment of our sugar workers and the oversight of the sugar industry.

These same named writers are unhesitant to invariably blame former President Jagdeo for debacles that happened in Guyana from 1999 to the current date.

Regards, Nigel Hinds

Discipline, sanctions for misconduct, gross negligence

Dear Editor, Our Constitution and other laws require the appointment of several Constitutional Commissions and various statutory bodies. The nation expects that the responsible authorities and agencies would act promptly in the appointment of suitably qualified persons without racial, political, or any other discrimination in our plural society of multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural composition.

The gross negligence of timely actions by the responsible governing authorities

is unacceptable, and must be corrected by the authorities to gain lost trust and respect from large sections of the population.

A few examples of non-appointment of constitutional and statutory bodies include: The Ethnic Relations Commission, the Integrity Commission, the Public Service Commission, the University of Guyana Council, and the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board.

Would the governing authorities of the National Assembly and the Executive correct the disrespect of the

Constitution and other laws of our land, and obey these Laws? The people of Guyana elected the representatives of the political parties and the Executive Government to always act promptly in keeping with requirements of the Constitution and other laws of Guyana in the national interest, and not on partisan and narrow political self-interest. These authorities – members of the National Assembly, Ministers, and the Executive Government -- and public servants must act promptly in a transparent, inclusive manner, and must be held accountable to

the public for inordinate and unreasonable delays in discharging their public duties.

The public calls on His Excellency, the President of all of Guyana, to discipline and sanctions all public officials for misconduct and gross negligence in the discharge of their public duties.

Ministers’ heads and public servants’ heads must roll as appropriate. As a minimum, the worn-out, mediocre, and third-rate pack of political cards must be reshuffled for the national good.

With thanks, Joshua Singh

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

Apology needed for unjustified attack on Indian High Commissioner Dear Editor, The Director of Public Information (DPI), Mr Imran Khan, appears to have misunderstood the purpose and objective of the New Delhi meeting of PIO (People of Indian Origin) parliamentarians (MPs), as well as the Indian High Commissioner’s role in selecting MPs for the conference.

Having now been publicly informed by the High Commissioner of the goal and rationale of the meet, he should apologise to the HC. The HC is not seeking to interfere or influence Guyana politics, although

many Guyanese wish he (or India) and other countries would intervene in the same manner that the ambassadors of the ABC countries do/did in Guyana’s internal affairs.

The focus of the Delhi conference was on building relations between India and the countries where the PIO MPs are domiciled. The theme was on the role the MPs could play for mutual development. The parley allowed the MPs to connect with their past in India, and to build parliamentary relationships. There was no hidden agenda and no plan to interfere in any country’s

internal affairs.

As India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, told the gathering, India never invaded another country, but has helped other countries. And the PM made reference to India rescuing over 70,000 migrants from various countries stranded in Yemen.

India also rescued many ships that were pirated off the coast of Africa. India also helps every African country.

Similar gatherings were held in the past under previous governments. The Government of India covered all costs of this meet-

ing. Ministers or speakers of parliaments were not invited. The Government of India has direct government-to-government relations with Guyana, and these are conducted at the diplomatic level by ministers. It is well known that ministers from India hold direct talks with ministers from Guyana and other countries.

The PM of India met with President Granger in September 2014. The Prime Minister of Guyana, Moses Nagamootoo, was an official guest of India on several occasions. Just last December, Minister

Police Commissioner must address growing epidemic in GPF Dear Editor, I was elated when our Commissioner of Police (ag), Mr David Ramnarine, announced that his detectives have solved 77% of the murders, or 88 cases out of 116.

He further stated that there was an 11% decrease in serious crimes, such as robbery-under-arms and murder.

However, he admitted there was a 25% increase in robbery-with-violence and robbery-with-aggravation.

There was also a marked increase in carjackings, which he categorised as ‘alarming’.

This increase in robbery must have prompted the US Government to issue an advisory, on January 10th, 2018, to its citizens travelling to Guyana to exercise caution.

The advisory further stated that “local police lack the resources to effectively respond to serious criminal incidents”.

Unfortunately, we have been classified in the same category as Jamaica.

My point of contention is: While Mr Ramnarine congratulated his detectives, he failed to acknowledge the vital inputs from civil society, and in some cases from relatives of the victims themselves.

For instance, in the Marcus Bisram case, it was a member of civil society who insisted that the death of the carpenter was murder, after being given information by the relatives of the murdered man. The matter was initially treated as an accident after millions were allegedly thrown at some ranks of the Police Force.

This case is similar to the case of the man who allegedly murdered his wife and buried her under some bora beds.

And yet another similar case is that of the young man who was murdered, and his body burnt in a hole behind the suspects’ house. The mother and brother of the deceased man had to do their own digging and unearthing of the evidence that the body was that of their loved one, and that he was murdered. The police did not investigate this, even though the relatives of the murdered man had initially given this information to the Police.

In many cases, the Police actually ‘slept’ on the information fed to them, or were paid to turn a blind eye. It is my fact-based opinion that many more murders would have been solved if the Police had the ‘will’ to solve them, and were not so ready to accept bribes. They do have the capacity. This is what you should investigate, Mr Commissioner.

This obvious lethargy and inertia seems to be getting worse, since the Police stations are now given free WiFi service.

When one enters the police station, regardless of time, many ranks can be seen with their heads buried in their cellphones, rudely hesitant to even look at the complainant. Many times, the public has to wait until the ranks have mustered enough will power to move away from the chats engaged in, or the movies they were watching.

Why should the Police have their cell phones on when they are on duty in the station? They have the landlines and the radio handsets which should be used for communication purposes. I am calling on the Commissioner to address this growing epidemic, which is marring the efficiency and effectiveness of the GPF. Currently, there are two serious issues in Region

6 which need to be addressed, and despite numerous letters to the media, the Commissioner of Police has chosen not to intervene.

These have to do with vehicles ‘parked’ on both sides of the Corentyne Highway, and the ever-growing noise nuisance from the mobile vendors and advertisers. I do feel that the Commissioner, Mr Ramnarine, does have the ability to drastically change the current inefficient and ineffective modus operandi of the GPF, since he has shown that capacity; but he needs to delve deeper into the ‘whitewashed’ reports from the heads of the various regions, and make some impromptu visits to these regions.

Yours sincerely, Muhammad Mustapha

Ramjattan was in Delhi for a security meeting. So, clearly, government-togovernment relations are very strong and are without friction. Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge is due to visit India soon; discussion will be centred on a visit by President Granger. There is no need for Mr Khan to introduce conflict now.

The MPs I spoke with said both days’ conferences were very productive, and

they expressed hope that these conferences would be annual. There was no politicking – meaning, interference in Guyana affairs -- at any of the sessions.

Imran Khan should tender an apology to the HC and to the Government of India for his erroneous personal belief and unsupported allegations.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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Foundation

When a parent has cancer: Helping teens and kids cope

By Laura Nathan-Garner

J

Anu Dev

anuary is “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month"!

In my gynecology rotation, one of the questions we got asked by different doctors was, "What's one of the most preventable types of cancer?" And the answer was always the same, "cervical cancer".

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. That's because there is both a sensitive test for detecting pre-cancerous lesions -- the pap smear -- and there's an effective method of dealing with HPV, one of the most prominent risk factors for the disease.

But before I go into that, perhaps an anatomy refresher might be necessary. Where exactly is the cervix? Well it's actually the lower part of the uterus (womb), and it connects the cavity of the uterus to the vagina. In non-pregnant women, it's about an inch long and is roughly cylindrical. And during

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parent's cancer diagnosis can turn a child's world upside down, no matter how young or old the child is. But coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis can be especially difficult for teens, tweens and even younger children.

Below our social work counsellors April Greene and Wendy Griffith answer questions about parenting through cancer and helping kids and teens cope with a parent's cancer diagnosis.

"Prevention is better than cure.”

-Desiderius Erasmus labour, it dilates to allow the baby to pass through.

It's the body part that people are usually dramatically shouting about in movies when they're yelling, "She's 10 centimetres dilated! She's gonna have this baby right now, on the subway!" Or you know, wherever the plot needs the woman to give birth.

In all types of cancer, the problem begins when cells deviate from their fixed growth patterns and appointed job descriptions and start growing uncontrollably. This can happen in the lungs, in the colon, and in the cervix.

In cervical cancer, the cells don't suddenly make the switch from normal to cancerous growth; there's a stage in between. This in-between stage can be picked up on a pap smear, and intervention can be made before the cells have a chance to progress to the cancerous stage.

We're all well aware about the link between

smoking cigarettes and lung cancer, but do we know what factors can increase your risk of cervical cancer? Well, for starters, cigarette smoking also increases your risk of getting cervical cancer. It's a twofold risk increase compared with nonsmokers, actually. As an aside, smoking also increases your risk of developing bladder, stomach, mouth, throat, and a whole host of other cancers. Yeah, as far as vices go, that's a pretty bad one to have.

The other risk factor I'd like to mention is HPV infection. Certain strains of the HPV virus, HPV 16 and HPV 18, are associated with the development of cervical cancer.

In fact, it is believed that a woman must be infected with HPV in order

to develop cervical cancer.

T h e r e currently are v a c c i n e s like Gardasil and Cervarix that are available to prevent infection by HPV; and, by extension, prevent cervical cancer.

Current recommendation for screening for cervical cancer via pap smear are for women aged between 21 and 65 years to be tested every 3 years.

So if you're due for a pap smear, make sure you get one. If you're not vaccinated against HPV, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. This is one type of cancer against which we have the tools and the know-how to try to prevent before it even gets a foot in the door.

What's the best way to talk to kids about cancer?

No matter what your prognosis is, it's essential to talk openly and honestly with kids.

If you're telling your kids for the first time, try to have this conversation in a private space where you can focus on the discussion and be close enough to physically console your kids if needed.

Children tend to think in very concrete terms and like to know what's going on and what to expect. If they ask something that you don't know the answer to, it's okay to tell them that you don't know and that you will work on finding the answer.

The most important thing is to communicate openly, honestly and frequently.

Should I use the word cancer?

Even with really young kids, it's important to use the word cancer and explain to them what that means.

Keep in mind that kids often think that cancer equals death.

They may not be talking about it or asking about it, but they are almost certainly worried about it. So it's crucial to be honest and open with them and address that fear.

We recommend using the 5 C's when talking to kids about cancer: • Say that it's cancer.

• Tell your kids, "You didn't cause it. You can't catch it.

You can't control it."

• Also, tell your kids that you can still spend quality time together, participate in care, still be a kid, have fun, etc.

Any tips for talking to preteens and teens?

The same basic strategy works, but teens and preteens usually want more information and will probably ask more detailed questions.

Since they are able to have a better understanding of what's going on, it's okay to let them guide the conversation.

What if my teen doesn't want to talk?

If your teen doesn't want to talk or seems withdrawn, don't assume that they don't care or aren't interested. They're probably internalizing their feelings and may just need some more time to process. They may also prefer talking about their thoughts and feelings to friends.

Some teens may start to engage in risky behaviours like sex, drugs, smoking or alcohol after a parent's cancer diagnosis.

This is typically the age when children begin to engage in this type of behaviour anyway, so it's very important to monitor these behaviours as teens can be at a heightened risk during this time. If you notice that these behaviours are becoming harmful or habitual, it may be necessary to seek help.

This is also why communication is so important.

Verbal and non-verbal cues can be very helpful and will tell you a lot about your teen's coping.

Make sure your teen knows that you're still the parent and that you love him or her. Also make sure as best you can that you understand each other's needs.

How can parents help children cope with a parent's diagnosis?

Stick to routines when possible. Get a friend to take your kids to sports practices or ask someone to bring dinner if needed. It's important to let kids be kids and to maintain normal parent/child roles and responsibilities as much as possible.

Also, if your child likes to express themselves through writing, encourage them to keep a journal. This can help them work through problems and express their feelings privately. And, although it might be tempting, it's essential that you don't look through the journal. Let them have a safe, private place to process things.

If a journal isn't a good fit for your child, there are many other ways to help them cope with their emotions.

What do teens want most when a parent is sick?

Teens just want to be normal, but at the same time they want to help their parent and want their parent to get well.

It's important to help teens balance their social life and family life. Teens usually struggle with guilt - they feel guilty about not being with the sick parent when they're with their friends, and they feel guilty about not being with friends when they're with their sick parent. (www.mdanderson.org)

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SunDAY, january 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Oil contract

No provisions to exclude decommissioning costs from “cost oil” – Ramson Jr

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glaring oversight on the part of the Guyana Government was highlighted by Charles Ramson Jr, who has pointed out that when the administration renegotiated the oil agreement with ExxonMobil back in 2016, it did not deal with the issue of decommissioning.

According to Ramson Jr and former parliamentarian, the agreement is void of any position on decommissioning an oil well once the oil and gas is extracted. This, he noted, means Guyana will lose out because oil company can claim these expenses as part of its “cost oil” cut.

ExxonMobil is expected to use revenue from its production in order to make back its capital investment.

This will be categorised as “cost oil”. Whatever remains of this is the ‘profit oil’ Guyana will have to split between the oil company and its associates.

Ramson related that back in 1999, when the original agreement was entered into before any commercial quantities of oil was discovered, the importance of decommissioning was not recognised as a priority.

“The focus was on exploration and production and how to get more revenue which is very similar to the

Charles Ramson Jr

Guyana situation at the moment. Globally, that has now changed significantly especially for mature basins.”

He added that decommissioning involves the safe plugging and abandonment of the hole drilled in the earth’s surface from which oil and gas is extracted and the safe disposal of the equipment used in production.

In offshore production, such as where Guyana’s well is located, the costs can range in the region of a few million dollars to over US$500 million per oil and gas reservoir for which plugging, and abandonment is one of the highest cost factors – representing about 60

per cent of the total decommissioning cost.

The attorney referenced a United Kingdom (UK) oil and gas authority report published in 2017. According to Ramson, the decommissioning costs in the UK continental shelf are estimated to be approximately US$80 billion, exceeding net tax revenues.

“Given that production from the Stabroek Block is expected to be from an FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading Unit, which is a ship modified for production and processing of hydrocarbons, and for the storage of oil), the decommissioning costs will be relatively less but still very large when considering that the first development phase of Liza development will see 17 wells and the second phase will see another 35-40 wells,” Ramson added.

He said the decommissioning costs for the Liza production alone will be in the hundreds of millions of US dollars at minimum, adding that the cost can then run into billions if the other discoveries like Turbot and Ranger come on-stream. The absence of the decommissioning term in the contract, he said, will mean ExxonMobil can write off any decommissioning

costs as expenses and that will lessen significantly future revenue for Guyana or ExxonMobil will seek partial funding from the Guyana Government to offset that cost, as is being done in the UK. Ramson also alluded to Guyana missing out on a chance to have a stake in the venture, as a partner with Exxon. He noted that because of this, the country had lost revenue, not to mention a chance to be recognised at an international level.

Costs

In a report it did last year on the oil sector, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had urged Guyana’s Government to start auditing all exploration and development costs being racked up by ExxonMobil as soon as possible.

When he presented

The contract area

the 2018 Budget last year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had spoken of the impending establishment of an oil and gas unit in the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). According to the IMF, the establishment of this unit should become a priority of the Government.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres. Esso

Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and hold a 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 per cent interest.

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SunDAY, january 14, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Police destroy ganja farms …over 100kg cannabis found in 2 camps

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ver four acres of cultivated cannabis plants were destroyed by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Berbice.

The fields were discovered by the ranks in DeVeldt and Tabali, Berbice during a drug eradication operation being carried out in the

One of the farms with cannabis plants

Ancient County.

The plants ranged in heights from one foot to five feet. All have been destroyed by fire along with two camps and in excess of 100 kilograms of dried cannabis.

However, no arrest has been made as ranks launch an investigation to track the owners of the lands.

6 more Venezuelan women deported T

he economic crisis in Venezuela is at an all-time high, with the country not being unable to issue passports because of the lack of paper.

This was the complaint of six Venezuelan women, who were taken before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for entering Guyana illegally.

The women – Gilario Beltron, Inchar Milogros, Donijie Martinez, Amser Orocopey, Adriana Alfonso and Yarilys Foucoult – made appearances before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and decried the situation in their homeland which has rendered them helpless.

Last month, they entered Guyana through

Eteringbang, Cuyuni River but did not present themselves to an immigration officer as they were all without passports.

When questioned as to the cause of such, with the help of a translator, the women all complained that the situation in Venezuela is so terrible that passports are difficult to obtain as a result of materials to make such being unavailable.

According to Orocopey, “my family are literally dying out” as she pleaded for a chance to stay in Guyana.

The Chief Magistrate deported them and fined each woman $30,000 or a default of four weeks imprisonment.

On Friday, Minister of

State Joseph Harmon announced that the Guyana Government has put systems in place to facilitate Venezuelans wanting to seek refuge here.

“We have made arrangements at our side of the border to receive…

Venezuelans who might be fleeing from violence in those communities. We have an international obligation to provide certain limited facilities for them and we are prepared to do that,” the Government spokespersons asserted.

While Government is discharging its international humanitarian responsibilities, there continues to be a high number of attacks wherein local mining camps and miners are

robbed reportedly by nationals crossing over from both Venezuela and Brazil.

Over the past two years, Venezuela has been experiencing economic turmoil following the decline of oil prices on the world market.

The country is in its fourth consecutive year of recession.

Reports coming out of the Spanish-speaking country reveal there is a massive food shortage and limited access to basic healthcare and basic amenities such as electricity in certain parts. Additionally, there continues to be rampant outbursts of looting and violence across some of the most affected cities in the neighbouring country.

S*itholes…

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…and us

ttending a meeting to discuss a proposed bipartisan (Republican and Democratic) immigration compromise, President Donald Trump went ballistic when he saw some accommodations to Haiti, El Salvador and some African countries. Calling them “shitholes”, he demanded to know why they should be sending immigrants to America. Rather, the US should solicit immigration from Norway and suchlike!!

Not surprisingly, the reaction from the maligned countries and the liberal establishment were not long in coming: Trump was called out as a “racist” and worse.

Entirely coincidentally, just before the immigration meet, Trump had a meeting at the White House with the nephew of Martin Luther King, who afterwards described the President as “racially ignorant”.

But affixing a “racist” label to the leader of the most powerful country in the world isn’t going to change anything in the relations of that country and the ones he considers “shitholes”. No one was really surprised at Trump’s opinion of much of the Third World, were they? The brouhaha is just about Trump saying it openly!! And maybe it’s for the best.

The relationship between the now “developed countries” in the West – epitomised by the US – and the countries now described as “shitholes” – was succinctly described by Rodney in his book, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. In “underdevelopment”, a country isn’t just exploited for its natural resources (which includes people!) but is PREVENTED by the exploiter from developing the infrastructure and value-added industries that could take it out of poverty.

Take Haiti, which seems to be perennially stuck as the “poorest country in the Western hemisphere” – with us just above it. Haiti was the second country after America to defeat a major European power – France – in a Revolutionary War of Independence. But how did America develop while Haiti remained stuck in the bottom of the barrel?

Simple: the new US Government took over Haiti’s governance of France’s most valuable former colony – wealthier than the US – and exploited it for decades. They later established dictators like Papa Doc to keep the status quo. The defeated France was awarded compensation for its defeat – which took the Haitians more than a century to repay!! Britain, the country the US defeated, on the other hand, increased its investments in the US and forged a “special relationship”.

And if you scratch the surface (of history) of any of the “shitholes” this is what you’ll find, dear readers. Their resources were all exploited by the West – while they were kept “underdeveloped”. Guyana wasn’t mentioned specifically by Trump – but we’re also a card-carrying shithole!

And APNU/AFC seems determined to keep us that way by giving away our oil.

…and sugar plantations

In addition to relationships of “underdevelopment” formed and sustained BETWEEN countries, they can also exist WITHIN countries. Certain regions/groups can be exploited with nothing given back in return so that “internal colonies/shitholes” are formed. Under British colonialism, the sugar plantations were the internal shitholes – and nothing changed after the PNC nationalised sugar in 1976.

Sugar prices skyrocketed but rather than allowing the superprofits to be shared with the sugar workers who’d won “profit sharing” in 1968 – the PNC imposed a levy that scooped off all the profits.

The sugar money was used to subsidise the rest of the country for over three decades. While the PPP later tried to reverse sugar underdevelopment – some factories were over 100 years old! – time wasn’t on their side. Rather than following the recommendations of their CoI, the succeeding PNC-led APNU/AFC Government, immediately started closing down estates – now with 5700 workers thrown on the breadlines.

They’re callously ensuring that the sugar belt remains “shitholes” for the next century.

…and defence

Called to account for the disaster inflicted on sugar workers, the Government spokesperson blamed the PPP and pointed to their “efforts”: the CoI, a State Paper and the SPU!!

The CoI was ignored; the State paper said close four estates; and the SPU would sell them off!!

Larwah for sugar workers!!

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

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SunDAY, january 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Kitty Market vendors protest market’s non-completion …still paying monthly rental 2 years on

Zaman with his placard

The protesters in front of the Kitty Market

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ver two years ago, the Kitty Market vendors were removed from their stalls to facilitate repairs to the dilapidating building, but are yet to return, since the market is still under construction. Fed-up by the constant delays, the vendors and representatives from the political Opposition staged a picketing exercise demanding answers and a speedy completion of the market.

Last Monday, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan paid a visit to the market and pledged an additional $25 million to complete the project.

Due to the unavailability of funds and materials, City Hall approached the Communities Ministry for assistance since the first phase of the works is about 70 per cent complete for the upper flat and 45 per cent for the lower flat.

Vendor Annette Singh, who was displaced to the roadside, said the sanitary facility is in a deplorable state since the washrooms do not have running water and women often contract infections when they use the toilet.

“We don’t have proper facility with the cleaning, we have garbage here for weeks and weeks and no one cleans it. They (City Hall) have a cleaner does come but he don’t clean out here. We does have to clean our own garbage, sweep everything, they are getting paid to do nothing,” she said.

Singh said she has been vending at the Kitty Market for over 26 years and because of the relocation, she has lost

Another group of protesters

a number of customers resulting in her business suffering, forcing her to downsize.

“We lost a lot of customers. They (City Hall) are not saying anything to us and when the Ministers come they just go upstairs and they don’t come and speak to vendors,” the disgruntled vendor stated.

The vendors said they are not hearing anything from City Hall’s administration and noted that they are being forced to pay rental for the unoccupied stalls in the market. The vendors have to

pay a rental fee of $300 per day for weekdays and $600 on weekends.

“They charging us for the monthly rent in there and out here too and that is unfair because we have to stay in the sun and the rain. They start this market so long and put us on the pave and people passing and telling us all kind of thing but where will we go,” another vendor, Zaman, noted.

Joining the protest, People’s Progressive Party Member of Parliament (MP), Juan Edghill said the continuous plugging on money into

the market’s rehabilitation is questionable.

“I am lending solidarity with the people of Kitty and more so the vendors of the Kitty Market. We have to put in perspective, this seems to be a new cash cow, how much has already been spent? $240 million already gone, the Minister comes around and said he is going to put in another $25 million.

When will this market be finished?” Edghill questioned.

He added that Government only acts when leadership is provided by the Opposition, hence the reason for them joining the vendors.

“The vendors have been removed they have to sell on the ground. They are displaced; they have to pay for stalls that are not occupied just to keep their space in the market. When are they going to be able to move back into the market, when are they going to get access to the stalls they are paying for, when the citizens will have

access to the Kitty Market, how much more money would be spent?” he further questioned.

The MP stated that the visit by Minister Bulkan was a mere publicity stunt to distract from the real issues at the market.

During Minister Bulkan’s visit to the market, Assistant City Engineer, Rasheed

Kellman said he envisions the new Kitty Market to have a “supermarket arrangement” where the products are nicely packaged and displayed.

“We’re hoping to have a supermarket arrangement where the meat is nicely portioned and packaged and placed in freezers. We don’t want to be operating in the same manner when this market is finished. So we don’t want vendors to have the meat hanging in the stalls exposed to flies and the elements,” Kellman is quoted as saying by the Communities Ministry.

The scope of works include the construction of 15 external stalls, the sanitary block and the administrative office, inclusive of a revenue collection section, the Ministry said.

The new contract for the rehabilitation was awarded to BML Construction Services.

Bandits kill EBD man during home invasion

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olice are on the hunt for two gunmen who shot and killed machine operator Ishwar Ramanah, called “Jack,” of Lot 624 Macaw Drive, Kaneville, East Bank Demerara during a home invasion on Saturday.

Reports are that the home invasion occurred at about 00:10h on Saturday, and the 30-year-old man was shot in the abdomen.

Ramanah was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Center, and was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at about 18:15h on Saturday. Guyana Times was unable to confirm whether the bandits were able to cart off any valuables during their escape. More details in Monday’s edition.

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SunDAY, january 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Lack of furniture, leaking roofs exposed at Linden schools

The piece of wood which was placed to secure a classroom wall at the Christiansburg Primary School

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recent visit by regional officials to numerous schools in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has unearthed several pertinent issues which need to be resolved. The group of officials consisting Regional Chairman Renis Morian; Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph;

Regional Education Officer Marcia Paddy-Andrews; Councillor, Dr Gregory Harris; and Regional Education Committee Chairman Denise Belgrave, visited St Aidan’s and Primary Christiansburg and Harmony Secondary schools where the issues were highlighted.

At Harmony Secondary,

located at Wismar, Linden, the officials were met with issues ranging from the lack of basic furniture, leaking roofs and electrical issues (exposed electrical wires).

There were also classrooms without electricity supply. It was also noted that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) would be reviewing contracts at the

school due to several issues with contractors.

Other issues which were brought to the fore during the visit were the need for desks and benches. It was also noted that the school’s Home Economics laboratory is in dire need of sewing machines, since the sewing machines have malfunctioned. There were also gas cylinders which need to be refilled.

Over at the Christiansburg Primary and St Aidan’s Primary School, which are housed together in the same building, different issues were highlighted. At St Aidan’s Primary, a cleaner complained about the situation regarding improper drainage system of the washrooms.

“I could get infection at any time in that building. It’s not healthy,” the cleaner pointed out to officials.

Furthermore, a teacher attached to the Christiansburg Primary school highlighted that the wall in her classroom is shaking and is presently being supported by a piece of wood which had been strategically placed by handymen.

The teacher further voiced her opinion regarding the presence of dilapidated furniture in the classroom as well as dysfunctional door and cupboard locks. She noted that as a result of this issue, her classroom was ransacked. During the visit, the Regional Chairman further sought to provide encouragement to students to work hard and stay in school. The RDC also pledged to provide first aid kits to the schools and presented several school bags to students during the visit.

(Utamu Belle)

Crime warnings

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atiricus was quite upset: What right have these foreigners to meddle in Guyana’s affairs? “What we do in Guyana was our business, wasn’t it?” he fumed, as he made his way to the Back Street Bar. As he took his seat at the table, where the fellas had already created a decent forest of beer bottles, he blurted his concern aloud even before starting on his beer.

“Calm down, calm down Sato,” said Cappo, as he shoved the bottle towards his friend. “A who yuh a talk ‘bout? De Indian Guvment na invite Nagga Man fuh wan free trip to India?”

“Not really,” replied Satiricus. “But since you brought that up, why didn’t they invite him?”

“Budday! Dem na invite none Minista,” protested Bungi. “An’ he a wan PRIME Minista!!”

“So how come they invited that Attorney General from Jamaica?” Satiricus wanted to know. “She’s a member of the Cabinet.”

“Sato, like you listening to Nagga Man water-boy?”

Hari grinned. “Unlike Guyana, the Jamaican AG is not a Minister; she sits in Cabinet just as a legal advisor.

They have a separate MINISTER of Justice.”

“Oh!” said Sato. “I always knew Nagga Man water boy was full of it! But I was talking about the US and the British embassies announcing crime is too high here!”

“Suh how da a “inta-ferin’?” Cappo wanted to know. “Dem only warn dem own citizen!”

“But everybody heard!” protested Satiricus. “And it contradicts my fearless leader Rum Jhaat, who said serious crime went down! That is interference!”

“But Sato, if dem British an’ dem American seh crime gaan up,” said Bungi. “Yuh na t’ink dem know somethin’?”

“What could they know?” asked Satiricus exasperatedly. “They get the same facts the police issue.”

“Like you forget the British are advising the police?” asked Hari, as he downed his beer and signalled for another round for all. “They see the figures before Rum Jhaat boys massage them!!”

“Oh!” exclaimed Satiricus. “I better go home early!”

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SunDAY, january 14, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana Stockfeeds Inc

Sale of NICIL shares hits a snag …matter for Cabinet discussion

Principled partisanship

By Ryhaan Shah

I

n Guyana, we often speak of the idea of political affiliations and partisanship as a negative phenomenon. Being immured, as we are, in a political/racial divide every kind of cleavage is highlighted and blamed for the country’s lack of progress.

Principles and principled behaviour are what matter in a democracy and the functioning of a democratic State does require two or more political groups to articulate their particular plans and vision in order to give the electorate a choice. That choice, however, should always be grounded in commonly held principles such as upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, and agreeing on ethical conduct that respects fairness and justice as hallmarks of good governance.

However, manifestos that outline political parties’ plans have not actually mattered because it is identity politics that most often determines a voter’s choice. The divide goes deep and has become so much a part of the Guyanese experience and character that appealing to better natures has been a useless exercise.

Third parties that promote unity or a promise to hold a balance of power between the two major groups have failed and for various reasons, the most recent being the case of the Alliance For Change (AFC) with the coalition agreement, the Cummingsburg Accord, being shunted aside by the main coalition partner, the People’s National Congress (PNC), as soon as the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)/AFC Government came to power.

The AFC’s move to revise rather than to hold and insist on the agreed terms of the Accord demonstrates a lack of the principled behaviour that is necessary for good governance.

Every promise made on the campaign trail has been unapologetically broken by the Granger Government. There are no new investments and no new jobs. Instead, there are wholesale assaults on the sugar and rice industries – strongholds of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) support base – and corruption that is brazen and open as with the gross mishandling of the oil deal with ExxonMobil and the unconstitutional appointment of a Guyana Elections Commission chair.

The only principle at work within the Granger Government is that of self-interest and the citizenry are once again held ransom to tit-for-tat politics that places vengeance and greed above the good governance that is critical if there is to be any meaningful dialogue with the Opposition and any proper functioning of a democracy.

While it is understandable, and even expected, that everyone would support their team, that support should be focused on backing sound policies and should never be a descent into sycophancy and biases based on blind loyalty. The letter pages of the newspapers provide a platform for citizens to critique and comment on political and social situations and events but, often, the letter writers’ names are all it takes to know what position they will support. There is hardly ever any diversion from the known narratives which merely cement the gridlock of our divisive politics and offer no useful alternatives.

This past week, for instance, Stabroek News published a commentary from Working People’s Alliance (WPA) members Andaiye, Eusi Kwayana and Moses Bhagwan entitled “RISE UP – Time to Speak” (January 8, 2018) in which the members rightly criticised the Granger Government’s policy on the sugar industry which has led to estate closures and the retrenchment of 4000 workers.

In an introductory paragraph, they listed a number of the issues and problems facing Guyana. Glaringly absent from the list which included “extra-judicial killings” of “mainly Afro-Guyanese youths” by the past PPP Government were the African Guyanese violence and terror on Indian Guyanese during that same period, even though these were among the very WPA members who had stated publicly “not in my name” during the Buxton terror.

The summary dismissal and denial of the violations against Indian Guyanese brings the legitimacy of these politicians’ current concerns into question and the high moral ground they were trying to claim crumbles beneath the weight of their omission.

The brutality and injustice of the Granger Government’s sacking of mostly Indian Guyanese sugar workers are not so far removed from the brutality of the physical violations on Indian Guyanese or the inherent injustice in omitting and denying the ethnic violence which has been a fact of Guyana’s politics since the 1960s.

But the omission and denial are part and parcel of the African Guyanese narrative and places Indian Guyanese in the position of continually having to correct, counter, and insist on the truth.

Good governance cannot ever emerge from unprincipled partisan politics or governments and as much as any extrajudicial killing should be condemned by everyone so too should the ethnic violence against Indian Guyanese.

Such principled conduct would be a major catalyst in changing the downward trajectory of our country.

G

overnment, through the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), had made moves to sell its shares in the Guyana Stock Feeds Incorporated (GSFI), but weeks after initiating this move, a snag has been encountered and the situation will have to be addressed at the Cabinet level.

During an interview with this publication, NICIL CEO, Horace James, explained that although holding seven per cent shares in the GSFI, Government was not being given a substantial role in determining the direction of the company.

“The status of that (attempt to sell the shares) is: We only had one person submit a bid, and we are going back to Cabinet for further direction. At next Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, they should have time to consider that; so, next week, I expect to have a Cabinet position,” he declared.

“So we have no influence or any seat on any board, or any director (representing our interests). All we could have done was: when dividends (are) offered, collect dividends.

I don't think that is the role of a Government in a private (company),” he expanded.

In a notice originating from NICIL, bids to purchase the Government’s shares in GSFI were invited from reputable organisations. It is understood that NICIL holds 6.68 per cent of the total shareholding of the company, with the other shareholders retaining 93.32 per cent. Bidders interested in purchasing the NICIL shares must, however, first register with NICIL and pay a $10,000 registration fee. They would then be provided with a Request for Proposals (RFP) document; a Memorandum with company details; guide-

Boat captain charged for unlawful assault

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57-year-old boat captain was released on $3000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her charged for assaulting another.

Tarlan Ramphal of Lot 11 Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown denied that he unlawfully assaulted Ishan Marks on January 10, 2018, at the Meadow Bank Wharf, Greater Georgetown.

The Prosecution did not reveal the facts of the case in court and Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield had no objections to bail being granted.

Ramphal was granted bail and is expected to return to court on January 18.

NICIL CEO, Horace James

lines for bidders; and a draft Share Sales Agreement.

Cautioning that it was “not bound to accept any proposal” for the purchase of its shares, NICIL had also issued a stipulation that these proposals must be submitted by December 7, 2017.

The GSFI was established in 1960 with the main purpose of supplying animal feed to Guyana’s livestock sector. In 1975, the then Government had nationalised the GSFI, and thus it stayed until 1998, when it was put back into private hands. At the time, the state had brought in a strategic partner to reorganise the business, which was losing market share to imported feeds. Today, the GSFI is a conglomerate with interest in the livestock, rice, and edi-

GSFI principal shareholder, Robert Badal

ble oil sectors. The enterprise itself is located in an industrial park at Farm, East Bank Demerara.

As a shareholder of the GSFI, NICIL has not enjoyed a smooth ride per se. There have, over the years, been repeated clashes with principal shareholder and Pegasus owner Robert Badal -- a financier of the Alliance for Change (AFC) political party, minority partner in the coalition APNU-AFC Government.

NICIL once took the GSFI to court and obtained an injunction against the enterprise.

Divestment

This is the latest in a series of moves by NICIL to free the Government of involvement in certain enter-

prises. The most famous example is the divestment taking place at GuySuCo under the auspices of a Special Purpose Unit (SPU).

The Unit has begun the process of selling the GuySuCo’s assets, including a number of estates. It has been soliciting proposals from companies or persons, either individually or as part of a joint venture or consortium “with an interest in the privatisation and/or diversification of Skeldon, Rose Hall, Wales and East Demerara ‘Enmore’ factories.”

The request by the SPU for expressions of interest has been identified as the first step in the process of finding and shortlisting buyers or investors in regard to the assets of GuySuCo. The SPU has also already identified a firm -PriceWaterhouse Coopers -- to evaluate GuySuCo’s assets.

An announcement was made as recently as Friday that NICIL had also sold properties in New Amsterdam and Linden. A Queenstown, New Amsterdam property was sold to the Guyana Revenue Authority by public tender for $50 million; while 1.06 acres of land in Linden were sold to M&L Land Development for $2.2million.

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SunDAY, january 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ruimveldt roads in deplorable condition

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everal roads in the Ruimveldt wards of Georgetown are in deplorable condition and need urgent rehabilitation, but efforts to solicit Government intervention in respect to rehabilitation have reportedly proven futile.

Residents of West Ruimveldt’s Marigold Street were forced to place debris

thereon in an effort to deter drivers from traversing the area. When Guyana Times visited the area on Saturday, a resident disclosed that numerous complaints about the state of the road were made to the Mayor and City Council and the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

This resident said that

when it rains, parents are forced to lift their children up in order to take them to school.

Another resident noted that they were forced to place debris on the road to alert drivers to the dangers of the deplorable road.

At the Ruimveldt Industrial Site Area, where several private sector entities provide

The deteriorated road on the eastern half of the Ruimveldt Industrial Estate

Another road in the Ruimveldt Industrial Estate

hundreds of jobs for a large contingent of workers, a similar situation in regard to deteriorated roads obtains, with employees being forced to navigate the deplorable roads to reach to work. However, this situation exists only on the eastern half of the Industrial

Estate Area, as roads on the western half have already been rehabilitated.

The services obtainable in this Ruimveldt Industrial Estate include distribution, bond storage, hardware materials for purchase, and motor vehicle body work and repairs.

Some of the businesses in the area include Distribution Services Limited (DSL), Thriving Auto-body and Repair Shop, E-Networks Inc, Twins Manufacturing, and storage bonds belonging to Kissoons, Banks DIH Limited, and Sunfoods.

13 Caricom ‘deeply disturbed’ by Trump’s derogatory remarks T news

SunDAY, january 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Integrating Guyana

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olitically, Guyana is a country like a bear caught in a trap, and can only eat away its trapped foot in a desperate attempt to free itself. And it is because leaders refuse to consider other forms of governance, such as federalism or consociationalism, which are more suited to Guyana’s history and sociology. When they hear the word “federalism”, for instance, most Guyanese think of Guyana being “divided”. But federalism -- simply another way of integrating a country with “factions” – was first explored by the US. All forms of human organisation are undergirded by ideology or philosophy about how human societies can and ought to be organised. Federalism is not just any form of government.

In its most general and commonly conceived form, federalism can be considered as “an ideology which holds that the ideal organisation of human affairs is best Ravi Dev reflected in the celebration of diversity through unity.”

Federalism, then, has its particular perspective on governance: to achieve stability with justice in pursuit of the good life -- the objectives of most human communities. Federalists are sensitive to the Kantian caution that “ought” implies “can”; so that an understanding of the empirical conditions of the society under consideration is an absolute prerequisite, since each society will have its own idiosyncratic enabling or retarding institutions and structures.

Substantively, Federalism is centred on the values of liberty and freedom, and seeks to give life to those democratic values by integrating diverse groups within societies through accommodation, and not obliteration, of their differences.

In the post-modern, post-colonial world, there is not only an acceptance, but a celebration of diversities. As far back as the middle of the last century, the staid British expert KC Wheare pronounced: “One of the most urgent problems in the world today is to preserve diversities…and at the same time, to introduce such a measure of uniformity as will prevent clashes and facilitate cooperation. Federalism is one way of reconciling these two ends.”

Federalism thus seeks to achieve and maintain unity and diversity. It addresses the innate need of people (and politics) to unite for common goals, and yet to remain separate and preserve their respective integrities.

Federalism means organizing our society around the principle of freedom and autonomy, rather than through the calculus of bureaucratic efficiency. To those who may complain that federalism may introduce unnecessary levels of bureaucracy, studies in cybernetics show that a certain amount of redundancy is necessary for optimum transmission of information etc. From this perspective, federalism demands quantum changes in our conceptions about means and ends in politics. Federalism keeps in focus at all times this concern about means and ends, and insists that we cannot intend to have people live in democracy and freedom while utilizing institutions that stifle and restrict the liberty of the people.

In general, there is an inevitable lag between the institutions honed during times of more restrictive conceptions of human freedom and the more expansive ones prevalent today. In Guyana, federalist principles would have to infuse the new political culture to give life to the values of democracy, while institutional changes would have to nurture and inculcate these new values at the personal, social and ideological levels.

Federalism deals directly with the fact of pluralism in the postmodern world.

While there will be many expressions of diversity, from a political perspective, we have seen that, in the post-modern world, ethnicity has become the most widespread one, leading to severe strains and this seemingly inevitable and intractable conflict between nationalism/ethnicity and democracy. It combines kinship (the basis of ethnicity) and consent (the basis of democratic government) into politically viable entities through constitutionally protected arrangements involving territorial and non-territorial politics. This is the central need of politics in Guyana.

In the modern world, where groups -- especially ethnic groups -- have not disappeared into some sort of mélange, and there are far more groups in the world than countries, federalism performs a sociological function by simultaneously facilitating the integrity of various groups and their input into the political system.

Thus federalism combines the seeming contradictory impulses present in all societies, but accentuated in plural societies such as Guyana’s; the need to be united (the principle of solidarity – and shared rule); and the need for groups to live authentically (the principle of autonomy – self-rule).

he Caribbean Community (Caricom) has strongly condemned United States President Donald Trump’s use of “derogatory and repulsive” language to describe Member State, Haiti, and other developing African countries.

At an Oval Office meeting with lawmakers to discuss immigration legislation on Thursday, Trump is reported to have asked, “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” referring to countries like Haiti, El Salvador and other African nations. He was reportedly questioning why there are so many immigrants from those countries when the US should be accepting citizens from nations like Norway.

Although the controversial President has denied making the comments attributed to him, the reports have provoked widespread global outrage.

Caricom on Saturday issued a statement, saying that it is deeply disturbed by the unenlightened views reportedly expressed by the US President. The regional body added that it is further saddened that such narrative has emerged around the time of the anniversary of the devastating 2010 earthquake which took so many Haitian lives.

“Of additional concern, is this pattern of denigrating Haiti and its citizens in what seems to be a concerted attempt to perpetuate a negative narrative of the country,” Caricom asserted.

To this end, Caricom extended full support for the response made by the Government of the Republic of Haiti in reaction to Trump’s highly offensive reference. It went on to remind the United States that Haitians, in many spheres, continue to contribute significantly to the global community, and particularly to that North American country.

“Caricom therefore views this insult to the character of the countries named and their citizens as totally unacceptable,” the statement outlined.

Following reports of the statements attributed to Trump, which was confirmed

by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who was also in the meeting, Haiti’s Government issued a strongly worded statement, condemning what it described as the “racist” view of not only Haitian immigrants but also those from African countries.

“The Haitian Government condemns in the strongest terms these abhorrent and obnoxious remarks which, if proven, reflect a totally erroneous and racist view of the Haitian community and its contribution to the United States,” President Jovenel Moïse’s Administration posited.

Trump tweeted on Friday that while his language was “tough”, he did not say anything derogatory about

Caricom Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana

US President Donald Trump

Haitians except that Haiti is obviously a very poor and troubled country. He added too in the social media post that he has a “wonderful” relationship with Haitians.

Meanwhile, the controversy continues to cause widespread global fallout since at least two US diplomats around the world have being summoned to clarify the reported comments.

The US chargé d’affaires in

Haiti, Robin Diallo, met with President Moïse, to discuss the remarks. Additionally, the Government of Botswana summoned the US ambassador to express displeasure at what it called “highly irresponsible, reprehensible and racist” comments.

Moreover, the United Nations has also issued a strongly worded statement, in which it said it was impossible to describe President Trump’s remarks as anything other than racist. At a news briefing in Geneva, UN

human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said, “There is no other word one can use but racist. You cannot dismiss entire countries and continents as ‘shitholes’, whose entire populations, who are not white, are therefore not welcome.”

In addition, the African Union, a group representing the continent’s 55 countries, said it was “frankly alarmed”

by Trump’s statement, demanding the US President to apologise for this “racist” remarks.

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50% severance payment Younge’s Take Bitter sugar not enough – GTUC …advises Govt, GuySuCo to rethink strategy

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he Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) said President David Granger’s commitment to paying affected sugar workers 50 per cent of their severance is “not good enough”, while noting that addressing the workers’ concern is not a priority of the Administration.

On Saturday, the GTUC said the fact that no budgetary allocation was made to cover the severance of the affected is indicative of no premium being placed on the concerns of the workers. As such, the GTUC sees this as a worrying sign and intensification of the Government’s attacks on workers’ rights, across the board.

In a strongly worded statement, the Union further stated the failure of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to begin paying severance packages to the redundant workers on their last payday speaks of the callous approach in treating the workers’ welfare.

The trade union representative body noted that severance payment is earned consistent with the

Dismissed sugar workers along with their families protesting for severance payment

Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, adding that when the professional relationship is severed between an employer and employee, industrial relations practice dictates that the employee hands over to the employer all properties of the employer. Likewise, the employer has corresponding responsibility to hand over forthwith all monies accrued and owing to the employee. The failure to do so speaks to breaking of a

contractual relationship and were these workers in the Private Sector, the Labour Department would have demanded they be paid, and if not, the errant employer placed before the court.

Additionally, the GTUC notes Government must be mindful of claims of being conscious and caring about the affected workers since it would not be deemed credible and sincere. They added that severance should have been paid at time of termi-

nation, so these workers can move on with their lives.

The Union added that the number of workers being laid off requires a plan to cushion the socio-economic impact on them, and the institutions and communities that rely on their income.

“Various pronouncements as to the number being affected or are being placed in alternative jobs, and in cases being transferred to State agencies is being questioned. A major reason for this is that the sugar unions seem unaware which continues to point to the problem of the absence of engagement and involvement by the workers’ representative in their welfare,” the statement added.

Protest

Some 4000 sugar workers from Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon were let go by December 29, 2017.

Fearing that they would have suffered a similar fate as Wales, workers attached to Rose Hall staged a protest in Berbice on Tuesday, demanding that they paid their severance packages.

This was one of several similar actions planned by workers and their Union against the decisions made regarding the sugar industry.

Following the protest, Government announced on Wednesday that it will pay 50 per cent of the severance benefits to dismissed sugar workers by the end of this month, a commitment that represented over $2 billion in severance payments.

About 850 workers protested the non-payment of millions of dollars, which are collectively owed to them for their years of service given to the GuySuCo. Meanwhile, GAWU has registered its disappointment with the Government deferring the full payment of severance. According to the GAWU President, the decision breaches the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act.

A

s I write this column, I am outraged over the manner in which the People’s National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition Government has treated our country’s hardworking sugar workers since coming to office in May 2015.

These are the very same workers who for decades have laboured in the cane fields and various parts of Guyana’s many sugar estates to keep this country afloat, many times preventing it from going under.

These workers are not criminals but they are being treated in that manner. Sugar workers, like any other category of workers, are law abiding citizens who pay their taxes and make meaningful contributions to the overall development of their communities and the wider society in which they live. They deserve far more respect than the coalition Government is according them, and I firmly believe that the President and his entire Cabinet owe them an unreserved apology.

Michael Younge I find it very hard to accept the arguments put forward by the coalition Government for its decision to fire thousands of workers just before Christmas 2016 without a detailed plan as to the payment of those workers and the concomitant consequence’s that will flow from that decision.

If the David Granger Government said it could no longer afford to give the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) billions of dollars as a bail out because of the financial strain placed on the public purse, then it must explain its actions in many other sectors and areas. Why must taxpayers carry the burden of paying for the salary increases for “fat cats” in the Government? Why must we pay for Minister’s to live in luxury and travel all across the world unnecessarily? Why must the entire country pay for Linden to have subsidised electricity yearly but we cannot pay to ensure that thousands of poor and ordinary workers keep their jobs and bread on their table. What is good for the goose must be good for the gander.

The fact that the Government has not put proper arrangements in place to pay those workers who have been dismissed is also very alarming and shameful. If you terminate their services or have their services retrenched, pay them right there and then. In any other part of the world, this Government would have been hauled before the courts. Not paying the workers ahead of Christmas and early in the year is insensitive and heartless. It exposes the crassness of the decision and the fact that there was no plan in the first place.

Because of the coalition Government’s decision to close estates, fire thousands of workers who are mostly East Indian and withhold their payments, communities along the coastland which were dependent on the sugar industry economically will be decimated financially. The spin-off impact will see poorer families and a massive decline in their disposable income or spending ability. No small loan projects and skills training exercise can undo the damage that will be done. And no amount of public relations stunts and propaganda can change the mindset of those who have been wronged by this Government.

The truth is, these workers feel because they voted for the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), they are being victimised. They feel worse than the communities of Agricola and Buxton which have historically complained about being discriminated against by the PPP while it was in office.

This decision marks a massive setback for race relations in this country and exposes the cracks in the Government’s social cohesion policy. It will also reduce any gains this Government hoped to foster in the area of building ethnic trust. Maybe if it was done by the PPP, the reaction and perceptions might have been different but it was done by a coalition Government that is dominated by a particular ethnic group. That alone will be the subject of much discourse at the bottom houses in sugar producing areas and those who are committed to sowing seeds of racial discord and disharmony, will have a field day even if the Government did not even premise its decision on race but politics and economics.

The decision to close estates should have benefited from a series of televised public consultations and the Commission of Inquiry report on the state of the industry should have been the subject of national debates, both at the levels of the Regional Democratic Councils in various sugar producing regions for feedback and the National Assembly.

The decision to downsize the industry and restructure it in this matter while at the same time firing so many people does not make economic sense at a time when the national economy is in pre-recession mode and unable to attract any new foreign direct investments.

The Government with its penny wise and pound foolish approach has not even rolled out a robust programme aimed at retraining a large portion of those employees to make them more marketable so that they can venture outside of the industry and find jobs.

I strongly feel that if GuySuCo was bleeding this country’s coffers badly over the years, then this Government should have taken a top down approach. It should have changed its management because that is where the problem lies. Many of them do not understand how to run companies with the dynamics that GuySuCo has efficiently and effectively. Why do you think there is a lot of interest from private companies in the estates, the assets and there lands?

Sugar workers must use their ballots as their sole weapon against this coalition Government in 2020; after all, that is all they can do when faced with an Administration beset by arrogance, political immaturity and indifference.

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SunDAY, january 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former MP Sandra Adams laid to rest Sovereign Wealth Fund: A proposed framework for Guyana’s Petroleum Sector – (Part 1)

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uyana is just two years away from the commencement of commercial oil production in 2020. Hence, in the coming weeks, this column will be dedicating a series of articles on a proposed framework for a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) for the extractive sector. The Government of Guyana (GoG) has assured that a SWF will be in place well in advance of the production of oil in 2020. However, this should not be treated lightly given the slothful pace at which things are being done sometimes, if not at all time – for it will call for a lot of work on the part of the Government to establish.

Over the last two years or so (2016/2017), there has been much public discussions and/or debates on the model of the SWF that Guyana should adopt. As a contribution to the discussions, this newspaper carried a beautiful piece in one of its Editorials on June 22, 2017, with the caption - “Guyana’s Sovereign Wealth Fund”.

The editorial highlighted that the Opposition Leader suggested that Guyana should adopt the Norway model instead of Trinidad and Tobago’s. Indeed, the Norway model is among one of the bests in the world as compared to Trinidad and Tobago.

But surprisingly, in the last press release on the subject of a SWF sometime in December 2017, the Finance Minister implied that the Government has crafted a preliminary legislation by looking closely at Uganda’s legislation, and which has been reviewed by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Commonwealth, United States and the United Kingdom.

Despite it has been (hopefully & truthfully) submitted for review by these international institutions, according to the Minister; this column is not convinced and/or impressed with this development – chiefly the mirroring of Uganda’s model. The Finance Minister sought to justify this approach by stating that Uganda is at a similar stage of development of its petroleum sector to that where Guyana is currently or will be (I stand corrected). This justification (if its indeed true) is in itself an unjustifiable and unfathomable justification, simply because – if Uganda is at the same stage as Guyana, then they are still at the trial and error phase and it is thus logically a weak framework, or certainly not the best.

One may naturally have the proclivity to wonder, why such a harsh assertion as stated above. Uganda is an oil producing country in East Africa, but the problem with Uganda is that it is known to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world. In fact, this is not just an universal perception, it is a factual ideology supported by an 11page report which was published on the “Overview of corruption and anti-corruption in Uganda,” by Transparency International (www.transparency.org).

Also, recently there was a video on YouTube – which went viral on the Internet – showing a huge ‘brawl’ in Uganda’s Parliament.

The video was circulated just around the same time on social media, when our own Parliament went into a moment of chaos, paralleling the exact drama in Uganda’s Parliament; but the only differences were, (1) the Police did not intervene in Uganda’s Parliament and, (2) the politicians were seen, literally and physically assaulting one another.

For a developing country like Guyana, the least you want to do is to adopt a weak framework, susceptible to corrupt tendencies by politicians. The wisest and brilliant thing to do is to adopt one of those frameworks that were proven to be successful and yield the best results for the country and its people, by the much more advanced economies.

Norway, on the other hand, is one of the most peaceful and clean countries and it ranks among the least corrupt countries in the world (http://www.business-anti-corruption.com/countryprofiles/norway), noting that according to the 2016 Corruptions Perception Index reported by the Transparency International, Norway is the 6th least corrupt nation out of 175 countries. In further citing the report, “Corruption Rank in Norway averaged 8.09 from 1995 – 2016, reaching an all-time high of 14 in 2008 and a record low of five in 2013. In the same report, Uganda was ranked 151 least corrupt out of 175, ranking on average 112 from 19962016, reaching an all-time high of 151 in 2016 and a record low of 43 in 1996 – while Guyana was ranked 108 least corrupt out of 175 nations, averaging 123.58 from 2005 – 2016, reaching an all-time high of 136 in 2013 and a record-low of 108 in 2016.

In closing for today, should we not try to emulate a country like Norway that has done remarkably well in these key areas? Why do we want to emulate a globally perceived corrupt country that is even worse off in that regard than our own country? What does this tell you about where we are heading and the kind of framework that the Administration wishes to set up? *The Author is the holder of a MSc. Degree in Business Management, with concentration in Global Finance, Financial Markets, Institutions & Banking from a UK university of international standing.

(For comments, questions and responses on articles featured in this column, readers can reach the author at jbinsights@outlook.com).

The late Sandra Adams

T

ributes poured in on Saturday at the funeral for People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Party Councillor and former Member of Parliament, Sandra Adams, as family, friends and political accolades remembered and celebrated her life through words, songs and prayers.

The service was held at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground in her hometown, Linden, where scores of persons turned out to pay final respects.

The Principal Political Secretary passed away on January 2, 2018, following heart-related complications. Adams, who was also the sister of Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood, has served in various leading capacities over the years, including Deputy Director of Community Development Councils, Regional Councillor and Region 10 Party Chairman, among others.

In delivering the eulogy, her sister Marilyn Sinclair remembered Adams as being a “trailblazer from the beginning”, who excelled in her education and passionately pursued it throughout her life.

She described Adams as being “born for politics”, “family oriented”, entrepreneurial and a great “fashionista”, who held the Linden community close to her heart.

President David Granger in his tribute reminisced on his relationship with Adams over the years, as he referred to her as a “good gift” to the party, her community and the country. The Head of State noted that over the years, he had come to recognise Adams’ sincerity, strength and commitment as well as her ambition to serve.

President Granger added that Adams was a “true believer” who always stood her ground, rising to become one of the most prominent figures in the PNC administration.

He also remembered Adams for being bold and “plain-spoken”, noting that she worked hard as Party Coordinator for Region 10, during the campaigns for the 2015 General, Regional and Local Government Elections.

Also present was First Lady Sandra Granger and several Government Ministers, among other officials. Following the ceremony, internment for the late Adams was held at the Bamia cemetery. (Utamu Belle)

A section of the gathering at the funeral service on Saturday. In photo, President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger sit with Ministers Volda Lawrence and Amna Ally

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SunDAY, january 14, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

PIO Conference in India

AFC distances party from attack on Indian High Commissioner …as Imran Khan disregards Joseph Harmon’s caution

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ven after the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had appealed to senior Government officials to refrain from making controversial statements on their social media platforms, the Director of Public Information, a senior member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Imran Khan, continues to question the Indian Government’s intention over the invitation of Members of Parliament for the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference held in New Delhi on Tuesday.

His continued attack of the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency Mr Venkatachalam Mahalingam, have resulted in the AFC distancing itself from his comments.

“Mr Imran Khan’s post

Government can only appeal to its senior officials to refrain from making controversial statements.

plained that the top hierarchy of both the Indian and Guyana Governments are aware that the invitations

Venkatachalam?” again tagging the High Commissioner.

Again, the High

The post about the Jamaican Attorney General

does not reflect the Alliance For Change position. We have extremely cordial relationship with the Indian Government and the Indian High Commissioner,” AFC Chairman, Khemraj

Ramjattan, has said.

Ramjattan, in a telephone interview, said the AFC supports the remarks made by Harmon when he said the views are Khan’s personal views and the

The Indian High Commissioner’s response to the post about the Jamaican Attorney General

Khan on Wednesday posted a comment on his Facebook page, questioning whether the Indian High Commission in Guyana was interfering in this country’s internal affairs and was attempting to engage in destabilisation of the coalition Government.

His statement was in relation to the recently concluded Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference held in New Delhi on Tuesday, which was attended by a 23-member Guyanese delegation upon the invitation of the Indian Government. The delegation, the largest at the conference, comprised 17 Opposition and three Government parliamentarians, as well as three Mayors – all of Indian heritage.

The DPI Director, in his post, has asked whether the Indian High Commission had deliberately invited only three Government backbenchers, and had specifically ignored Government ministers of Indian heritage.

He then tagged the Indian High Commissioner in his post, forcing a response, in which it was ex-

were for 23 Members of Parliament and three mayors of Indian origin who are not ministers.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Minister Harmon further outlined that the invitations from the Indian Government were to Members of Parliament, and the respective Chief Whips on both the Government and Opposition sides had engaged the High Commission on the selection process of who would attend the conference.

However, the DPI had continued on by posting a photo of Opposition Parliamentarian Nigel Dharamlall with Jamaican Attorney General Marlene Malahoo-Forte with the caption, “Arlene Malahoo-Forte is Attorney General and an elected member of the Jamaica Parliament and a ranking member of Cabinet.

She was invited to and attended the Persons of Indian Origin Parliamentarians Conference in New Delhi, India. No Minister from Guyana was invited.

Only non-minister MPs were invited from Guyana. Why the double standard Mahalingam

Commissioner engaged Khan, and patiently explained that as far as the Indian Government knows, Malahoo-Forte is Attorney General of Jamaica and is an elected MP of Jamaica.

He further explained that she was invited since she was not a minister, unlike in the case of Guyana, where the Attorney General also holds the post of Minister of Legal Affairs.

Khan’s latest post questioned whether the Indian Government would have “even fathomed inviting non-Ministerial MPs ONLY to the Persons of Indian Origin Parliamentarians Conference had the PPP been in government here in Guyana, and/or the UNC been in government in Trinidad and Tobago?”

Minister Harmon has said this matter is engaging the attention of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who has direct responsibility for the Department of Public Information.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo is yet to publicly address the issue, and efforts to contact him have all proved futile.

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SunDAY, january 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Charity Marketing Centre wharf collapsing R

egion Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt, is calling on the Public Infrastructure Ministry to give careful attention to the Charity Marketing Centre and wharf, which he has said is on the verge of collapsing.

The chairman says the structure has become obsolete, and now poses major threats to those vending there.

Speaking to media operatives during a press conference on Friday, Ramdatt said Region Two does not have sufficient funds to conduct rehabilitative works on the structures, and is seeking the intervention of the Public Infrastructure Ministry (MPI).

According to Ramdatt, since last year August, the region had communicated with the MPI about the structures and the urgency for remedial work to be conducted thereon. At the moment, the greenheart pillars supporting the wharf are rotten and shaking.

Alarmingly, despite repeatedly being cautioned, persons continue to vend on the wharf.

Ramdatt said a report presented by the engineer of the Public Infrastructure Ministry at the recent Works Committee meeting revealed that the wharf had sunk six inches into the water, and the Marketing Centre itself was cracked

Rotten pillars at the wharf

in numerous places.

Further, most of the piles beneath the wharf were determined to be no longer able to support the structure.

The solid concrete wharf is thus sitting precariously on a few remaining piles, and the prognosis is that it would likely collapse.

Ramdatt revealed that at the last statutory meeting of the Region Two Democratic Council (RDC), the task was given to the acting clerk, Roop Kumar Persaud, to convene a meeting with those vending on the wharf to inform them of the jeopardy they face, because the deteriorating condition of the structure poses a threat to those traversing it. The structure is 32 years old, and requires urgent attention. Over 30 persons utilize the structure

The slanted section of the wharf

for vending. “We have gotten reports that heavy-duty trucks are driving on top the structure.

The structure, as it is, cannot withstand weight, and it can very well collapse.

We have been educating persons about this, but still reports indicate persons are driving on it in the nights,�

Ramdatt explained.

Interviewed, vendors say they accept the decision to move, but they questioned where the NDC would put them, since where they vend attracts sales. Many vendors, declaring that they depend on vending to support their families, have called on the relevant authorities to take that into consideration.

Guyana Times understands that the Charity/ Urasara NDC has placed bars in an effort to block ve-

hicles from traversing the wharf. To date, the NDC

is still to issue notices to vendors to stop vending

at the Marketing Centre.

(Indrawattie Natram)

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sunday, january 14, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Shot fired as bandit attempts Sophia man before the court to take Police gun for ganja trafficking

A

shot was fired in downtown Georgetown on Saturday afternoon after an alleged bandit attempted to relieve a City Police of his service pistol.

According to reports, the officer, Adam Hoyte, was on patrol duties when 34-year-old Marlon Frederick of Tiger Bay, Georgetown – who was wanted for questioning in connection with a robbery – was observed between Charlotte and Regent Streets, Georgetown.

As such, Hoyte attempted to apprehend Frederick who began to run. The officer gave chase and caught up with the suspect on Robb Street, near to Wellington Street.

However, the man began to fight Hoyte for his service pistol – a 9mm Tauras pistol – which was in his holster at his waist.

In doing so, the firearm discharged one round; however, no one was shot. Both men received injuries to their heads as a result of the scuffle.

Frederick was later subdued and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and is being kept for observation.

Hoyte was also treated and sent away.

Investigations are continuing.

A

D Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown man was on Friday before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for having 18 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Mario Jeffrey, 23, of Lot 204 D Field, Sophia appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied that on January 9, 2018, at Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, he had in his possession 18 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

His Attorney, George Thomas, told the court that the narcotic his client is be-

ing charged for having was found in a trench and not on his client.

As such, he noted that his client has no knowledge of the illegal drug and asked for

bail to be granted on those grounds.

Bail was granted in the sum of $75,000 and Jeffrey is scheduled to reappear in court on February 9.

Several State Boards reconstituted Marlon Frederick after he was subdued

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abinet has granted its approval for the reconstitution of a number of State Boards and the appointment of several Directors of Boards for State agencies, according to Government spokesperson, Joseph Harmon. The announcement was made at the post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday.

The Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) will be chaired by Patricia Bacchus and will include Dr Shameer Bacchus, Basil Blackman, representatives of the Private Sector, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC), the Foreign Affairs, Natural Resources and Public Infrastructure Ministries along with a representative from the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a member of the parliamentary Opposition.

Additionally, approval was also granted for the Income Tax Board of Review, which will be chaired by Basil Joseph and includes Nigel Hinds, Donna Ellis, Trevor Bowen, and a representative of the parliamentary Opposition as its members.

The Dependents Pension Fund’s Board was also approved for the period January 1 to December 31, 2018. This will be chaired

by Jennifer Chapman and includes members such as Lincoln Lewis, Patrick Yarde, Lance Baptiste, Professor Harold Lutchman, Mohan Khan and Gillian Rockliffe.

Harmon added that

Cabinet also approved the Institutional Review Board of the Public Health Ministry.

The life of the Board began in November last year and will run until December 2019. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Public Health Ministry, Dr Shamdeo Persaud is serving as the Chairman and other members are Dr Holly Alexander, Sylvia Conway, Asif Suberan, Pauline Welch, Michelle France, Dawn Lyken-Stewart and Michelle Smith.

Burt Sukhai has been appointed Chairman of the Firearm Licensing Board, which is expected to operate between February 1 and January 1, 2019. Other members are Dr Bhiro Harry, Kim Kyte-John and Christine Jagmohan.

sunDAY, january 14, 2018

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Pakistan 74 all out …New Zealand take 3-0 series lead

Martin Guptill was run out five short of another half century (Getty Images)

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hey might be the current Champions Trophy holders, but over the last two years, Pakistan have conceded the highest score in the format's history - 444 at Edgbaston.

Today, in Dunedin, they came perilously close to posting the lowest ODI score; it was very much on the cards when they reeled at 32 for 8. In a batting performance so listless that even New Zealand appeared to be embarrassed by the ease with which Pakistan's innings crumbled, the home side rubberstamped their superiority by bowling Pakistan out for 74, winning by a mammoth 183 runs.

Any semblance of a contest was blown to pieces by

a sensational opening spell from Trent Boult, who made a mockery of the notion that it was a slow pitch on which bounce was difficult to extract. Azhar Ali was the first to fall. Granted a life two balls earlier, when Santner dropped one at cover, Azhar poked at one outside the off stump and gave first slip a straightforward grab.

Fakhar Zaman had been trying to cut Boult for much of an innings that was destined to be ephemeral. He eventually dragged on. With Hafeez then edging a catch to Ross Taylor at first slip, the contest was over, but the potential for humiliation had only just begun.

The records began to tumble; only on three oth-

er occasions since 2006 had a side made less than ten runs in the first Powerplay (Pakistan made 9 for 3 today); only once before had Pakistan lost six wickets for fewer than the 16 they managed today.

Suddenly, the lowest-ever ODI total - 35 - began to be threatened, as batsmen came - each appearing as clueless, as amateur as the last - and met the same fate.

The contest ended in the only way that was appropriate, Boult returning to clean up Hasan Ali with an excellent yorker to complete his five-wicket haul. It put Pakistan out of their misery, and gave New Zealand the series with two games remaining.

At the start of the game, the pitch had played far slower than most expected.

In scrappy, turgid conditions for batting, New Zealand's batsmen showed patience and temperament, stringing together several excellent partnerships to put up 257.

Colin Munro and Martin Guptill began like they usually do, each striking a six within the first eight balls.

But it soon became evident that that strategy wouldn't be sustainable.

Munro fell in the second over, having misjudged the pace and bounce of a delivery, lobbing it straight up to Sarfraz.

That brought Williamson and Guptill together, and the run rate came steadily down. It was a difficult surface to get one's eye in, and the two batsmen rotated the strike instead of taking risks, aware of the importance of kicking on from a start. Williamson occasionally used his feet to the fast bowlers - with some success - but timing proved elusive for both batsmen, and the innings was becoming a grind.

When Taylor came in after Guptill's run out, he found it far easier to settle in. He was able to manoeuvre the gaps more effectively than any other batsman, two early boundaries through the covers off Shadab Khan setting the tone of the partnership. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Trent Boult’s early strikes set the template for Pakistan’s listless collapse (Getty Images)

SCOREBOARD New Zealand Innings (50 overs maximum) MJ Guptill run out (Shadab Khan/†Sarfraz Ahmed) 45 C Munro c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Faheem Ashraf 8 KS Williamson* c Mohammad Hafeez b Rumman Raees 73 LRPL Taylor lbw b Shadab Kha n 52 TWM Latham† c Shoaib Malik b Rumman Raees 35 HM Nicholls c & b Shadab Khan 0 MJ Santner b Hasan Ali 6 TD Astle c Fakhar Zaman b Rumman Raees 5 TG Southee b Hasan Ali 6 TA Boult b Hasan Ali 13 Extras (lb-2, nb-2, w-4) 8 Total (All out; 50 Overs) 257 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (C Munro, 1.4 ov), 2-84 (MJ Guptill, 20.1 ov), 3-158 (KS Williamson, 33.2 ov), 4-209 (LRPL Taylor, 42.3 ov), 5-209 (HM Nicholls, 42.4 ov), 6-226 (MJ Santner, 45.6 ov), 7-226 (TWM Latham, 46.1 ov), 8-233 (TD Astle, 46.6 ov), 9-239 (TG Southee, 47.4 ov), 10-257 (TA Boult, 49.6 ov) Bowling Mohammad Amir 8-134-0 (w-2, nb-1), Faheem Ashraf 6-1-29-1, Rumman Raees 10-051-3 (w-1, nb-1), Hasan Ali 10-0- 59-3 (w-1), Shadab Khan 10-0-51-

2, Shoaib Malik 6-0-31-0 Pakistan Innings (target: 258 runs from 50 overs) Azhar Ali c Taylor b Boult 0 Fakhar Zaman b Boult 2 Babar Azam run out (Santner/†Latham) 8 Mohammad Hafeez c Taylor b Bo ult 0 Shoaib Malik c Taylor b Ferguson 3 Sarfraz Ahmed*† not out 14 Shadab Khan b Munro 0 Faheem Ashraf c Astle b Ferguson 10 Hasan Ali c Williamson b Munro 1 Mohammad Amir b Boult 14 Rumman Raees b Boult 16 Extras (w-6) 6 Total (All out; 27.2 Overs) 74 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Azhar Ali, 1.6 ov), 2-2 (Fakhar Zaman, 3.1 ov), 3-2 (Mohammad Hafeez, 3.5 ov), 4-13 (Babar Azam, 12.1 ov), 5-15 (Shoaib Malik, 13.4 ov), 6-16 (Shadab Khan, 14.5 ov), 7-30 (Faheem Ashraf, 17.4 ov), 8-32 (Hasan Ali, 18.1 ov), 9-52 (Mohammad Amir, 23.6 ov), 1074 (Rumman Raees, 27.2 ov) Bowling Southee 7-3-190 (w-1), Boult 7.2-1-175 (w-1), Munro 7-1-10-2, Ferguson 6-0-28-2 (w-3)

ICC U-19 World Cup, New Zealand

Windies crash to opening defeat – Allen hits winning ton for Kiwis

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achin Ravindra and Finn Allen, two men who were part of New Zealand's disastrous Under-19 World Cup campaign two years ago in Bangladesh where they finished tenth, opened the 2018 edition at home with stirring displays. West Indies, the defending champions, slumped to an eight-wicket defeat at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, the manner in which they collapsed reminiscent of their seniors, who endured a winless tour of New Zealand not too long ago.

Ravindra picked three wickets with his left-arm

spin while Allen, the No. 3 batsman, brought up a counter-attacking 92-ball century, his first in youth ODIs, as New Zealand cruised home with plenty to spare. Allen, who was unbeaten on 115, forged a second-wicket stand worth 163 with Jakob Bhula, who made 83. Ravindra's dismissal for 16, flashing at a short and wide delivery that he nicked to the wicketkeeper off Ronaldo Alimohamed, was the only blot in an otherwise ruthless display.

A hint of rain and a thick cloud cover made conditions ideal for West Indies' pacers to exploit. But they sprayed

the ball all over the pitch.

Their sloppiness on the field didn't help either. What could've been an intense contest turned rather cold halfway through the chase.

Allen was strong square of the wicket, but his use of the sweep against spin was particularly impressive as he chugged along consistently at over a run-a-ball.

Bhula, slightly more circumspect to begin with, grew in confidence but fell to a tame caught-and-bowled dismissal with the target within touching distance. Allen then saw off the chase with captain Kaylum Boshier just as rain started to spit down.

While Allen polished off the runs, it was Ravindra who broke West Indies' back after their openers Kimani Melius and Keagan Simmons, nephew of batsman Lendl Simmons, put together 123 in 27.2 overs to set a solid platform.

Ravindra, who cleverly varied his pace and use of his angles, finished with 3 for 30 off seven overs as West Indies, handily placed at 149 for 2, were restricted to 223 for 8 in 50 overs. Simmons, who battled through the innings and looked set for his maiden youth ODI century, was left unbeaten on 92. (ESPN

Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD West Indies Under-19s Innings (50 overs maximum) K Simmons not out 92 K Melius c Bhula b Ravindra 78 B Yadram c Allen b Murray 11 KA Kallicharan lbw b Fisher 2 EWJ Stewart*† b Murray 1 A Athanaze c Allen b Ravindra 26 J Royal c †Chu b Fisher 7 C Cooper c Watson b Ravindra 4 N Young b Fisher 1 RJ Alimohamed not out 1 Extras (w-10) 10 Total (For 8 wickets; 50 Overs) 233 Did not bat: A Nedd Fall of wickets: 1-123 (K Melius, 27.2 ov), 2-145 (B Yadram, 31.6 ov), 3-149 (KA Kallicharan, 34.1 ov), 4-150 (EWJ Stewart, 35.1 ov), 5-199 (A Athanaze, 44.5 ov), 6-216 (J Royal, 47.2 ov), 7-223 (C Cooper, 48.5 ov), 8-224 (N Young, 49.1 ov) Bowling Sullivan 6-0-24-0, Fisher 10-1-61-3 (w-7), Watson 5-0-28-

0 (w-1), Murray 10-0-37-2, Bhula 9-0-38-0, Boshier 3-0-15-0 (w2), Ravindra 7-0-30-3 New Zealand Under-19s Innings (target: 234 runs from 50 overs) JJNP Bhula c & b Athanaze 83 R Ravindra c †Stewart b Alimohamed 16 FH Allen not out 115 KL Boshier* not out 8 Extras (b-1, lb-2, nb-2, w-7) 12 Total (For 2 wickets; 39.3 Overs) 234 Did not bat: KD Clarke, DN Phillips, TJ Watson, MW Chu †, FJM Murray, CJ Sullivan, MJ Fisher Fall of wickets: 1-46 (R Ravindra, 9.6 ov), 2-209 (JJNP Bhula, 36.6 ov) Bowling Young 5.3-0-37-0 (w-4, nb-1), Alimohamed 6-1-271 (w-1), Yadram 5-0-27-0 (w-2, nb-1), Royal 10-0-55-0, Nedd 9-063-0, A Athanaze 4-0-22-1

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sunDAY, january 14, 2018

RHTY&SC, Scotia Bank extend long-standing relationship

- bank pumps $875,000 into 2018 programmes

T

he highly successful and long standing relationship between the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) and Scotia Bank was renewed for another year.

The Bank handed over a cheque valued $875 000.00 and a large amount of kiddies cricket practice equipment to Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at a simple presentation ceremony at its Corporate Head Office in Robb Street, Georgetown, Demerara.

Scotia Bank and the club established a relationship in 2009 and this year’s sponsorship represents the 10th year the two organizations would be working together to make a positive difference in the lives of youths and those in the Education Sector.

Foster, who received the sponsorship from Marketing Executive of the Bank, Jennifer Cipriani disclosed that it covers sponsorships for their 4th Annual Children Mash

Parade, Inter-School Essay Competition, Tribute to Teachers Programme, purchasing of cricket balls for cricket development programme and co-sponsorship of the Club’s Annual Youth Review Magazine and Annual Awards Ceremony.

Outstanding Teachers drawn from ten schools in the Lower Corentyne area would be honoured under the Scotia Bank’s Tribute to Outstanding Teachers Programme while the same schools would be involved in the Mash Parade scheduled for February 23.

The main objectives of the parade would be to celebrate Guyana’s 48th Republic Anniversary, to promote the importance of Education, Culture, Sports and to promote social cohesion among residents.

As it pertains to the purchase of cricket balls, $100 000.00 has been budgeted for this which will go towards a planned comprehensive Cricket Development Programme while the

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster (right) receives sponsorship cheque from Scotia Bank, Marketing Executive Jennifer Cipriani

Practice Equipment would be used on a weekly basis by the Club’s King Solomon Logistics Under-12 Team which is based at the Rose Hall Town Primary School.

The same amount worth of trophies and Medals are

earmarked for the 28th Annual Awards Ceremony which would be held on April 16 where a total of 40 club members would receive $2,500,000 worth of trophies, Medals and prizes while assistance would be

India fight back with late wickets - Markram, Amla hit half-centuries

I

ndia surged back into contention against South Africa after two run outs late on Saturday, including the key wicket of Hashim Amla, saw the hosts slip to 269 for six at the close on the opening day of the second test.

South Africa had seemed set for a big first innings total when they reached 246 for three but some brilliant fielding and poor decision making combined to rattle their middle order and leave the honours even after the first day.

Home captain Faf du Plessis is not out on 24 and will resume his innings on Sunday with Keshav Maharaj (10) on a slow wicket that is expected to quicken over the next few days.

Amla looked in total control of his innings and struck 14 fours in his 82 before being called through for a risky single by Du Plessis.

The bowler, Hardik Pandya, reacted quickly though and his speed to the ball, swivel and quick release to the bowlers’ end found Amla two feet short.

Quinton de Kock was then out for a first ball duck, caught at slip by India captain Virat Kohli off the bowling of hard-working spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (390), who sent down an impressive 31 overs on the opening day.

Dean Elgar put on 85 runs for the opening partnership with Aiden Markram (Getty Images)

The hosts’ misery was compounded when Vernon Philander was also out without scoring, charging down the wicket for a run as Du Plessis screamed at him from the non-striker’s end to stop. Both players ended up on the same side of the wicket.

The poor half-hour undid the excellent work of opener Aiden Markram earlier as he compiled an eye-catching 94 before being caught by wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel off Ashwin, denied a third test century in seven innings.

Dean Elgar (31) was

Ashwin’s other victim, while impressive seamer Ishant Sharma (1-32) induced an edge from the dangerous AB de Villiers (20) onto his own wicket.

The wicket has also shown some variable bounce already and is expected to break up on days four and five.

South Africa have selected uncapped seamer Lungi Ngidi as a replacement for the injured Dale Steyn, the only change to their side from the 72-run first test victory in Cape Town.

India made three changes as opener Lokesh Rahul, Patel and Sharma replaced Shikhar Dhawan, Wriddhiman Saha and Bhuvneshwar Kumar respectively. (Reuters)

SCOREBOARD South Africa 1st Innings D Elgar c Vijay b Ashwin 31 AK Markram c †Patel b Ashwin 94 HM Amla run out (Pandya) 82 AB de Villiers b I Sharma 20 F du Plessis* not out 24 Q de Kock† c Kohli b Ashwin 0 VD Philander run out (†Patel/ Pandya) 0 KA Maharaj not out 10 Extras (lb-7, nb-1) 8 Total (For 6 wickets; 90 Overs) 269 Yet to bat: L Ngidi, K

Rabada, M Morkel Fall of wickets: 1-85 (D Elgar, 29.3 ov), 2-148 (AK Markram, 47.3 ov), 3-199 (AB de Villiers, 62.4 ov), 4-246 (HM Amla, 80.5 ov), 5-250 (Q de Kock, 81.1 ov), 6-251 (VD Philander, 82.6 ov) Bowling Bumrah 18-4-570 (nb-1), Mohammed Shami 11-2-46-0, Sharma 163-32-1, Pandya 14-4- 37-0, Ashwin 31-8-90-3 India team; KL Rahul, M Vijay, CA Pujara, V Kohli*, RG Sharma, HH Pandya, PA Patel†, R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, JJ Bumrah, I Sharma

provided to over 20 NGOs, Schools and Sports Clubs based in Berbice.

Foster further noted that the Scotia Bank Mash Parade would be organized by the ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth

& Sports Club and a total of 700 students are expected to participate. Foster hailed the relationship between the Club and Scotia Bank as extra special and stated that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club was considered the best in Guyana because of the support of institutions like Scotia Bank.

Scotia Bank’s Marketing Executive, Jennifer Cipriani in brief response stated that the almost one million investments of finance and Kiddies Cricket Equipment was an indication of the bank’s confidence in the administration of the club. She stated that the bank was delighted to be on board for the last ten years and was very proud of the club’s records of achievements and hard work. All of the club activities, she stated was not only well organized but that the bank was satisfied that its funds were well spent. She expressed confidence that the relationship would continue well into the future.

LABA, GRFU to host AGMs

T

he Annual General meeting (AGM) of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) will he held tonight from 19.00h at the Mackenzie Sports Club Pavilion.

High in the agenda will be the reports from President Lawrence Simon, who will chair the proceedings, secretary and treasurer.

The clubs are invited to send at least two representatives -who will represent Victory Valley Royals, Block 22 Flames, Half Mile Bulls, Bankers Trust Falcons, Amelia's Ward Jets, Retrieve Raiders, Christianburg Pistons and Kwakwani.

However, before the start of the meeting each club must affiliate for 2018 and register their players for t h e new season.

More so, the Annual General Meeting of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) will be held on Sunday January 28th at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue.

According to a press release from the GRFU, the AGM will begin at 11:00h. Members and club representatives are asked to attend.

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sunDAY, january 14, 2018 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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GSSF shoots off 2018 with practice sessions

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Flashback! GSSF members during the 2015 launch of Trap shooting

T

he Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) will commence 2018 with two days of handgun and shotgun practice for members on January 20 and 27; at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Yarrowkabra Range, Timehri.

According to the GSSF, more emphasis will be placed on training and practice rather than jumping straight into live action. The GGSF have secured the range for the two dates which will target shooters in two respective categories of firearms; Trapshooting (rifles) and handgun training.

The GSSF also released the particulars for the shoot with the Trapshooting Practice using number seven 7 or lighter ammunition. Also, members wishing to have shotgun practice will need to confirm their attendance beforehand so as to ensure that

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the arrangements are in place for transportation of the trap-machine to the Range.

As per normal, range safety rules will be in effect which means marksmen will have to ensure they are correctly equipped with Ear and Eye protection while for the Handgun division; all calibers will be allowed with the exception of the Trap-shooters who will be required to use the number seven or lighter cartridges.

Ammunition available on the range will include; .22, .32, 9mm, .40 and No. 7.5 shotgun cartridges which are compatible with the various types of targets which include; Paper, Cardboard, Steel Challenge Plates and Sporting Clays for trap-shooting.

The range will be open from 13:30h on both days and will close at 17:00h while Range for the two sessions is $500.00.

Bangwandin, Persaud star in Trophy Stall Open

omel Bangwandin opened 2018 by copping the Trophy Stall Open Title despite a perfect outing by 8-time Guyana Open champion, Avinash Persaud.

The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) and Trophy Stall teed off the new year with a huge open on Saturday which featured some of Guyana's top golfers including; Jorge Medina, Guillermo Escarraga, Joaan Deo, Pandit Ravi Persaud, Mike Mangal and others.

In conditions which according to a few of the pros were difficult; Persaud finished with a perfect Gross of 70 on the freshly done greens, stunning his colleagues who credited the reigning champ for living up to his reputation as Guyana's best.

Honours however, went to Bangwandin who finished with a Gross 88 and a 66 Net; besting second place Pandit Ravi who shot 88 Gross with a Net of 76.

Persaud although he bagged the best gross award for his 70, finished third while Mangal placed fourth after his 81 Gross 68 Net. Nearest to the Pin was snatched up by Haresh Tiwari.

At the conclusion of the event, LGC President Aleem Hussain said he was happy to have staged a tournament for the first time in years, in January following the works carried out by the team over the past few weeks.

The President further hinted at another tournament set to be staged before the end of January. The club also inducted five new members including international and popular fashion designer Sonia Noel.

Avinash Persaud receiving his award for Best Gross from MACORP CEO Jorge Medina

22

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sunDAY, january 14, 2018

CWI/ Digicel Regional 4-Day Championships 2017-18

Jaguars press ahead despite rain – Champs lead by 252 runs heading into final day

O

n another rain affected day, the Guyana Jaguars maintained their dominance at the Kensington Oval in round nine of the Digicel Regional Four-Day Championship on Saturday thanks.

Batting a second time, the champions were 154 for 4 when bad light stopped play for the third consecutive day with opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul

on 66 and wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble on nine.

The hosts were kept in the contest with another fiery spell from rookie fast bowler Chemar Holder but were held up by the stubborn knock from Tagenarine Chanderpaul.

Holder, the former West Indies under 19 fast bowler who was part of the championship winning team two years ago, followed up his

first innings five-for to pick up three of the Jaguars wickets in their second innings so far but could not remove the younger Chanderpaul who has so far faced 197 balls while hitting five fours. It is Chanderpaul’s fourth half century this season and seventh of his career which has now spanned 24 matches.

After the Jaguars openers put on 44 for the opening wicket, Holder got the break-

through when first innings top scorer, Chandrapaul Hemraj was sent back shortly after lunch. Leon Johnson hung around briefly but also perished to the fired up Holder who is playing his first match at this level.

At 66 for 2, Windies “A” team vice-captain joined Chanderpaul and they consolidated for 73 valuable runs. Singh was very busy at the crease in hitting eight

fours from exactly 100 balls before he was outfoxed by Warrican to end the stand.

The senior Chanderpaul, Shivnarine, then joined his son and got what is arguably the ball of the match so far. The veteran followed a Holder delivery which was pitched on middle and moved slightly away from the left-hander’s off stump only to nick it fine to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich. Shiv was gone for a rare duck and suddenly the Jaguars had lost two wickets for one run.

With the light fading quickly, Bramble was hit on the helmet from a short ball from Miguel Cummins and moments later the umpires, Jonathan Blades and Patrick Gustard decided that enough was enough and ended the day’s play with the Jaguars ahead by 252 runs.

Earlier, the hosts resumed on 147 for 7 surprisingly got to 199 before they were all out in the first session. Overnight batsman, Kemar Roach moved from 15 to 51 with nine fours to give the Pride’s score some amount of respectability after they were steering down the barrel on day two at 115-6 when he walked to the crease. Roach first put on 52 for the eighth wicket with fellow overnight partner, Jomel Warrican who made 22 after beginning on 13.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul will look to convert his well-constructed innings of 66 not out to a maiden century today at the Kensington Oval

Warrican was first to go to give Romario Shepherd his maiden Regional five-wicket haul in his ninth match.

Roach then continued on and with debutant, Holder added 26 for the ninth wicket but was dismissed shortly after bringing up his third First Class half century. In all he batted for 69 balls and became his side’s first victim of spin in the form of leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul. Shortly after his dismissal, the innings folded and the Pride were denied a batting bonus point while giving the four-time reigning champions a lead of 98.

If the weather allows for a full day’s play, the Jaguars with five wickets in hand may want to bat for another session for maybe another 125 runs and then invite the Pride to have a good or try to survive two sessions which will make today’s final day an interesting one.

SCOREBOARD Guyana Jaguars 1st innings 297 Barbados Pride 1st Innings (Overnight 147-7) K Brathwaite run out (Permaul) 13 S Moseley c Hemraj b Shepherd 24 S Brooks* c Hemraj b Shepherd 25 J Carter c wkpr Bramble b Pau l 21 R Chase c wkpr Bramble b Shepherd 1 S Dowrich c T Chanderpaul b Shepherd 0 J Greaves c T Chanderpaul b Rutherford 16 K Roach c wkpr Bramble b Permaul 51 J Warrican c Hemraj b Shepherd 22 C Holder b Pau l 5 M Cummins not ou t 2 Extras (b-3, lb-6, w-4, nb-6) 19 Total (All out; 58.5 Overs) 199 FOW: 1-41 (K Brathwaite, 13.6 ov), 2-46 (S Moseley, 14.4 ov), 3-83 (J Carter, 24.5 ov), 4-91 (R Chase, 32.3 v), 5-93 (S Dowrich, 32.4 ov), 6-115 (S Brooks, 36.4 ov), 7-119 (J Greaves, 37.4 ov), 8-171 (J Warrican, 48.1 ov), 9-197 (K Roach, 57.3),

10-199 (C Holder, 58.5) Bowling Paul 15.5-2-41-2, Reifer 11-4-35-0, Rutherford 13-1-55-1, Shepherd 14-440-5, Permaul 5-1-19-1

Guyana Jaguars 2nd Innings T Chanderpaul not ou t 66 C Hemraj c (sub) b Holder 21 L Johnson* c Greaves b Holder 6 V Singh stp wkpr Dowrich b Warrican 43 S Chanderpaul c wkpr Dowrich b Holder 0 A Bramble not ou t 9 Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-1, nb-5) 9 Total (For 4 wickets; 67 Overs) 154 Still to bat R Reifer, K Paul, S Rutherford, R Shepherd, V Permaul FOW: 1-44 (C Hemraj, 14.3 ov), 2-64 (L Johnson, 22.6 ov), 3-137 (V Singh, 55.2 ov), 4-138 (S Chanderpaul (56.4 ov) Bowling Cummins 15-3-43-0, Holder 18-2-56-3, Greaves 7-114-0, Chase 13-9-18-0, Carter 5-2-6-0, Warrican 9-3-14-1 Position: Jaguars are ahead by 252 runs with 5 wickets in hand

sunDAY, january 14, 2018

“I have no problem bidding for CPL finals” – Norton

By Akeem Greene

M

inister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sport Dr George Norton is open to the idea of the Government of Guyana placing a bid to host this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals.

Norton in speaking to Guyana Times Sport on Saturday explained, “I don’t have a problem with it [bidding for finals] but I don’t have enough information at this time but I certainly will discuss it further and if it’s possible we will certainly do so.

I need the necessary in-

formation and I will make an effort to get that and then it will go to cabinet.”

Last year, CPL’s Chief Operating Officer Russell had deemed the country a viable option for the finals given its enormous fan base and having the other essential facilities such as hotels but no bid was made public by the government.

Regarding the process of how a bid can possibly can arise, State Minister Joseph had explained, “We operate on the basis that a Minister brings to Cabinet a memorandum on the matter and then Cabinet will deliberate and make a decision. When you talk about spending money you have to make sure everything is in order.”

The same continues to unfold for 2018 since on Russell’s most recent visit to Guyana, he explained that contrary to reports, Trinidad and Tobago are not definitively the

guyanatimesgy.com

host for the finals.

A booming factor in the consideration is that the home of the Guyana Amazon Warriors is already confirmed to host five matches and should the finals week come into the fray, that will move to nine matches.

The league’s financial report revealed in 2017 Guyana reaped over US$14 million or 2.8 Billion Guyana dollars, while hosting four matches figures which are expected to continue grow as the number of matches also grow.

“There is no doubt that sports do contribute to the improvement to the economy of the country and we will certainly do everything to let that continue so that we can benefit even more,” the Minister contended.

It is understood that the 2017 finals which were held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy came to fruition after their Minister of Sport,

23

Darryl S m i t h worked very closely with Sports Ambassador Brian Lara to negotiate the US$1M bid.

The league enters its sixth year and the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago has hosted three finals with St Kitts and Nevis has been the other benefactor in 2014 and 2016. The Amazon Warriors have played in three of the five finals to date but are yet to lift the title. In 2017, Trinbago Knight Riders beat the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the final to win their second championship while the Amazon Warriors finished third.

The Biggest party in sport which comprise six franchises is slated to commence early in August and will run up until September, the same window period that was used last year.

LGC, UG golf programme growing rapidly

S

tudents of the University of Guyana commenced the new year with an enriching session of golf as part of their ongoing project in partnership with the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC); aimed at fusing sport and academics.

The first session of 2018 was held on the make-shift Greens near the University’s Sports faculty on Friday afternoon. The interactive session featured a number of students, LGC President Aleem Hussain and former Guyana Cup women’s champ and one of the country’s best golfers Joaan Deo as well as a few members of the club.

With golf on the rise, the aim of the session was to teach the students the basics of golf while taking them on a path of becoming the next crop of top golfers. Areas such as putting, chipping, driving and accuracy were instilled during the near two-hour long session.

As sports and academics continue its path of matrimony in Guyana, the sessions help bind the undergraduates book work with

Local pro golfer Joaan Deo (second from right front row) is flanked by some of the University of Guyana golfers and LGC President Aleem Hussain (second from right back row) after the Friday session at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus

golf. The team features roughly 15 university attendees, mostly ladies who work closely with Deo and others during the sessions.

When Guyana Times Sport visited the University, the students were in the midst of being taught the basics of drives and putts in an

environment which mirrored that of a mini Lusignan course.

Each of the upcoming golfers was outfitted with their own pieces

of gear as the LGC seeks to properly teach the craft to the newbies. Feedback from some of the students were positive as most of them seemed to already be getting into their groove.

Both Hussain and Deo said the project which will feature weekly session at the Lusignan course, should benefit all the participants by the end of the duration of the introductory session. Also the project is geared towards ensuring that all the students continue down the path of golf and become members of the club.

The course also affords those interested in pursuing a future in golf to easily become members of the fraternity and further increase their prowess in the sport. The facilitators further noted that they expect the current number to triple in the near future as the feedback regarding the project is positive.

Sessions continue this Friday at the newly refurbished LGC greens from 16:00h.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2018

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

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“I have no problem bidding for CPL finals” – Norton

Pg 23

Some Guyanese fans have been longing to see their Amazon Warriors in a final on home turf

Bangwandin, Persaud star in Trophy Stall Open

Pg 21 Winner’s row! Saturday’s Trophy Stall open winners pose with their spoils as they flank winner Romel Bangwandin with LGC President Aleem Hussain and new member Sonia Noel

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January 14, 2018

Star Times Hollywood:

Meghan Markle apparently Page 14 bought the Queen a hilarious Christmas present FREE DISTRIBUTION

Page 3

Inside

Guyana Society for Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Page 2

Women in Business Expo

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 14, 2018

Feature

Guyana Society for Biodiversity and Ecosystems

A few members of GSBE

GSBE members promoting its conservation work at the IV IBG Congress 2016 - Guyana

T

he Guyana Society for Biodiversity and Ecosystems (GSBE) is a non-governmental, charitable, non-profit body established to promote conservation, research and wise management of biological diversity and ecosystems in Guyana and the wider Guiana Shield through its affiliation with partner associations in the region.

About 16 years ago, the conceptualisation of the region-wide Guiana Shield biodiversity movement occurred at a Priority Setting Workshop in Paramaribo, Suriname. The meeting involved a dedicated group of scientists from the International Conservation Union of the Netherlands (IUCN), Conservation International Guyana (CIGuyana) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). One of the key decisions taken at the meeting was that a biennial congress on biodiversity of the Guiana Shield should be held along with the establishment an IBG. To date four congresses were held, the last being in Guyana in August, 2015.

At the Third Congress IBG Congress held in Paramaribo, Suriname in 2013, a decision was taken that the Fourth Congress would be held in Guyana to coincide with the coun-

try's 50th independence anniversary. The decision to host the IV Congress in Guyana led to the formation of a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and subsequently Guyana Society for Biodiversity and Ecosystem (GSBE). In essence, therefore, the GSBE is an outgrowth of the IBG and the work it had put in place.

Currently, GSBE is involved in two projects. The Triple A Initiative Project, which involves collaboration with the Guiana Shield countries (Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname and Fr. Guiana), is intended to focus on the sociological/ anthropological/environmental issues affecting primarily indigenous communities.

Secondly, conducting a preliminary survey of research on the status of freshwater ecosystems in Guyana.

The purpose of this study is to provide a background for a much larger study on freshwater in collaboration with other stakeholders in Guyana.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, GSBE’s Chairman, Dr. Patrick Williams, said the organisation was established to achieve the following: Host the IV IBG Congress in Guyana in 2015; develop partnership with local, regional and in-

ternational organisations in pursuit of biodiversity conservation; conduct fundraising activities to further the work of GSBE; embrace and support nationally-driven initiatives with respect biodiversity and other related conservation initiatives; provide support for education and awareness initiatives in the area of biodiversity conservation; undertake joint research initiatives with partners and disseminate information on biodiversity; support regional initiatives on biodiversity in the context of the wider Guiana Shield region; and provide leadership na-

tionally in the area of biodiversity conservation.

“Our membership is quite small, but it is our intention to expand on this as one of our priorities for 2018. Because we believe that biodiversity conservation does not begin and end with scientists only, GSBE is focused on establishing a multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary organisation.

This would include natural scientists, social scientists and others that bring together biologists (flora and fauna specialists), geographers (geomorphologists, climatologists, social scientists (anthropologists, sociologists et al). Additionally, membership of GSBE is open to university students, practicing scientists, and or-

ganisations. There is also room for associate membership.

Membership comes with the completion of a membership form and an annual fee which varies depending upon the category of membership,” Williams explained.

Over the years GSBE has hosted a highly successful congress in 2015 where over 125 scientific papers were presented by from all across the Guiana Shield and beyond; published a book of abstracts covering the presentations made at the IV Congress, including speeches from His Excellency Brigadier David Arthur Granger and keynote speakers; participated in a number of regional environmental conservation initiatives,

A past conference highlights conservation activities being done in Guyana

one of which led to the development of the Kurupukari Action Plan, which also provided proposal for regional collaboration and conservation initiatives; ongoing collaboration with partners in the Guiana Shield on the development of a project proposal referred to as the Triple A Initiative (Andes/ Amazon/Atlantic); and funded a desk review project on the status of Guyana's freshwater ecosystem.

GSBE is currently assisting in the preparation of documents, as is the case of the other countries, in support of the development of a project proposal that is expected to attract a ten-year funding cycle on indigenous issues for the region.

The organisation hopes to increase collaboration with other organisations with interests in biodiversity conservation; forge greater regional and international links; undertake vigorous fund-raising activities; increase the profile of the organisation, actively participate in special designated events such as World Environment Day and World Biodiversity Day; play a greater role in promoting biodiversity education and awareness; and collaborate with various stakeholders in pursuit of Guyana's Green Development Agenda.

For more information on the organisation’s work, visit Guyana Society for Biodiversity and Ecosystems on Facebook.

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JANUARY 14, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

W

Friendly wager on American football results in support of jaguar conservation in Guyana

hile American football may not be very popular in Guyana, some Guyanese were watching the outcome of last week’s firstround playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars (Florida, USA) and Buffalo Bills (New York, USA) very closely.

In the spirit of friendly competition, and to celebrate both teams gaining NFL playoff berths for the first time in many years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Florida) teamed up with the Buffalo Zoo (New York) for a friendly wager with the goal of bringing attention to two conservation projects that the zoos are passionate about. One of those projects operates right here in Guyana and just happens to share its focus with one of the team’s mascots.

The bet

The wager was simple. If the Buffalo Bills won, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens would make a contribution to the North American Bison Coalition in addition to supplying the Buffalo Zoo with chocolate-covered popcorn (a local delicacy). The American Bison Coalition brings together an assortment of conservationists including Native America tribes, educators, and zoos in an effort to raise awareness of this iconic species in North America.

If Jacksonville won, the Buffalo Zoo would contribute to the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit, as well as sending sponge candy (its local delicacy) to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

The Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit is

a coalition of researchers working to increase understanding and inform the management of some of Guyana’s most iconic species, including jaguars.

Imagining a matchup of North and South America’s quintessential species, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens' Executive Director Tony Vecchio felt confident backing his hometown jaguars, saying “as a trained zoologist, it is clear to me that a jaguar would have no trouble taking down a bison.” However, Buffalo Zoo President/CEO, Norah Fletchall, was not intimidated countering with “a jaguar may be fast and cunning, but stands little chance against a herd of well-built and winter-hardy bison.”

The North American bison (Bison bison) is the continent’s largest land mam-

American bison showing support for their hometown Buffalo Bills at the Buffalo Zoo

From left: Felix Holden (Yupukari), Matt Hallett (University of Florida), and Andrew Albert (Karasabai) sporting hats and shirts donated by the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, and University of Florida bookstore

mal, with mature bulls standing more than 2 meters tall, over 3.5 meters long, and weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Despite their massive size, bison can run more than 60 KPH, jump approximately 2 meters high, and thundering herds running shoulder-to-shoulder move in unison to evade predators. The North American bison has become the symbol of conservation in the US and was named ‘America’s National Mammal’ in 2016.

A conservation success story, bison populations have rebounded within protected areas following significant declines in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. An estimated 20-30 million individuals once roamed the American savannahs before conversion of native prairies to agriculture and extreme overharvest reduced their numbers to 1,091 individu-

als in 1889. Today, approximately 30,000 wild bison exist in conservation herds, with about 5,000 roaming unfenced and disease free across the American plains as their ancestors once did.

The jaguar (Panthera onca) is Guyana’s national animal, the largest cat in the Americas, and perhaps, pound for pound, the most powerful big cat in the world. Jaguars are efficient and effective hunters that are renowned for their stealth and power. Their ability to stalk in silence, attack with a single leap, and produce an amazing bite force relative to their weight allowed them to subdue prey much larger than themselves. Though they are the animal most often associated with the dense tropical rainforests of the Amazon and Guiana Shield, jaguars inhabit a wide variety of habitats, including wetlands, swamps, coastal forests, scrub, savannahs, and desert from the southwestern United States to northern Argentina.

Deforestation has resulted in about 50% reduction in the jaguar’s native range in the last 100 years and retaliatory killing following predation of livestock threatens remaining populations.

Guyana remains a stronghold for South America’s most iconic species thanks to its high percentage of forest cover and active conservation efforts in the interior.

The game

Iwokrama staff show their support for the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of last Sunday's game at their office in Georgetown

In front of their home crowd at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, the Jaguars outlasted the Bills in an oldschool, low scoring game between two very talented defenses.

The game’s only touchdown came late in the third quarter when, with the score tied 3-3 and fac-

ing fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Jaguars QB Blake Bortles found TE Ben Koyack in the back of the end zone with a gutsy pass at a critical moment. That score was all the Jaguars stout defense would need, sacking the quarterback twice, and forcing two turnovers, including the game clinching interception by CB Jalen Ramsey that kept the final score at 10-3.

The close game kept Jaguars’ fans, and jaguar researchers, at the edge of their seats. Said Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit (RWRU) founder, Dr. Matt Hallett, “I was always confident that the Jags would pull it out in the end, but I’m not going to lie and say that wasn’t nervous there for a bit … as a north-central Florida resident I was happy to see the local team win, but I’m even more grateful that the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens and the Buffalo Zoo the game as an opportunity to raise awareness of important conservation efforts. The American Bison Coalition is doing amazing work with one of my favorite North American species, but of course, I’m thrilled that the wager will ultimately generate some benefits for our talented and hard-working research teams in the Rupununi.”

Asked whether or not the game reflected a match-up of their wild counterparts as predicted by the CEO’s of the two zoos, Hallett replied, “Ironically the low scoring nature of the game actually more closely resembled the methodical pack-hunting style of one of Guyana’s other wild carnivores, the bush dog (Speothos venaticus), which utilizes stamina to outlast and eventually overtake its prey.” continued on page 4

4

Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 14, 2018

Feature

‘The Phoenix Letters’

By Lakhram Bhagirat

W

e quite often think if we could turn back the hands of time, we would do a lot of things differently. For Guyanese author, Soshinie Singh, it is no different. Her recent book, “The Phoenix Letters”, is a compilation of letters she has written to her younger self. These letters are from deep within, as she writes about love, life, laughter, sadness and time.

What began as an Instagram project has now matured into two beautiful books, “The Phoenix Letters” and “The Phoenix Letters Return”.

Reading the “Phoenix Letters”, I was transposed

to my childhood and the challenges of growing up.

For Soshinie, she believes that there is a very thin line between teenage years and adulthood.

“Being an adult, we have more responsibilities, but when it comes to relationships, the bumpy road can almost be similar. It is when the roadblocks occur that the major differences can be seen. We lose friendships, lovers, everyone we categorised as ‘dear’; we may lose them at any stage. However, our experiences may not necessarily be at the same stage in life,” she said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

The 24-year-old author is a former student of

the Bishops’ High School and is currently studying Information Systems and Operation Management at the George Mason University in Virginia.

She lived a simple life and was raised in Albertown.

According to her, simplicity and love for her parents are what kept her going during challenges. She noted that inspiration comes daily from her parents and sisters.

The “Phoenix Letters” series reminds us of how far we have come, how much further we have to go and where we are presently.

Soshinie explained when she began writing the “Phoenix Letters” at age 21 her aim was to keep writing and to discover how much

Book covers

she has learned up to that point. Initially, she shared her letters on Instagram and friends, and was astounded as to the difference they were making in people’s lives.

“I began my journey of writing poetry in my midteens, so a lot of my experiences are still fresh (since I am only in my early 20s).

Over the years, writing has proven to be my reprieve; a place where I can escape into my thoughts and study myself. It has been a place where I can assess how far along I have come and how far I am willing to go. I have often been told that there is something that resides in me, and yet no one has been able to give further explanation. As I began writing this series of letters, I intended to write for myself.

However, I slowly realised that I was writing for many people as well. I was their voice, too. I hope I was able to touch you, inspire you and enlighten you with these letters. Thank you for being on this journey with me,” the author expressed in her book.

The paperback edition is available at Barnes and Noble and through Book Depository, which provides free worldwide shipping and also on Amazon for US$9.99 and US$10.99.

Soshinie hopes to get her books to Guyana in the near future so that she can speak to the average Guyanese teens who are going through the same things she experienced as a teenager.

Soshinie Singh

“The Phoenix Letters” series takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride as Soshinie talks about how to use experiences to humble yourself, about feeling ugly, being gullible, and about indifference. The 50 letters in the series transport you into the mind of Soshinie and make you reflect on your own journey, something we quite often forget.

An extract from one of the letters (“Letter #4 Equality”) reads: “Open your eyes and see what is right before you.

You should never think that you are above or below anyone else. There are equal opportunities existing for all to share. They are just about a

mean and a motivation. Do you witness the relationship that the sun and the moon share? Do you pay attention to them? You learnt in school that the moon has no light of its own and it is the sun's light that we see reflected. Does it not tell you something? Though, the sun is the fiercest epitome of light, it does not think itself better than its counterpart, the moon. It shares, it motivates and it embraces the moon as an equal. This intimate light and dark makes love to the universe and you can do this too. Move your mind and make someone else shine.”

from page 3

Conservation benefits The Rupununi is widely considered the most biodiverse region of Guyana and the indigenous Makushi and Wapichan people who inhabit the region have served as its stewards for millennia. The wealth of biodiversity and natural resources that persist there today are the direct result of their traditional management systems and continued commitment to sustainable use.

However, the Rupununi is currently facing dramatic social, economic, and environmental change, resulting from exposure to technology and global culture, demand from, and access to, global markets, and a changing global climate.

The overarching goal of the RWRU is to equip Rupununi communities with tools, strategies, and structures to deal with their rapidly changing world, allowing them to continue the legacy of stewardship set by previous generations. They team up with indigenous hunters, farmers, and fish-

erman from across the region, providing training and employment opportunities with the goal of generating a greater understanding of the distribution and abundance of jaguars and their prey.

Large mammals fit as the focus of their work, as they are provide critical services at a variety of scales. Globally, large mammals are naturally rare, play important roles in ecosystems, are sensitive to disturbance, and are the majestic and regal or cute and cuddly animals that we all love. Locally, large mammals may prey on livestock or pets (jaguars, puma), damage crops (deer, agouti, peccaries), and are targeted for food (peccaries, labba, tapir, deer). Bringing together the traditional and scientific knowledge has allowed the RWRU to generate a wealth of data and co-develop new questions that they did not even know they had when they began.

The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens has been providing financial support to the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit for the past three years,

and supporting conservation initiatives in Guyana since 2008.

Conservation is a priority for the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the Buffalo Zoo, as well as all institutions that belong to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Collectively, AZA institutions supported about USD$216,000,000 worth of field conservation efforts in 2016. The Buffalo Zoo and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens directly contribute to the long-term survival of species in natural ecosystems and habitats through both species-specific and habitat-focused conservation projects.

The Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Heinz Field this week to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in their second-round playoff matchup. No word yet on whether the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens has reached out to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium for another friendly wager for the sake of conservation.

Follow Rupununi

Kanuku Mountains rangers cheer the Jaguars on at the Protected Areas Commission office in Lethem

Wildlife Research Unit on Facebook, rupununiwildlife on Instagram, @RupWildlife on Twitter, or subscribe to their Rupununi Wildlife

channel on YouTube. (By JJ Vitale, Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens; Christian Dobosiewicz, The Buffalo Zoo; and Matt Hallett,

Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit. Cover photo: A jaguar roars following the Jaguars’ win last Sunday)

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JANUARY 14, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

Women in Business Expo

promised.

The expo’s theme last year was, “Be Bold For Change”;

T

Crafters showcase local talent at a past Women in Business Expo

he Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA), in collaboration with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development (WASD), invites the public on an empowering journey at the third annual ‘Women in Business Expo’.

The highly-anticipated event is scheduled for March 10-11, 2018 at the Pegasus Hotel to mark International World’s Women Day. The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1908 when a group of 15,000 women marched on the streets of New York, demanding their rights. Since then, every year on March 8, the world joins hands together to support, raise, inspire and motivate women across all fields of work. The purpose of this day is to focus on various themes such as innovation, business the portrayal of women in the media, or the importance of education and career opportunities.

Over the years the expo attracted farmers, environmentalists, up-cyclers and recycling crafters, event planners, artists, immigration consultants, barristers, fashion designers, wood crafters, body and hair care consultants and others.

Last year’s Women in Business Expo, there was a large contingent of indigenous women who came all the way from various hinterland regions, and it is hoped this year is no different.

“We want to construct a different world of work for women. As they grow up, girls must be exposed to a broad range of careers, and encouraged to make choices that lead beyond the tradition-

al service and care options to jobs in industry, art, public service, modern agriculture and science,” UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said.

SNFCA and WASD have been executing philanthropic projects over the years that contributed significantly to adding value to people and assist in building strong, confident, intelligent and empowered women who are committed to the task of building a progressive society.

Some of the pre-events are health, business and technology forums, networking events such as ‘Charting Your Course’ (networking event), ‘Inspire You’ (motivation event), ‘An Evening with Sherry Dixon’, tea parties and fashion shows, and book signing. Apart from motivational events, workshops, exhibitions and networking events, an ‘Expo Booklet’ will be distributed for free to the public at the event. It will feature exhibitors and partners.

The expo has had numerous success stories over the years where small businesses benefited tremendously through their participation in the event. One such entity is local craft/fashion company, Rave Designs - Deborah Mathias.

“Other than the wonderful interaction with some very strong and amazingly focused women, being at the expo has encouraged me to renew my commitment to my business and at a personal level I came to understand that I am a very important part of my brand,” Deborah Mathias expressed.

Entrance to the expo is free and daily entertainment and giveaways for patrons are

A creative booth at a past Women in Business Expo

this year’s is: “Press For Progress”.

Registration for exhibi-

tion spaces closes at the end of January.

For more information

on the expo, visit Women's Association for Sustainable Development on Facebook.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

january 14, 2018

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January 14, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

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8 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 14, 2018

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Travel and Tourism

View of the mountains from a hill in Imbaimadai

I

Arriving in Imbaimadai

mbaimadai is a small mining town deep in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region of Region Seven founded by miners.

It is not only well-known for its gold, diamond and other precious mineral deposits, but for its majestic mountains, being part of the Pakaraima range along the Guiana Highlands, its hundreds of miles of jungle, and its cold nights and steamy days.

Possessing natural richness throughout, Imbaimadai offers exciting adventures to nature lovers. (Photos by Sam Rich on Flickr)

Scenic view of the waterfalls The Police Station

A child playing in a tree nearby to the school

Cascading waterfalls upriver of Imbaimadai

Getting to Imbaimadai via the Mazaruni River

Imbaimadai Primary School

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JANUARY 14, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Health

T

etanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are very serious diseases. Tdap vaccine can protect us from these diseases. And, Tdap vaccine given to pregnant women can protect newborn babies against pertussis.

Tetanus (Lockjaw) causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness, usually all over the body.

It can lead to tightening of muscles in the head and neck so you can’t open your mouth, swallow, or sometimes even breathe. Tetanus kills about 1 out of 10 people who are infected even after receiving the best medical care.

Diphtheria can cause a thick coating to form in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and death.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) causes severe coughing spells, which can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting, and disturbed sleep.

It can also lead to weight loss, incontinence, and rib fractures. Up to 2 in 100 adolescents and 5 in 100 adults with pertussis are hospitalized or have complications, which

could include pneumonia or death.

These diseases are caused by bacteria. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person through secretions from coughing or sneezing. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds.

Tdap vaccine Tdap vaccine can protect adolescents and adults from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. One dose of Tdap is routinely given at age 11 or 12. People who did not get Tdap at that age should get it as soon as possible.

Tdap is especially important for health care professionals and anyone having close contact with a baby younger than 12 months.

Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap during every preg-

nancy, to protect the newborn from pertussis. Infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis.

Another vaccine, called Td, protects against tetanus and diphtheria, but not pertussis. A Td booster should be given ev-

ery 10 years. Tdap may be given as one of

these boosters if you have never gotten Tdap before. Tdap may also be given after a severe cut or burn to prevent tetanus infection.

Your doctor or the person giving you the vaccine can give you more information.

Tdap may safely be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Some people should not get this vaccine A person who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of any diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis containing vaccine, OR has a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, should not get Tdap vaccine. Tell the person giving the vaccine about any severe allergies.

Anyone who had coma or long repeated seizures within 7 days after a childhood dose of DTP or DTaP, or a previous dose of Tdap, should not get Tdap, unless a cause

other than the vaccine was found.

They can still get Td. Talk to your doctor if you have seizures or another nervous system problem, had severe pain or swelling after any vaccine containing diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis, ever had a condition called Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS), aren’t feeling well on the day the shot is scheduled.

What if there is a serious problem?

What should I look for?

Look for anything that concerns you, such as signs of a severe allergic reaction, very high fever, or unusual behavior.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. These would usually start a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.

What should I do?

If you think it is a severe allergic reaction or other emergency that can’t wait, call 9-1-1 or get the person to the nearest hospital. Otherwise, call your doctor. (www.cdc.gov)

E. Coli Deaths Linked to Romaine Lettuce, Officials Say

A

G

aming addiction is to be listed as a mental health condition for the first time by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Its 11th International Classification of Diseases (ICD) will include the condition "gaming disorder".

The draft document describes it as a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour so severe that it takes "precedence over other life interests".

Some countries had already identified it as a major public health issue.

Many, including the UK, have private addiction clinics to "treat" the condition.

The last version of the ICD was completed in 1992, with the new guide due to be published in 2018.

The guide contains codes for diseases, signs and symptoms and is used by doctors and researchers to track and diagnose disease.

It will suggest that abnormal gaming behaviour should be in evidence over a period of at least 12 months "for a diagnosis to be assigned" but added that period might be shortened "if symptoms are severe".

Symptoms include: impaired control over gaming (frequency, intensity, duration); increased priority given to gaming; continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences.

Dr Richard Graham, lead technology addiction specialist at the Nightingale Hospital in London, welcomed the decision to recognise the condition.

"It is significant because it creates the opportunity for more specialised services. It puts it on the map as something to take seriously."

But he added that he would have sym-

pathy for those who do not think the condition should be medicalised.

"It could lead to confused parents whose children are just enthusiastic gamers."

He said he sees about 50 new cases of digital addiction each year and his criteria is based on whether the activity is affecting basic things such as sleep, eating, socialising and education.

He said one question he asked himself was: "Is the addiction taking up neurological real-estate, dominating thinking and preoccupation?"

Many psychiatrists refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the fifth edition of which was published in 2013.

In that, internet gaming disorder is listed as a "condition for further study", meaning it is not officially recognised.

A recent study from the University of Oxford suggested that, although children spend a lot of time on their screens, they generally managed to intertwine their digital pastimes with daily life.

The research - looking at children aged eight to 18 - found that boys spent longer playing video games than girls.

Researcher Killian Mullan said: "People think that children are addicted to technology and in front of these screens 24/7, to the exclusion of other activities - and we now know that is not the case."

"Our findings show that technology is being used with and in some cases perhaps to support other activities, like homework for instance, and not pushing them out," he added.

"Just like we adults do, children spread their digital tech use throughout the day, while doing other things." (BBC)

t least two people were killed and dozens sickened by E. coli outbreaks in Canada and the United States that the authorities in Canada have linked to romaine lettuce.

Health officials in the United States are not yet ready to blame the American outbreak to the leafy green. Still, they say, the Canadian finding has proved helpful and both outbreaks appear to have been caused by related strains of the bacteria, suggesting the possibility of a shared source.

“They’ve done a really thorough job there, and I think that gave us a really good clue to start with,” Dr. Matthew Wise, who oversees investigations into such outbreaks for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a telephone interview on Friday.

In all, at least 58 people in both countries have been sickened, and two — one in

ing information on the outbreak. Consumer Reports, the nonprofit advocacy organization, said it was urging shoppers to avoid the lettuce as a precaution.

“Even though we can’t say with 100 percent certainty that romaine lettuce is the cause of the E. coli outbreak in the U.S., a greater degree of caution is appropriate given that lettuce is almost always consumed raw,” James Rogers, the director of Food Safety and Research, said in a post on the group’s website.

The widespread nature of the American outbreak suggests that the cause was not limited to a restaurant or particular area, Dr. Wise said.

“When we see this pattern of illnesses, we certainly would default to thinking that this was a commercially distributed product that was contaminated,” he said.

Symptoms of E. coli infection include fe-

California and one in Canada — have died.

In the United States, the C.D.C. has so far linked at least 17 reports of illness in 13 states to the outbreak.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said in a statement last week that it was investigating 41 cases of illnesses linked to E. coli from November and December.

Most of those patients reported eating romaine lettuce before they became ill, the agency said, adding, “Individuals reported eating romaine lettuce at home, as well as in prepared salads purchased at grocery stores, restaurants and fast food chains.”

American officials have not yet issued recommendations to avoid any particular product because they are still collect-

ver, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and, less commonly, a syndrome that can lead to kidney failure. In such outbreaks, young and older people and those with weakened immune systems are most likely to have the most severe symptoms.

E. coli, short for Escherichia coli, live in human and animal intestines and can contaminate fruits and vegetables when they come in contact with feces from infected animals, according to the Public Health Agency.

That contamination can happen at any point along the journey from farm to table. Most E. coli strains are harmless to humans. (New York Times)

10 Sunday Times Magazine Fashion

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JANUARY 14, 2018

S-Wave Bob - This above-the-shoulders ‘do is fresh and versatile. Selena Gomez’s natural texture creates a soft “S-Wave” that adds soft texture and dimension. Taking diagonal sections and using 1-1/4 inch curling iron, wave hair in the form of an ‘S' taking small sections. Make a deep side part to create illusion of side fringe. This look appears to be on the wet and crunchy side, so you can opt to use a stronger more polish/shine base finish hairspray. This works best for medium to fine hair.

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Long, Layered Lob - This cut hits just below the shoulders and incorporates long, subtle layers throughout to create lightness and texture. The long and angled bang adds a slight asymmetry and softens the face. Kerry Washington’s hair is soft, voluminous, and ultra-shiny. For a similar effect, wash with your favourite shampoo and conditioner, apply a heat protecting blowout cream and blow dry. Most people can wear this long-layered bob.

ew year, new 'do! Before you run off to the stylist's chair, take a look at these trendy haircuts that are destined to be ‘it’ styles for 2018. Below are tips on who these cuts work best for and how to style them once you leave the salon. Whether you're in a "go bold" kind of mood or want to keep things subtle, you've got plenty of options here.

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elow are tips on mixing patterns so you know how to wear stripes and checks without looking like a walking migraine.

Some men play it safe and avoid patterns, even though they may love them. But these are doable once you follow the rules.

The first rule of thumb is to flip proportions - so if you have a bold check make sure the stripe is subtle. The second is to keep it tonal without falling into the trap of being too "matchy-matchy".

The third rule is not to go mad.

Keep it simple with the rest of the outfit, such as shoes, bag and scarf.

Designer Buzz Cut - This style is short and close to the scalp at the nape with a slightly loose texture on top. After your favourite shampoo and conditioner, spritz a beach texturizing spray on damp or dry hair to add a bit of playful texture. If you’re questioning if it’s good for you, find an online preview tool or an app like Hair Salon to test it out before you chop.

However, if you have a great, trusting relationship with your stylist, just chop it!

Sleek, Asymmetrical Bob - This is a blunt bob that’s slightly asymmetrical, as it’s longer in front. It has uniform length and precise, razored ends that require an expert stylist’s hand. For this super-sleek look, blow dry hair straight using a dryer with a nozzle for directional drying. This will help to seal the cuticle of the hair and avoid frizz. Finish with a straightening iron for the extra sleek effect and a lighthold hairspray for hold and shine. It can work on most hair types and face shapes. Just note that if your hair is curly or textured and you prefer this sleek styling, it’ll take some upkeep.

Rapunzel Locks - What makes this style stand out is a centre part, and super straight and shiny locks with very few (if any) layers. It also has blunt, razored ends that keep it looking modern and fresh, versus overgrown. Prep the hair with a smoothing cream that also has a heat protection and use rat tail comb to give dead centre part.

Next, slowly blow dry with a round or flat brush and follow up with a flat iron. Finish up with a light oil to seal the ends. This haircut can be elongating for the face, so it works especially well with round and square shapes. If you don’t have a lot of hair, opt for temporary or permanent extensions!

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Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Recipe of the week

Ingredients: 1/4 cup milk 1 teaspoon salt 2 pounds thawed fresh or frozen

fish fillets 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp melted butter

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he 2018 Colours of the Year have been unveiled! Now, take a look at what shades leading industry brands are calling the stars of their fresh, new colour palettes.

These violet walls work perfectly with the white furniture and doorways.

Method: Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 11 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 2-inch baking dish.

Blend together the milk and salt in a shallow bowl. Combine bread crumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese in another bowl.

Dip fish fillets into milk mixture then into crumb mixture. Arrange in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle melted butter over fillets.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, depending on thickness of fillets. Fish should flake easily with a fork when done.

Greatest Cooking Tips

Rather than using a knife or vegetable peeler to clean ginger, reach for the spoon. Scrape it against the skin and it'll come right off, following every contour and minimizing waste.

To slice avocados, split them in half, remove the pit by whacking it with the heel of your knife and twisting it out, then slice it directly in the skin using the tip of a paring knife or chef's knife. When you then scoop it out with a spoon, you'll have slices ready to go, with less mess than trying to fiddle with slippery peeled avocado a cutting board.

The empty half of an egg shell is the best tool to extract stubborn bits of cracked shells that have ended up in the bowl.

Deep onyx, better known as classic black, is a most beloved neutral that may be intimidating at first. However, paired with crisp white furniture and metallic home accents, black walls may become a staple in creating the contemporary home of your dreams.

Home Help

Vodka can be used as a way to clean your mattress. The alcohol kills odour-causing bacteria while it also disinfects the mattress. Simply pour vodka into a spray bottle, distribute it evenly across your mattress by spritzing and leave it to air-dry before remaking your bed.

Having houseplants helps reduce odours in the home.

Prevent cooking odours by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.

Another bold addition to the 2018 Colour of the Year family is radiant, lush Caliente. According to colour experts, this bright red hue is paired best with airy, peachy tones. (Continued next week)

12 Sunday Times Magazine

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Puzzles

Crossword

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ACROSS Four quarters Graf of tennis "Save your --!"

Stern opposite World's fair Conversation starters "Santa Baby" artist Long-active volcano Pull dandelions Ontario city Cap brims Exploit Night bird (2 wds.)

Take a break As a group (2 wds.)

Like some chests "Whatever -- Wants" Caesar's tongue Not forward Sun. homily Rontgen's discovery (hyph.)

Tank Hawke of "Before Midnight" More eager Floors for good Furniture mover Discounted (2 wds.)

Poets' feet Strides Wild dogs "Kidnapped" inits.

TVA supply Tassels Glacial deposit Dry, as champagne Stimpy's pal Small lizard Dress store section Rockhound's find Ceylon, now (2 wds.)

Meadow murmur Not 'neath Scratched Big League events Chilly comment Route follower Prune the hedge Barbecue garb -- polloi Invisible substance Where to see piggies?

Fewest Richly adorned Lucie or Desi -- kwon do Kitty starter Really likes (2 wds.)

Rivulet Sticky sweet Lab course Ice-cream treats Pulled a hoax

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Name in blue jeans Ancient (hyph.)

"Moonlight --" Rick's old flame To -- -- (exactly) Excise More contrived Oblique line (abbr.)

Novelist Earl -- Biggers "Dracula" writer Veld grazers Motels of yore DOWN Somber evergreens Suit, so to speak Mimic Calf-roping event A real eye-opener Use a hitching post Entertainer -- John Defect Turkey "This -- -- bust!"

Cuts at an angle Mrs. Gorbachev Prefix for "while" From -- -- Z Impending danger Didn't yet Stuffy scholars 66 and I-80 Singles Slog through a puddle Maneuvers slowly Orbison and Rogers Demeanors Vietnam neighbor Rangier T-bar users Medicine man Sana'a native Craft knife (hyph.)

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KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- GRIMALKIN (GRIMALKIN: grih-MAWL-kin: An old female cat.)

Average mark 45 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 65 or more words in GRIMALKIN? gain girl glair gnar gnarl grail grain gram grim grin rail railing rain raking rang rani rank

riling riming ring rink irking magi mail mailing main making malign margin mark marking marl marlin milia

milk milking mini mink miring mirk ailing aiming airing akin align amir argil arming lain lair lank

lark liar liking liming limn ling link lira kiang kiln king knar nail nilgai

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" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

Like folk art dolls Peacock network "The Castle" novelist Diverse Yea, to a matador Ice hockey gear Scribble Ques. response Hikers' shelters Give -- -- break Auto's high and low Scrawny Average Glamour Baggy Gave a quick rundown Swamp sound Cutting tools (2 wds.)

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Iditarod locale Eyebrow -Appraisal Attentive Fritz's lang.

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Commotions Gizmo -- gap Put varnish on Tail ends Dig deep Bullet -Children's classic Very pleased Nerve network Claim Tackle box item Rapper -- Moe Dee "Diana" composer Crepe cousin Hot -- -- oven Dust collectors A funny Philips H. Rider Haggard novel See Solution on Pg 13

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JANUARY 14, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

A

pple has a response of sorts to activist shareholders concerned about kids’ addiction to iPhones: Enhanced parental controls are coming to iOS. Ahead of Apple’s annual shareholder meeting next month, Jana Partners and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) asked Apple this week for new software to let parents limit kids’ iPhone use, and to conduct a study on the effects of excessive phone use on mental health.

In short, Apple states that it has “always looked out for kids,” leads the industry in OS-level parental controls, and thinks “deeply about how our products are used and the impact they have.” Without providing any details or committing to the mental health study, Apple says that it has “new

features and enhancements planned for the future, to add functionality and make these [parental control] tools even more robust.”

The issue of iPhone addiction — and portable device addiction in general — has been in the background for years, but recently benefited from additional at-

tention. As noted in an earlier Reuters report, former Disney star Selena Gomez revealed that she’d canceled a tour due to depression she attributed to social media addiction, and a 2016 survey suggested that half of teenagers felt addicted to their mobile phones and were pressured to immediately

respond to phone messages. The issue of how much parents should control their kids’ viewing habits — and thus their kids — has continued to percolate in popular media such as the TV show “Black Mirror”, without reaching a conclusive answer.

Enhanced parental con-

trols are likely to offer only a partial solution to the issues raised by Jana and CalSTRS. Present iOS controls, found in the General > Restrictions section of Settings, include a collection of switches to disable web browsing, camera and FaceTime functionality, file sharing, Siri, the News app, and various types of media acquisition. Parents can also prevent iOS devices from displaying content with explicit language, sexual content, or limited by age-specific ratings across movies, TV shows, and apps.

What iOS’ parental controls do not enable are meaningful time limits or granular oversight over specific pieces of content displayed on the device. A Guided Access feature enables the device as a whole to be time-limited for accessibility or gallery purposes, but not with sepa-

rate times for separate apps.

Similarly, parents cannot easily screen or approve of web content that might skirt certain rules; they can either whitelist a narrow collection of sites one at a time, or blacklist “adult content.”

Perhaps most importantly, stronger parental controls won’t address underlying issues such as the erosion of in-person socialization and lowering of self-esteem currently being caused in part by social media.

Any major improvement to the parental controls in iOS is unlikely to debut until at least June, when Apple holds its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, and it could come later given the company’s standard development cycles for new features. The lag also gives Apple plenty of time to undertake a mental health study for kids, should it want to.

Samsung will unveil the JVC releases more Galaxy S9 next month wireless headphones for different occasions R

S

amsung will unveil its next flagship handset, the Galaxy S9, in February at Mobile World Congress (MWC).

The company’s smartphone chief, DJ Koh, confirmed the launch recently. Koh didn’t offer a specific date, but MWC will run from February 26 to March 1 this year, so expect the unveiling to fall somewhere in that time frame.

The S9 (and, presumably, an S9 Plus) will be the successors to the S8 and S8 Plus, which launched at a Samsung event in New York last March before going on

sale in April. The S8 and its bigger brother were a hit with critics, who praised the phones’ gorgeous design and brilliant cameras.

The phones were even good enough to make consumers

Crossword Solution

forget about the disaster of the Galaxy Note 7 and its exploding batteries.

Not much is known about the Galaxy S9 at this point, but a handful of leaked renders suggest it will look near-identical to its predecessor, with a slight tweak moving the rear fingerprint sensor to below the camera (rather than its current, awkward position of off to one side).

However, the S9 and S9 Plus won’t be all Samsung fans have to look forward to this year. Speaking to ZDNet, Koh also reiterated that the company plans to launch a foldable phone in 2018. What exactly “foldable” means in terms of functionality isn’t clear, but smartphones with curved displays have been an obsession of Samsung’s for more than half a decade.

So far, it’s given us the bizarre Galaxy Round but also the successful wraparound screens of the S7 Edge onwards. (The Verge)

ecently, Japanese electronics company JVC released several wireless headphones.

JVC is launching the new HA-ET90BT wireless sport headphones aimed at athletes. JVC claims its headphones have a water resistance rating of IPX5. The headphones are supposed to stay in place during a workout thanks to a rubber fin at the top of each earpiece that adjusts to a user’s ear shape. Users can choose from three differ-

mote for answering calls and controlling music playback. It’s accompanied with three silicone earpieces in small, medium, and large, as well as a hard plastic carrying case.

The headphones come in black, blue, or red, and will be available in March for US$49.95.

Meanwhile, for commuters dealing with noisy planes or trains, JVC is also releasing new HA-S80BN Bluetooth on-ear noisecanceling headphones. It claims the foldable headphones have 11 hours of battery life

ent sizes and either a conventional earpiece style or an “open” ear style that lets runners hear nearby noises in their surroundings.

The left earpiece has a built-in microphone and a button that controls music playback.

The wireless sport headphones come with a carrying pouch with a belt clip and charging case. The HA-ET90BT headphones will be available in March for US$149.95.

Also, it’s updating its JVC XX headphone line with a sport HA-ET103BT Bluetooth model. These new in-ear headphones have rubber fins on each earpiece for secure fit and they’re sweat-proof with an IPX2 rating.

The HA-ET103BT headphones are built around an 8.5mm driver and deep bass ports. There’s a mic and three-button re-

on a single charge with both Bluetooth and noise canceling turned on. he headphones also have an integrated mic and remote, and a detachable cable so that users can charge while they listen. The headphones have three sound modes: normal, bass, and clear. It will be available in May for US$99.95.

JVC is also trying to appeal to the fashion-conscious headphone wearers with its HA-S20BT Flats Wireless line of Bluetooth headphones that come in blue, pink, black, or white.

These “fashionable” headphones are foldable and have a three-button remote and mic, as well as 11 hours of battery life on a single charge. They’re available in March for US$39.95. (The Verge)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 14, 2018

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Bollywood/Hollywood

Kajol: ‘Working with Shah Meghan Markle apparently Rukh comes naturally to me’ bought the Queen a hilarious Christmas present H

W

hen she stayed at Buckingham Palace for Christmas, Prince Harry’s fiancée, Meghan Markle, apparently bought Queen Elizabeth a singing hamster.

Apparently, there is a tradition in the Royal Household of buying each other ‘joke presents’.

According to The Daily Mail, the gift went down well, and the Queen laughed and suggested: "They can keep my dogs company!"

(Glamour)

Disney defends skin darkening in ‘Aladdin’

aving featured in over half a dozen films and being considered one of the most sought after on-screen pair, Kajol says working alongside Shah Rukh Khan is always a pleasure as the superstar makes the experience easier.

Kajol and Shah Rukh shot for a special sequence for Aanand L Rai’s next, “Zero”.

While Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma will be seen in lead roles alongside Shah Rukh, Kajol and Rani Mukerji shot for a special sequence. Rani had called the experience as “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” part two.

Kajol, who last worked with Shah Rukh on “Dilwale”, praised the actor for his dedication to cinema.

“We actually shot for half-an-hour but it was great. It’s always fabulous to work with him. He is a really amazing man to work with because he is 300 per cent involved in whatever he is doing. It’s great fun because he is such a fine actor that it comes very naturally to work with him and alongside him,” says Kajol in an interview to PTI. The actor may have been around for close to three decades in the industry but says her dedication to give it all for work hasn’t reduced. “I’ve come from a time when we used to work from 7 in the morning till 9 in the night on a daily basis without the comforts of sitting in an AC room. Somewhere down the line, you realise that work is God. You have to take it seriously everyday, it’s the most important thing,” she says.

Much of the discipline, Kajol says, comes from her mother who taught her early in childhood that no work is lesser or bigger.

D

D

isney has admitted "making up" some white actors in order for them to "blend" into Asian crowd scenes for its upcoming “Aladdin” film.

The company told Newsbeat they filled background performer roles with white people "only in a handful of instances when it was a matter of specialty skills, safety and

control".

There are no white characters in the original Middle Eastern folk story, “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” from “The Book of One Thousand and One Nights”.

It's not the first time a production has been criticised for choosing white cast members to play Asian or black characters.

Ramesh Taurani to stop the shoot and later escorted the actor home.

The actor earlier received death threats from a gangster from the Bishnoi community that worships black bucks. According to IANS, Salman’s appearance in Jodhpur last Thursday in the black buck case led to threats by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The black buck case -- in which Salman is charged with poaching the endangered animal -- has been going on in Jodhpur for the past 10 years.

“Salman Khan will be killed here, in Jodhpur... Then he will come to know about our real identity. Now, if police want me to do some major crime, I shall kill Salman Khan and that too in Jodhpur,” Bishnoi told media on January 5.

Bishoi is a notorious gangster and has been charged in over 20 cases of attempt to murder, carjacking, extortion, snatching and under the Arms Act in Punjab-Haryana belt.

(Hindustan Times)

Bollywood star Mallika Sherawat evicted from Paris flat

S

elena Gomez is sorting things out on her Instagram feed in early 2018. The 25-year-old actress, who previously followed more than 300 people, has unfollowed more than 200 people on the photosharing site, leaving just 37 accounts in her "following" list.

Selena's fans noticed that the "Wolves" songstress unfollowed Demi Lovato, Camila Cabello, Gigi Hadid, her former "Wizards of Waverly Place" co-stars and the cast of "13 Reasons Why". She, however, is still following her close friends Taylor Swift, Francia Raisa and Julia Michaels, actresses Amy Schumer and Jessica Alba as well as some fan accounts dedicated to celebrating her career.

Selena made the changes on Saturday, January 6. Many were puzzled by her move, with one asking, "She unfollowed demi, camila & all her friends & 13 reasons why cast & wizards of waverly place cast & so many peoples. Wtf is happening."

Last month, Selena briefly made her Instagram account private after sharing a cryptic post in which she criticized her Billboard cover story. "Never will I let another human guess my words ever again. Or invite them in my home. That is so hurtful.

ays after Bollywood actor Salman Khan received death threats, his manager and police have dismissed reports that shooting of his film “Race 3” was stalled and that the actor was escorted home after armed men were spotted at the shoot location.

“We have not received any complaint about it. Nothing like that has happened,” said Vinay Rathod, deputy commissioner of police, zone XII. Rathod also categorically denied any shoot being stopped or the entrance or the presence of armed men at the shooting site.

When contacted, Salman’s manager, Jordy Patel, categorically denied any such incident. “This is absolutely untrue and nothing of the sort has happened. No one has entered any set and the shoot is on as usual.”

On Thursday, a Mumbai Mirror report said police arrived at the Race 3 set in Film City after armed men were spotted there. The report said cops asked Salman and producer

“As a kid my mother made me sweep the house and clean the bathroom. She said if at any point you don’t have servants in your house, you should be able to look after the house. I did it. Somewhere it gives you amazing work ethics. Nobody’s job is less, one should respect all. I’ve even made my kids broom the house so that they learn not to litter,” she says.

The actor launched Hindustan Unilever Limited’s new campaign ‘A Playing Billion’ to promote healthy hygiene habits among children as part of their ‘Swachh Aadat, Swachh Bharat’ initiative. She’s the advocacy ambassador of the same. When asked if is it sad that even in the 21st century one has to preach people over the importance of basic hygiene, Kajol says the country is finally ready to listen. (PTI)

A

The most 'ridiculous' part of that is no one knowing my heart when I say things," she wrote at the time.

Later in the same month, Gomez and her mom Mandy Teefey unfollowed each other after they reportedly had a fight over her rekindled romance with Justin Bieber. Prior to that, TMZ reported that Mandy had to be taken to a hospital after having an argument with her daughter.

A source, however, told PEOPLE that Justin wasn't the only factor that caused Mandy's hospitalization. "It's been a stressful time for Mandy and she made the decision herself to go to the hospital and make sure everything was okay," the source said, adding, "This wasn't just about Justin. It's true her family doesn't approve of Justin, but this wasn't just over a fight about him."

(AceShowbiz)

French court has ordered that Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat be evicted from an apartment in a posh part of Paris for failing to keep up with the rent.

In a December 14 ruling seen by AFP, the court told Sherawat and her French husband Cyrille Auxenfans to pay $78,787 euros (USD $94,000) in rent owed and expenses, giving the green light for their furniture to be seized.

The couple began renting the apartment in the pricey 16th district on January 1, 2017, for a monthly sum of $6,054 euros.

But according to the owner they never paid the rent, making only a single payment.

At a hearing in a Paris court on November 14, a lawyer for the couple said they were in financial difficulty.

The lawyer emphasised the "irregular" nature of Sherawat's work -- an argument dismissed by the owners of the apartment who claimed she had earned tens of millions during the rental period.

Neither Sherawat nor Auxen replied to

AFP's request for comment.

In mid-December the actress had denied having a Paris apartment.

"It's absolutely not true, if someone has donated one to me, please send me the address," she tweeted in response to media reports about the case.

The couple may appeal the eviction order.

They cannot be thrown out until March 31, when a moratorium on wintertime evictions expires. (Times of India)

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JANUARY 14, 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 14, 2018

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES Make personal changes, (March 21- take a day trip or spend time April 19) with relatives who need a little encouragement. Look for the positive in whatever situation you face.

Just because changes TAURUS are going on all around you (April 20- doesn’t mean you must folMay 20) low the crowd. Assess the situation and do whatever works best for you.

GEMINI (May 28June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Personal change may not be easy, but it will be necessary. A little contemplation will help you recognize your flaws and realize that no one is perfect. Do your best.

Do something creative or make personal changes that will boost your confidence and make a difference to your attitude. Love and romance will improve your life.

Common sense will be necessary if you want to avoid setbacks. Avoid overspending, taking on too much or indulgent behavior. Moderation will improve your personal life and ease your stress.

Dig in and get things done. Personal gains can be made, as long as you are strategic in how you go about getting what you want.

Personal relationships are encouraged.

LIBRA Unexpected changes are (Sept. 23- heading your way. Be willing Oct. 23) to accept the inevitable and to work in a positive manner so you can make the best and the most out of whatever unfolds.

Peanuts

A couple of unexpected SCORPIO changes that can influence (Oct. 24- your financial standing may Nov. 22) cloud your day. When handling someone else’s affairs, be careful not to misinterpret what is and isn’t appropriate.

Stay focused on home, SAGITTARIUS family and making improve(Nov. 23ments that will add to your Dec. 21) comfort and keep your costs within your means. A positive change will lead to a positive attitude and household.

Calvin and Hobbes

An emotional matter will CAPRICORN catch you off-guard. Use your (Dec. 22- intelligence and insight to offJan. 19) set confusion. Only act when you know exactly what you are dealing with. Time is on your side.

AQUARIUS A change of plans will (Jan. 20- give you the opportunity to Feb. 19) do something you haven’t had time for lately. Ask an old friend to join you, but don’t share too much about your personal life.

PISCES Expect the unexpected.

(Feb. 20- Use your intelligence to gain Mar. 20) access to information that will help you make a good decision. There is plenty to gain if you go about it the right way.