Guyana Times - January 13, 2019

LOOK INSIDE !

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 3803 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

Sunday, January 13, 2019

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World Democracy Index

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyana classified as "flawed democracy" – EIU Page 3

PPP's presidential prospects make submissions to party's Executive

Baby found floating at De Willem koker P 9

Illegal P11 dumpsite creates fire hazard at Industrial Site

– as deliberations to choose final candidate expected in coming days

Billions worth of cannabis destroyed in 2018 – CANU head P15

159 public officials fail to make declarations to Integrity Commission …politicians top defaulters list Taking the classroom outdoors Irfaan Ali slams slander discrediting academic qualifications Page 7

…says allegations intended to take him out of PPP presidential race ...pursuing PhD

These University of Guyana students were seen studying in the cool athmosphere in the Botanical Gardens on Saturday (Dexter Ceres photo)

Alleged bandit caught, beaten at Parika Page 10

…“largest in a long time”

“Positive discipline” rather than corporal punishment – ChildLink P14 advises

P12 Guyana celebrates 166 years of Chinese Arrival …as China commits to strengthen bilateral relations

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PPP's presidential prospects make submissions to Party Executive – as deliberations to choose final candidate expected in coming days

Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali

Former Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

Dr Vindhya Persaud

s the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) moves closer towards identifying their presidential candidate to contest General and Regional Elections due in March, at least five members made their case in presentations before the Party’s Executive during last week.

Reports reaching Guyana Times indicate that the five PPP Members of Parliament who appeared before the Party Executives were Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira; former Attorney General Anil Nandlall; former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, former Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; and Dr Vindhya Persaud.

This publication understands

that with these five presidential candidate contenders having made their presentations, the Party Executives will be meeting in the coming days to review the submissions before voting takes place.

There has been much public discussion about some of these very contenders as potential PPP presidential candidates ever since the coalition Government fell to a no-confidence vote on December 21, thus having to call elections within 90 days from that date as per the Constitution.

The presidential candidate race began after the Noconfidence Motion brought by the parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party

(PPP) – against the Government succeeded when Charrandas Persaud, a former Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian, broke rank and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Meanwhile, clause 7 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by reso-

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

With the passage of the no-confidence vote against the Government, the main political parties have either begun or intensified the task of identifying a presidential candidate.

PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo has been careful when handling questions about who is likely to emerge as the presidential face of his party.

At a press conference soon after the no-confidence vote, Jagdeo had affirmed that the Party remained committed to the highest

levels of transparency, accountability, and democracy as it undertook the process of selecting its next presidential nominee.

Jagdeo had also assured that the race for the candidacy was open, as this has been a longstanding practice of the PPP. He had however reminded that the votes mustered from the 35 Central Committee members will matter in the democratic process.

Jagdeo had also noted that his party has a history of using secret ballots. He pointed out that when this was not done, it was for a good reason. As it stands now, Jagdeo explained that secret ballots would only be used if there is more than one final candidate.

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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

The word “defeat” in Article 106 (7) reduces Govt to “caretaker” status Dear Editor, Reference is made to a joint press statement issued by the Presidency Ministry following the recent meeting between Government and the Opposition. There seems to be a downplay by Government of the word “defeat” as found in Article 106 (7).

That provision states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly de-

termine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the elections.”

First, the provision does not address any Government. Rather, it addresses “the Government” which has suffered “its defeat.” This word “defeat,” which cannot be ignored, is the most important in all of Article 106 (7), upon which the remainder of the provision depends, and which emphasises a defeated, fallen, restricted, or “caretaker” regime.

It is understandable that no Government wants to be defeated and a defeated Government will try to sidestep the inalienable pro-

foundness of this word. Here, this is being done by way of legislative and judicial abuse. First Government tried to force the honorable Speaker’s hand, and now it will try to do similar injustice to a judge’s gavel.

The record shows undisputedly that on December 21, 2018, more votes were cast against Government than for it, bringing into being “its defeat.” To deem otherwise is to sidestep the word “defeat” and to change the no-confidence motion into a confidence motion.

From December 21 to date, the record has not been changed by fact or law. Thus, as a matter of law, Guyana has not just any Government

but a defeated Government.

Until such time if and when this changes, there exists at hand today a “caretaker” regime, so the idea that the Constitution is silent on this matter is misleading.

It is settled law in Guyana that an undefeated Government governs for 5 years and not 3 months, and does so with unlimited authority subject to the Constitution. It follows naturally that a defeated Government cannot have the same unlimited authority, and Government today cannot say “there is no provision in the Constitution which imposes limitation on the Government to perform its lawful function.”

If this is true why have a no-confidence motion mechanism? For national security purposes, it is against the will of the people after December 21, to impose upon the sovereign a Government of no confidence with a panoply of authority.

Arguably, the Constitution cannot give a legitimate but defeated regime and a legitimate undefeated regime the same panoply of authority. If this is so, then Guyana’s next legitimate regime will be one of limited authority with a 5-year term. It is illogical.

Further, there never was any dispute that Government has no legitimacy.

Indeed, calls

for Government to resign emerged out of respect for its legitimacy; only a “legitimate” Government can resign. But Government’s legitimacy and time in office is severely restricted as already argued, here and elsewhere. The public is advised to be careful with this deliberate miscalibration.

Finally, the Constitution calls for new elections “within three months.” Is this going to be replaced by the overbroad new invention called the “administrative capabilities of the Guyana Elections Commission”? Is this from the Constitution?

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

Incomplete, under-renovation smaller airport

Dear Editor, Our ancestors, many moons ago, voyaged across the Atlantic on the likes of the Elisabeth, Louisa Baillie, Whitby, Hesperus and Glentanner among other vessels. With the advent

of technology, we now have air travel, allowing us to access distant lands in a matter of hours.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport previously known as the Timehri International airport is well

known to all Guyanese.

Editor this facility was opened to commercial traffic since 1946. Over the years changes and developmental works were done to modernise this airport. The PPP/C, with a vision for the

What are we waiting for?

Dear Editor, The recent debate on the No-Confidence vote in the National Assembly highlights how fractured we have become as a people.

For years we were the first to say that “is only election time we have problem, but other than that we alright.”

But is this actually true today? Recent discussions, video interactions, and especially social media (the place where everyone is an expert at everything) have highlighted these – frankly – nasty attitudes of some of our peoples.

This is a wealthy nation.

Look at the geological map and you will see that we are blessed with a lot, and we have no need to beg for anything. Yet, increasingly, we are getting poorer with our morality and civility.

We are by no means the most troubled spot in Caricom in terms of our politics and our diversity and ethnic relations, but we have failed to capitalise on the decency of our common sense to iron out the creases in the national fabric.

Our sister state of Jamaica is known for political divisions which often affects individual towns through ‘gully politics’. The reports of this political confrontation at the local level is numerous as is the violence that can accompany it.

Yet despite the intense personal rivalry of the JLP and PNP which often goes back generations, Jamaica consistently sees the peaceful transfer of power between the two parties after elections.

Take a look at the swearing in of a new Jamaican Prime Minister and you will see gathered; the outgoing

Prime Minister and all of the living predecessors regardless of political affiliation. This at the bare minimum displays a respect for the system of Government, the Constitution and more importantly the will of all the people. When was the last time this minute act of symbolism was present in our country?

Trinidad and Tobago is possibly the Caricom state that closest resembles our diversity and recent colonial history. The pages of Trinidad and Tobago’s history contains the evidence of political agitation and the current disagreements between the PNM and the UNC often mirrors our own.

Yet like Jamaica, in recent history Trinidad and Tobago have seen peaceful transfer of power from one political group to another and back again.

What is our problem?

Are we so engrossed with political differences that we can no longer be civil as the bare minimum? We go overseas and deck our halls with our nationalism but at home we are ashamed of it, we disown it. How can we be part of a country when we see ourselves and our identities distinct from it?

We have forgotten that ours is a history of struggle, hard work, determination, and dynamism. The illustrious history of our culture is carried on the shoulders of all our peoples. Each group has contributed something to make this piece of land home. Today our ancestors must surely be ashamed of some of us and the hate we have for each other.

As a person in their 20’s I can say a part of this problem is the complacency of

people my age. We need to spend time understanding our history - all of it and how our constitutional systems work. You cannot change the system if you don’t know the system. The youth have to show that the old people saying “stay out of big people business” has no place today in our society.

Today we see people arguing among each other. We lack respect for each other.

We judge each other by trivialities. We see each other as the enemy while our enemies circle us like vultures enjoying the self-destructive show we are carrying on.

We expect PPP/C, AFC, APNU, PNC, WPA, JFAP, and WXYZ to set our houses in order and we let political affiliation become a part of our core identity. Over 50 years independent, our mentality towards each other remains colonial and divisive.

The third stanza of our national anthem says: Great land of Guyana, diverse though our strains, We’re born of their sacrifice, heirs of their pains, And ours is the glory their eyes did not see, One land of six peoples, united and free.

We have a lot to be proud of, if only we recognise it all. No one is going to fix our house and our problems. That task falls to all of us. We have a lush agricultural land, massive potential in water, gold and mineral wealth, the endurance to strive and make our country better and the zeal and dynamism to see that it is a success. What are we waiting for?

Regards, V Hemsworth

future of Guyana with new and developing sectors such as tourism and hospitality with our specific brand of eco-tourism; oil and gas; Guyana being a gateway to South America and the bridge that connects South America to the Caribbean understood the necessity for this transformational project. This was not a standalone project, it was accompanied by investments in an international brand hotel like the Marriott; the provision of cheap electricity with the Amalia hydro-electric scheme which with the significant reduction in the cost of electricity would have stimulated agro-processing and manufacturing; the need to accommodate larger aircraft to lower the cost of freight and to have access to wider markets for our many non-traditional exports. This interconnected group of projects was totally misunderstood and incompetently handled by the APNU/AFC Administration when they came to office in May 2015. This has left us as a country with a situation where we are getting less and paying more.

This design and build fixedpriced contract had envisioned eight boarding gates (air bridges), a significantly extended runaway, new terminal buildings, state of the art check-in and communication facilities, adequate conveyor belts to accommodate simultaneous multi arrivals and concession areas to facilitate transit and other global travellers.

This incompetent group renegotiated the contract, giving us two air bridges and has now found extra money from the national purse to buy another two at a higher price, in a most questionable manner. The PPP/C has already indicated that we intend to call for a “value for money” audit on this project. Are the Guyanese people getting the right value for their monies spent?

Regardless of all these questions, the biggest question I have today, Editor, is the real completion date. On

the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s website, they have a lovely description of the project and I quote; “The Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project will be a behemoth in infrastructural development. With a new scheduled completion timeline of December 2018...”

The shock of December 21 may still be upon Minister Patterson and he may not have changed his calendar, but we are in 2019 now sir.

The project, as of December 31, 2017 had spent US $111.79 million (81 per cent) of the US$150 million allocated to the total project cost.

When is the project really expected to be completed since another deadline has been missed? What will be the final price? Will they be attempting to appropriate further funding? These are all questions the already burdened taxpayers of this coun-

try need answers to, someone please help.

Editor, I call on the people of Guyana to pay close attention to this cabal during their lame duck period of governance. Where their caretaker status must be emphasised. This must not be a case of taking a transformational project and turning it into a cash cow to facilitate campaign funding. At the time of the PPP/C Government, they said the project was overpriced and unnecessary.

The APNU/AFC, with their visionless approach, took it over and the world is now a witness to their mal-administration and incompetence.

We have an incomplete, under-renovation smaller airport with fewer facilities at the time of penning this letter.

Yours truly, Bishop Juan A Edghill

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Why are kids different at home and at school? ...some hold it together at school, only to lose it at home.

Others stress out in the classroom

By Beth Arky

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t’s not unusual for kids to behave differently in different settings. For instance, you’d expect a child to act one way at a friend’s birthday party and another at her grandparents’ house. But the behaviour of some kids — especially those with issues such as anxiety, learning disabilities, ADHD and autism — can vary much more markedly, especially when they’re at home versus school. This discrepancy can leave parents puzzled, if not upset, and worried that they’re doing something wrong.

Take the case of Sam, now 15, who is gifted but also diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and learning challenges. His mother, Maratea Cantarella, who serves as Executive Director of Twice Exceptional Children’s Advocacy, recalls how challenges at school led to explosive behaviour at home.

At school, between trying to please his teachers and interact with peers, “he was really working hard to keep himself in control”, Cantarella says. By the time he got home, “I felt often that he was just looking for a way to release all the built-up tension.” Release it he did, with 30-minute tantrums over homework or “really anything”, complete with screaming, throwing things, and sometimes kicking and head-butting. Afterward, when he was calm, she adds, “he would feel terrible shame and guilt.”

But for some kids, school is where their challenges are most visible. Chloe, eight, has selective mutism and social

Why do some kids do better at home?

For most kids, academic and social demands at school are above and beyond what they typically face at home, notes Dr Lee. That may trigger problem behaviours in some their families never see at home.

Kids with challenges like ADHD and anxiety often have a very low frustration tolerance; asking them to be patient or persistent at school can be a big stressor. “That can be incredibly challenging for kids,” Dr Lee says, “so we might see a lot of acting out in those types of situations.”

Similarly, children with social anxiety who have worries about how they’re being perceived by others, or children who have anxieties relating to performance, might not have any problem behaviours at home. But when they get to school and have to do Maths or read a passage aloud, they might engage in some negative behaviours to avoid that. “Acting out in this particular situation might end up being functional for them,” Dr Lee says, “because if they act a little silly, the teacher might scold them, but then they move on.’”

When it comes to autistic kids, they may be allowed very ritualised or self-directed behaviour at home, such as screen time or Legos. When they get to school, not being allowed to do those things, or having to wait for activities they may have free access to at home, can be very challenging for them. This can also lead to disruptive behaviour.

Why do some kids do better at school?

So why is it kids can perform so differently in different settings?

Some children may do a good job meeting expectations at school, but it’s such a struggle for them it will take its toll at home. Children with ADHD, anxiety, autism and learning disabilities “may be using a lot of their resources to follow directions or cope in the classroom”, says Stephanie Lee, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. Once all these kids get home, “it’s challenging for them to conjure up the same amount of resources to manage.”

Meanwhile, she adds, many kids, including those on the autism spectrum, benefit from the consistency, structure, predictability and routine that come with their school environment. This often cannot be mirrored at home “because that’s not how life works”, she says.

At school, rewards and consequences are likely to occur in a consistent way that may be more challenging for parents to set up at home. Also, social modelling in school can help kids fall into line, literally and figuratively. Finally, teachers have no time for dawdling: If a child doesn’t follow a direction on the first or second prompt, the teacher will likely have an immediate consequence, whereas parents might end up allowing their child to avoid or delay the next step because they spend a lot of time talking about it. anxiety. Her mother, Kim Byman, says that at home, Chloe is a “fun, goofy, talkative, energetic girl.” But when she gets to school, she shuts down. She has never spoken to her teachers or classmates, though she participates in all areas that don’t require being verbal. She won’t ask to use the restroom; she waits until she gets home.

Suppressing symptoms at school

Jerry Bubrick, PhD, a clinical psychologist and director of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Service at the Child Mind Institute, notes that kids with some disorders, including anxiety and OCD, are very concerned about how people perceive them, especially when they get into the middle and high school years. So they really try to hide their symptoms. “Typically, we’ll see kids functioning at a higher level at school,” says Dr Bubrick, “less symptomatic because they’re

trying to maintain this social perception that they’re fine.

And they tend to have a lot of embarrassment and shame around their symptoms.”

Another key reason kids do better at school: They feel safe to be “their worst selves” at home, secure in the knowledge that their parents will still love and support them.

“I think sometimes kids come home and it’s like when you take off your shoes and feel a sense of relief,” Dr Bubrick explains. “Like, ‘Okay, I can be myself now.’” For kids who have done a really good job of suppressing their symptoms at school, at home, where they feel there’s no one judging them, “there can be an explosion of symptoms.”

As one mom of a 10-year-old with OCD recalls, at school her daughter would rock herself or doodle on a sticky pad to resist her obsessive thoughts, even though she was in distress. “So she would bottle it up at school, and then basically come off the bus at home and just explode,” she says.

“Physically and verbally, she was very upset.”

This, too, can leave parents confused. “It’s common for parents to say, ‘I go to the school and the teachers say, Johnny is so lovely in class and I don’t see him squirming. I don’t see any of these things that you’re talking about,’” Dr Bubrick says. “And then the kid comes home from school and he’s really symptomatic and having a hard time controlling it.”

How to help kids

One of Dr Lee’s major suggestions is encouraging collaboration and open communication between home and school as much as possible. “If there are strategies or techniques that the child is really benefiting from at home or in school, can they be shared and adapted to support that child in both environments?” she says.

For instance, she notes, if a child is helped by being able to see a visual schedule in school, can one be created for home?

“Similarly,” she adds, “if we know that a child really benefits from when/then statements at home — meaning ‘when you do this, then this will happen’ — share that with the teacher.”

Dr Lee says the best way to create a collaborative relationship with the school is to “make sure you praise the teacher and value the work they’re doing in addition to giving them information about your child”.

For kids whose problem behaviour comes out at home, Dr Lee recommends that they get a chance to decompress when they transition after school: “It’s absolutely okay to have less stringent demands during that period of time for your child if they need a break. That said, it’s important for them to understand that the rules of the household still need to be followed.”

Dr Bubrick echoes that idea, saying it’s vital to note how well-nourished and well-rested the child is. Coming home starving, after struggling all day to keep it together, is a good recipe for an afternoon meltdown. He advises parents to get kids back on track by giving them a snack and having them rest, allowing them to regroup to get a healthy start for the evening.

Therapies that can help

The tool most experts recommend to help kids manage their behaviour, whether at school or at home, is cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT. CBT has been adapted for many different kinds of emotional and behavioural challenges; what these specialised therapies all have in common is that kids learn self-regulation skills, or how to handle powerful emotions in better ways than acting out impulsively.

When kids use CBT skills at school, they are able to function better without having to expend so much energy, Dr Bubrick explains. So when they get home, there’s less stress and the possibility of an explosion of symptoms. “The more kids practice these skills,” he says, “the better they get at them.”

Dr Bubrick notes that with CBT, parents are included from the beginning, to understand their child’s condition and see what things they’re doing that are, despite good intentions, contributing to the problem. “We teach parents the dos and don’ts on how to parent a child with anxiety disorder,” he says. He gives the example of a child with OCD who is afraid of germs. A parent doesn’t do the child any favours by opening doors for him. Instead, the child must learn skills that will help him deal with his anxieties and compulsions.

Dr Lee says behavioural parent training, which includes components of CBT, is often what is needed to assist parents in determining what’s going on in either environment and the best way to support their child. (childmind.org)

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Irfaan Ali slams slander discrediting academic qualifications …says allegations intended to take him out of PPP presidential race ...pursuing PhD had served at the technical ly potential for presidential

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eople’s Progressive Party (PPP) parliamentary frontbencher, Irfaan Ali has come out swinging at those who are purporting that he has misrepresented his academic qualifications.

Ali on Saturday refuted these claims, saying the information being peddled is intended to derail his efforts to become the presidential candidate for his party.

Ali noted that his certification, including diplomas and degrees, are already in the public domain. In addition, the former Housing Minister revealed that he is awaiting additional transcripts from institutions he has studied, even as he has already written his dissection for his PhD. “I have never presented any inaccurate academic achievements. I will not give credence to such organised slander to discredit my wide-ranging academic progress by responding to every single element of the mischievous information being peddled and which objective is to undermine my effort to serve as the PPP Presidential Candidate,” Ali stated.

Ali noted that he would have no hesitation to make this information public when he receives it. Guyana Times understands that the MP has in fact submitted a PhD dissertation for examination on the topic: “Design and Development of an Integrated Land

level in various Government departments. Besides his Master’s Degree from ITEC, he holds post graduate qualifications in business management.

Under the Donald Ramotar administration, he served as Housing; Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister.

Ali emerged as an ear-

candidate, following the coalition Government’s fall to a no-confidence vote on December 21, 2018, which makes way for General and Regional Elections within 90 days from that date as per the Constitution.

The No-confidence Motion brought by the parliamentary Opposition against the Government succeeded

when Charrandas Persaud, a former Alliance For Change Parliamentarian, broke rank and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

As a result of this, the PPP began its search for its presidential candidate within its executive for which Ali has since indicated his interest.

Guyana classified as...

Former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali

Management Model in Guyana” since September 2018 and is currently awaiting the result from the evaluation.

Ali is among several other Executive Committee members of the PPP vying for the Party’s Presidential Candidate position. Over the past week, reports have been carried in the media that questioned the veracity of his qualifications. The reports have questioned whether Ali was qualified for the Master’s Degree he did on an India Technical and Economic Cooperation scholarship.

Already, former Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul, has defended Ali’s participation in the programme.

According to Gopaul, reports making their rounds that discredit Ali’s credentials are misleading.

“At the time of Mr Ali’s nomination for that programme, I was Head of the Public Service and Permanent Secretary, Public Service Ministry (PSM) responsible for training. I can attest to the fact that Mr Ali was fully qualified and had the requisite skills and experience for his Master’s Degree programme,” Gopaul had written in a letter to the media.

“Mr Ali did Guyana proud by graduating with a high First Class Honours. On his return to Guyana, he was elected as President of the ITEC, Alumni Association and participated in several ITEC day activities hosted by the Indian High Commission in Guyana.”

Ali was first appointed a Minister in 2009 in then President Bharrat Jagdeo’s Government. Previously, he

Speaking to the culture of democracy in the region, it was noted that it remains the most democratic in the developing world but suffered another year of democratic deterioration.

“The region’s overall score fell from 6.26 in 2017 to 6.24 in 2018. This deterioration bucks the trend among other regions of the developing world (Asia, Eastern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East), which saw their scores stabilise or improve. Globally, only western Europe and Latin America registered declines this year,” the EIU noted.

EIU synopsis of Guyana

On its website, the EIU uses the following to provide its users with a brief synopsis what is happening in Guyana: “On December 21st, the coalition Government of the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance

For Change, led by the President, David Granger, lost a vote of confidence against the Opposition party, People’s Progressive Party/Civic, by one vote.

The national election, originally due in 2020, will now be held by March 2019.

Despite political uncertainty, economic growth will be strong as key energy policies will remain unchanged ahead of an oil boom in 2020.”

The EIU report covers almost the entire population of the world and the vast majority of the world’s states with microstates being excluded.

This is the 11th edition of the Democracy Index, which began in 2006. It records how global democracy fared in 2018. The results are mixed. For the first time in three years, the global score for democracy remained stable.

Although there was no big movement at the top

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and bottom of the index, there were big movements in the rankings elsewhere.

The two countries to fall the most in the rankings in 2018 were both from Latin America: Nicaragua and Venezuela. Both fell by 17 places, causing Nicaragua to fall from “hybrid regime” to “authoritarian regime”, and causing Venezuela, already an authoritarian regime, to sink further towards the bottom of the ranking.

There were some notable falls in eastern and western Europe, too. Italy’s ranking fell by 12 places, Turkey’s by 10 and Russia’s by nine places.

The top 10 full democracies are Norway, Iceland, Sweden, New Zealand, Denmark, Canada, Iceland, Finland, Australia and Switzerland. The United States places 25 on the list and is categorised as a flawed democracy after dropping four places.

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SUnDAY, january 13, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Baby found floating at De Willem koker

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newborn baby was discovered floating at the De Willem koker, West Coast Demerara on Saturday afternoon by residents in the area.

Based on information received, persons in the area noticed what looked like a infant floating in a trench

which leads to the koker, and upon checking, the dead baby boy was found. His umbilical cord was still attached.

When contacted, ranks of D Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) were unaware of the situation. Just one month ago, the body of an 11-month-

old baby was retrieved from a drain at Sayah Village, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara.

The child, Alvin Matthew, of Lot 47 Sayah Village, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital. Based on reports received, the child was at home with his mother, Parbattie Matthews, and his siblings in the lower flat of their house.

However, it is believed that the child crawled outside and ventured into the yard where he fell into the drain.

Shortly after, his mother realised that the baby was missing and frantically began to look for him. The child was found lying face down in the drain, which is approximately 10 feet wide and three feet deep.

Clothes vendor on $75,000 bail for armed robbery

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26-year-old clothes vendor of Lot 51 D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was last week brought before the courts after he was charged for stealing a gold chain.

It is alleged that Joel Leitch on January 4, 2019, at Trench Road, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, while being in the company of others and armed with a gun, he robbed Revon Thorman of a gold chain valued $75,000.

The prosecution’s case contended that the victim,

along with other persons, were standing on the roadway when two men on a motorcycle rode next to him and pointed a firearm at Thorman while demanding that he empty his pockets.

According to the prosecution, one of the men snatched the gold chain from the Virtual Complainant’s neck and made good their escape.

Magistrate Marcus released Leitch on $75,000 bail. The case will continue on January 21.

Dual…

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…citizens and politics

ven though the requirement that MPs can’t be dual citizens (that is, have pledged “allegiance” to another nation) was introduced into the 1980 Constitution which was crafted for Burnham, no one – least of all the politicians – paid any heed to it. After all, Guyanese politicians had routinely spent time abroad to “qualify” themselves in the profession and many might’ve very well gotten citizenship with their “farrin” wives. “Doctor politics” and all that!

And then, of course, Burnham had originally rigged himself into office through “overseas” Guyanese votes, and maybe felt he owed them something if they returned to Guyana? But by 1980, a tsunami of emigration had swept Guyana, and maybe he’d wanted to have a card up his sleeve in case some obstreperous ones, like Rodney, had slipped up and accepted foreign citizenship!!

At the turn of the 21st Century, after the PNC dictatorship had fallen, with a slew of “farriners” returning and throwing their hats into the political ring, the issue reared its head in a debate about the qualifications to head political parties – and to be “presidential candidates”. It was decided that citizenship plus continuous local residence for seven years would suffice. But the dual citizenship issue – wink, wink – was sidestepped.

Maybe the overseas donations had something to do with it? By 2006, the AFC was openly promising parliamentary seats to overseas contributors and understandingly, didn’t raise the issue of the constitutional bar!! And so we arrive at AFC MP Charrandas Persaud casting his vote to oust the APNU/ AFC coalition! Suddenly, according to the leaders of the AFC (we won’t even bother with the opinions of the PNC!) CP is now a “Judas” and a renegade of low moral character who even – gasp! GAMBLED!!

By the count of one professor in the know, however, some 26 of the present 65 MPs in the House, have dual citizenship – which their parties – including the PNC and AFC – had to have known about. Now frankly, your humble Eyewitness has no problems with dual citizens becoming MPs – unless, of course, they’re here spying for their “other” country and selling out our precious industrial and defence secrets! Never mind that the said “secrets” are being crafted by the selfsame “other” countries like the US and Canada!!

In these modern times where labour is fungible like finance – excepting in Trump’s US! –why should we deny the expertise of our Guyanese who might’ve picked up from their foreign sojourn how our country might become first world?

But the PNC’s in a no-win situation. If the courts rule that CP’s vote was retrospectively illegitimate, all the other “dualists” will have to go!!

It’s called a “Pyrrhic victory”!!

… no-confidence talks

The TUC leader wants to have civil society groups join the promised continued “talks” between the Opposition and the President that have been promised ‘til there are elections in Guyana. The fly in the curry (or the metemgee) of course, is which “civil society” groups will be allowed at the table? The old “social partners” of labour, business and religion? Which labour? Which business? Which religion? The usual suspects? But what about the unorganised labourers toiling out in the boons who don’t care for the promised “otherworldly” goodies? Who’ll speak for them?

But seriously folks, the Opposition should welcome the offer since it offers a wider, “less partisan” pool of influentials to witness up close how the PNC plays hardball – with democracy as the ball. Even if they aren’t going to vote for the Opposition, their reports should lend credibility to the latter’s inevitable odd patience at the PNC’S intransigence.

Maybe they’ll even join the PPP in the streets?

…GECOM chair?

Listen, your Eyewitness is as sympathetic to the ailments of the 85-year-old GECOM chair as anyone else.

But, with his own challenges in this area, he expects the President to be even more sympatico.

So how about suggesting that the OL submit another list of 6 “fit and proper” names??

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

10 news

SUnDAY, january 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Border controversy

Incursion has implications for oil production future – GTUC

– issues rallying call for citizens to be vigilant, involved

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oting that Venezuela’s aggression has implications for Guyana’s future as an oil producer, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) plans to carry out a countrywide sensitisation campaign on the border controversy aimed at educating workers and the general population.

According to the Union on Saturday, it held the first such session last week at GTUC headquarters. That session was attended by various Union members and leaders and was addressed by current Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge; former Foreign Affairs Minister Rashleigh Jackson; and Major General (retired), Jose Singh.

“The controversy has implications for Guyana being able to exploit its oil and gas resources for the benefit of Guyanese.

The recent incursion by a Venezuela navy ship that caused ExxonMobil – who was carrying out exploratory activity in our EEZ – to leave, reinforces and exemplifies the threats and challenges being faced by external forces,” the Union said in a statement to the

might, internal political instability, and muscles it wants to flex. Even as Guyana awaits the determination of the ICJ it behooves us as citizen/ workers to continue our vigilance, to be ever watchful.”

Attendees to the forum included GTUC President Coretta McDonald; General Secretary Lincoln Lewis; executive and branch members from the various unions in and out of the fold, including the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

The Ramform Tethys which was carrying out 3D seismic tests in Guyana’s waters

media.

“At the internal level it could threaten the fabric of the nation as a single unit and people pursuing common destiny, goals. This we must be ever vigilant to and be mindful to avoid at all cost. In light of this threat, every Guyanese is a solider, a defender of truth, our borders and the resources lying within the bosom of this nation,” the GTUC stated.

The GTUC noted that they will be carrying the initiative around the coun-

try as part of “preparing the nation’s consciousness” in defence of Guyana’s border. It was noted that this can be regarded sees this form of interaction as contributing to workers’ training and education, while bringing about greater participation from the citizens. Nor did the GTUC focus all its attention on Venezuela.

It was observed in the GTUC statement that every citizen has a role to play and that no group or agency is insignificant

when it comes to being involved and playing a role in protecting Guyana’s territorial integrity.

“At the end of the day, all participants left the symposium with an understanding that this is a matter to unite us. That we can all be the beneficiaries of protecting our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“This is no easy threat as a small state having to justifiably confront an increasingly aggressive bigger state, with military

Awareness

Former Education Minister and Chairman of the proceedings, Jeffrey Thomas, noted that Guyana in 1962 was able to prepare its citizens and raise awareness on the ground – from the schools to the communities – in defence of Guyana’s sovereignty and integrity.

It was only a week ago that Guyana’s Government had called on Venezuela to cease its intimidation tactics and respect Guyana’s territory. This had followed complaints late last

year from ExxonMobil that the Venezuelan navy had intercepted one of its vessels while doing research work.

On December 22, 2018, ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary announced it was suspending the 3D seismic tests it had started a month prior in Guyana’s Stabroek Block; after the appearance and approach of the Venezuelan navy caused the company’s seismic vessel to pack up shop and vacate the area.

Ramform Tethys, the vessel in question is owned by Norwegian company Petroleum and Geo Services (PGS). The company was contracted by Exxon to carry out tests and acquire seismic data.

The incident came at a time when Guyana has an ongoing territorial integrity case with Venezuela.

While Guyana has submitted the relevant paperwork to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) the Venezuelan Government is yet to join the proceedings.

During the 2019 Budget debates, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge had revealed that April 18, 2019 has been set for Venezuela to submit its counter memorial.

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SUnDAY, january 13, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Illegal dumpsite creates fire hazard at Industrial Site

Rewarding the PNC for jettisoning the rule of law: again

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nce again, the People’s National Congress (PNC) is refusing to heed the strictures of the Constitution to insist on remaining in power, by any means necessary. In 1964, they insisted on voting be changed from “First Past The Post” to Proportional Representation. They then flagrantly rigged elections in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985 – with the referendum of 1978 thrown in for good measure. In 1992, it took a call from the White House for Desmond Hoyte to demit office after that landmark free and fair election.

In 1997, they protested the internationally certified elections and rioted in the streets, leading to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) truncating their term and holding elections in 2001. Losing once again, they launched their “slow fyaah; mo’ fyaah” strategy that segued into open warfare against the Guyanese State.

In 2006, they again protested Ravi Dev their losing results and Police had to open fire (rubber bullets) on protesters. In 2011 and 2015, when along with the Alliance For Change, they checkmated the PPP Government all was quiet. Now that they lost on a No-confidence Motion in 2018, all sorts of excuses are thrown around as to why they will not leave office.

After the Joint communiqué following the meeting between the President and Jagdeo, I am reminded of what I wrote after hundreds of Indian-Guyanese were beaten in the streets of Georgetown on Jan 12 1998, in the wake of PNC protests.

“While for purposes of analyses we may sometime distinguish ends from means, they are ontologically identical since ends are no more than realised means. If we persist with the artificial distinction in real life, we court disaster. The recently Caricombrokered (Herdmanston) Accord between the PNC and the PPP is a case in point: while in theory it appears to be a step forward out of our Guyanese dilemma, the means by which the PNC brought the PPP to the table vitiates all hope of any lasting and permanent progress.

Rewards The Accord rewards the PNC for jettisoning the rule of law and due process in Guyana. It rewards the PNC for demonstrating to the people that if you lose by a set of rules you yourself had drafted, simply seize the umpire and demand new rules which will guarantee your victory. The Accord rewards the PNC for its willfully lawless, bullying tactics culminating in the January 12 pogrom launched by African-Guyanese against Indian-Guyanese.

Bullyism The PNC went into the elections under some misguided notion that they could wean away enough Indians (with the help of the micro parties), from the PPP to win the elections outright.

But with the benefit of 1992 hindsight, they had a fallback plan.

When by 23:00h on December 15, they knew they had lost, they activated Plan B. The audit will reveal that the election machinery was thrown into a loop because polling agents from Region Four did not submit signed Statements of Poll . This is not a fortuitous circumstance: investigation will reveal that most of these recalcitrant officers are graduates of the old PNC rigging combine.

It does not take a brain surgeon to figure out what happened.

Exploiting the crisis they themselves had manufactured, they proceeded to do what the PNC can do best - destablising the PPP. Seeking ex-parte injunctions, staging marches, closing down businesses and governmental offices, appealing to “kith and kin” in the Disciplined Forces, they were bent on forcing the PPP to conclude as they had in 1964, that they could not govern the country, and for the PNC to step into their shoes.

In tandem with these activities, they made escalating demands, as will all bullies when they see their victim backing down. The PPP has gone beyond what even the PNC had been asking for. For instance, the proposals for constitutional reforms and a truncated term of office were suggested by the PPP on its own, according to Ralph Ramkarran of the PPP. The PPP misjudges the PNC... the PNC will be satisfied with nothing less than total power. It is not interested with sharing power with the PPP, which Ramkarran informs us, is implied by its offer of constitutional reform. Hoyte is following his mentor Burnham in absolutely rejecting this option. As soon as the Caricom team had departed, Hoyte, while addressing his “Religious Rally” declared that he would accept nothing less than the PPP out of office.

The PNC can, and will, manufacture any number of reasons to abrogate the Accord...”

What, if anything, has changed??

A

n illegal dumpsite at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown is one of many which have been created by establishments in recent times to get rid of large amounts of unwanted waste.

This has caused significant unease among other business enterprises in the area; fearing that the flames can erupt into a disastrous event when unattended.

A security guard attached to a nearby business explained that fires at the illegal dumpsite is a frequent occurrence and poses a threat to establishments, which can lose millions. He added that large boxes and unwanted supplies are burned by employees of some of the businesses in the area and in most cases, they are left to burn late into the evening.

Another guard in the area stated that it is the most convenient way to dispose of the large garbage generation since the two solid waste collectors - Cevon’s Waste

A section of the illegal dumpsite being burnt at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Management and Puran Brothers Disposal - are still not operating due to payment issues. Adding to that, the growing heap of refuse subtracts from the aesthetics of the location, another nearby establishment employee stated.

Cevon’s Waste Management and Puran Brothers Disposal withdrew their services seven weeks ago from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) after they were owed some $160 million.

Meanwhile, last week

this publication was told that the garbage contractors have resumed limited service in some parts of the city.

Last year, Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan met with the collectors and officials of City Hall, where a commitment was made for Central Government to bailout City Hall and pay the owed $160 million by the end of 2018. However, this commitment was not fulfilled.

In November of 2017, $475 million was owed to contractors and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon an-

nounced that Government would assist the Council by offering some $300 million.

Meanwhile, in 2016, the Georgetown Council found itself in that same position and subsequently voted to ask the Central Government for a $600 million “bailout” to pay creditors and meet expenses.

At present, there has been a struggle to control the large generation of waste at markets and business hotspots with many resorting to empty land spaces to dump their waste. At the Stabroek Square, it continues to linger at parapets and bus zones.

“It yielded what we believe to be credible assurances that settlement of the outstanding debt will commence very shortly. Our understanding is that the first payment will be made before the end of 2018. We have, without prejudice, accepted those assurances,” the service providers jointly said shortly after they announced pulling their services.

12 news Guyana celebrates 166 years of Chinese Arrival SUnDAY, january 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

…as China commits to strengthen bilateral relations

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uyana celebrated Chinese Arrival Day on Saturday, commemorating 166 years since the arrival of Chinese to these shores.

To commemorate this event a ceremony was held at the Windsor Forest Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara.

Windsor Forest was the first Chinese settlement in Guyana.

Delivering brief remarks, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo underscored the importance of the contribution of the Chinese towards national development.

During his brief remarks Ambassador Jianchun said, “social cohesion, unity is really im-

portant for us to transform Guyana’s economy and empower the people to build a sustainable community for the better life.”

The Chinese Ambassador remarked that Guyana and China have broader prospects for exchange and cooperation.

He said that there is potential development by the two countries in various sectors. He explained that while Guyana is expecting oil in less than two years, it is important to have a “diversified economy”.

Ambassador Jianchun, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI), disclosed that under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the

Chinese Government and its people are willing to work with the Government of Guyana to develop a joint action plan.

Meanwhile, Charge d’ Affairs at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana, Chen Xilai, committed his Government’s participation in the strengthening of bilateral relations with Guyana.

During the ceremony, the General Secretary of the Chinese Association, Jason Wang spoke of the contribution made by the enterprise to the school.

“We have a track record of doing work at the school and that will continue as part of our duty. In 2013, we fixed the playground

Government officials along with Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Cui Jianchun, embassy officials and students of the Winsor Forest Primary School and members of the Chinese community on Saturday shared a photo moment at the Windsor Forest Primary School, WCD

by doing some landfilling and we also built the two bleachers. We have maintained the bleachers and this year we rebuilt the fence and recapped the tarmac. Next year, we plan to do more to benefit the students and teachers. Last year, we donated some sports gears among other things.”

Wang underscored that the village has a rich history for them, as the first Chinese President of this beautiful country - Arthur Chung - was from this village.

“The Association of Chinese Enterprise here in Guyana has built a new school fence and recapped the school’s tarmac at an estimated cost of $3 mil-

lion. Additionally, the organisation has donated several decorative plants to enhance the aesthetics of the school and repaired the school’s playground bleachers,” Jason Wang said.

The Monument at Windsor Forest Primary School was erected in 1986 by the Guyana-China Friendship Society to commemorate the coming of the first Chinese immigrants to Guyana on the Glentanner from Amoy in China.

They were all assigned to work on the West Coast of Demerara; 105 at Windsor Forest, 103 at Pouderoyen and 1 at Union. Nine died on the journey to Guyana.

From 1853-1879, a total

of 13,541 Chinese, which comprised a diverse group of persons who hailed from different regions; spoke different dialects and embraced different religious and cultural beliefs, were scattered across the counties of Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo. They were among the smallest group of indentured labourers brought to Guyana, and initially comprised only men.

Later, a small number of Chinese women were brought to serve as indentured labourers. On completion of their indentureship, many of them returned to China or emigrated to different parts of the Caribbean. Of the lot that remained, several of them became astute business operators and engaged in commercial pursuits, including becoming barbers and tradesmen.

Over the years, the strong, comprehensive programme of bilateral cooperation has resulted in Guyana benefiting from the services of the Chinese medical doctors and technicians, the donation of equipment to the health sector, the educational work of the Confucius Institute, the support given to the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service, the donation of scientific equipment to the tune of $50 million to the Cyril Potter College of Education, infrastructural support for the expansion and renovation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the widening of the East Coast Demerara Public Road, and the donation of vehicles and other equipment to the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.

Chinese indentured immigrants arrived in British Guiana aboard the ship Glentanner on January 12, 1853. The first 262 were joined five days later by an additional 85 indentured immigrants who disembarked from another ship, the ‘Lord Elgin’ .

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SUnDAY, january 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Heavy-duty trucks still operating haphazardly on Linden Highway – Councillor ties and the destruction of roads within the region and along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

The regional adminis-

A lumber laden truck making a U-turn on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway

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hough numerous consultations have been hosted, on the heels of safety concerns regarding defaulting heavy-duty trucks utilising the LindenSoesdyke Highway and internal roads in Linden, the issue continues to be one of concern for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) officials.

At the last statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Councillor Douglas Gittens highlighted several re-occurring issues he has observed, as he pleaded with the Council to take another look at the situation. Gittens said heavy-duty trucks are still not adhering to safety rules, as he also made calls for enhanced road markings along the highway. The Councillor said he gets “emotional” every time he speaks on this issue, since he is a regular traveller on the highway.

“I’m saying to us, we have to do something about these trucks that are on the highway. They are still moving with these big logs and they are not protected enough... there are no lights on any of the sides and numerous things... Some of these trucks got a big beam on the front.

When they shining that on the highway, you can’t see anything... When they stop across the road, they put a tree branch to show you that there is where the truck is...I am begging, we have to do something about these

trucks,” Gittens reiterated to officials of the Council.

He added that while work is ongoing to secure funding for the upgrade of the highway, in the interim the Council should request that the Public Infrastructure Ministry apply road markings to it.

Gittens pointed out that some of the log-carrying trucks, which utilise the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge continue to appear to be severely overweight. In this regard he urged that the bridge’s scale be fixed and put back in operation. “...they’re coming across that bridge too heavy. With other vehicles behind them and in front of them...We have to get that weight at the bridge fixed”, Gittens urged. He also questioned how and if vehicular fitness is being issued for these vehicles, as he pointed out that some of the issues can be corrected by Police.

After Gittens raised the concerns, Councillor Denise Belgrave stood up to support him. Regional Chairman Renis Morian promised to raise the issue at the region’s security meeting. He also reminded the Council that several high-level meetings were held regarding the same issue. Last June, officials met and discussed recommendations and measures of enforcement for heavy-duty trucks in an effort to curb road fatali-

tration had also made a decision to clamp down on defaulting timber and lumber trucks utilising the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge

and internal roads in the Linden community, following concerns that some were not operating under standard regulations.

With Linden being a major link to interior locations, scores of these trucks pass through the community daily.

14 news

SUnDAY, january 13, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

“Positive discipline” rather than corporal Community Forest Organisations punishment – ChildLink advises

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t has been found that children who are abused sexually are afraid to speak out because they are afraid their parents, or even teachers may hit them. This is according to ChildLink, an advocacy group which recently completed a study on Child Sexual Abuse in Guyana.

The group, in concluding its report, recommended that positive discipline be used in homes and in schools rather than corporal punishment as it continues to be a reason why many children are afraid to ‘tell’.

“This study demonstrates that fear of beatings deters children from speaking with their carers about abuse. General acceptance of corporal punishment also allows sexually abusive carers to beat children into silence,” the report states.

It added that Guyana remains one of the few countries that still permits child corporal punishment in the home, schools, in some alternative care settings as well as in some day care facilities.

ChildLink is positive, having conducted the study that, “teaching parents, car-

ers and educators proactive, positive discipline rather than (corporal) punishment would create an environment that is less conducive to child sexual abuse, (as) corporal punishment sabotages efforts to teach about ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’ or ‘inappropriate touching’”.

In June 2014, the historic Education Bill was tabled in the National Assembly by the then Education Minister Priya Manickchand. While the use of corporal punishment in the education system is still allowed in the school system, there are specific guidelines under which it can be administered. In this context, corporal punishment can only be admin-

istered by the head teacher, deputy head teacher, or designated senior master/mistress and can only be used in cases of continued display of unacceptable behaviour or in grave circumstances.

Meanwhile, in the penal system under the enacted the Juvenile Justice Act 2018, all corporal punishment is prohibited against children in penal institutions and as a sentence for a crime. Under the Act, corporal punishment is also unlawful as a sentence for a crime as Article 15 of the Act states that juveniles “shall be dealt with as provided for in this Act”. Part VI of the Act on sentencing makes no provision for judicial corpo-

ral punishment.

Children in Guyana can, however, still be lawfully subjected to corporal punishment in the home, alternative care and day care settings and in schools.

While the debate on corporal punishment in Guyana continues to be debated as to whether it is a disciplinary mode or abuse, President David Granger in 2016 had called for the abolition of corporal punishment in Guyana. Quoting from the Bible, the head of state had said that to “Spare the rod and spoil the child” is a backward move, noting that parents should use nonphysical means to uphold discipline within the home.

“We need to remove all forms of corporal punishment from the school and in the home. Maybe 50 years, 100 years ago it might have been typical but the days of going into a classroom or a home and seeing the wild cane have passed.

Intelligent educated parents must use different means which do not involve the application of force,” the President had when addressing the issue of corporal punishment.

gearing up for Environmental Authorisation

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he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received funding under the FAO-EU FLEGT programme to execute the project, “Providing Capacity Building Assistance to Community Forest Organisations (CFOs) on the Environmental Authorisation process in Guyana.” This project will utilise awareness and capacity building as a means of supporting forest operators on the process involved in obtaining an Environmental Authorisation in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, Chapter 20:05, laws of Guyana and the EUFLEGT-VPA legality definition (Annex11). This initiative involves a series of exploratory meetings in all relevant administrative regions followed by workshops with the identified stakeholders. To this end, 69 CFOs are targeted for this project with the goal of having 70 per cent of CFO operations permitted by the end of the project.

What is EU FLEGT? The European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (EU FLEGT) programme is a system in place to ensure timber is legally harvested and is legal to enter the European market. Two major elements under this programme are the EU Timber Regulation and the Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs).

What is a VPA? A VPA is a voluntary but legally binding agreement between the European Union (EU) and each partner country. This is based on the participating countries national laws and seeks to foster environmental and social sustainability. Stakeholder engagement is a vital part of the VPA process.

Capacity building in Regions 10 and 2 A total of 52 representatives from Community Forest Organisations in Regions 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and Two (PomeroonSupenaam), benefited from three capacity building workshops held in December 2018 and January 2019. CFO representatives from the communities of Kwakwani, Ituni, Aroaima, Hururu, Great Falls, Number 58 Miles, Mabura, in Region 10; and Akawini, Anna Regina, Mainstay, Bethany, Mashabo, Pomona, Capoey, Riverstown, Pomeroon, Supenaam etc, Region Two; were meaningfully engaged on Environmental Authorisation and the EU FLEGT programme. The workshops were held at the Kwakwani; Number 58 Miles, Mabura, Region 10; and the Regional Democratic Council Boardroom, Anna Regina, Region Two, respectively.

Participants were enlightened on the role and work of the EPA as well as, the Environmental Authorisation process. CFO representatives were also guided on how to properly complete the Environmental Authorisation application form. In addition, officers from EPA’s waste management and air quality programmes led practical exercises on noise, air quality and waste management.

Officers engaged participants on the use of the noise meter and other the major areas of concerns for the Agency; as well as, mitigation measures to protect human health and the environment. The Guyana Forestry Commission and regional offices were also represented at the workshops. In the coming weeks, similar workshops will be held in the other administrative regions to ensure all CFOs are equipped to become authorised.

What is an Environmental Authorisation?

An Environmental Authorisation means an “environmental permit, a prescribe process licence, a construction permit or an operations permit.” Environmental Protection Act, Chapter 20:05, laws of Guyana.

As is relates to forestry activities, it is a legally binding document to guide forest operators on best environmental practices before and during harvesting and utilisation of forest resources.

The EPA is the only Agency in Guyana, with the authority to grant Environmental Authorisation. ****Do I still need an Environmental Authorisation if I have a licence for the GFC?*** Yes, although the Guyana Forestry Commission has jurisdiction for the forest, you still need an Environmental Authorisation to ensure all aspects of your operation protects human health and the environment.

Get authorised!!!

The Agency advises all persons involved in developmental activities to be proactive and apply to the Agency for Environmental Authorisation to safeguard your health, the environment and your investment. The Agency will be aggressively pursuing defaulters in 2019 and is advising all persons who have expired permits to have them renewed promptly to avoid prosecution.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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SUnDAY, january 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Billions worth of ganja, cocaine destroyed in 2018 – CANU head Foreign Affairs Ministry out of its depths in its protest against the Canadian High Commission

– Foreign Affairs Minister ought to know better; Canadian High Commissioner’s action was well in order, in keeping with diplomatic protocol of her country

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his author, during the course of last week, read with interest that the Foreign Affairs Minister adopted the same position put forward in this column last Sunday.

To this end, readers would recall that in the concluding paragraphs of last week’s article, it was posited that, “… with the judicial challenge to the No-confidence Motion, if that ruling turns out in a particular manner, then there may be a constitutional crisis and a political crisis which will lead to an economic crisis and a social crisis, especially if fresh elections are not held within 90 days as stipulated by the Constitution. These events, if materialised, will inevitably weaken Guyana within these dimensions and it is when this happens that Venezuela may very well seize the opportunity to aggressively continue to threaten Guyana with the use of military force. It is no coincidence that the last aggressive move in this regard was done the very next day after the no-confidence vote. That was a strategic move by the Venezuelans and if Guyana’s political climate becomes further weakened – the outcomes are going to be devastating. Therefore, the politicians need to do what is best for Guyana and that is, to have fresh elections in the next three months.”

Just a few days after, this author was happy to see that Guyana Times reported in its January 11, 2019 edition with the headline “Internal tensions could weaken Guyana on world stage – Greenidge.” In that article, the Minister was quoted as saying, “I myself don’t think that it was a coincidence. The Venezuelans were notified on December 6 and 7 and they said nothing; the works started and they did nothing, but when they did move, it was immediately after this internal problem.”

Having said that on a positive note, it is at the same time disappointing to observe that the said Ministry – which is mandated to uphold the highest level of diplomatic protocol, especially with respect to the relationship management with Guyana’s diplomatic community – has taken a very unfortunate position on a matter that should have never become the subject of the Ministry in the first place.

The case in contention here is contained in an article in sections of the media where the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that “the evidence suggests that the High Commission and by extension, the sending State, are complicit in an attempt to overthrow a sitting Government which was democratically elected.” Now, this position by the Ministry is unfathomable, baffling and incompressible. On what basis are they making such wild and careless charges at the Canadian High Commission? For offering protection to its citizen in a highly, nationally sensitive matter? This is blatant rubbish and ridiculous in its truest form.

In attempting to make sense of this matter, the person whom is the subject of this matter, on the night of December 21, 2018, and who happened to be a Canadian citizen and a Member of Parliament on the Government side, voted in favour of a No-confidence Motion that was brought against the Government in the National Assembly by the Opposition. Having done so, that person felt that his life was in danger; in fact, he reported being threatened to be killed by his own colleagues. It is therefore clear that the Canadian High Commission had absolutely nothing to do with the manner in which he voted in Parliament, which, unfortunately for the Government resulted in it being toppled so to speak. But the Foreign Affairs Minister and his Ministry must know that Canada, firstly, is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, and it is the norm to offer protection to its citizens in any part of the world, provided that such is sought from them. In fact, any country would do so for its citizens. Hence, the Canadian High Commission was obligated to act in the manner it did and this is no crime.

To accompany someone to a plane ensuring their security on a matter of national importance and of a sensitive nature, can never be characterised as a crime.

Obviously, therefore, these events are making the Government appear very desperate in its cling to power.

They have not yet recovered or come to grips with reality of what occurred on the night of December 21, 2018.

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

…“largest in a long time”

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he Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has reported that billions of dollars’ worth of marijuana and cocaine was destroyed during last year’s eradication exercise throughout the country.

This is according to Head of CANU, Michael Atherly, who in an interview with Guyana Times said over 300 persons were convicted for various drug crimes during 2018.

“During last year we had a very huge eradication exercise throughout the country.

Berbice, however, has seen the largest confiscation of marijuana. There were millions of dollars’ worth of cannabis which included farms and dried cannabis being destroyed during that period. This was recorded as the largest during recent years,” Atherly said.

Statistics from the Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN) – an in-

ter-agency body comprising of law enforcement agencies – revealed that during 2018 (as of November), a combined total of 477 kilograms of cocaine and 994 kilograms of cannabis was destroyed at Yarrowkabra, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway by representatives from CANU, the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) and the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL).

It further outlined that a total of 132 kilograms of cocaine and 440 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed by the Police, while 45 kilograms of cocaine and 554 kilograms of cannabis were also destroyed by CANU in other areas. A combined street value of the narcotics amounted to $513,310,940.

The drugs were reportedly tested by staff of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory before being destroyed by way of fire.

An exercise in which illegal drugs were destroyed by way of fire

by CANU

Meanwhile, the 2017 report highlighted that law enforcement agencies seized a total of 55,139 kilograms of narcotics which included substances such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy and have eradicated over 117,000 kilograms of marijuana plants.

Further, the executive summary of the GUYDIN report noted that there were 124 drug seizures during that period.

Of these, the narcotics branch of the Guyana Police Force made 72 per cent of the seizures , while CANU made 28 per cent.

The report stated that marijuana plants were eradicated from 34 acres of land, spanning 20 fields over 15 operations. Some 204,400 plants were eradicated, the report added, and a “total of 117,531.67 kilograms of marijuana taken off the market.

16 news

SUnDAY, january 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

8500 ganja plants destroyed during Police swoop down in Upper Demerara River

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olice in E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) on Saturday conducted another drug eradication exercise, this time at 8 Miles, Millie’s Hideout, Upper Demerara River where several marijuana camps were unearthed and destroyed.

Reports are Police swooped down on two acres of marijuana farm which has about 2500 cannabis plants, which measured between one to four feet in height, and which were estimated to weigh approximately 675 kilograms.

A nursery containing some 3000 marijuana plants

was also discovered along with four make-shift camps with two hammocks, a mattress, a quantity of kitchen utensils and groceries.

Additionally, a quantity of dried cannabis, estimated to weigh about 200 kilograms were unearthed.

Following the first bust, Police trekked another seven miles where a one and half acre of marijuana farm with about 1500 cannabis plants was discovered.

The plants measured between two and five feet in height with an estimated weight of 225 kilograms.

Another nursery with 1500

marijuana plants was also discovered at the location along with a make-shift camp containing dried cannabis, which was estimated to weigh about 100 kilograms.

Police on Saturday said that the plants and camps were destroyed, and the location marked for further investigation.

No one was found at the illegal farms.

The exercise which was conducted between 05:00h and 18:00h was led by Detective/Sergeant De Souza and Detective/Corporal 21800 Van Hersel, a party

of policemen attached to the Mackenzie Police Station, a Rural Corporal and a member of the E ‘2’ Division Community Policing Group (CPG).

Only on Tuesday last, ranks in the Division conducted a similar eradication exercise at 10 Miles, Millie’s Hideout, during which several fields of cannabis were destroyed. During the exercise, ranks discovered several fields totaling 9 acres which contained 9,000 cannabis plants.

The plants ranged between two to eight feet in height. They also discov-

Two of the ganja farms which were unearthed and subsequently destroyed on Saturday

ered 300 kilograms of dried cannabis and two nurseries containing 6,500 seedlings.

Seven camps containing groceries, kitchen utensils, clothing, beds, hammocks

and foodstuff were also unearthed. The fields were reportedly cut down and burnt. No one was discovered inside the camps at the time of the discoveries.

Suspect confesses to Corentyne brothers' murders

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Dead: Premcharran Samaroo

Dead: Harricharran Samaroo

olice made a major breakthrough in the murder of two Corentyne, Berbice brothers when one of the suspects in custody confessed to robbing and murdering the siblings.

Guyana Times understands that under questioning, one of the men broke down and gave a confession statement to Police, detailing the murders.

Just last week, Police had several persons in custody and issued wanted bulletins for 28-year-old Yougendra Jeenarine of Lot 439 Bush Lot, Corentyne, Berbice; and his 32-year-old accomplice, Kelvin Shivgobin, of Belvedere, Corentyne, Berbice in relation to the murders.

Another man who was wanted for questioning, turned himself in to Police in the company of his lawyer.

Jeenarine was arrested on January 3, 2019 and was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital to seek medical attention on Saturday after he had told his lawyer, Chandra Sohan, that he was beaten by Police. Shivgobin, the second suspect, was arrested the following day.

Harricharran and Premcharran Samaroo were killed on December 31, 2018, during the course of a robbery at their mother’s Bush Lot, Berbice home.

It was reported that on the night in question, the now dead brothers were imbibing with one of the suspects along with a cousin who had arrived in Guyana from the US. Reports are the suspect left the house before the electricity went out. It is believed that he might have orchestrated the robbery/murders.

news

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SUnDAY, january 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Strict operating time for water taxis issued

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he Maritime Administration D e p a r t m e n t (MARAD) is notifying all water taxis – except those plying the Georgetown/Vreeden-Hoop route – that they will now be allowed to operate from 06:00h to 18:00h, effective from Saturday.

This will affect water taxis

with and without sheds that are engaged in ferrying passengers.

Water taxis that ferry passengers between Georgetown and Vreeden-hoop will have an extended time to traverse the Demerara River. They will be allowed to operate from 06:00h to 20:00h daily.

Police unearth “black magic” scam

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he art of practising black magic in T&T has become the subject of a police and immigration investigation, the suspects being nationals from India.

In July last year, Newsday published a story about a woman falling victim to the scam, having paid money to predict the outcome of her love life.

Scores of people had complained to Newsday about being fleeced and, in some cases, sexually harassed by charlatans from India who had set up shops on High Street, San Fernando and along the Southern Main Road, Chaguanas.

Schoolchildren and elderly women are their primary targets, and on Friday and Saturday last week police picked up six men and one woman on High Street in connection with the criminal activity. They were handing out leaflets advertising palm reading, protection from black magic, witchcraft, voodoo, evil spirits, obeah and negative energy.

The suspects held are from south India and, according to a police report, they told police that they are spiritualists. On Monday, they were taken to the Immigration office, San Fernando, where officers discovered that they had been staying in TT illegally.

Attorneys Indira Binda and Shodan Mahabir were asked to represent the sev-

en at the Immigration office and officials from the Indian High Commission, Port of Spain, were contacted.

The report said the matter of the Indians distributing pamphlets, especially to school children and elderly people, was discussed with Binda, Mahabir and the high commission’s officials. The Indians were released after airline tickets were bought for their departure on Monday.

Immigration officials confirmed to Newsday that based on the interviews, there were approximately 45 non-nationals in TT who were operating "spiritual parlours" in San Fernando, Princes Town and Chaguanas.

Stemming from that, a quasi-tribunal is to be set up in the next two weeks comprising police, attorneys and immigration, to enquire whether there is any fraud in the alleged practice of black magic, palm reading and fortune telling. The tribunal is to be established in the next three weeks, Newsday was told.

In July, fraud squad detectives investigated a report from a prominent business family living in Gulf View, who reportedly lost $145,000 in their quest to find a "prince" from India to marry their daughter.

At about the same time, a woman told Newsday that one of the “spiritualists” requested $9,000 “to save my life.” (T&T Newsday)

The notice, which was issued on Saturday warns that failure to comply can lead to immediate revocation of operating licences.

It also states that the operating time will remain in effect until otherwise amended by the Maritime Administration Department.

T&T Top Cop orders arms, ammunition audit

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olice Commissioner Gary Griffith has ordered an audit into all guns and ammunition seized by the Police over the past 20 years as he says there is a need to ensure all weapons are accounted for.

He said he planned this weeks ago, even before police seized 23 rounds of TTPS-issued ammunition from two suspects in Arima last Sunday.

Over the past two decades, he said, the police would have seized over 15,000 illegal guns and he wants to know if they were destroyed or if not, are properly accounted for as part of exhibits in ongoing court cases or investigations. The audit will begin in a month and will be done by two experts in firearms and ammunition from outside the TTPS to ensure an independent review.

“We can’t have rogue officers renting out or making TTPS firearms available to criminals. If this is taking

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith

place, we will put a stop to this. You are either a police (officer) or a criminal and this type of action will not be tolerated,” Griffith said.

He also said guns and ammunition issued to police officers have to be accounted for and those who cannot do so will have to answer for it.

Griffith said he was concerned over the seizure of 23 rounds of ammunition with the markings “TTPS”

in Arima last week when officers intercepted a vehicle with two men one of whom had a pistol which contained the rounds. He was equally concerned when police ammunition was discovered next to the body of a murder victim at Windy Hill in Arima last Monday.

Special Branch officers are working with Northern Division detectives to ascertain how police-issued ammunition ended up at a murder scene. Sources said they won’t be surprised if rogue officers have been making ammunition and guns belonging to the TTPS, available to criminals.

On Thursday, director of the Police Complaints Authority David West described the two incidents as serious. West said he was hoping investigators fasttrack the investigation.

On Friday, a Special Branch source said an audit was taking place to ensure all ammunition is accounted for. (T&T Newsday)

18 news Saudi teen who fled family welcomed in Canada A SUnDAY, january 13, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

n 18-year-old Saudi woman who fled her family this week saying she feared for her life arrived in Toronto’s international airport on Saturday after being granted asylum in Canada, where Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland welcomed her as a brave new Canadian.

Rahaf Mohammed alQunun grabbed international attention this week after she barricaded herself in a Bangkok airport hotel room to resist being sent home to her family, which denies any abuse. Qunun refused to meet her father and brother, who arrived in Bangkok to try to take her back to Saudi Arabia.

Qunun arrived at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on Saturday morning, wearing a hoodie emblazoned with the word Canada in red, and a blue cap with the logo of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which has granted her refugee status.

In her last tweet before

Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun arrives at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Reuters/Carlos Osorio)

leaving for Toronto, Qunun said, “I did it,” and posted pictures from inside an airplane.

Freeland, who received Qunun at the airport, told reporters that Qunun is “a very brave new Canadian.”

“Rahaf wanted Canadians to see that she has arrived at her new home,” Freeland told reporters. “But she had a very

long and tiring journey and so would prefer not to take questions today. And she is now going to go to her new home.” A smiling Qunun waved to reporters as she walked out into the international arrivals area but did not speak to the media.

After a brief appearance, she was taken back into the airport terminal.

Canada’s decision to

grant asylum to Qunun comes at a delicate time.

Relations between Ottawa and Riyadh have been tense after Canada demanded the immediate release of jailed rights activists last year, infuriating Saudi Arabia who retaliated by freezing new trade with Ottawa.

Her case has drawn global attention to Saudi Arabia’s strict social rules, including a requirement that women have the permission of a male “guardian” to travel, which rights groups say can trap women and girls as prisoners of abusive families.

Qunun arrived in Bangkok a week ago and was initially denied entry.

But she soon started posting messages on Twitter from the transit area of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport saying she had “escaped Kuwait” and her life would be in danger if forced to return to Saudi Arabia.

Within hours, a campaign sprang up dubbed #SaveRahaf, spread on Twitter by a loose network

of activists.

Following a 48-hour stand-off at Bangkok airport, some of it barricaded in

a transit lounge hotel room, she was allowed to enter the country and was processed as a refugee by the UNHCR.

(Reuters)

17 die in fire at Ecuador drug rehab clinic

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t least 17 people died, and 12 others were injured in a fire on Friday at a drug rehabilitation clinic in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, authorities said.

The fire started when patients set mattresses ablaze to try to escape from the clinic, which lacked the necessary permits, according to Tania Varela, the chief of police in the poor area of the

city where the incident took place.

Such makeshift treatment centers are common in the Andean country.

“We regret the loss of 17 human lives in this tragedy, and we reject the negligence of the owners,” the Guayaquil fire department said in a statement.

Police are seeking the arrest of the owners and operators of the clinic. (Reuters)

May warns of catastrophe if lawmakers don't back Brexit deal

British Prime Minister Theresa May

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ritish Prime Minister Theresa May has warned lawmakers that failure to back her plan to leave the European Union would be catastrophic for Britain, in a plea for support two days ahead of a vote in parliament that she is expected to lose.

Lawmakers are set to vote on May’s Brexit deal on Tuesday, after she shelved plans for a vote in December when it became clear that not enough lawmakers from her own party or others would back the deal she agreed with Brussels.

May looks little closer to securing the support she needs, but writing in the Sunday Express she said lawmakers must not let down the people who voted for Brexit.

“Doing so would be a cat-

astrophic and unforgivable breach of trust in our democracy,” May said.

“So my message to Parliament this weekend is simple: it is time to forget the games and do what is right for our country.”

On Friday, her foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said Brexit might not happen at all if May’s deal was defeated.

Britain, the world’s fifth largest economy, is scheduled to quit the European Union on March 29.

The Sunday Times reported that rebel lawmakers were planning to wrest control of the legislative agenda away from May next week with a view to suspending or delaying Brexit, citing a senior government source. (Reuters)

sunDAY, january 13, 2018

19

MVP rival Giannis “up Sir Cook’s absence a there” with the best huge plus for Windies – Harden 2019 England Tour of West Indies...

his retirement from the game averages a whopping 57.96 from 20 est Indies will be emTest matches. barking on quite a difCook’s conversion rate is pheficult journey as they nomenal as well, with 8 fifties prepare to host England in a and 6 centuries including a refew weeks and the home team cord 243 back in August of 2017. should feel a bit joyed as the visPlaying in the Caribbean, Cook itors will be without Sir Alastair ended with an overall average Cook. of 54.33, incredible for any playThe former England skipper er who just managed to visit the and second English player to be West Indies on 8 occasions. knighted after Sir Ian Botham, The last time cook was in the recently hung up his gloves afWest Indies was way back in ter a stellar career which com2009 when he was a regular batsmenced back in 2006. Windies man in the side. During his brief will be feeling immense prestime in the Caribbean, the ex-Ensure having lost to India recentgland skipper had a string of good ly then Bangladesh and with scores but just scored two centua strong England team set to ries. The elegant left-hander hit face the Caribbean side, Cook’s 52, 58, 94 and 139 not out in a non-presence is a bonus for the stretch before going through Windies.

Sir Alastair Cook averaged a phenomenal career 57.96 some hardships with a series of With the tour being held in against the West Indies including a double century below-standard scores in 2009. the Windies backyard, it will be When England revisited the left to see how the England players do in completely opposite Caribbean the last time in 2015, a more mature Cook sought conditions than they are used to. Also the pitches around the to banish his demons from 7 years ago. He returned to his Caribbean offer less bounce than those in Europe, while the stylish self with knocks of 76, 59* and 106 to wrap up his fispinners could be the ones to shine brightest, when the se- nal trip to the West Indies in grand style. ries starts.

A high concentration of Cook’s runs in the Caribbean inIf the Windies weren’t sweating already due to their re- cluding his two hundreds came in Barbados while the majoricent form in the Test arena, the big name England player’s ty of his significant knocks came in Grenada and Antigua; the likes Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Ben Stokes, James Anderson same territories which will host the upcoming series. and others who are world-beaters could easily gain a slight Although the Knight’s chapter has ended, it is safe to psychological advantage over the young Windies team. say that the most successful England Captain after Michael With no Cook in the side, the Windies can breathe a bit Vaughan and Andrew Strauss would have certainly been a lighter as the left-hander ended his career with a Test aver- big difference in the series, given that within the last decade age of close to 60 in and against the West Indies; ever since no other player apart from James Anderson has faced the his debut against them back in 2007. Playing against the Caribbean side more or has better statistics to go along with Caribbean side, Sir Cook who received his knighthood after wins.

By Clifton Ross

W

The “Greek Freak”, Giannis Antetokounmpo

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ames Harden believes Giannis Antetokounmpo is “up there” in the race to be crowned MVP, but the Greek forward said “I don’t know if I’m there yet” after he inspired the Milwaukee Bucks to a 116-109 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Antetokounmpo scored 27 points, claimed a career-high 21 rebounds and provided five assists at Toyota Centre on Wednesday.

Harden extended his NBA-record streak of recording at least 30 points and five assists to 14 games, pouring in a game-high 42 points in the defeat to the Bucks.

The Rockets guard could win back-to-back MVPs if he maintains those standards, but says Antetokounmpo has every chance of claiming the honour. “He’s up there,” Harden said. “He’s definitely [elite], just the way he impacts the game. (Sportsmax)

Andy Murray retirement:

Steven Smith

S

Steven Smith Rafael Nadal says former international world number 1 is “suffering” return date in A doubt due to elbow surgery

teven Smith requires surgery on the elbow injury that forced him home from the BPL and appears unlikely to be fit to resume his international career when his ban expires at the end of March, potentially leaving him short of time to prepare for the World Cup. He is expected to wear a brace for six weeks after the operation before returning to training, which will rule him out of the Pakistan Super League, and makes it highly doubtful he would be fit to play any part in the one-day series against Pakistan that had been suggested as his international comeback, if the fixtures lined up with the end of his year-long ban. The timescale for his recovery will also put him in doubt for the IPL which starts on March 23.

However, the main concern for the Australia selectors will be if the injury means he is not able to play any international cricket before the World Cup squad has to be named on April 23.

Smith arrived back in Sydney on Sunday

and was assessed by Cricket Australia medical staff.

“Steve Smith will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair a ligament in his right elbow. He is expected to wear a brace for six weeks before commencing rehabilitation.

Return to play time frames will be clearer once the brace has been removed,” a Cricket Australia spokesman said.

Depending on Smith’s recovery, he may be available to take up part of his IPL deal with Rajasthan Royals, but those Australian players selected in the World Cup squad have to leave by early May for a preparation camp in Brisbane where they are set to play two matches against a New Zealand XI. During his ban, Smith has played T20 in Canada and the Caribbean before his aborted spell in Bangladesh. He has also played regular grade cricket for Sutherland and has trained with the New South Wales and Sydney Sixers squads but now faces an even bigger challenge to be ready for the demands of a World Cup campaign. (CRICINFO)

ndy Murray’s impending retirement when you have one thing, then was a decision he had to take because another thing. he is “suffering”, says long-time rival “Andy has probably Rafael Nadal. been fighting to keep going The 31-year-old Briton announced for a long time. If he doesn’t feel on Friday that he will quit this year, that the injury can become better, and next week’s Australian Open he has probably done the right thing could be the final tournament for his mental health.” of his career.

Scotland’s Murray first met Nadal, “When you are going on who has won 17 Grand Slam titles, when court without a clear goal they were teenagers and played against because you cannot move each other at junior tournaments. well and you have pain, then The pair have met 24 times as seniors, it is the time to take a deciwith the Majorcan winning 17 of the consion,” Nadal said. tests.

“He will be a big loss for “I always had good relationship tennis.” with him,” said Nadal. “We shared Nadal, 32, knows more moments in my academy. We than most players what it is shared courts in the most importlike to battle injury, having had ant stadiums in the world, competa catalogue of serious problems ing for the most important things. over the years, with his knees Murray was seen holding That’s impossible to forget. and wrists in particular.

“So all the best to him. We his hip during practice at the But the Spaniard, a 17- Australian Open on Saturday will miss him. But today is him. time Grand Slam singles Tomorrow another one. We are champion, says he has never “arrived” at the not 20 any more. Our generation, everyone is point of feeling he had to quit the sport. more than 30 – these kind of things happen.

“I always had the feeling that we’ll fix it,” “He will be a very important loss for us, for said the world number two, who begins his the world of tennis, for the tour, for the fans.

Australian Open campaign against home But that’s life. It seems like he had not a very wildcard James Duckworth on Monday. long career because today players are playing “But, of course, there are periods of time that long. But he’s 31 - 10 years ago, if he rethat you don’t see the light. It is tough. tired at 31, we would say he had a great and “I know it is hard mentally. It is tough very long career.” (BBC Sport)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, january 13, 2018

Several outstanding performances in BCB/New York Business Group Under-19 Tournament E

arly preparation is always the best path for teams who seek success on the cricket field and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is following this path. The BCB has started its 2019 New York Business Group Under-19 tournament as it forges ahead with plans to select its Berbice Under-19 team early for the Guyana Cricket Board Inter-county Championship.

The Ancient County in 2018 won both the Three-Day, 50-Overs titles and are determined to retain both in 2019.

This tournament is sponsored by a group of businessmen based in New York via the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club. Rose Hall Town Pepsi, under the leadership of Kevin Sinclair, defeated Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club to win the 2018 version. The 2019 Tournament will be the third edition of the very popular event, which is being contested by 17 teams.

At Number 73 Village, the home team – Number 73 Young Warriors – defeated Albion Community Centre B by 240 runs. Number 73 made 326 all out in 44 overs. Afseer Hussain hit 35, Trevon Sukhu 136, and Rudy Jamaludin, scored 53*. G Samaroo had 4 for 52. Albion Community Centre B slumped to 86 all out. N Veersammy stoked 16.

Stephen Norah 3 for 23 and Rudy Jamaludin 3 for 18, were the best bowlers.

At Port Mourant, the hosts defeated Number 73 Cricket Club by one wicket; Number 73 Cricket Club scored 144 all

out in 41.3 overs. Nirad Singh scored 24. Fardeen Khan had 3 for 32 and Salim Khan 2 for 24. Port Mourant Cricket Club scored 145 for 9 in 40.5 overs. Brandon Mangal 36 and extras being 49, contributed to the victory. Jason Budhan had 6 for 28.

At Edinburgh, Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club defeated Edinburgh Cricket Club by 183 runs. Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club amassed 276 for 6 in 45 overs. Ravindra Beharry smashed 131 not out, T Wharton 2 for 25 for Edinburgh. In reply, Edinburgh Cricket Club made 73 all out in 20 overs with R Henry scoring 24. Ravindra Beharry returned with 5 for 13, while Randy Ramnarine had 3 for 15.

In Canje, at the welfare ground, Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club defeated Kendall’s Union by 170 runs. Rose Hall Canje Cricket club scored 214 for 6 in 45 overs. Aviskhar Persaud, 34 and Ravindra Beharry hit 29. R Goberdhan had 2 for 40.

Kendall’s Union made 44 in 15 overs. Isaiah Throne had 3 for 11 and Bhaskar Dhanai 5-18.

At Mt Sinai, Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club defeated Mt Sinai by one wicket, in a thriller. Mt Sinai made 74 all out in 25 overs. R Budhoo 16, Bhaskar Dhanai 6 for 24, Isaiah Thorne 3 for 17.

Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club made 75 for 9 in 31.2 overs.

Sanjay Algoo 18 not out. S. Giddings had 3-20, S Lewis 3 for 16 and L Henry 2 for 20.

At D’Edward, Paradise Cricket Club defeated D’Edward Cricket Club by 127 runs.

Paradise made 232 all out in 40 overs.

Wendell Fordyce hit 49, Lakeram Ramkissoon 51, and Omprakash Bharrat had 54. Anthony France grabbed 2-10 and Hemraj Harrilall 2 -22.

D ’ E d w a r d Cricket Club scored 105 all out in 34 overs.

Mahendra Ramchand scored 32. Trevon Charles 4-14 and Dishawn Phillips 2-21.

Ravindra Beharry scored a century and At D’Edward, grabbed a five-wicket haul in the Paradise Cricket same match Club defeated Blairmont Community Centre by 10 runs.

Paradise Cricket Club made 138 all out in 30 overs.

Omprakash Bharrat 41 and Dishawn Phillips 41 were the main scorers. Nigel Deodat had 4-17.

Blairmont Community Centre slumped to 128 all out in 26 overs. Marvin Prashad 31 and Devanandan Persaud 32 were the run getters. Omprakash Bharrat 4-16, Wendell Fordyce 2- 18 and Dishawn Phillips 2-8 took wickets.

At Bush Lot, Achievers Cricket Club defeated D’Edward by 126 runs.

Achievers Cricket Club 261 all out in 44.3 Overs.

Navindra Persaud 72. Shamal Angel 36. Collis Noble 30, Tony Dalane 3 for 39. Tamesh Ramnarine 3 for 11.

D’Edward Cricket Club 125 all out in 30 Overs. Vishwar Adin 22, Andel Mitne 20. Christopher Harry 3 for 12, Shamal Andel 2 for 11.

At Mt Sinai, Tucber Park Cricket Club totally destroyed Mt Sinai by nine wickets. Mt Sinai Cricket Club 27 all out in 14 Overs. Gevon Schultz 3 for 8, Leon Swammy 4 for 12, Rubel Latcha 2 for 0. Tucber Park Cricket Club 28 for 1 in 6.2 Overs, W. Roberts 12 not out.

At Bush Lot:

Blairmont Community Centre crushed Achievers Cricket Club by 134 runs.

Blairmont Community Centre 363 for 6 in 50-Overs.

Nigel Deodat 134, Deonauth Persaud 51, Marvin Prashad 82, Seon Glasgow 37, Shamal Angel 2 for 34. Achievers Cricket Club 229 all out in 46.1 Overs. Nicholas Shivrattan 48, Navendra Prashad 84. Marvin Prashad 3 for 58, Seon Glasgow 2 for 37, Nigel Deodat 2 for 29.

At Bush Lot:

Paradise Cricket Club won Achievers Cricket Club by 3 wickets. Achievers Cricket Club 67 all out in 27 Overs.

Vikash Singh 17, Jayden Samuels 12 not out. Trevon Charles 4 for 14, Windell Fordyce 3 for 12. Paradise Cricket Club 68 for 7 in 17.3 Overs. Trevon Chalres 14, Omprakash Bharrat 13. Navendra Prashad 3 for 16, Nicholas Shivrattan 2 for 17.

At Port Mourant:

Albion Community Centre defeated Port Mourant Cricket Club by 191 runs. Albion Community Centre 290 for 8 in 50-Overs. Jeetendra Outsr 75, Sarwan Chaitnarine 65, Rico Ramsammy 45, Mahendra Naidu 2 for 41. Brandon Mangal 4 for 47. Port Mourant Cricket Club 99 all out in 33.2 Overs. Rampertab Ramnauth 25, Beris Downer 21.

Kevin Umroa 5 for 16, Nathaniel Raghoo 2 for 22, Rico Ramsammy 2 for 33.

Rose Hall Town Pepsi A defeated Rose Hall Town Pepsi B by 4 wickets.

Rose Hall Town Pepsi B 66 all out in 24 Overs. Jeremiah Felix 26. Kevin Amazalum 15, Joshua Wilson 3 for 18, Jai Tika 7 for 21.

Rose Hall Town Pepsi A 67 for 6 in 10.3 Overs. Vikash Subramanie 15, Tyrese Sealey 17, Matthew Pottaya 5 for 22.

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Danram’s 59* and Paul’s 5-16 spearhead Trojans victory over Diplomats

suNdAY, january 13, 2018

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By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he 2018/2019 season of the NBS 2nd Division 40 overs tournament continued at the Everest ground on Camp Road as the UG Trojans dismantled Diplomat SC. The match opened in an emphatic manner; as the UG Trojans ranking fifth with 28 points, and Diplomats ranking sixth with 21 points, looked to move up the table. Both teams needed to win all their remaining games if they wanted to top the tables and surpass the inform MYO for Zone Omesh Danram celebrates A. Winning the toss, his unbeaten 59 Diplomats elected to bat on the flat track as they intended to post a big total, with little sun and the wind blowing across the ground. It would have seemed that batting first wasn’t the best option as the UG Trojans capitalised on every opportunity given to them.

S Hughes and L Evans opened the batting for the Diplomats; they got off to a brisk start as they punched some powerful sixes and immaculate fours.

However, things did not go as planned as Hughes

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had the last laugh as in his final ball of the first over, he had Thakurdin caught for 12. Trojans Captain Melroy Stephenson then came to the crease with Ali at the other end. Ali, like Thakurdin, made an aggressive start as he blasted 18 runs which consisted of three scintillating boundaries shortly before he was bowled by D Paul poses with the match Andre Foster. This ball as he bagged 5-16 then brought Omesh Danram to the crease – Danram and Stephenson supported each other as they patiently chased the small total down.

However, Stephenson fell for 8 off the bowling of S Hughes, now bringing M Persaud to the crease.

Persaud looked confident in his stroke play from ball one but due to a simple mistake, he was run out for 6. Shortly after O Doman was run out for 7, off the bowling of McAlmont, as the Trojans lost two quick wickets despite Danram leading the innings. The inform Danram then blasted his way to 50 as he advanced down the track to smash a six, he then followed up his 50 with a few boundaries to win the game for the Trojans in 18.5 overs as he ended his innings on 59 and the Trojans culminated the day on 124-5 to gain valuable points to their tally in their goal to climb the table.

“Kings of Studies” tournament

C&L Construction Inc on board with student organised tournament ...to be held on February 2

U

niversity of Guyana student and organiser of the first small-goal tournament received support from C&L Construction Inc during the course of the week, as the company pledged its allegiance as a sponsor and has also donated trophies that will be awarded to the highest goal scorer and MVP of the “Kings of Studies” tournament to be held on February 2.

Gibbons, who has been around the football fraternity for some time, stated that the concept of the tournament was designed to foster student interaction across faculties and is therefore encouraged since the feedback he has been receiving is more than he could imagine.

The tournament will be played for one day, only providing that there is a maximum of eight registered teams; however, if there are more than 16 teams contesting, the games shall be played for two weeks. The matches will be round-robin style, followed by the knockout stage, which

NOT

RECEIVING

was caught by Fung-A-Fat off the bowling of Sarwan for 21. Needing to focus, M Simpson who now joined Evans at the crease was removed for a golden duck, off the bowling of D Douglas shortly after Evans followed suit as he was removed by Omesh Danram for 17 to leave the Diplomats three wickets down before 10 overs. D Babb then took to the crease with Adrian Foster as they attempted resurgence; however Babb received no support from his teammates. Babb was now forced to take the innings upon his shoulders as he took majority of the strike in his elegantly stroked 35 that consisted of towering sixes and well-timed boundaries before he was caught by the boundary off the gentle off-spin of A Sarwan.

Sarwan then struck in the later overs to have S King stumped for five. Speedster D Paul then came to the bowling line and wreaked havoc as he took the wickets of the Foster brothers for 6 and 0 respectively; R Gill, S Williams and M McAlmont for 4, 4 and 0 respectively to have the Diplomatd posting 123 allout in 25 overs of their allotted 40 overs. Bowling for the Trojans were D Paul (5.5- 5- 16) who was supported by A Sarwan, who chipped in with three wickets and D Douglas and O Danram who bagged one a piece.

Needing 124 for victory, the Trojans approached the small total with an aggressive nature as they aimed to chase the total down in less than 25 overs.

Coming to the batting crease were G Thakurdin and E Ali as they were set to face Diplomat speedster Adrian Foster. Thakurdin wasted no time in attacking as he made his intention clear when he blasted the first ball of the game for a six straight over the bowlers head; he followed up his six, with a smashing boundary on the fifth ball of the over but Foster

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will be three games – two semi-finals and the final. The games will be played in two five-minute halves.

According to Gibbons, while teams will be vying for the top prize of medals a trophies, the Most Valuable Player of the tournament will receive a patriotic shoe, compliments of a local upcoming shoe company “Signature Move”. He also went on to state that he is very grateful to sport organiser Lavern Fraser for making the tournament possible, as the buzz around campus has definitely been positive, as students participating and spectators are gearing themselves up for the competition.

Registration can be done by emailing Gibbons at jafargibbons@gmail.com or calling 679-5102.

Some of the other entities on board with this event are the Kashif and Shanghai organisation, Signature Move, New Era Entertainment, Michael Singh, the Guyana Gibbons receives one of the trophies donated

by C&L Construction Inc Football Federation, and Robbie Rambarran.

Arjune bats for Guyana Jaguars again

ike the two previous years, former Guyana opening batsman Krishna Arjune is confident the Guyana Jaguars will be the championship unit by the completion of the 2018/2019 Cricket West Indies Professional Cricket League regional four-day victor.

Since the commencement of the season last year, Guyana Jaguars have been dominant in every facet of their game, collecting three outright wins in handsome fashion.

In addition to that, they have been historical, having held onto the prestigious trophy for the past four consecutive years, all under the astute leadership of discarded West Indies batsman Leon Johnson.

What has transpired so far for the Guyanese combination is a reflection of the spectacular talent in the team and its cohesion, according to Arjune. “They are doing great and they will continue to do well; they have played superb cricket again this season and should be the winner again,” Arjune informed.

Their perfect start occurred against the lowly-rated Windward Islands Volcanoes, registering a comfortable 125-run win while the following encounter saw Guyana Jaguars roar to a comprehensive nine-wicket triumph over Leeward Hurricanes. Then Guyanese humbled arch-rivals Barbados Pride by six wickets. All three matches were played in their oppositions’ respective territories before they clash with Windward Islands on home soil currently taking place.

“When you look at the team, this is a bunch of experienced guys and the talent is abundant so that gives me the confidence they could be the champion side again; the batsmen have been performing terrifically and the bowlers are in fine form as well,” the right-handed Arjune, who appeared in 40 first-class matches for his passport country, declared.

Arjune said he recognises the importance of the double-round format which provides a golden opportunity for the youngsters to exhibit

their talent. Guyana Jaguars will meet with host Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the twin-islands republic in their next assignment.

“If they stay focused, they can be dominant as well against the more established teams like Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados; especially playing against them in their backyard; but the great level of commitment from the Jaguars’ boys, I am very optimistic they will be victorious after 10 games,” Arjune mentioned.

In the confrontation against the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, Jaguars were in a commanding position after two days of play. Jaguars made a formidable 452-9 declared, thanks to wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble’s exciting 168 and opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s resolute 116. The visitors, in reply, were tottering at 99-5. West Indies medium-pace bowler Keemo Paul created the destruction with four wickets so far.

22 Barbadian coach to visit Guyana for “Chess in Schools” programme

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, january 13, 2018

T

he chess fraternity and students of three Georgetown schools will have a busy week ahead as they prepare to welcome Barbadian player Lawrence Depradine.

Depradine, who is the Barbados Chess Federation (BCF) Vice President for Junior Chess, will be collaborating with National Chess Coach, Wendell Meusa during his oneweek stay on Guyanese shores to visit several secondary school chess clubs in Georgetown as part of the “Chess in Schools” programme.

Depradine is no stranger to Guyana, as his last visit to these shores came in April 2018.

At the time, Depradine was accompanied by other Barbadian chess officials and players shortly after the 7th CARIFTA Junior Chess Championships concluded in Paramaribo, Suriname. The Barbadian player and coach also had the pleasure of a courtesy call with Director of Sport Christopher Jones.

This time around, he will be interacting with school-aged players from Queen’s College, Saints Stanislaus College and Marian Academy as efforts continue to fortify the “Chess in Schools” programme.

The “Chess in Schools” initiative is seen as a way to not only teach students the game of chess but to also engage those who may have knowledge of the game. It is often believed that chess goes a long way to im-

proving academic performances and building intuition and focus in students. As such, National Chess Coach Wendell Meusa has been engaging a number of schools to introduce them to the game and to start clubs in these schools. Even students in areas such as Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) benefited from the “Chess in Schools” programmes in 2018.

Although the three schools selected this time around already have chess clubs, the focus will be to strengthen the players in those schools, offering advice and game tips.

Meusa, who is an old friend of Depradine, told Guyana Times Sport that he is eagerly anticipating the Barbadian’s arrival and the engagements this week. Speaking on their intentions, Meusa said they will also be focusing on development amongst junior players.

“Basically we want to support and push our “Chess in Schools” initiative and to brainstorm ideas on how Guyana can learn from Barbados when it comes to the development of Junior Chess,” Meusa stated.

Whilst the visits to Queen’s College and Saint Stanislaus College will be spread out during the week, Depradine’s visit to Marian Academy will be the final one on Friday afternoon from 14:30h.

2019 England Test tour of the Caribbean...

Unchanged England looking to continue form against Windies – visitors gaining momentum ahead of 2019 Ashes

Jonny Bairstow

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Joe Root

fter trouncing Sri Lanka 3-0 in their last Test series, Joe Root and his men turn their attention to the West Indies as the two sides lock horns in the biggest tour of the Caribbean in recent times; with the visitors smartly sticking to their winning combination as they seek to possibly find the right unit ahead of this year’s Ashes.

With sweltering conditions not as scorching but relatable in Guyana as it was in Asia, the England selectors have stuck to their side from the last series which will see a few young guns as well as their big ones coming out with ferocity and class over the next few weeks.

England’s Test side has transitioned over the years from a James Anderson

Stone can all slot in if needed, given their recent success.

The spin department will be headed by leggy Adil Rashid, Jack Leach and Ali while Woakes and Ben Stokes will be the two genuine all-rounders to possibly start. On the subject of Stokes, both he and Alex Hales upon the conclusion of the England Cricket Board (ECB) Cricket Disciplinary Commission’s investigation into the violent incident during a night out in Bristol back in 2017 both players were included in the squad without caveat.

Hales will not fea-

Ben Foakes

more classic style of batting to an aggressive, no-nonsense approach. The visitors will be backing themselves having disposed of a much stronger Sri Lankan Test side but will still be weary of the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Jason Holder, Shane Dowrich and a few others in the Windies side that are in the form of their lives.

Root’s men are expected to beat the West Indies in their backyard, due to the hosts recent run in Tests as well as the contrasting sides which will battle. England’s marquee batsmen will be Root, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler; world-class stars in all formats of cricket with good Test scores.

Bairstow, England’s most improved player in the last two years across all formats, especially Test and ODI, hit a century on his first appearance batting at the number three position recently in the Colombo Test. The righthander could likely get long run at the position with Root and selectors will be keen on filling the position full-time ahead of the Ashes.

Root’s form and calibre needs no explanation as the right-hander racked up close to 1000 Test runs last year and will be looking to get 2019 off to a great start and also get himself in form for the Ashes. England could also reunite the pair of veteran fast-bowlers in Stuart Broad and James Anderson while seamers Sam Curran, Chris Woakes and Olly

ture in the Test but will assume his role in the ODI’s and possibly the T20 series. The only official change to the side is Surrey wicket-keeper/batsman Ben Foakes, who was not named in the team’s original plans party for Sri Lanka but was named Man-of-the-Series award after making his debut as wicketkeeper due to Bairstow’s injury.

Foakes made a bold statement during his debut series as he ended with an average which now stands at 69.25. The right-hander smashed 107 on debut followed by 37, 65 not out and 36 not out to claim the MVP series award after his side whitewashed the Sri Lankan’s in their backyard.

His glove-work was also cheesy as he snapped up 10 dismissals in the series including 8 catches and 2 stumpings, thus making him one of the players to watch out for during the Test series. With just a few days left until the start of the first tour game in Barbados; it will be crucial to see how the English apply themselves and what approach are they likely to take come January 23 when the first Test bowls off at the Kensington Oval Ground, Barbados.

England Test squad: Joe Root (capt), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Foakes, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

sunDAY, january 13, 2018

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23

2018-2019 Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Jaguars on top after Paul’s 6-wicket haul K

eemo Paul continued from where he left off on day two, picking up his third five-wicket haul at the Firstclass level. Paul ended with brilliant figures of 6-57 in 17 overs, to bowl out Windwards Islands Volcanoes for 209 in the first innings, in reply to Jaguars 454-9. Leon Johnson enforced the follow-on and Volcanoes ended day three on 167-3, after Devon Smith fell for 65.

The penultimate day’s play at Providence, East Bank Demerara, between the Volcanoes and Jaguars began with a Keemo Paul over, who was searching for his fifth victim.

er, a Keemo Paul brilliance saw the seventh wicket fall; Larry Edwards played a false shot that went into Paul’s hands, off his own bowling. The Essequiban, Paul reached a well-deserved landmark, his third 5-wicket haul at the First-class level, as he proved his worth as an international swing bowler.

Volcanoes were in all sorts of trouble, with 200 runs looking miles away, they slipped and slid to 186-8. The promising Athanaze innings came to an end when a Shepherd ball bounced more than usual and he was out caught behind by the brilliant wicket-keeper, Bramble. An elegant left handed Athanaze spent 162 minutes at the crease and faced 114 balls scoring an attractive 66 that included 11 fours and one six.

Keemo Paul continued to pick up wickets, bowling Sherman Lewis for 4 with the score on 186-9, in 59.4 overs.

Paul continued to cause problems for the Volcanoes, as a bit of controversy took place in 61st over, when Josh Thomas edged one behind and was surprisingly given not out. After the buzzing around the stands about the premature decision by umpire Nigel Dugid, the 200-run came up for the Volcanoes with Ray Jordan hitting Shepherd out of the attack, with boundaries.

However, the final Volcanoes first innings wicket came Keemo Paul has the ball in hand after taking six wickets with the introduction of Permaul at the media centre end, (Brandon Corlette photo) when he trapped Josh Thomas in front. The Volcanoes were bowled out for 209 in 64.1 overs and were still behind by 245 Volcanoes batsmen in Dennis Smith and Alick Athanaze runs, Jordan was left stranded scoring 18, with lunch bewent out to bat aiming to avoid the follow-on by, which they ing taken. Bowling for the Jaguars, Paul had his second six required to score 305 runs. Dennis Smith, the nephew of wicket haul at this level, ending with 6-57 from 17 overs, Devon Smith, opened the scoring account for the Volcanoes including three maidens and conceding nine fours. Romario on day three, with a leg bye and then he clipped a ball off his Shepherd ended with 2-47 from 11 overs while Permaul conpads for four. Volcanoes crossed the 100 run mark in the first tinued his consistent run, grabbing 2-38 in 18.1 overs. over, with young Athanaze batting with maturity.

Jaguar’s captain, Leon Johnson enforced the follow-on The Dominican, Athanaze who turned 20 December last, with Volcanoes trailing by 245 runs. At 12:30h after the continued to bat with great composure, playing another lunch interval, Windward Volcanoes openers went out to bat gutsy knock for his team. In the first round, Athanaze scored for the second time in the match. Devon Smith and Taryk a half-century against the same Jaguars team and he was Gabriel went out to bat aiming to redeem themselves after unbothered by some testing Jaguars bowling. In the morn- adding only a 38-run partnership in the first innings. ing session, Smith and Athanaze brought up their 50-run Three slips and a gully, Paul charges in from the southpartnership, with Athanaze reaching his second First-class ern end with his daunting out swingers. Jaguar’s bowlers rehalf century. Soon after the drinks break, Shepherd found mained patient and front-line the outside edge of Smith, who was brilliantly caught by pace trio in Paul, Shepherd Johnson at first-slip with the score on 171-6 after 50 overs. and Pestano bowled very It was worth the wait as it took 17.3 overs for the Jaguars consistent line and lengths. to take the first wicket of the day; breaking the 90-run sixth It was the introduction of wicket partnership. Smith was out for a composed 37 that Sherfane Rutherford when included six fours that came from 93 balls. Seven runs lat- the break-through came in the 12th over in the second innings.

Rutherford, who bowls brisk meGuyana Jaguars 1st Innings Bowling dium fast was on 454-9 declare (148ov) C Pestano 13-4-46-0 the money, when Windwards Islands Volcanoes R Shepherd 11-2-47-2 1st Innings 99-5(33ov) overnight L Johnson 1-0-4-0 Gabriel played Devon Smith c Griffith b Paul 17 K Paul 17-3-57-6 away from his body T Gabriel c&b Permaul 23 V Permaul 18.1-8-38-2 and edged one into R Cato c Griffith b Paul 14 G Motie 4-1-10-0 Bramble’s gloves.

K Edwards c Griffith b Paul 4 The right-handed K Hodge c Bramble b Paul 0 Windwards Islands Volcanoes Gabriel scored 16 off A Athanaze c Bramble 2nd Innings 167-3 (58ov) 34 balls, including b Shepherd 66 T Gabriel c Bramble b Rutherford 16 two fours with the Dennis Smith c Johnson Devon Smith c Bramble score on 34-1. The b Shepherd 37 b Shepherd 65 experienced camL Edwards c&b Paul 1 R Cato c Bramble b Paul 36 S Lewis b Paul 4 K Edwards not out 40 paigner in Devon R Jordan not out 18 K Hodge not out 3 Smith was playing J Thomas lbw Permaul 4 Extras 7 himself in, looking to Extras 21 Total 167-3 (58ov) score big. A full ball Total 209-10 (64.1ov) FOW outside off stump FOW 1 - 34(Taryck Gabriel, 11.5 Ov) , bowled by Motie, 1 - 38(Devon Smith, 9.1 Ov) , 2 - 110(Roland Cato, 34.4 Ov) , saw the left-hand2 - 56(Roland Cato, 13.2 Ov) , 3 - 138(Devon Smith, 43.6 Ov) ed Smith drives one 3 - 63(Kirk Edwards, 17.4 Ov) , past cover for four as 4 - 63(Kavem Hodge, 17.6 Ov) , Bowling Volcanoes reached 5 - 81(Taryck Gabriel, 22.2 Ov) , K Paul 6-1-29-1 6 - 171(Dennis Smith, 50.3 Ov) , R Shepherd 10-2-17-1 50 within 21 overs.

7 - 178(Larry Edward, 55.4 Ov) , C Pestano 9-1-20-0 Cato and Smith safe8 - 186(Alick Athanaze, 58.2 Ov) , S Rutherford 9-3-14-1 ly saw Volcanoes to 9 - 186(Sherman Lewis, 59.4 Ov) , G Motie 11-0-37-0 tea with the score on 10 - 209(Josh Thomas, 64.1 Ov) V Permaul 13-2-46-0 62-1 after 25 overs.

Smith was unbeaten

SCOREBOARD

Kirk Edwards is unbeaten on 40 (Brandon Corlette photo)

on 32 while Cato was on 11 with the partnership on 27 at that point.

Resuming after the tea interval, the final session was underway, the second ball bowled by Permaul was played into the leg-side for four. Cato continued his boundary hitting, when he repeated in the Motie over, as the partnership continued to grow. Smith was timing the ball beautifully while Cato continued to bat positive. The 76-run partnership came to an end when Cato edged a Keemo Paul delivery and was caught behind. Bramble was standing up at the stumps when he take a great reflex catch; Cato fell for 36 from 65 balls inclusive of five boundaries. Kirk Edwards partnered Smith with the score on 110-2 and the left-handed Smith brought up his 59th half-century in First-class cricket.

Shepherd charged in from the media end and captured the prize wicket of Devon Smith with the score on 138-3 in 44 overs. Smith was out caught behind by Bramble in what looked to be a controversial dismissal. The veteran batsman who scored 65 from 128 balls hitting eight fours, claimed that his bat hit the ground and carried to Bramble.

Kirk Edwards, who failed with the bat in the first innings, was partnered by Kaveem Hodge after Smith fell at 15:47h.

Edwards looked good playing some good shots as himself and Hodge saw Volcanoes to stumps at 167-3 in 58 overs. The Volcanoes captain, Edwards is unbeaten on 40 while Hodge is on three.

The final day’s play will commence form 09:30h with Volcanoes behind by 78 runs, with a possible Jaguars victory on the cards once more.

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

2018-2019 Regional 4-Day Tournament…

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Jaguars on top after Paul’s 6-wicket haul Devon Smith walks back after being dismissed (Brandon Corlette photo)

Barbadian Sir Cook’s absence a huge plus for Windies coach to visit Guyana for "Chess in Schools" programme 2019 England Tour of West Indies...

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Lawrence Depradine

Sir Alastair Cook drives one during his 243 vs the Windies at Edgbaston back in the summer of 2017

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January 13, 2019

Ranveer Singh says he was born to do Gully Boy Page 14

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 13, 2019

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

E

sther Nankoo is complex, and so is the artwork she puts out there.

She is a limitless talent and has not confined herself to just one medium. She is a leader in every sense of the word, because not only is she complex but she

is fierce. She is an artist extraordinaire, photographer, and poet.

No one can quite describe Esther’s work, it and her jour-

ney are like Esther. So here is what Esther has to say about those things.

“During the three years I've been an art student at the ER Burrowes School of Art, I have recognised the therapeutic qualities of painting. The process of manifesting inner thoughts and feelings onto a physical surface is immeasurably soothing.

“Introspection plays a critical role in the journey of becoming the best version of yourself. My focus is to continuously achieve a higher level of understanding of my emotions and thoughts through art.

The concepts of my art coincide with my individuality. As I experience each new day my perspectives broaden and thus my psyche evolves repeatedly, likewise my art. I constantly experiment with various art media such as inks, dyes and a variety of paints. Therefore, my approach towards art continually transforms, but my vision remains the same.

“I am greatly intrigued by surrealism, expressionism, and abstract artworks; concepts that are unique beyond the norm. I believe brushstrokes are a physical manifestation of the energy within an artist.

Painting is a powerful visual language. It is for this reason I strongly advise my fellow artists to embrace their individ-

uality in order to express their true selves without fear.

“I believe art should be created with passion; it should flow freely from your being without repressed emotions. Art is empowering.”

For Esther, art is not something she woke up one day and decided that she would get into, rather it is an interest she has had ever since she was a child.

Along with painting, Esther takes breathtaking photos and writes soul -poetry. She is one for pushing the boundaries of everything she dabs in and it is quite evident in the work she puts out there.

Esther decided to share two of her most riveting poems with us in whom she talks about soul searching and living.

"Introspect"

I feel as though each moment I breathe an era is engraved in my lungs.

The wisps of time has taken it's toll on this young soul of mine And I grew like a wildflower beyond society's pruned edges.

Many thoughts have spun their webs around my mind,

interweaving with my psyche.

Like a gentle fog it settles, Seeping into the nebulas behind my eyelids.

A blackhole is borne as my pupils dilate to the dawning of another day, Destroying the existence of last night's dream.

It amazes me, the mystery within my being.

Those aspects a mirror can never reflect, yet they are buried somewhere in my mind.

Somewhere I, myself cannot fathom into reality.

For now I shall let these thoughts seep onto pages, Before they shrivel into the escapades of time.

"Hushed kiss of death"

Your first breath Beyond the womb An inhalation of Consciousness A cry of helplessness

From then to now You’re still breathing Past the same mouth Perhaps a different tongue Oh how you've grown Growing closer to The hush of death Fate’s last certain kiss Will it lull your soul To someplace of peace Would it be bitter As the kiss of A betrayer's lust Like a tang of lies Awakening your flesh Or is it sincere Stirring the last flutter Of your eyelashes Seizing your heartstrings An ode to life

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 13, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

S

ometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way and to deal with those challenges it requires tremendous strength and willpower. No one knows more the amount of strength it takes to completely turn your life around than 22-year-old Kamalita Heralall.

You see Kamalita’s situation is not quite uncommon but the way she handled it is nothing short of inspiring.

She hails from the community of Herstelling on the East Bank of Demerara and sitting the Common Entrance Examinations she gained a place at the Charlestown Secondary School. However, after attending there for almost two years, she was

forced to drop out.

The reason for her dropping out remains unknown to me, since she is not ready to publicly reveal that, but her journey to where she is today is nothing short of impressive.

After leaving school, she stayed home for almost two years after which she decided to get involved in community activities by joining the local youth groups and it is from then that her life began to take a drastic turns “After I started entering the youth groups and so, they put me on to the Carnegie School of Home Economics where I became a student of the Craft Production and Design Division. I graduated with two distinctions in Visual Arts and Garment Construction,” she said.

After she graduated from Carnegie, one of her lecturers referred Kamalita to the ER Burrowes School of Art where she gained admission to further her studies.

abstract art is that I think it is considered one of the most purest form of expression of what is being felt on the inside rather than what is commonly being felt on the outside. It allows viewers to get into the work and relate better with their interpretation.”

Kamalita has a love for nature and is saddened by the disconnect that exists in today’s world as it relates to the destruction of nature.

She believes that some sections of the art community, over the years, have moved away from traditional art forms and practices and it is something she hopes to bring back.

For now, she works on commission, but has sent applications to schools so

“Art is not something I had in mind, but it is something that I just got in to because I was home and not doing anything and it was people who pushed me and today I have no regret,” she states.

Kamalita graduated from Burrowes in September of 2018 with a double major.

Not only did she complete the feat of being a double major but she passed with a distinction in both Textile Design and Leather Craft.

Looking back on the journey, Kamalita tells me that it was no walk in the park, but that she was committed to succeed and that she did.

She said it entailed a lot of sacrifices, but she was cognisant of the fact that it was a chance to redo her life all over again, so it drove her to work 10 times harder than her classmates.

When she joined Burrowes, Kamalita did not have the requisite requirements to be a part of the diploma programme, so she settled for what she could have gotten which was the certificate programme.

During her second year, the School’s Administrator, Ivor

Thom, called her to his office and offered the opportunity to change to the diploma programme, which she grasped almost immediately.

“He gave me the opportunity to do the diploma programme because of my work, attendance and grade and so on. Due to that, I was able to excel.”

When I asked her to describe her art style and herself as an artist, she stated, “I am abstract artist,' I am in to abstraction. I don’t like anything that is too realistic because to me realism is boring: it’s common, so I am more into expressing what is coming from me rather than coping a live picture and trying to do back the exact thing. The reason I chose

that she can impart what she has learnt and inspire the next generation of artists to make their mark, since, according to her, art is subjective and should not be limited.

Also, she is a strong advocate for youths to have a holistic education. She urges them to learn from her experience and stay in school because a sound education is of paramount importance.

“I would advise young people not to do it (drop out of school), because the opportunity that I got a lot of people might not get the same.

Stay in school and take their education, and follow up exactly what they are in to and let nothing hold them back and do it at their best ability.”

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 13, 2019

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

“I

am an artist who adds colour to a story. One who is very influential and of great inspiration to persons who view my art. I paint with a purpose because of the love of art and also the happiness it brings. I'm more of an abstract artist; surrealism and expressionism is what I do best,” Halcyon Doris says.

Doris’s personality is larger than life and it transcends to the work she does.

Persons around her describe her as bubbly, passionate, fierce and all so important, confident. Doris currently teaches Visual Arts at the Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School, West Bank Demerara. She also is a part-time student at the ER Burrowes School of Art where she is pursuing a diploma in fine arts.

“Growing up, I was a daddy's girl. It was easy to be the centre of attraction when in a crowd, but I just wanted to dance and take pictures. My pastor, Dr Marlon Hestick gave me the call name “Dancing Feet”. I was gifted and began dancing at the age of five,” the 28-year-old stated.

Apart from being daddy’s

little girl, she drew strength from her mother because of the level of passion and drive she possessed.

“My interest in art started when I was in primary school, I found myself sketching and creating pictures, I was good at it. But I never really took it seriously then. After I went on to sec-

ondary school, the subject was offered. I saw some CXC students working in the art room, I asked to join. I was a late student. I was amazed at the ability of some of my classmates in this subject area (visual arts) which made me push even harder to get better art pieces. I wrote Visual Arts for CXC

and my results were encouraging,” she remembers.

Doris notes that at first people didn't see Visual Arts

as an important subject to be pursued, since it did not guarantee a lucrative career post graduation. However, her parents never advised against her passion for the arts. Instead they pushed her to achieve all that she wanted while giving her the requisite support in order for her to pursue her goals.

She was never pushed to prove herself when it came to her love for the arts, rather those around her were mesmerised by the work she was doing.

“The thing that sparked my interest in art even more was when I visited an art exhibition at Castellani House in the year 2014 and I was in awe. That same year I informed my HM (Head Mistress at VHS) I would like to teach this subject.

It was easy for me to get to teach the subject, since it was my minor when I attended CPCE [Cyril Potter College of Education],” she related.

In order for her to better her craft, Doris began attending the Burrowes

School of Art, so that she would gain technical experience while learning how to perfect what she already knew. For her, gaining that level of knowledge is of paramount importance since she wants to ensure that her students get the best level of teaching that could be afforded to them.

For her students, Ms Doris is the best teacher they could ask for since her classes are not only about being taught rather it involves the holistic experience of learning in an environment that is comfortable. She affords each of her students individualised attention so that they are prepared when it comes time for them to sit their examination.

Focusing on her work itself, one can describe Doris’s paintings as masterpieces.

Not only do they captivate you at first glance but they also tell a story. We all know that art is subjective and her pieces inspire you to analyse them to decipher what her thought process was while she was creating them.

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 13, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

“A

rt, at its root, is an expression and the artist is an expresser, translating in order to create meaning. Art expresses and translates, art acknowledges and reveals, art transfers and art intervenes. Art is an expression—an expression of feeling, belief, and character,” is a fitting expression of what art really is and how artists are perceived.

I would go a little further to say that an artist has the ability to make us feel their pain without even telling us. They have the ability to make us feel immense happiness just by looking at their creation. They lay their souls bare for us to interpret and make themselves vulnerable so we can stare. Their artwork is so intimate that we become a part of them and them us.

That takes courage; it takes courage to lay yourself bare for the world to stare.

Art by itself is subjective, because no two persons see the same thing in an art piece even if it is the most realistic image sitting before us. We judge art by the way it makes us feel and the emotion it invokes.

For young Cristal Clair Simmons, art has always been her avenue to escape the situations around her.

The soon-to-be 20-year-old is a Communication Studies student at the University of Guyana, but is also a talented artist. My first encounter with her was in 2016 while we were waiting for our lecturer to arrive. A group of us, who all have vested interest in art, were talking art and the fact that the art community in Guyana is so disjointed. It was also the first encounter I had with her work and to say I was dumbfounded will be an understatement.

Her style is different from all the artists I have come across both locally and internationally. It is both

raw in the sense of the emotions and polished in regards to the finish. I was more than intrigued. Ever since I have been following her work closely, but with the stress of being a

University student and working, she has not had that much time to pursue her art, much to her disappointment.

The creative process takes time and no two artists complete a masterpiece in just a day or even a week. It takes time and patience to capture exactly what you are feeling inside, so those who view your work can feel the same or even have new emotions awakened in them.

Cristal comes from an artistic family and, according to her, they know what good art is and she grew up with an affinity for fine art. According to her, influence came from an uncle and she has nev-

er looked back.

“Art for me first started when I was just a small child and I used to look at my deaf and dumb uncle who is my favourite uncle. He was great at art. His drawings,

paintings and everything…I used to admire it all and he did teach me a few things.

My family always supported me in art, because they knew how much it means to me,” she says.

She notes that apart from the influences of her uncle, the various styles of art also played a part in her develop-

ment. Cristal describes her style as free and unusual, adding that with no formal training she puts 100 per cent of her personality in every piece she creates.

Currently, Cristal is working on a few pieces that she plans to unveil very soon.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 13, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

hey say that art is more than what we see on the surface. It is about who we are, what happened to us, and how it has influenced our lives and for Nigel Butler, that is exactly the course his heart takes. He does not confine himself to just one style of painting, rather he is very versed in everything he does.

Nigel is a man of very few words, but his creations are what speak for him. The 24-year-old hails from Surama Village in the Northern Rupununi, but spent most of his childhood with his grandparents in Georgetown so as to be afforded the best of opportunities while growing up. His mother was a school teacher and heavily influenced his art and him being part of the creative industry.

“I never knew the influence my mom, a teacher, played in me being this connected to art (during my younger days). She had to stop teaching due to certain circumstances and from then her artwork, fabric painting and embroidery work played a big part in how I remember her…hence, the need I feel

to keep her alive through my art,” he said.

Nigel is very expressive in his work and his talent is beyond comprehension.

He pushes his boundaries and is constantly learning. He takes ordinary ideas and turns them into masterpieces. Currently, he works as a freelance graphic artist as well as a clothing designer. However, his focus is on enhancing his painting skills and leaving behind a legacy.

As we figured out earlier, art was always a part of Nigel’s life and when he discovered his talent, it was readily supported by those around him. The never-ending support from his grandparents, parents, and other relatives is what drives him to push the boundaries of art and make his mark as an artist with a difference.

Speaking about the influences visible in the pieces he created, Nigel said, “Besides playing a part in my family, it was an outlet where I can focus and get away from reality, become anything I desire and do anything.

Then there the impact I soon came to realise it has on society, moreover art in any form is what I love and what I’m hoping, wishing and planning to survive on.”

“I am still growing as an artist, changing every day, exploring new things, learning and trying to get a grip of what it takes to live this life and in a way, I hope it stays that exciting, but I also hope to answer the question of who I am as an artist, one day.”

Speaking about the style of his art, Nigel said while he did not want to confine himself to just one style his favourite is more “abstract, semi realism because of its strong lines and use of images and human representation”.

He adds that he admires all types of painting, but photo realism in any medium, along with water colours, is what fascinates him the most. Explaining that it is not because of what is painted, rather it is because of the time that went in to painting those pieces.

Nigel studied at the ER Burrowes School of Art for three years and graduated with a certificate in graphic design as a major and sculpture as a minor. He notes that over the last year he saw an overwhelming level of

support for those in the art industry making him optimistic of the things to come.

“I know there is a long road ahead if we want Guyana to get to the standards of what Guyana should be at, and we as artists, would welcome more support from other persons and continued from those backing us now. And for those looking to get into the industry like any other profession out there, struggles and stress will be present but overcoming them is where you get stronger. Just keep on going, art is a part of life and life is not an easy road,” Nigel advises.

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 13, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

Preserving our literary heritage

by

ers - the author’s way of setting homework for further reading, a masterstroke!

Down Independence Boulevard by Ken Puddicombe, MiddleRoad Publishers, 2017 The book Down Independence Boulevard and Other Stories is an important addition to the country’s literature because it focuses mainly on the push/pull factors fashioning internal migration with some attention paid to the pull/push factors of external migration and the disillusionment of returning home, all fascinatingly rendered in sixteen linked stories set in

Petamber Persaud

W

e, lovers of literature, can say goodbye to 2018 with satisfaction, knowing that some of the books published during that year will follow us into 2019 while others will stay, will not leave us, during 2019 and decades beyond, such is this remarkable gift to man.

From its inception, the book was treated with respect, even with awe, for man valued the book very highly with regards to its potential as a tool of education and instruction, as a repository for storage and retrieval of information, as a custodian of traditions and languages, as a forum for art and entertainment, stimulating the imagination and improving memory, a source of inspiration, among other benefits. And the book has lived up to expectations even in its new forms and formats.

Below are books crossing my desk during 2018*.

(Books we looked at in part one included Aftermath of Empire: The Novels of Roy A. K. Heath by Ameena Gafoor, UWI Press, 2017; Red Hibiscus by Scott Ting-A-Kee, Way Wive Wordz Publishing, UK, 2018; Edgar Mittelholzer: Creole Chips and Other Writings ed. Juanita Cox, Peepal Tree Press, 2018; A Little Poet’s World by Aurelius Sue-Ann, 2018.)

Defeating Domestic Violence in the Americas: Men’s Work by Luke Daniels, Hansib Publications, 2017 Riding high on top of choppy waves he pebbled into play with his first book, Pulling the Punches: Defeating Domestic Violence, Luke Daniels now creates a tsunami with his new book, Defeating Domestic Violence in the Americas: Men’s Work by contending that domestic violence is ‘politically motivated violence in support of patriarchy’, pointing out that the social structure is designed whereby mainly men are put in charge of state apparatus and mainly men becoming policy makers, holders of high offices, heading other organisations like military, political, religious, social, endowing them with wealth and power exercising control, sometimes absolute control. Daniels also shows how this pandemic of violence thrives in a climate of inequality, machismo, and lack of respect fuel by the socialisation for violence in the movies, violent video games and in sports like boxing.

Although this book focuses on the Americas (referring to the Caribbean, Central, South and North America), the ground rules are the same for any society in which domestic violence is allowed to prevail and fester.

This book may not win a popularity contest but it will be one of the books that will make a difference to our world.

A Survey of Guyanese History

by Dr. Winston McGowan, Guyenterprise, 2018

The book runs into almost 500 pages, perhaps significant of the number of years since Columbus sojourned in this part of the New World that we are writing our own history. The number of pages matters to both the reader and the writer. For the reader, it may take quite a few sittings to weed through a few sections of the text. But for the writer, it had taken a number of years to put together; in fact, A Survey of Guyanese History, constitutes a life’s work, a man’s life’s work which ought to be afforded due regards and full respect in order to fulfil the expectation of the author that ‘this collection of essays will be of benefit not only to the general public, but also especially to teachers and students of Guyanese and Caribbean History. If that hope is realised, the collection will be a useful addition to the existing body of knowledge on this subject’. That number of pages is divided into eleven sections which are further subdivided into short essays and long papers of which many are ‘original works, many in areas previously unattended’ (James Rose), all designed for easier access, comprehension and appreciation, intent on the sharing of knowledge.

Stepping on Cracks: Reflections on my Homeland

by Carmen Barclay Subryan, Demerara Press, USA, 2018 In her eighth book, Carmen Barclay Subryan has pushed the boundaries of her writing to another level after safely (writing about what she knows) and successfully canvassing through the genre of historical fiction mainly with her trilogy – Black- Water Woman, Black- Water People and Black- Water Children wherein she reconstructed the birth, boom and travails of the bauxite mining township of Linden, a history that is intricately interwoven with the history of her family, the Allicock family, by now trying her hand at auto fiction, stick-

ing her nose in local socio-political issues and sticking her neck out by offering suggestions on fixing the fractured system.

That this is a work of auto fiction is confirmed in the foreword written by Juliet Emmanuel ‘Life? Are there any answers to the cobbled together incidents that compose it? Is this the ultimate fiction?’ and in the prologue by the author as she employs her alter ego, Doreen, to tell the story.

In her new book, Stepping on Cracks: Reflections on my Homeland, Subryan confesses she wanted to prove Thomas Wolfe wrong in that she could go back home again but discovers after an explorative five plus months in the land of her birth, she could not go back home while rediscovering that her real home was where the heart is, in Maryland, USA. Journey Back to Watooka: A Story of Guyana by Steve Connolly, FriesenPress, 2018 Any book that immortalizes a tiny settlement in a little known country way down in Demerara, South America, placing it on the world map in no uncertain manner, juxtaposing individuals and events to world status, is worth owning and been placed alongside other significant books in private and public libraries.

Journey Back to Watooka is such a book, swamped with stories of ordinary men and women doing extraordinary deeds. Journey Back to Watooka is filled with stories of events occurring in that faraway place that made significant contributions to the world and the effects of some of those events and the works of some of those men and women are still been felt today.

Journey Back to Watooka follows admirably in the wake of the first book and first travelogue on Guyana, Discovery of Guiana by Sir Walter Raleigh (1596) and a contemporary travelogue, The Sly Company of People Who Care by Rahul Bhattacharya (2011).

An avid reader will find that Journey Back to Watooka is also about books and writ-

Guyana and North America but mainly in Guyana, during the ugly 1960s, from where all the main characters originate, some firstly migrating to safer locations in order to escape from racial animosity, racial discrimination and racial conflagration while others who are unable to deal with those curses, end up in the Diaspora to face similar curses in different guises, forcing at least one man to return to his birthplace where he has invested new monies (in a new building) to make a new start but is disillusioned on discovering he is deceived and cheated out of his investment and dream

by a sister (and her husband) whose action is influenced by a society darkened by despotism and corruption. *Some of the above Guyanese-authored books were published before 2018 but only now reaching my desk.

Manuscripts not included.

(To be continued)

What’s Happening: Just coming to my desk - Ian McDonald: New and Collected Poems, PTP, UK, 2018.

Responses to this author please telephone 226-0065 of email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

8 Sunday Times Magazine Travel and Tourism

T

he Essequibo River is the largest river in Guyana, and the largest river between the Orinoco and Amazon. Rising in the Acarai Mountains near the Brazil-Guyana border, the Essequibo flows to the north for 1,014 kilometres (630 mi) through forest and savanna into the Atlantic Ocean. With a total drainage basin of 69,300 sq.km (26,757sq.mi) with average discharge of 74,303 cu ft/s (2,104 m3/s).

The river runs through the Guianan moist forests ecoregion. There are many rapids and waterfalls (e. g., Kaieteur Falls on the Potaro River) along the route of the Essequibo, and its 20-kilometre (12 mi) wide estuary is dotted with numerous small islands. It enters the Atlantic 21 kilometres (13 mi) from Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana. The river features Murrays Fall, Pot Falls, and Kumaka Falls.

Its many tributaries include the Rupununi, Potaro, Mazaruni, Siparuni, Kiyuwini, Konawaruk and Cuyuni rivers. For over 30 kilometres (19 mi) from its mouth, the river's channel is divided by the large flat and fertile islands of Leguan, about 28 square kilometres (11 sq mi), Wakenaam, about 44 square kilometres (17 sq mi), and Hogg Island, about 60 square kilometres (23 sq mi). Fort Island is off the eastern side of Hogg Island. Fort Island was the seat of government of the country during the Dutch colonial era.

Now that we have some facts on the mighty Essequibo let us tell you about one of its many wonders. Not everyone is aware but there is a small beach that is only visible for a few hours of the day and those who are aware of this beach would use the time that it is visible to have picnics or tourist excursions.

Photographer Deopaul Somwaru was fortunate to encounter this beach, that many have no idea of, and took some photos to share.

JANUARY 13, 2019

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guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 13, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

9

10 Sunday Times Magazine Fashion

W

hether you've been dreaming of your wedding dress since you were five and know the exact specifications you want for it down to the last sequin, or you've never thought about it until now, we've got you covered.

Finding your dream gown can be stressful. After all, you've likely never even tried one on before, and it's the most expensive garment many women will ever own, so it can feel like the pressure is definitely on. Plus, your dress sets the tone for the wedding as a whole, whether it's a grand ballroom affair or a casual beach bash. It may also feel like there's a whole new language to decode — tulle, A-line, fit and flare, organza, sheath. Plus, more brides than ever are doing multiple dresses, a more formal one for the ceremony and a party-centric (danceable or more blingy and outrageous) one for the reception, which can double the task of shopping.

With all eyes on you, not to mention photos you'll keep forever, of course you want to look perfect on your big day and we all know wedding dresses are costly!

What some of you may not know is that local designer extraordinaire Naomi Murray makes fabulous wedding dresses right here in Guyana. Murray is a young but extremely talented designer who is making her mark. So here are a few of her wedding dresses. (Photos compliments of Naomi Murray)

JANUARY 13, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 13, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Ingredients • 1 ½ cups kidney beans, canned or soaked overnight • 2 lb Ox tail • 1 carrot, diced • 1 medium sweet potato(boniato) cut into small cubes • 8 pimento berries • ½ medium onion, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1 scallion, finely chopped • About 10 sprigs thyme • 1 hot pepper, seeded • 1 tsp black pepper • 1 ½ tsp salt • 8 cups water + ¼ cup water • 1 cup flour • Pinch of salt

cut into bite sized pieces, carrot, sweet potato, pimento, onion, garlic, scallion, thyme, hot pepper, black pepper and salt and bring to a boil. Simmer until the peas are tender and a bit mushy.

3. To make spinners place flour, salt and water in a bowl and mix to form a stiff dough then pinch off small pieces of dough and roll between palms to form an elongated Instructions spinner.

4. Add spinners to soup and then cook 1. To make the soup, boil ox tail in for an additional 10 minutes (Jehan Can water until tender 2. In a large pot add beans, oxtail Cook)

Arched Window Arched windows are a delight -- until you try to cover them. When you have a wonderful feature like this arched window, it requires restraint. Try to cover only the portion of the

window that begs for privacy.

This window features a thin black iron rod set at the exact height of the middle muntin, leaving the upper portion of the window unadorned.

Bay and Bow Window Increase the appeal of a bay or bow window with dressings that accent the shape. Dress a bay window niche with two layers of fabric for

the most flexibility. Sheers pull across to cut the glare and increase privacy, while patterned velvet panels add the color, softness, and style the room demands.

INGREDIENTS • • • •

• • • • •

4 cups grape juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 12-ounce can of frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed 1 orange, sliced 1 lime, sliced 1 apple, cored and chopped 1 cup sliced strawberries 3 – 4 cups club soda

INSTRUCTIONS 1.

2.

3.

In a large pitcher, stir the grape, lemon and lime juices with the apple juice concentrate.

Add the fruit pieces and allow them to soak in the juice until to serve.

Stir in the club soda just before serving.

INGREDIENTS • •

• • •

• •

4 oz room temperature butter 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature 1 cup flour 3 tsp crushed garlic ¼ tsp finely chopped hot pepper(I used wiri wiri) ½ tsp yellow mustard 2 egg yolks

INSTRUCTIONS

1.

2.

3.

4.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a bowl place room temperature butter and shredded cheddar cheese and beat using a mixer until well blended and creamy. Add flour, garlic, hot pepper, yellow mustard and egg yolks and beat until combined.

Place mixture in a cookie press, piping bag or ziplock back with a large star tip.

Pipe onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; pipe into 3-5 inch pieces.

Place in preheat oven and bake for 11-12 minutes. Allow to cool for a minute or so before removing from the baking ban.

These panels feature privacy-enhancing fabric on the Multiple Windows Whether treated individually or as a lower section and a light-inviting white sheer on the top. group, a bank of windows invites in light and views. When multiple windows are separated by a small stretch of wall, unite them by using the same top treatments; add drapes tied back to opposite sides.

That way the wall in the centre can still be put to good use, as with the dresser here. A long curtain rod and a single pair of drapes is another way to treat a set of windows.

Single Window Top a small window with poofs of fabric to immediately soften the window's angular shape with colour and pattern. If a single window looks too small for the room, or you just want to give it added importance, specify draperies that are wider than the window frame. To extend the illusion even further, add sheers under drapes.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 13, 2019

Puzzles

1

6

11

16

21

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25

26

27

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30 32

34

36

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39

41 43

45

47 49

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68 70

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77 78

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89 93

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106

ACROSS

107 Hung around Broad valleys

108 Porgy's beloved "Foolish Games" singer 110 Frankenstein's gofer Newlywed 111 Beam Like a frontier town

112 Own up Ring-shaped reef

113 Check for typos "-- -- a Rainy Night"

115 Reunion attendee In-between state

116 The "k" in 24-k Puccini work

117 "Yo!" (2 wds.)

Igneous-rock source

120 Dissemble Swiped

122 Movers and shakers Be of benefit

124 Andrew's dukedom One kind of flight

128 Suffix for "forfeit" Galleon cargo

129 Mao -- -tung Flat-topped hill 131 "Fried Green Tomatoes" star

Ms. Winfrey

133 Sizeable Egyptian boy-king

135 Aloha token P.O. service

136 Sri -El -- (ocean current) 138 Temporary peace

Prom attendees 140 Fridge maker

Fragrant shrub

142 Cover girl Zoo inhabitants

144 In a ferment Trade shows

145 Zenith opposite Mr. Greenspan et al.

146 Cook's gadget Hounds' trails

147 Helmet plume Six-shooters 148 Disreputable

Due for payment

149 Famous last words Norm's wife on "Cheers" 150 Bowling score Nosegay

151 Keats' saint Stick fast DOWN Flash on and off

1 Friend of Pythias Sea rover

2 Video-game pioneer Ms. Merkel

3 Get ready to surf? (2 wds.)

Outspoken

4 "Nightmare" street Feeling regret

5 Marble block Do a double-take

6 Fit of nerves Pick up a lease

7 Brings cheer Brown of renown

8 Roused up Not digital 9 Twilight, to a poet

Hardly a wallflower

10 Fallon's predecessor Mechanic's friend

11 Very obvious Labor Dept. division

12 Contenders Planets or moons

13 College World Series city Overhead

14 Osaka sash 54 Goes beyond 15 Lose feathers

55 Dwindles

16 Team list

57 Quips

17 -- out (withdraw)

58 Aherne of films

18 Becomes frayed 59

Dirt

19 Implication

61 Hocus- - 20 Football gain

62 Answered a judge

31 Serviceable

63 Tattoo sites

33 Long, flat timber

66 Jinxes 35 WWII craft (hyph.)

67 Ina of "The Black Orchid" 38 Habitually

69 Reinforced

40 Woodworking chore

72 "--! My Soul" (Little Richard tune) 42 Force

73 The slow lane

44 Deadly snake

74 Iris center

46 Heart outlet 76

Goethe masterpiece

48 Ding-a- -- (airhead)

78 Get acclimated

50 "Heck!"

79 Plains dweller

51 Poet -- Neruda

81 Orbit extreme 52 Runs in neutral

82 "Forget" a letter

53 "Keep it down!"

83

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD -- CURATORS

(CURATORS: KYUR-ay-ters: Administrative directors of museum collections.)

Average mark 24 words Time limit 40 minutes

Can you find 37 or more words in CURATORS? TODAY’S WORD -- CURATORS carrot cart cast castor coast coat cost court crust cursor

curst curt roar roast roust rout rust actor ascot auto

taco taro torus tour tsar orca ours oust scar scat

scour scout soar sora sort sour star

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.

Mishmashes Perfume bottles Scale unit Links champ Sam -Bored responses Tulips or daffodils Fur trader's goods Ms. Jong Diner's demand Hits the hammock "Maria --" Taboos (hyph.)

Ship's officer (var.)

Nitrous -Swamped Photographer -- Beaton Standing tall Queen of the Misty Isles Lara Croft player Jaded

84 Cancel a launch

85 Very

86 Strongly advises 87 Cover the walls

88 Goody-goody

90 Trip itinerary

91 Customs

92 Drops leaves

94 "Get lost!" (2 wds.)

95 Used a parachute

96 Artemis, to Livy

99 Comic-strip possum 100 Paris cop

102 "Cool!"

105 Monklike

106 Rectify

107 The pits 109 007

111 Contract makers

112 114 115 116 117 118 119 121 123 125 126 127 130 132 134 137 139 141 143

Bus rider's need Traffic circle Vitamin B component More eager Wahines' dances Blank a tape Gossipy type Piano composition Maureen of film Like days of yore Ms. Witherspoon Bagpipers' garb Sicilian volcano Barks shrilly Swimming-pool loc.

Novak of "Vertigo" See Ford rival Solution on Pg 14 Atlas page Dot-com alternative

guyanatimesgy.com

JANUARY 13, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

S

cientists have built an app that gives a smartphone the ability to detect an opioid overdose and alert others for help. The app, called Second Chances, is still in development, but the researchers hope to have it approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and eventually sell the technology.

With over 110 Americans dying each day from opioid overdoses, the opioid epidemic is the deadliest drug overdose crisis in US history. “It’s a huge public health problem and also one where the diagnostic signs and mechanisms of how people die is really wellestablished,” says Jacob Sunshine, an anesthesiologist at the University of Washington and co-author of the Second Chances study, which was published this week in the journal Science Translational Medicine. In other words, when people overdose, their breathing changes in a specific and predictable pattern. Second Chances uses sonar technology to detect these changes and alert a friend, relative, or doctor who can then provide overdose-reversal drugs like Naloxone.

The app works by sending silent sound waves to people’s chests from up to three feet away, explains Rajalakshmi Nandakumar, a doctoral candidate in computer science at the University of Washington and the first author on the paper. It then monitors the signals that get reflected back because they change when breathing patterns do.

The tricky part was teaching the algorithm to recognize which patterns corresponded to an overdose. To do that, the team tested Second Chances with 194 participants at a safe injection site in Vancouver and also on simulated overdoses in an operating room. At the Vancouver clinic, participants injected opioids under staff supervision and were resuscitated if they overdosed. Second Chances, installed on a Galaxy S4, correct-

ly identified about 96 percent of overdoses where the breathing stopped for 10 seconds or less and about 87 percent of cases where breathing significantly slowed. It also correctly predicted 19 out of 20 simulated overdoses.

To be clear, the app is not supposed to be running all the time in the background.

Rather, the idea is that people using opioids turn it on in the minutes before injection and turn it off once it’s clear that they’re safe. It’s built for privacy, with an encrypted backend that is compliant with health privacy law.

“People liked that we don’t use cameras or identifying markers or reflect speech,” says Nandakumar. “We’re only using the reflection of sounds,” Peter Chai, a professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, notes that this is an early study but believes there’s exciting potential for the technology. (Chai was not involved with the research.) “We’ve been in a world of wearable devices and new biosensors for detecting disease, but the cool part is that we are emerging into this post-sensor world,” he says. “Everybody knows that when you give someone a Fitbit the adoption rate is very low, but these are contactless sensors and essentially no-touch monitoring technology.” It’s possible the same method could be used to track other physiological signals like heart rate and rhythm, he adds.

Now, the Second Chances team is working on improving the user interface and making the algorithm more sensitive. False positives are a big concern. Not only are they alarming, but they could be a problem from a resource standpoint if a false positive triggered emergency medical services. The hope, says Sunshine, is that the app will help keep people safe until they can find more longterm support. (The Verge)

G

oogle is rolling out a new feature in search on Wednesday that can help make research on a specific topic easier over a long period of time.

They are called activity cards, and as long as you’re logged into your Google account, they’ll let you access your past search history on a specific topic right in the results.

Whether you are looking for a new gym routine or a few new recipes, your previous related searches will be available at the top of the results page, making it easier to “continue your exploration,” according to Google.

You’ll be able to remove items from your activity cards as well, and if you don’t like the feature, you can turn it off entirely.

Pages you’ve visited before can be saved into a collection so you can quickly access them later. You can find your collections by navigating to the menu on the top left corner of the results page, or at the bottom of the Google app.

Activity cards are available today on Google’s mobile website and via its Englishlanguage US apps. An international rollout has yet to be announced. (The Verge)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

JANUARY 13, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Bollywood/Hollywood

A

c t o r Ranveer Singh, who plays a street rapper in Gully Boy, says he was born to do the coming-of-age musical film. Ranveer spoke at the trailer launch of Gully Boy along with his co-star Alia Bhatt, the film’s director Zoya Akhtar and producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani on Wednesday.

In the film, the Padmaavat actor plays a street rapper who dares to dream big.

Ranveer has had a brush with rapping himself. He had rapped a bit in the title track of his second film Ladies vs Ricky Bahl.

“When somebody told me about the script of Gully Boy, I told them that it is my film. If

A

ctor Shah Rukh Khan’s latest movie Zero may have not fared well at the box office but the actor is still all for spending great amounts of money on his movies.

In an interview to Deccan Chronicle, the actor compared his films with his daughter and said he has all the rights to spend money on his films.

“I believe every film I do is like my daughter. People spend lavishly on t h e i r daughter’s wedding, so why can’t I spend on my film?

Let whatever I am doing for my daughter, be nice, and inshallah, the money will follow,” h e

any other actor would have been a part of this film instead of me then I would have got burnt with jealousy. I was born to do Gully Boy and I knew only I can pull off this character.”

Ranveer said it is a special film for him for too many reasons. “It’s a coming together of too many things that are very dear to me. It has rap, hip-hop music which I loved since I was a kid and it is set in my motherland Mumbai.”

Sharing his experience of working with the film’s cast and crew, Ranveer said: “Working with Zoya (Akhtar) was an amazing experience. She is really more than a director to me. She is my friend and confidante. She is so special to me in my life as a person more than a director.

“This film’s producer Ritesh is like family to me. We go way back and our parents go way back. Farhan (Akhtar) is a creative force of nature who I have tremendous admiration for. I have been fielding for him to direct me since eight years now. Hopefully, he will consider me someday. (Hindustan Times)

said. Zero was made on a budget of around Rs 200 crore but struggled to make even half that amount at the box office.

However, he knows that experimenting with his film choices makes him the true king of Bollywood. “I have succeeded with things that I never knew would succeed.

I also feel that if you really are the king, you should have the choice to make your own choices. A king without choices is not a king at

Crossword Solution

all.” The actor-producer says that even his company keeps telling him that he is overdoing things but he knows that no one can stop him from making key decisions.

Zero was panned by the critics and also rejected by the audiences. It was directed by Aanand L Rai and also starred Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.

Shah Rukh will now be seen in the Rakesh Sharma biopic. A report in Mid-Day suggests that he has decided to begin shooting for the film from February itself.

A source told the daily that the decision was taken to avoid wearing heavy costumes during the summer months.

“The project is expensive. In a bid to ensure that the film doesn’t exceed the budget, Kapur (producer

Siddharth Roy Kapur) and Khan (Shah Rukh) find it imperative to start shooting

by February. Doing so will help them wrap up the main schedule before summer.

Given that certain crucial scenes must be filmed outdoors, the duo felt shooting in the bulky costumes would be impossible during those months,” the source said.

In an interview to Deccan Chronicle, Shah Rukh thanked Aamir Khan for the role. “I thank Aamir [Khan] who was to do the film for calling me and telling me about the role as it would suit me. Whenever I get the time, I will try and spend time with him (Rakesh Sharma),” he said.

(Hindustan Times)

J

eff and MacKenzie Bezos did NOT have a prenuptial agreement so, by all rights, they will split their incredible fortune right down the middle ... sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ. The couple will file divorce docs in Washington, where community property rules ... translation -- all earnings and income during the marriage are split 50/50.

When the couple married in 1993 -- 6 months after meeting -- Jeff wasn't even a millionaire. He didn't become one until 1997, so dreams of being the richest man in the world were pie in the sky.

The division of assets will be incredibly complicated. Aside from cold hard cash, the former couple is hardcore baronial -- they

A

ctor-director Rakesh Roshan has been diagnosed with throat cancer and was operated on at a hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday. Son and actor Hrithik Roshan had broken the news of his diagnosis on the day of his surgery. As his family, friends and fans pray for his recovery, Rakesh’s brother, Rajesh Roshan, has provided an update on his health, according to a report in Mumbai Mirror.

Rajesh told the daily, “He is better now and recovering well. We were all very tense about the surgery and the entire family was in the hospital with him. God willing, he will be up in the next three days and should be discharged from the hospital.”

Rajesh also thanked PM Narendra Modi

own 400,000 acres of property, making them 2 of the biggest landholders in the country.

Valuing that land is complicated.

Bezos is in a relationship with former "So You Think You Can Dance" host Lauren Sanchez, who's estranged from talent mogul Patrick Whitesell. TMZ sources say Lauren and Jeff started hooking up in the latter half of 2018, after they separated from their respective spouses. Lauren and Patrick are also in the middle of divorcing.

Patrick and MacKenzie have known about Jeff and Lauren's relationship. It's still awkward -- Lauren and Patrick were super close to Jeff and MacKenzie for a decade. Bezos has said his divorce is super amicable. (TMZ)

for his message. He said, “This was very big hearted of the Prime Minister and a huge encouragement for both the patient and his family.”

The PM had tweeted, “Dear Hrithik, praying for the good health of Shri Rakesh Roshan Ji. He is a fighter and I am sure he will face this challenge with utmost courage. @RakeshRoshan_N.” Hrithik thanked him for his message and replied, “Thank you Sir for your concern and good wishes. I am very happy to inform that according to the doctors his surgery has gone off well.”

The film industry sent its support and best wishes for Rakesh, after Hrithik shared the news on the social media. (Hindustan Times)

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JANUARY 13, 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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JANUARY 13, 2019

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Take a break and stop laboring over work-related dilemmas. Pay close attention to your health, and make choices that will ensure your happiness.

Romance is highlighted.

Research new possibiliTAURUS ties. Go directly to the source (April 20- of whatever you want to inMay 20) vestigate. Something you learn will sway a decision regarding your beliefs or vocational direction.

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

Don’t share your plans until you have everything in place. Surprising others will help you alleviate interference and encourage greater support. Your plans will encourage a closer relationship with a loved one.

Anger won’t solve a pending problem. Take a serious (June 21- approach to whatever you July 22) want to pursue, and only include those who have something to contribute to your success.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Spread your wings and fly.

Learn and experience all you can. Make time for a loved one and express your feelings and intentions. A personal change looks auspicious.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Don’t get bogged down by people trying to upset you.

Step outside any drama and enjoy what life has to offer.

Socialising will do you good.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Avoid discussions that might disrupt your home and personal lives. Give yourself a chance to think about what’s going on. An outing with someone you enjoy being around is encouraged.

Live and learn. What you SCORPIO experience and discover today (Oct. 24will help you make choices Nov. 22) that will map out your future.

Plan an outing that could lead to an interesting revelation.

SAGITTARIUS You can have fun without (Nov. 23- going overboard. Aim to acDec. 21) complish a lot by putting your energy into a constructive project that will improve your home and relationships with loved ones.

Calvin and Hobbes

Arguing will be a waste CAPRICORN of time. A physical activity is (Dec. 22- encouraged and will help you Jan. 19) calm down, keep the peace and defuse a festering problem.

A financial gain is posAQUARIUS sible. If you look over your (Jan. 20- personal papers, you will Feb. 19) discover something that will lead to a surprise. Celebrate with a loved one.

Don’t let the actions PISCES (Feb. 20- of others lead you astray.

Mar. 20) Concentrate on doing what you can to help those less fortunate or to repay a favor.

Getting involved in indulgent behavior is discouraged.