Guyana Times - Sunday, March 17, 2019

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Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 3866 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

Sunday, March 17, 2019

PRICE

Oil and gas preparations

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

CDB warns Guyana about impact of political uncertainty on sector See story on page 3

National Ophthalmology Hospital

No cataract surgeries being done – Regional Chairman P14 …necessary kits not being purchased

...imperils immediate growth prospects

CJ's High Court decisions "well-reasoned" and profound – Jagdeo

President in Cuba for medical check-up P16

See story on page 7

...says worn arguments, red herrings cannot influence Appeal Court

Region 6 P15 Councillors call for more pastures …as cattle continue to be poisoned

Months after contract awarded

Members of the Alexander Village Vishnu Mandir participating in Chowtaal singing on Saturday afternoon. Chowtaal is a series of songs sung with various instruments including drums to usher in Phagwah. It is usually sung for 40 days leading up to the festival of colours. (Dexter Ceres photo)

GPHC doctor pronounces premature twins dead Page 9 …relative finds living baby on way to morgue ……hospital asks family to return document declaring babies’ deaths

Contractor P11 for airstrip junction road project a noshow – Region 1 Chairman Cabinet P10 calls itself "plenary” to appoint State boards ...despite Chief Justice's ruling that Cabinet is "resigned"

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, March 17 – 10:00h-11:30h with no marine retraction and Monday, March 18 – 09:00h-12:00h with no marine transit.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, March 17 – 13:05h-14:35h and Monday, March 18 – 14:10h-15:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy skies and sunny intervals are expected, followed by partly cloudy skies in the evening. Overall temperatures will range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 13:51h reaching a maximum height of 2.41 metres.

Low Tide: 07:22h and 19:59h reaching minimum heights of 0.95 metre and 0.72 metre.

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Oil and gas preparations

CDB warns Guyana about impact of political uncertainty on sector ...imperils immediate growth prospects

By Jarryl Bryan

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ith the prevailing uncertainty in Guyana regarding the elections date being fixed, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is warning that political uncertainty can have a significant impact on Guyana’s preparations for first oil and the overall economy.

This warning is contained in the bank’s country economic review of Guyana for 2018, the year in which a Government toppled after the no-confidence vote was passed for the first time in Guyana’s history.

“Commercial production is due to commence in 2020. This will increase economic growth and provide windfall revenues for the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana,” the report states, adding that the proposed Natural Resources Fund (NRF) is expected to help manage the risks associated with the burgeoning oil and gas sector. The bank explained that this includes minimising negative impacts on other traditional sectors.

In the report, it notes that Guyana’s economy grew by 3.4 per cent for 2018. However, the banking institution warned of the risks to Guyana’s progress in preparing for the oil and gas sector and indeed, the overall macro-economic outlook if political uncertainty continues.

“Guyana is on the verge of a sharp increase in eco-

President David Granger

nomic growth, but immediate prospects partly depend on ending political uncertainty,” the report states.

“In the November 2018 budget speech, the Ministry of Finance was targeting 4.6 per cent (Gross Domestic Product) growth in 2019.”

“However, increased political uncertainty in early 2019 may dampen this momentum,” the bank added. “The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited bond issue will push total public and publicly guaranteed debt above 60 per cent of GDP in 2019, but that ratio is projected to decline sharply after 2020.”

Reforms

The CDB also urged more reforms to the doing business environment.

According to the bank, this is necessary to ensure that the traditional, non-oil industries can become more competitive.

“Business reforms are

Retired Justice James Patterson

needed to improve competitiveness and facilitate inclusive growth. Although efforts are being made to increase linkages between the oil industry and the rest of the domestic economy, there is a risk that oil production could dominate exports and lead to exchange rate appreciation, which in turn could harm the competitiveness of other sectors.”

“The NRF can help to manage some of these risks,” the CDB continued.

“But business sector reforms will also be necessary.

Improvements are needed in reducing energy costs, the speed of getting construction permits and trading across borders.”

The World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index is one of its most comprehensive studies. In its 2018 report, Guyana was shown to have dipped, placing 126th in the global rankings. In 2017, Guyana was ranked 124th, while in 2015 the na-

tion ranked 140th. Guyana saw an increase in the cost of starting a business, dropping seven places, from 92 to 99.

A drop of 13 places, from 123 to 136, was also recorded in the area of paying taxes. However, the country rose in the ranks in areas such as dealing with construction permits, getting credit and protecting minority investors.

The country was also commended for decreasing the time to transfer property by allocating higher resources and personnel and the adoption of a new code of civil procedure which the report notes make enforcing contracts easier by regulating time standards for key court events.

Political uncertainty

Article 106 (6) of the Guyana 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”.

106 (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 resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the turn to page 9 election”.

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

Editorial

Fiddling while Guyana burns

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hile there are some doubts as to whether Emperor Nero actually fiddled while Rome burned, when the history of Guyana is written, there is no question that David Granger will be known as the president who fiddled while Guyana burned. Being a historian, more than most, he is aware of the deep schisms in our society, which have been refracted by the political system to create a very volatile and incendiary condition whenever elections are in the air.

When that systemic condition in concatenated with the specific circumstances that have precipitated the constitutional crisis that has enveloped our country since Dec 21, 2018, then one can only conclude that the speech which he delivered last Friday was akin to pouring gasoline upon a smoldering fire.

Ever since his entry into overt politics since 2011 – he has boasted he was a member of the PNC since 1965 – Granger has carefully crafted and projected a churchgoing, avuncular and amiable image. But it was all a sham and pappy show which soon became evident – but polished over with the patina of anodyne ‘feel good’ expressions.

One example would suffice before we examine his inflammatory speech. On the hustings, he promised an “inclusive government” that would include even “elements” of the PPP -- in addition to the AFC -- with which he had negotiated a “power sharing”, Cummingsburg Accord. Their “joint” Manifesto included root and branch constitutional reform that would institutionalise a massive reduction of the President’s powers, which would then be transferred to the Prime Minister. But it was all smoke and mirrors, as even the one significant coalition partner within APNU, the WPA, complained bitterly and publicly of not being consulted by the PNC, which held all significant power. It was the AFC’s refusal to publicly criticise the PNC’s betrayal that allowed Granger’s ingratiating image to give him a Teflon-like cover for his insidious, divisive actions.

Such as, even though the AFC had promised that “sugar was too big to fail”, unilaterally closing four sugar estates and throwing on the bread line 7000 workers, mainly from the Indian-Guyanese community, which they boasted the AFC had brought in to make their Government “uniquely multiracial”.

In his recorded speech to the nation, President Granger had a “plaster for every sore” that had burst out in the body politic after the successful No-Confidence Motion (NCM). The most critical sore, of course, was his and his Government’s refusal to follow up with their initial acceptance of the constitutional consequences of the NCM – for the President and Cabinet to resign and elections to be held in three months. He challenged this on a number of pathetically poor subterfuges in the judicial realm - which the President now insults the Guyanese people’s collective intelligence by claiming they were “a means of bringing clarity and certainty to the contentious issues which arose as a consequence of the no-confidence vote.”

Does President Granger really believe the Guyanese people believe him when he now claims, as a “contentious issue”, that 33 seats are not the majority in the 65-member National Assembly, when he accepted the votes of the identical 33 seats as a majority to pass any number of Acts, and then personally signed them into law? Does he not understand that even his own supporters see his volte face as a ploy to cling onto power for a few months longer, even as they cynically go along with the ploy, just as they had done with the PNC’s rigging of elections between 1968 and 1985?

What makes the ploy incendiary, however, is that most Guyanese believe that Granger is risking his political capital because he needs those “few months” to consummate his plans for rigging the elections, because the NCM caught him flat-footed.

The Opposition PPP has issued a response which refutes, point by point, Granger’s platitudinous utterances, and they must be commended for the measured tones in which they couched that response. The people, however, are quite insulted by the gap between Granger’s words and his actions. Will the sore explode?

New Zealand mosque shootings: People place candles at a flower tribute area at Botanical Gardens in Christchurch, March 16. (REUTERS/Edgar Su)

Our lives need to be respected in this country Dear Editor, Medical doctors should not be the only ones to weigh in on the recent triple malpractice at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Of course, opinions from nurses, pharmacists, scientists and others ought to be carried by the media to foster knowledge, to reduce medical errors and ultimately improve healthcare.

Further, scientists like me who are in biomedical research are in authority to speak and write on healthcare issues. Biomedical scientists advance clinical medicine through innovation and also contribute to medical articles in magazines, journals and newspapers. Stifling the opinions of people like me is shortsighted and it is one reason why our healthcare system remains primitive and deadly. Do we want to continue like this? I bet not.

Editor, I have rightly concluded in my previous letter that intrathecal vincristine is lethal and that it induces a unique repertoire of symptoms. Editor, my knowledge and my experience in drug delivery have enabled me to do this. There is not even one single experiment in my 20 years of research where I did not deliver a drug. I have even safely delivered novel ones as well. The recent news reports from the GPHC about a week ago have confirmed my position regarding what happened to those children. I find it hard to believe that doctors failed to link the patient’s symptoms to the lethal administration of vincristine after the first error. They even went on to kill two others. Such errors occurred primarily because of a lack of knowledge, a lack of training in basic science research and bad attitudes.

Moreover, I also know that adverse drug effects are generally reversible when molecules are given through the correct mode and at the right dose and at the right frequency. It makes sense to reason that well-characterised drugs like vincristine shouldn’t result in deaths much less three in a row in a single month. This line of reasoning prompted me to conclude that medical errors were responsible and the GPHC has confirmed this. I have no doubt drawn attention and brought clarity on the triple error at the GPHC. Now the GPHC owes it to the public to at least outline its plans in preventing such errors in the future.

This is critical in restoring some level of confidence in our hospitals.

My research has taken me into the territory of sample collection and data collection. To this end, I can’t swallow the autopsy findings. I can’t believe that 100 per cent of the autopsies turned out to be 100 per cent inconclusive in 100 per cent of the samples and in 100 per cent of the analysis. I know that autopsies are difficult but these numbers are still hard to swallow. In my opinion, they indicate problems with the patient’s samples. Editor, this needs to be probed. We need to hear why all of the autopsy results are inconclusive. It is my contention that if the appropriate samples haven’t been harvested or handled correctly then obviously the results will be 100 per cent inconclusive. I know that mass spectrometry analysis could detect this drug, the end products of this drug and any degraded products of this drug, particularly in sites where they do not be-

long. I have used this technique to detect molecules in low concentrations. Of course, the patient’s medical records could be correlated with the autopsy results in constructing the cause of death. The results from the autopsies are necessary to seal the cause of death. My logic is what is applied in both basic science research and in clinical settings to solve clinical problems.

Editor, the public needs to know that medical doctors generally know very little about drugs. This is a fact. And this is why there are pharmacists. Medical doctors also need deeper scientific knowledge through biomedical research. They need to be creative. They need to work alongside PhDs and other professionals to enhance their knowledge.

Such a collaborative atmosphere is necessary but it is absent in our healthcare system and this is another reason why healthcare in Guyana remains deadly. Translational research needs to be incorporated into our healthcare system to improve it and the oil wealth should be pumped into this.

Clearly, our medical doctors are lacking and this is exactly what the triple manslaughter at the GPHC is telling us. To this end, I urge the media to carry the opinions of everyone. Our voices are educational and instrumental in moving our country forward. There is no single professional with all the answers to every medical problem.

The Guyanese Government needs to understand the value of hiring scientists with PhD degrees in translational research.

Through translational medicine, novel scientific knowl-

edge is moved from the research bench to the bedside in improving patient care.

Such an understanding and appreciation is lacking in Guyana. I have personally contributed to this area of biomedical research in a world class hospital and in a developed country for over 12 years but a third world Government is hell-bent on shutting me down so that it appoints its political supporters who are army officers, book-keepers and doctors to key positions within the healthcare system.

What can these people contribute to healthcare? They contribute absolutely nothing and they waste scarce tax dollars and cost lives. As citizens, we need to hammer away at these issues to transform the healthcare system into one that can save lives.

Government must also move our drugs into proper storage to improve healthcare and to save lives. The Sussex Street bottom house and the rodent-infested hotel facilities can never be storage facilities for drugs.

Editor, here is a view into how attitudes in underdeveloped countries have turned our healthcare system into one that is deadly.

The APNU/PNC/AFC Government has even bought foreign medical coverage for its Cabinet members on tax dollars it drains from the poor while it ignores the troubles within our deadly healthcare system. A law is needed to force Government to use the deadly healthcare as its citizens. Government, every life is equal. This kind of third world mentality has got to go for us to see improvements in the Guyanese healthcare system. continued on page 5

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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

Brace yourself, Guyana

Dear Editor, Guyanese should brace themselves for the benefits that will be thrown their way, some good and some bad, as the country prepares for the inevitable election.

During the election period, opportunities will be offered

all over by politicians in an attempt to buy votes and Guyanese should be updated with what’s happening to grasp any opportunity that presents itself. Already, we are seeing massive clean-ups being undertaken across the country and in Guyhoc, the

residents are quite pleased to see one major canal being cleaned after being neglected by this Administration for quite a while. No doubt this Administration is in full gear to win people’s confidence for another term so those who have issues af-

Alert: Granger Administration is talking up rule of law & civil rights Dear Editor, An administration truly and firmly rooted in these principles would scarcely have need to make repeated assertions of their commitment to these tenets; it should be self-evident.

So when these avowals are once again adorned centre stage in a national address, one has to ask what’s afoot.

Each incremental undemocratic and dictatorial reset of the country towards autocratic rule has been accompanied by loud utterances of respect for the rule of law and civil rights – as again occurred on Friday when the President used the national podium to prime the country.

A similar device was also deployed in the preparation to contravene the Carter Formula and unilaterally appoint retired Justice James Patterson as GECOM Chairman in October 2017.

At that time, the country was prepped and the unilateral action sanitised with

the “Fit and Proper” dressing down - none of the 18 prominent Guyanese nominees on the three lists were fit and proper, according to Granger.

Patterson’s installation compromised the independent nature of the National Secretariat and the institution’s mandate which was enshrined in the Constitution in order to guarantee Guyanese free and fair elections.

The intention and consequence of Granger’s unilateral imposition are now glaringly clear.

GECOM has been effectively stymied from discharging its duties on behalf of all Guyanese.

Instead of implementing a plan for elections in the timeframe required by law, the GECOM administration has been complicit in the administration’s delaying tactics. It has acted as a tool of the administration even while Granger seeks refuge in the subterfuge that the GECOM administration is acting independently in an

arm’s length relationship.

The Granger administration have brought Guyana to a dangerous crossroad.

They have wasted three months with duplicitous delaying tactics and absurd court challenges (the logic of which, if applied equally to GECOM resolutions, would require 5 of the 7 votes to carry). Now, at the last moment, they are in a scramble.

The country crosses the official threshold of being a pariah among nations with an illegal government If Granger does not act by this coming Thursday.

International pressure is mounting.

Countries which continue to deal with Guyana on an ‘as usual’ basis risk damage to their own reputation.

Granger’s law and order mantra is not only wearing thin, it has become a precursor for the staging of autocratic actions. Be alert.

Sincerely, Ron Cheong

fecting them or their village should use the avenues available to highlight their concerns and hope the Administration addresses it before election. Likewise, we all should be alert for victimisation from the opposite side you supporting because that is nothing new.

Already I’ve seen mechanism being put in place for future victimisation and with all happening in the last three years, this election will indeed prove interesting. Already the scandalous mouths are whispering about civil unrest, preparations are being put in place for rigging at the upcoming election. One interesting observation is the commercial being advertised about the Government launching a campaign to remove obstructions on roadway and interestingly, non-approved signboards. I am wondering how long before someone has to apply for putting up a billboard, especially the political ones. Since it’s the Public Infrastructure Ministry issuing that order, no doubt

the ruling party would get the best opportunities that are available. During election periods in Guyana, the citizens always feel the effect coming out of election, some of us even turn enemies, but still, we continue in the same pattern year after year.

Editor, with a relatively new Government that has not been able to settle down properly, we are seeing signs of bullyism, the extreme someone would go to hold on to power. Immediately after being sworn in, scandal after scandal kept arising and I was under the impression that instead of doing a proper job, they are competing to see who is more dishonest. This present Administration is seeking all loopholes to prevent the election and as they attempt to, they are neglecting their duties and concentrating on promoting their Administration while making wild accusations about the previous Administration.

Immediately after being sworn in, massive repaint-

ing of Government offices/ places throughout the country and the colour green was used. Staff even started wearing uniforms with the colour green. Major repairs were done at all levels. I have no problems with that, but one should understand that for the past 23 years, the PPP/C was working under the same conditions, never tried to repaint any building with their party colours or have the staff wear uniforms with the colour that represents their party. We see a huge increase in salary for themselves, spending on food and drinks increased instead of trying to curb the expense, they sought their friends and awarded contracts to provide more expensive food and drinks.

Meanwhile, all Ministries performances have dropped significantly and there’s the boast of change. Brace yourself Guyana, we’ve gotten an exchange which is worse.

Dear Editor, On March 16, 2019, a media report titled “A grave matter” elaborated on the vandalisation of graves which contain expensive items buried on behalf of relatives as expressions of various senti-

ments.

In a similar manner, I wish to draw attention to the difficulties created for the attendants at the crematorium at Blairmont Estate (and I believe at other crematoriums) who are often forced by family members to put the dead bodies with the ‘ostentatious/expensive’ coffins on the pyre for burning. This causes many unnecessary hassles and untold difficulties for the attendants during the burning as well as afterwards when the ashes have to be

collected the next day.

I wish to take this opportunity to plead with patrons of the Blairmont Crematorium to desist from this practice; it will save them many unnecessary expenses and save the attendants many hassles to clear the remains after the cremation. A simple coffin is much more preferred and indeed, will result in the better, cleaner burning of the deceased.

Unnecessarily expensive coffins create problems for crematoriums

Replace talk by action, please!

Dear Editor, Recently, four of our sisters were brutally attacked by their spouses resulting in their hospitalisation and desperate fights for their lives. A fifth sister was mercilessly killed by a stalker who refused to take “No!” for an answer. Yet another sister was brutally attacked by her partner while accompanying a rural constable to serve what is described as “a restraining order”.

Given that everyone is aware of root causes of the problem and the requirements to address it, expounding in front of microphones and cameras should urgently give way to proactive measures to reduce the incidences of gender-based violence.

Replace talk by solutions now!

Over the years, The Caribbean Voice has partnered with over 200 different entities to raise awareness, host workshops and

outreaches, engage in advocacy and information dissemination and offer counselling and other assistance. During the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Domestic Violence held annually from November 25 to December 10, Voices Against Violence, comprising about 50 entities, activists and advocates focused on domestic violence speak out to raise awareness and provide motivation to victims to find ways out of their victimisation.

Imagine this process extended nationally across Guyana in an all-encompassing effort. We hope that this year’s observance of Sixteen Days of Activism Against Domestic Violence could see this become a reality!

Indeed, collaboration is the definitive framework to tackle this plague that is claiming the lives of so many almost on a daily basis. In effect, we agree with a recent editorial in

a local newspaper that called for, “a multi-sector and cross-ministerial approach” that would result in community-level activism to prevent this scourge.

Policy makers and leaders are the ones with the capacity and wherewithal to institutionalise this collaboration that everyone continually demands.

Government must reach out to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Faith Based Organisations (FBOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs), activists, advocates and community leaders across all divides in a concerted and continuous effort to bring about needed change. All of this has been repeatedly expressed across various platforms over time.

Meanwhile, The Caribbean Voice is extending a hand for collaboration to anyone willing to fight against this rapidly growing epidemic that is taking the lives of our

Our lives need to be...

In underdeveloped countries like Guyana, doctors expose oversized egos and bark at patients and violate patients by injecting them with drugs without even explaining

the nature of the treatment.

This is unacceptable. I must inform Government that I also have those psychology degrees which position me to easily spot its dysfunction and I will

continue to call them out for the sake of humanity. And in harking back to these children killed at the GPHC, I must urge their parents to take legal action to prevent medical

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

brothers, sisters and children. We are in the process of formulating a plan in collaboration with the Centre on Crime and Resilience at Northeastern University in the US under a USAID-funded Building Evidence on Security and Community Resilience in the Caribbean project.

Abuse prevention needs actions, not words. So we are appealing to NGOs, FBOs, CBOs and other stakeholders to reach out to us so together we can build a network across Guyana to ensure the implementation of the upcoming plan in every community. We would provide training and necessary support to realise this effort and we fervently hope that relevant Government Ministries and agencies would join in the critical endeavour.

Sincerely, Indi Ram The Caribbean Voice continued from page 4

malpractice in our hospitals.

Our lives need to be respected in this country.

Sincerely, Dr Annie Baliram

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

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NZ mosque shootings toll rises to 50, families wait to bury their dead

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he death toll in the New Zealand mosque shootings rose to 50 on Sunday when Police found another body at one of the mosques, as families waited for authorities to formally identify victims and release their bodies for burial.

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, was charged with murder on Saturday. Tarrant was remanded without a plea and was due back in court on April 5 where Police said he was likely to face more charges.

Friday’s attack, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern labelled as terrorism, was the worst-ever peacetime mass killing in New Zealand and the coun-

Relatives of a member of the Bangladeshi community wait for news at a community centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, March 17, 2019 (Reuters/Jorge Silva)

try had raised its security threat level to the highest.

Footage of the attack on one of the mosques was

broadcast live on Facebook, and a “manifesto” denouncing immigrants as “invaders” was also posted online

via links to related social media accounts.

The bodies of the victims had not been released to families because investigations were going on, Police Commissioner Mike Bush said at a media conference in Wellington.

It is customary in Islam to bury the dead within 24 hours.

“We have to be absolutely clear on cause of death and confirm their identity before that can happen. But we are so aware of the cultural and religious needs, so we are doing that as quickly and sensitively as possible,” Bush said.

Bush said the body of the 50th victim was found at the Al Noor mosque, where more than 40 people died after a

gunman entered and shot at people with a semi-automatic rifle with high-capacity magazines, before travelling to a second mosque.

Hero hailed

One man at the second mosque in the suburb of Linwood was being hailed for distracting and confronting the shooter, preventing further deaths.

Abdul Aziz, 48, told media he heard shooting and ran outside the mosque, shouting at the gunman and drawing him away from the building, the Newshub website reported.

Aziz, originally from Afghanistan, said he picked up one of the gunman’s discarded weapons and threatened the man, who drove off.

Police then rammed the gunman’s vehicle and arrested him.

“Those two police officers acted with absolute courage,” Bush said. “They have prevented further deaths and risked their own lives to do so.”

Church services for victims of the attack were held around the country, including at Christchurch’s “Cardboard Cathedral”, a temporary structure built after much of the central city was destroyed in a 2011 earthquake.

Thirty-four people were in Christchurch Hospital, with 12 in intensive care, and one child moved to dedicated children’s hospital in Auckland. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Anti-Government protests Flash floods kill at least 42 in Indonesia's Papua province erupt in Nicaragua after extended pause F

P

rotesters targeting Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega took to the streets on Saturday, demanding the release of all political prisoners and turning up the heat on the political crisis that has consumed the country since last year.

Protest organisers and witnesses told Reuters that some protesters who gathered at various points in Managua, the capital, were beaten by Police, who since November have enforced a ban on street protests. Videos circulating on social media from the protests also showed Police hitting civilians.

The national Police defended the arrest of 107 protesters in a statement

issued late Saturday, arguing that those detained participated in protests that “were not authorised and that interrupted public order and local business”.

But the statement went on to note that all those arrested on Saturday were being released following a request from a Vatican representative in Nicaragua.

Protests in the Central American nation first erupted in April when Ortega’s leftist government moved to reduce welfare benefits, but since then have escalated into broader opposition to Ortega, a Cold War-era former Marxist guerrilla leader who has been in office since 2007.

Since April, more than 320 people have been killed and some 600 others that the Opposition describes as political prisoners remain detained, according to figures from human rights groups.

Government officials released a group of 50 prisoners on Friday following demands by the Opposition for more detainees to be freed before the political talks could continue.

The Government released 100 others in late February when it launched a political dialogue with the Opposition.

Last month, Ortega said he was willing to reform State institutions ahead of presidential elections in 2021. (Reuters)

lash floods in Indonesia’s easternmost province of Papua have killed at least 42 people and badly injured 21 others, a local disaster agency official told Reuters on Sunday.

The Sentani area near the provincial capital Jayapura has been hit by torrential rain since Saturday that triggered

the floods, said the official, Cory Simbolon.

At least nine houses and two bridges were damaged by the floods, national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said, adding that a search and rescue team has yet to reach all the affected areas.

“Waters have now receded, leaving mud, logs and other materials carried by

the flash floods,” Nugroho said in a statement.

More than 120 residents were taking shelter at Government offices after their homes were hit by the floods, he said.

Authorities, aided by the Red Cross and volunteers, were responding to help the displaced, Nugroho said. (Reuters)

Venezuela's Guaido launches national tour in “new phase” to oust Maduro

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enezuelan Opposition Leader and National Assembly Head Juan Guaido said on Saturday he was launching a “new phase” in his push to oust President Nicolàs Maduro, pledging to travel across the country before “reclaiming” the presidential palace.

Guaido, who invoked the Constitution in January to declare an interim presidency, saying Maduro’s re-elec-

tion was illegitimate, called on thousands of supporters to stay committed to what he dubbed “Operation Freedom”.

“Very soon, when we have visited and organised every inch ... we will go to Miraflores and reclaim what belongs to the Venezuelan people,” Guaido said, referring to the palace, in a speech in the industrial city of Valencia 176 kilometres (109 miles) west of Caracas, where he toured shops and walked the streets.

Most Western countries, including the United States, have recognised Guaido as the nation’s legitimate Head of State and called on Maduro to step aside. But Maduro, a socialist who says he is the victim of an attempted US-led coup, retains the support of the armed forces and control of State functions.

While US sanctions on State-run oil company Petroleos de Venezuela – known as PDVSA – have crimped crucial crude exports, Maduro retains the support of Russia and China.

Maduro did not appear at a Socialist Party rally in Caracas on Saturday, where his allies declared “victory” over the Opposition’s efforts to remove him for power.

“They are threatening to go to Miraflores,” Diosdado Cabello, the Party’s Vice President who leads the all-powerful National Constituent Assembly, said in a speech. “We cannot al-

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognised as the country's rightful interim ruler, takes part in a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolàs Maduro's Government, in Guacara, Venezuela, March 16, 2019

low that. They left from there before, and they will never again enter the palace of the revolutionary people.”

Guaido’s campaign until now has mostly focused on mobilising supporters in the capital Caracas, where power has largely been restored following a nearly weeklong blackout that paralysed a country already suffering from a hyperinflationary economic collapse and chronic shortages of food and medicine. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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SUnDAY, march 17, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

CJ's High Court decisions "well-reasoned" and profound – Jagdeo ...says worn arguments, red herrings cannot influence Appeal Court

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rguments in the cases related to the challenge of the validity of the no-confidence motion, currently before the Court of Appeal, include a refashioning of arguments that were made in the High Court and struck down in a “profound” and “well-reasoned” judgement that was handed down by the Chief Justice (ag), Roxanne George-Wilshire, according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

During his most recent news conference, Jagdeo proffered the view that the lawyers representing the coalition Government’s interests have an almost impossible task of discounting the ruling of the Chief Justice (ag).

“No amount of foreign representation that the Government will pay for with taxpayers’ money – and the use of taxpayers’ monies now is a problem in itself – will work….how will you get past the Constitution of Guyana and the ruling of the Chief Justice, a ruling that was profound and detailed…every argument being made now has been struck down by the Chief Justice with formidable reasoning,” he said.

In filing the appeals, Attorney General Basil Williams argued that the Chief Justice’s (ag) ruling was “unreasonable and cannot be supported having regard to the evidence” – although the ‘evidence’ in question was not detailed. He argues too that the Chief Justice (ag) “erred and misdirected herself in law” when she upheld the validity of the vote on the no-confidence motion.

Profound rulings

In the Chief Justice’s (ag) ruling on the case claiming that 33 votes was not a majority of 65 in the National Assembly and, as such, the no-confidence motion vote could not be valid without 34 votes, she said: “The majority required by Article 106 (6), being a majority of all elected members of the National Assembly is at least thirty-three (33) members. As a result of the finding above, the no-confidence motion is carried as a requisite majority was obtained by a vote of thirty-three – thirty-two (3332)…the President and the Ministers cannot, therefore, remain in Government beyond the three months within which elections are required to be held…I, therefore, find that Cabinet is now required to resign with all convenient speed, as the resignation under Article 106 (6), in my view, takes immediate effect following the defeat of the Government in a vote of confidence by a majority of all elected members of the National Assembly. In this case, Cabinet must be taken to have resigned with immediate effect from the evening of December 21, 2018, and all functions or duties provided in any law to be performed specifically by Cabinet must have ceased from that time”.

Jagdeo noted that the “34 argument” – in one of the ap-

peals of the High Court ruling – continues to be made in the Appeal Court and he drew attention to the Chief Justice’s (ag) ruling which validates the position that 33 is the majority vote. The Chief Justice (ag) in her ruling had said, “In the case of a ‘simple majority’ the determination of a majority is based on the number of persons present and voting. In the case of an ‘absolute majority,’ the determination of a majority is based on the total number of or all the Members elected to the National Assembly”.

The Opposition Leader said, “I would like to see what kind of creativity will be used…the Chief Justice’s ruling on this was factual, logical and well-reasoned,” he said.

Another of the High Court arguments being “refashioned” in the Appeal Court – in a second appeal of the High Court ruling – relates to dual citizenship. The Opposition Leader pointed out that the Chief Justice (ag) was clear in calling out the Government for benefiting from the vote cast by former Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian, Charrandas Persaud, who holds a dual citizenship, but then challenging the validity of his seat in the National Assembly when his vote did not align with the interests of the coalition.

The Chief Justice (ag) had ruled that sitting as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly while holding dual citizenship is unconstitutional, but Article 165 (2) provides that proceedings of the National Assembly are not invalidated by the presence or participation of a person not entitled to do so – therefore, Persaud’s vote is valid.

Jagdeo said, “The Chief Justice ruled that dual citizenship is not contemplated in our Constitution (relative to Members of Parliament), but she did not invalidate the vote…Article 165 (2) is clear on this…what argument will Government use now? I have not heard them address Article 165 (2)”.

Article 165 (2) of the Constitution states that: “The Assembly may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership (including any vacancy not filled when the Assembly first meets after the commencement of this Constitution or after any dissolution of Parliament) and the presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present at or to participate in the proceedings of the Assembly shall not invalidate those proceedings.”

Court cannot extend time

A third argument currently before the Appeal Court relates to an application for a stay of execution of the High Court ruling which would, in effect, extend the time of the coalition Government in office beyond the March 21, 2019, deadline.

The Opposition Leader noted that there is also an attempt to have the Appeal Court extend the life of

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

the APNU/AFC coalition Government, past the March 21, 2019, deadline – the deadline for polls in Guyana.

According to him, the Judiciary cannot be used to “supplant” the Legislature – since, according to the Constitution, it is only by a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly that the deadline can be extended.

“Only legislators in two-third vote can extend the life of the Government; not the court or anyone else….if the courts try to do that they will be putting themselves above the Constitution…so the timeline, I don’t see, how it can be extended,” he said.

Article 106 (7) states 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 resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.” Additionally, the Explanatory Memorandum, on Page 15, of Bill 14 of 2000 – Constitution (Amendment) – the Bill that introduced Article 106 (7) – said: “Clause 5 alters Article 106 to provide for the resignation of Cabinet and the President following the defeat of the Government in the National Assembly on a vote of confidence. Although defeated the Government shall remain in office for the purpose of holding an election”.

The Opposition Leader, during his March 6, 2019, meeting with Granger, had proposed that General and Regional Elections be called on or before April 30, 2019.

He informed Granger that this is the only condition under which the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will support the coalition Government – which needs to have a two-thirds vote in the National Assembly – to extend the March 21, 2019, deadline. Granger rejected this offer.

GECOM financing

The fourth major argument being “refashioned” in the Appeal Court, in a second application made by the Government – an application for a conservatory order to maintain the status quo

ante of the Government – relates to the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) ‘needs’ for financing.

The Opposition Leader, during his news conference, said, “They are now saying they need to stay on in power because GECOM will not have enough [money]”.

Noting that GECOM has indicated that it needs just over $2 billion to hold General and Regional Elections, Jagdeo charged that the Commission should already have $5.371 billion in its account, in accordance with the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMAA) (Amendment) Act 2015.

Section 80 B (8) makes it clear that: “The appropriation of a constitutional agency approved by the National Assembly shall be disbursed as a lump sum by the end of the month, following the month in which the appropriation was approved”. Of note is that it was President Granger, in August 2015, who signed off on the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMAA) (Amendment) Act. Jagdeo stressed too that GECOM has total discretion over the use of its annual appropriation in accordance with Article 222 (A) of the Constitution. Article 222 (A) of the Constitution says: “In order to assure the independence of the entities listed in the Third Schedule – (a) the expenditure of each of the entities shall be financed as a direct charge on the Consolidated Fund, determined by a lump sum by

way of an annual subvention approved by the National Assembly…(b) each entity shall manage its subvention in such manner as it deems fit for the efficient discharge of its functions, subject only to conformity with the financial practices and procedures approved by the National Assembly to ensure accountability”.

The Opposition Leader also called attention to the fact that Finance Minister Winston Jordan confirmed that GECOM can spend its annual appropriation as it prioritises. Jordan, on November 19, 2019, during the consideration of the 2019 budget of GECOM, a constitutional agency, in the National Assembly, said: “Mr Chairman, the sum of $5,371, 061,000 is given as a lump sum to GECOM to use as it sees fit and as it prioritises.”

Further, he pointed out that although highly unlikely, if GECOM needs money beyond the $5.371 billion it has at its disposal, GECOM can have recourse to the Contingency Fund without resort to the National Assembly. Jagdeo stated that this point was made by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall in the Appeal Court.

“GECOM has more than enough money than it needs…this argument is to open a new front to legitimise an illegitimate Government…the nonsensical arguments can be made, but it will not change the facts,” Jagdeo said, adding that the argument about financing is a red herring being used to mislead the

Court.

No judicial coup

Additionally, on the night of December 21, 2018, as well as the day after, the statements from President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, and other coalition Government Ministers, indicated an acceptance of the consequences triggered by the passage of the no-confidence motion.

However, in the following weeks, the coalition Government signalled its approach to the Judiciary.

At that time, the Opposition Leader warned against any action that could in effect be translated into a judicial coup. He had said, “We believe that the Judiciary must not engage in any action that could violate what is so explicit in our Constitution and it’s explicit that the Government must resign or else, we’ll have a judicial coup reversing what took place in Parliament.

We cannot have that, the Constitution is clear…all of these legal manoeuvrings are intended to thwart the will of the people and the Constitution…it is clear that the coalition Government has lost a no-confidence motion.”

After the motion was passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, House Speaker Dr Barton Scotland on January 3, 2019, refused Government’s ‘request’ to reverse the ruling he made on the night of the vote. While the High Court upheld the validity of the vote on the no-confidence motion, the same was done by the Legislature.

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SUnDAY, march 17, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Missing teen’s body found near Blairmont old ferry stelling

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he body of 15-yearold Hermaj Mulshie, who went missing on Thursday afternoon, was discovered in the vicinity of the old ferry stelling in Blairmont, Berbice, on Saturday afternoon.

Reports are that the discovery of the teen’s partly decomposed body was made around 13:00h.

The young man’s mother, Devika Seeram, told police that her son left their Benett Dam, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, home at about 08:00h on Thursday last to go to a fisherman’s residence.

She said that her son was employed with the fisherman in question and told her that he was going with the man to “pick up stick

flags.” The mother stated that at about 18:00h on Thursday, Seeram was contacted by the fisherman, who told her that he along with her son and a group of other persons were at a location loading flag sticks and when they were done with that task they all went for a swim. However, when it was time for the group to leave the water, Mulshie was not seen.

According to Seeram, the fisherman told her that they began searching for Mulshie but could not find him. Less than 30 minutes after receiving the information, Seeram made the report at the Blairmont Police Station. Her son had last been wearing a blue shirt and long black pants.

Dead: Hermaj Mulshie

Police have since said that no marks of violence were seen on the young man’s body.

Meanwhile, the dead teen’s uncle, Satrohan Madray, told this publication that his nephew’s body was found by relatives who were searching for him.

“We were looking, the police did not come with us.

Me and some of his sisters and we saw him in the corner in the bushes,” he said.

Earlier reports were that the boat captain, who was in charge of the group, was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.

The body is currently at the Fort Wellington Hospital awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Neighbourhood brawl lands man in court

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neighbourhood brawl, during which one person was

wounded ended with two neighbours being placed before the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

Ray Paul, 27, appeared

before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly and denied that on March 13, 2019, at Phase Two, East Ruimveldt squatting area, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Melroy Phillips with intent to cause him actual bodily harm.

While no facts were presented to the court on the matter, the prosecution had no objections to bail being granted to the East Ruimveldt resident. The 27-year-old man was released on $20,000 bail and the case will continue on March 27, 2019.

Landlord accused of stealing tenant’s cellphone, money

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landlord was placed before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday and arraigned for stealing from his tenant who occupies the lower flat of the building.

Peter Rollux denied the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Leron Daly.

It is alleged that on February 11, 2019, at 5th Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Anastasia Spencer and stole a Samsung Galaxy cellphone valued $85,000 along with $20,000. The prosecution is contending that the Virtual Complaint, who is pregnant, secured her apartment and left when her landlord allegedly went into her apartment.

The 31-year-old man was released on $50,000 bail after Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh had no objections.

The case will continue on April 5, 2019.

Hypocritical…

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…or unctuous?

our Eyewitness looked at President Granger’s address to the nation on the constitutional crisis into which he has plunged our country by his refusal to comply with the Constitution – even as he calls it “sacrosanct and supreme” - and wasn’t surprised that it was recorded rather than live. It would’ve been impossible to keep out the snickers of derision and disbelief that would’ve issued forth from any live audience!!

And performance it was – as it has always been for Granger. But what kind of performance?? Being a churchgoer and all that, was it pharisaical? You know, like the Pharisees, whose words were hypocritical, censorious and self-righteous?? He certainly was hypocritical, with his actions following the NCM certainly contradicting his words at every step of the way.

Well…to be fair to the man, there was that brief moment when he and his Prime Minister both accepted that a democratic procedure had brought their Government to an end!!

How can he say the Constitution is “sacrosanct” when he’s refused to resign, as commanded by Art 106 (6) – “the President and cabinet SHALL resign”! - and call for elections 90 days after Dec 21 2018?? He’s never even reproached his Attorney General, Basil Williams, for saying “the Constitution is WRONG”?? He went on to claim that “the authority of the legislative branch is unimpaired”.

Well, not because of his not doing his darndest to do just the opposite to the National Assembly. For one, by raising the issue of dual citizens’ membership, which could’ve vitiated all legislation passed by that body since 2015!! How can the National Assembly maintain its “authority” when at least 7 members are “illegally” occupying their seats??

Then there’s this whopper: “The legal challenges… were not…calculated to frustrate the implications of the no-confidence vote”!!! Can you believe that mountain of hypocrisy? You become President by claiming a MAJORITY of 33 seats in the National Assembly, and suddenly 33 seats AREN’T a majority to vote you out??

Your Eyewitness fully expected Mr Granger’s tongue to split down the middle when he uttered those words!!

Censorious?? What else but shade was he throwing at the Opposition Leader when he unctuously and slyly perorated, “I urge everyone not to be intimidated by incendiary insinuations aimed at instigating disaffection.”?

What has been more “incendiary” than him saying “I am prepared to do my part to ensure credible elections within…the shortest time possible this year”!? NOW he says this? If his PNC were in the opposition, Georgetown would have been up in flames by now.

And finally, how more “self-righteous” can Granger be when he said, “The resolution of the present political challenges requires collaboration”!!

Sure, like collaborating with your executioner!!

…judgements

Citizen Marcel Gaskin had filed a criminal charge against GECOM Chair James Patterson and the three PNC Commissioners for “conspiring to delay the elections” which were constitutionally due by Art 106 (7) three months after the NCM’s passage on Dec 21, 2018. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, however, dismissed the charge because “it does not create an offence; is frivolous and vexatious, and lacks basic human merits.”

Not an offence for public officials to conspire to subvert their constitutionally designated duties?? So what about that “Misconduct of Public Office” against Brassington and Singh, which was also before her?? We know it was “vexatious” to the fellas charged, but isn’t that the case with all defendants!?? “Frivolous”?? McLennan said this was because the March 21 deadline is “still approaching””! Can you believe this?? The whole point of the conspiracy was to drag GECOM’s heels and have March 21 “approach”, and now this makes the charge “frivolous”??

Does McLennan think elections can be held in four days?? THIS “lacks human merits”!!

Oh Judgement, thou art fled to brutish beasts!!

…on corruption

So there will be no investigation (much less a CoI) into the Ministry of Public Infrastructure paying millions of US$ MORE for a DOWNSIZED CJIA??

Is this the PNC’s “less is more” doctrine? Or just plain thiefin’??

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

9 GPHC doctor pronounces premature twins dead news

SUnDAY, march 17, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

…relative finds living baby on way to morgue ……hospital asks family to return document declaring babies’ deaths

By Rupa Seenarine

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n Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) family was sent into a state of shock on Thursday, when their twins, delivered at the Georgetown Public Hospital, were listed as stillborn by medical professionals who failed to recognise that the child was alive.

Guyana Times was told that the twins were born to Bhanwattie Budram of Hope West, Enmore, on Thursday at about 11:00h and one of the babies had died. However, both children were wrapped to be taken to the mortuary when the shuddering discovery was made by their grandmother that one of them was alive.

The grandmother, Chandrouti Etwaroo, told Guyana Times on Saturday that she waited for almost four hours after the delivery to enter the room and found out that one of the girls was breathing. According to the woman, her daughter was six months, two weeks pregnant at the time of the delivery.

“She give birth to two babies on Friday at around 11:00h and then the nurse came out and told me that she was okay but the babies

One of the twins who was listed as stillborn despite being alive

GPHC Maternity Ward

is not okay. I waiting to see her till 03:00h and then they tell me that the babies dead.

I went in to see them and when I open the bag and touch them, the baby start moving and I tell the nurse,” said Sahadeo.

She claimed that the nurses walked away when she informed them that one of the babies was alive.

Etwaroo said she pleaded with the nurses to equip the infant with an oxygen supply and place her in an incubator. She said that the child was left there until the nurses changed shift. It was the nurses from the other shift that took heed to the woman’s pleas and placed

the baby in an incubator.

“When she spring up and start to breathe, I tell the nurse right away to give her some oxygen and get her to an incubator but she just come and look at the baby and then walk out,” the aggrieved woman related.

Budram and the child remained at the hospital and on Saturday morning at about 04:00h, relatives received a call, informing that the second child had died.

“We left the hospital at 12:15h and the baby was alive and everything was good. This morning (Saturday) they call us and said that the baby die.”

This publication was

told by the family that documents provided by the hospital on Thursday stated that both babies were stillborn.

The medical facility then provided subsequent documents for the second death on Friday, while requesting that the first set of documents be returned to the hospital.

They are contending that the medical staffers showed negligence with the delivery of the children and failed to perform their duties.

Adding to that, if the child was placed in an incubator soon after birth, she might have survived.

Calls by this publication

CDB warns Guyana about impact...

Government was defeated by such a motion on December 21 (though Government is disputing this in the Appeal Court, after that very defeat was upheld by the High Court).

That three-month stipulation is expected to expire next week, but there has been no agreement by the National Assembly to extend the timeline for holding elections, something stipulated by the Constitution.

Since the passage of the no-confidence resolution on December 21, 2018, there have been calls from the international community and civil society for

Government to respect the Constitution. This is something Government maintains it is doing but yet have not set a date for elections as is constitutionally mandated. President David Granger has claimed that he has to wait on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to provide clarity on its readiness and timeline for holding elections, though he expressed a desire to have them held this year.

GECOM, on the other hand, is divided on this very issue. On the one hand, Opposition nominated commissioners are pushing for a timeline where elections can

be held by April 30, 2019, when the current voters’ list expires.

On the other hand, Government Commissioners on GECOM are insisting that house-to-house verification must be done – an exercise that is expected to delay already delayed elections by months.

There have been many criticisms of what the Opposition and civil society has called a delaying tactic by the David Grangerled Administration. Guyana will slip into a constitutional crisis after March 21, 2019, if a two-thirds majority of Parliament do not vote to

from page 3

extend the constitutionally mandated elections.

to the hospital for some clarity on the matter went unanswered.

This incident comes on the heels of GPHC being under scrutiny after three children died at the facility while undergoing chemotherapy treatment earlier this year.

The first child who died was 7-year-old Curwayne Edwards on January 14, followed by three-year-old Roshini Seegobin of Enmore, ECD, on January 18.

The third child, six-yearold Sharezer Mendonca of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, died on January 24.

Mendonca’s family was sent into further despair after her body was given to the

wrong family for burial in what was alleged to have been an attempt to cover up her true cause of death.

After investigations were completed, GPHC stated that instead of intrathecal administration of the drug vincristine, doctors administered it intravenously. It was this that led to the adverse reactions of those three children and ultimately their deaths.

Meanwhile, CEO of the GPHC, Brigadier George Lewis has noted that the medical staff involved in these incidents were sent on administrative leave on January 29.

10 news

SUnDAY, march 17, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Cabinet calls itself "plenary” to appoint State boards The Boards for the Guyana Women Leadership Institute, the Guyana Prison Service Agriculture Development Board, the Fire Advisory Board and the National Commission for the Elderly were also approved.

Affixing their signatures to each one of these gazetted notices are Edward Persico as “Secretary to the Cabinet” and Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

…despite Chief Justice’s ruling that Cabinet is "resigned"

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espite acting Chief Justice Roxanne George ruling that Cabinet is resigned after the passage of a no-confidence resolution, Government continues its “business as usual” policy with a Cabinet in all but name.

This is because a plenary consisting of all Ministers of Government has been continuing the work of the Cabinet by appointing the Boards of various State entities. As recent as Saturday, a total of six Boards were gazetted.

All were approved by the

ministerial plenary.

In the case of the Adoption Board, under the Social Protection Ministry, this Board was approved for the period of February 1 to December 31, 2019.

Chairing the board is former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Parliamentarian James Bond.

Sitting on the Board as members are Geoffrey Sankies, Kashir Khan, Clonel Boston, Punilall Latchman and Patricia Grey. There is also supposed to be a representative from the Parliamentary

Resigned

The Constitution stipulates that Cabinet must resign after a noconfidence motion is passed

Opposition.

Also appointed were members of the National Advisory Council on Occupational Health and Safety with Earl Morris

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George

and Patricia Woolford as Chairman and Vice Chairperson and 14 other members. Representatives from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the University of Guyana also have to be appointed.

According to Article 106 (6) of the Guyana Constitution, “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”. turn to page 15

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SUnDAY, march 17, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Months after contact awarded

Contractor for airstrip junction road project a no-show – Region 1 Chairman

Phagwah T and Power

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short while back, there was a dispute about which day exactly we should celebrate the festival of Holi or Phagwah. Thankfully, that has been resolved, but this year Guyanese are confronted with another challenge: what to do when the agreed-to date for Holi happens to coincide with the date when the present Government loses its legitimacy through the operation of the Constitution, which both parties across the divide, the PPP and PNC (forget about the “others”: they are “rounded up”), agree on the supremacy of that Constitution? How should we Guyanese deal with the intersection of these two putatively unrelated events??

Interestingly enough, the festival of Phagwah – which, after Christmas, has become most widely celebrated across the various divides - itself offers a perspective on the Ravi Dev matter. As most Guyanese ought to know by now, Hindu festivals are meant to inscribe particular values in the society and its people by celebrating “the conquest of good over evil”.

But each festival contextualises this eternal struggle based on narratives from different places, times and circumstances. This makes it easier for us in the present to imbibe the particular value -- if we can relate to its application -- in our own lives.

Phagwah commemorates – indeed celebrates - the instance when a king who had acceded to power quite legitimately allowed that power to go to his head and inflate his ego. He began to believe he was greater than even the entity from which all power flows – the Supreme Being - according to the beliefs of his society, and that he could make or break the rules to do whatever he wanted. His people were oppressed and quite unhappy, but what were they to do??

The son of the king – still at an age when he was in school - answered that question. He started to tell everyone that the king was not the Supreme Being, and that therefore they did not have to obey his biddings any longer.

The king, not surprisingly, became furious, and ordered the boy be silenced through all sorts of machinations; one of which was that he be immolated in a fire in the lap of his aunt Holika, who was immune to fire.

But the boy survived all his challenges and continued to invoke the Supreme Being, who appeared one day to destroy the king by cutting through all the immunities with which the Supreme Being had once conferred him.

Phagwah/Holi celebrates the victory of the boy, who held true to the principles that when power is conferred on a ruler, it ought to be used for the benefit of the people, and not for his/her self-aggrandisement. The lesson, I believe, is quite apropos to the circumstance in which we find ourselves in Guyana today.

We have a President/Government which acceded to power quite legitimately, but became intoxicated with power, and focused only on living the good life while leaving the people “on their own”. Through the actions of one of the President/Government’s own MPs, who invoked the Supreme Law/Constitution, the latter mandated that the term of the President/Government be ended immediately and they should elect another President/Government in three months.

Sadly, the President/Government has refused to comply with the dictates of the Supreme Law/Constitution, and as such, we have reached a very dangerous impasse.

What do we do, when the President has all the forces at his command to quell any rising up of the people, who subscribe to the Supremacy of the Constitution? I believe that the followers of the President’s party have a special responsibility at this time. They should understand that when they once supported an earlier leader to break the rules of the Constitution with impunity, what tragedy befell our dear land of Guyana.

Those who ignore the lessons of history – much less the message of this ancient festival – are doomed to repeat them. Surely, we cannot take that risk. We are on the cusp of so much wealth flowing into Guyana that we do not have to view politics as a win-lose game, but one which can be winwin if we stop supporting rulers who are only obsessed with power for their own aggrandisement.

Happy Holi, this March 21. And may the Supreme Constitution also triumph through our efforts and unity against possible tyranny.

he continuation of the paved road from the airstrip junction to the North West Secondary School area in Region One (Barima-Waini) is at a standstill and according to Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, no effort is being made to commence works on the project.

Ashley, in an interview with Guyana Times on Saturday, said that to date the contractor who was awarded the contract in 2018 is yet to turn up at the site to begin preliminary works.

“Up to now, the contractor has not turned up not even to show that they are mobilising to get the work done. Things like that are incomplete in this region. This was a Ministry of Infrastructure project that was awarded since last year.”

In addition, other projects, Ashley said, which should have already commenced for 2019, are yet to begin.

The sum of $3.4 billion was approved for the Region One Regional Administration during budgetary allocations in December 2018.

Ashley posited that three months have passed since the budgetary year began and the region is only now in the process of advertising for the capital projects.

“It is in the third month and the region is yet to… it was expected that these projects would have been awarded at least by the 2nd week to the 3rd week of January. They should have started advertising so that by now the contractors would have been able to at least be awarded the contracts for what they are for so that work could have started,” he told this publication.

He also stated that at the end of this year, if the monies from 2018’s budgetary allocation have not been utilised then they would be returned to the national treasury and many of these

Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley

projects would have to be “rolled over” to 2020.

“Some of these projects are for the construction of health facilities, enclosure of buildings, gridding and shaping of roads, rehabilitation to health and education

facilities, purchasing of vehicles and ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) etc.”

On December 12, last year, under the education capital programme for 2019, the sum of $151.200 million was approved for rehabilitative work to the Port Kaituma Primary and Secondary Schools and extension of White-Water Nursery School. The sum also catered for the construction of sanitary blocks at Waramuri, Port Kaituma and St John’s Primary Schools and the construction and enclosure of living quarters at Unity Square and Manawarin. Some $21.9 million was to be spent on school furniture and equipment Including equipment for smart classrooms, desks, benches, cupboards, tables, chairs, racks, fire extinguishers, musical and sports equipment at several

schools in the region. $15.7 million was also allocated for transportation. The money caters for boats and outboard engines at Moruca, Barama, Pawaikuru, and St Nicholas, Waramuri and Santa Cruz Primary and Santa Rosa Secondary Schools among others.

In the area of health, $101.1 million was allocated for the completion of an X-ray room at Pakera District Hospital and staff quarters at Mabaruma; construction of a maternity waiting home at Santa Rosa, health training complex at Mabaruma; health post at Parakese and incinerator at Kwabanna; enclosure of living quarters and upgrading of the central duct system at Mabaruma Regional Hospital and provisions for hot water baths. (Kristen Macklingam)

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guyanatimesGY.com

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14 news

SUnDAY, march 17, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

National Ophthalmology Hospital

No cataract surgeries being done – Region 6 Chairman

…necessary kits not being purchased

PPP MP and Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services, Dr Vindhya Persaud

By Kristen Macklingam

T

he multimillion-dollar National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant, East Berbice-Corentyne, is once again under the microscope for not being in a fully operable state.

Reports are that there are no cataract surgeries being done there although the facility has the capacity to conduct some 10,000 surgeries annually.

According to Region Six Chairman, David Armogan, those in charge of the hos-

Region Six Chairman David Armogan The Port Mourant Ophthalmology Hospital

pital are not purchasing the kits necessary to conduct cataract operations and, therefore, many patients who are in dire need of this service have to pay large sums at private institutions for their surgeries.

“All that they are doing is testing the eyes. They are not buying the kits to do surgeries for cataract so they are not able to do what they are supposed to be doing. A lot of the people being affected are poor ones who cannot afford private care,” he stated.

Travesty

Meanwhile, PPP Member

of Parliament and ViceChair of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services, Dr Vindhya Persaud told Guyana Times that such a situation is a “travesty” which should have been corrected years ago when the issue of the National Ophthalmology Hospital was brought to the attention of Parliament.

“After this Government took office, there were reports that this hospital was not function, and at that time I was the Chair of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services and the reports

were laid at the Parliament about it.

That was 2017 when it was laid and it was only being pushed around for about one year there but by then the rotation of Chairmanship occurred and Mr John Adams from the APNU/AFC side was given the mantle of the Committee. Since then, we as a Committee have not visited anywhere or have not done anything and there are no reports placed at Parliament,” she posited.

Dr Persaud explained that since 2017 there were reports of small parts and essential components of equipment missing at the National Ophthalmology Hospital that are crucial to the operations there. These were responsible for the non-function of the facility since back then.

She recalled that the $140 million facility at Port Mourant was commissioned in July 2009 and was the first specialised Ophthalmology centre in the Caribbean and Latin America and served not only Guyanese but foreign patients seeking affordable and quality eye care surgeries.

“But now it is not serving this purpose. When the PPP introduced this hospital, it used to cater to the needs of thousands of people annually but no more.

Many people benefitted and still can once it is operating once again but that is up to those that manage it,” Dr Persaud added.

In May last, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence announced that after a hiatus of being inoperable, the facility would have recommenced cataract surgeries. However, the Ophthalmology centre is yet to provide the crucial treatments and surgeries that it once used to prior to 2015.

Relating to figures, after its first 10 months of operation, there were 21,074 persons seen at the centre.

There were 8932 persons who were seen for refractive errors of the eye. One thousand five hundred and thirty-six surgeries were done, of which 316 were cataract surgeries.

W

ater is an essential building block of life. It is more than just essential to quench thirst or protect health; water is vital for creating jobs and supporting economic, social, and human development. Managing our water to meet our current and future generations’ needs and to support the ecosystems is vital for Guyana’s future. That is why it is important that all Guyanese join the rest of the World in observing World Water Day 2019, which will be celebrated under the theme “Leaving no one behind”. This day provides the opportunity to learn more about water-related issues, to be inspired to tell others, and to take action to make a difference; given the importance of this resource not only to Guyana’s economy, but to the world.

Significance of this year’s theme, “Water for all” The theme, ‘Leaving no one behind,’ is the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: as sustainable development progresses, everyone must benefit. Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all by 2030.

Today, billions of people are still living without safe water, which means ‘safely managed drinking water service’: water that is accessible on the premises, available when needed, and free from contamination.

Marginalised groups, such as children, refugees, disabled people etc., are often overlooked, and have difficulties accessing safe water.

EPA’s role in Water Protection and Management.

The Environmental Protection Agency has an integral role to play in ensuring that the country’s water resources are protected, conserved, and managed effectively. This is enshrined in our mandate, to ensure pollution is monitored and controlled.

Managing our water requires us to investigate, understand and integrate a range of information, and complete several key steps, including: • Characterisation and classification of our water bodies, to help us understand which ones are at risk • Monitoring the status of these water bodies, and any trends in chemical or biological changes within them Looking at the geography and geology of an area; looking at • how all the water bodies are connected both above and below ground, and how the water flows from where it falls as rain to the sea • Understanding how people are using the water, including for drinking, agriculture, industrial use and bathing Establishing how people use the land and water bodies, and • what livelihoods are supported; and Investigating possible sources of pollution from large • industrial sites, and runoff from farming, forestry and landfills.

What can you do?

Keeping in mind that our motto is “The environment is everybody’s business”, we all, as citizens of Guyana and the world, have a critical role to play to protect our water resources.

Take steps to conserve • water in your homes, schools and offices; like turning off pipes and fixing leaks.

Clean-up water • bodies like drains and trenches in your community.

Read and watch • documentaries on the importance of water resources.

Start by taking a read of the State of Guyana’s Environment Report to find out the status of the country’s freshwater resources.

Make water protection and • conservation a conversation.

Facts & Figures: Information Source: United Nations, 2019 2.1 billion people live without safe water at home.

• One in four primary schools has no drinking water service, • with pupils using unprotected sources or going thirsty.

More than 700 children under five years of age die every day • from diarrhoea linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation.

• Women and girls are responsible for water collection in eight out of ten households, with water being off-premises.

For the 68.5 million people who have been forced to flee • their homes, accessing safe water services is highly problematic.

Around 159 million people collect their drinking water from • surface water, such as ponds and streams.

• Over 800 women die every day from complications in pregnancy and childbirth.

700 million people worldwide could be displaced by intense • water scarcity by 2030.

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, march 17, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 6 Councillors call for more pastures Human capital as a key driver in economic development in developing economies

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remised upon historic facts, the notion of the high level of emigration from which Guyana suffered over the last few decades -- which still persists, albeit to a lesser degree when compared to the mass emigration recorded about two decades ago - doubtless strongly correlates to the underdeveloped status of Guyana’s socio-economic strata.

More importantly to note, however, is that such conclusive inference is arrived at mainly from the crime and violence situation in Guyana; especially within its historic context, wherein Guyana had experienced a unique kind of crime and violence situation, described as politically motivated crimes, which usually occurred during periods of national elections.

The major consequence on socioeconomic outcomes for Guyana, resulting from the crime and violence situation, is that this has been the primary causation -- both historically and presently, perhaps to a lesser extent -- of a high level of emigration and, by extension, leading to a great degree of ‘brain drain’ in Guyana. In other words, a large number of the Guyanese educated population has migrated to other countries, and this phenomenon has indisputably served as a key contributor towards Guyana remaining largely underdeveloped; particularly the socio-economic strata, and especially against the backdrop of the history of politically motivated crimes in Guyana’s context.

In 2015, for example, the immigrant population of Guyana was 2.01 per cent of the total resident population. On the other hand, outward migration from Guyana up to the same period was a whopping 451,139. In 2015, 37.03 per cent of all citizens lived outside their country of origin. During the past two decades or so, an unprecedented massive emigration of people out of Guyana to North America had occurred. An average of 6,080 people per year emigrated between 1969 and 1976, increasing to an average of 14,400 between 1976 and 1981.

Figures for 1976 showed 43 per cent of emigrants went to the United States, 31 per cent to Canada, 10 per cent to Britain, and 9 per cent to the Caribbean. Deteriorating economic and political conditions in the 1980s led to even sharper increases in the emigration rate. Unofficial estimates put the number leaving the country in the late 1980s at between 10,000 and 30,000 annually. Many of these emigrants were middle class professionals who opposed Government’s policies, thus there was a significant and permanent loss of vitally skilled individuals.

Moreover, in reference to the last Labour Force Survey done in 2018, specifically statistics showing the percentage share of working-age population by level of education completed, it was shown that 10 per cent of the labour force has no schooling, while about 50 per cent (the highest number) of the workforce has only up to primary education. Upper secondary education comprised just 20 per cent, post-secondary accounted for just about 5 per cent; while Bachelor’s, Masters and Doctoral Equivalents accounted for less than 3 per cent of the labour force.

These interesting facts and figures therefore further strongly corroborate the contentions presented within this article, and note the importance of the level and quality of human capital to propel economic development of any country. Against this backdrop, human capital accumulation has long been considered an important factor in economic development. Empirical work suggests that human capital levels directly influence the rate of domestically produced technological innovation (Romer, 1990 a). Moreover, the stock of human capital affects the speed of adoption of technology from abroad, as shown by Nelson & Phelps (1966).

The significance of this alternative model in terms of its empirical implications is that human capital stocks in levels, rather than their growth rates, now play a role in determining the growth of per capital income. Much of the motivation for human capital policies in developing countries is the possibility of providing economic growth that will raise the levels of incomes in these countries. The focus on alleviating poverty in developing countries relates directly to economic growth, because of the realisation that simply redistributing incomes and resources will not lead to long-term solutions of poverty.

Within this context, it is emphasised that human capital is an integral part of a country’s development, and economic growth has human capital as an important factor. Recent research has shown that tertiary education has significantly affected the growth of economies, instead of secondary education.

Workable policies should be put in place to bring about an overall economic growth. Expenditure on health and public education should be utilised effectively and efficiently, so that the country would experience quality health care services and a quality educational system.

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

…as cattle continue to be poisoned

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he ongoing feud between rice and cattle farmers in Corentyne, Berbice, has resulted in animals being killed. Some weeks ago, more than a dozen cattle were shot and persons were arrested but now scores of cattle are being poisoned.

This has led to the call

by Regional Democratic Councillors for more pastures to be made available to facilitate the thriving cattle industry in the region.

When more than 300 acres of rice were destroyed by cattle in Corentyne, Berbice, last month, the rice farmers pleaded with Government to create a cattle pasture for the cattle owners but did not get the urgent response they were hoping for.

Two weeks later, 14 cattle were shot and persons were arrested but as the police were getting information on the alleged weapons used, the suspects were identified as two persons with close alliances to a political party in the coalition

Government.

Following that, cattle started dying and a vet confirmed that they were being poisoned.

Regional Councillor Gobin Harbhajan said that the animals are dying on a daily basis. He made the comments as he addressed the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) during a recent meeting.

“The rice farmer is protecting their rice and the cattle farmer is saying that the savannah in some parts is fenced so they can’t take their cattle there.

Some parts are occupied so they have nowhere to carry the animals. The land must become available because during the previous Administration in the 80s under the PNC [People’s National Congress] it was a communal pasture and we have to keep it that way. As a Councillor, I am asking that we look at how we can solve this. We have to engage the Lands and Survey Department and notices should be sent out

to those who are there and don’t fence the savannah,” Harbhajan said while adding that both the cattle and rice industries are equally important to the region’s economy.

He also called for more pasture lands to be made available.

Regional Chairman David Armogan noted that the current situation reemphasised the need for a clear land use police. Failing which farmers will continue to have conflicts.

However, land leases which were given to farmers for the purposes of rearing cattle are worded: “to be used for agricultural purposes only”. With rice cultivation also being a part of agriculture, some farm-

ers then switched to cattle, hence both cattle and rice are done in the same areas.

“There is a lot of vacant GuySuCo [Guyana Sugar Corporation] land. All they have to do is to develop it; put water and everything and the grass will grow. In fact, it was pasture land before and GuySuCo took the land to grow more cane for the factory that was supposed to be operable.

Unfortunately, that factory is not operable anymore,” the Chairman explained.

He added that lands are available but belong to GuySuCo. “So Government will have to negotiate with GuySuCo to probably take back those lands,” he added.

Cabinet calls itself "plenary”...

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

Immediately after the passage of the motion, the coalition Government had said it would uphold the Constitution, but subsequently took a U-turn, maintaining that everything is business as usual.

President David Granger has maintained on several occasions that there is no provision in the Constitution for a “caretaker” Government. Furthermore, the Government went on to challenge the passage of the motion, first in the National Assembly and then in the High Court.

However, the acting Chief Justice found that the no-confidence motion was validly passed and that Cabinet should have resigned. Government has since appealed this decision, and those matters are expected to be decided on at the Appeal Court soon.

But following the High Court ruling, the coalition has been using a ‘ministerial plenary’, which is imbued with Cabinet powers, to carry on Government business.

In fact, they have noted contracts from the National

Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and given their approval for various appointments.

This is a move which Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has called ille-

gal. “They have a ministerial plenary to bypass the Chief Justice’s ruling, which is illegal,” the Opposition Leader has said.

Jagdeo had noted, too, that if the People’s Progressive Party, of which

from page 10

he is also the General Secretary, returns to office, then all the actions and decisions of the coalition Government since December 21 will be reviewed and reversed.

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SUnDAY, march 17, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

President in Cuba for 20 Broad Street squatters medical check-up to be relocated to EBD

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resident David Granger on Saturday morning departed Guyana for the Republic of Cuba, where he has been receiving treatment for NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma.

This was announced by the Ministry of the Presidency in a brief statement on its Facebook page.

The Head of State was accompanied by First Lady, Sandra Granger.

This is one of several visits for treatment since November 2018, when he was diagnosed with NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of cancer which envelopes the lymphatic system.

On October 30, 2018, the President and First Lady Sandra Granger travelled to Cuba for him to undergo medical tests after he had

President David Granger

complained of feeling unwell. Days later, he was diagnosed with cancer.

The President has since reduced his number of public engagements.

An update on his health in January revealed that the Head of State is “pro-

gressing satisfactorily in his treatment”.

This was disclosed during a meeting between President Granger and his Cuban counterpart, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez.

During their informal exchange of views, President Granger once again expressed gratitude to the Cuban Government for the medical treatment he is currently receiving at CIMEQ. Meanwhile, President Diaz-Canel had explained that Cuba has a special relationship with Guyana and noted that Cuba was ensuring that President Granger’s medical treatment is undertaken with dignity, respect and responsibility that only a fraternal country could offer.

Some of the squatters during a discussion with CHPA officials

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he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) has embarked on the relocation of several Broad Street, Georgetown, squatters who have been the subject of a High Court legal battle for many years after they refused to remove from a local businessman’s land.

On Saturday, some 20 squatting families from Broad Street were selected for relocation to Prospect on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

Through collaboration with the Food for the Poor, the families were identified to benefit from houses which will be constructed and given to them. Among the beneficiaries are five families who were affected when a fire gutted several living quarters earlier this month.

Junior Communities Minister with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Yearwood explained that the other families will be relocat-

ed to Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

However, she added that roads are still to be built in the areas which were allocated for the squatters – both at Prospect and Cummings Lodge.

“We will relocate 20 families to Prospect because we’re constructing jointly with Food for the Poor, 72 houses. The remaining families will be relocated to Cummings Lodge. turn to page 18

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SUnDAY, march 17, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

UK distances self from return of Sam Sittlington

A

Government Minister has expressed an interest in having embattled former Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) adviser, Sam Sittlington return but according to the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn, the David Granger-led Administration is on its own when it comes to such a move.

Sittlington was previously fired by the British Government after it emerged that he had business interests that could pose a conflict of interest. Quinn ruled out his Government having any role to play in bringing back Sittlington.

“If that happened, that would be an arrangement that comes from the Ministry of Public Security. It wouldn’t be one that we would be involved in, in terms of funding for example,” Quinn told this publication when asked on the sidelines of an event at his official residence.

When it comes to finding a replacement for Sittlington, Quinn noted that the UK is presently reviewing what went wrong in the first place in order to guide its future assistance to SOCU. “We’re at that period of time where we’re looking at what happens next. What happened, happened. And we’re doing a bit of review internally to see what happens next. But that hasn’t been completed yet, so it’s too early to say what we’ll be doing going forward.”

the officials were questioned, Sittlington along with SOCU Head, Sydney James and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had converged at a popular night spot in the city to “sip wine”, in what was described as a “celebratory atmosphere”.

Sittlington had then re-

UK envoy Gregory Quinn

Sittlington, an Irish consultant and fraud expert, was fired last month after it was discovered that he had established a local company. The move was considered a conflict of interest since the firm, dubbed the Fraud Company Limited, deals with much the same areas as SOCU. The fraud expert has since contended that he was wrongfully fired and has expressed intentions of suing the British Government.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan was quoted in sections of the media expressing an interest in Government rehiring the expert.

Questions were also raised about the integrity of the cases being investigated by SOCU following this and other developments – including the resignation of the Deputy, Sheronie James.

Reports are that she resigned after a local magistrate disqualified her as an expert witness based on her

Former UK-based SOCU Adviser Sam Sittlington

lack of qualifications.

SOCU Head Sydney James had noted that he will have to seek legal advice on the matter. “It might affect ongoing cases and I’ll have to get legal advice on that because as you know, if she was giving evidence or had done an investigation and it is before the courts that might be a challenge. But I think the legal people will give us advice,” he stated.

The embattled unit is currently being audited after it was alleged that senior officials at the entity were improperly spending funds allocated to the agency.

Political witch-hunting

Sittlington spent a 14week stint in Guyana in 2017 where he worked with SOCU on the “Pradoville 2” case which saw former top Government officials being taken in for questioning; a move which has been described as a political witchhunt.

In fact, the evening after

turned to the UK but was contracted again by the British Government to provide consultancy service to SOCU. He returned in January 2018 where he served as an adviser until his contract was terminated early last month.

Questions were raised

about the integrity of the cases being investigated by SOCU following this and other developments.

SOCU is currently being audited after it was alleged that senior officials at the entity improperly spent funds allocated to the agency.

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SUnDAY, march 17, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Deaths of 3 children at GPHC

Medical Council to investigate implicated doctors T he Guyana Medical Council will be investigating the doctors who were involved in the treatment and subsequent death of three children at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

In a brief interview with Guyana Times, Chairman of the medical council, Dr Navin Rambarran said that the organisation has already requested the report and will analyse same before launching its own investigation.

“We have not received the report but we have asked for the report from GPHC and we are expecting that soon… there has to be certain investigation I would believe because on our part we still have to look into the matter,” he explained.

His comments come at a

time when parents and other activists have called for the revocation of the medical licences of the doctors who administered the pre-chemotherapy drug without following protocol, which eventually led to the deaths of

seven-year-old Curwayne Edwards on January 14; three-year-old Roshini Seegobin on January 18, followed by six-year-old Sharezer Mendonca who died on January 24.

Last week, senior officials

from the GPHC revealed that the finding of the probe into the matter concluded that the medical staff had administered the drugs incorrectly whereby instead of intrathecal administration of the drug vincristine, they administered it intravenously.

It was this that led to the adverse reactions of the three children and ultimately their deaths.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Karen Gordon-Campbell, who presented the report during a press conference had said that the three medical personnel involved in the matters were aware that they had broken protocol but not at the initial stage of admin-

istering the medicinal drugs to those patients.

“The reasons that were given encompassed the fact that they were stretched and maybe not fully attentive at the time. That pretty much is the long and short of the reasons given but I don’t think that initially, they realised.

But eventually, when they recognised that the patients were deteriorating when they checked they realised their mistake,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the GPHC, Kesaundra Alves told the media that an internal investigation by the hospital’s administration into the circumstances surrounding the treatment of three

leukaemia patients and their subsequent adverse reactions has revealed that human deficiencies and systemic challenges contributed to the demise of those three children.

She stated that an independent investigation by the Public Health Ministry was also launched and findings were similar to those of the GPHC’s; non-adherence to the hospital’s protocols led to the three young children succumbing at the GPHC. The still grieving family members of Sharezer Mendonca have revealed that they are taking legal action against the medical institution for wrongful death.

20 Broad Street squatters...

We have just received the approval from Cabinet to go ahead with the development at Cummings Lodge.

We have to do the land clearing and put in the roads, drains, water and light,” said Adams-Yearwood.

While Adams-Yearwood has admitted that Cabinet approved the project, the Government had previously said that there is no Cabinet since the Chief Justice’s ruling that the no-confidence motion passed against the Government is valid. Instead, the Government said that there is ministerial plenary but this has been highly

criticised since the “plenary” has been functioning with the same powers as the Cabinet.

Since 2017, the CHPA had said that it was on the verge of relocating the persons squatting at the Broad and Lombard Street intersection.

Some 68 adults and 100 children were supposed to be relocated to Barnwell North in Mocha, EBD, but residents there objected to the move.

The Department of Housing, in collaboration with the Food for the Poor (FFTP) organisation, were expected to construct 72 homes for the squatters. Government

from page 16

had said it will match the $42 million contribution by FFTP but the Government was not pleased with the house model and the project was reportedly stalled.

Meanwhile, the previous administration had discussed plans to have the squatters relocated at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, and on the East Bank of Demerara but they had refused to remove from the area.

Over 35 persons were affected after a fire gutted several shacks on Lombard and Broad Streets, Charlestown, earlier this month.

sunDAY, march 17, 2019

Man City stage stunning fight-back to keep quadruple hopes alive S

ergio Aguero’s controversial late winner ensured Manchester City dramatically kept their quadruple bid on track, as they came from two goals down to beat Swansea and reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Substitute Aguero beat Swansea keeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt with a diving header off Bernardo Silva’s low cross at the end of a superb move in the 88th minute. Replays showed the Argentina striker was marginally offside but the video assistant review system was not in use at the Liberty Stadium, despite having been used in City’s third and fourth-round ties at their Etihad Stadium home.

City had levelled in contentious circumstances, too, when Cameron Carter-Vickers was judged to have tripped replacement Raheem Sterling in the area and Aguero’s penalty hit the post before rebounding in off Nordfeldt for an own goal.

Defeat was harsh on the impressive hosts, who led 2-0 inside 30 minutes through Matt Grimes’s penalty and Bersant Celina’s spectacular second. The former City player, who was mocked for an extraordinary penalty miss against West Brom on Wednesday, curled a sumptuous firsttime effort beyond Ederson at the end of a tremendous, flowing move.

City fielded a strong side, but needed Sterling and Aguero to come off the bench to shake

them out of their fatigue, the latter setting up Bernardo for the visitors’ opener, which sparked their thrilling comeback in the last half-hour.

Sterling and Sergio finally stir City Having scored 16 goals in three previous FA Cup games this season, and after thrashing Schalke 7-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, City’s bright start to this game seemed to indicate that this would be another stroll.

Yet, after missing a few chances, with Nordfeldt also making two fine saves, the front three of Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez started to lose their composure; and so did City’s defence.

Fabian Delph, who was sent off in his side’s fifth-round defeat by Wigan last year, was caught out by Connor Roberts’s deft touch to bring down a long pass, and felled the Swansea rightback from behind to concede a clear penalty for the opener. The visitors then failed to track the runners as Swansea swept forward, leaving Celina unmarked for the second.

The Premier League leaders carried limited threat in the early stages of the second half, and looked on course for a tame exit to a side who are 15th in the Championship.

Yet Sterling and Aguero proved to be the difference after they were brought on either side of the hour mark, the latter calmly picking out

Christchurch shootings: Bangladesh team ‘in shock’ after witnessing attack

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he Bangladesh cricketers are “in shock” after witnessing the fatal mass shootings in a New Zealand mosque on Friday, says opener Tamim Iqbal.

Players and coaching staff were 50 yards from the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch when the shootings began.

“The worst part was we were watching all those things happening live, so it was very scary,” said Tamim. It is understood that a pre-match news conference overran, delaying the team’s arrival at the mosque.

They were due to play New Zealand in the third Test of their series, but that match, due to start on Saturday at Canterbury’s The Bangladesh team have now flown home to be with their families Hagley Oval, has been cancelled.

Speaking to Radio New Bangladesh’s coach, former England Zealand, Tamim declared: “New Zealand has been beautiful and very safe wicketkeeper Steve Rhodes, said: “Obviously whenever we have been. This is the first time, the whole experience has cut up the whole not only in New Zealand, but anywhere else, team and staff. Everybody just totally feels that I have experienced this. It was a shock. The for the people concerned and the families boys were mentally in shock. There are still a concerned; the one’s left behind sadly losing lot of people in shock. I was in shock too, so I some wonderful people.

I can’t tell you too much about the events couldn’t say much to them. because I was at the ground when the lads went, It will take time to get over it.”

The 29-year-old Tamim has said he would but they’re all upset and it’s a great shame for “pray for the victims that have lost their lives, the whole world really when things like this happen in Christchurch. and pray for their families”.

“When you’re feeling the way you’re feeling, Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, the main suspect in the killings, appeared in court on a the guys just want to be with their families, and that’s totally understandable.” single murder charge on Saturday.

19

Sergio Agüero (left) celebrates Man City’s winning goal with Bernardo Silva.

Bernardo after his own effort was blocked before the excellent Portugal midfielder curved a fine effort into the far corner.

Sterling then feinted past Carter-Vickers before falling under the challenge. Andre Marriner awarded a penalty, but replays suggested the centre-back touched the ball before clipping Sterling’s ankle, and Swansea’s injustice was compounded by Aguero’s fortunate conversion.

Pep Guardiola’s ruthless side were not prepared to settle for extra time, pushing forward once more and working the ball out to Bernardo on the left of the area to pick out Aguero perfectly, with the lack of VAR working in City’s favour.

“I’m sorry it was offside. I don’t understand why VAR is not used in this competition at this stage. Hopefully, next season this won’t happen,” Guardiola told BBC Sport. “The penalty was really lucky, but you need it, especially when you’re in four competitions.”

Swansea are having a disappointing season in the Championship, but they took on the Premier League champions with a brave and assured performance. They rode their luck early on, allowing Sane too much space out wide on

several occasions, but took advantage of an increasingly disjointed City to go ahead on 20 minutes when Grimes sent Ederson the wrong way from the spot.

Swansea’s second was a goal you would more readily associate with a Guardiola-coached side.

Nordfeldt played out from the back, and two passes later Swansea had released the rapid Daniel James down the left. He cut inside and found the onrushing Nathan Dyer, who picked out Celina to finish.

Even when City surged back, the hosts put in fine blocks to deny them, with Roberts repelling David Silva’s close-range shot on the line and Nordfeldt particularly impressive. The Sweden keeper made a stunning double save at 2-2, pushing Jesus’s header onto the post before flicking out his leg to deny Aguero’s follow-up.

But ultimately his side could not withstand the onslaught to at least force extra time.

Manchester City are at Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, 30 March, with kick-off at 12:30 GMT. Swansea face Nottingham Forest in Championship on the same day, kicking off at 15:00 GMT.

Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal withdraws from Roger Federer semi-final with knee injury W

ith a right knee injury, Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from his Indian Wells semifinal match against Roger Federer.

The world number two received treatment to the knee during his gruelling quarter-final win over Russia’s Karen Khachanov on Friday. The Spaniard looked in discomfort during the match, and had only a brief practice session on Saturday.

“It’s tough for me to accept all these things that I’m going through in my career,” Nadal said.

Swiss Federer received a walkover to Sunday’s final, where he will face Dominic Thiem after the Austrian beat Canada’s Milos Raonic 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (3-7) 6-4.

“My goal is to be healthy as many weeks as possible, to keep playing and at the highest level possible,” Nadal said. “Sometimes I feel sad because I’m in a disadvantage to all my opponents.”

Because of his injury struggles, Nadal completed just one hard court tournament in 2018 - the Rogers Cup in Canada, which he won.

He was forced to retire from his Australian Open quarter-final in January 2018, and again during the semi-finals of the US Open.

Nadal reached the final of this year’s Australian Open, where he was beaten in straight sets by Novak Djokovic.

“I warmed up today and I felt that my knee was not good to compete at the level I needed,” the 32-year-old said. “I’m just going to keep doing the things that work well for me, and accepting that sometimes these issues can happen. All the things that are in my hands, I am doing well. The things that I can’t control, I can’t control,” he declared.

The Spaniard added he was confident he would be fit for the Monte Carlo Masters in April, which is one of the first events of the clay-court season. It would have been the 39th time Nadal and Federer had played one another, with the Swiss having won the past five matches. Nadal, however, leads the head-to-head 23-15.

They last met in the final of the Shanghai

Rafael Nadal received treatment to his right knee during his victory over Karen Khachanov

Masters two years ago, which Federer won 6-4 6-3. Speaking to reporters after his 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-2) victory over Khachanov, Nadal said he “could not guarantee how I’m going to wake up tomorrow. I love to play on hard, but probably my body doesn’t love it that much,” he added.

“My feeling is there are a lot of players that love to play on hard, true, but their bodies don’t love to play on hard either. I’m just going to keep going,” Nadal said after this latest hard-court setback.

He says he will continue to adjust his calendar - but hard-court tournaments will remain on the schedule. In reality, he has little choice, with half of the Grand Slams contested on that surface.

Nadal had hinted earlier in the week that he may skip Miami anyway, and perhaps his participation in the hard-court events which follow the US Open will be scrutinised even more closely.

He often has to miss them anyway. In 17 hard-court events from the start of 2018, Nadal has withdrawn from 11, retired from three, and completed just three.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, march 17, 2019

CWI continues to drive culture of fitness among Caribbean players – Gulston delighted with Guyana turn-out

T

he Guyana Jaguars held their post-season franchise fitness test at the National Track and Field Synthetic Track in Leonora on Saturday last. Among the central contracted Jaguars players were the academy players who were engaged in a 20-metre yo-yo sprint test which tests the standards of the players. The event was coordinated by Head of Sports Science and Sports Medicine at Cricket West Indies, Dr Oba Gulston.

Speaking exclusively to this daily publication, Dr Gulston said that Cricket West Indies (CWI) continue to instill fitness in

Jaguars players on the move at Leonora (Brandon Corlette photo)

their players. “We continue to test the fitness of the franchise players, the senior and Women’s players, which the CWI board has continued to see improvements in the players,” Gulston stated.

The post-season fitness session saw some 35 Guyanese players involved. This fitness programme has been conducted for each team at the beginning and end of each season of the CWI Regional 4-Day tournaments.

Gulston explained that the turn-out in Guyana has been great over the past years, but the fitness programme focuses on the players’ strengths. He added that the coaches

in Guyana will be able to gather information to know where each player stands in their fitness.

“The coaches will be able to assist the players on what they need to improve on when the analysis is conducted at this fitness session”, Gulston explained.

He added that the recent CWI board meeting approved a minimum level players must attain to earn selection in West Indies teams. “For all male senior players to earn selection in Windies teams, the minimum level they must attain at the 20-metre yo-yo test is 40”, Gulston revealed during his ex-

Prosecutors look into Santa Anita horse fatalities

clusive chat with Guyana Times Sport. This fitness activity gives the players the opportunity to prove to the selectors the fitness they possess.

Present at the event was Guyana Jaguars Head Coach Rayon Griffith, Academy Coach Julian Moore, Clive Grimmond and veteran Michael Hyles. The Jaguars physiotherapist, Neil Barry Junior, was accompanied by other Cricket West Indies representatives at the National Track and Field Synthetic Track, Leonora. Among the fittest Guyana players were Trevon Griffith, Tevin Imlach and Raun Johnson. (Brandon Corlette)

McIlroy joins Tommy Fleetwood at top of players’ leaderboard The only disappointment is that the blue-chip sawgrass scenario arrives a day early.

T

Santa Anita Race Track

A

RCADIA, California. Investigators with a prosecutor’s office have been assigned to help look into 22 recent horse deaths at Santa Anita Park, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said on Friday.

The investigators will work with the California Horse Racing Board as it probes the deaths, district attorney’s spokesman Greg Risling said. He declined to say what sparked his office’s involvement and when the decision was made.

The most recent horse death happened on Thursday, when a local news station, KTTV-TV, captured video of a 3-year-old named Princess Lili B breaking down just past the finish line after a half-mile workout. That marked the 22nd death at the track since the winter meet began on Dec. 26.

‘People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) has been calling on the district attorney’s office to investigate since March 1, and protested outside the prosecutor’s office following Thursday’s death. PETA said in a statement that it began campaigning against cruelty in horse racing in 2008, when a horse broke both front legs after crossing the finish line at the Kentucky Derby.

“Eleven years of broken bones and thousands upon thousands of thoroughbred deaths have finally resulted in a criminal investigation into trainers,” Kathy Guillermo, PETA’s senior vice president, said in a statement. “The DA’s office is doing the right thing.”

Santa Anita spokesman Mike Willman said in a statement that the track welcomes the district attorney’s “sincere interest in solving these very serious issues that we’ve experienced over the past two months.”

He also pointed to an announcement made on Thursday by the track’s owner, The Stronach Group, that Santa Anita will ban the use of medication and whips on racing days, making it the first racetrack in the nation to impose such restrictions.

The owner of Los Alamitos Race Course said late Friday that he will continue to allow the

use of Lasix, an anti-bleeding medication, at the Orange County track where thoroughbreds and quarter horses run.

“I believe that the continued use of Lasix is in the best interest of the horses and, as such, is a major contributor to the safety of the industry’s human and equine athletes,” track owner Ed Allred said. “I shudder to think of the consequences to racehorses and their riders if Lasix was banned.”

Allred breeds and owns quarter horses. He said Los Alamitos will review the reforms suggested by The Stronach Group with owners, trainers, jockeys, regulators, and other track operators.

“Obviously, everyone is interested in making those reforms that will contribute in making the sport of racing better for everyone, including the wagering public,” Allred said.

Los Alamitos hosts eight weeks of thoroughbred racing a year, while running quarter horses year-round. Since 2015, the track has had a zero-tolerance policy against Clenbuterol, Albuterol, Zilpaterol and similar B2-agonists, and conducts hair testing before major quarter horse stakes races.

PETA is calling on “all tracks in the US to stop the abuse and carnage and enact the changes made by Santa Anita racetrack -- or get out of the business.”

Meanwhile, California Rep. Judy Chu, whose district includes the racetrack, said Friday that she was outraged by the horse deaths, and that the track should be closed “until we know the horses are safe.” She said she was calling on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to investigate and hold a hearing on the treatment of horses at Santa Anita and other racetracks.

Santa Anita’s changes came after a bill, the Horseracing Integrity Act of 2019, was introduced in Congress on Thursday by Rep. Paul Tonko, D-New York, and Rep. Andy Barr, R-Kentucky.

The bill would create a private, independent authority to develop and administer a nationwide anti-doping and medication control program for the sport.

ommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy will take to the third round of the Players Championship tied for the lead at 12 under par in the kind of scene the PGA Tour would be delighted to see rumble into Sunday. Golf needs marquee match-ups such as this.

An inspired back nine of 31 by McIlroy, which included an eagle three at the 16th and a birdie putt from 29ft a hole later, saw him claw back Fleetwood from a seemingly untouchable position.

The Northern Irishman’s Friday 65 meant he tied his best 36-hole aggregate to par in a PGA Tour-sanctioned event.

On the other three occasions McIlroy has reached minus 12 after two days, the prize has been his on Sunday.

Fleetwood had started day two in inspired form. Having birdied the 1st, he holed out from a bunker for an eagle at the par-five 2nd. The Southport man duly collected another shot at the 3rd.

Brakes were later applied to an extent, but Fleetwood’s birdie at the last sent him homeward in fine spirits.

Afterwards he acknowledged the “strange coincidence” of no Englishman having won the Players’ title. Fleetwood was completing media duties as McIlroy reined him in.

It is no shock to see Ian Poulter among the key contenders here. A tie for second at the Players of 2017 kick-started Poulter’s career; he has barely looked back since. A 66, marred only by a closing bogey, moved him to minus nine.

Poulter has Brian Harman, Abraham Ancer and Jim Furyk for company there; that group is closest to Fleetwood and McIlroy.

Tiger Woods could well have done without his little piece of history. The 14-times major winner had not scored more than a double bogey five at Sawgrass’s iconic 17th before Friday.

Two short irons into water triggered a seven; Woods slid from tied eighth to a

share o f 5 7 t h within the space of 10 minutes.

If this scene rather punctured what had become an expectant atmosphere around Woods – he reached the 17th, his eighth, at three under par for his round – his response was as formidable as it was typical. The 43-year-old did not drop another shot before signing for a 71. His three-under-par total means survival for the weekend, comfortably.

“I was pretty ticked, no doubt about that,” Woods admitted of post-17 emotion. “I was bound and determined to get it all back, and get it back to five under. I thought that would have been a hell of a fight. I ended up getting back to three, still it was a good fight to get to that point. I just need to go out there and put it together this weekend, because right now literally anybody who makes the cut has got a chance to win this tournament.”

Woods’s first shot into the 17th was perhaps unlucky, with the ball tantalisingly close to hanging on to dry land. His next attempt, from the drop zone, was a woeful effort. Entering this week, Woods had played four balls into the 17th pond in career visits, a number duly increased by 50 per cent. This marks his 18th Sawgrass appearance.

“I’m very happy with the way I’ve been grinding around this golf course,” he added. “Other than 17 today, I really haven’t done a whole lot wrong.”

Jason Day, who withdrew from last weekend’s Arnold Palmer Invitational after six holes because of a back problem, continues to show no lasting effects. The Australian’s 66 moved him firmly into contention at eight under.

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, march 17, 2019

21

Milo Schools Football Tournament

St John’s, St Cuthbert’s, Cummings Lodge bag wins U

nder brilliant sunshine and excellent playing conditions, the Milo Schools’ Under-18 Football tournament continued at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue with teams fighting to stay alive in the competition.

With the round-robin stages quickly coming to an end, the final encounters are being staged this weekend. Twelve other teams are looking to cop much needed points in order to advance ahead of their group mates.

On Saturday, the first encounter saw St. John’s College staging a comeback in the second half of the game to secure three points. Both teams had winning intentions, and expressed this from the jump. However, Mark Roberts of Ann’s Grove was the first to capitalise with a goal in the 13th minute. Caught off guard, the lone goal dampened the spirits of St. John’s.

But when the second half began, a more determined St. John’s outfit took to the playing field, commanding possession of the ball as they hunted for a

St Cuthbert Mission’s Mike Taylor easily sails the ball past Uitvlugt’s defenders and goalkeeper.

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Ann’s Grove goalkeeper was unable to stop a shot fired by Dornell Trim

goal. They were finally rewarded in the 40th, when Dornell Trim found the back of the net to level the scores.

Running on newfound adrenaline, St. John’s organised better plays, and Teon Forde sank the second goal in the 50th minute. Now commanding the lead, St. John’s managed to hold off their opponents for the remainder of the encounter to seal a 2-1 win.

In a game that could have had a much more populated scorecard, St. Cuthbert’s Mission dominated the day’s second encounter with a 4-2 win over Uitvlugt Secondary. St. Cuthbert’s wasted no time in getting their scorecard ticking, as Romalo Simon sailed a long ball over the head of the Uitvlugt goalkeeper in the 11th minute. Four minutes later, Mike Taylor netted the first of his three goals, after being awarded a free kick, to set the scores at 2-0 y the half.

Even when the sides were switched, St. Cuthbert’s Mission continued to dominate the encounter. A soft shot and a fumble on the part of the goalkeeper resulted in Simon’s second goal being scored. He later completed his hat trick in the 58th.

However, this time around, Uitvlugt found the determination to reply to their opponents. Back-toback goals by Malcolm Dainty and Darien Agard made it seem as though Uitvlugt would come from behind to level the scores, but time expired on the West Coast team, resulting in the

Trojans and Eagles draw first blood in opening match of U-23 Division

St. Cuthbert’s win.

The final encounter of the day was a battle between Golden Grove and Cummings Lodge, which the latter took easily owing to a solid defence.

Both sides employed strong defensive tactics, and this saw them being unable to score. The deadlock was finally broken by Emanuel Evans just a minute before the half, to give Cummings Lodge some hope.

Calvin Richmond later found the back of the net in the 57th, to push the score to 2-0. Golden Grove did not have a reply, and as such had to settle for defeat.

Today’s games will see the skilled Christianburg-Wismar Secondary taking on Friendship Secondary in a clash to lead Group C. Vergenogen Secondary and Charlestown Secondary will be battling for the top spot in Group F. Tucville Secondary and Tutorial High, who have been languishing at the bottom of the same Group F, will be facing off for a chance to advance. The first game is expected to kick off at noon.

MOHAMMED, PHILLIP GIVE RED FORCE THE EDGE OVER SCORPIONS

...Sonics pip Trojans in 1st Division action

By Timothy Jaikarran

I

t was a night to remember, as the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (GABA)/Let’s Bet Sports 1st and 2nd Division Knockout Tournament commenced under lights at the Burnham Hardcourt on Carmichael Street with two matches being played.

In the first matchup in the under 23 division, the UG Trojans battled against the Pepsi Sonics and emerged victors with a score-line of 82-60 after a shaky start.

The Trojans, who won the Banks DIH/ GABA League under 23 division in 2018, looked to announce their presence early on in the match. However, the Pepsi Sonics had the upper hand in the first quarter, the score-line reading 15-8 as the Trojans found it difficult to launch a counterattack.

But things took a dramatic turn when the Sonics lost the second quarter 12-21 due to minor technicalities, resulting in free throw given to the opposition.

Going into the third quarter, the score was 29-27 in favour of the 2018 champions.

From there on it was smooth sailing for the Trojans, as they won 23-16 and 30-17 in the third and fourth rounds respectively. Leading the Trojans to victory was their captain Kadeem Peterkin with 33 points.

The second U-23 matchup saw the Eagles winning via walkover as the Kobras failed to show up.

The other fixture for the evening saw a similar matchup, as the Trojans and Sonics were at it again in the 1st division league. In 2018, the Sonics had the upper hand over the Trojans, and they continued to prevail as the Trojans lost 70-62.

Heading into the first quarter, the Trojans won 12-11, but leading by only one point meant the window of opportunity was still open to anyone. The Sonics bounced back to lead the second half 23-16 and put themselves in contention for victory, but the Trojans miraculously won the third quarter 14-9, leaving the score in favour of the Sonics at 43-42 heading into the final round.

Eventually, the pressure got to the Trojans, and they lost the final round 20-27 to hand the Sonics victory and their ticket into the next round of the tournament.

The Trojans will now have to face the Pacesetters in semifinal number one, while in semifinal two the Guardians will be looking to overthrow the Eagles, who are yet to play a game. The Sonics have defeated the Trojans in Division One of the tournament, and have therefore secured themselves in the top 8 of the competition.

The Sonics will now go on to play the Ravens.

On game night, the matches will commence at 18:30 hrs and 20:30 hrs respectively.

S

t. Johns, Antigua – Jason Mohammed followed up a career-best spell from Anderson Phillip with his ninth first-class hundred on Saturday, to prop up Trinidad & Tobago Red Force’s second innings batting and set up an intriguing final day against Jamaica Scorpions in the final match of the 2018-19 West Indies Championship.

Mohammed was undefeated on 108 to follow up his first innings’ 94 and lead the Red Force to 282 for nine in their second innings at the close on the third day of their rescheduled first round match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Red Force now have an overall lead of 324.

Prior to this, Phillip had ended with 5-74 from 14.4 overs, and WINDIES strike bowler Shannon Gabriel finished with 3-51 from 20 overs, and the Scorpions were bowled out for 347 to earn Red Force a 42run first innings’ lead.

Red Force then made a steady start batting a second time, before they stumbled to 86 for five, and Mohammed led the recovery, sharing half-century stands with Odean Smith, Khary Pierre and Phillip to extend the home team’s lead as they chase a season sweep against the visitors.

Smith made 31 in a stand of 53 with Mohammed for the sixth wicket, Pierre got 21 in a seventh-wicket partnership of exactly 50 with the former Red Force captain, and Phillip further frustrated the Scorpions with 16 in putting on 56 for the ninth wicket with the WINDIES international.

Test star Jermaine Blackwood was the pick of the Scorpions’ bowlers, taking 3-39 from 12 overs with his part-time medium pace; and rookie off-spinner Akim Frazer supported with 3-56 from 16 overs.

Earlier, starting the day on 282 for six, the Scorpions were bowled out in the final half-hour before lunch.

Nkrumah Bonner was dismissed for 61 after resuming on 42, and there was token resistance from the rest of the batting as Phillip grabbed three of the last four Scorpions’ scalps and Gabriel bagged the other.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, march 17, 2019

Barakat returns as GLTA President S

amuel Barakat will serve at the helm of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association for yet another year, after being voted into that position at the Association’s recently concluded Annual General Meeting.

In attendance at the AGM were members of the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club, Sheltez Tennis Club, Roraima Tennis Club, United Tennis Club and Non-Pareil Tennis Club.

While Barakat was unanimously appointed President once again, Cristy Campbell and Nigel Niles were elected as first and second vice presidents respectively.

Tina Ram will now serve as treasurer, while Shinessa Thompson fills the post of secretary. Andre Lopes, Annabelle Carter, Romela Forde and Alvin Doris will serve as committee members.

Grace McCalmon and Ramesh Seebarran are Life Members and Shelly Daly is an Honorary Member.

At the AGM, President Barakat reported on a successful 2018 year, and promised greater things ahead for the lawn tennis fraternity.

Some of the great initiatives highlighted were: certification by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for Level 1 and Level 2 coaches, Junior Tennis Initiative programme in several schools, sponsored by ITF grant; and formation of the Guyana Coaches Association.

Plans were detailed for the remainder of 2019, some key areas of which are: strengthening the clubs’ organisation, working with the Government, and upgrading the National Racquet Centre and National Park tennis facilities to an acceptable standard.

While the Association has achieved a lot in the past, it was highlighted that the main hindrance for tennis in Guyana is lack of facilities. The country does not have a regional approved facility, and as such, clubs, coaches, players, parents and GLTA executives are denied further development of tennis to a world class level in Guyana.

“We continue our successful programmes with the support of major donors and sponsors of tournaments,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association has

Sitting from left are Shinessa Thompson, Samuel Barakat and Cristy Campbell. Standing from left are Nigel Niles, Tina Ram, Annabelle Carter-Sharma, Andre Lopes, Grace Mc Calmon and Alvin Doris

extended gratitude to a number of corporate entities, with whose help the association has been able to pull off a number of tournaments during its calendar year. These entities include: GBTI, Bakewell, Trophy Stall, Bounty Farm, Mr. James Samuels, Mr. Amar Ally (Guyoil), Exxonmobil, Power Producers & Distributors Inc., Guyana Olympic Association,

National Sports Commission, P & P Insurance Brokers & Consultants, Toolsie Persaud Limited, Engineering and Construction Inc., John Fernandes Ltd, Massy Industries, PAS Cargo, Rohan Auto Spares, and Hassan Tractor Spares, to name a few.

“Clash of Champions” windball tournament slated for next Saturday

W

indball action will return to the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue next Saturday for a oneday, power-packed event.

Seeing the success of such a tournament last week, when the Cheddi Jagan Memorial Windball tournament concluded, the National Sports Commission, through Director of Sport Christopher Jones, is expected to sponsor this one-day “Clash of the Champions” tournament.

The tournament is expected to feature the top windball schools from Region 3, Region 4 and Georgetown in day/ night encounters on Saturday, March 23.

The just-concluded Cheddi Jagan Memorial Windball tournament saw Beterverwagting Secondary and Carmel Secondary emerging as male and female champions respectively.

In the male final, Beterverwagting got the better of Camille’s, as eventual Player of the Match, Kapil Dev Phagoo, contributed

40 to the winning total of 64.

The third place playoff saw Carmel overpower Vreed-en-Hoop. The latter posted 630, and Carmel made light work of the total, reaching 68-1 owing to a solid batting performance from Player of the Match Jamal Da Santos.

Carmel championed the female division after outplaying Camille’s Institute in the final, chasing down 82. Stacy Flores shined for Camille’s Institute with 32, but her shine was dimmed by Amardeo, who knocked 40 to get her team over the line and cop the Player of the Match accolade.

The female third-place playoff saw Covent Garden failing to reach Tucville’s total of 64. Kizan London top-scored for Tucville with 29. N Agrippa’s 43 was not enough to get Covent Garden over the line, as they slumped to 61.

More details about this tournament will be released as they are provided.

guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, march 17, 2019

23

Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Female tournament…

Accepting, achieving and adapting to conditions

Head Coach Bharat Mangru and Captain Shemaine Campbelle

– Trinidad confident of toppling Guyana – Unity in competition displayed at opening ceremony

Reniece Boyce during a nets session at Providence

Veteran Stacy Ann King holding on to one

By Brandon Corlette

I

t was the calm before the storm at the National Stadium at Providence on Saturday last when both teams, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, prepare to clash in their practice sessions. The rivalry between these two nations will commence from 9:30h local time today, Sunday March 17, 2019.

Speaking on the eve of the clash, Trinidad and Tobago duo Reniece Boyce and Rachel Vincent shared positive remarks heading into their opening match against hosts, Guyana.

The Trinidad and Tobago Divas vice-captain Reniece Boyce said the mood in the camp is a positive one. Having played in Guyana in the past, and having won that tournament, the ladies in Red are confident of toppling Guyana in their opening round match.

Boyce explained that the Trinidad team is a well-balanced team in terms of youth and experience, with the likes of Captain Merissa Aguilleira and spin queen Anisa Mohammed.

The conditions in Guyana and Trinidad are similar, and the Trinidadians see this as an advantage.

Rachel Vincent said the practice session has been a success. “Everyone gelled together, and each individual stuck to their game plan; bowers bowled in the right areas”, Vincent revealed. The conditions in Guyana will not affect the Trinidadians, Vincent said, as her teammates are familiar with these conditions, since their home conditions are similar.

The Trinidad team, a formidable-looking

unit, has two newcomers in Mikaela Jodhan and Leandra Ramdeen. Caneisha Isaac is fresh from injury, and she will feature in a squad that includes veteran Windies players Merissa Aguilleira, Anisa Mohammed, Britney Cooper and Stacy Ann King.

Earlier this week, Guyana’s Head Coach Bharat Mangru declared the Guyana team confident of victory playing against Trinidad. He said the ladies are reminiscing on their triumph over this same opposition in 2018, when Trinidad were bowled out for 70-odd runs and Guyana won by seven wickets.

Team Guyana captain, Shemaine Campbelle, also spoke exclusively to this re-

porter at Enmore during the past week. She revealed that her players will be aiming to stick to the basics, since it is an essential ingredient for success throughout this regional tournament.

The Guyana team is well-equipped with spinners, but the Providence turner will assist both teams.

Opening ceremony

The Colonial Medical Insurance Super 50 Female tournament hosted their opening ceremony on Saturday last at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda.

At the sociable event on the eve of match day, players could be seen mingling with their

Caribbean counterparts, which made a good showing for the unity that lies within female cricket.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Guyana Cricket Board Secretary and CWI Director Anand Sanasie shared positive remarks ahead of the tournament. Sanasie stated that since the ICC Stand-alone Women’s World T20, the female games have evolved. This tournament being hosted in Guyana is expected to be a cracker, with three matches scheduled in round one.

Team Guyana squad reads: Shemaine Campbelle (captain), Akaze Thompson (vice captain), Tremayne Smartt, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Plaffiana Millington, Lashuna Toussaint, Shebika Gajnabi, Cherry Ann Frazer, Mandy Mangru, Kaysia Schultz, Melanie Henry, Lafona Gilgeous, and Afruica Gentle. This team will be led by Manager Carol Nurse and Coach Bharrat Mangru.

Trinidad and Tobago team reads: Merissa Aguilleira (captain), Reniece Boyce (vice-captain), Anisa Mohammed, Britney Cooper, Lee Ann Kirby, Felicia Walters, Stacy Ann King, Shania Abdool, Samantha Bissoon, Caneisha Isaac, Rachel Vincent, Karishma Ramharack, Mikaela Jodhan, and Leandra Ramdeen.

Brilliant Bramble eyeing future Windies selection after consistent regional performances – Jaguars’ leading run-scorer in 2018-2019 season with 580 runs

By Brandon Corlette

F

rom scoring 613 runs in the 2017/18 season of the CWI Regional 4-Day tournament to scoring 580 runs in the recently concluded 2018/19 season, Anthony Bramble relived his dream season in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport.

Being Anthony Bramble is not an easy task, the wicket-keeper/batsman finished the last two seasons of the CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament with the most dismissals as a wicket-keeper.

Bramble ended the 2017/18 season with 45 dismissals, and followed up his 2018/19 season with a similar amount of dismissals, including 42 catches and three stumpings.

Speaking exclusively with this reporter, Bramble said the season was a good one, and scoring over 500 runs -- the most for Guyana Jaguars this season -- with an average of 50+ is a testament to his journey.

“The statistics show that I couldn’t ask for a better season, but my aim is to be a consistent performer, and (to) improve on my fitness,” the big Berbician stated.

Having played 58 First Class matches, Bramble said that prior to the 2018/19 season, he has been working hard on his batting.

“I have been working on my technique, trying to score big runs, which I have done in the past seasons,” he revealed.

In Bramble’s most prolific season in Regional 4-Day cricket in 2017/18, he finished with 613 runs at an average of 47.15. The hard-hitting Bramble scored one century and four half-centuries in 2017/18. His stellar performances that season earned him an award at the 2018 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) ceremony.

Bramble, the 28-yearold, is no different from the Caribbean players who are hungry to represent West Indies at the highest level. “I (have) always (wanted) to represent West Indies. The runs have been there for me, it’s now time for the selectors to do their job”, Bramble declared.

At the end of the 2018/19 season, Bramble averaged 52.72 with the bat, having hit two centuries and one half-century in his brilliant season.

The right-hander, who plays for the

Man with the gloves, Anthony Bramble

Anthony Bramble during his fitness session at Leonora (Brandon Corlette photos)

Albion Sports Club, has the ability to bat at any given position in the batting order.

This season, he had a high strike rate of 76.82, hitting 65 fours and 13 sixes. In the 58 First Class matches he has played, he has had a career aggregate of 2,403 runs, with three centuries and 10 half-centuries.

Bramble has a high score of 196*, which he smashed against the Windward Islands Hurricanes a few seasons ago.

As a wicket-keeper/batsman who is usually called upon to bat with the lower

order, Bramble had a respectable batting average of 31.20. His glove work has improved tremendously in what is still a budding career, Bramble already has 202 catches and 23 stumpings overall.

In the year 2018, Bramble played for the West Indies ‘B’ team in the Canadian Global T20 tournament, wherein he was given the opportunity to captain the Caribbean side. Without doubt, he is certainly a player on the selectors’ radar; time will tell when Bramble will be given a well-deserved opportunity in the West Indies senior team.

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Female tournament…

Accepting, achieving and adapting to conditions Pg 23

– Trinidad confident of toppling Guyana

The six captains of the respective teams on the eve of the first round of matches

Milo Schools Football Tournament

St John’s, St Cuthbert’s, Cummings Lodge bag wins

CWI continues to drive culture of fitness among Caribbean players

– Gulston delighted with Guyana turn-out

Pg 21

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March 17, 2019

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

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ne of the foundational principles of Hindusim is good only begotten good and it is instilled in the minds of all Hindus from a young age.

They are taught to do good deeds as a way of life. They

There was once a demon king by the name of King Hiranyakashyapu who won over the Kingdom of Earth through years of prayers.

He was the King of the demonic Asuras and according

are taught that one’s soul only attains Moksha (liberation in this life) through good karma (deeds). Around this time, we are quite often reminded about the consequences of good karma with the celebration of Holi-the festival of colours.

Holi or Phagwah as we know it is the Spring Festival celebrated on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna (Phalguna Purnima), which usually falls in the later part of February or March. There are several legends, depending on the various areas you are living in. However, the most common legend is the story of young Prahlad and his evil aunt Holika signifying the triumph of good over evil.

to the Bhagavata Purana he was granted a boon (wish) that he could be killed by neither a human being nor an animal, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither at day nor at night, neither by astra (projectile weapons) nor by any shastra (handheld weapons), and neither on land nor in water or air.

After he received his boon, Hiranyakashyapu became so egoistic that he commanded everybody in his kingdom to worship only him. But to his great disappointment, his son, Prahlad became an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu-the sustainer of the universe and refused to worship his father.

Hiranyakashyapu tried several ways to kill his son Prahlad but Lord Vishnu

The Legend

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MARCH 17 , 2019

saved him every time.

Finally, he asked his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. For, Hiranyakashyapu knew that Holika had a boon, whereby, she could enter the fire unscathed.

Treacherously, Holika coaxed young Prahlad to sit in her lap and she herself took her seat in a blazing fire. The legend has it that Holika had to pay the price of her sinister desire by her life. Holika was not aware that the boon worked only when she entered the fire alone.

Prahlad, who kept chanting the name of Lord Vishnu while in the fire with his aunt, came out unharmed, as the lord blessed him for his extreme devotion. Thus, Holi derives its name from Holika. And, is celebrated as a festival of victory of good over evil.

Holi is also celebrated as the triumph of a devotee. As the legend depicts that anybody, howsoever strong, cannot harm a true devotee and those who dare torture a true devotee of god shall be reduced to ashes.

After the fire destroyed the evil Holika, King Hiranyakashyapu became enraged and attempted to kill Prahlad himself.

However, Vishnu, the god who appears as an avatar (form) to restore Dharma in Hindu beliefs, took the form of Narasimha - half human and half lion, at dusk (when it was neither day nor night), took Hiranyakashyapu at a doorstep (which was neither indoors nor outdoors), placed him on his lap (which was neither land, water nor air), and then eviscerated and killed the king with his lion claws (which were neither a handheld weapon nor a launched weapon).

Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan or the burning of Holika will take place across Guyana on the night before the Phagwah celebrations. The festival of Holi gets its name from this very ritual of Holika

Dahan. The phrase Holika Dahan literally means burning Holika. The day when Holika is burnt is also known as Choti Holi or small Holi.

The people create a bonfire on this day and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

It is stated in the Vedas that one day before the Holikotsav a sacred fire was burnt and specific mantras to ward off evil were recited during the burning ritual. The fire was burnt with the objective to destroy the demonic forces.

Some texts also mention a different version of Holika Dahan. According the texts, the parched cereals and

grains are collectively called 'Holka' in Sanskrit.

It is believed that the word Holi or Holika is derived from Holka or grains.

These parched grains were used to perform 'hawana' or sacred fire.

The sacred ash obtained from this fire ritual was known as the Bhumi Hari.

This ash was smeared on the forehead of the person participating in the ritual to keep away evil spirits. Till date, this ritual of offering food grains to the bonfire is followed.

The preparations of Holika Dahan start 40 days before the festival. People

gather twigs, logs, dry leaves etc. Then on the night of Phalgun Purnima, the bonfire is set alight amidst chanting of the Rakshogana mantras which help to ward off evil spirits. Next morning the ashes of the fire are collected and smeared on the body before taking a bath.

The burning of Holika signifies the triumph of good over evil and that the bad forces around you can never win if you have a strong will.

Holika represents the negative forces which get burnt against the strong will of human which is denoted by Prahlad.

guyanatimesgy.com

By Lakhram Bhagirat

E

very year we hear of how much the celebrations surrounding the Festival of Colours have changed and that some of the long-held traditions are dying. But what exactly has changed and how much it has changed is a question with a variety of answers since change is the only constant in our lives.

However, what has not changed is the spirit of the celebration. The very core of what Phagwah is about is very much alive and well.

The triumph of good over evil still is the centre of the celebrations, though now it

is observed more lavishly as a sign of it forever evolving.

To this day, the message of the music in observance of Phagwah remains the same. It takes the same old versions of the songs to get us in the mood, to get us to go out there and colour our friends and family and enjoy being at peace with oneself and their surroundings.

MARCH 17 , 2019

Holi aayi re kanhai holi aayi re Holi aayi re kanhai Rag chhalake suna de zara basari Barse gulal rang more aaganva Apne hi rag me rang de mohe sajanva The holi festival is here, Lord Krishna Colours are overflowing everywhere Play a (sweet) tune on Your flute The colours are showering in my courtyard Colour me in your colours o my beloved Those lyrics are taken from a song from perhaps one of the most iconic movies

emanating from Bollywood.

The movie, Mother India, is a gripping the film on the struggles of a woman and the song “Holi Aye Re” is perhaps the most popular Phagwah song behind Rang Barse.

Since its release, the song has dominated holi celebrations and continues to be a highlight of the celebrations.

Sunday Times Magazine

3

In conversation with a village elder, Auntie Golyn as she is popularly known, from Canal Number One on the West Bank of Demerara, I learnt that during the golden days the celebrations would start one week before the actual day and go on for about one week after. She tells me that it was a time when the villagers would come together and celebrate as one.

“Back then when I was a child we used to have plenty of fun. Every day when you come home you would hurry up and do your work and after that is a big game to see how much of your friends you can soak. Sometimes

Growing up in the countryside, my earlier experiences somewhat mirrors what Auntie Golyn explained to me. I remember, as a child in the 90s, rushing home from school hoping that you make it there before your friends because if you did not then you know what is waiting for you.

One of the advantages of living among extended family meant that around phagwah time there were more

as our water pistols. We would also scour the garbage for old tins to “boil stainer (abeer)” since you would receive some good lashes if you used your mother’s pot.

The colours themselves are very significant in the celebration of the festival of colours. The clouds of colours dancing in the wind carry the message of love and happiness across walls, neighbours, and hearts.

Brightly coloured powders are the mainstay of Holi,

brightest — blue, yellow, red, purple, pink, and green — there are colours that are conspicuously absent, traditionally. These include black and white.

Though white symbolizes a sense of purity, it is also a colour of mourning. Widows in India, unlike in their western counterparts, retire to a white-only dress code.

And while black is considered ugly, evil, and undesirable, it is relied upon heavily to ward off evil, as is evident

people to surprise with a bucket of water. I also remember us saving up our money to buy the brightly coloured powders to colour our friends. There was a special fight to get the most purple and green ones since those were the ones which stained the most.

Back then, it was a privilege to be gifted a water pistol from your parents. We would get one-litre bottles and heat nails to holes on the cover which would serve

during which men, women, and children carry powders and liquid colours to throw and smear on the clothes and faces of neighbours and relatives. While dry powder colours are called “gulal,” colours mixed with water are called “rang.”

There is a colour for almost every occasion, moment, or celebration. Each colour symbolizes a force in life, and thus colour and life are inseparable. While the most popular colours are the

in the ceremony of putting a black dot on a new-born baby’s face to ward off the evil eye.

The ideologies behind the celebration remain the same however, now the celebration has evolved. People are now more inclined to gather at the various melas with the celebrations moving away from the homes of persons. However, what has not changed is the variety of sweetmeats prepared in observance of this festival.

we would all get wet up and when you go home soak skin is bare lash from mommy but we didn’t mind,” the 60-year-old said.

Back then the competition used to be which boy was strong enough to push the other one overboard without going behind him. It was a struggle that resulted in several friendly fights in the neighbourhood.

4 Sunday Times Magazine

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By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he planting of the symbolic Holika, 40 days before Phagwah signifies the commencement of a period of celebration. One that allows us to overcome the evil within and around us and for many it signifies the start of a period of tracking back to our roots. The very roots that define us as people and connects us to the motherland of our ancestors.

When our ancestors were brought to Guyana in 1838 from their motherland-India, they brought with them a whole host of things other than material possessions. They brought

sets of singers face each other in a straight line, armed with tier jhal (taals cymbals) alternating their singing while perfectly synchronizing the sounds from

exciting rhythmic changes with their alternations of climax and repose.�

Though Hindi is not spoken in Guyana, most of the

lyrics to the chowtal songs are in the mother tongue but that proves to not be a challenge for the singers since it is like their second language. Every song, sung during chowtal, tells a story associated with the legends of Phagwah.

The songs speak of the naughty nature of Shree Krishna and his love for Radha or they either sing the praises of the other Hindu deities.

Though the practice is common and widely revered with them their rich culture, traditions and beliefs.

Quite often culture, traditions and beliefs intertwine creating a unique situation that most are delighted to be a part of.

Phagwah is just one of the many opportunities for cultural intertwining and is one of my favourite festivals for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons I am so in love with the festival is that it means it is time for Chowtal singing.

With its roots deeply embedded in the rich history of our Bhojpuri ancestry, Chowtal singing is one of the many highlights of celebrating the festival of colours.

Though not popular in all of India, Chowtal singing is a tradition passed on by our ancestors who brought their folk singing from the Bhojpuri region (now Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, India) with them.

While there is no central meaning for the word chowtal, it basically speaks to a format in which two

the jhals.

In describing what exactly is chowtal singing, Guyanese Ramnarine Sasenarine said “the word" chowtal,� in a general sense, denotes the distinctive format in which two sets of singers (who also play jhal cymbals) alternate singing lines, taking the song (with the help of the dholak player) through a fixed set of complex rhythmic modulations, accelerations and decelerations. Chowtal in this sense is an umbrella term which collectively comprises a set of more specific substyles including that which itself called chowtal as well as ullara, dhamari, kabir, jogir, jhuma, baiswara, jati, rasiya, bhartal, and the farewell song sada-anand.

Most chowtal melodies are simple and often similar to each other but the rhythm of the lyrics and song mist match perfectly and the beauty and exuberance are generated by the way the group moves skillfully through the intricate and

in places like Trinidad, Suriname, Fiji and the United States there are different variation in how it is performed. But ultimately the messages remain the same in keeping with the spirit of the spring festival.

The tradition is somewhat dying in the motherland but in Guyana, it is alive and well. In fact, the youngsters are taking up the mantle and running with it while staying true to the roots. There are now more chowtal samelans

where chowtal gols from across the country can come together and display their talent.

The friendly competition is laced with youths bent on outdoing the others as they bang their jhals to the beat emanating from the dholaks.

If you have never been in the presence of chowtal singing then I strongly urge you to have the experience since it is one that will forever remain etched in your mind.

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MARCH 17 , 2019

Y

Sunday Times Magazine

ou know Phagwah is around the corner when you see brightly coloured powders for sale but nothing puts you in the mood better than hearing the distinctive voice of Bollywood legend Amithab Bachan singing “Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse”.

The song from the movie Silsila is synonymous with Ohagwah celebrations in Guyana and even further afield. Basically translating to “colours are showering,” rang barse is perhaps the most well-known phagwah song among Guyanese despite their ethnic or religious background.

Phagwah is a community’s exuberant expression of joy to welcome the warmth of spring. In a reflection of nature’s abundance, Hindus celebrate with bursts of colour, camaraderie and shared abandon.

It begins on Purnima, full moon day, in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February/ March) and lasts for as long as 16 days.

On the day of Holi, people celebrate by playing, dancing and running in the streets. Water pistols are filled with coloured water and squirted on family, friends and strangers alike. Dye powders and water balloons are a big part of the play. The wise wear old clothes, usually white, in anticipation of the mess!

Virtually anything goes.

Etiquette on Holi requires that one accept all overtures with an open heart, burying grievances to begin relationships afresh. People of all walks of life mingle and greet, applying vermilion on each other’s foreheads in an uninhibited exchange of goodwill.

Love, positive values and goodness are celebrated on Holi. Their triumphs over divisiveness and negative forces have been reinforced in legends, such as that of Holika and her brother Prahlad. The famous king Hiranyakashipu had earned a boon that made him virtually indestructible.

Blinded by this power, he thought he was God, the only being worthy of worship. His young son Prahlad was devoted

5

to Lord Vishnu and refused to obey his father.

Infuriated, the king devised the cruellest punishments. In one attempt, Prahlad’s evil aunt Holika, who possessed the power to withstand fire, tricked him into climbing a burning pyre with her.

Prahlad’s love for true Divinity protected him from the flames. Holika burned while Prahlad lived. The bonfire of Holi is symbolic of this victory of good over evil.

Coinciding with the advent of spring, the festival symbolises growth and fertility of the land for many Indians. Some Jains and Sikhs also partake in the festivities. The vibrant pigments used were traditionally made of ground vermillion, turmeric and neem, but synthetic pigments are common now.

Legend has it that Krishna noticed one day how much lighter Radha’s complexion was than His own. His mother playfully suggested that He smear Radha’s cheeks with colour to make Her look like Him, which Krishna did. The strong-willed Radha gleefully retaliated, and merry chaos ensued.

Another legend has it that Krishna celebrated this festival with His friends and the gopis. They danced and frolicked, filling the air with colour in a joyous welcome of spring.

In keeping with the essence of Phagwah, Guyanese across the spectrum take the time out to enjoy this festival. It is a time when the motto “One People One Nation One Destiny” is truly lived. Despite differences throughout the year, Phagwah day is one that would see Guyanese smearing each other with colours or dousing with water as they all celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Evidence of the ability of Phagwah to break the ethnic barriers can be seen at the different melas, street corners and even in the homes. It is truly a Guyanese thing to see non-Hindus preparing sweetmeats and having a ball of a time as Hindus would.

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olours play an important part in how we perceive and interact with the world. It seems that each colour emits specific signals that affect our mental, physical and psychological states.

It has now been proven that colours can dramatically affect moods, feelings and emotions to the point of increasing metabolism, raising blood pressure and even cause an eye strain. Red, or-

ange and yellow are known as warm colours that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, but also of passion, anger and hostility. On the other hand, blue, purple and green are cool colours that bring calmness as well as feelings of sadness.

In Hinduism, colours play a very important role and have deep significance, transcending purely decorative values. Hindu artists use colours on the deities

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MARCH 17 , 2019

and their dresses signifying their qualities. Proper use of colours creates and environment, which should keep a person cheerful. Some of the main colours used in religious ceremonies are red, yellow (turmeric), green from leaves, white from wheat flour.

Red

Red indicates both sensuality and purity. In Hindu religion, red is of utmost significance and is mostly used

for auspicious occasions like marriages, the birth of a child, and festivals. A red mark is put on the forehead during ceremonies and important occasions. As a sign of marriage, women put red powder on the hair parting.

They also wear a red sari during marriage. Red powder is usually thrown on statues of deities and phallic symbols during prayers.

It is also the colour of Shakti (prowess). A red coloured dress is put on deities who are charitable, brave, protective, and who have the capacity to destroy evil.

Saffron

Saffron is the most sacred colour in Hinduism. It represents fire and as impurities are burnt by fire, this colour symbolises purity. It also represents religious abstinence. This colour’s connotation has a sacred meaning for the Hindu. It is the colour of holy men and ascetics who have renounced the world. Wearing the colour symbolises the quest for light. It is the battle colour of the Rajputs, the warrior

caste.

Green

Green is a festive colour.

In Maharashtra, it represents life and happiness. For that reason, a widow does not wear green. Symbolising peace and happiness, green stabilizes the mind. The colour is cool to the eyes and represents nature.

Yellow

Yellow is the colour of knowledge and learning. It symbolizes happiness, peace, meditation, competence and mental development. It is the colour of spring and activates the mind. Lord Vishnu’s dress is yellow symbolising his representation of knowledge. Lord Krishna and Ganesha also wear yellow dresses. Yellow clothes are worn and yellow food is eaten at spring festivals.

Single girls wear yellow to attract a mate and keep evil spirits away.

White

White is a mixture of seven different colours hence it symbolises a little bit of the quality of each. It represents

purity, cleanliness, peace and knowledge. The goddess of knowledge, Sarasvati is always shown as wearing a white dress, sitting on a white lotus. The Brahmin the highest social caste - is associated with white. Hindu religious leaders cover themselves with white ashes to represent their spiritual rebirth. White is also the colour of mourning. The other prominent deities would also have a touch of white on their dress. A Hindu widow would wear a white dress in mourning.

Blue

Blue signifies nature: the sky, the oceans, the rivers and the lakes. The deity who has the qualities of bravery, manliness, determination, the ability to deal with difficult situations, of stable mind and depth of character is represented as blue coloured. Lord Rama and Krishna spent their life protecting humanity and destroying evil, hence they are coloured blue. (Sanskrit Magazine)

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8 Sunday Times Magazine

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MARCH 17 , 2019

nstead of wearing old and worn out clothes for Holi, step out in style. Pair bright coloured tops with palazzos and do up your eyes with waterproof products and go out there and have some fun. The spring festival is a time to throw out the old and welcome the new. It is a time to give birth to new ideas and allow yourselves to experience new things. So let us start by wearing some new clothes for the festival of colours.

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MARCH 17 , 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

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Ingredients

Pastry: • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp white sugar • 1 tbsp shortening • 1 cup ice cold milk • Few drops vegetable oil (for top of dough ball) Filling: • 3-4 cups grated coconut • 2 heaping tbsp fresh ginger, grated • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg • 1 tsp almond essence • 2 tsp vanilla or mixed essence • 1 cup brown sugar • 1 tsp red food colour • 1/4 cup water for sealing dough • Flour for fork, when sealing • Oil or ghee for frying

Instructions 1. Make the dough. Mix flour, baking powder, and sugar together. Rub in shortening until fine crumbs form. Add cold milk a little at a time until dough comes together. Knead until dough is smooth.

2. Rub a little oil on top of dough ball and cover with damp paper towel. Let rest for minimum one hour.

3. Grate ginger, add to bowl with coconut. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well, set aside until ready to assemble.

4. Pinch off small pieces of dough, golf ball sized. Cover all dough balls with damp paper towel to keep from crusting.

5. Roll dough ball thinly to 1/8inch thickness. Dip finger or pastry brush in water and rub the edges of dough. Place 1 1/2 tbsp coconut mixture in center. Fold dough over coconut, press with fork to seal edges. Repeat until all dough has been used up. Remaining coconut can be frozen for later use. Heat oil for frying. Deep fry goja until light golden brown.

(Alica Ramkirpal-Senhouse)

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas • 1/4 cup brown sugar • 2 tbsp sugar • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 1 tsp vanilla extract or mixed essence • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking powder • handful raisins • maraschino cherries, chopped (optional) • oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash bananas until smooth. Add sugar, spices, and vanilla extract, mix in well; set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, sift flour and baking powder together.

3. Stir flour into banana mixture, combine thoroughly. Fold in desired amount of raisins or chopped maraschino cherries. Let mixture rest for 20 minutes.

4. Heat a deep pot with enough oil to fry gulgula. Use two small spoons to shape batter and drop into hot oil. Scoop up some batter with one spoon and use the other to sort of shape

the batter before dropping it into the oil. Turn frequently to ensure even browning. Fry until dark brown. (Alica Ramkirpal-Senhouse)

• • • • • • •

Ingredients

3 cups all purpose flour ½ tsp ground cardamom (elaichi) ¼ tsp ground ginger 8 tbsp butter (1 stick) 1 ¼ cup cold evaporated milk 1 ½ cup grated coconut ½ tsp ground aniseed

• • •

½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground nutmeg Canola oil to fry

• •

Sugar Syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup water

To make the dough 1. Place flour, spices, coconut and ginger in a large bowl. Cut the butter into small cubes, and then rub into flour using your fingers. Next add evaporated milk and combine to form a soft dough.

2. On a floured surface, roll dough to about ¾ inch thickness then cut into small diamonds about 2-3 inches in length. You can also pinch off small pieces of dough and form into an almond shape. In a shallow pan add about oil about 1 inch deep and heat over medium fire. When oil is hot, gently add the dough and fry until both sides are golden brown. Place on a plate lined with paper towel to drain. Work in batches so the oil doesn’t drop in temperature, this will cause the dough to be oily. When all the dough has been cooked, set aside.

To make the sugar syrup Place the sugar and water in a small pot and boil until sugar crystals begin to form on the side of pot. In a heat safe bowl pour syrup over the fritters and stir gently until it dries. (Jehan Can Cook)

• • • • • • • • • •

Ingredients

1 lb butter 1.5 lb flour 1 lb sugar 16oz evaporated milk 8oz milk 1/4 tsp ground cardamom/elaichi 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg maraschino cherries, chopped raisins (soaked)

Instructions

• In a pot add evaporated milk, milk, sugar and spices. Warm milk until sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly.

• In a heavy skillet or pot melt butter, add cinnamon stick, flour and stir continuously until golden brown. This should take 15-20 minutes on medium heat. Add soaked raisins stirring until plumped up.

• Pour warm milk mixture and cherries into flour, stirring vigorous so that there are no lumps. Parasad is done when it starts to pull away from the sides of pot.

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Feature

by

Preserving our literary heritage

Petamber Persaud

C

ommonly when we think of Guyanese literature, fiction writers in the main, Wilson Harris’s name immediately comes to mind. The Guyanese hinterland landscape with symbolic evocations and motifs of legends of pre-Columbian peoples are Harris’s forte; he is a stellar writer, indefatigably complex. But Guyanese writing, and indeed Caribbean literature, is enriched by contributions of other key figures, not least Edgar Mittelholzer in the Guyanese pantheon. Roy Heath is not far behind, though not so well-known; significantly, Heath was selected to deliver the Eighth Edgar Mittelholzer Lecture in 1983.With Ameena Gafoor’s scholarly work, one hopes more serious attention will be paid to Heath who lived most of his life in the United Kingdom—from 1950 to his death in 2008. He was trained as a barrister, but taught languages.

Growing up close to New Amsterdam in Guyana “where most of Heath’s contemporaries lived,” as has been said, I’ve often been aware of his work: the nuances of race with Creole rhythms in the interplay of Indian, African and others of mixed-race backgrounds with class divisions (“the state of unfreedom in the lives of people”--Wilson Harris) in an urban landscape are what Heath focuses upon. Indeed, Gafoor— editor of the Guyana Arts Journal, and known for “her patriotic devotion to the future of Guyanese letters” (Emeritus Professor Frank Birbalsingh), as well as work in philanthropy with her family’s business enterprise, captures the essence of Heath’s vision; it is an impressive work (I presume she did her doctoral thesis on Heath’s novels under the guidance of the University of the West Indies’ Emeritus Professor Ken Ramchand, a pioneer in Caribbean literary scholarship); and, it is a handsomely-produced University of the West Indies Press book, graced with a cover illustrationpainting, Kali’s Necklace, by gifted Guyanese artist Bernadette Persaud.

Essentially the book sheds new awareness of Heath’s thinking and vision, perhaps overlooked by others—including myself--with chapters that cover the range of Heath’s nine novels. My own main interest in Heath’s work is the Guyanese family saga-cum-trilogy--From the Heat of the Day (1979), One Generation (1981), and Genetha (1981); and Gafoor’s close reading and

exegesis in her Aftermath of Empire is apposite.

Heath’s other key titles include Kwaku(1982), Orealla(1984), and The Shadow Bride (1988).

Other novels are A Man Come Home(1974) and The Ministry of Hope(1997); and the noteworthy second novel, The Murderer(1978), which garnered a Guardian Prize. I have reviewed one or two of the early novels years ago for World Literature Today (University of Oklahoma) at the request of the editor via my fiction-writer’s prism--I focussed on aspects of Heath’s narrative technique in the main rather than on post-colonial epistemology as overall schema.

I first met Roy Heath in Trinidad over twenty years ago, and significantly, I observed his own first encounter with novelist Sam Selvon (well-known for his Lonely Londoners), and though both men as Caribbean litterateurs lived in London for years, they had never met. They are very different writers—Selvon, more demotic in style with vernacular inflection integrated with Caribbean immediacy and the organic. The psychology of this meeting-Heath dressed in formal attire with jacket and tie, and Selvon, unpretentious in singlet and shorts—in hot tropical weather, was intriguing for me. Later that evening we were hosted by Ken Ramchand, and I recall engaging Heath about Caribbean litera-

ture, if only his thinking about Wilson Harris’s iconic first novel, Palace of the Peacock; but Heath was not game; he mainly expressed his Marxist views, as I recall. Noteworthy is that Gafoor’s illumination in Aftermath of Empire suggests that Heath “examines the political establishment in the place of his birth through a psychological study of the ordinary working man and his futile efforts to negotiate survival”(164).

This is a key reference, and Gafoor goes on to tell us that Heath’s viewpoint is unlike George Lamming’s political stance in narration, an arguable assumption about Lamming no doubt. Oftentimes it is debatable about what is the purpose of the writer come from a post-colonial plantation society—his stance being either as an ideologue subsuming his art to what’s politically relevant, or, to be a “pure” non-committed belletristic artist in terms of ideation and narrative style. Lamming, of course, is a master of the fictional form with a poetic prose style, and I interacted with him when he was director of the fiction workshop at the University of Miami's Summer Institute for Caribbean Creative Writing; and, he remains associated with educational and cultural projects of the Barbados Workers' Union and the Barbados Labour College. I have also quoted Lamming as an example in my own teaching of creative writing at the

college level.

Gafoor covers Heath’s oeuvre in a comprehensive way in Aftermath--with chapter headings such as “One generation: In Search of Self,” “Genetha: Through the Eyes of a woman,” “A Man Come Home and the Murderer: The Novels of Independence”—the most lucid chapter in the book for this reader, and with other chapters subtitled “Trapped in the Past,” and “Community in Chaos” which deals with the cynicism of President Forbes Burnham’s regime, among others. The open-endedness of human experience without closure, as Gafoor alludes to, is the essence of what Roy Heath captures about human experience in his novelistic approach read non-formulaic. She has surveyed about 75 published sources--reflective of her assiduous work--in addition to key notes, an appendix and a bibliography.

In her astute way and with intellectual breadth Gafoor comments on the politics, economics, development studies, sociology, history, psychology, literary criticism, feminism, religion, and political science relevant to her study: thus underlining her “deep engagement in her subject and mastery of it,” as University of Guyana critic-scholar Al Creighton deems it. The latter suggested, however, that Gafoor’s critical reading does not allow her “to deal adequately with the artistic aspects” of Heath’s work and his “Pinteresque” style, if such, but only touches upon Heath’s laconic narrative manner. This is an existential problem with most academic-critical studies—as I see it-- and, very often, a writer’s vision linked to his modus operandi and style are elusive at best. Critical analysis is oftentimes mechanistic, albeit advancing scholarship and intellectualism; but it is usually challenging to circumscribe a writer’s imagination and vision--if only what’s embodied in his characters with the attendant tropes and leitmotifs.

What is more important about Gafoor’s Aftermath of Empire is that it is not cluttered with ideologicalcritical jargon seen in much academic work with predictable paradigms. Yet, her scholarship is slanted to “Empire” (suggested in her title). Edward Said is aptly quoted about literary texts not being just “reducible”--rightly so. Here I invoke novelist Margaret Atwood, who sardonically puts it: “There are all ways of interpreting texts, some sillier than others” (CBC Radio, Jan.

9, 2019). But Gafoor’s insight about Heath as novelist is what is compelling; and yes, in my own writerly way and neurological preference I would have liked to know more about the influences Heath internalized: European and American writers here over the years—principally influential UK ones like E.M. Forester, Virginia Woolf, and James Joyce that have influenced post-modernist aspects of fiction-making.

And too, about the publishing parabola: how did Heath first get published as a beginning Guyanese novelist by the small press Allison and Busby, in the UK—and, not by Faber and Faber or Andre Deutsch (Harris’s and Naipaul’s

Poem

first publishers, respectively): always a challenge. But Gafoor’s approach is best reflected in her epigraph to Aftermath, taken from V.S. Naipaul’s The Middle Passage, that “Living in a borrowed culture, the West Indian, more than most, needs writers to tell him why he is and where he stands”: which Gafoor as scholar succeeds in most of all.

Ameena Gafoor, Aftermath of Empire: The Novels of Roy A. K. Heath.

Jamaica: The University of the West Indies Press, 2017: pp.256. REVIEW BY CYRIL DABYDEEN Responses to this author please telephone 2260065 of email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

guyanatimesgy.com

Overview

Intestinal ischemia (isKEE-me-uh) describes a variety of conditions that occur when blood flow to your intestines decreases due to a blocked blood vessel, usually an artery. Intestinal ischemia can affect your small intestine, your large intestine (colon) or both.

Intestinal ischemia is a serious condition that can cause pain and make it difficult for your intestines to work properly. In severe cases, loss of blood flow to the intestines can damage intestinal tissue and possibly lead to death.

Treatments are available for intestinal ischemia. To improve the chances of recovery, it's crucial to recognize the early symptoms and get medical help right away.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of intestinal ischemia can develop suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Signs and symptoms may be dif-

ferent from one person to the next, but there are some generally recognized patterns that suggest intestinal ischemia.

Symptoms of acute intestinal ischemia Signs and symptoms of acute intestinal ischemia typically include: • Sudden abdominal pain that may be mild, moderate or severe • An urgent need to have a bowel movement • Frequent, forceful bowel movements • Abdominal tenderness or distention • Blood in your stool • Mental confusion in older adults Symptoms of chronic intestinal ischemia Signs and symptoms of

MARCH 17 , 2019

chronic intestinal ischemia can include: • Abdominal cramps or fullness, usually within 30 minutes after eating, and lasting one to three hours • Abdominal pain that gets progressively worse over weeks or months • Fear of eating because of subsequent pain • Unintended weight loss • Diarrhea • Nausea • Bloating

Causes

Intestinal ischemia occurs when the blood flow through the major arteries that supply blood to your intestines slows or stops.

The condition has many potential causes, including a blockage in an artery caused by a blood clot, or a narrowing of an artery due to buildup of deposits, such as cholesterol. Blockages also can occur in veins, but they're less common.

Intestinal ischemia is often divided into categories:

Colon ischemia (ischemic colitis)- This type of intestinal ischemia, which is the most common, occurs when blood flow to the colon is slowed. The cause of diminished blood flow to the colon isn't always clear.

Acute mesenteric ischemia - This type of intestinal ischemia usually affects the small intestine. It has an abrupt onset and may be due to a number of factors including a blood clot (embolus) that dislodges from your, a blockage that develops within one of the main intestinal arteries or Impaired blood flow resulting from low blood pressure.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia

Chronic mesenteric ischemia, also known as intestinal angina, results from

the buildup of fatty deposits on an artery wall (atherosclerosis). The disease process is generally gradual, and you may not require treatment until at least two of the three major arteries supplying your intestines become severely narrowed or completely obstructed.

A potentially dangerous complication of chronic mesenteric ischemia is the development of a blood clot within a diseased artery, causing blood flow to be suddenly blocked (acute mesenteric ischemia).

Ischemia that occurs when blood can't leave your intestines A blood clot can develop in a vein draining deoxygenated blood from your intestines. When the vein is blocked, blood backs up in the intestines, causing swelling and bleeding. This is called mesenteric venous thrombosis, and it may result from: • Acute or chronic inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis) • Abdominal infection • Cancers of the digestive system • Bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or diverticulitis • Disorders that make your blood more prone to clotting (hypercoagulation disorders), such as an inherited clotting disorder • Medications such as estrogen that can increase clotting risk • Abdominal injuries

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects intestinal ischemia, you may undergo several diagnostic tests, based on your signs and symptoms, including: Blood tests - Although there are no specific blood markers to indicate intestinal ischemia, certain general blood test results might suggest intestinal ischemia.

An example of such a result is an increase in white cell count.

Imaging tests- Imaging tests may help your doctor see your internal organs and rule out other causes for your signs and symptoms. Imaging tests may in-

Sunday Times Magazine 11

clude an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI. A scope to see inside your digestive tract- This technique involves inserting a lighted, flexible tube with a camera on its tip into your mouth or rectum to view your digestive tract from the inside. When inserted in your mouth (endoscopy), the scope examines the upper portion of your small intestine. When inserted in your rectum, the scope examines the last 2 feet of your colon (sigmoidoscopy) or your entire colon (colonoscopy).

Health

Dye that tracks blood flow through the arteriesDuring this test (angiography), a long, thin tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in your groin or arm, then passed through the artery to the aorta. A dye injected through the catheter flows directly to your intestinal arteries. As the dye moves through your arteries, a narrowed areas or blockage is visible on X-ray images. Angiography also allows the doctor to treat a blockage in an artery by injecting medication or using

special tools to widen an artery.

Exploratory surgery- In some cases you may need exploratory surgery to find and remove damaged tissue. Opening the abdomen allows diagnosis and treatment during one procedure.

Treatment

Treatment of intestinal ischemia involves restoring the blood supply to your digestive tract. Options vary depending on the cause and severity of your condition.

(Mayo Clinic)

12 Sunday Times Magazine

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Puzzles

ACROSS 1 Huge blossom 6 Sell hot tickets 11 Candy base 16 Inferior in quality

21 UFO pilot

22 PC message 23 Cease-fire

24 Castle that danced

25 Dunkable treat 26 Fictional bell town

27 PC chip maker 28 Come clean 29 U2 producer 30 Monsieur, in Bonn

32 Perimeters

34 Work the soil 36 Snaky fish

37 Alley game

39 Greedy king of myth 40 Packing crate 41 WWW addresses

42 Yore, of yore 43 Sheep shelters 44 Convenes

46 Based on eight 49 Ice-fishing tool 50 "Omigosh!"

51 Does a double-take

55 Bird beaks

56 Stamp holder 57 Hull sealants 58 Shiny wrapping 59 Cotton gin name

60 Aquarium scavenger

61 Lose hair

62 Cousin's mother

63 I-70

64 Teutonic

66 Say in fun

67 Fender nick 68 Kind of hunter 69 Tummy

70 Yield, as territory

71 Seed containers 72 New days

73 Crafty one

74 Samba kin (2 wds.)

76 Isaac Newton's title 77 Israeli port

80 Cease

81 Swimming -82 Band instrument 86 Florence's river 87 Parking lot sign 88 Seine tributary 89 Some are friendly 90 Drink with scones 91 Roof problem 92 Pharaoh's amulet 93 Ham and sausage 94 551, to Ovid 95 With delight 97 Bedroom slipper 98 Keeps away from 99 Intuit 100 Of the stars 101 Godiva's title 102 Neglects 103 Animal fats 104 Paper-folding art 106 Archaeology finds 107 Wrecker's job 108 Pet-shop cuties 111 Quick letter 112 Fluctuates (hyph.)

113 Harm 117 Bracket type 118 "Have -- -- news for you!"

119 Goethe masterpiece 120 King of gorillas

121 Apply makeup

122 Bucks

124 Jet-setters' need

126 Fossil rock

128 Ammonia compound

130 Dry run

131 Cause of food poisoning (2 wds.)

132 Comforter stuffing

133 Ultra-lite (hyph.)

134 Erik the composer

135 Concrete reinforcer

136 Oui and ja

137 Medieval tale

DOWN

1 Officer in training

2 Companionless

3 Curtain material

4 Modern, in Munich

5 Busy place

6 Grills a steak

7 Naval rank below Capt.

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- FLUNKIES

(FLUNKIES: FLUNG-kees: Persons performing menial duties; yes-men.)

Average mark 29 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 41 or more words in FLUNKIES?

file fine flies flue fluke flunk fuel funk fuse lenis lens lief lien lieu

life like liken line link lues lune unlike kiln knife infuse inkle isle elfin

self silk silken sine sinful sink skein skin slink slue slunk sulk sunk

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.

8 Battery size

9 Kind of veto (hyph.)

10 Dawdler 11 Messy places

12 Vases with feet 13 Clean a fish

14 Synthetic fiber

15 Chutney, e.g.

16 Nursery rhyme girl 17 Suffix for "forfeit"

18 Defiant reply 19 Pay homage

20 Raises one's voice 31 Wind up

33 Neon or nitrogen

35 Looking like a rake?

38 Potpie veggies 39 Ski slope bump 40 Puts the lid on 41 Letters on an F-16

43 Block-shaped 44 Surround

45 Budget item

46 Large Russian lake 47 "People" person 48 'Vette rival (hyph.)

49 Delon of cinema 50 Type of lock

52 Kitchen tool 53 Son of Uranus 54 Goes downhill 56 Take by force 57 "Scram!" (3 wds.)

58 Winery casks 60 Mead subject 61 Hunks' assets 62 Non-soap opera 65 Diva Anna -66 Witty remark 67 Symbol of peace 68 Cayuse 70 Spring 71 Fishing gear 72 Drizzles 74 Lion's share 75 Snack 76 Gives the pink slip 77 Yoga type 78 Fields of study 79 Out of place 80 Dock 82 Silo companions 83 Waiter's request 84 Fixed a squeak 85 Hits dead-center 87 Logger's job 88 Just

89 Matches 91 Truth stretcher 92 Import vehicle 93 Donahue et al 96 Major-leaguers 97 Lansbury role 98 Malt alternative 99 Babe in the woods?

101 Trellis 102 Long journey 103 Accommodations 105 Review (2 wds.)

106 Debt memo 107 Light brown 108 Gnats, to us 109 Very very 110 Braid 112 Arafat (var.)

113 Transvaal trekkers 114 DeMille movies 115 Egypt's Anwar -116 Stone monument 118 Wight or Capri 119 "Deck the Hall" syllables 120 Bauhaus member 123 Moo goo -- pan See 125 Show distress Solution 127 Circulars on page 14 129 Cohort of Curly

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Sunday Times Magazine 13

14 Sunday Times Magazine

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Bollywood/Hollywood

Ayushmann Khurrana in legal trouble, accused of stealing Kamal Kant’s idea for Bala

A

ctor Ayushmann Khurrana owned 2018 with two back-to-back hits, Andhadhun and Badhaai Ho. The actor has several interesting projects lined up this year, including a film titled Bala, about premature balding. However, even before work has commenced on the film, the actor along with the producer Dinesh Vijan and director Amar Kaushik have landed in legal trouble.

According to a report in Nav Bharat Times, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana assistant director Kamal Kant Chandra filed a case in

the Bombay High Court on Friday against the trio, accusing them of lifting the idea from his project, Wig. The report states that Kamal Kant, who assisted on films such as Daav Dev and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, has claimed meeting Ayushmann on the sets of his film Bareilly Ki Barfi. Kamal told NBT that he had gone to meet actor Rajkummar Rao on the sets of Bareilly Ki Barfi and got to meet Ayushmann as well. Kamal said that he shared his idea of a man struggling with premature balding with Ayushmann on Whatsapp, who really liked it and invited him to discuss it. Kamal alleges that while Ayushmann did not follow up with him at all, the actor came up with a similar film idea after a few days.

Kamal added that he had sent a legal notice to all three -- Ayushmann, Dinesh and Amar but did not get any response and therefore, went on to file a case against them.

On being asked about the same, Amar, who is currently busy with the recee for the film in Lucknow, said, “I have no idea about all this. We have been writing the story since 4-5 months. The two characters might be similar, I don’t know. Neither I know his script nor I have ever met him. There can be many stories about a bald man. I have been writing my story since day one. I don’t know anything else. As far as the case is concerned, the producers will look into it.”

(Hindustan Times)

E

njoying every bit of success he has scored after Luka Chuppi this year, actor Kartik Aaryan is aware that he needs to be more careful about his choices in the film industry now. He says Ranbir Kapoor is one actor whose filmography he is envious of.

Excerpts from the interview: Q. From Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (SKTKS) to Luka Chuppi, how would you describe your journey so far?

A. It was quite tough because there was a lot of pressure post the big success of Sonu.... People were waiting to see what I'm going to do next. I am sure some were also waiting to see me fall on my face (laughs). Thankfully, Luka Chuppi has passed all the tests of audience reviewers and box office.

Q. Was this important for you?

A. Frankly, the success of Luka Chuppi was very important for me. I'm little relieved now! I can now breathe easy until my next release.

Q. I'm sure it was essential for you to find a hit project after SKTKS. How were you sure Luka Chuppi was it?

A. Luka Chuppi had a great mix of content with commercial sensibilities, which I really loved. Also, the fact that it was catering to the whole family while being true to the romantic comedy genre. That's a unique combination. Guddu was such an innocent, lovable and dilwala character that I knew he will make a place for himself in audiences heart. I never want to do anything slea-

W

hoopi Goldberg is back! The comedian and actress, who has been absent from the “The View” for more than a month due to pneumonia and sepsis, is finally well enough to work again — and she dropped by the talk show on Thursday to surprise her fellow cohosts.

“This is my first foray out… I’m not there yet, but the only way it’s going to get better is if I begin, so this is my beginning,” said the 63-year-old.

After the shock wore off, Goldberg’s co-hosts including Joy Behar remarked how good she looked.

“Makeup helps,” Goldberg quipped.

“I wanted the first foray to be to come see y’all because I really kinda missed y’all,” she said.

Goldberg plans to slowly ease her way back into hosting over the next weekand-a-half, she said. She also warned people to take care of themselves.

“You think you can push through because you got a little cold, you say, ‘I’m just gonna keep going, keep going.’ And you think because you’ve healed quick before that something crazy can’t happen. Well, it can,” the

zy or vulgar or anything that would shame my family.

Q. Now when you look back on your journey from Pyaar Ka Punchnama, what do you feel about the struggle that you went through?

A. My past was filled with lots of ups and downs. It has been quite a tough journey. It took seven years for me to reach here. But thankfully, I never lost focus or patience and I kept working hard towards my goal. Today, the result is in front of everyone. I'm happy with my present. But I know that from now onwards it's going to be more difficult because now I have certain expectations to fulfil. I have to work harder now and be more careful with my choices.

Q. What are your unfulfilled dreams and ambitions and who is the one director and co-star you would like to work with?

A. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one director I'm dying to work with. He is someone whose work has always inspired me. If there is a two-hero film, I would love to have Ranbir Kapoor as my co-star. He is an amazing actor and his choice of films make me envy him.

Q. So is Ranbir a role model?

A. I'd say every actor I've grown up watching from Mr Amitabh Bachchan to Ranbir and Ranveer are my role models.

And I hope one day some newly arrived actor will see me as a role model. (Hindustan Times)

star explained. “I had double pneumonia and sepsis … And so they had to pump a lot of stuff out of me. This is a cautionary tale for all of us. You must really take care of yourself, because there is little tiny stuff out there that will kill you that you never think of.”

Goldberg, who is still recovering, says she spent three weeks in the hospital.

(Page Six)

Crossword Solution

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Sunday Times Magazine 15

Tech

F

acebook has been down for some users for nearly a full day.

The social network has been having issues since around 9 a.m. PT Wednesday, according to tracking site Down Detecter. At time of publishing, 21 hours later, many users have regained full access, but Facebook still hasn't given the all clear.

When reached for comment on Thursday, a Facebook representative said they had nothing to add beyond the company's statement from Wednesday.

"We're aware that some people are currently having trouble accessing the Facebook family of apps," a Facebook spokesperson said in an email. "We're working to resolve the issue as soon as possible."

Instagram was also down for many hours, starting at around the same time.

However, Instagram's official Twitter account announced the platform was back in action 9:41 p.m. PT time. Facebook's official Twitter account has given no such update.

Users throughout the day posted on Twitter that they're seeing a message saying Facebook is "down for maintenance."

Other users trying to post status updates on Facebook, including CNET staff, got error messages saying "something went wrong."

The outage affected users in the US,

S

amsung is working on making the entire front of its phones a screen, with no need for bezels or a camera cutout of any kind.

Yonhap News Agency reports that the company’s vice president of its display R&D group, Yang Byung-duk, said that “though it wouldn’t be possible to make (a full-screen smartphone) in the next 1-2 years, the technology can move forward to the point where the camera hole will be invisible, while not affecting the camera’s function in any way.”

The comments come less than a month after Samsung announced its latest flagship, the Galaxy S10, which is the company’s first phone to have a “hole-punch” cut out from its display for the selfie camera. Yang called the S10’s Infinity-O display a “milestone” for the company, but suggested that Samsung eventually plans to place the selfie camera under the display itself, removing the need for any cut out or pop-up mechanism.

This isn’t the first time Samsung has spoken about its plans to produce an all-dis-

Europe, South America, Australia and Asia, according to a map by Down Detector. Users of Facebook-owned WhatsApp also reported they were having trouble sending photos on the app. Virtual reality company Oculus, which is owned by Facebook, also reported that its users were having trouble accessing and using its platform.

Facebook, which makes money from selling ads, was having issues with its ad products as well.

Facebook hasn't revealed what caused the outage, but it said in a tweet Wednesday that it wasn't because of a cyberattack known as a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack where hackers try to crash a site by flooding it with too much traffic.

This isn't Facebook's first outage. In November the social network went down in a mishap caused by a test the company was running. That outage lasted about 40 minutes. That same month, Facebook and Instagram were down for hours because of what Facebook said was a server configuration. This is, however, the longest outage in Facebook's history. The previous record-holding outage occurred in 2008, when Facebook had just 125 million users.

(CNET)

play device.

In a presentation given in October last year, the company said it was working on four interrelated technologies to maximise screen sizes; under-display fingerprint scanners, under panel camera sensors, haptic display technologies, and in-display speakers (similar to the LG G8’s vibrating OLED screen).

Despite Samsung’s ambition, it’s become a rarity for the company to be first to market with new technologies such as these.

Multiple Chinese-made phones included indisplay fingerprint sensors before the feature made its way to Samsung’s flagship, and Honor’s View 20 was the first phone to feature a hole-punch display (although, as Yang notes, the S10 was the first to do it with an OLED panel). Vivo and other Chinese handsets have also produced full-screen devices by moving the cameras around back (and adding a rear display), adopting slider designs, or by creating pop-up mechanisms that hide the selfie camera inside the phone.

(The Verge)

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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Fun Times

Archie

If you pay attention to what others are doing, you'll (March 21gain insight into how to April 19) best move forward. A lateral move will only bring relief for a short period of time.

ARIES

Consider the emotional TAURUS fallout that will take place if (April 20- a loved one doesn't approve May 20) of your decisions. Make choices with widespread repercussions in mind.

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

Evaluate important relationships and be willing to walk away from anyone who is playing games with you or leading you down the wrong path. Know when to call it quits.

Realizing your potential and putting your skills and (June 21- attributes to work for you July 22) will affect how you get along with others and what you can accomplish.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Rely on peace and love, not on chaos, emotional drama and divisiveness, to rally others to your cause. If you nurture important relationships, positive change will take place.

Stretch your mind and learn something new. If you share your ideas with someone who is as curious as you are, it will only heighten the experience. A close relationship will encourage creative growth.

Volunteer to help a cause or LIBRA take part in a peaceful demon(Sept. 23stration.

You can make a differOct. 23) ence without using force, and you should walk away from anyone who believes otherwise.

Romance is highlighted.

Peanuts

A rally or unusual form SCORPIO of entertainment or creative (Oct. 24- pursuit will help you realNov. 22) ize what you want to do next.

Back away from anyone meddling in your affairs.

Truth matters, even when SAGITTARIUS you're just trying to juice up a (Nov. 23Dec. 21) story. You'll be corrected if you exaggerate or offer false information. Self-improvement is favored.

Make a change at home CAPRICORN that will relieve stress. Put (Dec. 22- an end to a squabble and offer Jan. 19) practical solutions. Do what's best for the majority.

Calvin and Hobbes Take better care of yourAQUARIUS self physically and do your (Jan. 20- best to improve important Feb. 19) relationships. Recognizing what's best and accepting others' views will help you move forward.

Walk away from disrupPISCES (Feb. 20- tive people and sticky or toxic Mar. 20) situations. Stick to the truth and people you can rely on.