Guyana Times - Thursday, February 28, 2019

Police ranks receive training in investigating violent crimes P10

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3849

Thursday, February 28, 2019

GGMC to carry out technical assessment of RUSAL’s operations – Trotman says team dispatched to probe ongoing situation

See stories on pages 5&9

...disgruntled residents block river leading to Rusal

GECOM’s CEO hospitalised following suspected heart attack Page 7

Richard Allen, a former Royal Marines Commando of the British Army, set about testing the possibility of how far one person with a small bag could travel around the world without the use of a plane. Allen began a solo and unsupported journey which has covered over 3000 miles, from Sierra Leone, West Africa to Guyana with the sole aim of raising awareness of the Commonwealth in collaboration with the Guyana Foundation. In this Adam Baksh photo, Allen lit flares upon his arrival at Port Georgetown on Wednesday

Over 164.9kg of cocaine, 889 kilos of cannabis seized last year Page 8

Fire guts home of Linden businessman

Page 16

Woman stabbed to death by Page 15 obsessed man

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Former acting Top Cop resigns from P2 GPF

Taxi driver charged P15 for raping passengers Investigation launched into death of US citizen who claimed he P10 was beaten

Stolen items, ganja, cocaine unearthed P2 during Police operations in Berbice

Govt investigating alleged ‘trophy hunting’ of P11 jaguar

2 news

thursday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Stolen items, ganja, cocaine unearthed during Police operations in Berbice ganja and stolen items.

Based on reports received, members of the Police Narcotics Branch and B (Berbice) Division conducted a four-hour cordon-and-search operation in several villages.

During the search at Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, a businessman was arrested after 313 grams of cannabis was found in his possession. In addition, a house was searched at St John’s Street, New Amsterdam, where 377g of cannabis, along with 15g of cocaine, was The items that were unearthed during the Police operations in Berbice

A

t least five people were arrested on Wednesday during

Police operations in East Canje and New Amsterdam which unearthed cocaine,

found. Three males have been arrested.

Finally, a male resident of Howard’s Alley, New Amsterdam was arrested after a search of his premises revealed a quantity of suspected stolen items and several suspected fake business stamps and a passport.

The operations were spearheaded by a Senior Superintendent and involved 20 other ranks. The suspects are being processed for court, before the end of the week.

David Ramnarine resigns from GPF

A

fter serving in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for well over 27 years, former acting Top Cop David Ramnarine has resigned.

His resignation comes some five months after he was overlooked by President David Granger for appointment as Police Commissioner or even Deputy Commissioner.

The 49-year-old cop requested early retirement from the Police Force and it was granted. Ramnarine would have been eligible for retirement next year in accordance with the public service rules.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan confirmed that the former acting Top Cop would be waving good bye to the Force, noting that his service would truly be missed.

Former acting Top Cop David Ramnarine

He said, “He was [a] extremely good cop in my opinion and I will certainly miss the fact of his leadership style and all of that, but, of course, we must respect his decision.”

So far, no reason was given regarding Ramnarine’s decision to leave the Force.

Efforts made to contact Ramnarine also proved futile.

Ramnarine, who had served as acting Police Commissioner upon the retirement of Seelall Persaud, was the most senior rank in the Force prior to the appointment of Leslie James as Police Commissioner last year.

Ramnarine was overlooked for the position as Top Cop. He was even discounted from the post of Deputy Commissioner, of which there are currently four – Lyndon Alves, Maxine Graham, Nigel Hoppie, and Paul Williams.

President Granger has stated that there were specific reasons why Ramnarine was not ap-

pointed.

Prior to that, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces had expressed his desire to have the leadership of the Police Force comprise individuals who are unbribable and not corrupt.

An inquiry into the Police Force’s handling of an alleged plot to kill the President in 2017 had concluded that Ramnarine, and others, lacked the professionalism to lead the GPF. Ramnarine has not worked a single day under the new leadership of the Force.

He had proceeded on leave after he had not been shortlisted for the Top Cop position.

Ramnarine joined the GPF in April 1991 and he became an Assistant Police Commissioner at the age of 40.

news

3

thursday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, February 28 – 13:00h-14:30h and Friday, March 1 – a night retraction at 02:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, February 28 – 12:15h-13:45h and Friday, March 1 – 13:20h-14:50h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected throughout the day, followed by clear skies in the evening. Overall temperatures will range between 19 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 11:38h reaching a maximum height of 2.11 metres.

Low Tide: 05:04h and 17:54h reaching minimum heights of 1.19 metres and 1.10 metres respectively.

WEDNESday, FEBRUARY 27, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

02 04 10

12 21 28

FREE TICKET

13 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

05 06 16 19 25 LUCKY 3

9

4

4

2

Afternoon Draw

1

1

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03

04

07

09

PAY DAY

01 03 07 13 14

17 18 21 SUPER PAY DAY

01 05 15 17 18

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

$28M for Region 10 agriculture programme

RDC demands February funds – Finance Ministry says January funds still unspent

C

hairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), Renis Morian, is appealing with the Finance Ministry to release budgeted finances to the region.

The Regional Chairman, in statement from the region on Wednesday, expressed disappointment that almost at the end of February 2019 they have not received the parliamentary approved funding, under the region’s new programme of agriculture.

In the 2019 Budget, Government allocated $28,992,000 under the new agriculture programme in an effort to promote agricultural development in the region.

According to Morian, the region went ahead and hired a few persons who are highly qualified and experienced in the sector, as they seek to move away from mining to agriculture. However to date, they have not received any releases as yet.

“I am very concerned as to date we have not received any releases from the Ministry of Finance with regards to funding for agriculture. We have put everything in place and is ready to move forward but to date we have not been able to move ahead because despite trying to access the monies we have been unable to. Our REOs have tried numerous times and to date it’s holding up the work,” the Regional Chairman said.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the Finance Ministry expressed its disappointment with the pronouncements, when in fact the region has not spent its disbursements in January.

According to the Ministry, it conducts ‘other charges’ release within the first five working days of every month. However, the Region 10 RDC submitted their cash flow statement on January 12, 2019 and the first release of $1,211,833 was done on January 14, 2019.

In addition, the Ministry noted that another $1,665,833 was released on February 5, 2019 to cover costs according to the cash flow submitted.

However, before releasing the funds for February, the Finance Ministry said it noticed the entire release for January 2019 was unspent at the end of that month, and contact was made with the Principal Assistant Finance Secretary at the RDC, Dollette Powers, in the first week of February to enquire about the unspent releases.

“In response, Powers said the region was not ready to start spending under the agriculture programme and that spending should start from February

2019 since some tenders were sent out,” the Ministry explained.

But Morian noted in the missive from the region that the continued holding up of the finances can result in the region losing its momentum, as farmers and other resources have already been motivated and with no release of the required funds, it places the region’s officials at an embarrassing state. In fact, the Chairman noted that they had gone to lengths and extent in mobilising and motivating farmers to get on board.

“We have a lot of farmers who are ready and prepared to get started but we still can’t access the funding and this is stymieing our programme. We are therefore appealing to all the powers that be, that we are working towards food security and if we’re going to bring down the amount of food importation and given the kind of weather that we have right now and time, we need the funding now. I am stating that whatever is the glitch we are asking that it be overridden by some official so that we can get over this glitch, thus allowing us access to the monies,” he stressed.

Morian said that mining is like a navel string for Region 10, stressing that the people of Linden has been into mining for decades and seeking to remove them from mining towards agriculture has taken a lot of effort and resources, therefore the Ministry of Finance needs to address this matter urgently.

“We’re seeing persons

Region 10 RDC Chairman Renis Morian

emerging who are willing to get into agriculture with our help and support and we just don’t want to lose this momentum, it’s clear that if we dilly dally these persons would view us as just making promises and starting something that we never had any intention of fulfilling,” Morian said.

He added, “Apart from that, our credibility is certainly at stake because we went out onto the ground and only to tell persons that we can’t access the monies and the farmers who are on the ground would not under-

stand why we can’t access the money and I find it difficult too, but the system is stymieing the Government’s s attempt to move agriculture in Region 10 and I will stress that this is hard for me to face yet another RDC meeting which will be held on March 7th to say the same thing.”

The evidently frustrated RC said that whatever is discussed at the RDC it is discussed throughout the region, thus he would like the Government to immediately address the hiccup within the Ministry of Finance, so as to ensure that the region and ultimately farmers can access the monies in moving agriculture forward. He declared that the current situation that they are confronted with is very tough, noting that he has no intention of returning to the RDC, taking the same report.

“I’m appealing to have this matter urgently addressed before the first Thursday in March as I would like the system to be freed up so that we can access this money as we have been getting ready all the time and we now needs the money,” he declared.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, february 28, 2019

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

Dictatorship ended, freedom rebirthed and democracy prevailed

R

ecently the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) vehemently objected to the advertised presence of several State agencies being part of a meeting held by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Georgetown District. The objection seemed only natural, given it was a planned meeting by a political entity; the ruling one. The official presence of such agencies would obviously raise concerns over party paramountcy through the process of politicisation.

Such concerns are not new to those familiar with the country’s political history. They would never forget the image when the flag of the PNC flew higher than the Golden Arrowhead in the compound of the Appeal Court when that party was in Government. That firmly and unambiguously demonstrated that the party was in charge and epitomised the oppression that prevailed.

While fear permeated during that period, that image served to further embed it into mindsets and ironically, as the flag fluttered, it froze many into silence. There was no mistaking that the PNC party reigned supreme and the State apparatus was made to be at its disposal. So were public servants who believably, were mandated to attend political meetings and to participate in State-sponsored events, including Mashramani.

The imposed fear made it much easier for the workers to succumb to such demands since there were mouths to feed. In looking back, while it was despicable, it can be attributed to natural consequences of a dictatorship where the iron fist created soft bellies by choice. Those who opposed took tremendous risks with some tragically paid the ultimate price as the brutality took toll.

In assessing history, those heinous acts may now be deemed as understandable within the context of the consequences of a dictatorship and obviously much to the displeasure of the victims. The dictatorship ended, freedom rebirthed and democracy prevailed for over two decades. Even in those freer and modern times and when the PNC was in Opposition, it created scenarios to berate the PPP Administration accusing it of being undemocratic.

Those accusations were even made when the PNC engineered acts to deliberately create instability necessitating responses to ensure law and order. It used the 2015 campaign to repeat those accusation and made bold promises to “restore” democracy and the rule of law.

By its own record since 2015, it would not be inaccurate to state that’s a promise it failed to deliver or even remember.

Its current position in disregarding the enshrined and ensuing process of a successful no-confidence motion highlights its lack of adherence to the constitution and by extension, the rule of law.

The use of State agencies at one of its meeting must therefore be seen in a particular context. Based upon Government’s campaign and the expectation it built in the minds of Guyanese, freedom of choice, democracy, transparency and adherence to the Constitution should be a norm. In the first instance, one would expect that if a State agency is embarking on an outreach to engage citizens in an effort to foster awareness about particular programmes and policies, it would be done independently of any political entity to avoid any semblance of politicisation.

From their public profiles, the entities advertised seemed very capable of conducting such outreaches as part of its service provision.

Based upon the advertisement in question, it may be easy for a conclusion to be made that the ruling party might have forced the participation of the said entities. The timing can also foster that belief given the Government’s noticeable efforts to engage the populace in various parts of the country suddenly after the passage of the Noconfidence Motion. Within that context it would be difficult to conclude otherwise especially when such outreaches were not common before.

This brings into question whether these entities freely agreed to participate or were coerced. That suggestion may not be unreasonable given that the PNC, which is now the major party in the current coalition (many are of the opinion it is the Government), when in government, was reportedly responsible for forcing public servants to participate in State events and for flying its flag in the compound of the Appeal Court.

What currently plays out raises eyebrows as to whether these are signs of a repeat of that oppressive period. Analysts have pointed to other developments that could conclude a gradual return of those dark days. Most significant must be the President unilaterally appointing the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) disregarding what obtained for 27 years. The process he disregarded began with one of his party’s predecessor as President; Desmond Hoyte who was an attorney.

The imposing of a plethora of crippling taxes, the seemingly unjustified firing of a number of persons, including professionals, and the accusations of political witch-hunts, further add to that belief of a growing dictatorship. The refusal to abide by the Constitution since the no-confidence vote may have removed any doubt some might have as to that ominous return. In what seems as desperation on its part to stay in office, coercing State entities in the present seems an action plucked directly from the past.

Guyana's Ambassador to the Federative Republic of Brazil, George Talbot has been accredited Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Argentine Republic. He presented letters of credence to Argentine President Mauricio Macri. Ambassador Talbot also met with Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie and discussed matters of bilateral and regional concern.

Guyana and Argentina established diplomatic relations on October 6, 1972

Venezuela removed 8 tons of central bank gold last week – legislator

A

t least eight tons of gold were removed from the Venezuelan central bank’s vaults last week, an Opposition legislator and three Government sources told Reuters, in the latest sign of President Nicolás Maduro’s desperation to raise hard currency amid tightening sanctions.

The gold was removed in Government vehicles between Wednesday and Friday last week when there were no regular security guards present at the bank, Legislator Angel Alvarado and the three Government sources said.

“They plan to sell it abroad illegally,” Alvarado said in an interview.

The central bank did not respond to requests for comment.

Alvarado and the Government sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not say where the central bank was sending the gold. They said the operation took place while central bank head Calixto Ortega was abroad on a trip.

In 2018, 23 tons of mined gold were transported from Venezuela to Istanbul by plane, according to sources and Turkish Government data.

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó

The central bank bought part of this gold from primitive gold-mining camps in the south of Venezuela and exported it to Turkey and other countries to finance the purchase of basic food supplies, given widespread shortages, according to more than 30 people with knowledge of the trade.

Some 20 tons of monetary gold were also removed from the central bank’s vaults in

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro touches a gold bar as he speaks during a meeting with the Mministers responsible for the economic sector at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela March 22, 2018

2018, according to the bank’s data, leaving 140 tonnes remaining, the lowest level in 75 years.

Abu Dhabi investment firm Noor Capital said on February 1 that it bought three tons of gold on January 21 from the Venezuelan central bank and would not buy more until Venezuela’s situa-

Gold bars sit inside a military plane before being taken to Venezuela’s Central Bank, at Carlota military airport in Caracas, Venezuela, March 1, 2018

tion stabilised. Noor Capital said its purchase was in accordance with “international standards and laws in place” as of that date.

Maduro’s Government has been seeking to repatriate some 31 tons of gold in the Bank of England’s vaults on fears it could be caught up in international sanctions on the country.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said on Wednesday, during a United Nations meeting in Geneva, that the Bank of England had blocked the Government’s assets.

Maduro’s Government has resorted to selling off gold after falling oil production, the country’s wider economic collapse and mounting sanctions hit public income and made it hard for the country to access credit.

The United States, which is backing an attempt by Opposition Leader Juan Guaido to force Maduro to step down and call new elections, has warned bankers and traders not to deal in Venezuelan gold. (Reuters)

news

5

THURSdAY, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GGMC to carry out technical assessment of RUSAL’s operations – as GBGWU calls for a national response to issue

A

s the issues regarding aluminium company RUSAL and its workers intensifies, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has now instructed the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to commence a technical review of the company’s operations.

In addition to that, Trotman said a team from his Ministry will be travelling to the company’s interior operation to make an assessment because Government has received credible news from workers that RUSAL has been dismantling its equipment.

“Is it telling us that they are shutting down their operations?

Or is it telling us that we have to prepare to suspend their operations? So, I have asked for a technical assessment to be done and that is being done as of today (Wednesday),” he told Guyana Times.

Trotman noted that Government is disappointed, distressed and disturbed by the turn of events regarding the RUSAL matter. While acknowledged that Government has been unsuccessful in its attempts to resolve the issue, he noted that good sense must prevail.

The Minister noted that while Government would like to see its citizens earn a liveable wage and have a dignified working environment within which to operate, it

Some disgruntled workers attached to the bauxite company

is their objective to see investors come to Guyana and get a fair rate of return on those investments.

However, he asserted that each of these companies must operate within the confines of the law that define the relationship they have with workers and the State.

“The Government believes that it has done its part and the workers’ rights are paramount and must be respected. And Government prepares to stand with the workers or convince RUSAL that better can prevail.”

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU), Lincoln Lewis, said the situation has become one of national im-

portance and would require all trade unions, Government and the Opposition to work together towards bringing an end to this issue.

“And for it to be a national response, we have to see President David Granger and Opposition Leader Mr (Bharrat) Jagdeo together sitting down with the unions to make a decision on this.”

While RUSAL has threatened to close its operations here, Lewis said it is their right to do so, but noted that as long as they are here, they will have to respect the country’s laws and respect workers’ rights.

Sixty striking workers were dismissed by bauxite compa-

ny – Russian Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) – which is owed by RUSAL, for downing tools in protest of an arbitrary one per cent salary increase.

On Tuesday, residents of Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) in disagreement with the dismissal of the striking employees attached to the company retaliate by blocking the access road which leads to the company located at Aroaima.

During initial deliberations, representatives of the company stated that they do not recognise GBGWU, which has been advocating for the affected workers.

A meeting was later held

with Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman; Social Protection Minister Amna Ally; and Junior Social Protection Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott; along with RUSAL’s representative Vladimir Permyakov and Director of Alumina and Bauxite Department at RUSAL, Sergey Kostyuk; met to discuss ways in which the issue can be resolved in an amicable manner.

And after assurances by Government that the fired bauxite workers will be reinstated, RUSAL has refused to do so, signalling their intentions of having the 61 workers replaced by the end of the week.

According to RUSAL, those who are not on the job have not received any payments and they have moved towards inviting persons who have a desire to join the company to do so.

However, notices were issued to an additional 30 workers, informing them that they are not to turn up for work until further notice. According to the company, the company reserves are not as lucrative to investors as they were in the past.

These statements were met with strong opposition from Minister Ally, who labelled RUSAL’s actions as unreasonable and unthinkable.

Come on Mr President, call an election... you are at the end of your tether Dear Editor, President Granger has sent a letter to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) urging them to begin preparations for General and Regional Elections in Guyana. While this seems to be a commendable act on his part, you have to read on to see the nefarious plan in that so called elections preparation bid. The rest of his statement says, “The Government of Guyana is committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the Commission is provided with the financial resources and have sufficient time to conduct credible elections.”

Now, let us stop there and analyse the last part of that sentence, “give the Commission sufficient time to conduct credible elections”, that “sufficient time”

he is insinuating is time for GECOM to hold a long drawn-out house-to-house process which in actuality is a People’s National Congress (PNC) election campaign process to rig the elections.

So, the sinister plan is tag funding for the Commission on to a house-to-house campaign, then summon a parliamentary session in which he would somehow coerce the Opposition into voting on one unitary whole. In essence, the PNC would have gotten what they wanted; that is, outsmart the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) with a well prepared list of fake SOPs to gain that one-seat majority again.

Well, I have news for them that is not going to happen because that plan

rests on the Opposition and the Government coming together on a two-thirds majority plan to grant GECOM those privileges.

So, let me assure Granger that the PPP/C is not giving in to that plan, no never! If Granger and his rigging partners think that the PPP/C is going to buy into that foolishness they need to disabuse their minds of the thought!

So, to Granger and his PNC controlled GECOM this is the situation, we will go into a constitutional crisis because you folks have made it possible with that corrupt rigging attitude of yours. You still believe that you can pull it off with a one-seat majority win and foist yourself on the Guyanese people yet again, but that is not going

to happen. To Mr Granger, your nefarious tricks have exposed you; please call the election?

The way forward will be the following; except the President call an election as required by law, there can be no extension to the March deadline. The funding Granger is talking about has already been budgeted for in the last “early budget” read and successfully passed in Parliament.

Ample provisions for the holding of an election by GECOM was provided for in that budget. No allocations were made for house-tohouse registration which in our case is unnecessary and improbable, because there is a valid voters list, valid up until April 30.

Which is more costly a house-to-house exercise

Ramjattan must do better

Dear Editor, I was humbled to be called upon to moderate a show on the information superhighway by a global company called GLOBESPAN 24x7.

That show was watched by some 35,000 viewers internationally to date.

It was an amazing experience since I was in Maryland, USA, talking to Christopher Ram in Queens, New York; and Khemraj Ramjattan in Georgetown Guyana, powered by a system from somewhere else in the USA, but at the same time connecting to a live

town hall audience in Little Guyana in Richmond Hill, a telephone audience in Guyana, Trinidad, Canada and the USA and a global audience by way of Facebook.

But my excitement was eviscerated midway in the show when I reflected upon the fact that two senior members of Guyanese society who claimed that they are friends, could not even have a completely decent conversation on such an issue of national importance – the Road Map after March 20, 2019. There were many good points made by both

parties but the show will be remembered by many for the wild and unproven allegations from Ramjattan.

Ramjattan as the person responsible for the Police prosecutorial services made serious allegations against former Member of Parliament, Charrandas Persaud.

I was extremely uncomfortable with his statements because as the person responsible for the Police, he (Mr Ramjattan) and the Guyana Police Force have not provided one iota of evidence against Charrandas

Persaud on these allegations.

Further, they have not brought any charges to bear against Charrandas Persaud. So it was totally reckless, irresponsible and infantile of Ramjattan to have done such a great disservice himself by issuing such wild and baseless allegations against his fellow former AFC member.

I am gravely disappointed in Ramjattan, he must do better than this.

Sincerely, Sasenarine Singh

coupled with an election or an election? The answer is an election and that we must have within the 90day period. We still have time because March 19, is the deadline date, come on Granger do the honest thing stop pussyfooting you are at the end of your tether.

You have to realise that Granger is trying his ut-

most to stave off that constitutional crisis which comes into immediate effect in the coming weeks. This is what has him in a bind. The simple solution to all of this Mr Granger is for you to call an election, the Constitution requires that of you.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

6

thursday, february 28, 2019

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation “L

S

ince your last birthday, a lot of things have changed.

For one, you’re much smarter than you were last year. That’s obvious.

But there might have been some other changes – ones that you weren’t ready for. Perhaps you’ve sprouted several inches above everyone else in class. Or maybe they all did the sprouting and you feel too short.

Maybe you haven’t gained a pound and you feel like a feather on the seesaw, or maybe you can’t fit into your favourite pair of jeans. And now you’re looking in the mirror, thinking only one thing: Am I normal?

fast you should grow. It depends. There’s no perfect or right amount. On average, kids grow about two inches (6 centimetres) a year between age three and when they start puberty (when your body starts changing and becoming more grown up).

Your doctor will know how your growth has been going over the years. Two centimetres here and two inches there are not nearly as important as the height you’re at now, how you’ve been growing up to this point, and what other changes your body may be going through.

Everybody’s different

Don’t be scared if you seem to have grown a lot in a very short time. Everyone has a growth spurt during puberty. The average age for starting puberty is about 10 for girls and about 11 for boys. But it can be earlier or later – between 7 and 13 for girls and 9 and 15 for boys.

You’ll usually begin to notice that you’re growing faster about a year or so after your body starts to show the first changes of puberty – girls will develop breasts and a boy’s genitalia will get bigger.

First of all, what’s normal? There’s no one type of normal. Otherwise, the world would be full of a lot of abnormal people! The next time you go to the mall, take a look around. You’ll see tall people, short people, and people with broad shoulders, little feet, big stomachs, long fingers, stubby legs, and skinny arms ... you get the idea.

You can change your hairstyle or put on a new hat, but the way you look isn’t entirely under your control. Your looks were largely determined by your parents. When your parents created you, they passed on their genes – a kind of special code – and those genes helped to decide your size and shape, your eye colour and hair texture, even whether you have freckles.

Small or tall

Height is just one of the thousands of features your genes decide. In fact, because you have two parents, your genes act like a referee, giving you a height that usually lands somewhere between the height of each parent. If both your parents are tall, then most likely you will be tall, too, but if you have questions about how tall you’re going to be, ask your doctor if he or she can help you figure it out.

But genes don’t decide everything. For example, eating an unhealthy diet can keep you from growing to your full potential.

Getting plenty of sleep, enough exercise, and nutrients will help you grow just like you should.

No doubt you’re wondering how

Growth spurts

Weighing in

Weight can vary a lot, too, from kid to kid. It’s tempting to compare yourself with your friends. But kids often weigh more or less than their friends and are still considered normal. TV and magazines might make us think our bodies should weigh and look a certain way, but in real life, there are a lot of differences.

Some kids worry so much about their weight that they try unhealthy and dangerous things to change it. The best way to have a healthy weight is to eat right and get a lot of playtime (exercise).

What to do if you’re worried

If you have concerns about your weight – or how your body is changing – talk it over with a parent or your doctor. The doctor can tell you if anything is wrong.

But most likely, your oneof-a-kind body is growing just like it’s supposed to. (kidshealth.org)

ine up shortest to tallest!” the teacher calls out. “Not again,” some kids might groan – especially if they have to stand at one end or the other.

For most kids, height isn’t something they can change, so what do you do if you don’t like how tall or short you are? It might be girls feeling too tall and boys feeling too short. But some really tall boys might not like all that height and some shorter girls might get tired of all the jokes or of feeling like they’re staying little while their friends are growing up.

But the truth is that everyone is growing up – it’s just that they’re doing it at their own pace. In other words, your body grows on its own schedule. You can’t wish yourself taller or stretch yourself. Or if you’re already tall, you can’t do anything to hurry your friends up so you’re not the tallest one.

For kids concerned about their height, there are two big questions: When will I grow taller (or stop growing)?

How tall will I be?

Your genes, which you inherited from your parents, largely determine how tall you will end up being and how fast you’ll grow. Kids get taller more quickly during growth spurts, times when their bodies grow fast — as much as four inches or more in a year during puberty, for example!

When does height happen?

Your biggest growth spurt happened when you were a baby.

In that first year of life, you grew about 10 inches as you got bigger and stronger. Since then, you’ve probably seen your height increase a few inches a year.

After babyhood, the next big growth spurt for kids comes during puberty, a time of many changes when boys and girls grow bigger and start to look more like adult men and women. But no one can tell you exactly when you’ll experience these changes.

Puberty starts at different ages for different kids and it is a process that takes a couple of years. So the getting taller part will happen at different ages, depending on the kid, and whether he or she is a boy or a girl.

During puberty, boys and girls will have a growth spurt and grow to their adult height. So that means girls who start puberty the latest will still be getting taller in their mid-teens. For boys, the latest to reach puberty will still be getting taller into their late teens. A few of these boys may grow taller even into their early twenties!

How tall will I be?

You might want to know how tall you will be. Will you be nose to nose with your mom or dad someday? There’s no way to know for sure how tall a kid will be as an adult, but it’s easy to get a clue: Look at your parents and the other adult members of your family. How tall are they? Chances are you’ll be around the same height as your parents. If one parent is tall and one short, then you’re likely to end up somewhere in between.

But you could be taller or shorter, too. Boy, there are a lot of “buts” when it comes to height! That’s because your height is determined by your genes – the complicated code of instructions that you inherit from your parents. Genes tell your body how to grow and determine lots of things, including how tall you are.

But those genes don’t make you an exact copy of your mom or dad. Kids only get some of the genes from each of their parents, and parents don’t give the same bunch of their genes to each kid. If you have brothers and sisters, you know this is true.

Brothers and sisters can look very different even though you have the same parents.

Even identical twins can end up being different heights!

Height-related worries

Here are some things some short or tall kids might have to deal with: You’re too short to ride the rides you want to ride at an amusement park.

This one is upsetting. You’re all ready to board the super-fast roller coaster and the ride operator says you’re too small.

Sometimes, you will be allowed to ride with an adult, so try to have one handy.

You’re a girl who’s taller than the boys.

This can make a girl feel awkward, especially when it comes time to be paired up, like at a school dance. Eventually, this evens out, but it takes a little while because many girls have their growth spurts before the boys do.

Someone teases you about being too tall or too short.

This kind of teasing is the worst. You can’t change your height, so what are you supposed to do? As with most teasing, try not to let it bother you. Tell a teacher, parent, or another adult if it’s bothering you and the person won’t stop. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org) to be continued

news

7

thursday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM’s CEO hospitalised following suspected heart attack

O

n the heels of the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) being ordered to start preparations for the holding of General and Regional Elections this year, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield has been hospitalised.

According to reports, he was admitted on Tuesday at the Caribbean Heart Institute located in the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) compound. Doctors believe Lowenfield suffered a heart attack as a result of high blood pressure.

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer Yolanda Warde confirmed that the Chief Elections Officer was taken to the hospital. She disclosed that Lowenfield is currently on seven days medical leave.

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

While she could not say what the nature of his illness is, Warde did relate, however, that Lowenfield is said to be in a stable condition and is currently undergoing a series of routine tests.

The Chief Elections Officer’s hospitalisation

comes at a time when GECOM had been instructed to start preparations for polls sometime this year.

Over the past week, Lowenfield has been leading the elections secretariat at GECOM to ascertain the body’s preparedness to host elections within the consti-

tutional 90-day deadline, which was effected following the December 21, 2018 passage of the No-confidence Motion.

However, after much deliberations, which were a stalemate at most times, the seven-member Commission last week decided that elections cannot be held by the March deadline due to insufficient funds and subsequently indicated same to President David Granger.

However, in a response letter to GECOM’s Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson, dated February 25, 2019, the Head of State ordered the body to commence elections preparations.

“The Government of Guyana is committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the Commission

is provided with the financial resources and has sufficient time to conduct credible elections,” the missive from the Head of State to the GECOM Chairman states.

To this end, President Granger indicated that Government will approach the National Assembly for funding to host the upcoming polls.

Lowenfield was appointed Chief Elections Officer and Commissioner of National Registration back in 2014.

The CEO plays the key leadership role in the secretariat of GECOM, with responsibility for implementing all aspects of its operations, particularly the conduct of elections, and ensuring that results achieved are consistent with the laws of Guyana and the

policies determined by the Commission.

The CEO will be the Commission’s primary point of contact for the staff of the secretariat, whose activities include the registration of registrants, the distribution of identification cards; the provision of information and guidance on electoral operational matters to community organisations and other stakeholders.

The CEO will also be required to represent the Commission’s policies and activities in interactions with stakeholders and other interest groups, including political parties, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), donor and international agencies, in matters relating directly to the operations of GECOM.

SA to assist Guyana in mapping mineral wealth – Trotman – as overseas interest grows in setting up gold refinery here

G

uyana and South Africa will be moving towards building greater partnerships, especially in the mining sector, following the visit of a high- level delegation of Government representatives from South Africa.

This was confirmed during a press conference held on Wednesday with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources of South Africa, Godfrey Oliphant.

Trotman revealed that a declaration of intent will be signed between the two countries on Friday which will pave the way for the inking of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He said his South African counterparts have requested a five-point partnership plan from Guyana, and his Ministry has since undertaken to look into these issues.

Of paramount importance is mapping and surveying Guyana’s mineral wealth, which according to the Minister, South Africa has also shown an interest in assisting in this area.

Guyana has always been advised to carry out a hightech integrated mapping to locate and value existing and new mineral resources for effective planning and future investment.

In 2010, Iran had offered to assist Guyana in mapping its mineral wealth but it was non-specific, and did not focus on any particular mineral resource. That never took effect.

At present, Guyana lacks the capability to conduct geological surveys and mapping activities in support of gold, diamond and other mining activities.

Another area of cooperation is training and capacity building in the mining sector. The South African team

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (front row centre), Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, Vice President and Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock, Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources of South Africa Godfrey Oliphant, and his delegation pose for a picture following a meeting on Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel

will be meeting with Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith.

Similar visits will also be made at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, among other institutions.

And another important area is being able to preserve and protect our environment, while mining.

Further, the two countries will partner to look at ways to strengthen Guyana’s regulatory framework of the sector. The aim is also to examine and import certain best practices from South Africa.

Guyana is also seeking assistance to increase its value-added capabilities.

Minister Trotman pointed out that Guyana has for many years been a producer of gold and diamonds but export large shares annually.

Currently, the vast majority of gold, more than 600,000 ounces, annually are being exported.

Refinery

On that note, Trotman announced that various companies in countries like South Africa, the United

States, India and Dubai have all offered to help set up a gold refinery here.

This stems from earlier discussions held with a South African company and Government last year to set up an oil refinery here with

the aim of modernising the sector.

Oliphant on the other hand said that the establishment of a refinery is one of the ways Guyana can stamp out the smuggling of gold out of the country.

The idea of exploring for diamond and gold offshore Guyana was also pitched.

Trotman said it is something worth considering, especially if South African can lend assistance in that regard.

The South African Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources also revealed plans to assist Guyana with finding cheaper alternatives to the use of mercury in the gold mining sector.

The Government has made a commitment to reducing mercury emissions by 55 per cent within the next five years, and a longterm goal of completely eliminating the chemical’s use by 2027.

One of the alternatives is using ingredients used in bleach for clothing, which is friendlier to the environment and more cost effective, simpler and more reliable.

While one of Guyana’s challenges is illegal mining, the African country is being faced with a significantly high depth of its resources, sometimes kilometres deep.

Guyana and South Africa established diplomatic relations on November 4, 1994.

8 news

thursday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Over 164.9kg of cocaine, 889 kilos of cannabis seized last year

B

etween the months of January and September last year, drug enforcement units have managed to seize 164.9 kilograms of cocaine and 889 kilograms of cannabis.

This was disclosed by Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Guyana, Terry SteersGonzalez on Wednesday during his address at a forum at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

He said that on one hand, the figures ought to be applauded since the authorities did their part to seize the illegal drugs.

He reminded that such drugs as they pass through countries seep into communities and expose vulnerable populations, especially youths, to drug use.

This can be confirmed with the recent hike in reports coming out of schools regarding students using ecstasy pills among others.

In fact, it was only last September that the Customs

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Terry Steers-Gonzalez

Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has announced a “worrying” trend whereby ecstasy was being sold to students in at least five schools across Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

“Supply and more importantly, the growth of demand of hard drugs is becoming a significant problem around the world. Globally, opti-

mum production increased by 65 per cent between 2016 and 2017,” Steers-Gonzalez pointed out.

CANU told Guyana Times earlier this year that billions of dollars in marijuana and cocaine was destroyed during last year’s eradication exercises throughout the country.

CANU Head, Major (retired) Michael Atherly added that more than 300 persons were convicted for various drug crimes in 2018.

Statistics from the Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN) – an inter-agency body comprising law enforcement agencies – revealed that during 2018 (as of November), a total of 132 kilos of cocaine and 440 kilos of cannabis were destroyed by the Police, while 45 kilos of cocaine and 554 kilos of cannabis were also destroyed by CANU in other areas.

The combined street value of the narcotics amounted to $513,310,940. The drugs

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

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

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

The narcotics branch of the Guyana Police Force made 72 per cent of the seizures, and CANU the remainder.

The report stated that marijuana plants were eradicated from 34 acres of land, spanning 20 fields in 15 operations.

Some 204,400 plants were eradicated, the report added, and a total of 117,531.67 kilos of marijuana taken off the market.

Stalling…

P

…for a fait accompli resident Granger be contemptuous of the collective intelligence of the Guyanese people – at least the ones who aren’t blinded by rabid PNC partisanship. On Tuesday, he sent off a missive to his unilaterally appointed head of GECOM, James Patterson, asking him to begin preparations for General and Regional Elections (GRE).

Even though he was responding to Patterson’s previous communication about GECOM not having “the capability to deliver credible GRE within the timeframe commencing 12-21-18” – that is the date of the No-confidence Motion – Granger didn’t set a date for the said elections, which is his constitutional RESPONSIBILITY!!

So here he is – once again kicking the Constitution into the dust, by allowing the tail to wag the dog – having GECOM set the elections date when it feels like!! Granger’s fig leaf, of course, is to go along with Patterson’s claim there isn’t “enough time”, and financing’s also necessary. Heck, GECOM was always supposed to be ready in three months – by the Constitution!! And GECOM was already provided with $3 billion for voters’ registration, which can be legally used for the GRE. The reason, of course, as obvious as the smirk on Patterson’s face: he and Granger dilly-dallied since December 21 to ensure the old list, which is VALID till April 30, will become obsolete! Any new voter’s registration exercise, they hope, will add another six months to the life of PNC-led Government! But Granger and Patterson are a tad too smart for their own good!!

From Patterson’s missive to Granger – as cited by Granger – GECOM recognised that the three-month period for holding elections after the NCM, started ticking since 12-21-18. Immediately, the President and Cabinet were supposed to’ve resigned – their self-described “plenary” or “caucus” confirmed that! A new Government has to be sworn in after GRE held in three months – March 19, 2019!!

After that day, the President, Cabinet and Government are dead, kaput, finished!! They have no legitimate power.

If they try to remain in office, no arm of the State – much less the people – are obligated to listen to them.

And to stave this off, on behalf of Granger who’d to jet off to Cuba for more chemotherapy, Harmon wrote to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo requesting a meeting with the President on March 6!! That is, two weeks before his Government is axed!!

What he’s looking for is a lifeline from the Opposition Leader – since any extension of his Government’s life past March 19 is dependent on votes from the PPP to deliver a constitutionally mandated 2/3 majority vote in the National Assembly.

Jagdeo should remind them of the legal doctrine that a person should not benefit from his own wrong!!

What goes around, comes around!! …or don’t care??

The problem with justice is, ultimately, it depends on some entity having the power to inflict punishment on the wrong doer. Before that happens, of course, one has to agree on who’ll decide on who’s the “wrong doer”. And we come to the stand-off between the Government, RUSAL, the bauxite workers and the bauxite union.

Who decides whether RUSAL’s the wrongdoer? The Government? But the Government’s an interested party being party to an agreement with RUSAL. And even more “interested” about the votes of bauxite workers who deliver three seats from Region 10!! Can the Government compel rehiring when RUSAL says the union’s irrelevant because of its flawed “labour” recognition certificate – and their contract with the workers says, no walking off the job!?!

Who decides??

And if RUSAL decides it’ll walk because Guinea’s bauxite is easier to mine (no humungous overburden!) and workers are more “cooperative”, what can the Guyana Government do??

Then there’s the Government’s signalling oil operators they’ll support workers downing tools willy nilly?

Who decides what’s best for all Guyana?? …by the paladin Responding to a scathing SN editorial, “Democracy at risk” – on the PNC’s post-NCM manoeuvres, Granger’s handpicked GECOM Chairman James Patterson declared “This Chairman is a PALADIN for no one”!

Really? He’s not a Government servant!!

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

news

9

thursday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Disgruntled residents block Fire guts home of Linden river leading to RUSAL businessman

D

isgruntled residents have once again blocked a section of the Berbice River leading to the RUSAL company at Aroaima, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

This is the second time in little over a week that the section of the river has been blocked with wire rope by residents protesting the recent sacking of 61 workers attached to the company for striking against a one per cent salary increase.

Guyana Times understands that after news broke that the company was refusing to reinstate the employees, the dissatisfied residents decided to block the river and sections of the road leading to the company’s operations.

Meanwhile, Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph indicated that a number of additional employees received letters from the company via post mail on Monday.

The letter dated February 20, 2019, noted that the company had decided to close sections of its operations and lay off some employees.

“It is our hope that the layoff will not be for more than the period stipulated by law... You will be paid wages up to the 20th of February 2019. Starting from 21st of February to date prior to recall you will be paid, during the period of lay-off, wages equivalent to 56 hours basic per week...”, a copy of the letter seen by this publication stated.

Adolph said he was informed that approximately 90 employees were issued the letters. Further, he added that this is “adding insult to injury”.

“Because when the Government is fighting for you to reinstate those, you are taking others off...I personally believe that they (company) must honour all agreements... in the future I hope we’re able to make better arrangements with foreigners who are coming to work...It’s very bad for us”, Adolph said.

Adolph, who was part of the recent meeting hosted with company and Government officials at Aroaima noted that the company was urged to honour the labour laws.

– losses estimated at $12M

The house in flames on Wednesday morning

A

prominent Linden businessman is now counting his losses, estimated to be in the millions, after a fire completely gutted his home on Wednesday morning.

The fire, suspected to be electrical in nature, broke out at the East Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie home of 64-year-old Kissoon Dial, also called “Cacarally” at approximately 10:00h.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the businessman, who operates a sawmill next to his home was living alone and had

recently employed a live-in cook.

At the time of the incident, both occupants were at home when the businessman reportedly left on his electrical fan in his bedroom and went to sit on the veranda.

Sometime later, he reportedly saw his cook running out of the house screaming. Upon enquiring, the woman related that she was in the kitchen washing dishes when she felt heat and smoke emanating from his bedroom.

After raising an alarm,

the occupants made contact with the Linden Fire Service which is said to have responded promptly.

While the team later managed to put out the blaze, nothing from the home was saved.

The businessman has estimated his losses to be approximately $12 million.

The scene was also visited by Police ranks attached to E Division (LindenKwakwani), following a report.

An investigation has been launched.

10 news

thursday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police ranks receive training in investigating violent crimes

A

training programme to build capacity in a new forensic skill set for members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is presently underway through the auspices of the US Embassy and the Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL) via the Strengthening Criminal Justice Project (SCJP) grant.

The training in bloodstain pattern recognition involves more than 20 representatives from across the criminal justice system in Guyana. The training began on February 25 and will conclude on March 1, 2019.

Bloodstain pattern recognition and analysis is

Participants in discussion during the training programme

an area of forensic science where experts examine the size, shape, location, and distribution patterns of bloodstains in order to determine the physical events that occurred at a crime or sudden death scene.

This new skill set will support GPF’s ability to solve serious crimes, including homicides and other investigations involving blood deposits.

The weeklong training includes a mix of theoreti-

cal and practical sessions.

Jon Forsythe, an expert in the field and a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with over 38 years of policing experience, is leading the training.

The course, offered in Guyana for the first time, will give Police ranks the unique opportunity to gain in-depth exposure to knowledge on recognition of bloodstain patterns and their significance in criminal in-

vestigations.

Participants will learn the history of bloodstain pattern analysis as it pertains to forensic science.

They will learn about human anatomy, biology of blood, the value of proper collection for DNA profiling, etc.

All levels of justice sector officials will benefit from the training. In keeping with a comprehensive approach, the event will also include investigators, prosecutors, members of the judiciary and the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory.

The Embassy and INL grantee Justice Education Society of British Columbia are organising and facilitating the training.

Investigation launched into death of US citizen who claimed he was beaten

D

ays before a former factory worker took his last breath, he reportedly told his sister that he was beaten by one of his wife’s relatives.

Sixty-two-year-old Kamaladeen Abrahim, also called “Rahim”, of Whim Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) died while receiving medical attention at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

According to reports, Abrahim, a US citizen arrived in Guyana in November for a brief stay and returned

Dead: Kamaladeen Abrahim

again in January.

On the first visit, he reportedly claimed that he was robbed by a relative and on the second visit, he was reportedly injured by the said relative.

Bibi Raseea Amin, a sister of the now dead man, told Guyana Times that she received reports of her brother’s condition and visited him.

She explained that Abrahim was in tremendous pain. He was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, but was subsequent-

ly transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

On February 5, the day before he died, he reportedly also told a US-based sister what transpired. The sister in the US recalled that her brother telephoned her and related that he was in a lot of pain owing to a beating he received from a relative of his wife.

Amin also claimed she was told the same story.

However, Abrahim died on February 6 and was buried on February 10 without a post-mortem being done after the hospital claimed

the pathologist was out of the country for three weeks.

Given his religion, Abrahim had to be quickly buried.

His sisters are of the belief that his wife is hiding something.

“When I asked her what was she going to do about her cousin “Regman”, she started to raise her voice and started to argue and fight with me and everyone around said that I should stop and don’t make any problem,” Amin stated.

This publication understands that the man who al-

legedly assaulted the elderly man has since left the country. The aggrieved sister has since visited the Regional Representative of the Office of the Prime Minister, Gobin Harbhajan and related her suspicions.

The Police were informed of the allegation and an investigation was launched.

Meanwhile, this newspaper understands that the doctor who issued the death certificate to the now dead man’s wife gave the cause of death as poisoning as a result of bleach and kerosene.

news

11

thursday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt investigating alleged ‘trophy hunting’ of jaguar

T

he recent killing of a jaguar, Guyana’s national animal, has gone viral on social media and has grabbed the attention of Government which has launched an investigation into the incident.

A photo of the dead jaguar began circulating on social media earlier this week and has since sparked debates and awareness about the need to protect this endangered species of animal.

From all indications, based on the post, the animal was killed during a hunting trip. But it is against the law to hunt and kill an animal which falls under the protection of the law.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said on Wednesday that he is extremely disturbed by the issue and has since advised that an investigation be launched into the matter.

“Even though wildlife management comes under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Wildlife Authority, I have sent the photograph to the head of our Compliance Division and asked him to investigate because I am very disturbed by it,” he explained.

Trotman said he is totally against any form of trophy hunting. “If you hunt to eat I can accept that but when

tect cheetahs, jaguars, lions, leopards, pumas, snow leopards and tigers and their vast landscapes.

Panthera first started work in Guyana in 2011 through the jaguar conservation studies in the Rupununi where it was established that the connectivity of the Amazon Rainforest throughout the Rupununi, Iwokrama and other adjacent areas in the northern habitat of the jaguar is important for the long-term conservation of Guyana’s natural heritage.

In 2018, Minister of State Joseph Harmon attended a

The jaguar that was allegedly the victim of trophy hunting

it comes to killing so that you can feel good, I am very bothered about it,” while explaining that the animal also holds a very major importance to the country.

The jaguar, Guyana‘s national animal, is protected by the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2016.

According to the legislation, collecting, holding in captivity, hunting, killing, or otherwise molesting ‘protected’ species is prohibited.

Government has

signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Panthera Corporation, aimed at conserving the Jaguar. Founded in 2006, Panthera is an organisation devoted exclusively to preserving wild cats and their critical role in the world’s ecosystems.

Panthera’s team of leading biologists, law enforcement experts and wild cat advocates develop innovative strategies based on the best available science to pro-

high-level conference on jaguars that was held on March 1, 2018 at the UN Head Quarters in New York. The forum saw representations from 14 jaguar countries, international and national partner organisations.

The forum launched the Jaguar 2030 New York Statement. The statement recognises that investing in the conservation of jaguars and their habitats can improve broader efforts to manage natural resources, and strengthen community livelihoods, among others.

The jaguar is the third-largest feline in the

world, and the largest in the Western hemisphere.

In Guyana, these creatures are often spotted along trails or gaps along the forest edge where roads or rivers run. Sightings are most common in the Iwokrama Forest, especially along the main roadway.

Globally, jaguar populations are on the decline mainly due to the loss of habitat and conflict with people. As a result, these animals are listed as a ‘near threatened’ species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

12 news

thursday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Climate Change Office hosts 2nd NAP Workshop ond workshop was to review the draft which was completed following the first workshop in October 2018.

Head of the OCC, Janelle Christian, explained that this second consultancy process will ensure that the

Representatives of Government agencies, Ministries and civil society participating in the workshop held at the Pegasus Hotel

T

he Office of Climate Change (OCC) on Tuesday opened its second National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Workshop aimed at facilitating input for the review of the National Action Plan to reduce Guyana’s vulnerability to the impacts of

climate change.

The workshop will also facilitate the integration of climate change into new and existing policies and programmes regarding Guyana’s development.

The one-day workshop, which targeted officers from

Government agencies, was conducted under the JapanCaribbean Climate Change Partnership (JCCCP) and facilitated by consultants from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The objective of the secHead of the Office of Climate Change Janelle Christian

NAP is tailored to Guyana’s specific climate change concerns. This comes in the wake of the disclosure by the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that there must be more ambition and efforts to reverse the effects of climate change.

Christian noted that the activity is three-fold as it will look at strategies and other documents that would have been prepared in 2014 and 2016 and where the country is presently to determine if it must to be updated; to align these with the Government’s plans and the Green State Development Strategy and to update the actions outlined in the first draft (2018) in a

realistic way.

“We want to assess and take stock to see if what we identified as priority back in 2015/2016 is still relevant, what it is that we… have done since then, and where we are going with respect to the new vision of the President…So we are crafting what are the priorities that we would like to be undertaken and this will be updated to include capacity building; who are the people we need to get the work done; what are the technologies that can be used and are needed. Once this is completed based on our inputs, there will be a process for public review and the document will be made accessible online so that the public can also have a say,” the Head of the OCC stated.

She said it is crucial to gather a wide cross-section of representatives as they each have a unique perspective to bring to the table, particularly since the effects of climate change are not felt in the same way by every citizen.

Meanwhile, National Focal Point at the UNDP, Astrid Lynch said the JCCCP programme aims to support countries in advancing the process of inclusive low emission, risk resilient development by improving energy security and integrating medium to long-term planning for adaptation to climate change within or aligned with improved development planning and budgeting processes.

“Towards achieving this aim, this is the second workshop under this initiative.

Building on the invaluable feedback we received during the first workshop we, therefore, keenly look forward

National Focal Point at the UNDP, Astrid Lynch

to receiving your input. It is hoped that at the end of the workshop, we can continue discussions on climate change, recognising that each of us have to play a critical role in climate change mitigation,” she said.

The JCCCP programme aims to bring together policymakers, experts and representatives of communities to encourage policy innovation for climate technology incubation and diffusion.

In so doing, the initiative aims to ensure that barriers to the implementation of climate resilient technologies are addressed and overcome in a participatory and efficient manner.

news

13

thursday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt to set up Drug Treatment Court for petty offenders

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan sharing remarks at the opening ceremony of Wednesday’s workshop

“W

e do not want necessarily to jail our juveniles and to make this a jailhouse nation, we want to have alternatives, we want to have diversionary measures and I see this Drug Treatment Court as an aspect of that.”

Those were the sentiments shared by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Wednesday as a two-day workshop kicked off at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown for stakeholders who will be involved in the new arm of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The court has come at a time when statistics have proven that there has been an increased number of drug offenders in the court system.

The new system will provide rehabilitative services to offenders rather than have them incarcerated.

Ramjattan noted that the

idea of a Drug Treatment Court was first spoken of 30 years ago in the United States and has proven to be a successful measure as too many people are being imprisoned because of the said matter.

He said, “For very many offenders in relation to matters to drugs, jail is not the best place but treatment and that is why it has kicked off since then to a number of countries that have implemented the Drug Treatment Court to the extent that it is saving a generation”.

Ramjattan further added that his experience in the law system has taught him that jailing offenders does not help them, but rather pushes them to graduate into “bigger things”.

“They get to learn the tricks of the trade while serving their three years for possession of narcotics and they come out back being with a

higher degree of criminality,” he noted.

It was on this note that the Minister made mention of the overcrowding of prisons, another issue the Drug Treatment Court would tackle. According to him, as opposed to incarceration, the rehabilitative programme for such offenders will allow for benefits to sprout. In fact, almost 90 per cent of persons who went through the treatment, he said, managed to turn over new leaves.

The Minister added that he is fully aware that with the opening of such a court there may very well be a flood of persons, however strives will be made to ensure that eligible offenders are identified early.

Moreover, it was pointed out that drug offenders will be given a choice to go to jail or through the rehabilitative system. Certain criterions, he however, pointed out will have to be met before a person is granted rehabilitation over jail time, one of those include the person’s history of drug use.

He said he hopes that the pilot programme can be extended to the Corentyne, Bartica and other places where drug offenders are rife.

Meanwhile, a representative from the United States Embassy, Terry Steers-Gonzalez said the Government is committed to such efforts through programming support from the US State Department’s

A section of the gathering

International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL).

Since 2011 INL has trained and certified drug abuse treatment personnel and even supported a certification programme for drug and violence prevention.

Another representative from the Organisation of American States (OAS), Jean Dormeus posited that he is happy Guyana has taken such a step as it has already proven to be successful in other countries.

Guyana’s laws current-

ly provide for a mandatory three-year jail sentence for anyone found in possession of small amounts of marijuana and other illicit drugs.

This has led to the incarceration of petty offenders, leading to an overcrowding of the country’s prisons.

14 news

THURSday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

NA prepares for biggest-ever National Library launches Smart Skills Programme Mashramani Parade

T

he annual Mashramani costume and float parade in New Amsterdam, Berbice is set for Sunday, March 3 and from all indications the municipality is taking full advantage.

Addressing reporters at a press conference held at the Municipal Chambers on Tuesday, Town Treasurer Kerriann Edwards noted that the Council took a decision to sell spots along the road shoulders for those who wish to vend.

The spots are being sold at varying costs. Craft spots are the cheapest with food spots being more costly. However, those who will be vending beverages will have to pay the most for their spots.

“Almost all of the spots have been sold. In terms of price, persons are comfortable with it. We have marked the road from St Ann Street up to Demico area. Banks DIH will

…to empower citizens through functional literacy

A The roadway marked for vending on Sunday

bring out their music system and bar, Top Brands, the Ministry of Health are some of the agencies that have taken up spots,” Edwards noted.

She said that exhibitors will also be on show, noting that special arrangements have been made for kids.

“In the party zone, we are not going to be having any trampoline that would be on the outskirts. Because when the crowds come out, it becomes very distressful

for the parents and kids,” the Town Treasurer said.

Mayor Winifred Heywood noted that several agencies, Government Ministries and corporate Guyana are expected to participate in the event.

The Mashramani celebrations in New Amsterdam are being organised by the Regional National Events Committee. This year, celebrations are held under the theme, “Celebrate 49 With Victory In Mind”.

n initiative to increase functional literacy skills in Guyana has been undertaken by the National Library as it officially launched its Smart Skills Programme on Tuesday with the aim of empowering citizens.

The National Library, collaboration with in the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), launched its inaugural Smart Skills Pilot Programme at the Library’s main branch located at 76-77 Church and Main Streets, Georgetown.

The National Library’s spokesperson, Pamela Knights, in an interview with Guyana Times, expounded that the purpose of the Programme is to expose and teach persons how to effectively apply literacy skills learnt with confidence and less dependency on others for assistance.

Knights further explained that the Smart Skills project consists of five modules, but only three have been developed so far. These

National Library spokesperson Pamela Knights

include the reading course for adults, recognition and signing of name, and the filling of forms module.

“The programme is really to address functional literacy in Guyana; we are looking at offering three modules and the modules are filling of forms; learning to recognise, write and sign your name as well as basic reading for adults,” she stated.

Plans to initiate similar programmes at the other branches are being undertaken since they specifically

target those individuals who are employed, along with the unemployed, but lack basic functional skills.

“This is the pilot phase, and the programme we hope to roll it out to our branches and centre later this year…. this functional literacy programme targets mainly persons who are unemployed, the young and we’re also looking at persons like market vendors, janitors and young entrepreneurs, because it would help them become more confident,” Knights asserted.

The event was sponsored by organisations such as Gafoors, Guyana Unicomer Group, Hand-in-Hand, Mohamed’s Enterprise and other private companies.

The programme saw 24 persons participating, who were mentored by trained facilitators during the pilot phase of the project. Persons are advised to participate in the later phases of the project as the National Library works towards taking the programme to rural centres across Guyana.

Govt resuscitates plan to erect 50-foot totem pole at Umana Yana

A

50-foot totem pole will soon be erected at the Umana Yana, a national landmark which holds much significance for the Indigenous people.

Totems or totem poles are monumental sculptures carved on poles, posts, or pillars with a series of totemic symbols which represent family lineage, or mythical or historical incidents specific to Indigenous culture.

The concept to have a totem pole erected was initiated in 2015 through discussions on

the preservation of Indigenous culture in Guyana, the Social Cohesion Ministry noted in a statement.

The erection of the totem pole was scheduled to be done during the commemoration of the nations’ 50th Independence celebration as part of the activities to celebrate the Golden Jubilee.

Award-winning Guyanese sculptor Winslow Craig was commissioned to sculpt the 50-foot pole made from bulletwood, which upon completion would be erected in the compound of the

Umana Yana in September 2017, during the Amerindian Heritage observances.

However, some setbacks were encountered and the pole was not erected as scheduled.

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton during his meeting with stakeholders decided that the process to have the totem pole planted must be expedited.

Minister Norton is expected to host a follow-up meeting during the month of March to determine definitive deadlines.

news

15

thursday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Woman stabbed Multimillion-dollar hinterland dormitory to be commissioned soon to death by obsessed man

Dead: Nadina Kalamadeen

A

34-year-old mother of five was on Wednesday evening stabbed to death in North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, by a man who was reportedly obsessed with her. Nadina Kalamdeen of North Sophia, was stabbed several times about the body by the suspect who was later apprehended and taken into Police custody.

Based on information received, the woman had been avoiding the suspect for quite sometime now. He reportedly made several advances to the woman who rebuffed him every time.

However, he would visit

the woman’s house with the hope of her taking him seriously.

However, the suspect, who is referred to as “Goodie Man” reportedly turned up at the woman’s house but at that time, she was asleep.

Her relatives refused to wake her and the suspect reportedly left but returned later in the afternoon.

Guyana Times understands that the woman had left the house to purchase an item and she was followed by the man. Persons reportedly recalled seeing the woman walking in front and the man behind her.

After the woman refused to accept his advances, he reportedly whipped out a knife and dealt her several blows to her back. After the woman collapsed on the roadway, he attempted to run but an alarm was raised and he was apprehended by persons in the neighbourhood who later handed him over to the Police.

The injured woman was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The murder weapon was found in possession of the suspect. He is expected to be charged with the capital offence of murder later in the week.

The spanking new dormitory

T

he $186 million Hinterland Student Dormitory located at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, is set for commissioning in early March.

The Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry is currently finalising preparations for this monumental occa-

sion. The spanking new facility which is aback the current Hinterland Student Dormitory is the first of its kind for hinterland students who are pursuing tertiary education.

These include students currently attending the University of Guyana (UG);

Taxi driver charged for raping passengers

A

taxi driver appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday charged for raping three female passengers before robbing them.

Lindon Daniels was not required to plead to the offences, the first of which alleged that he engaged in sexual activity with a woman over the age of 17 at New Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on February 18, 2019.

It is also alleged that on January 30, 2019 at Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke, EBD, he engaged in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16.

Further, it is alleged that he engaged in sexual activi-

ty with another woman over the age of 17 on February 13, 2019 at New Providence.

The Court also heard that on two occasions, Daniels stole phones belonging to two of the victims. He denied this allegation when he was allowed to enter a plea.

Bail was denied after the Police Prosecutor objected to it being granted based on the seriousness of the offence. Daniels was remanded and was scheduled to make his next court appearance on Friday, March 1, 2019.

One of the rooms in the dormitory

Administrator Valerie David

the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE); the Government Technical Institute (GTI); the Guyana School of Agriculture; Carnegie School of Home Economics; the ER Burrowes School of Art and the Guyana Industrial Training Centre.

The 16-apartment facility boasts a male and a female dormitory, with each apartment housing eight students at any given time and a kitchenette, toilet and bath area and also a study area, while the dormitory itself has a cooking area, a library and a play area as well as accommodation for two dormitory supervisors.

Currently, several students attending tertiary institutions are housed at the Secondary Student Dormitory, Liliendaal and at the Indigenous Residence in Princes Street.

Last year, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock said the Ministry was eagerly awaiting the completion of the facility, since students would be able to advance their education in a more conducive environment.

Meanwhile, 55-yearold Retired Head Mistress Valerie David from Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini) is the Facility’s Administrator.

David is a retired Head Teacher who has given 38 years to the teaching profession.

Over the past 10 years, an estimated 600 students have benefited from hinterland scholarships to attend a number of tertiary institutions in Georgetown.

The contractor executing the project is BK International, and it is being supervised by Kalitech Inc, a consultancy firm.

16 news

thursday, february 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

ECD road expansion

Public Infrastructure Ministry announces upcoming works

T

he Public Infrastructure Ministry has announced upcoming projects under the Sheriff St-Mandela Avenue Road Enhancement Project so as to enlighten commuters and drivers on the operations and possible deviations for the next two weeks.

Works are scheduled to commence at Cummings Canal on Sheriff Street, including the relocation of water pipes and works along Dennis Street and Durey Lane between Middleton Street and Stone Avenue.

There will also be the construction of a detour at Cummings Canal and the phased reconstruction of the bridge at Cummings Canal.

Meanwhile, the construction of another Mandela Avenue culvert is scheduled to commence.

Presently, works are ongoing at Sheriff Street from the Rupert Craig Highway to David Street – primarily backfilling of the drains on the eastern side and

Guyana Water Inc (GWI) works and backfilling on the western side.

Drainage works are being continued from John Smith Street to Fourth Street on the eastern side and from Second Street to Durey Lane on the western side along with additional works on Mandela Avenue behind the Botanical Gardens.

The Arapaima culvert has reached its second phase of construction with works on the eastern side.

Motorists are being urged to exercise caution when traversing these areas and maintain a speed limit of 20 kilometres per hour at the construction zones. An alternative route to avoid delays is also recommended.

Meanwhile, works continue on the US$50.2 million East Coast road expansion project, which has two components. One features a four-lane expansion of the road from Better Hope to

Works being done on the East Coast Highway

Annandale and the other caters for an upgrade to the existing two-lane road from Annandale to Belfield.

Guyana had received a US$45.3 million concessional loan from the China EXIM (Export-Import) Bank to finance the road project, and that agreement was signed in January last year.

The previous Administration had tried to secure financing for the road expansion project, but the money was not readily available.

Hence, the then

Administration decided to use local funds for preliminary works while it awaited the release of funds from the Chinese to complete the works. The preliminary works for the four-lane upgrade were completed at the end of 2014.

With the China EXIM Bank putting up most of the funds for the road expansion, Guyana had awarded the contract to China Railway First Group for some US$42.7 million. The Chinese construction company reportedly put in the lowest bid of US$46.994

million.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration had stated that it was saving some $2.8 billion by giving the contract to China Railway First Group.

Upon completion of the widening and improvement of the East Coast Demerara

Highway, citizens travelling along the East Coast will benefit from reduced travel time and less traffic congestion. Apart from the road being expanded, the project includes improved drainage for the East Coast, which is usually susceptible to floods.

Outliers Zone takes financial wellness outreach to St Ann’s Orphanage

“It’s amazing what can be achieved when people come together” – Commonwealth Row

Richard Allen (second from left) arrived in Georgetown following a 3000-mile journey in his boat

T

he Commonwealth Row is about raising awareness of the Commonwealth among 2.4 billion citizens. The objective is to row the Atlantic Ocean without leaving the Commonwealth.

The aim is to raise much needed money for some of the best charities and foundations operating within the Commonwealth, those that are helping people, health, education and enterprise.

As well as financial help, persons involved, like Richard, will be giving physical assistance to the charities where possible in-country, getting

first-hand experience of their work and seeing where kind donations are going.

The Guyana Foundation is pleased to introduce you to Richard Allen, a former Royal Marines Commando of the British Army who has served in some of the most extreme, hostile, and remote places on earth, including jungles, deserts and the Arctic; and travelled further during his own adventures.

Over the years, Richard set about testing the possibility of how far one person with a small bag could travel around the world without the use of a plane.

Heading East, he did eventually make it back to his front door, having travelled through places and countries such as France, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Tunisia, Malta, Greece, Rhodes, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordon, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Iran, Pakistan, Over The Karakoram Highway, China, Lao, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, Australia, Tahiti, Easter Island, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Richard began on a solo and unsupported journey

which has covered over 3000 miles, from Sierra Leone, West Africa to Guyana with the sole aim of raising awareness of the Commonwealth in collaboration with the Guyana Foundation.

He was assisted on his journey by Simon Rowell, who is a meteorologist for the British Sailing Team since 2015, and forecaster for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race since 2011, to name just two of his posts.

Simon lives and breathes ocean weather, racing and endurance. His knowledge of meteorology coupled with his ocean-going experience as winning skipper of the 2002 Clipper Round the World Race and the 2005 assistant race director will give us the best chance possible of successfully rowing the 3000 mile journey.

The Boat named Tamu’kke is the Patamona language of the Indigenous people of Guyana, meaning “Together or United.” Richard is expected to arrive on the shores of Guyana this afternoon between 17:00h and 18:00h.

No matter where or how far, no matter good, bad or indifferent, it’s always people that make a place what it is.

Founder of Outliers Zone, Athalyah Yisrael presents representative of the St Ann’s Orphanage with a piggy bank

T

o celebrate its first anniversary since the institute was launched, Outliers Zone, a foundation which provides financial training for varying company workforces, took its financial wellness training to a number of female occupants of the St Ann’s Orphanage. The training was themed “Seven steps to become a millionaire teen”.

The programme saw a number of young people being educated on the importance of making wise financial decisions, which includes the need to save, invest, donate and spend.

Founder of the organisation, Athalyah Yisrael explained that the event was hosted in commemoration of her foundation’s first anniversary and more so, as a way of giving back.

“To celebrate our first anniversary we’ve decided to give back to the St Ann’s

a

Orphanage, and what we’ve found that is apart from the employees we also work with teaching children. Teaching children how to become financially sound as an adult, and it was such a great opportunity to bring our training to the girls at the St Ann’s”, she added.

Yisrael’s company usually provides training for companies and their employees, to get them to put an end to the “pay-cheque to pay-cheque’ lifestyle. The founder also disclosed plans to host similar programmes throughout the year geared at helping 11,000 children become financially independent.

Upon completion of the one-day training the young girls were given piggy banks, which together with the training itself was sponsored by companies like Farfan and Mends, Sterling Products, KFC, Floor It Plus and Metro.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, february 28, 2019

17

Around the World

Ex-lawyer tells Congress Trump directed lies

US President Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer Michael Cohen in congressional testimony

U

S President Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer Michael Cohen has claimed Trump wanted him to lie about a property deal in Moscow amid his election campaign.

In congressional testimony, Cohen said Trump directed covert plans for the skyscraper, even while he denied having any business in Russia.

He also said Trump knew about a leak of hacked Democratic emails, and called him a “racist”, “con-

man” and “cheat”.

Trump hit back: “He is lying in order to reduce his prison time.”

The US President took time out from preparing to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Wednesday to lash out in a tweet at his former fixer.

Cohen, 52, will start a three-year prison term in May for the campaign finance violation of paying hush money to one of Trump’s alleged mistress-

es, tax evasion, and lying to Congress.

In his public testimony to the House of Representatives Oversight Committee on Wednesday, he said Trump “knew of and directed” plans for a Trump Tower Moscow, while stating publicly that he had no dealings in Russia.

“At the same time I was actively negotiating in Russia for him,” Cohen testified, “he would look me in the eye and tell me there’s no business in Russia and

then go out and lie to the American people by saying the same thing. In his way, he was telling me to lie.”

However, Cohen has been convicted of lying to Congress when he testified in 2017 that attempts to build a Trump skyscraper in Moscow had stopped by January 2016.

Cohen apologised on Wednesday for his earlier false statements to Congress, which he claimed were “reviewed and edited”

by Trump’s lawyers.

Jay Sekulow, counsel to President Trump, said in a statement after the hearing: “Today’s testimony by Michael Cohen that

Attorneys for the President edited or changed his statement to Congress to alter the duration of the Trump Tower Moscow negotiations is completely false.”

Cohen also suggested federal prosecutors in New York are investigating some unspecified crime involving Trump. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Trump touts rapport with North Korea’s Kim at summit, “satisfied” with talks

U

S President Donald Trump hailed “a very special relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as they met in Vietnam for a second summit on Wednesday, and said he was satisfied with the pace of denuclearisation talks despite some criticism they were not moving quickly enough.

The US President appeared upbeat with Kim, even as on the other side of the world in Washington

his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen called Trump a “conman” who knew in advance about the release of stolen emails aimed at hurting his Democratic rival in the 2016 election campaign.

“Great meetings” and a “Very good dialogue,” Trump said on Twitter after dinner with Kim at Hanoi’s French-colonialera Metropole hotel while the White House said the two planned to sign a “joint

agreement” after further talks on Thursday.

Facing increasing political and legal pressure at home over investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 US election, Trump has devoted significant time and effort to trying to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for promises of peace and development, a foreign policy goal that has confounded multiple predecessors. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T National Security Minister offers Venezuelans Brazil Senate okays dam safety bill chance to work legally after Vale disaster kills hundreds

V

enezuelans fleeing the crisis in their homeland will be given an amnesty to register legally and possibly work for one year in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) without any involvement from the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).

So said National Security Minister Stuart Young as he dismissed concerns of vote-rigging raised by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference at the Moruga Police Station, Young said the registration process will begin soon to document and register all Venezuelan nationals here, once it receives clearance from Cabinet.

He chastised PersadBissessar for her claims, saying, “The EBC is not going to be playing any part of the exercise. It will be completely driven by the Ministry of

B A Colombian Police Officer observes as Venezuelans stream across into Colombia, near the Simon Bolivar International Bridge in Cucuta, Colombia, Tuesday, February 26, 2019

National Security. We will be designing ID cards, not the EBC ID cards, so any attempt to try to confuse the two is very irresponsible. I call it dog whistling.”

Asked to explain further, Young said, “We will look at utilising something like your drivers’ permit and working along with maybe the Ministry of Works to see how they do the registration

process. We will be giving all Venezuelans a period of time to come to certain offices, places, all the various options. We want you to come and register and walk with your own ID, passports and we will register everyone.”

He urged all Venezuelans here to take advantage of the opportunity to register during this process. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

India demands Pakistan release pilot as Kashmir crisis intensifies

I

ndia has demanded the release of a fighter pilot shot down by Pakistan warplanes in a major escalation between the two nuclear powers over Kashmir.

Video showing the pilot – blindfolded and with blood on his face – was shared

by Pakistan’s Information Ministry.

India described the images as a “vulgar display of injured personnel”.

Wednesday’s aerial attacks across the Line of Control (LoC) dividing Indian and Pakistani territory in Kashmir are the first since a war in 1971.

The incident, in which Pakistan said it had shot down two military jets, has escalated tensions between the two nations, both of whom claim all of Kashmir, but control only parts of it.

It comes a day after India struck what it said was a militant camp in Pakistan in retaliation for a suicide bombing that killed at least 40 Indian troops in Kashmir.

A Pakistan-based group said it carried out the attack – the deadliest to take place during a three-decade insurgency against Indian rule in Kashmir.

The Indian Air Force pilot, identified as Wing Commander Abhinandan, had been reported “missing in action” by Indian officials.

Images then circulated of his capture, which were both condemned for what appeared to be a physical attack at the hands of residents in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, and praised for the actions of the Pakistani soldiers who intervened to create a barrier.

Pakistan’s Information Ministry published – but subsequently deleted – a video purporting to show the blindfolded pilot. (Excerpt from BBC News)

razilian Senate committees on Wednesday passed a bill to tighten dam safety in the country, after a mining dam owned by Vale SA burst and killed an estimated 300 people in the town of Brumadinho.

The legislation, which tightens safety regulations on all types of dams, is similar to a regulation bill that failed to gain traction three years ago. It will now pass to the lower house for consideration, provided Senators do not file an appeal within five working days, which would require it to go to a vote of

the full chamber.

The bill would ban upstream tailings dams similar to those that burst, strengthening a move already taken at the administrative level by the National Mining Agency.

The January 25 disaster provoked global outcry against Vale and the Brazilian Government for allowing two similar disasters to happen in a span of three years. In 2015, a dam burst in the nearby town of Mariana, killing 19 people.

The bill passed in two committees on Wednesday.

Its tighter regulations are

based on a similar law proposed after the Mariana disaster floundered in the chamber’s environment committee and never reached the lower house.

The wide-ranging overhaul for regulation of all types of dams, not only those used in mining, will require more advanced monitoring technology and detailed emergency plans. It will give Government enforcers stronger legal standing and also make criminally liable those who certify the safety of a dam that later collapses.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Cairo station fire: Train crash causes deadly blaze, 20 dead

A

t least 20 people have been killed and 40 injured after a train crash sparked a large fire at Cairo’s main railway station, Egyptian officials say.

The train hit a buffer stop near the end of a busy platform at Ramses Station, which is in the city centre.

The collision caused the train’s fuel tank to explode, setting the platform and nearby buildings alight.

The cause of the crash is not yet clear, but only hours later Transport Minister Hisham Arafat resigned.

Witnesses described seeing several severely burned bodies in the latest disaster to hit Egypt’s rundown railways.

President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi extended his condolences to the families of the victims

State-run media earlier reported a higher death toll of at least 25 and as many as 50 injured.

During a visit to the scene, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli vowed to

severely punish anyone who was found to have been negligent.

“We will identify who is responsible for the accident and they will be held accountable,” he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, february 28, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Use your intelligence and charm to get ahead. The work you put in will pay off, and the praise you receive will raise your self-esteem.

Learn as you go and stop at nothing.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Pay closer attention to your needs, and make changes that will improve your life and relationships.

Walk away from people who are unreliable or untrustworthy.

CANCER

Don’t disregard your ideas. Offering a different point of view will intrigue someone you want to get to know better or collaborate with. Romance is in the stars.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

WORD GAME

Do what you can and stop being so hard on yourself. A physical activity will help you blow off steam. Don’t worry about what you don’t have; instead, be grateful for what you’ve got.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Anger will lead to trouble, but hard work and personal change will lead to opportunity. Choose the high road and don’t give in to someone looking for a fight.

Learn from past mistakes and feel confident about your path. How you deal with partners and peers will make a difference to the outcome. Distance yourself from indulgent or excessive people.

Assess your situation to figure out a way to deal with people who are pressuring you. Change may be needed, but it must lead to something better.

Participate, travel, set up meetings and express what’s on your mind. Taking a unique approach to an old idea will make you look like a genius.

Someone will try to make SAGITTARIUS you look bad. Be explicit in (Nov. 23- your explanation and leave Dec. 21) no room for error. Know what you want and what you are willing to give.

Don’t feel that you must fall

CAPRICORN in line with everyone else. Be (Dec. 22- a self-starter and pursue what Jan. 19) you feel is in your best interest.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Keep an open mind and be willing to let others do as they please. If you mess with someone’s plans, you will end up in an argument and be accused of meddling.

Set up guidelines and concentrate on your target.

Determination and belief in your abilities will help you make a positive change. A financial opportunity looks promising.

thursday, february 28, 2019

19

Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-county tournament…

Rampertab, Pottaya lead respective charts after 2 rounds – Round 3 continues today at Everest, Lusignan XI respectively.

After Campbell’s 116 runs in two rounds, his Demerara teammate, Zachary Jodah is in third position with 64 runs.

Jodah, who represented Guyana at the U-15 level previously, scored an unbeaten 53 in Round Two and grabbed three wickets in his Player-of-the-Match perfor-

Mavindra Dindyal will be eager for a big score in Round Three

By Brandon Corlette

A

fter two rounds of matches, the youngsters have shown signs of consistency in the Dave West Indian Imports Under-15 Inter-county tournament.

The action will continue today, with undefeated Demerara taking on Essequibo at Everest while the President’s XI will play Berbice at Lusignan.

Berbice’s extrava-

gant opening batsman, Rampertab Ramnauth is the only batsman with a century thus far and he is the leading run-scorer.

Rampertab had scores of 37 and 147* against Demerara and Essequibo respectively.

The left-handed opener, who hails from Port Mourant, has 184 runs.

Demerara’s Jadan Campbell is in second position on the runs chart with scores of 35 and 81 against Berbice and the President’s

Khan is fifth on the batting charts with 60 runs in two matches while Berbice’s Tameshwar Mohabir has 58 runs in two matches. In the bowling department, after the two matches, impressive off-spinner Matthew Pottaya is the leading wicket-taker with seven wickets; he had match hauls of 4-27

Zachary Jodah scored a half-century for Demerara

Leading wicket-taker Matthew Pottaya

mance. Windies U-16 player Mavindra Dindyal with scores of 22 and 41 is fourth, compiling 63 runs in total.

President’s XI top-order batsman Anthony

against Demerara and 3-12 against Essequibo.

The most reliable bowler of the President’s XI, Sachin Balgobin is second to Pottaya; he has five wickets

after grabbing 4-13 and 1-42 in two matches. Demerara’s off-spinner, Krsna Singh, who bowls with great control, turn and bounce, has four wickets in two matches. His Player-of-the-Match haul of 3-14 was his highlight thus far. President’s XI Nityanand Mathura is in fourth position on the bowlers’ chart with 2-19 and 1-38 in two matches.

The likes of senior players in Isaiah Thorne, Dindyal and Alvin Mohabir are hungry to have a significant impact on the game in Round Three. After Round Three is completed, the top two teams on the points table will clash in the final on Saturday, March 2 at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda.

Zeeburg continue winning ways T

Yutesh Dhanpaul (63) and Balbinder Shivpersaud (70) led Zeeburg to victory

he action continued in the Amerith Rocky Rai Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament on the West Coast of Demerara.

It saw Zeeburg BS duking it out with Windsor Forest Cricket Club at the Zeeburg Cricket Ground in another thrilling encounter in the second round of play in the tournament.

Both teams looked poised and ready for action as they took to the centre for the toss.

However, it was Zeeburg who won the toss and elected to bat first on home territory. For Zeeburg, batting first at home in the past has proven to be beneficial to the side as they have posted 200-plus scores 90 per cent of

the time. Zeeburg posted 210-5 in their allotted 20 overs as they pushed the Windsor Forest side to their limits, smashing boundaries and maximums to every part of the ground. Despite losing five wickets Zeeburg were able to rally on as top scores came from Balbinder Shivpersaud (70) and Yutesh Dhanpaul (63) with Richardo Poloram chipping in with a quick-fire 26*. The only bowler to take wickets for Windsor Forrest was M Ragunauth with 2 for 40.

Needing 211 for victory at a net run rate of 10.55 runs per over (RPO), Windsor Forest had their work cut out for them. If they were to execute such a run chase and upset the home team, they needed to focus and dig deep and produce big scores.

However, things did not go as planned as they were skittled out for 159 in the 19th over. W Ally’s 58 and D Dhanraj’s 38 were not enough to stop Zeeburg from walk-

ing away with yet another convincing win as Mark Jeffers (2 for 24) and Saffeek Deonarine (2 for 20) were the main bowlers.

In the past 11 years, Zeeburg have won 47 championships with the most recent being the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) T20 finals on February 24, 2019.

The Zeeburg side have only lost three of their last 56 matches in the past t h r e e years.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursday, february 28, 2019

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Lewis, Persaud among new faces in Jaguars squad – Captain Johnson calls for batsmen to take more responsibility

By Brandon Corlette

G

uyana Jaguars are locked and loaded to play their ninthround match this season against Barbados Pride. In the match that will commence at the National Stadium Providence from 09:30h from today, off-spinner Ramaal Lewis and left-handed batsman Akshaya Persaud are newcomers to the 13-man squad.

Lewis and Persaud will replace the injured Clinton Pestano and fellow Berbician Keon Joseph.

Speaking on the eve of the clash, Jaguars Captain Leon Johnson highlighted that the batsmen lacked application in the previous

matche s , where the defending champs failed to reach 200, i n

Ramaal Lewis during the nets session

Trinidad and Jamaica.

“The guys are good enough to show that application with the bat, especially at home,” Johnson explained.

The Jaguars Captain further added that his team are aiming to play good cricket and come out victorious against the inexperienced Barbados team. After suffering three defeats this season, Johnson and his men are eager for a victory, since the final two rounds are essential.

“Every game is important but we need to win; other teams have an extra game, so we have to play well,” Johnson disclosed.

Jaguars will play without Pestano, who has been an important asset but the replacements are capable enough to perform.

Furthermore, Johnson added that Lewis has been a successful player representing Guyana Jaguars in the Super50 tournaments in the past and he has been impressive in the nets.

Heading into the ninth round, Anthony Bramble is Guyana Jaguars’ leading run scorer with 475 runs at an average of 52.77. Bramble has two centuries this season with a high score of 168. Tagenarine Chanderpaul is second on the runs chart with 464 runs at an average of 35.69 while Captain Johnson has shown promise this season with 383 runs, averaging 31.91

Barbados Pride

with three half-centuries.

Vishaul Singh (303); Romario Shepherd (288); Chandrapaul Hemraj (286) and Christopher Barnwell (250) are the batters among the runs. In the bowling department, Veerasammy Permaul has 34 wickets while the impressive Shepherd has 28 wickets as the leading fast bowler in the Caribbean this season.

Jaguars will miss Pestano, who has a tally of 22 wickets this season. The likely addition to the starting XI, Gudakesh Motie, has played four matches this season and has 14 wickets at a bowling average of 15.50.

Barbadian Raymon Reifer, who will be an important asset to the team, has 14 wick-

GBBC reflects on Beckles’ life F

ollowing the recent passing of Lennox Beckles, many boxing organisations have come forward to express their condolences to the family and reminisce on his career.

The most recent to do so was the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), which fondly reflected on the life of the great Guyanese champion in the following statement: “The Guyana Boxing Board of Control deeply mourns the loss of arguably, one of the most gifted fighters that have ever graced our land. Lennox Beckles was a prolific Super Lightweight champion of Guyana.

“His career spanned a period from 1960, where he debuted against David Ralph on 26th September at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground to his final fight on 27th May 1979 against Brian Muller, an overseas Guyanese fighting out of the US. It spanned 19 years and a total of 45 fights, including 34 wins with 7 knockouts.

“Not known for his punching power, Beckles’ ring craft was similar in style to those of Sugar Ray Leonard, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whittaker and Floyd “Money” Mayweather and had in common with these famous fighters,

blistering hand speed and arguably the best footwork ever seen from a Guyanese fighter.

Beckles epitomised boxing’s nickname “the sweet science”.

His mastery of the craft attracted hundreds of spectators every time he fought and he was truly “poetry in emotion”. His extraordinary skill was a source of great national pride to Guyanese boxing enthusiasts and his exploits left an indelible legacy which helped to lay the foundation for the champions that followed.

“The Board deeply regrets the passing of this extraordinary talent and son of the soil who passed quietly in Trinidad where he was residing.

“He will be remembered as an honoured and cherished member of the Guyanese b o x i n g fraternity.”

ets this season in the four matches he played.

Meanwhile, the Barbados Pride team are an inexperienced team, but they are well led by Jonathan Carter, who has 532 runs this season at an average of 44.43, including one century and four half-centuries. Speaking to the media, Barbados Assistant Coach Emmerson Trotman and his unit are confident despite the fact that the Jaguars defeated Pride earlier this season.

“The mood is very good in the Barbados camp; we wanted to leave Windwards on a high and we did that with a victory,” Trotman explained.

He and his team that inspected the Providence

pitch, which is covered with “dead grass”, stated that the Barbados Pride team are equipped with the necessary spinner, in Jomel Warrican.

Barbados Pride are looking forward to the challenge the defending champions bring to the table.

Trotman revealed that the team would be an-

nounced once the conditions are analysed. Speaking on Carter’s red hot form this season, Trotman stated that he was a vital asset to the team.

Pride’s bowling will be led by their leading wicket-taker, Test spinner Warrican, who has 24 wickets, and feature Miguel Cummins, who is also hungry for Windies selection. He has 17 wickets this season, including a hat-trick in the last round against Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Guyana Jaguars full squad reads: Tagenarine Chanderpaul ; Chandrapaul Hemraj; Raymon Reifer; Leon Johnson (Captain); Vishaul Singh; Anthony Bramble (wicket-keeper/ Vice Captain); Christopher Barnwell; Romario Shepherd; Veerasammy Permaul; Gudakesh Motie; Akshaya Persaud; Sherfane Rutherford; and Ramaal Lewis.

Jonathan Carter has 532 runs thus far (Brandon Corlette photos)

Minister Norton makes donation of cricket gear to Tutorial High School Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for culture, youth and sport, Dr George Norton handing over cricket gear to Deputy Head Mistress Carlesta Sutton

Lennox Beckles in his youthful days

T

utorial High School, located on Woolford Avenue, recently received a timely and much-needed donation of cricket gear and equipment from Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for culture, youth and sport, Dr George Norton.

The school made a re-

quest to the office of Minister Norton in its quest to secure the much-needed support.

Minister Norton responded and collaborated with the office of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Guyana, through which the equipment was sourced.

After receiving the donation, Deputy Head Teacher

of the school, Carlesta Sutton said, “On behalf of Tutorial High School, we are grateful for this intervention. This donation is timely, as it will significantly contribute to the efforts of our students as they prepare to write Physical Education at the level of CSEC [Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate].”

CLASSIFIED ADS thursday, february 28, 2019 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

ARACARI

sports

National Junior Chess Championship Qualifiers commence – 29 participants highlight the event event’s unrated favourites, Andre Jagnandan quickly defeated his much younger opponent, Kaiden Alli before going on to outplay the FIDErated top seed Jaden Taylor (1125) in an end-game thriller.

A meteoric debut was made by the promising eight-year-old prospect Odit Rodriguez, who won his game against Italey Ton-Chung on board 5 with the black pieces and was primed for another win against opponent Arysh Raghunauth, who is twice his age. However, the tale of his triumph was not to be, as

ARACARI HOTEL, WBD (NEAR HARBOUR BRIDGE) ALL MODERN AMENITIES- RATES FROM US$25.

TEL #264-2946-8 CONFERENCE & RETREATS- FULL SERVICE: HOTEL, CATERING & FACILITES. ARACARI RESORT, WBD. ALEX WAYNE: 264-2946.

WEDDINGS & ANNIVERSARIES. RENTAL OR FULL SERVICE: BANQUET HALL & CATERING, ARACARI RESORT. ALEX WAYNE: 264-2946.

SALON: COSMETOLOGY- FULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000. ARACARI SALON & SPA, WBD 264-3312, 600-3927.

DRIVING ENROLL AT SHALOM ENTERPRISE AT LOT 2 CROAL STREET STABROEK AND OBTAIN AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S PERMIT COVERING 132 COUNTRIES. TEL # 619-0106, 6228162, 227-3869, 227-3835.

property for sale PROPERTY FOR SALE LOCATED AT HERSTELLING BEHIND BUDDY’S SCHEME E.B.D, ONE STREET AWAY FROM MAJOR ROAD. LAND SPACE 60X90. PRICE: 9.5MIL. CALL 6190113

services HOUSE PLANS. DRAWN OR ESTIMATE. GIVE US A CALL ON 216-0671/6928464/622-0267. FACEBOOK: K. LAKERAM CONSTRUCTION

SPIRITUALITY HAVING PROBLEMS SUCH AS HEALTH, MARRIAGE, LOVE LIFE, MONEY AND CHILDREN. REMOVE OBSTACLES OF ANY KIND. I CAN HELP. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT 600-1494 or 644-1151.

21

Two of Guyana’s top female junior players go head to head, Chelsea Juma (FIDE rated 1112) takes on 2018 Olympiad Player Nellisha Johnson (FIDE rated 1085)

Two young prospects: Odit Rodriguez (right) scans the board against his opponent Italey Ton-Chung. They are both students of the Wendell Meusa Chess Foundation

T

wenty-nine young vibrant prospects took to the boards last Sunday at the National Resource Centre, all with valid hopes of being in the qualifying seven of the National Junior Chess Championship Finals.

The event, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), took off with verve as upsets and thrills littered the playing halls for the entirety of the two rounds played on the first day.

On board 1 of the first round, Christ Church School Champion Akili Theophil, armed with the black pieces, tried his best to hold off a ruthless attack by his opponent Joshua Khan. The critical moment in the game came when Khan missed a decisive mating pattern allowing his opponent the mercy that he would eventually come to regret. Theophil was not nearly as generous to his opponent and launched a counter attack

Tournament co-leader Aravinda Singh with the white pieces takes on the young Maliha Rajkumar in their first-round encounter

the very moment Khan lost the advantage, comfortably winning the game. His momentum, however, was halted in the second round after he blundered against one of the tournaments joint leaders, Jarrell Troyer, who came well prepared with his scouted preference in Caro-Kann Defence. Troyer had also beaten Samirah Gobin in a rollercoaster first-round match-up.

Playing on board 2 in both of Sunday’s rounds, one of the

Rodriguez, being much more experienced, managed to slither away for a full victory when the young prospect succumbed to time pressure. Rodriguez’s spectacular effort, however, did not go unnoticed by spectators as the tournament halls resounded loudly with applause after the electrifying game came to an end. Member of the 2018 Batumi Olympiad Team, Nellisha Johnson, rated 1085, conceded a first-round defeat to Chelsea

Juma, rated 1112, who played the white pieces. Both players have been consistent headliners in the female category for quite some time and are among the favourites to make the qualifying 7. Johnson's Olympiad teammate Sasha Shariff defeated Jibrill Alli in the first round, but fell victim to Ethan Lee, FIDE rated 1095, who had also beaten Nickel Charles in the round 1, making him one of the event’s co-leaders at the end of the first day. Ghansham Alli John defeated Noah Rahaman and Waveney Johnson in the first and second rounds respectively.

Aravinda Singh, who has made quite an early impression in the two previous tournaments this year, won both his games on day 1, first against Maliha Rajkumar and then against Queen’s College’s Rajiv Lee. Singh’s game against Lee was quite another spectacle; both players had equal chances going into the end game. At the critical position, Lee had a wayward knight ready to leap

back into the game with tempo on black weakened by pawn and active rook against Singh’s dark squared bishop and rook who were both experiencing some amount of passivity in the position. It was only until Lee decided to play defensively against Singh’s advanced passed pawn that Singh was able to take advantage and improve his position. He (Singh) improved his chances by forcing the trade of rooks due to checkmating threats, then went on to comfortably convert the victory with his extra pawn. Though defeated in this round, Lee no doubt will try to bounce back into the race for the podium positions as he is known to be a very strong positional player among the juniors. Mahin Rajkumar and Angel Rahim held each other to a stalemate to produce the only drawn game of the first day.

Play is scheduled to resume from 09:00h on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the National Aquatic Centre.

NBS 40-Over 2nd-Division Tournament

Adams confident in Everest, aims to advance to finals A

VACANCY ONE MALE/FEMALE JUNIOR ACCOUNTS CLERK. PASSES IN ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS AT CXC. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WILL BE AN ASSET. APPLY AT MIKE’S PHARMACY, BEL-AIR. VACANCY EXISTS FOR ONE MANAGER TO WORK AT HOTEL PURPLE HEART RESTAURANT AND BAR ON THE ESSEQUIBO COAST. MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE IN HOTEL MANAGEMENT AND PROMOTIONS. CONTACT 226-9768 or 665-6082 MONDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 9AM TO 4PM OR SEND APPLICATIONS /CV TO innovationsamericamng@gmail.com.

WANTED ONE FARM MANAGER TO WORK ON COCONUT PLANTATION LOCATED IN THE POMEROON RIVER. EXPERIENCE IN FARMING IS A MUST. CONTACT 226-9768 OR 665-6082.

fter convincingly defeating Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) by 16 runs and then crushing the UG Trojans by 10 wickets – bowling them out for 96 runs, the iconic Everest Cricket Club have now advanced to the semi-finals of the New Building Society (NBS) 40-Over Second-Division Tournament where they will now await their opponents.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Everest Captain Dwayne Adams when asked how he feels about his team qualifying for the semi-finals said, “It’s great; we’ve not made it to the semis for the limited overs for a couple of seasons. We lost our first two matches convincingly and knew we had to win all our remaining games to have a chance of

qualifying. We have been training hard, fine-tuning some areas; we feel we are weak in and always talking to each other trying to keep everyone motivated and focused, more or less, it’s just about executing now. Our team is well balanced and everyone knows their role.”

Adams also went on to state that while their sudden spike in form is beneficial to the team, if there ever was a situation in the upcoming semi-final fixture the team can always rely on the likes of their senior players such as Javed Rasheed, Richie Looknauth, Amir Khan and himself, as they are all capable of stepping up when needed.

He also stated to this publication that he was also happy with himself

as the Captain, since he was able to contribute with bat and ball following his two back-to-back half-centuries against UG Trojans and DCC. Adams has thus far made 270 runs and grabbed nine wickets.

In closing, the Everest Captain said, “I would like to thank NBS for continuing to support cricket in Georgetown and encourage them to keep up the good work. I would also like to encourage younger players to keep believing in yourself, put in the hard work, set goals for yourself and work towards them.”

Everest Cricket Club Captain Dwayne Adams

CONCACAF Nations League qualifier

Jags v Belize heads to Leonora F

ollowing much deliberation on a factor that could heavily impact the amount of crowd support that the Guyana Jaguars receive during their most important game to date, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Wednesday afternoon announced that the CONCACAF Nations League final qualifier match pitting Guyana against Belize will be held at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora on Saturday, March 23 from

18:30h. The match will see Guyana playing one of the most critical matches in its football history, which can enable the country to gain a chance to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. In an invited comment, GFF Competitions Director Ian Alves said efforts were made to utilise the National Stadium, Providence: “Due to the significance of the match, serious efforts were made to have the use of the National Stadium, Providence. However, these did

not find the kind of favour that the Federation was hoping for and, as a result, we will host at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

Notwithstanding, we are still encouraging the Guyanese public to come to Leonora in support of the Golden Jaguars. Special transportation arrangements will be put in place, the details of which will be shared with the media in the coming days.”

Meanwhile, the Senior Men’s

National Team, known as the Golden Jaguars, continued their preparations for the match with a training fixture against a select team from the Upper Demerara Football Association. According to Assistant Coach Charles Pollard, it was another successful outing for the team. “I’m happy with the performance of the team but there is still room for improvement. We need to continue to work and we need more repetitions that will get

us better. We have the next three weeks and I’m confident the players will come up to speed by then. We were generally good tactically, but we need to be consistent. Tactical discipline is a big factor in the game,” he noted. That training match was held on Monday, February 25 at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence. The third training match is scheduled against the West Demerara Football Federation at a date to be announced.

22

thursday, february 28, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Victorious Super 16 teams finally rewarded Den Amstel FC Secretary Denneze Lovell was all smiles as she collected the championship trophy and cheque from Worrell and Forde

The Retrieve Basketball Court in Linden which is expected to benefit from the project

Basketball courts in Region 10 to benefit from Ground Enhancement Project

S A

lmost two months after they put in the work to finish in the top four of the Stag/ Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Super 16 year end tournament, the successful teams were finally rewarded on Wednesday with their prize monies and trophies.

The small gathering was filled with executives of the champions Den Amstel, second-place Buxton United, third-place Fruta Conquerors and fourth-place Western Tigers.

Speaking to the quality of the year end tournament, GFF Competitions Director Ian Alves sought to highlight the successes of the Elite League teams.

“One of the things I want to note first and foremost which speaks well for the Elite League and the elite clubs is that most of the other clubs were eliminated in the first round of the tournament by their Elite League counterparts, which, of course, speaks to the quality of football being played at the Elite League level,” Alves explained.

Meanwhile, aside from being elated about the

achievements of the inaugural tournament, Stag Brand Coordinator Nigel Worrell, was in awe of the ‘underdog’ finish that the competition had.

“I think that over the years what happens is that partnerships like these is what helps to build the foundation for football and generally for any sport. That fact that we saw the team that won last year’s tournament is one of what we call the underdogs, is testimony to what football is all about and what partnerships like these can actually bring to the fore,” Worrell stated.

While highlighting the year-end tournaments held by the GFF, President Wayne Forde was careful to note that in just two years, there have been improvements in the Federation’s yearend activities.

“And what is clear is that there has been progression from year one to year two and I think that is the evidence that business people look at when they’re making decisions and planning for the future. There is a lot to take away from the competition,” he disclosed.

The GFF boss then went on to shower praise on ANSA McAL for fulfilling its corporate duties.

“ANSA McAL is clearly a member of corporate Guyana who understands the importance of reinvesting into the human element of our society and especially in the youth component of our society. Football is a game that brings people and communities together and that would have been on display during the tournament at the year end. So, I want to give on behalf of the clubs and the executive committee a warm thank you to the ANSA McAL group for their continued support,” Forde said.

The GFF Stag Super 16 league was opened to 16 teams, eight of which were from the Elite League and the others comprising Regional Member Association champions.

The tournament ran from December 14 to January 1, 2019.

The champions Den Amstel and second-place finishers Buxton United walked away with $1 million while third place was rewarded with $500,000. (Jemima Holmes)

everal basketball courts in Linden and other parts of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) are slated to be rehabilitated this year, under Government’s Community Ground Enhancement Project, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones has indicated.

Speaking at a recent youth and sports outreach hosted at the Linden Enterprise Network, Jones pointed out that the Retrieve, Amelia’s Ward, Kwakwani Primary School, Kimbia, Ituni and Blueberry Hill basketball courts are all set to benefit.

During the outreach, residents and officials voiced concerns over the poor state of these facilities, which they noted were not properly maintained. In response, Jones said while the Social Cohesion Ministry would often be blamed in this regard, it was not its responsibility. He said the aim of the Enhancement Project, rather, is simply to lend support, but as stipulated in the law, it is not the responsibility of the Ministry.

“It is enshrined in the Local Government laws that all community grounds,

play-fields, play spaces, safe space, you name it, it comes under the Regional Democratic Councils or the Municipalities or the NDCs (Neighbourhood Democratic Councils), or in some cases it is the responsibility of the CDC (Community Development Council). It’s not the Ministry of Social Cohesion’s responsibly at all. This is just essentially a programme that we came and met from the previous Administration and we continued,” he said.

Jones added that he recently met with re-elected Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) President Lawrence Simon and the Basketball Federation for discussion. He said the basketball courts have already been visited and assessments done. According to Jones, Simon, who is also a municipal Councillor, will collaborate with Regional Chairman Renis Morian in terms of moving forward with aspects of the project.

Some of the works include resurfacing and electrification.

“These same grounds that we’ve noted, the provision of lights will be made

for them as well,” Jones said. He also urged officials to provide the names of other play spaces, which were not mentioned. Jones further stressed the need for proper maintenance after ground enhancement, noting that this was a major issue, especially on the East Coast of Demerara. As such, he said maintenance of the facilities across the country is important.

“Because when we put in the initial investment, maintenance has to be made. Funding will come from us to maintain, the lighting has to come from the RDC(Regional Democratic Councils), or the municipality,” he said.

Regional Councillor Gordon Callender said there was need for ownership of the facilities to be established in the community, noting that the lack thereof results in conflicts. As such, he called on officials to have proper dialogue with the municipality and RDC in this regard.

Jones said moves would be made to put committees in place to manage the basketball grounds, which he noted may also assist in solving conflicts.

Let there be regional, inter-county cricket in Berbice!

— says Hilbert Foster The dominant Guyana female team

By Brandon Corlette

W

ith the regional female tournaments to be hosted in Guyana from March to April, it was revealed by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) that all matches will be played in Demerara.

Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster has since expressed his profound disappointment in the GCB’s unilateral decisions.

Recently, it was revealed by the

GCB that Guyana won the bid to host the female Regional Super50 and T20 Blaze that will commence in midMarch; venues such as Bourda, Everest, Enmore and the National Stadium Providence were all considered to host these matches.

“The GCB continued to ignore Berbice in the preparation of fixtures, and so on, we have the female intercounty tournament that Berbice has dominated for the past six years and no matches are played in Berbice,” Foster

revealed.

With female players such as Shemaine Campbell, Tremayne Smartt, Sheneta Grimmond, Subrina Munroe and Shabika Gajnabi, who have all represented or attainted Windies selection, all Berbicians will be excited to witness these ladies on show.

“We have grounds such as Albion, Port Mourant, Skeldon and grounds in Canje such as Young Warriors and Rose Hall Community Centre which are venues that meet the required standards,” Foster explained.

The Guyana female team, which will be selected to play in the Regional Female tournaments that will be played in the 50 overs and T20 formats, will feature a majority of Berbicians since they have continuously showed their dominance, winning the intercounty tournaments and representing West Indies in recent times. “It is a total disgrace, unbelievable that not one of these venues in Berbice were considered,” Foster declared.

The smallest of matches that are played at Albion, for instance, attracts huge crowds, the recently concluded “Fyah Friday” that was played on February 22, saw tremendous support from Berbicians. In virtually all matches played at the National Stadium or in

other venues across Demerara, most of the stands are empty, Foster highlighted.

“With all other intercounty tournaments played in Demerara in recent times, we as BCB will be writing to sponsors of these respective tournaments asking whether they only want to promote their businesses in Demerara,” the BCB boss explained.

Furthermore, Foster noted that “as President of the BCB I will work very hard to raise the required sponsorship/funds needed to host these cricket tournaments in the Ancient County. We are willing to raise funds for transportation, meals and preparation for the respective venues.”

Foster expects that this oversight will be corrected for the upcoming tournaments because Berbice is eager to see high quality cricket played.

“It is not fair by any means that the inter-county tournament is being played in one county, and Berbice is a big part of the country, Demerara alone is not Guyana,” Foster noted. The BCB President asked

Trinidad Captain Merissa Aguilleira will be among the stars visiting

the GCB to host these matches in the Ancient County, “I guarantee that all matches played in Berbice will see packed venues,” he concluded.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, february 28, 2019

23

England take series lead in Grenada run-fest – Gayle, Buttler, Morgan smoke centuries

Chris Gayle went passed 10K ODI runs in his astonishing innings

O

n a day when over 800 runs were scored, over 500 just in boundaries, at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada, England came out victorious to take a 2-1 lead after spectacular centuries from Jos Buttler and Eoin Morgan.

It was a wicket full of runs, and there were as many as three centurions on Wednesday, with Chris Gayle joining the English pair with one of his finest One-Day International innings. With over eight an over required from the onset, his bril-

liant onslaught of a 97-ball 162 kept Windies ahead in the chase.

But once he fell, they fell behind the required rate, and were eventually bowled out for 389, falling short by 29 in the chase of 419 with Adil Rashid picking up five, including four wickets in five balls. It was, however, Windies' highest-ever ODI total.

Mark Wood continued to deliver for England with a four-wicket haul. He pegged Windies back early on, sending back John Campbell and Shai Hope as Gayle battled on

Carlos Brathwaite hit a breezy half century after taking two wicket with ball in hand

In the run-fest, Adil Rashid had 5-85 with his leg-spin

to kept Windies in the chase. Gayle took on the bowlers were left clueless, with all of them being taken to the from the onset and raced away to a 32-ball half-centu- ropes as the pair scored 21 fours and 18 sixes together. ry. He smashed his 500th international six – the first Morgan first upped the ante after his half-century, but batsman to reach the landmark – en route to his 55- Buttler took it to a different level soon after, taking on ball century, his second in the series, also surpassing the role of the aggressor as the pair switched roles in a the landmark of 10,000 ODI runs, only the second West career-best knock. Morgan reached his century with a Indian after Brian Lara. The stand of 176 between him six, but fell soon after holing out to long on. But by then and Darren Bravo had Windies scoring at a rate better the damage was done. than the required rate at that point.

Oshane Thomas struck twice up front to get Jonny Bravo scored a sedate fifty while keeping Gayle Bairstow and Joe Root, but only after Alex Hales, in his company, but fell soon after for 61. Shimron Hetmyer return game, gave England a solid start with a quickwas expected to have a huge role to play in the middle fire century stand with Bairstow to boost their momenif Windies were to stand a chance of chasing the target tum. Bairstow, on a wicket that offered plenty for the down, but on the night, he smashed a six off the first batsmen, went after Devendra Bishoo striking three ball and holed out to the second. Skipper Jason Holder sixes in an over to bring up his half-century. Lack of kept Gayle company, playing second fiddle to perfec- strike and quiet overs frustrated him to chop on soon tion, in their 69-run association as Gayle crossed the after for 56. Hales carried on, but fell for a 73-ball 82 af150-run mark. He, however, was bowled by Ben Stokes ter Hetmyer took a spectacular catch at the boundary. after giving himself room and missing, as Stokes struck But that was the last break Windies got before witnessin a fresh spell, as England roared back into the game, ing carnage in the middle. It was the fourth time that with Windies still needing 124 from 95 balls at that England surpassed the 400-run mark in ODIs. (cricbuzz) stage. Gayle's innings comprised 14 sixes and 11 fours.

Holder was stumped as Windies slipped, but were revived by Carlos Brathwaite and Ashley Nurse, who started slowly, but accelerated gradually to reduce the equation to 38 runs required off SD Hope † c †Buttler b Wood 5 England the last four overs. Brathwaite reached his maidJM Bairstow b Thomas 56 DM Bravo c Stokes b Wood 61 en ODI fifty in the 88-run stand, but both batsAD Hales c Hetmyer b Nurse 82 SO Hetmyer c Hales b Wood 6 men fell in successive balls in the 48th over to Adil JE Root c †Hope b Thomas 5 JO Holder (c) st †Buttler Rashid for 43 and 50 respectively, with 30 required b Rashid 29 EJG Morgan (c) c Holder off 15 balls. England held their nerve in the end b Cottrell 103 CR Brathwaite c Morgan to pull off a hard-fought win with Morgan back50 JC Buttler † b Brathwaite 150 b Rashid ing Rashid, and his legspinner delivering with a AR Nurse c Plunkett b Rashid 43 BA Stokes c Hetmyer five-wicket haul, with four wickets coming in the b Brathwaite 11 D Bishoo c Hales b Rashid 0 final five balls in a contest closer than England MM Ali not out 0 SS Cottrell not out 0 would've thought.

O Thomas st †Buttler b Rashid 0 Extras 11 (b 1, lb 1, nb 2, w 7) Buttler and Morgan led the way earlier with a TOTAL 418/6 (50 Overs, RR: 8.36) Extras stellar 204-run stand off 149 balls for the fourth 18 (lb 5, nb 1, w 12) wicket which was the highest-ever for that position Fall of wickets: 1-100 (JM TOTAL 389 (48 Overs, RR: 8.1) in West Indies against the home side in a display of Bairstow, 13.5 ov), 2-120 (JE Root, Fall of wickets: 1-24 (JD Campbell, tremendous hitting from the pair as England broke 17.3 ov), 3-165 (AD Hales, 25.5 3.1 ov), 2-44 (SD Hope, 5.2 ov), the record for the maximum number of sixes in an ov), 4-369 (EJG Morgan, 46.1 ov), 3-220 (DM Bravo, 23.1 ov), 4-226 innings in one-day cricket with 24. There were as 5-417 (JC Buttler, 49.4 ov), 6-418 (SO Hetmyer, 23.3 ov), 5-295 (CH many as three half-centurions, two centurions, one Gayle, 34.1 ov), 6-301 (JO Holder, (BA Stokes, 49.6 ov) century stand, and a double en route in England's 35.5 ov), 7-389 (AR Nurse, 47.2 BOWLING clinical innings, starring Buttler, who finished ov), 8-389 (CR Brathwaite, 47.3 SS Cottrell - 9, 0, 64, 1 with 150 off just 77 balls before falling in the fiov), 9-389 (D Bishoo, 47.5 ov), 10JO Holder - 7, 0, 88, 0 nal over as England belted as many as 154 runs in 389 (O Thomas, 47.6 ov) AR Nurse - 10, 0, 68, 1 the last ten overs in what seemed like a highlights BOWLING D Bishoo - 4, 0, 43, 0 reel. Buttler, after getting to his half-century off 45 CR Woakes - 10, 0, 91, 0 CR Brathwaite - 10, 0, 69, 2,O balls, got his next 100 runs in just 32 balls in what MA Wood - 10, 0, 60, 4 Thomas - 10, 0, 84, 2 was his finest ODI knock – one which he finished LE Plunkett - 8, 0, 40, 0 with 13 fours and 12 sixes.

BA Stokes - 8, 0, 77, 1 It was only the fifth time that four of England's AU Rashid - 10, 0, 85, 5 Windies top five had fifty-plus scores against their name.

CH Gayle b Stokes 162 MM Ali - 2, 0, 31, 0 After a solid start at the top, Morgan and Buttler JD Campbell c Root b Wood 15 put on a show of clean hitting, as Windies' bowlers

3

SCOREBOARD

NSC/ Magnum Mash Cup

Bragging rights and pride! Monumental games slated for Saturday

O

n the heels of their clinical annihilation of pretournament favourites ‘Gold is Money’ the question now is whether East Ruimveldtbased Back Circle possess enough firepower to stop the insatiable hunger for success of Sparta Boss.

In a little less than 48 hours, this question will be answered when the two teams meet in the final of this year’s National Sports Commission (NSC)/ Magnum Mash Cup, at the National Gymnasium.

The futsal kings as all would know have an imposing record whenever they reach the latter stages of competitions and no doubt will start as clear favourites to claim the ultimate prize against a team that have shown enough resilience to earn respect.

Sparta Boss’s undeniable statement against ‘Gold is Money’ in their semi-final clash demonstrated their seriousness to go all the way, while Back Circle’s come- from-behind victory to

eliminate defending champions Bent Street presented a similar declaration.

The Bosses have enjoyed far more success than Back Circle, but admirers of the format know that both teams are worthy opponents and display similar attacking styles combined with strong backlines.

It sets up nicely to be one of the most enthralling finals for some time which makes it a must see encounter.

The teams’ leading marksmen’ Sparta’s Jermin Junor and Back Circle’s Stephon McLean performed outstandingly in their respective semi-final appearances and they will be aiming to duplicate those feats.

However, where Sparta hold the edge is in their supporting cast which include the recently acquired Ryan Hackett, who slammed in a hat- trick in the semis, while the experience of Gregory Richardson, Eusi Phillips and Sheldon Shepherd may prove too much for Back Circle. Selwyn

Williams and Jermin Beckles are the other players with some amount of quality and they will have to play out of their skins to stop the rampaging juggernauts Sparta Boss. The third-place playoff could also provide the

fans with the perfect start for what is being touted as a night of excitement.

Former champs Bent Street no doubt will have added motivation to win this encounter to assure their supporters that a penalty

shootout could go either way and their loss was just unfortunate.

Daniel Wilson, Sheldon Holder, Solomon Austin, Pernel Schultz, Clive Nobrega and Sheldon Profitt will spearhead their pursuit for the win. On the other hand, how

well ‘Gold is Money’ recover from their humiliating loss in the semis will be the talking point of the evening.

Colin Nelson, siblings Hubert Pedro and Randolph Wagner, Phillip Rowley, Cleon Forrester as well as brothers Michael and Jamal Pedro will be looking to reclaim their status as one of the top exponents in the format, so fans should expect a hungry and angry side. Exhibition games will precede the two official engagements.

The winner of the tournament will pocket $600,000, with the second and third place receiving $300,000 and $200,000 respectively. The fourth-place side will collect $100,000.

Meanwhile, the promoters are asking fans to continue to cooperate with security personnel as they’ve done throughout the tournament. Other sponsors include Trophy Stall, Insurance Brokers and Nigel Hinds.

thursday, february 28, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

England take series lead in Grenada run-fest – Gayle, Buttler, Morgan smoke centuries

Chris Gayle went passed 10K ODI runs in his astonishing innings

Page 23

Jos Buttler was at his explosive best smashing 150

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Lewis, Persaud among new faces in Jaguars squad

Victorious Super 16 teams finally rewarded

Page 20

– Captain Johnson calls for batsmen to take more responsibility

Page 22 GFF President Wayne Forde and Stag’s Nigel Worrell are flanked by the representatives of Fruta Conquerors, Buxton United, Den Amstel FC and Western Tigers

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 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.