Guyana Times - Sunday, March 24, 2019

LOOK INSIDE !

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 3873 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

Sunday, March 24, 2019

PRICE

No-confidence Motion

Court of Appeal erred with 34 majority reasoning – Ram Page 9

Oil and gas sector

Govt to handle sale of Guyana’s portion of crude oil – source Page 7

…separate from ExxonMobil PPP/C continues community meetings

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$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

9-hour power P16 outages expected this week

PSC urges GECOM P14 to still be ready for elections …calls for respect of Appeal Court’s ruling

Guyana failed to reduce maternal P7 death rate

High-speed chase ends with arrest of known P8 felon ...unlicensed gun, ammo found

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali continued his community meetings on Saturday at Number 55 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six

No ‘business as usual’ once Parliament Page 3 – MP 3 senior staff fired over Uitvlugt reconvenes ...as calls mount for removal of dual Page 15

Estate “flying knives” incident

citizens from National Assembly

Teen miner stabbed to death by employer Page 8

President successfully completes first phase of chemo P17 …radiotherapy to commence in April

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, March 24 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, March 25 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, March 24 – 06:30h-08:00h Monday, March 25 – 07:10h-08:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

No ‘business as usual’ once Parliament reconvenes – MP ...as calls mount for removal of dual citizens from National Assembly

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected to prevail throughout the day, followed by Sunny skies in the later afternoon.

Clear skies are expected in the evening, with overall temperatures ranging 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: 06:41h and 19:06h reaching maximum heights of 2.80 metres and 2.67 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:17h and 12:39h reaching minimum heights of 0.48 metre and 0.42 metre respectively.

Opposition MP Juan Edghill

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Minister Rupert Roopnaraine

f Parliament is reconvened by Government, it cannot be business as usual for dual citizens who have had the case for their removal from the House confirmed by the Court of Appeal after its Friday ruling on the no-confidence cases.

This is according to Opposition parliamentarian Juan Edghill, as he appeared on a Globespan24x7 Town Hall panel discussion on Saturday, which also featured Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and was moderated by journalist Dennis Chabrol.

According to Edghill, dual citizens should do the honourable thing and vacate their seats. He zeroed in on one particular dual citizen, Foreign Affairs Minister, Vice and acting President, Carl Greenidge, who is also a citizen of the United Kingdom.

“Every dual citizen who sits in Parliament must now resign. The Government must lead the way.

Instructively, last night (Friday), the Vice President (Carl Greenidge) made an

address to the nation about these matters and should have at least indicated (his next step).”

“He was affected by the rulings of the appellate court,” Edghill pointed out on the show. “Because it upheld that as a dual citizen he should not have been in the Parliament, much less as Foreign Minister representing us around the world and acting as President.”

Edghill reminded Ramjattan that it was Government who have raised the spectre of dual citizenship in hopes of discrediting its former MP, Charrandas Persaud, whose conscience vote led to the passage of the No-confidence Motion last year.

“All three Judges in the Court of Appeal upheld that you cannot be a dual citizen in the National Assembly.

The Government must lead the way, because its moral authority on the matter is being questioned. The [People’s Progressive Party] PPP, the General Secretary, has already addressed this issue. He even named the dual citizen at one of his press conferences.”

Edghill pointed out that Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, one of the dual citizens on the Opposition side, has already addressed her dilemma and that whatever promises the PPP makes it will abide by. He made it clear that even if the Government disregards the law and the court rulings regarding dual citizens, the PPP will not follow suit.

case it brought to the Chief Justice, Government had argued that Persaud’s dual citizenship status invalidated his vote in support of the No-confidence Motion that brought the Government down.

This argument also formed part of the opinions presented to Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland in the hopes that he would reverse the ruling; something the Speaker ultimately refused to do.

According to the Chief Justice, by swearing allegiance to another state, a dual citizen is not qualified to be elected to serve in the National Assembly. But Charrandas is not the only one. In the Opposition camp, Chief Whip Teixeira has already indicated her willingness to renounce her citizenship.

In the case of the Government, Minister Greenidge and Minister of State Joseph Harmon (who has US citizenship) have both failed to address if they would choose Parliament or dual citizenship when the time comes.

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Admission

Meanwhile, Minister Ramjattan acknowledged that the next logical thing for dual citizen Members of Parliament to do may be to resign, unless they renounce their foreign allegiances.

“In my view, logic means indeed they would have to resign. I don’t know what will happen, but if I had my way that would be the natural course of events, unless they renounce their citizenship from those countries overseas.”

In February, Chief Justice Roxane George had ruled on the case filed by Compton Reid over the dual citizenship of former AFC Member of Parliament (MP) Charrandas Persaud. In the

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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

Judicial overreach

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he Appellate Court’s panel of three justices: Chancellor Edwards-Cummings, Justice Rishi Persaud and Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes, in a 2-1 split decision -- with Justice Persaud dissenting -- surprised many objective observers by reversing the holding of the High Court that the 33-32 vote in favour of the NCM in the National Assembly was valid. What occasioned the surprise was the rationale offered by the two justices for their decision.

They accepted the arguments offered by the Grenadian attorney for the Government that, unlike the passage of “normal” legislation, that of a no-confidence motion necessitated an “absolute” rather than a “simple” majority. It is critical to note that the pertinent article of the Constitution, Art 106 (6), does not qualify the word “majority”, as indeed is the case in the entire Constitution.

The High Court had found that in the instant case the distinction was irrelevant, but had used a totally different definition of the terms, as inferred by our Constitution.

Under the heading “Voting”, Art 168 (1) says, “Save as otherwise provided by this Constitution, all questions proposed for decision in the National Assembly shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting.” This, the CJ pointed out, was a “simple majority”. Article 106 (6), on the other hand, says, “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the government is defeated by a majority of the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” She pointed out that this was an “absolute majority”, and in fact is the distinction made in India, where votes of no-confidence are quite common, and in fact require only a simple majority.

As the CJ did, India also recognise as the “majority” the entity in the Assembly with one seat more than all the others combined out of the total elected seats. In Guyana, this was 33 vs 32 in our 65-member Assembly.

In her Appellate decision, the Chancellor alluded to Article 164, which outlines the various “majorities” needed to alter specific Articles of the Constitution, based on their significance. It includes the “majority” of Art 106 as the lowest, and proceeds upwards to those that need 2/3 votes of the members of the Assembly to those that need a majority, followed by a referendum.

Yet she chose to accept the arcane suggestion of the Government’s attorney that because the results of an NCM are so “important”, it should not only be classified as an “absolute” majority that is at variance with the CJ’s and other jurisdictions’ definition, but also adopted the attorney’s formula for calculating it. That is, to divide the total number of seats, 65, by 2 to yield 32.5., round up this to 33, and then add 1 to arrive at 34 as the needed majority to pass this “important” motion.

They ignored that mathematical “set theory” would have delivered the CJ’s result.

What the Chancellor and Justice Gregory-Barnes have done is not only to arbitrarily foist a notion of “absolute majority” onto the Constitution, which is totally at variance with its own usage, but also to introduce a formula to suggest she is using it formalistically, i.e. merely applying “law to facts”, even though her “justification” of the NCM being “very important” betrays her subjective value judgement for their own agenda.

Important to whom, in the present context? As one noted jurist warned: “‘Judicial activism’ should not become ‘judicial adventurism’ and lead a judge going in pursuit of his own notions of justice, ignoring the limits of the law.”

What these two Justices of the Appellate Ct have done is to open up a Pandora’s Box into the operations of the National Assembly. Unless and until their decision is overturned by the CCJ, who will decide which motion or Bill laid before the National Assembly is or is not “important” enough to demand this “absolute majority”??

In our estimation, we believe this definition of “majorities” is best left to the Legislature, by the representatives of the people.

Some 1300 persons had to be rescued from a 12-day Northern Lights cruise that departed from Bergen, Norway on March 14, 2019.

The maritime rescue service on Saturday said the Viking Sky suffered an engine failure and had sent a mayday signal as it had been drifting towards land. The crew was later able to restart one engine and the vessel was at anchor about two kilometres from land in Hustadsvika Bay, allowing the evacuation effort to continue. Rescue teams with helicopters and boats were sent to help, and the evacuation process (CNN photo)

Judicial arm has invalidated a resolution passed and certified in Legislature Dear Editor, In the last three months, since the successful passage of the no-confidence motion by the National Assembly, there has been much talk about the need for “maturity” in Guyanese politics.

In watching Acting President Carl Greenidge address the nation to explain the consequences of the ruling of the Court of Appeal in the no-confidence matters, I saw a politician stand and deliver pronouncements that suggest that the judicial arm of Government has invalidated a resolution on a motion passed and certified in the Legislature.

This is a legal impossibility; why then has the Leader of the Opposition not challenged this assertion?

The answer lies in Bharrat Jagdeo’s maturity. Political maturity encompasses being aware of the correct time and location to behave and knowing when to act according to the circumstances and the culture of the society

one lives in and correctness of responses based on the principle that the welfare of the people is paramount.

Jagdeo is well aware of the tensions that exist in the country due to the intransigence of the Granger Administration.

The blatant refusal to accept the rule of law is beyond comprehension of the few who understand the issues, and I say the few because there has been a massive campaign of disinformation by the Directorate of public information that has led to a truly confused populace.

It takes great strength of mind to withstand the notions of half-men and legal ‘magic-mathics’.

Jagdeo has not raised the issue because of his pragmatic approach to the welfare of all Guyanese.

What good could come from the insistence on the academic nature of the court challenges when the Government is trumpeting that the NCM has been “invalidated”.

The mature thing to

do is to recognise the ruling of the court, accept the impracticality and danger of further exacerbating tensions by contradicting Greenidge and move to have the ruling overturned in the final court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). This is maturity in politics.

The number of persons who understand the implications of this breach of the sacrosanct separation of powers doctrine can be fit into a small room to the left of the unreasonable.

Carl Greenidge made his address as Acting President with full knowledge that the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Chief Justice that persons holding dual citizenship cannot sit as members of Parliament, that is, act as President or sit in the National Assembly.

In flagrant contempt of the law, Greenidge, a dual-citizen, clearly refuses to abide by one ruling of the court while misleading citizens on the other. This is immaturity in politics.

No dual-citizen of the

Granger Administration in Parliament has even indicated an acknowledgement of the rulings of the court, although sought and obtained by their Cabinet colleague, Attorney General Basil Williams.

Is Williams going to uphold the law and seek contempt of court changes for Messrs? Harmon, Greenidge et al? Stirred up by the actions of Charrandas Persaud, the people genuinely want an end to dual-citizens as representatives in the National Assembly.

Williams has had eight weeks to do so and has failed to act. That is immaturity in politics.

Chief Whip of the PPP/C, Gail Teixeira has made clear statements that she will vacate her seat when Parliament reconvenes and expects to be replaced by a person on her party’s list, along with any other dual-citizens currently seated in Parliament.

That is maturity in politics.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

The vote of two vs the people and Constitution Dear Editor, It has shown time again that courts have made decisions that goes against all logic and standing precedents in order to achieve a certain outcome.

And in the case of our Court of Appeal, we see this playing out in full force. We cite many of the oldest and largest democracies in the

world as a good source for understanding the context of majority votes and how it is applied.

There are three ways that a majority vote works and they are: a simple majority, an absolute majority and a special majority. In cases where the need for an absolute majority is not stated, then we default to a sim-

ple majority.

In our Constitution, there is no mention of an absolute majority and as such, a simple majority is to be used.

Therefore, unless the Court of Appeal has the power to rewrite the Constitution, they should follow due process and standing precedents until such time that the Constitution is

amended.

In the world’s largest democracies, a simple majority is used for, among other things, the passing of no-confidence motions and it is defined by a majority of one when there is an odd number and a majority of plus one when there is an even number. 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

Unbelievable "voodoo" arithmetic PAHO should release

Dear Editor, The word is unbelievable, that is the expression on everyone's lips today, that an Appellate Court could now overturn the ruling of the Chief Justice on the basis of some "voodoo" arithmetic that 34 votes constitute a majority.

In essence, the Appeal Court has made a 180-degree turnaround and went against the ruling in the lower court. Then we have reason to ask what caused a change of heart?

The answer is that those Justices in the Appeal Court were influenced.

Just as in the Burnhamite days, the Judiciary has once again become tainted by the Government.

Guyana has returned to the fold of corrupt nations of the Third World, where the Judiciary cannot in-

terpret the law and act independently and judiciously. Guyana has now returned to the state of being the mocking stock of the Caribbean.

Now, let's take a closer look at Friday's ruling. In making that decision, the learned two judges of the Appeal Court failed to acknowledge certain germane aspects of the Constitution.

In the first place, our Constitution has as its main clause that a Government (paraphrase) loses its hold on power/office on the successful passage of a no-confidence vote of "the majority" in the house.

That majority is 33 in a 65 seat Assembly. That aspect of our Constitution cannot be glossed over; that is the law!

We do not have to go very far to validate this be-

cause the coalition exists as a Government based on a count of 33 as against 32 for the opposition. In my view, to have attained that important place of forming a Government based on a mere one seat (33) is more important a milestone than 34 to unseat them. More so than the present re-interpretation of the law to mean 34 to unseat them.

That’s not something enshrined in ours!

Secondly, they upheld Charrandas as a legally elected Member of Parliament, but on the other hand, when it came to voting on the no-confidence motion, his vote was considered illegal and invalid?

What nonsense, how can this be?

On the one hand, he is considered legal, but on the other, you are counting

him out? This is total nonsense, we have been delivered legal bunk, pure and simple, and this has to be appealed with the utmost urgency.

The two justices, in their haste to give the Government "a chance", has given the most convoluted ruling ever. It has opened up our legal system to all sorts of interpretations contrary to law. That ruling has certainly exposed our legal system for ridicule ad infinitum.

This is certainly not the end of this matter. We are in for further legal arguments which, in my view, will see this ruling overturned and the former High Court ruling upheld.

I rest my case.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Mathematics for National Assembly

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

There are 65 elected members of the National Assembly – all voted on the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018: 33 for and 32 against = 65.

This meets the requirement of Article 106 (6), it is also the absolute majority.

According to the Court of Appeal’s 2 to 1 decision on this matter, the majority of the 65 members in the National Assembly is 34 and not 33.

If this is so, despite the plain and unambiguous English language of the Constitution, then the National Assembly should have 34+32=66 members by importing one member.

What is the majority to the Court of Appeal? Using the ruling that the majority of 65 is 34 and not 33 although 33 is a higher number than 32, then the majority in a three-member Appeal Court would be 1.5 rounded up to 2+1=3+1 = 4.

Similarly, the majority of the 7 members of GECOM would be 3.5 rounded up to 4+1 = 5, the absolute majority in being consistent with the decision of the Court of Appeal.

Some judges and law-

yers need to take refresher courses in language arts and basic mathematics.

Are the Appeal Court judges going to rewrite the mathematics textbooks for our student with their new maths?

The nation is being treated with a display of judicial and legal double standards and hypocrisy.

May Almighty God help our nation.

Sincerely, Joshua Singh

The vote of two vs the people...

Therefore, it would be surprising to many legal minds to find that two of three judges have decided to rule in favour of a scenario relevant to an even number and not in accordance to our present situation of an odd number.

Then the questions are asked, how do we form a Government with a majority of 33 but are not able to pass a motion? And does this mean the 2015 election is a statistical tie and we should go to a runoff? And what is the purpose of 32 seats?

Because if we follow what the court ruled, 32 seats is now a phantom number that does not exist.

I smell many things in

from page 4

the air including a fish market.

Sincerely, Malcolm Watkins

data on “Impact Goals” for 2014-2019 Dear Editor, There has been much discussion in the press recently on the factors that would have hindered the attainment of the “Impact Goals” in the PAHO Strategic Plan 2014-2019 for the Guyana health sector. Could the Head of PAHO, Dr William Adu-Krow, release the data on how Guyana performed in terms of achievement of the “Impact Goals” set out

by PAHO for 2014-2019?

This information must be in the public domain and should be of interest to all Guyanese, especially those in the health sector.

Sincerely, Dr Madhu Pandey Singh MD (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), DCP CEO, Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital

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Foundation

Young volunteers conduct outreach in Tiger Bay

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he Department of Youth on Saturday engaged a number of youths from the Tiger Bay area, Georgetown, during an outreach aimed at building resilient communities.

The activity was hosted through a partnership with private stakeholders and featured young volunteers who were willing to share their expertise and time with the children. The outreach saw many youths being educated on various social issues along with other craft activities.

Among those in attendance was Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine, who stated that such events help to foster unity.

“This activity can enable us to embrace each other with unity and spread that love among ourselves. We have the interest of the people and this is what we’re here to do to give the support you need and assist you in various ways,” Narine said to the residents.

Social Cohesion Minister,

Dr George Norton assured that these outreaches will materialise in other communities. Prior to the programme, a walkabout was conducted throughout the community to address the concerns shared by residents.

“The youths in this country has a leading role to play…This is not the first activity we’re going to have in this community. You can look forward to more. This is the first of many activities to come,” stated Norton.

Meanwhile, Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael stated, “We recognise the culture of volunteerism. We also recognise the importance of paying it forward. As young people, it is always good to remember that giving your service very often is most important than any other service you may give.”

Some 15 families who are in need were also given hampers and free meals from other stakeholders via donations.

Throughout the day, over 20 children were involved in

(Continued from Saturday)

By Genevieve Simperingham

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his slowing down process helps children to feel more safe and secure in the parent child relationship in general it lowers rather than raises a child's stress levels. Children can only really access their more logical thinking when they feel safe and secure. Children need a lot more time than adults to process their thoughts, feelings and needs, they need more time to communicate, to express themselves.

When parents expect their children to think, express and act at an adult pace, children can easily become discouraged and shut down, they can either give up trying to express their real feelings and needs, this is often when they become very resistant, or the other reaction of becoming aggressive and perhaps

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton and Mayor Ubraj Narine (standing centre back) along with volunteers and some of the families from Tiger Bay, Georgetown

the programme and learned the dynamics of robotics and other leading advancements in the present generation.

The volunteerism exercise is one that engaged teenage youths who were willing to lend their free time to-

shouting or demanding or starting a fight with their sibling.

A parent can shift gear into using active listening at any point in an interaction

Many parents when first learning these new communication skills, don't remember to use active listening until they can see that things are going down hill in a particular interaction, their child is becoming upset or resistant, so they see this as their cue to start using active listening. Active listening can start with reflecting the parent's reading of the feelings their child is expressing and reflecting that back; "hmm it looks like you're finding it hard to hear what I'm asking you to do this morning? Does that sound right?" Once the communication develops, it can help to ask your child "hmm what do you need my sweetheart?". I'm a big fan of terms of endearment for expressing love and affection and messages that we're not an-

wards aiding communities where a support mechanism is lacking. They were recruited through the Volunteer

Support Platform (VPS), which was formed with Government, the Private Sector and civil society.

noyed at our child in that moment.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of active listening and it’s application as a parent, I highly recommend reading Parent Effectiveness Training by Thomas Gordon.

Here’s a quote from the book relating to active listening; "Paradoxically, this method will increase the parent's influence on the child, but it is an influence that differs from the kind that most parents try to exert over their children. Active listening is a method of influencing children to find their own solutions to their own problems. Most parents, however, are tempted to take over ownership of their children's problems."

Some of the less healthy responses to a child/friend/partner who shares a problem; * giving advice “what you should have done was .....”, * competing “I wish that was all I had to worry about,”, * trying to fix “I’ll talk to her and tell her …. “, * psycho-analysing “ah yes it’s your fears and resistance that are causing your problems with friends” * and other responses that invalidate and minimise the person's feelings.

Active listening is an invaluable skill that can strengthen all relationships in a person's life when practiced

When parents practice active listening, being mindful of their child’s response will tell them whether the child has become defensive or has actually felt seen, heard, cared for, understood, felt more relaxed and consequently has more space to listen and start to work out their problems. We can guide, facilitate, reflect and support without taking over control of our child’s problems. Children who feel respectfully listened to tend to much more freely seek their parent's advice and guidance. (www.peacefulparent.com)

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Oil and gas sector

Govt to handle sale of Guyana’s portion of crude oil – source …separate from ExxonMobil

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ith first oil just around the corner, Guyana appears to be poised to market and sell its own portion of crude oil, as opposed to having oil giant ExxonMobil sell on the country’s behalf.

According to sources close to the Energy Department, a plan is still being developed for how the oil will be sold – one which will aim to find Guyana the best markets based on profitability. Guyana Times understands, however, that it is still in the early planning stages.

Back in 2017, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman was reported in sections of the media saying that the sale of its share of petroleum to local buyers could be considered. He had noted that what government wanted was a profitable model.

In 2017, Director of Advisory Services at Hartree Partners, Pedro Haas, had

revealed that the cost to construct an oil refinery in Guyana would be US$5 billion. Haas had been tasked with carrying out a feasibility study for an oil refinery in Guyana. According to Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Cabinet is still to review the findings of the study.

The feasibility study found that it would be too costly for the Government to invest in an oil refinery. The consultant had said that the final results of the study show that Guyana would be “destroying over half the value of your investment the day you commission your refinery.”

The company looked at economic models used in other oil-producing countries and compared them with the scale and complexity of Guyana’s potential oil market to come up with the recommendations. Expert opinions from oil and engineering companies were also

taken on board.

But persons have expressed an interest in building an oil refinery in Guyana. A team of professional foreign investors has expressed interest in establishing an oil refinery in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), with the intention of providing technical skills training to the community’s workforce and education sector.

Prospects for the initiative were discussed on Wednesday when the team met with regional stakeholders at the office of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in Linden.

The team was led by US-based Ghanian entrepreneur Quincy SintimAboagye who owns an oil company and Alfred Fafali Adagbedu who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seaweld Engineering Limited in Ghana.

Apart from the refinery, the team had also ex-

Guyana failed to reduce maternal death rate

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ith Guyana’s last mortality rate standing at 229 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Shamdeo Persaud, has said Guyana has failed to meet a number of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which include reducing the alarming rates of maternal deaths.

Dr Persaud made the disclosure during an inter-

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud

view with Guyana Times on Friday. According to the

CMO, not only did Guyana fail to reduce these numbers but also the numbers in relation to infant and child mortality.

“There were even some goals in the MDGs that we didn’t quite meet, including reducing maternal deaths, infant and child mortality and some of the other services that we have to provide so we are working on putting that together,” the CMO told this publication. turn to page 17

Exxon’s operations in the Stabroek Block

pressed intentions to establish a hotel and to develop economic avenues for local farming. The two sides also discussed the possibil-

ity of implementing training at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI). The investors have posited that there will be opportunities for job

creation and training in areas such as welding.

Other benefits they had highlighted are cheaper gas and electricity prices with additional interests in crude oil, bauxite expansion, the establishment of an industrial complex in Guyana.

After its 10th discovery of oil in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil has estimated the recoverable resource in the block to be five billion oil equivalent barrels. At US$50 a barrel, that equates to well over US$200 billion.

Then there is the fact that two subsequent discoveries were made earlier this year. In addition, an independent assessment, or competent persons report, had found that 2.9 billion barrels of oil existed in the Orinduik block.

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Teen miner stabbed to death by employer

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nother teen miner is now dead after being allegedly murdered by a close relative who was also his employer.

Nineteen-year-old Dave Boyal, a miner of Batavia, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was killed on Friday. Reports are the incident occurred at about 22:00h in the vicinity of Blackwater Island Backdam, Cuyuni River.

Reports are that Boyal and other miners were in their hammocks when the alleged perpetrator entered the mining camp. He appeared

intoxicated and commenced cutting down the hammocks that the miners (including Boyal) had tied.

According to the police, Boyal tried to persuade his relative to desist from doing so, and it was during this intervention that the suspect picked up an arrow and fatally stabbed the teenager in the abdomen.

The 30-year-old suspect, who also hailed from Batavia Island, Cuyuni River, was subsequently arrested and is currently in Police custody.

Boyal’s body is at Bartica Hospital’s mortuary awaiting

a post-mortem.

Just last month, alcohol and quick tempers proved to be a deadly mix when another 19-year-old miner was stabbed to death by his associate in a camp at Frenchman, located a few miles from Mabura.

The dead teen, Alex Daniels, was said to be consuming alcohol with his killer when an argument broke out. Persons around intervened but when the duo returned to their camp, the argument escalated and the perpetrator used a knife to stab Daniels in the region of

his heart.

In December 2018, another miner lost his life after being allegedly stabbed to death by a Brazilian national whom he was arguing with over bar-b-que sausages.

The suspect, a chef, was said to be engaged in a heated argument with the now dead man over the frying of sausages, which led to the chef allegedly stabbing the man to his chest.

In October last, a gold miner allegedly stabbed a 20-year-old to death as they argued over cigarettes in the Potaro mining community.

High-speed chase ends with arrest of known felon - unlicensed gun, ammo found

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n unlicensed firearm with matching ammunition along with a spent shell was unearthed by law enforcement officers following a high-speed chase between them and two men who were in a white Toyota Premio motorcar in the streets of Georgetown on Friday afternoon.

One of the two suspects is

a known felon, Police said.

During the high-speed chase, ranks noticed that a gun was thrown from the car in which the men were in at the corners of Smyth and Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

Reports are at about 14:30h, a police patrol unit noticed the known felon in the car acting in a suspicious manner and approached the

vehicle. Realising that the police vehicle was approaching, the two suspects tried to escape by driving away.

As a result of this, the ranks in pursuit called for backup and another police patrol vehicle arrived to render assistance and the chase commenced.

The men were eventually cornered and the two live

rounds and a spent shell were found inside of the car. The police subsequently picked up the gun which the men had thrown out and found it to be a .32 revolver.

According to the police, the two men are in custody pending charges and are also being questioned in relation to several other offences including armed robberies.

Is the law…

I …an ass?

n Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist”, when the henpecked Mr Bumble is told by a lawyer in court that he’s responsible for his wife’s actions, “for the law supposes that your wife acts under your direction,” he indignantly retorted, “If the law supposes that, the law is an ass — an idiot.” The point, of course, is that the law cannot be applied in a formulaic manner, but must take into consideration the concrete circumstances in question.

And when the law doesn’t even specify a formula but the court willfully concocts and dogmatically applies one in a nationally groundbreaking case, it simply makes the law into an ass to the Nth degree!

And this is exactly what transpired in our Appellate Court, posing a grave danger to our democracy by undermining a pivotal institution.

And that’s what the Appellate Court did when two of its members chose to overturn the decision of the Chief Justice in the High Court - that in an Assembly of 65 members, the “majority” is 33. Now bear in mind that the Article of the Constitution being interpreted was Art 106 (6), which says quite simply and clearly: “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.”

The Article talks of a “majority” – as indeed the entire constitution does -- and in no way, shape or form is ever qualified or distinguished into a “simple” or “absolute” majority. So to pass bills, including Budgets or the AML/CFT Bill, all it took was a majority, which over the last four years was the 33 seats of the APNU/ AFC coalition.

In fact, when the PPP moved the NCM, Amna Ally screamed, “Bring it on!! We have the needed 33-seat majority!!”

When the Government - as appellants to the Speaker’s ruling that the NCM was validly passed raised the distinction, the Chief Justice did note that, in parliamentary democracies, a “simple majority” is the majority of the members of the Assembly PRESENT and voting, while an “absolute majority” demands a majority of ALL the members of the assembly. So in India’s lower house, for instance, with 645 members, the “absolute majority” is 273 – the greater of two portions.

In the NCM, here in Guyana on Dec 21, 2018, since all the 65 members were present and voted, then the “simple majority” and “absolute majority” were one and the same.

So what do you say when 2 Appellate Justices INSERTED into Art 106 (6) the need for not just an ABSOLUTE majority, but one that demanded rounding off HALF BODIES and then making them whole??

That the law is an ass?

…going to be exploited?

As the Opposition Leader pointed out, when the Chief Justice in the High Court ruled that the President and Cabinet should’ve resigned on Dec 31, and that the Government would end on March 21, the PNCled Government blithely went along as if nothing had changed. They just thumbed their noses at the Court and the ruling by renaming the Cabinet meetings as “plenary” meetings.

The Opposition Leader wondered, after the Appellate Court shock ruling, whether the Government would now NOT call elections. Of course they won’t!! He’d thrown them into panic mode with the successful NCM, because of their plans for gaming the elections machinery – read the GECOM head; the Dep CEO, and 90 per cent of the Secretariat from the PNC’s “constituency”.

Now the pressure’s off they’ll get to work on the voters list – a nip here and a tuck there will go a long way to “fixing” their majority. Especially when they now have to “get” 34 seats!!

…now making the courts a laughing stock?

After the Appellate Court’s thunderbolt, even ordinary folks started mocking them. They wanted to know whether their 2-1 decision was a “majority” by their “rule”.

Dividing 3 by 2 gives 1.5; rounding it upwards gives 2, and then adding 1 requires 3 votes!!

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

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SUnDAY, march 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

No-confidence Motion

Court of Appeal erred with 34 majority reasoning – Ram A

ttorney and social commentator, Christopher Ram, has signalled his intention to the Court of Appeal’s recent rulings, saying that the court was “wrong” in its interpretation of what constitutes a majority in the National Assembly.

Ram had petitioned the High Court to have Government resign and President David Granger call elections within 90 days as stipulated by Articles 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution. Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George, had ruled that Cabinet should have resigned upon the passage of the Noconfidence Motion. But the State appealed the decision and with the Appeal Court 2:1 split ruling that the No-confidence Motion was invalid without a 34 majority vote, the orders granted to Ram, though upheld by acting Chancellor Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards and Justice Rishi Persaud on Friday, became irrelevant.

As such, on Saturday, Ram posited that the Court made a grave error of unquestioning acceptance of decisions and principles from afar with no regard that, at best, can be of no more than persuasive value. In the process, he added, Friday’s decision marked a turning point in Guyana’s jurisprudence, introducing a harmful level of uncertainty

Attorney Christopher Ram

Justice Rishi Persaud

into constitutional and statutory interpretation in local courts.

“Because I believe that the Court of Appeal was wrong on the question of what constitutes a majority under Article 106, I have instructed Counsel to appeal the decision to the Caribbean Court of Justice,” Ram stated.

He pointed out that the Chief Justice had made a number of declarations of which, arguably, the single most important was that 33 is a majority of 65, a principle embedded in the 1966 Independence Constitution and has been accepted and applied by the Legislature, one of the three pillars of separation of power, in every decision in the National Assembly since then.

“The Court of Appeal upheld every one of the decisions by the Chief Justice while overturning her on what many saw as the basic,

simple and commonsense issue of the majority. For the respondents, succeeding on the other issues was no more than a pyrrhic victory. To say that the decision of the Court of Appeal was a surprise would be the understatement of the century. In my view, it was an exercise in judicial law making in clear violation of the court’s power, function and duty to interpret the Constitution,” asserted Ram, an attorney and chartered accountant as well.

Ram recalled that during Friday’s ruling, one of the Judges citing a passage from a foreign jurisdiction that any legislation means what it says and does not mean what it does not say.

He then pointed to Attorney Anil Nandlall’s submissions to the court in which he cited that the dictum in perhaps the most famous local constitutional case (AG v Mohammed Ali) that, “It is

Acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards

a strong thing to read into an act of Parliament words which are not there, and in the absence of a clear necessity, it is a wrong thing to do.”

That unfortunately, according to Ram, is exactly what the Court of Appeal appears to have done. He added that it took some effort to hear the Appellate Judges say how attracted they were by the arguments of Grenadian Senior Counsel, Dr Francis Alexis, that a vote of no confidence is so important that it required a majority not contemplated by the Constitution.

“Impressed by this argument, the Court by a simple majority, effectively ruled

Justice Dawn Gregory

that there was a clear necessity to import and insert not only words that were not there, but the concept of absolute majority which does not exist anywhere in our Constitution.

Interestingly, if the same principle is applied to a vote of confidence brought by the Government in a 33-32 National Assembly, the motion would fail because it did not receive 34 votes,” the political analyst contended.

Furthermore, he stressed that the court must also be aware that had former AFC Member of Parliament, Charrandas Persaud, not cast an adverse vote, 33 would have been accepted as a majority. On this point, he also reminded that the 2019

Budget was not passed by a majority of 34, noting that it is unlikely that anyone would argue that a Budget is not special.

Ram, nevertheless, insisted that while each of the appellate Judges emphasised that they would expand on their opinions in their written judgments to follow, the majority was not shy in giving prominence to the submission by Dr Alexis in particular even though Nandlall, in his view, did a point by point rebuttal of Alexis’ arguments even citing relevant passages from Alexis’ own book.

In fact, Ram added that the court also referred, with apparent approval, to cases cited by Attorney Roysdale Forde, representing Minister Joseph Harmon, but appeared to have been unattracted by the manner in which Nandlall, representing Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in the proceedings, countered to show that the cases were either inapplicable to the language of the Guyana Constitution or that passages were selectively used by Forde, while he conveniently did not cite crucial passages adverse to his client’s case.

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SUnDAY, march 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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SUnDAY, march 24, 2019 | guyanatimesGY.com

Chef in ‘hot water’ after gun, ammo found in mining camp

Checkmate

I

n the last few weeks, as the countdown to March 21 drew closer, there was apprehension from some quarters that there might be “trouble” – as had occurred during the last two decades after the PNC disputed the outcome of elections. With great confidence, I assured my interlocutors there would be “no trouble”. The PNC, after all, were not trying to get the PPP out of office; while the latter and their supporters might be frustrated and even angry, they are in no position to “make trouble”.

It is a fact of the human condition that when an individual’s expectations are unfulfilled, a frustrating situation is created when he becomes aware of the forces preventing him from achieving his goals.

In general, the emotional response to frustration is anger. The individual in attempting to reduce his frustrations may intensify his attempts to achieve his goals. When the frustrating situation affects many or all members of a particular group – as the Government’s actions Ravi Dev against the PPP supporters’ expectations for an early elections after Charrandas’ NCM – a group response may be elicited. But much depends on the coherence and strategy of the group’s leadership, in this case the PPP. The strength of the anger instigated by the frustration varies directly with the perceived success for achieving the goals that were anticipated – here having elections by March 21, 2019 – but not achieved due to the PNC’s delaying tactics and intransigence to uphold the dictates of the Article 106 (6). The majority of Indians didn’t really believe the PNC would voluntarily comply, based on their history of bullyism and this lessened the depth of their anger, dependent as it was, on the likelihood of them attaining their thwarted goal.

In general, however, the anger of the frustrated PPP supporters could have been expressed in a reaction continuum of apparent resignation, non-violent protest or civil violence, depending on the interplay of the mediating variables of what are called “social control” factors – which serve to inhibit the expression of anger into violence – and “social facilitation” factors – which serve to encourage violent expressions. In the present scenario, the social control factors far outweighed the social facilitation factors, hence the resigned silence and sense of deflation in the PPP constituency that greeted the decision of the divided Appellate Court when it struck down the NCM on very specious grounds.

In “social control”, a major factor in the likelihood of an aggrieved group like Indians choosing violence to achieve its thwarted goals is its perception of the retribution, which may be unleashed against it. The retribution may be violence, discrimination, and deprivation of goods or freedom – all of which were used against the Opposition by the PNC during the 1970s and 80s. In terms of the PNC, it is not only their actual use of violence but their capacity to use it that is important. The PNC always had this capacity in and out of office and have repeatedly declared that the members of the Disciplined Forces, which were built up and staffed during their dictatorial regime and are now being replenished, are its “kith and kin”.

PNC leader Desmond Hoyte is on record as saying without any fear of contradiction that the PPP only responds to “force and pressure”. The leadership of the PNC also acts on the premise that the leadership of the PPP – in addition to not possessing the capacity to use violence – does not even possess the will to do so. They expect the PPP to hark to the “principle of anticipated reactions” – of the armed forces and the lumpen elements in Georgetown – and call upon its supporters to “stay calm” and not to retaliate. The PNC Government is assured they have nothing to fear from this quarter.

Leaders have to appreciate the power implications on each ethnic group of every act that they perform – including rigging elections. Power has two major attributes – resources and their mobilisation. The resources of the group include the group’s total numbers, physical and financial assets, social organisation, culture and belief system, and education and skills. But in Guyana, the PNC’s control of the armed forces, bureaucracy and the other state institutions trump the PPP’s mobilisation capabilities of its not insignificant resources.

Expect the PNC to now complete preparations to retain power post 2020.

T

he tables have turned for a chef, who has now found himself in hot water after Police found an unlicensed shotgun along with live cartridges at the mining camp where he works.

Reports are that ranks of F Division (Interior locations) received reports that someone at the mining camp had an illegal weapon.

The ranks descended on the camp at Kupang Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) at about 10:00h on Friday and found the man alone.

A search was conducted on the mining camp and the police found an unlicensed shotgun along with 29 live cartridges and an

The gun and ammunition that was found in the mining camp

empty cartridge casing. The 38-year-old chef was immediately taken into Police custody where he is said to be co-operating with the police in their investigation.

In February of this year, the police arrested a miner

who was found with an unlicensed revolver along with matching rounds of ammunition at Obama Road, Upper Mazaruni.

Reports are that the ranks at the time were acting on information when

they conducted a search on the miner and found the .38 revolver along with 10 matching rounds of ammunition.

Also last month, a shopkeeper was also taken into Police custody when he was found to be in possession of a shotgun at the Makari Landing, Upper Mazaruni River.

The Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was observed by ranks who were on patrol duties to be acting in a suspicious manner.

While he was being approached, he was seen throwing a long object into some nearby bushes. When the said object was retrieved, it was found to be an unlicensed gun.

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guyanatimesGY.com

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14 news PSC urges GECOM to still be ready for elections SUnDAY, march 24, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

…calls for respect of Appeal Court’s ruling

T

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) has called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to continue its arrangements for the hosting of General and Regional Elections.

The PSC on Saturday in urging respect for the Court of Appeal’s decision on the no-confidence motions – which it ruled was not successfully passed – called on GECOM to continue its preparations for the holding of elections “whenever they become constitutionally due”.

The Appeal Court on Friday ruled that for a 33seat majority Government

to be voted out, 34 votes are required for a no-confidence motion to be validly passed even if one of its members voted against them. On December 21, 2018, the no-confidence motion, which was brought by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, was passed and

certified by the Speaker of the National Assembly after the then Government Member of Parliament, Charrandas Persaud made a conscious decision and

voted in favour of the motion.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the PSC added that as a consequence of the ruling of the Appellate Court, it calls upon “all of the political parties and their supporters and, indeed, the entire country to respect the decision of the Court”.

In a decision, which has been highly criticised, the Appeal Court judges in a 2:1 split decision ruled that a majority of 34 votes would have been needed to validly pass the no-confidence motion brought against the Government last year.

The ruling means that the motion was not validly passed, and hence the coalition Administration was not toppled as a result of the events that occurred in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018 – when the minority Opposition had secured the crossover vote from Persaud.

Acting Chief Justice Roxanne George had, in January, upheld the December 21, 2018, passage of the no-confidence motion, ruling that in Guyana’s 65-member National Assembly, a majority is 33. This, however, was appealed by Attorney General Basil Williams.

While Justice Rishi Persaud on Friday dismissed the appeal and conferred with the ruling of the High Court, his colleague appellate judges allowed the State’s appeal.

Both Justices Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Dawn Gregory opined that while 33 is the majority of the 65-member National Assembly, the successful passage of a no-confidence motion requires an “absolute majority” of 34, and not the “simple” majority of 33 that has been used to pass ordinary business in the House. The Opposition has since indicated that they will be moving to the Caribbean Court of Justice to further peruse the case.

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

Promoting sustainable Forest Management through Environmental Authorisation

O

n March 21, 2019, Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating “International Day of Forests”. As you are well aware, forests are not only the lungs of the earth, but they are home to millions of species, and provide us with jobs, livelihoods and other services necessary to sustain our lives.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to work assiduously to ensure development does not compromise our environment and jeopardise our health and ultimate well-being. One of the ways the Agency does this is through its Environmental Authorisation Process. In this regard, the Agency continues to build capacity of Community Forest Operators to ensure they become authorised through the EU-FLEGT project.

86 persons from Regions 6 and 10 are the latest beneficiaries A total of eighty-six (86) persons, inclusive of Community Forest Operators (CFOs), women and youths from Regions 10 and 6 were the latest beneficiaries of capacity building workshops held under the EUFLEGT project. The project being implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency seeks to sensitise Community Forest Operators on the Environmental Authorisation process. The workshops were held on March 7, 12 and 13, 2019 in Linden, New Amsterdam and Orealla respectively. Participants represented CFOs and other interest groups from the communities of Rockstone, Coomacka, Bara Cara, Plegtanker, as well as Orealla and Siparuta. These workshops follow those previously held in Regions 1, 2, 7, 9 and 10, with a total number of 246 persons having been engaged thus far.

The overall aim of this component of EU-FLEGT project is to ensure all Community Forest Operators become authorised in keeping with the Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana. Participants were exposed to both practical and theoretical components of the Environmental Authorisations’ process. A key component of the workshop entailed detailed guidance on filling out of the application form for environmental authorisation and providing the supporting documents to complete the process.

Participants expressed gratitude for this type of intervention and made a commitment to become authorised at the earliest time.

The last series of workshops will be conducted in Regions 3 and 4 in April. The Agency will continue to work with the Guyana Forestry Commission and other partners to ensure Forestry Operations have the best environmental and social safeguards in place while remaining economically viable.

You can make contact to the Agency on 225-54712; www.epaguyana.org or epaguyana on Facebook, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN should you have questions regarding Environmental Authorisation

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SUnDAY, march 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

3 senior staff fired over Uitvlugt Estate “flying knives” incident

The potential economic benefits of a deep-water port and the BrazilGuyana Road link

T

he notion of a deep-water port and a road linking Brazil and Guyana is nothing new. The conceptualisation of this initiative was developed and publicly discussed a long time ago. Hypothetically, these are indeed good developmental initiatives to transform the economic development of any small developing nation like Guyana.

With approximately 80 per cent of the world’s merchandise trade carried by ships, maritime transport remains by far the most common mode of international freight and transport.

It is the backbone of facilitating international trade, offering the most economical and reliable method to move goods over long distances. Ships can carry long volumes of merchandise and use free highways in the seas, requiring only infrastructure developments at the seaports.

In Guyana’s case, we may have to build new seaports in addition to effecting infrastructure developments at existing seaports. The performance of ports is an essential element of overall trade costs for all countries (AfricanBank Development Report, 2010).

Against this background, it is widely recognised that an efficient transport system that facilitates the economical movement of goods, resources and people is vital for economic growth, and by extension globalisation. In a historical context, during the 19th century, improvements in transport and communications were major contributors in the expansion of world trade and globalisation. Communications continued to be revolutionised in the 20th century with innovations such as cars, aero planes, large bulk carriers, container ships and pipelines for oil and gas. The introduction of railways and improvements in roads caused land transport costs to fall by 90 per cent from 1800 to 1910; while the real cost of ocean shipping fell by 80 percent between 1750 and 1990. By 1980, the real cost of air freight had fallen by approximately 75 per cent from its level in the 1930s.

The increased participation of developing countries in world trade “would not be possible without global shipping networks, port reforms, and investments in transport infrastructure as well as trade and transport facilitation”, according to UNCTAD. Moreover, there exists “a virtuous cycle wherein better transport services lead to more trade, and more trade helps to encourage improved transport services”. By the beginning of the 21st century, the ‘tyranny of distance’, while perhaps not completely tamed, was greatly diminished (Tull, 2006).

A brief overview of the economic impacts of deep-water ports in U.S (Georgia) The statewide economic impact of Georgia’s deep-water ports in fiscal year 2011 includes (figures are in US$): • $66.9 billion in sales (9.5 per cent of Georgia’s total sales); • $32.4 billion in state GDP (7.8 per cent of Georgia’s total GDP); • $18.5 billion in income (5.2 per cent of Georgia’s total personal income); • 352,146 full and part time jobs (8.3 per cent of Georgia’s total employment); • $4.5 billion in federal taxes; • $1.4 billion in state taxes; • $1.1 billion in local taxes

Conclusion Each year, ports and waterways carry more than 2 billion tons of cargo. Not only are ports crucial for the exportation and importation of goods for international trade, but also for transporting of goods domestically. Another major economic benefit that ports provide to countries is the creation and maintenance of jobs.

Though space precludes a more comprehensive review of empirical studies of how seaports -- or deep-water ports in particular – contribute to the economic development of countries around the world, much evidence nonetheless exists to corroborate and/or validate such notion that deep-water ports do aid in massive positive economic spinoffs to countries.

Against this backdrop, the road linking Guyana and Brazil together with the deep-water port project could significantly transform Guyana’s economy in terms of job creation, reduction of poverty for its citizens, more revenue in the form of taxes for the Government, better quality of life and standard of living for its people, the creation of new industries and new business and economic opportunities, and the list goes on.

Hypothetically, depending on the location where the port might be developed, when one looks at the geographic position of Guyana on the South American map, literally kissing the Atlantic Ocean, could Guyana become the gateway to facilitate the transport of goods from other South American countries through Brazil and a deep-water port? If such an idea is proved to be possible and economical, then one can only imagine the sea of economic prosperity which these developments could potentially bring to Guyana.

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

T

he probe into the ‘knife-shredder’ incident at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate’s has concluded and three senior staff, including one engineer, were fired.

This was confirmed on Saturday to Guyana Times by a senior official close to the investigation.

Reports are that during the months-long investigation into the incident, sufficient evidence was shown to hold the trio accountable for the situation that occurred in August 2018, when the cane shredder became uncontrollable, sending 64 of 70 knives haywire.

The incident took place just after another – the cane shredder malfunctioned – causing millions of dollars’ worth of cane being left to spoil.

When the factory finally recommenced operations after resolving that issue, it was met with the uncontrollable cane shredder incident that resulted in workers having to flee for their lives as the knives became loose and were sent flying through the air in all directions. As a result of the second incident at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, suspicions were raised that the cane shredder had been sabotaged in August, last year.

However, management

Breaching protection order lands man in prison

F

orty-five-year old Rohit Chan was last week remanded to prison by Magistrate Leron Daly after he was charged for breaching a protection order.

Chan denied that on March 18 at Lot 34 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he came into contact with Seleta Chan in breach of the protection order issued

by Magistrate Dylon Bess in September 2018 in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Another charge stated that on the same day at the same location, he made use of threatening language to Victor Luke.

The prosecution contended that on March 18, the Virtual Complainants had a party when Rohit Chan went over to the house. According to the prosecution’s case, he asked for a drink but one of the VCs denied the request which angered Chan who then verbally abused the VCs and allegedly threatened to kill them.

Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh opposed bail on the grounds of the serious nature of the offence. The case will continue on March 26, 2019.

The Uitvlugt Sugar Estate

of that sugar factory along with top officials from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) stated that they could not make that declaration until investigations into the matter had been completed.

These investigations, which were scheduled to have been completed within a three-week period, eventually took about six months to be concluded.

Ahead of this probe which commenced in August 2018, a GuySuCo official had revealed that when the operator starts up the cane

shredder machine, the operator is not supposed to start the turbine, but is in fact expected to test-run the knives’ component without the turbine.

However, this procedure was reportedly not followed, and the “trip” was allowed to spin with excessive speed.

The damage to the cane shredder resulted in millions in losses, at the expense of the State. The August 11, 2018 incident also was responsible for the delayed commencement of sugarcane grinding. These difficulties resulted in the

second crop suffering a setback.

Officials had also explained that the damaged parts for the turbine, knife shaft and knives were sourced and replaced, and engineers claimed that “all of the necessary safety checks have been carried out on the turbine, as recommended by the manufacturer and as stated in the operations and maintenance manual.”

The knives which went flying are made out of carbon steel and weigh 20lbs each.

(Kristen Macklingam)

16 news

SUnDAY, march 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

9-hour power outages expected this week ‌as GPL conducts line maintenance

S

everal communities in Georgetown and sections of the coast are bracing for at least nine hours of power outage during this week as a result of a line maintenance activity to be conducted by the Guyana Power Light (GPL).

According to the utility company, the maintenance will be carried out from March 25 to March 31, 2019.

The works will commence on Monday at Sparendaam, Goedverwagting, South of the Railway Embankment and Plaisance on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) from 08:00h to 16:00h.

On Tuesday, March 26, these activities will continue at 21st Street Diamond Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara and Prince William Street, ECD, from 08:00h to 17:00h.

Tucville, Meadow Brook, Guyhoc, Lamaha Park and Lamaha Springs are sched-

uled for maintenance on Wednesday, March 27 from 08:00h to 16:00h.

From 09:00h to 14:00h, these works will continue at La Union, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and Lindsley Avenue, ECD, from 08:00h to 17:00h.

On Thursday, March 28, Alexander Village and River View in Ruimveldt will have ongoing works from 08:30h to 16:30h.

Ninth Street, Cummings Lodge, will be facilitated from 08:00 to 16:00h and East Field Drive, Republic Park and Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (WBD), from 08:30h to 16:30h.

The last maintenance will

conclude on Sunday, March 31, in Kuru Kuru on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway from 08:30h to 16:30h.

GPL advises persons residing in these areas to be on the lookout when these activities are conducted. An intermittent power supply can be expected.

Just a few days ago, more than 10 villages on the ECD were without power for over 12 hours during a small incident. It should have been resolved earlier but GPL workers were unable to transport their equipment to the site and it had to be mended manually.

The affected areas included North Sophia, New Haven, Belvoir Court, Blygezeight Gardens, Bel Air Village, Bel Air Promenade, Bel Air Gardens, Bel Air Springs, Liliendaal to Industry, the University of Guyana and the Cyril Potter College of Education.

Kitty man jailed for ganja possession

A

Kitty, Georgetown man who admitted that he had a quantity of marijuana in his possession was on Friday jailed for three years and fined $30,000.

Michael Gouveia of Owen Street, Kitty,

Georgetown, admitted to Magistrate Leron Daly that on March 20, he had in his possession 8.69 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The court heard that Police were on patrol duties in the area when the

22-year-old man was seen acting in a suspicious manner.

This resulted in him being subjected to a search. It was during the search that a quantity of seeds, leaves and stems were found in his possession.

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SUnDAY, march 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

President to start radiotherapy in April

T

he first phase of President David Granger’s medical treatment in Cuba was successfully completed and the Cuban specialists who are overseeing his medical care for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma have expressed their full satisfaction with his response to chemotherapy and his overall physical well-being.

This is according to a release from the Ministry

R

of the Presidency in which it was stated that based on expert evaluation of the President’s medical condition, the Cuban medical specialists have deemed it “no longer necessary in the treatment of the President.”

However, he is expected to commence radiotherapy in April.

On Friday, Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla

paid a courtesy call on President Granger and congratulated him on the positive response to the medical treatment. The President’s chemotherapy commenced in November 2018 after 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 un-

adiation therapy treats cancer by using high-energy waves to kill tumor cells. The goal is to destroy or damage the cancer without hurting too many healthy cells.

There’s no way to predict how radiation will affect you. You may have few or only mild side effects from your treatment; someone else may have a lot of problems or very severe ones.

Early side effects, such as nausea and fatigue. Late side effects, such as lung or heart problems, may take years to show up and are often permanent when they do.

The most common early side effects are fatigue and skin problems. You might get others, such as hair loss and nausea, depending on where you get radiation - WebMD

dergo medical tests after he had complained of feeling unwell. Days later, he was diagnosed with cancer.

The President has since reduced his number of public engagements.

According to WebMD, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is cancer that starts in your body’s lymph system.

Lymphoma occurs when the lymph node cells or the lymphocytes begin to multiply uncontrollably, producing cancerous cells that have the abnormal capacity to invade other tissues throughout the body.

According to webmd. com, chemotherapy tar-

President David Granger

gets cells that grow and divide quickly, as cancer cells do. Unlike radiation or surgery, which target specific areas, chemo can work throughout the body.

But it can also affect some fast-growing healthy cells like those of the skin, hair, intestines, and bone marrow.

According to the website, some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy are fatigue, hair loss, easy bruising and bleeding, infection, anaemia (low red blood cell count), nausea and vomiting, appetite changes, and constipation.

Guyana failed to reduce...

It was however explained that Guyana has been coordinating the compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals, as the Public Health Ministry has placed its focus on goal three, which is related to ‘Good health and well-being’.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals.

Research shows there are multiple immediate, underlying and structural causes of maternal and child deaths. A few of these include disease and infection, poor nutritional status and

congenital factors, or problems relating to birth.

Between the period June 2017 and June 2018, 119 neonatal deaths were recorded at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

In 2016, the then Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton boasted that about 24 infant deaths were recorded for the first half of the year, stating that the rate was at its lowest in the last two years.

In 2015, that rate stood at 23.1 per 1000, while child mortality rate under five years of age, which was supposed to be 16, stuck out at 24.2 for 2014.

According to a multi-in-

from page 7

dicator cluster survey carried out in Guyana, Dr Norton stated, the probability of a baby dying within the first month of life was 22.9 per 1000 live births and between birth and its first birthday, 31.8.

He opined that most infant deaths recorded were caused by infections or the negligence of medical practitioners.

A United Nations report had disclosed that Guyana was among five countries in the Region with the highest maternal mortality rate, and among six nations where the incidence had amplified notably between 1990 and 2013.

18 news

SUnDAY, march 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Brexit mayday? PM May's Ministers move to oust her

B

ritish Prime Minister Theresa May’s top ministers are moving to oust her within days, The Sunday Times reported, as her Brexit strategy lay in tatters just weeks before the United Kingdom was due to leave the European Union.

If May is toppled, Brexit

would be thrust into doubt.

It is unclear how, when and even if the United Kingdom will leave the EU. May, who voted to stay in the EU and won the top job in the chaos following the 2016 referendum, had vowed to deliver Brexit but she undermined her premiership with a

botched snap election in 2017 which cost her party its parliamentary majority.

The Brexit divorce deal she struck with the EU in November has been overwhelmingly rejected twice by British lawmakers.

The Sunday Times cited 11 unidentified senior minis-

British Prime Minister Theresa May

ters and said they had agreed that the prime minister should stand down, warning that she has become a toxic and erratic figure whose judgment has “gone haywire”.

“The end is nigh. She

will be gone in 10 days,” the Sunday Times quoted an unidentified minister as saying.

“Her judgment has started to go haywire. You can’t be a member of the cabinet who just puts your head in the sand,” the newspaper cited a second unidentified minister as saying.

The Sunday Times reported that May’s de-facto deputy, David Lidington, is one contender to be interim prime minister but others are pushing for Environment Secretary Michael Gove or Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

The newspaper said cabinet ministers would confront May on Monday. If she refuses to go, ministers would threaten to resign.

The Mail on Sunday re-

ported that Gove was the consensus candidate among cabinet ministers who believe Lidington is too pro-EU. But eurosceptic lawmakers also expressed scepticism about the Leave-backing Gove.

“I’m advised (Michael Gove) would also go for Customs Union plus single market with Labour votes,” Steve Baker of the eurosceptic European Research Group (ERG) said.

“Problems with that...

Next.” The Sunday Telegraph reported that former education minister Nicky Morgan, who voted remain, was popular among several prominent pro-Leave lawmakers as a “unity candidate” to succeed May. May’s office declined to comment on the reports. (Reuters)

Venezuela's Guaido says Maduro is in his final phase

V

enezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's administration has reached its final stage and there will soon be a change in Government, opposition leader Juan Guaido said, adding that his allies have spoken with high-ranking military members about changing sides.

In an interview with Reuters on Friday, Guaido said Maduro had lost the ability to "finance political blackmail" to retain power thanks to pressure brought by foreign governments who have recognised him as the South American country's rightful leader in the midst of a hyperinflationary economic collapse.

"They are isolated, alone, they are falling apart day by

day," Guaido, the president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, said in Lecheria, a city in northeastern Anzoategui state, where he held several rallies with supporters over the weekend.

"The citizens do not like them, they reject them, they hate them, because that is what they have received from them: hate."

Venezuela plunged into a deep political crisis in January, when Guaido invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro's May 2018 re-election was illegitimate.

He has been recognised by most Western countries, including the United States, as Venezuela's rightful leader.

Maduro, a socialist, says Guaido is a puppet of the

United States and is attempting to lead a coup against him to wrest control of the OPEC nation's oil reserves, the largest in the world. He retains control of state functions and the loyalty of the military top brass.

But Guaido said that hold was slipping thanks in part to pressure from abroad. The United States slapped sanctions on state oil company PDVSA in January, and on Friday sanctioned several state-run banks in Venezuela.

Guaido has also taken control of U.S. refiner Citgo, a PDVSA subsidiary and the country's most important overseas asset. "The diplomatic pressure has worked, the economic pressure and the pressure on assets have worked," Guaido said. (Reuters)

sunDAY, march 24, 2019

19

RCB crumble against spin as CSK win IPL 2019 opener C

hennai Super Kings’ publicity teams like to call the MA Chidambaram Stadium the “lion’s den”, but no one advertised the minefield that awaited the season opener for this IPL. Royal Challengers Bangalore walked in unsuspectingly, picking -- in all their innocence -- just the two spinners, whereas Super Kings were stacked with three spinners plus two part-time spinners.

As it happened, between them, the Super Kings spinners took eight wickets, the highest such number in IPL, and Royal Challengers were bowled out for 70, the sixth-lowest score in IPL history.

Not just the management, Royal Challengers’ batsmen also misread the conditions, and didn’t adjust their par total on the fly. Despite spin’s role early in the innings, they still kept going for big shots, as opposed to looking to bat through the innings. It was a failing to which AB de Villiers himself admitted

in an on-field interview during the chase; a ball after he was dropped in the field, he perished trying to hit a six.

This failure to adjust would have hurt Royal Challengers all the more when they saw even the Super Kings batsmen struggle. Another spinner or another 30 runs, and who knows?

We’ve been expecting you, Mr Singh Since he last played for Super Kings in the first qualifier of last year’s IPL, Harbhajan Singh had played only three Twenty20 games, and did not take any wicket. To accommodate him -- zero T20 wickets to his name in the last 10 months -Super Kings sat Faf du Plessis out and played only three overseas players. Whether it was the pitch or the abundance of left-handed batsmen in the Royal Challengers’ line-up, only Dhoni can tell.

With Deepak Chahar

CSK celebrate with Harbhajan Singh after his wickets

bowling a tight spell at the other end, Harbhajan took out the cream of Royal Challengers’ batting: Virat Kohli, Moeen Ali and de Villiers. Only for the third time in the IPL were the first eight overs bowled out by just two bowlers. Chahar kept it tight with figures of 4-0-17-0, and Harbhajan did the damage with figures of 4-0-20-3.

In the fourth over, Kohli fell to the frustration Royal Challengers Bangalore Innings DL Chahar 4 - 0 -17 - 0 (20 overs maximum) Harbhajan Singh 4 - 0 - 20 - 3 of dot balls, and V Kohli (c) c Jadeja b Harbhajan SK Raina 1 - 0 - 6 - 0 holed out to Singh 6 Imran Tahir 4 - 1 - 9 - 3 deep midwicket.

PA Patel † c Jadhav b Bravo 29 RA Jadeja 4 -1 - 15 - 2 Moeen got one MM Ali c & b Harbhajan Singh 9 DJ Bravo 0 .1 - 0 - 0 - 1 that stopped on AB de Villiers c Jadeja b Harbhajan him and bounced.

Singh 9 Chennai Super Kings Innings (target: At the start of the SO Hetmyer run out (Raina/†Dhoni) 71 runs from 20 overs) eighth over, de 0 SR Watson b Chahal 0 Villiers went to S Dube c Watson b Imran Tahir 2 AT Rayudu b Mohammed Siraj 28 sweep Harbhajan, C de Grandhomme c †Dhoni b SK Raina c Dube b Ali 19 only for the Jadeja 4 KM Jadhav not out 13 top edge to be NA Saini c Watson b Imran Tahir 2 RA Jadeja not out 6 dropped by Imran YS Chahal c Harbhajan Singh b Imran Extras 5 (lb 1, nb 1, w 3) Tahir at fine leg.

Tahir 4 TOTAL (17.4 Overs, RR: 4.01) 71/3 The next ball was UT Yadav b Jadeja 1 slightly short, and Mohammed Siraj not out 0 Yet to bat: MS Dhoni (c) †, DJ Bravo, de Villiers went Extras 4 (lb 3, nb 1) DL Chahar, SN Thakur, Harbhajan for the pull, giving TOTAL (17.1 Overs, RR: 4.07) 70 all Singh, Imran Tahir Ravindra Jadeja out Fall of wickets: 1-8 (SR Watson, 2.1 his second catch.

Fall of wickets: 1-16 (V Kohli, 3.3 ov), ov), 2-40 (SK Raina, 9.2 ov), 3-59 (AT Royal Challengers 2-28 (MM Ali, 5.2 ov), 3-38 (AB de Rayudu, 14.2 ov) were then 38 for 3.

Villiers, 7.2 ov), 4-39 (SO Hetmyer, Hetmyer’s nerves 7.6 ov), 5-45 (S Dube, 9.2 ov), 6-50 (C BOWLING O M R W There was a de Grandhomme, 10.3 ov), 7-53 (NA YS Chahal 4 – 1 – 6 - 1 lot of anticipation Saini, 11.1 ov), 8-59 (YS Chahal, 13.4 NA Saini 4 – 0 – 24 - 0 the ov), 9-70 (UT Yadav, 16.5 ov), 10-70 MM Ali 4 – 0 – 19 - 1 around debut of Shimron (PA Patel, 17.1 ov) UT Yadav 3 – 0 – 13 - 0 Hetmyer, who has Mohammed Siraj 2 – 1 – 5 - 1 BOWLING O M R W S Dube 0.4 – 0 – 3 - 0 made a name for himself as a power-

SCOREBOARD

hitter against spin. He had a different job today, but the nerves were palpable. He began his day at the non-striker’s end, and failed to send Parthiv Patel back when there was no single available.

He survived that one, but two balls later he pushed the ball straight to short cover and ran off. Parthiv was having none of it, and Hetmyer was run out for a duck on debut. Royal Challengers were then 39 for 4 in eight overs.

Tahir runs amok Quite literally, the pitch offered him prodigious turn,

and Imran Tahir was nigh unplayable with his wicked concoction of fast leg-breaks, wrong ‘uns and flippers. He took wickets with his second, seventh and 16th balls, and ran all over the MA Chidambaram Stadium in celebration. He had figures of 4-1-9-3 at the end.

Ravindra Jadeja at the other end was not half bad, getting Colin de Grandhomme caught at the wicket and flattening Umesh Yadav’s off stump.

Parthiv came close to registering a dubious distinction - for the team - of carrying his bat, but was the last man out, caught at

square leg off the first ball from Dwayne Bravo. Nonetheless, he was the only man to enter double figures.

Minor scare, but Rayudu anchors chase Royal Challengers had no choice but to look for wickets, and use spin to that end. They opened with Yuzvendra Chahal, who sent Shane Watson back for a duck. This was a difficult pitch; it was plain to see. Ambati Rayudu, though, batted smartly, picking his targets -- often pace -- and did enough to see his side through.

There was enough time for Suresh Raina to get 19 and become the first man to 5,000 IPL runs.

Guyanese Shimron Hetmyer made his IPL debut in RCB’s opening match against Chennai Super Kings

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, march 24, 2019

Wellman pip Regal in thriller Concerns raised for Mumbai’s pace

Wayne Jones scored an unbeaten 33 in the latter overs

S

oftball cricket action continued over the weekend with Wellman Masters battling Regal Masters in a thrilling 20-over encounter at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) ground in Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

At the spin of the toss, Wellman Masters elected to bat first on a Malteenoes ground that in the past had been known to produce runs to the team batting first. At the beginning of the match, Wellman got off to a flyer, as they showed their intentions early in the game; but things took such a turn that

although Wellman Masters had looked as if they would have scored beyond 200, expectations were readjusted to 170.

However, Lloyd Rooplall played a resistant innings to top score with 50, which included five fours and one maximum. Chipping in with support was Rawle Reid, who scored a quick-fire 33, which included three fours and two sixes; and Wayne Jones, who laid the foundation at the back end of the innings with an unbeaten 33, as Wellman ended on 177-6.

Bowling for Regal Masters were Tyrone Sanasie who bagged 2-26 and Parsram Persaud supporting with 2-44.

Needing 178 for victory at 8.9 runs per over, Regal began their chase in an emphatic manner, counterattacking Wellman’s bowling, and blasting the ball to every part of the ground. However, while chasing with vigor, Regal fell five runs short of the total, ending on 173-5.

Eric Thomas scored an unbeaten 45, and was supported by Rudolph

attack as Adam Milne pulls out of IPL

M

Lloyd Rooplall scored 50 to take Wellman to 177-6

Baker with 44 not out and Mahase Chunilall with 36.

The pick of the bowlers for Wellman were Latchman Kallicharran with 2-10 and Sheldon Perch with 2-33.

This competition is organised by the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA), and features teams in the Masters’ Over-50 category and Female Open.

For further information, teams may contact Wayne Jones on 650-1790; Anil Beharry on 623-6875, or Jailall Deodass on 615-8644.

Golden Guyana! Jags storm...

Continued from page 23

Belize were quick with their reply and caught the Guyanese goalkeeper slipping in the 25th, when Elroy Kuylen equalised. The levelled scores only made Guyana play harder and brilliant work by Anthony Jeffery and Callum Harriott on the wings ensured that Guyana stayed in the game and had many scoring opportunities that were unfortunately shot astray.

In excess of 4000 Guyanese present erupted in boisterous roars in the 43rd minute as Emery Welshman capitalised on a pass from Harriott which he sunk into the goal for Guyana’s second.

Although the second half was intensely contested, neither side was able to score again, which paved the way for Guyana’s 2-1 win.

The national tea will now set their sights on a higher level of competition as the CONCACAF Gold Cup looms later in this year.

The stands at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora were packed to capacity

Dangerous Dottin, consistent Matthews... continued from page 23

The dangerous Dottin showed class in her innings, reverse sweeping Mandy Mangru and smashing the faster bowlers to all areas of the ground. She reached her half-century from 37 balls in 57 minutes. After being dropped by Grimmond and surviving a few close run outs, her unbeaten innings of 75 from 55 balls lasted 76 minutes, hitting 12 fours and one six.

Bowling for the Guyanese, Sheneta Grimmond took 2-23 while the tournament’s best strike bowler Erva Giddings had 2-52 in 10 overs in a losing effort.

Speaking after the match, Barbados captain Hayley Matthews said this was a good game, and the team would take a lot of confidence from this win. She lauded the batters who have been tested after they were 28-3 in this match.

Meanwhile, ‘player of the match, Dottin, mistated that she was tasked of batting to the end after the loss of three wickets.

Dottin and her team are focused on maintaining consistency heading into the other match and the upcoming T20 leg.

umbai is believed to be keen on roping West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph as New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne is understood to have pulled out of the IPL. ESPNcricinfo understands that Milne, who was signed by Mumbai Indians at the IPL auction for INR 75 lakhs (US$104,000 approx on the day of auction), has a swollen heel.

Milne’s pullout means Mumbai have lost a second overseas fast bowler in quick succession. Lasith Malinga has opted to skip the first six matches of the IPL to fulfill the condition set by Sri Lanka Cricket: play in the domestic 50-overs competition in order to qualify for World Cup selection.

Although there has been no statement from the franchise on Milne’s injury, Mumbai are believed to be keen on roping in the young West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph as a replacement. Also,

Adam Milne appealing for the wicket of Brendon McCullum

as per IPL rules, the amount a franchise can pay the replacement player cannot exceed that paid to the original player.

So any player that replaces Milne cannot be paid over INR 75 lakhs.

Mumbai, who play their opening match at home on Sunday against Delhi Capitals, currently have two overseas fast bowlers: New Zealand T20 freelancer Mitchell McClenaghan, and Ben Cutting from Australia.

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21

Christine Alphonso has a passion for sports

Currently focusing on achieving a Masters in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he year 2019 has been a successful year for the young and upcoming physiotherapist Christine Alphonso.

Being one of a few female physiotherapists in Guyana, she counts it a privilege to impart her knowledge to athletes while focusing on what the future holds.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Alphonso said, “I graduated from the University of Guyana with a Bachelor of Science Degree (Distinction) in Physiotherapy in 2016. I’ve been in this field for a little more than two years. I chose this career because I have a strong passion for helping people, and in the area of sports there are a variety of injuries whereby I can use by skill to nurse them back to full fitness. I really enjoy sports, and cricket is one of my favourite.”

Alphonso said that although there aren’t many significant injuries on the field, most cricketers present to the sports department with a lot of shoulder issues contracted from

bowling, such as injuries affecting the rotator cuff and scapular stabilising muscles, and other injuries affecting the knee and ankle.

Physiotherapy helps cricketers to prevent injuries, minimise risk, and recover from injuries. Batting, bowling and fielding can carry serious injury risks for cricketers, Alphonso said.

She told this publication that, as a physiotherapist, she plays a big role in treating those injuries, as players sometimes would need education on preventing the injury in the future, or simply be nursed back to fitness enough to return to the game.

While she believes that educating the player is top priority, there are times when an educational session would have to be done with the coaches.

“I would like to thank my supervisors for allowing me the opportunity to work at the games, and the officials at the games who also show such a warm welcome. As of now, I will definitely start preparing myself towards a Master’s in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy.”

Christine Alphonso

BCB/Hetmyer Intermediate Cricket Tournament

Swammy bags 6 for 4 to highlight latest round of play

T

he Shimron Hetmyer-sponsored Berbice Cricket Board/Hetmyer Intermediate 40-Over Cricket Tournament continued with several matches recently being played across the Ancient County. More than 40 teams started the knockout tournament, which is being used by the Berbice Cricket Board’s Developmental Programme as a bridge between Second Division and First Division.

Several outstanding performances were recorded during the recent round of matches, including Leon Swammy of Tucber Park Cricket Club taking 6 wickets for an incredible 4 runs against the Edinburgh Cricket Club.

The following is a summary of the matches played: At Whim Ground, Rose Hall Town Pepsi defeated Whim National Cricket Club by 130 runs.

Rose Hall Town Pepsi posted 216-8 in 40 overs. Top scoring were Kevlon Anderson with 59, Jonathan Rampersaud with 42, Kevin Sinclair with 36, and Junior Sinclair with 26. Bowling for Whim, P. Vankenic snared 4-46, and Mahendra Charran 2-34.

In reply, Whim National Cricket Club folded for 86 all out in 20 overs. Kevlon Anderson with 5-20 and Kevin Sinclair with 2-11 were the chief tormentors.

At Tain Ground, Courtland Cricket Club defeated Tain Block Four Cricket Club by 261 runs.

Courtland Cricket Club made an impressive 316 all out in 30 overs. F. Crandon scored 80, Troy

Mathieson scored 64, Levi Thomas 60, Joel Johnson 33. They were the main scorers, as M. Rabindranauth bagged 4-53 and M. Mangal 2-68.

Tain Block Four Cricket Club folded for 55 all out in 16 overs. Wesley Crandon took 3-28, and John Percival 4-15.

At Betsy Ground in East Canje, Tucber Park Cricket Club defeated Betsy Ground by 9 wickets.

Betsy Ground Cricket Club posted 87 all out in 26.3 overs, as Kwesi Mickle struck with 5-14. Tucber Park Cricket Club successfully chased the total, ending on 88-1 in 13.2 overs, as M. Mickle led the way with 29.

At Edinburgh Ground, Tucber Park Cricket Club defeated Edinburgh Cricket Club by 149 runs.

Tucber Park Cricket Club made 205-8 in 40 overs.

Leading the scoring were Kwesi Maltay with 55 and Garfield Benjamin with 38. Bowling for Edinburgh, C. Hope took 3-27, and S. Nicholson took 2-30.

In the end, Edinburgh Cricket Club fell for 56 all out in 20.2 overs, as Leon Swammy bagged 6-4.

At Scottsburg Ground, Skeldon Titans Cricket Club defeated No. 70 Spartans Cricket Club by 6 wickets.

No. 70 Spartans Cricket Club fell for 86 all out in 30.1 overs. Sherwin Murray took 2-26, Faoud Bacchus took 3-14 and Totaram Rajaram took 4-22 as they led the bowling attack.

Skeldon Titans Cricket Club ended on 87-4 in 20.2 overs, as Sherwin Murray top scored with 38

not out despite N. Yacoob taking 2 for 18.

At Cumberland Ground, Young Warriors Cricket Club defeated Guymine Cricket Club by 21 runs.

Young Warriors Cricket Club made 236-6 in 40 overs. Top scoring were Linden Austin with 49, Alex Algoo with 49, Seon Hetmyer with 48 and Suresh Dhanai with 26. Bowling for Guymine, Michael West took 2-47, and Kevin Ramoutar took 2-43.

Guymine Cricket Club posted 215 all out in 39.4 overs. Martin Singh’s 45 and Rocky Hutson’s 51 weren’t enough. Bowling for the warriors were Seon Hetmyer with 2-26, Linden Austin with 3-23 and Sanjay Khan with 3-33.

At Paradise Ground, D’ Edward Cricket Club defeated Paradise Cricket Club by a mere two runs.

D’ Edward Cricket Club made 170 all out in 33.4 overs. Leading the runs were A. Khan with 26, E. Abel with 38 and R. Boodram with 33.

Bowling for Paradise were E. Fordyce with 4-35, F. Wilson with 2-15 and T. Miller with 2-30.

Paradise Cricket Club fell two runs short of the target, making 168 all out in 32 overs, despite D. Phillips scoring 37, E. Carmichael scoring 31, and T. Miller scoring 33.

Bowling for D’ Edward, H. Lalsa took 5-35, and H. Harilall 2-31. West Indies Player Shimron Hetmyer is sponsoring the tournament as part of his commitment to Berbice Cricket.

Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club horse meet set for April 7

T

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

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

Feature event of the meet is the Alness Classic, to be run over 1400 metres. A winning purse of $500,000 and trophy is being competed for.

Other events listed on the card would see the for I and Lower horses racing over a distance of 1000 metres for a first prize of $240,000 and trophy. The race for 3-Year-Old maiden horses, to be run over 900 metres, would carry a winning prize of $200,000 and trophy. There is an event for horses classified J and Lower, to be run over 1000 metres for the package of $170,000 and trophy.

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

The other race is for horses classified L2 and Lower, which is open to colts and geldings. The distance to be covered is also 1000 metres, and

the first prize on offer is $80,000 and a trophy.

The final event will see the L and Lower animals racing over a distance of 1200 metres for a winner’s prize of $200,000 and trophy.

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

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

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

22

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, march 24, 2019

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup...

Rejuvenated Ramharack, Ramdeen dent jaded Jamaica

– Windward picks up first win

earlier in the tournament.

She was well supported by her spin colleagues, player of the match Karishma Ramharack and Anisa Mohammed, who captured 3-19 and 2-27 respectively.

In Trinidad’s Karishma Ramharack was awarded Player-of-the-Match chase, the batting order collapsed on Player-of-the-Match Swayline Williams receiving her award the hard and Aguilleira, Britney Cooper and Stacy Ann King, had collapsed for spin-friendly Everest pitch. They were reduced to 38-5 after 17.5 overs. single digit scores. rinidad continued their rich vein of form The Jamaicans had their hopes high, but Earlier, at Everest, the Jamaicans were in this tournament by registering a fourthe defiance of vice-captain Reniece Boyce and mesmerised by the Trinidad and Tobago wicket win over the Stafanie Taylor-led spinners, who had combined figures of 9 Lee Ann Kirby, who shared a 67-run partnership Jamaica team at the Everest Cricket Club. for the sixth wicket partners,hip. Kirby stroked The unbeaten Trinidad team registered wickets for 81 runs in 22.5 overs. The Jamaicans an unbeaten 39 from 49 balls, including six lost opener Rashada Williams for three with the their fourth win in as many matches when they boundaries while Boyce hit 31 from 42 balls. score on 10-1 when she was deceived by Anisa restricted Jamaica to 115 all out in 29.5 overs, Bowling for the Jamaicans, brisk fast bowler Mohammed. thanks to Leandra Ramdeen’s 4-35 in 8.5 overs, Chinelle Henry continues to eye further Windies At one stage the Jamaicans looked far away and Karishma Ramharack who grabbed 3-19 selection, grabbed 3-18 from nine impressive with the ball and took five catches and effected from reaching the 100-run mark, being reduced overs and two maidens in a losing effort, as to 87-7.

Only 24-year-old wicket-keeper, Tameka one run-out.

Trinidad finished victorious on 118-6 in 34.3 Standford top scored with 24 in a poor batting In reply, Trinidad crept to 118-6 in 34.3 overs. display. overs, thanks to Reniece Boyce and Lee Ann >>>>Windward Islands v Leewards The Trinidad Divas, who have the best spin Kirby’s useful knocks after the top order, which Islands<<< bowling line-up in the competition, saw Leandra included the likes of Windies players Merissa In the other encounter, between Windward Ramdeen finishing with 4-35 after taking 4-12

T

and Leeward Islands at the Enmore Community Centre Ground. The Leewards were bowled out for 50 in 17.3 overs, with only Amanda Edwards (11) player reaching double figures.

The Windward Islands bowlers shared the wickets among themselves. Player of the match, Swayline Edwards, had 3-12 in 3.3 overs, while the ever consistent Afy Fletcher had 3-16 in Afy Fletcher bowls four overs with her leg spinners. Pearl Etienne and Akeria Peters had two wickets each in the Windwards’ dominant bowling effort.

In reply, Windward Islands finished victorious on 54-3, winning by seven wickets.

Juliana Nero top-scored with 30 from 34 balls, hitting four boundaries in her breezy innings.

The final round of matches in the 50 over leg will continue on Monday March 25.

Guyana will play Windward Islands at the Georgetown Cricket Club Bourda, Jamaica will play Leeward Island,, and the match treated as a final between Barbados and Trinidad will be played at Enmore Community Centre ground.

All matches are scheduled for 9:30h local time.

(Brandon Corlette)

Milo Schools Football Tournament

Charlestown, Bishops’ take first 2 quarter-final spots

The Cummings Lodge goalkeeper watches on as a ball sails over his head into the goal A glimpse of the intense battle between Charlestown and Golden Grove

C

harlestown Secondary and the Bishops’ High School are the first two schools to make it into the quarterfinals of the 2019 Milo Schools’ Football tournament after two scintillating games on Saturday.

Playing at the Ministry of Education’ s Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown, the four teams scheduled for the day’s games were sure to take a stance against gender-based violence as part of the tournament’s collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health’s ‘Stop Gender Based Violence’ campaign.

Formalities over, the players took to the field to battle it out for their spot in next weekend’s quarterfinals.

Charlestown and Golden Grove were the first two teams to take to the field on Saturday afternoon, under brilliant sunshine. What was going to being an intense encounter showed early, as both teams employed aggressive tactics.

A series of back and forth plays resulted in Simon Jones of

Golden Grove netting the first goal of the game in the 15th.

Frustrated by Golden Grove’s early advantage, Charlestown became hungrier for praise, controlling most of the ball possession.

However, the Georgetown team was unable to finish their plays, often missing the goal by inches.

Golden Grove, while focusing on their defense, also hunted the goal avidly; but luck was on their side as offside and other issues prevented them from registering more goals. The first half eventually expired with the score at 1-0.

Charlestown returned in the second with more grit than ever, and it proved fruitful, as the team staged a comefrom-behind upset of a very confident Golden Grove. Tariq Pryce, emerged from a cluster of defenders to volley in the equaliser into the goal in the 77th minute. Charlestown were not done yet: Raymond Bandhu returned three minutes later to ease another goal in to take the

lead.

Despite putting up a fight in the final minutes of the encounter, Golden Grove were unable to sink another goal, and Guyana to accept the 2-1 defeat.

Cummings Lodge and the Bishops’ High School faced off in in a high-scoring thriller which was the second and final game of the day.

Romeo Bradford was the first to find the back of the net in the 11th minute, to give Bishops’ the lead. Six minutes later, his teammate Malachi Richards connected for the second goal.

Cummings Lodge upped their pursuit of a goal, and came close in some instances, but did not have what it took to finish.

Romeo Bradford returned in the 32nd to strike his second goal, thus pushing the score to 3-0 by the half.

The break at the half seemingly did well for Cummings Lodge, as they returned with a more composed game plan.

They were eventually rewarded in the 51st when Christian Harris

pierced the goal for their first.

Minutes later, Antone Herod extended Bishops’ lead with a clean strike into the goal.

Bishops’ maintained a strong defence until Simon Ifill

Tomorrow’s fixtures: 11:00 hrs 13:00 hrs 15:00 hrs 17:00 hrs

dribbled his way past the BHS defenders to seal Cummings Lodge’s second goal in the 80th.

However, his brilliance did not go unmatched, as Malachi Richards sought revenge with

Annandale Secondary Christianburg Secondary St Cutbert’s Mission President’s College

v/s v/s v/s v/s

his second goal in the 80th to seal Bishops’ 5-2 win.

The Milo round of sixteen will continue tomorrow at the same venue with four more exhilarating matchups.

Friendship Secondary Canje Secondary Vergenogen Secondary Queen’s College

It was an intense battle between the Bishops’ High and Cummings Lodge

23

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sunDAY, march 24, 2019

CONCACAF Nations League Qualifier…

Golden Guyana! Jags storm their way into the Gold Cup H

istory was made last evening at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, as the senior Guyanese national team, the Golden Jaguars, put on one of their best performances to date to seal their entry into the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Guyanese football fanatics turned up in their numbers to create a sea of yellow at the venue, in support of their national team’s hopes. This is the first time Guyana has made it this far at the CONCACAF level after having their hopes crushed

by Jamaica a few years ago.

However, with a fresh team and newfound determination a starting eleven of Akel Clarke (G), Daniel Kadell, Ronayne Marsh- Brown, Elliott

Bonds, Samuel Cox (C), Emery Welshman, Keanu Marsh Brown, Terence Vancooten, Neil Danns, Callum Harriott and Anthony Jeffery took to the field to give their spectators something to cheer about.

The Golden Jags had an early scare when a Belize player sent the ball careening into the goal, but good work on the part of the goalkeeper Clarke, stopped the visitors from having the early advantage.

Truly a high-paced match up, Belize matched strides with the Jags until the home team was awarded a penalty which was taken by Neil Danns.

Danns made no mistake to grant Guyana their first goal in the 16th minute. Turn to page 20

Neil Danns was instrumental in Guyana’s win

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup…

Dangerous Dottin, consistent Matthews hand Barbados 5-wicket win over Guyana

By Brandon Corlette

S Deandra Dottin hitting one of her 12 fours

Shemaine Campbelle scored 40 but lacked significant support from her batting partners (Brandon Corlette photos)

ealed with a Deandra Dottin six over long-on, it was a familiar result for Guyana when they suffered a five- wicket loss against Barbados at the National Stadium at Providence.

The Guyanese were bowled out for 159 in 42.3 overs when the brilliant Hayley Matthews dented the batting line-up with 4-25. In reply, Barbados ended on 164-5, with “player of the match” Deandra Dottin smashing her way to an unbeaten 75.

Under scintillating sunshine at a grassy Providence pitch, the Barbados captain Hayley Matthews won the toss and asked the Guyanese to bat first.

Openers Sheneta Grimmond and Mandy Mangru began proceedings for the hosts, but Grimmond was out soon enough for a seven-ball duck. She was out leg before to right arm pacer Shanika Bruce at 2-1.

The technically correct Mangru began playing shots, driving one through cover and slicing one through coverpoint for boundaries. After she had added 40 runs with her captain Shemaine Campbelle, she closed the face of her bat early and was dismissed by a Shakera Selman full toss for 16, scored from 19 balls.

That brought Shabika Gajnabi at the crease, and she partnered Campbelle as the duo motored along nicely building a partnership of 48 runs. Campbelle, one of three centurions in this tournament, was out bowled by the skiddy Deandra Dottin for 40 from 62 balls, batting for 80 minutes and hitting six boundaries.

At 90-3, five Guyanese wickets fell when that team was further reduced to 1308. Gajnabi was the first of

the five, when she played an ugly swipe and was bowled

by Dottin for 24 from 45 balls, inclusive three boundaries.

Lashuna Toussaint (18), Akaze Thompson (02) and Melanie Henry (01) continued their bad patch in this tournament with the bat, while Cherry Ann Frazer fell for a golden duck to Matthews.

Tremayne Smartt, who has been batting with maturity, was once more called to bail her team out of trouble. She stuck around at the crease for her 19 from 30 balls, hitting two boundaries before she was caught and bowled by Selman.

Eventually the Guyanese were bundled out for 159 in 42.3 overs. Off-spinner Hayley Matthews was the chief architect with the ball, grabbing 4-25.

Windies new-ball bowler Shakera Selman had 2-23 in seven overs, while World number one, T20 all-rounder, Deandra Dottin had 2-26 in seven overs.

In hot pursuit of Guyana’s 160, Barbados lost Danielle Small out bowled for four to Erva Giddings at the end of the third over, with the score on 12-1.

The Guyanese coach and captain were tactically correct in opening the bowling with Erva Giddings and off-spinner Sheneta Grimmond. The Bajan top order, which accustomed to the ball coming on to the bat as was tested by the Guyanese bowling attack.

The tournament’s leading player, Hayley Matthews, fell for 11 from 14 balls after hitting two crisp boundaries.

She fell for the spin-bait of Grimmond. She was out caught at the long-on boundary when the calm and composed Shabika Gajnabi completed a brilliant catch when the Barbados team slumped to 16-2 in four overs.

One of the two Knight sisters in the Barbados team, Kyshona Knight, became Grimmond’s second victim at 28-3 in 7.2 overs. Grimmond,

bowling with control on the pitch suitable for the spinners, took the edge of Kyshona Knight’s bat and went into the gloves of Campbelle.

The other Knight, Kycia, was partnered by the explosive Dottin, and the pair ended the hiccups caused

by the Guyanese with a counterattacking 91-run partnership. At the end of over number 19, Knight was out for 45 from 44 balls, after displaying eight classical boundaries in her 64 minutes’ innings. continued on page 20

Kycia Knight was in full flow during her 45

SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

CONCACAF Nations League Qualifier…

Pg 23

Golden Guyana! Jags storm their way into the Gold Cup Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup… Pg 23

Dangerous Dottin, consistent Matthews hands Barbados 5-wicket win over Guyana GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

March 24, 2019

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The top of Ataraipu also known as Devils Rock or Bottle Mountain in the Rupununi. (Photo by REEL Guyana)

2 Sunday Times Magazine

MARCH 24 , 2019

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International Day of Forests

F

orests cover one third of the Earth's land mass, performing vital functions around the world. Around 1.6 billion people - including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures - depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter.

Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.

Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate - 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

The International Day of Forests is held annually on 21 March to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and food security.

Sustainable management of all types of forests are at the heart of unlocking challenges of conflict-affected, developing and developed countries, for the benefit of current and future generations.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 21 December 2012, which declared that 21 March of each year is to be observed as the International Day of Forests. The resolution encourages all

Member States to organize activities relating to all types of forests. Activities expected to take place on the International Day include tree-planting and other community-

level events, and national celebrations including art, photo and film as well as social media outreach.

The resolution requests the secre-

tariat of the United Nations Forum on Forests, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, to facilitate the implementation of the International Day of Forests, in collaboration with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and international, regional and sub-regional organizations and processes as well as relevant major groups.

When we drink a glass of water, write in a notebook, take medicine for a fever or build a house, we do not always make the connection with forests. And yet, these and many other aspects of our lives are linked to forests in one way or another. Forests, their sustainable management and use of resources, including in fragile ecosystems, are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations. Forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Every 21 March the United Nations raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. This year the International Day of Forests promotes education to Learn to Love Forests. It underscores the importance of education at all levels in achieving sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. Healthy forests mean healthy, resilient communities and prosperous economies.

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 24 , 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

3

International Day of Forests

By Lakhram Bhagirat

N

ature has the uncanny ability to make even the most troubled soul feel at peace. It has the ability to keep us grounded and teach us compassion for all things. Nature keeps us in tune with ourselves and one of the most satisfying professions is one that involves nature.

However, in order to be satisfied with a nature-related profession, you have to be someone who loves nature. It is quite challenging to be alone for most the time, but it is also amazing to come into contact with different species of flora and fauna.

Just the thought of being at one with nature is enough to make a lot of people jealous, and Micah Davis is very much aware of that fact. He also relishes in the opportunity to be in a profession he absolutely loves. The 28-year-old father of one has been with the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development for over a decade and now serves as its Head Ranger.

Micah hails from the North Rupununi village of Toka and recalls his childhood as one that was filled with challenges and fun. For him, what kept him grounded was his oneness with nature.

“It was tough growing up in Toka because money was a big issue when I was a kid. I remember when transportation was a challenge at home and we had to walk long distances to go to find food. We would have to go to the border of Brazil just to exchange farine for other items to put in the kitchen with my father. It was all too much; by mainly just living with nature at home was what actually had me going,” Micah said.

Life for Micah never got to the point

where it was easy; however, things did get somewhat better for him when he started to attend the Annai Secondary School.

However, upon completion of his secondary education, Micah knew he could not just sit at home and do nothing.

Coming from an Indigenous community meant that he had very little opportunities for employment available to him. He knows in order for him to get a job, he would have to venture out of the community, but it was something he was sceptical about.

At the age of 18, armed with his love for nature and animals, Micah was given the opportunity to work with the

Micah and Susan with their son Micaiah

Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development as a Bird Monitor. His employment came as part of a special project that Iwokrama was conducting.

“When I had my first job as a Bird Monitor in which I actually had the oppor-

tunity to conduct outreach in communities and teach kids natural resource management and that is when I learn a lot while teaching and my love for nature continues until now.

“What we (Bird Monitors) actually did was ride a bicycle in the forest, stopping at certain points and then running some transects. This will be recording different species of birds because Iwokrama, at that time, was still working on the list of the bird species that can be found within the Iwokrama rainforest. In bird monitoring, they have a different way of recording different species of birds. We do that while stopping at a point, you will record the bird by calling or if you see it and then also we would walk a certain distance along the forest and do something called bird point counts.... you would sit and record different kinds of birds you would hear, see within a 50-metre radius,” Micah explains.

The bird monitoring gig was a temporary post with Iwokrama and in 2011, he became a permanent member of the team as a Ranger. His love for what he did was quite

evident in the way he worked resulting in Micah being appointed Head Ranger in 2012 and he continues in that position today.

“My duties as the Head Ranger is, first of all, logistics in terms of organising different things for the Rangers, but apart from that, my main role and responsibility here as the Head Ranger is conducting road patrols, which entail border patrol, road, river and then working with researchers and also conducting community outreach and dealing with tourists in terms of tour guiding.”

Micah says he is loving every minute of his job as it gives him great satisfaction to be able to connect with nature and learn so much every day. He approaches every new day as a new dawn of possibilities and endless learning. For him, no two days are the same despite him having a routine.

He urges everyone to go out, explore, discover and connect with nature, because the possibilities are endless. You never know, you may fall in love and give up your regular job for one that makes your heart race every day.

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Sunday Times Magazine

MARCH 24 , 2019

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International Day of Forests

Looking over Turtle Mountain

T

Turtle Mountain, Iwokrama

he Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (Iwokrama) was created in the “run-up” to the Rio Summit in 1992. It is a key environmental programme dedicated by the Government of Guyana, through President Desmond Hoyte, to the Commonwealth in 1989 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malaysia.

Since its foundation, through an Act of Parliament in 1996, signed off on by then President Cheddi Jagan, Iwokrama has sought to advance best practices in the sustainable management of the world’s remaining rainforests.

Iwokrama manages the 371,000 hectares (nearly one million acres) Iwokrama Forest in central Guyana to show how tropical forests can be conserved and sustainably used for ecological, social and economic benefits to local, national and international communities.

Iwokrama was originally the name of a mountain range in the forest; the word Iwokrama is from the Makushi tribal nation and means "Place of refuge". The legend is: long ago, there was inter-tribal warfare and the Makushi people fled into the Iwokrama Mountains to seek refuge.

Iwokrama is a unique institution that is firmly grounded in the reality of the people who live in tropical forests and whose entire economies rest on the fate of their environment. It aims to show that forests are “worth more alive than dead” and that you can “use a forest without losing it” .

The million-acre reserve is zoned into two areas - the Sustainable Utilisation Area (SUA), which allows managed activities and

Iwokrama Mission “To promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rain forests in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general, by undertaking research, training and the development and dissemination of technologies.”

which was established in 1996.

The Centre has also produced some cutting-edge and complex benefits sharing and shareholder agreements with local communities, including a Collaborative Management Agreement that gives the NRDDB a direct say in how the Iwokrama Forest is managed.

Capacity building includes building the capacity of local, national, regional and international communities and both the Private and Public Sectors on the various facets of Iwokrama’s work – conservation, research, monitoring, and community engagement. Iwokrama played a major role in the production of a climate change manual, the only one of its kind in Guyana which is now widely used nationally and has been translated into over six languages for international use.

Over the years, the Centre has trained over 200 persons in areas of ranger training, guide training, protected areas management and collaborative management to support the Guyana Protected Areas System. Interns, volunteers and researchers come to work and conduct research at

the Wilderness Preserve (WP), which only allows low-impact research and is kept as a control area to keep a check on activities in the SUA. Iwokrama’s work is very multifaceted.

The initial work involved research to acquire baseline data to set the foundation of further scientific research and also the management of the area. The organisation also had to focus efforts on building up partnerships, including with the Macushi communities in and around the Iwokrama Forest.

Iwokrama operates in close partnership with a wide range of local, naCanopy walkway bridge tional and international partners. The Centre’s two founding partners are the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Iwokrama also has a close working relationship with the 20 local Indigenous communities in close proximity to the Iwokrama Forest. These communities fall under the umbrella organisation – the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB),

Yakarinta kids and teachers heading in forest

Iwokrama’s core values • A people centered approach to conservation and wise use; • Developing low volume, high value markets for all forest products and services; • Encouraging local, national and international partnerships for development; and • Active learning by doing

Iwokrama, and the Centre has been getting more visits from universities, schools and other environmental groups.

Inherent in Iwokrama’s successful management practices is the recognition of traditional Indigenous knowledge, which is twinned with scientific information for best results.

According to Iwokrama, conservation has to be paid for and as the saying goes "Conservation without money is just a conversation". Iwokrama has several means of support, including from the Government of Guyana, several projects which are usually secured due to competitive applications, partnerships with the corporate community and other donors, and more.

Iwokrama also has been engaging in business activities with the main aim to develop models of using the forest and sharing lessons learnt in the process. Iwokrama, currently, has two tourist lodge facilities, the only canopy walkway in the hemisphere and several tours on offer.

The sustainable forestry business commenced in 2008 and is currently certified under the guidelines of an international forest organisation. Both these businesses have been developed with the engagement of Private Sector partners.

Owing to the many activities that Iwokrama undertakes, and given the reality of public access via the road that runs through the reserve and also the bordering rivers, Iwokrama has an extensive established monitoring programme.

The impacts of public access and impacts of Iwokrama’s activities must be checked and some of the areas monitored include biodiversity, water quality, weather, traffic, waste and social aspects to name a few.

In the global context, Guyana is part of one of four remaining large tracts of intact forest ecosystems in the world known as the Guiana continued on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 24 , 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 5

International Day of Forests

L

owland tapirs can restore degraded Amazonian forests by spending more time and spreading more tree seeds in areas that had been previously burned. This service provided by tapirs may be among the cheapest and easiest solutions for largescale forest restoration, according to a new study conducted at Woods Hole Research Center’s research facility at Tanguro Ranch in Brazil.

The team collected and studied almost 130,000 seeds representing 24 different species from tapir dung in degraded forests in Mato Grosso Brazil. The study, published in the journal Biotropica, shows that tapirs disperse three times more seeds in degraded forests than in primary ones, probably because they prefer spending time where resprouts are available.

Two factors contribute to the tapir’s unique role: Size and distance. Tapirs can reach up to 8 feet in length and up to 700 pounds, therefore they eat a lot. This study shows that contrary to previous belief, tapirs pass many large seeds intact and undamaged through their digestive system, with their large waste protecting the seeds from beetles. And while other large mammal dispersers like monkeys remain in healthy and intact forests, tapirs can cross open areas and thus bring seeds to a disturbed or degraded forest – ultimately increasing its plant diversity and abundance. The team believes tapirs use more degraded for-

ests due to the

presence of palatable resprouti n g plants.

“When we think of climate and forest solutions, tapirs aren’t the first thing that comes to mind, but our study shows they play a critical role in forest recovery by dispersing the largeseeded species that eventually become large trees, meaning they contribute indirectly to maintaining forest carbon stocks,” said Woods Hole Research Center Assistant Scientist Paulo Brando.

The lowland tapir (also known as the South American

or Brazilian tapir) is considered endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and vulnerable by the IUCN. Their population is dwindling in the face of deforestation and hunting.

“The role that tapirs play in seeding degraded forests is another good reason for conserving this last representative of the megafauna of South America”, said Dr Lucas Paolucci from the Federal University of Lavras and A m a z o n

Environmental Research Institute (IPAM).

The Amazon has already lost 800,000 square kilometres of forest, an area equivalent to 1/10th of the lower 48 United States, much of it to intentional burning to clear land for agriculture.

Burning also leaves forests more vulnerable to climate change-worsened extreme weather stressors, such as drought and windstorms, according to studies coauthored by Dr Brando. His research shows that, unless it recovers quickly, damaged forest risks reverting to invasive grassland. The ability of forest residents like tapirs, birds and many other animals to spread seeds into degraded areas shows natural regeneration can help tropical countries to achieve their goals to maintain and restore forest carbon stocks, biodiversity and forest ecosystem services. (Woods Hole Research Center)

Iwokrama: Preserving our forests...

from page 4

Some students at Turtle Mountain

Queens College students

Iwokrama’s work on climate change and sustainable forest management.

International Day of Forests and Iwokrama

Some Bina Hill students with Ranger James M Patterson

Shield. Guyana lies within this important landscape that has been recognised as an area where there are great chances of conservation success. The area also supplies close to 20 per cent of the global fresh water, has high biodiversity and endemism and also high cultural diversity.

There is growing international awareness of the

reality of climate change; in 2010, global CO2 emissions surpassed 35 billion metric tonnes.

Reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) places emphasis on sustainable forest management and reducing deforestation as cost-effective mitigation measures, which further reinforces the relevance of

For Iwokrama, International Day of Forests is a welcome initiative, since it recognises the importance of forests which can help to bring global awareness. The theme this year is “Forests and Education”, and Iwokrama has long been playing a role through research and hosting of many groups including youth, in sharing knowledge of how a protected area set up in this special way can help contribute to issues such as sustainable natural resource management, climate change, sustainable livelihoods, part-

nerships for conservation and many more.

It is also partnering with WWF and many organisations this year on the annual activity of Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is an annual global event, organised by WWF, which puts the spotlight on climate change by bringing people together, urging action against climate change, and reminding us that personal actions matter. The main and sim-

plest action everyone can take on the given date and time is the switching off of non-essential lights for one hour, symbolising commitment to taking some kind of action to address climate change. Earth Hour is observed annually on the last Saturday in March. Earth Hour 2019 will be Saturday, March 30 between 20:30h and 21:30h, local time.

It has been 30 years since the offer was made

to the Commonwealth by the Government of Guyana through President Hoyte.

Some special events are being planned, and Iwokrama would like to encourage the public to engage with it via its head office (225-1504), the media and also on its social media pages (Facebook and Instagram). (Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development)

Iwokrama River Lodge cabins

6 Sunday Times Magazine

MARCH 24 , 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

International Day of Forests

Guyana is indeed a beautiful land with a lot more to explore than the Coast. Deep in the heart of this beautiful land are some of the most breathtaking sites. REEL Guyana recently shared some photos of some spectacular sites that are an adventurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream. Here are some of those photos from REEL Guyana.

Ayangaik Mountain

Sakaika Falls, Region 7

Approaching Ayangaik Mountain in the Upper Mazaruni District

The top of Ataraipu also known as Devils Rock or Bottle Mountain in the Rupununi

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 24 , 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

Preserving our literary Heritage

by

Petamber Persaud

(Excerpt of an interview with Dr. Manu Chander, Georgetown, Guyana, March 2019. Chander is a Visiting Fulbright Fellow. Chander’s publications include ‘Brown Romantics: Poetry and Nationalism in the Global Nineteenth Century’.)

P

P: Very often when I’m asked about my Country, Guyana, I would direct the person or persons to our literature because our books since Raleigh’s book [The Discovery of Guyana] in 1596 to Evelyn Waugh’s books to Hudson’s Green Mansions even down to Rahul Bhattacharya [The sly company of people who care] acted as a sort of a drawing card, attracting people to Guyana, a sort of a tourism tool.

Now, your narrative of coming to Guyana is due to your interest in one of our writers; an exceptional writer, one who has produced an awful lot of work in a short

time. Share with us that narrative bringing you to Guyana.

MC: First thing I must say, since I’ve come here, everyone assumes that I have a personal relationship to Guyana because I am Indian but in fact my parents immigrated to the United States from Punjab, India. I have no biographical ties to Guyana.

My interest is largely motivated by my scholarly work – I was writing a book on colonial poetry in the 19th century, the book Brown Romantics. I was really interest in the ways writers across Britain’s empire were producing poetry that were inspired by but more importantly in dialogue with the English Romantic Poets.

PP: You talked about Britain’s empire which had a huge reach…

MC: Enormous span.

I focused on three specific areas within that. I focused on India, looking at Henry Derozio who was often called the Indian Keats, I look at Australia’s national poet, Henry Lawson, and I looked at Egbert Martin, ‘Leo’ as he

Nature so comforting and so warm Walked me through the reasons of life While the world is lit with violence Only this caused me no harm.

Nature so reasoning and convincing As the flowers showcased their beauty It knocked me down With the urge of being humble and simple while living.

Nature so cool and relaxing As one would sit with folded hands And watch the waves raced to the shore With the birds as supporters, there chirping.

BY Nickalos Mobin

was known to his readers.

He was born in 1861 thereabout and as you said before incredibly prolific especially in the decade of the 1880s. My interest in ‘Leo’ was sparked by seeing David Dabydeen’s edition of Leo’s Selected Works and in a reference to his relationship to the English Romantic namely Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, Shelly…and that prodded me to dig deeper into his work to see what kind of relationship between ‘Leo’ and the early 19th century English poetry existed.

In the course of digging into his work, I located a number of his uncollected works including poems published in the ‘Colonist’, ‘Argosy’, ‘Daily Chronicle’…

PP: Those were all local newspapers…

MC: Yes, there were all Georgetown’s major newspapers at the time…

PP: Some of us do not know this; we need to underline that.

MC: It is good to highlight the fact; this was a period of history that is easily forgotten as is the case with ‘Leo’.

So I have uncovered a lot of work by him - poems that had not been published, essays he wrote, and one of the most exciting part was this [holding book up] edition of ‘Scriptology’ which was held Moorland-Springarn [Research Library at Howard University] in the United States and thanks to an invitation from David Dabydeen I was encouraged to do a new introduction of this for the Guyana Classics Library. All of this – Scriptology, Leo’s Poetical Works, Leo’s Local Lyrics, all the essays and all the poems that I have found – are going into a new edition, Collected Works, which I am currently in the country finishing researching.

PP: ‘Scriptology’ – an interesting title, an intriguing title…I’m looking for something [flicking pages] from the book as we going into it, a curious guy, well-read…

MC: Extremely wellread…

PP: Yes, as we find so

many references to books and writers…

MC: A whole range of writers – including one of those essays I talked about that appeared in the newspaper which talked about the genius of Edgar Alan Poe – he wrote quite extensive and astute series of observations about the works of Edgar Alan Poe. But throughout his work you would find references some of the Romantics I mentioned earlier like Tennyson and lesser known figures like Henry Kirk White, Montgomery… yes, he read copiously.

PP: It means that Georgetown was no backwater in culture and literature and Leo was from Georgetown.

MC: No, not by any means. By the 1880s, when he was writing, there was burgeoning middle class of which he was a part. And importantly also there was

an emerging middle class black audience. Martin, apart from his contemporaries, he really is the first Afro-Guyanese writers to be working in the poetic tradition. Prior to Martin, there were others - settlers who were educated abroad and came and settle in Guyana and wrote. But Martin was Guyana born and raised and spent his whole life in Georgetown…

PP: And published here…

MC: Some of his works was published here. Actually his first collection Leo’s Poetical Works was published in 1883 in London.

Copies were disseminated here [Guyana], London, and some made their way to United States. He had a very significant audience considering at the time Guyana was still a colonial outpost, not a major hub of literary production. And his work was reviewed in New York, London, excerpts of his poems appeared in Boston – yes, he had a very wide reach.

In fact, a towering figure in the American Renaissance in the 1920s and 30s, Arthur Schomburg after whom the Arthur Schomburg Library in New York is now named called Martin the greatest Negro poet in history.

PP: You mentioned the Harlem Renaissance - there was another Guyanese writer involved, Eric Walrond.

MC: Yes. In fact it was Eric Walrond who ‘is’ our link between Arthur Schomburg and Egbert Martin.

PP: Oh, research must be very interesting and satisfying.

MC: It is!

There is an essay in the ‘Crisis’ the journal of the NAACP where Eric Walrond recounts this story of going into Schomburg’s personal library and that’s where he was first introduced to Egbert Martin; Schomburg pulls a copy of Martin’s Poetical Works off the shelf and begins reading and stunning the audience and saying that this is among the highest literature we have from black people and it is not well known.

Guyanese people knew him [Leo] back in the days but he was already beginning to fade by the 1920s and 1930s from memory although the was an effort starting with Clement Gomes to solidify Martin’s important position in the history of Guyanese and West Indian Literature…

PP: Yes, I remember coming across the initiative in Kyk-over-Al of June 1946 to create Leo Medal for Poetry in his honour….

You know, you academics like to put writers and their works in categories but there are many things going for Leo apart from the fact that he was the first major black poet of Guyana, he was a writer. Let’s look at his prose writing. Let me quote him: ‘Scriptology is writing about writing, history about history, storytelling about storytelling. It is a study of its own procedure’.

Let’s talk ‘Scriptology’.

MC: It is a remarkable collection…(to be continued) Responses to this author please telephone 226-0065 of email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com

8 Sunday Times Magazine

MARCH 24 , 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

World Tuberculosis Day

E

ach year, we commemorate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.

TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious killer. Each day, nearly 4500 people lose their lives to TB and close to 30,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease. Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 54 million lives since the year 2000 and reduced the TB mortality rate by 42%. To accelerate the TB response in countries to reach targets – Heads of State came together and made strong commitments to end TB at the first-ever UN High Level Meeting in September 2018.

The theme of World TB Day 2019 - ‘It’s time’ – puts the accent on the urgency to act on the commitments made by global leaders to: • Scale up access to prevention and treatment • Promote equitable, rights-based and people-centered TB response • Ensure sufficient and sustainable financing including for research • Promote an end to stigma and discrimination • Build accountability The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a joint initiative “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB” with the Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership, with the aim of accelerating the TB response and ensuring access to care, in line with WHO’s overall drive towards Universal Health Coverage.

This World TB Day, WHO calls on governments, affected communities, civil society organizations, health-care providers, and national/international partners to unite forces under the banner “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB” to ensure no one is left behind.

Worldwide, TB is one of the top 10 causes of death and the leading cause from a single infectious agent (above HIV/ AIDS). Millions of people continue to fall sick with TB each year.

In 2017, TB caused an estimated 1.3 million deaths (range, 1.2–1.4 million) among HIV-negative people and there were an additional 300 000 deaths from TB (range, 266 000–335 000) among HIV-positive people.

Globally, the best estimate is that 10.0 million people (range, 9.0–11.1 million) developed TB disease in 2017: 5.8

million men, 3.2 million women and 1.0 million children.

There were cases in all countries and age groups, but overall 90% were adults (aged ≥15 years), 9 per cent were people living with HIV (72 per cent in Africa) and two thirds were in eight countries: India (27 per cent) China (9 per cent), Indonesia (8 per cent), the Philippines (6 per cent), Pakistan (5 per cent), Nigeria (4 per cent), Bangladesh (4 per cent) and South Africa (3 per cent). These and 22 other countries in WHO’s list of 30 high TB burden countries accounted for 87 per cent of the world’s cases. Only 6 per cent of global cases were in the WHO European Region (3 per cent) and WHO Region of the Americas (3 per cent).

The severity of national epidemics varies widely among countries. In 2017, there were fewer than 10 new cases per 100 000 population in most high-income countries, 150–400 in most of the 30 high TB burden countries, and above 500 in a few countries including Mozambique, the Philippines and South Africa.

Drug-resistant TB continues to be a public health crisis.

The best estimate is that, worldwide in 2017, 558 000 people (range, 483 000–639 000) developed TB that was resistant

to rifampicin (RR-TB), the most efective firstline drug, and of these, 82 per cent had multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).

Three countries accounted for almost half of the world’s cases of MDR/RR-TB: India (24 per cent), China (13 per cent) and the Russian Federation (10 per cent).

Globally, 3.5 per cent of new TB cases and 18 per cent of previously treated cases had MDR/RR-TB. The highest proportions (>50 per cent in previously treated cases) are in countries of the former Soviet Union. Among cases of MDRTB in 2017, 8.5 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval, 6.2–11 per cent) were estimated to have extensively drugresistant TB (XDR-TB).

About 1.7 billion people, 23 per cent of the world’s population, are estimated to have a latent TB infection, and are thus at risk of developing active TB disease during their lifetime. (World Health Organisation)

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 24 , 2019

Sunday Times Magazine

9

Health

By Dr Reaud Gafoor

Dr. Reaud Gafoor is a Consultant Urologist at Caribbean Surgery Inc., specializing in Urological cancers, Urinary Stone disease, Minimally Invasive Surgery and Kidney Transplant Surgery (fellowship trained, Melbourne Australia). He is also an Associate Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

T

he passage of a kidney stone is often described as one of the most painful experiences one can endure; according to some, it is even moreso than childbirth. In addition, stones that do not pass spontaneously can lead to blockage of the kidney, risking the loss of organ function if left untreated. Most seriously, the stagnant urine that backs up behind the obstruction can become infected, in itself a medical emergency as the resulting systemic deterioration may be life-threatening.

In addition, persons suffering from painful stone episodes lose a tremendous amount of productive time away from their jobs, significantly reducing their earning potential and negatively impacting the economy.

Luckily, with appropri-

The modern approach to urinary stone disease is centred around non- and minimally- invasive procedures; that is, surgery without a large, painful incision (or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to the body). To this end, the use of scopes and camera systems that offer an internal view of the organs of the patient is incorporated. Then, utilizing energy sources such as lasers, ultrasound and shock waves, the stones are broken up and can then be removed or passed painlessly. These approaches can be

rienced after surgery, and far higher successful stoneremoval rates compared to open surgery. In addition, the complication rates are far lower with these techniques.

Is surgery always necessary?

The probability of a stone passing without any intervention is mainly dependent on two factors; its location in the urinary system, and its size. A urologist will determine, based on the imaging studies done (CT scan, ultrasound or X-ray), the likelihood of a stone passing

tests, or a high level of obstruction seen on imaging, demand immediate, often emergency, intervention.

Dietary and lifestyle changes

Once someone has had a urinary tract stone, they will always be at risk of forming a stone again. The lifetime risk of stone recurrence is approximately 50%. This may be due to certain unalterable genetic or biochemical factors. However, there are dietary and lifestyle alterations that decrease oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances of having stones again in the future. Obesity

tion; it is recommended that stone formers squeeze fresh lemon juice, which is high in this chemical, into their water on a daily basis.

More specific dietary advice comes from an analysis of the stone. If specimens are made available thru surgery or by passage and capture of the stone, these will be sent to the lab for an investigation to characterize its type and to better allow for dietary guidance.

Some stone formers have high uric acid levels in the blood and may benefit from

ate treatment, the success rate of timely intervention (when necessary) is quite high, approaching 95 to 100 per cent, in the modern era.

Symptoms of Urinary Stones

Stones may remain silent until they become mobile within the urinary system.

The patient may complain of severe back or groin pain that comes in waves, typically; they may have burning on urination or see blood in the urine. Nausea and vomiting are common, and fever and chills with pain are signs to take seriously as they most commonly indicate that an infection is present. A medical evaluation is essential if any of these are experienced. An xray, ultrasound or CT scan may be ordered by the physician to confirm the diagnosis and plan intervention.

Management Options

applied to stones of all sizes and complexities, resulting in faster recovery times (most times patients are back to work the next day), with almost no pain expe-

spontaneously (that is, without surgery) and may prescribe a medication to help it along the way. However, there always remains the possibility of a painful stone event as the stone passes along.

Some stones may remain silent and cause no trouble. This is more likely in stones smaller than 1 cm.

However, the probability that these stone progress to cause pain or obstruction is around 75%. Larger stones are highly likely to produce complications, and for this reason, it is recommended that they are actively treated rather than observed.

There are specific situations in which surgery is absolutely mandatory, in which it would be a great hazard to health and life should surgical intervention not be executed. In particular, a urinary tract infection (as suggested by a combination of symptoms like burning while urinating, feeling generally unwell or weak, or a fever), impairment of kidney function as revealed by blood

is a significant risk factor, and losing weight is associated with decreased chances of stone formation. This is best achieved through both diet and exercise.

Dehydration is a major causative factor, and to address this, water consumption is important and a minimum daily intake of 2 litres is recommended. In addition, salt intake should be reduced, not only by reducing the amount of salt used in cooking but also decreasing intake of preserved food products that are high in sodium (for example, tinned mackerel, corned beef, sardines etc). Citric acid has a protective effect on stone forma-

the reduction of animal protein intake, in particular, red meat. Others will have to reduce daily amounts of chocolate, tea, coffee, nuts, beans, mangoes, spinach and a number of other foods that are high in a chemical known as oxalate.

An exciting time in stone surgery

Never before has it been easier, safer and more convenient to have urinary stones treated. With the wide array of surgeries available, specifically tailored to each individual stone and patient, the heavy impact of the stone disease has been softened.

10 Sunday Times Magazine

MARCH 24 , 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Fashion

G

lobal warming is real and hitting us really hard. So in order contribute to preservation of our existence, several fashion brands have to minimize their waste by recycling. However, that alone is not enough. So here are some ideas on how to turn what is traditionally considered as garbage into interesting and elegant fashion pieces. There are guaranteed to make you stand out and send the right kind of message.

Wrist bands

You can convert your favourite chips packages into stylish pieces

This eye popping dress is made with paper cups

Perfect way to reuse those plastic and paper plates

This dress was made from soda cans and coffee packages by an 18 year old student in Colombia

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 24 , 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Home Décor

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ingredients 4 turkey wings pieces 2 tsp Cajun seasoning 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp garlic powder 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce ½ onion, finely chopped 1 celery stalk, finely chopped ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 small carrot, finely chopped 6 cups water 2 chicken bouillon (Cubes) 10 sprigs thyme 1 bay leaf 1 tsp oil 2 tsp cornstarch 4 tsp cold water Parsley for garnish

Instructions 1. Season the turkey wings with Cajun seasoning, black pepper, salt, garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce.

2. In a large pan over high heat, add

R

enovating your kitchen with new kitchen cabinets can seem daunting, but revitalizing the heart of your home will not only help with organization when preparing meals for your family, but it will also make you feel confident when entertaining guests. If you’re still in the beginning stages of planning, consider your storage needs, kitchen size and shape, and how you can create a space that suits you and your family’s personal style.

Spice up your kitchen storage spots with decorative colors, finishes, and hardware.

Whether you prefer a traditional look or something more modern, these design ideas go far beyond plain-old cupboards.

Patterned Cabinets A classic white kitchen is timeless, but it can be a bit dull. To make it a little more interesting, add hidden details, like these diamondpatterned mesh cabinet inserts.

oil and brown turkey wings on both sides.

Remove from the pot and place on a plate. Add onion, celery, green bell pepper and carrot to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

3. Add turkey wings back to the pot then add water, chicken bouillon, thyme and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover pot. Cook for about 2 hours or until the turkey is tender.

4. Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl then add to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes then remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. (Jehan Can Cook)

Whitewashed Cabinets • • •

•

• • • • • • •

Instructions In a pan, place canola oil over low heat and add rosemary, garlic and thyme and cook for about 3-5 minutes. You do not want the garlic to brown, if it starts to brown then lower the heat.

After 5 minutes, remove from the heat

•

• • • •

Grays can soften the contrast between black and white. It's also a complement to stainless steel in a kitchen. Oft for an ashwood or whitewash existing brown wood cabinets.

Ingredients 5 cups diced cassava (boiled) 1 tbsp crushed garlic ½ tsp rosemary, finely chopped 1 tsp thyme, finely chopped 3 tbsp canola oil 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp salt Pinch of black pepper 1 tsp Dijon mustard 2 scallion, finely chopped 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Ingredients 2 medium ripe mangoes, skinned and chopped 4 mint leaves, chopped 1 cup water juice of 1 lemon 4 tbsp sugar

Add all ingredients into a blender and puree. Pour into an 8×8 pan and freeze overnight. Cut into squares.

This can also be poured into a Popsicle mould. (Jehan Can Cook)

Corner Cabinets

a n d allow to cool. When oil is cool place in a small bowl with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt and black pepper and whisk to combine. Toss vinaigrette along with parsley and scallion over cooked cassava and serve warm. (Jehan Can Cook)

Customize your cabinets to fit into the corners. They'll come in handy when you need extra storage space. If the odd shape doesn't suit you, opt for two slimmer cabinets on each side for slimmer things like cooking sheets and trays.

Simple and Sleek Cabinets If your kitchen is open, airy, and full of natural light, add contrast with a bold color for the cabinets.

That way, a deep gray or even black won't feel too dark.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 24 , 2019

Puzzles

ACROSS

1 Panhandles

5 Igneous rock, once

10 Logo

16 Nuns can't shake it

21 Mountains or river

22 Archipelago dots

23 Rita of old movies

24 A moon of Jupiter

25 Frosty coating

26 Milan's La - 27 Diamond units

28 Fixes a tooth

29 Like Prohibition

31 Dessert cart choice

33 Give feedback

35 Tolerated

36 Aileron locale

37 Cherchez la - 40 Narrow inlet

41 Piece of glass

42 Ms. Hagen

45 Price offered

46 Court figures, briefly

48 Retiree's kitty

50 Murky

52 Harped on

54 El -- (ocean current)

55 Carelessly hasty

57 Blower

58 Lorelei's river

59 Totally confused

60 Wild guess

62 Rubbed the wrong way 66 Tad

67 Trapeze artist's workspace 69 Dry red wine

71 3-D shape

72 Thick fog (2 wds.)

74 Depot info

76 Wouldn't hurt -- - 78 Holiday drink

79 Coal scuttles

80 Parrot's skill

83 Layered pasta

85 Morticia's husband

88 "Tiny Bubbles" crooner (2 wds.)

89 Hunts, with "on"

90 Vikings, often

93 Overlooks

95 Trendy

97 Say please 98 "The Wreck of the Mary --" 100 Mach 1 exceeder 101 Cloaks or monkeys 106 Glance furtively 108 Fair maiden 110 Afterword (var.)

112 From square one 113 Emerson opus 115 Striped antelope 116 Engine stats 117 Pigeonhole 118 Playful activity 120 Abound with 122 Jacques' forest 123 Well-protected 124 Amused 128 Country addr.

129 A funny Philips 130 Filch 131 Same old grind 132 Hour, for Pedro 133 Sahib's rule 135 Obligation 137 Red Sonja ally 139 Vitamin amt.

140 Like a corset 142 Highest degree 144 Weigh

148 Rockies range

10 Sajak or Trebek

150 Stockpiled

11 Ostrichlike bird

153 Overturn

12 Icy remark?

155 Snarl

13 Nonsense poet

156 Smuggle

14 Walk on in

157 Repeat performance 15 Tile mural

158 Coronet 16 Hoist

159 Bridge bldr.

17 Baba of folklore 160 Yard enclosure

18 Sentimental tune 161 Windshield fluid

19 A Mandrell sister

162 Dainty pastries

20 Took a sip

163 Capsule, maybe

30 "The Sandbox" penner DOWN 32 In that case (2 wds.)

1 Laird's accent

34 Baby whale 2 A Great Lake

38 Cosmonaut's station

3 Big umbrella

39 Destroy data

4 Lie dormant 41 Carthaginian

5 Put out of place

42 Tear out a seam

6 Scale

43 Lake near Reno

7 Woodland clearing 44 Tummy trouble

8 Mr. Blanc 46 Charm

9 PDQ 47 Opposed

49 Far afield

51 Galley implement KATHLEEN SAXE

53 Ground, as teeth

54 Twig juncture

56 Grapefruit serving

59 They may be sealed

WORD GAME

TODAY'S WORD -- REPERTOIRE

(REPERTOIRE: REP-er-twahr: A list of pieces or parts that one is prepared to perform or present.)

Average mark 30 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 44 or more words in REPERTOIRE?

report reporter repro retie retire retiree riot rioter ripe riper rite rope ropier rote

eerie eerier epee error peer pert peter pier poet pore port porter portiere prior

tepee terrier terror tier tire tiro tope topee toper topi tore tree trio trip

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.

61 Raw cotton

63 Pounce 64 Piano-key wood

65 Monet contemporary

67 Beauty pack

68 Deep regret

69 Sugar-cane cutter 70 Herbal infusion

73 Seeped 75 Metallic sounds

77 Tomato jelly 81 Rite answer? (2 wds.)

82 Decay

84 Primitive

85 Jelly flavor

86 Camel halts 87 Podium features 91 Vicksburg fighter

92 Polio vaccine inventor

93 -- -bender

94 Hannibal defeater

95 USN ranks 96 Greet warmly

99 Put to flight

102 Mendicant's shout

103 Provoke 104 Kind of jacket

105 Awfully nice

107 "The Castle" author 109 Because of (2 wds.)

111 Teen event 114 Mr. Brynner 117 Sherpa's home 119 Orchid-loving Wolfe 121 Guys 122 Kindest regards 123 Beethoven works 124 Songbird 125 An antiseptic 126 Stretched to see 127 Went to a sock hop 130 Hidden 134 Astrologer -- Dixon 136 Reporting to 137 Romero or Chavez 138 Used the microwave 140 Swelter 141 Cato's 701 143 Jabba the -145 A.D. word 146 Duds 147 To be, in Bordeaux 149 The "it" game 151 Ad -- committee 152 Previously See 154 Ms. Zadora Solution on page 14

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 24 , 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

Q

ualcomm’s new VR headset will be one of the first to work as a standalone mobile headset and also connect to PCs wirelessly. The headsets will be demoed at the Game Developers Conference that’s currently going on in San Francisco, and they could arrive in stores in Asia as early as later this year, as spotted by CNET. Most mobile VR headsets don’t let you plug into your PC for a connection to additional VR gaming libraries, but Qualcomm envisions it to be possible in its new reference design called “Boundless XR.” The new headset reference design Qualcomm has laid out will work on its own as a mobile standalone headset with six degrees of freedom which also links to PCs for PC VR gaming through a 60GHz connection. The headsets are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processors.

Latency is kept at a low 16ms, according to Qualcomm’s claims. The headset is also designed to process VR technology while connected to a PC. So, in theory, it could help free up some processing power in your

PC, although it isn’t clear how much.

Any PCs and consoles you decide to use the headset with will also need to support 802.11ad Wi-Fi and run Qualcomm software. The games should be able to support the new headset without any changes, Qualcomm told CNET. Qualcomm makes a lot of VR reference designs, but only a handful of companies have taken up Qualcomm on those designs, including HTC, Lenovo, and Facebook. Many OEMs prefer to stick to making phones, tablets, and other devices. Qualcomm says the first headset with the new reference design will be a Pico Neo2 VR headset from the Chinese company Pico VR. It also says HTC Vive is another partner working to “support the new specification through hardware and content,” although since this is just a reference design, it’s possible we may never see it come to stores. If it does arrive, Qualcomm will have helped to make VR gaming just a little more convenient than before. (The Verge)

F

acebook, on Friday, updated Messenger with a new feature: the ability to quote and reply to specific messages in a conversation, making it easier to keep track of things (especially in larger group chats), as reported by VentureBeat.

The feature comes as an expansion of the company’s existing reaction emoji. Now, when you hold down on an individual message, in addition to simply adding a reaction, you’ll be able to reply with a new “reply” button, which will attach a quoted version of the original message to your response. The quoted messages aren’t quite their own message threads — they’ll still ap-

I X

iaomi announced its new gaming smartphone, the Black Shark 2 on Friday. The Verge previewed the first model last year; at the time, it seemed like a promising competitor to other gaming phone makers, like Asus and Razer. And Xiaomi is no stranger to designing and releasing highend smartphones in China and elsewhere, even if they’re still fairly new when it comes to the gaming phone scene.

To begin with, the Black Shark 2’s real kicker is its screen: it’s a 6.39-inch OLED display with an in-display fingerprint sensor made by Samsung. That’s a great feature just on its own, but Xiaomi has added a pressure-sensitive system that enables you to map the buttons located on the flanking

corners of the screen; you trigger them by pressing harder on that part of the screen.

Xiaomi says it has also optimized the phone’s display for gaming by improving color accuracy, reducing screen flicker at low brightness, and lowering touch latency to 43.5ms.

Inside, the Black Shark 2 contains the sort of high-end specs you’d expect a gaming phone to have. Specifically, it offers the latest Snapdragon 855 processor, a 4,000 mAh battery with support for 27W fast charging, and 6GB RAM with 128GB internal storage for the entry model or 12GB RAM with 256GB storage for the top-tier variant. For imaging, the Black Shark 2 comes with a 48-megapixel and 12-megapixel dual-camera combo on the back and a single 20-megapixel camera on the front.

Also, like last year’s Razer Phone 2, the Black Shark 2 contains a vapor chamber cooling system designed to keep the phone from overheating during all those games of Minecraft and Fortnite you’ll be playing. There are also optional accessories such as a handheld grip that can be attached to the phone.

Xiaomi will start selling the Black Shark 2 in “frozen silver” or “shadow black” starting today in China, at CNY 3,200 (around $480 USD) for the base 128GB model or CNY 4,200 (about $625 USD) for the model with 256GB storage. Details are currently unavailable for an international release. (The Verge)

n recent years, advances in AI have produced algorithms for everything from image recognition to instantaneous translation.

But when it comes to applying these advances in the real world, we’re only just getting started. A new product from Nvidia announced on Friday at GTC — a $99 AI computer called the Jetson Nano — should help speed that process.

The Nano is the latest in Nvidia’s line of Jetson embedded computing boards, used to provide the brains for robots and other AI-powered devices. Plug one of these into your latest creation, and it’ll be able to handle tasks like object recognition and autonomous navigation without relying on cloud processing power.

This sort of setup is known as edge computing, and because it means that the data being processed from cameras and microphones never leaves the device, the end result is usually hardware that is faster, more reliable, and more secure. So everybody wins. Past Jetson boards have been used to power a range of devices, from shelf-scanning robots made for Lowe’s to Skydio’s autonomous drones. But the Nano is aiming even smaller.

Nvidia is launching a developer kit of the Nano targeting “embedded designers, researchers, and DIY makers” for $99, and production-ready modules for commercial companies for $129 (with a minimum buy of 1,000 modules).

The company also unveiled a fun DIY project for any advanced makers: an open-

pear in line with the rest of the chat, but it seems useful enough.

It’s a pretty straightforward feature that fellow Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp has already offered for a while, so it makes sense that Facebook would bring it to Messenger. The move also harkens to the company’s overarching ambition to create a cross-platform system that would unite Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram messaging — achieving comparable features on all three platforms would no doubt make that eventual merging easier when it does come around. (The Verge)

source $250 autonomous robotics kit named JetBot (above).

It includes a Jetson Nano along with a robot chassis, battery pack, and motors, allowing users to build their own self-driving robot.

With the $99 devkit you get 472 gigaflops of computing powered by a quad-core ARM A57 processor, 128-core Nvidia Maxwell GPU, and 4GB of LPDDR RAM. The Nano also supports a range of popular AI frameworks, including TensorFlow, PyTorch, Caffe, Keras, and MXNet, so most algorithms will be pretty much plug-and-play. And there’s the usual brace of ports and interfaces, including USB-A and B, gigabit Ethernet, and support for microSD storage.

Nvidia says it hopes the Nano’s price point should open up AI hardware development to new users. “We expect a lot of the maker community that wants to get into AI, but has been unable to in the past, the Jetson Nano will allow them to do that,” Nvidia’s VP and GM of autonomous machines, Deepu Talla, told reporters at a briefing.

It’s certainly true that the Nano is competitively priced, though it’s not unique in that. Intel, for example, sells its Neural Compute Stick for $79, while Google recently unveiled two similar devices under its Coral brand: a $150 devkit and $75 USB accelerator. But if this shows anything, it’s that Nvidia is entering a fertile market.

Let’s see what AI-powered creations start to grow. (The Verge)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 24 , 2019

Bollywood/Hollywood

G

ayle King is poised to sign a new multimillion-dollar contract to stay at CBS News.

Insiders believe King — who already has a $5.5 million-a-year deal — is much needed on struggling “CBS This Morning,” as news chiefs attempt to boost the show’s plunging ratings Meanwhile, all negotiations over whether her cohost Norah O’Donnell will replace Jeff Glor on “CBS Evening News” are on hold until King’s deal is signed,

Page Six has learned.

O’Donnell wants to move the show to Washington, DC, but we’re told: “Everything has gone very quiet. Nothing will be done until Gayle has signed her contract. It looks likely that she’s staying — but we don’t know what the holdup is.” CBS News staff are on tenterhooks about the possibility of the “Evening News” HQ moving to DC. “Everyone is stressed — they want to know what’s happening,” said an insid-

H

aving successfully maintained a balance between her work internationally and in the Hindi film industry, Nimrat Kaur believes that one’s presence is felt by the work he/she does and the statement it makes.

Kaur rose to fame with her performance in films such as ‘The Lunchbox’ and ‘Airlift’. In 2016, she began portraying Rebecca Yedlin in the second season of the American television series ‘Wayward Pines’ and also essayed a negative role in ‘Homeland’.

She followed it up with work back in India, featuring on the Alt Balaji web series, ‘The Test Case’.

W

ith three films in her kitty including ‘Romeo Akbar Walter’, actress Mouni Roy has managed to make a successful transition from small to the big screen. She says she is always ready to embrace the surprise that life has to offer.

“The best part of our journey is that we have to have the will to be surprised by life. I am saying from my personal experience, that if I am thinking too much about the future and running after something, I will miss out on the present,” Roy said. “So whenever an opportunity came my way, whether it was an acting assignment, dance or singing, I just tried to focus on that.”

Starting her career in 2004, Roy got noticed by the audience for her role in the TV show titled ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’. She went on to appear in shows like ‘Zara Nachke Dikha’, ‘Nach Baliye’ and ‘Naagin’ before making her Bollywood debut in 2018 with the film ‘Gold’.

Following that, her upcoming films include ‘Brahmastra’, ‘Made in China’ and ‘Bole Chudiyan’.

“Initially, I wanted to become an IAS [Indian Administrative Service] officer but no... it is great that at a very young age, I

er.

King recently impressed with her much-lauded interview with R. Kelly. If she stays, King wants to know that CBS News president Susan Zirinsky will make “This Morning” more competitive, friends say.

Asked if she’s staying, King told The Associated Press recently: “Ooh, that’s a good question. All I can say is I really love my job.

And I think it’s kind of foolish to predict the future.”

J

ennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez have received the ultimate congratulatory note.

Former President Barack Obama mailed the couple a sweet note on his personalized stationery on behalf of him and

(Page Six)

Asked if she feels the need to make her presence felt in Bollywood once she finishes her international assignments, Kaur said: “Of course, you lose touch.

When I work here for a long time, I lose touch abroad and vice versa.

But I don’t know what you can actually do deliberately to make your presence felt. I believe your presence is felt by the work you do and the statement your work makes.”

The 37-year-old actress said she keeps it easy. “So, for me it is not something that is a forced thought...I keep things a little easy and organic that way,” Kaur said.

found my calling and carved my path,” recalled Roy. “This is what I want to live for, forever... my dance, my acting are what I want to live for because I am the happiest when I am performing".

Asked how the success of television helped her to enter Bollywood, the actress said: “Probably that is the reason why I got the calls for the look tests and auditions but at the end of the day, it is about my talent and if I am fitting into the character.

“Yes, of course, they can see my acting skills in the work that I have done on television, but the characters I am playing are very different from say a Shivangi in ‘Naagin’ or a Sati in ‘...Mahadev’. So I think I have to look at every character and opportunity differently and my popularity on TV won’t help if I cannot act.”

Speaking about her role in the John Abraham-starrer ‘Romeo Akbar Walter’, out on April 5 in India, she said: “It was an experience... I had to unlearn and undo a lot of things. “I am a talkative person by nature. I am always bubbling with energy and I am anything but quiet and this character talks so less, so subtle and silent.”

L

ori Loughlin allegedly agreed to lie to the IRS that the $500,000 she and her husband paid to bribe their two daughters’ way into college was just “donations.”

The former “Full House” star was caught scheming with admitted college admissions scammer William “Rick” Singer in a secretly recorded phone conversation on Nov. 29, according to the criminal complaint filed last week.

At the behest of federal investigators, Singer tells Loughlin, 54, that his charity KWF is being audited by the IRS and that he’s already alerted her fashion designer hubby, Mossimo Giannulli.

“I told Moss already and I wanted to make sure that you knew, as well, if they happened to call you, is that nothing has been said about the girls, your donations helping the girls get into USC to do … crew even though they didn’t do crew,” Singer tells her.

“So we — so we just — so we just have to say we made a donation to your foundation and that’s it, end of story,” Loughlin relies Singer answers, “That is correct.”

Loughlin and Giannulli are among 50 people charged in the widespread scam in which kids fraudulently gained admission to

wife Michelle Obama congratulating them on their recent engagement.

“Jennifer & Alex — Michelle and I just wanted to congratulate you on your engagement.

After 26 years together, we can say that whatever challenges life may bring, sharing them with someone

A

you love makes it all better,” the note read.

Rodriguez shared a photo of the letter and captioned the picture, “This means the world to us. #44” Lopez’s massive diamond ring cost close to $2 million, but a note from the Obamas? That’s priceless.

(Page Six)

t the Zee Cine awards on Wednesday night Ranbir Kapoor who won the best actor award for his performance in Raj Kumar Hirani’s Sanju, shocked the audience by thanking the director and calling him an “amazing human being” and an “amazing filmmaker”.

Hirani has been called out for sexual harassment some time ago. His name is yet to be cleared.

At the Oscars ceremony in February when Rami Malek won the best actor award for Bohemian Rhapsody during his thank you speech, he completely ignored director Bryan Singer who has been named in the MeToo movement. A source close to the Kapoor family says Ranbir has decided to keep himself distanced ftom the allegations against Hirani.

“In fact from what I hear they(Hirani and Ranbir) are planning to work together again,” informs the source.

And why not? Sanju is Ranbir’s first and only blockbuster in years.

This mere-ko-kya-lena-dena attitude is not the least surprising. In the Hindi film industry success far outweighs all moral condsidreration. It is easy to make en example out of Sajid Khan and sack him from the director’s seat in House Full 4(and that too only after leading man Akshay Kumar insisted) . But when it comes to a personality of Raj Kumar Hirani’s stature everyone, including the vocal sections of the MeToo movement, goes mum.

some of the top schools in the country, either by cheating on their college admissions tests or as fake athletic recruits.

The couple is accused of paying Singer $500,000 to get both their daughters, Olivia Jade Giannulli and Isabella Rose Giannulli, into

the University of Southern California as competitive rowing recruits — even though neither girl participated in the sport.

Other parents nabbed for allegedly paying bribes include “Desperate Housewives” star Felicity Huffman. (Page Six)

Crossword Solution

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 24 , 2019

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MARCH 24 , 2019

Fun Times

Archie

Be secretive about the ARIES way you feel and what you (March 21- plan to do. It's important to April 19) get everything in place quietly to avoid interference or meddling. Emotionally driven spending should be monitored closely.

Put your emotional energy TAURUS to good use. Lend a helping (April 20- hand, offer a hug to someone May 20) sad or make self-improvements that encourage the best in you.

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

Look for ways to find a solution instead of seeking to add to the disarray. Go to the root of the problem and fix it using common sense and facts.

Participate in events that allow you to show off your (June 21- creativity, wisdom and abilJuly 22) ity to help others. How you respond to problems will determine how others will treat you.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Focus on what's important and take care of pressing matters. Assess important papers and medical issues to discover a way to improve the status quo.

Taking a day trip, visiting an old friend or relative or attending a reunion will bring back memories. Learn from experience and move forward with a positive attitude.

Don't gamble with money, LIBRA investments or joint ventures.

(Sept. 23You are best off putting your Oct. 23) time and effort into personal growth and expanding your knowledge, skills and earning potential.

Peanuts

Improve your life, home SCORPIO and relationships. Pour your (Oct. 24- energy into the changes that Nov. 22) will bring out the best in you and in the people you associate with.

Stick to the truth and SAGITTARIUS only offer what's necessary. A (Nov. 23Dec. 21) promise made will not be kept, and disappointment in someone's actions will lead you to reevaluate your relationships.

Calvin and Hobbes

Cherish what you've got, CAPRICORN and show loyalty and respect (Dec. 22- to loved ones. If someone tries Jan. 19) to disrupt your life, make it clear that you won't put up with meddling.

Do what you can, but AQUARIUS don't promise more than (Jan. 20- you can handle. Avoid unFeb. 19) certainty until you have had enough time to assess the situation and figure out the best way to handle matters.

Join forces with somePISCES (Feb. 20- one who has as much to ofMar. 20) fer as you do. There are profits to be made if you work as a team player. An idea can turn into a moneymaking opportunity.