Guyana Times - Thursday, January 24, 2019

P17

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3814

Thursday, January 24, 2019

PRICE

No-confidence resolution challenge

AG on “wild goose chase” with 34 majority argument – Nandlall Page 3

…“business as usual” must end once Cabinet resigns – Attorney tells Court Mandatory Art 106 90-day due elections

Gecom’s readiness to be announced today

Pages 9&19

…any attempt to redo voters' list is another delay tactic – Gaskin ...says Guyana cannot afford a repeat of 1990 under PNC rule

Boat capsizes in Teen crushed to death in Essequibo River WBD accident …Captain feared drowned Page 7

Page 7

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

AFC unsure of Nagamootoo’s return as PM P10

ECD man in ICU after spending 3 days in Police lock-ups P17 …family calls for probe

Eccles execution-style killing

Suspects nabbed while receiving treatment at P7 private hospital No-confidence vote

Charrandas Persaud tells international media about threats to life P18

Enthusiastic Lindeners host PPP presidential candidate Page 9

P18 GPTWU workers give Govt 1-week ultimatum for pension payout

US backs Opposition P18 Leader as Venezuela President

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

No-confidence resolution challenge

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, January 24 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, January 25 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, January 24 – 06:50h-08:20h and Friday, January 25 – 07:40h-09:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals will prevail throughout the day, with partly cloudy to clear skies in the evening. Overall temperatures will range between 20 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North north-easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 06:55h and 19:14h at maximum heights of 2.70 metres and 2.75 metres.

Low Tide: 12:46h reaching a minimum height of 0.53 metre.

wednesDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019

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AG on “wild goose chase” with 34 majority argument – Nandlall …“business as usual” must end once Cabinet resigns – Attorney tells Court

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t was an action-packed afternoon at the High Court on Wednesday when the verbal submissions on the first of three no-confidence motion cases which were filed were heard by the acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC. Christopher Ram’s Attorney Kamal Ramkarran outlined that “business as usual” in Government must end. In addition to Ramkarran, Attorney General Basil Williams, SC, and his predecessor, Anil Nandlall made submissions regarding the bid of applicant Ram for Cabinet to resign and have President David Granger call elections with all convenient speed following the passage of the December 21, 2018 no-confidence majority vote.

Ram joined the High Court challenge to have the court validate Charrandas Persaud’s “yes” vote and have national polls by March 2019. Ramkarran made it clear that Government’s power should only be limited to essential operations such as giving money to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), arguing that Articles 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution are clear and unambiguous and stressing that “business as usual must come to an end once Cabinet resigns”.

Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” Meanwhile, 106 (7) goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

The Attorney told Justice George that there would not be chaos if Cabinet resigned, since the President would still remain the President under part 7 of Article 106 until the person elected in the elections assumed office. Moreover, Ramkarran, who is the current Head of the Guyana Bar Association, said too that no moves have been made to call elections in three months as the Constitution requires, observing that December 21 to January 23 was “certainly not” with all convenient speed.

The Attorney posited

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC

that the National Assembly has not agreed to extend the deadline for elections. He pointed out that one month, 26 days remained until the constitutionally mandated date. He told reporters that he was confident the decision would go his way premised on the arguments he has put forward.

“34 majority” argument

Next up was Attorney General Basil Williams, who held steadfast to his 34 majority argument, noting further that parts 6 and 7 of Article 106 must be examined together, agreeing with Ramkarran that the Constitution should not be read in a narrow way.

He submitted that Ram erred when he cited 106(6) only, stressing that governance must continue, even if Cabinet resigns. He said that a confidence vote was provid-

ed for in the first Constitution in 1966, but this was omitted in 1980. Thereafter, it was returned in amendments passed in 2003.

Williams said there could be chaos if Government Ministers were allowed to operate their ministries without direction. This contradicts the position of Attorney Ramkarran, who earlier reminded the Court that Permanent Secretaries were meant to run ministries.

Nevertheless, Williams opined that it was wrong for Ram to move to compel Government to resign while the Court is hearing the matter and it was yet to conclude.

“Wild goose chase”

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s Attorney, Anil Nandlall argued that Government could still continue to function save for the Cabinet, a nucleus of the Executive Government, which should resign. He reiterated that Government would remain in office until a President is sworn in.

He disputed the AG’s position that Government de-

flector Charrandas Persaud was a usurper as his previous voting on other matters was accepted since 2015. He reminded that it was the very Government that appointed the former Member of Parliament, saying that it would have been silent if Persaud voted with Government. Nandlall, in fact, said that the AG wanted the Judge to go on a “wild goose chase” owing to insufficient arguments, especially regarding the calculation of half plus one argument.

“Williams is asking Your Honour to go on a wild goose chase because he has nothing to go on; so he has to make it up as he goes along,” Nandlall stated in Court.

He observed that the words ‘absolute’ and ‘simple’ in terms of majority votes were not included by the framers of the Constitution.

The no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) against the Government in the National Assembly succeeded when former AFC parliamentarian Persaud voted in favour of the motion.

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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

EBD road emergencies and congestion

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n Tuesday evening, commuters driving in a southerly direction along the East Bank Public Road met with a taxi driver being shot dead by one of two men who were on a motorcycle. At the time of the incident, his five-yearold daughter and his wife were in the vehicle. In the end, a life was lost, the car crashed into the median, the wife may have sustained minor injuries, and thankfully, the child was unhurt.

It was once again another brazen killing in the wide view of the public without regard for life or fear of onlookers.

The horrific incident led to a long build-up of traffic. While to some extent, that would be natural to allow for help to be rendered and for the Police to conduct investigations, the reality is that the East Bank thoroughfare does not allow for a relatively smooth flow of traffic in such situations or emergencies. This latest incident has reemphasised that fact.

There is no dispute over the large and continually growing number of vehicles that traverse the East Bank at any given time and the eventuality of traffic congestion. The role of the Police in trying to ensure the traffic flows during the peak hours has also been recognised and commended. While the efforts have in some ways helped, especially between Diamond and Houston, they face challenges given the absence of turning lanes, vehicles stopping randomly and a seeming lack of coordination in allowing traffic to merge from feeder roads.

Whenever a vehicle has to turn off from the East Bank or stops, even momentarily, it results in a long build-up of traffic.

Turning lanes would mitigate the former and assigned stopping areas off from the main carriageway, the latter. While there are some designated bus stops, they are often ignored. Heading to the city during the morning peak hours, the three-lane arrangement from Peters’ Hall to Houston is effective. However, it can improve with better coordination with the ranks at the Harbour Bridge area, the Bagotstown/Eccles separation road and the Eccles traffic light.

Case in point: very often the ranks at the Harbour Bridge would allow the traffic to flow northerly, but those at Bagotstown/Eccles would have it stop to allow vehicles coming from the east to merge, the same for the Eccles traffic light.

There has to be a mechanism to allow a smooth flow from the Bridge to that traffic light for a period which alternates with merging. Currently, traffic coming from across the Bridge is allowed to merge at the same time that from further up the East Bank is given the signal to head north.

What happens is that many vehicles from across the bridge do not turn left into the most westerly lane but jostle with those heading north for the middle and the third lanes. That slows the flow in those lanes especially the third which is designed to hasten. A similar situation occurs as the Bagotstown/Eccles intersection where sometimes three lanes are stopped to facilitate. If the current situation is going to remain in principle, then what should be considered is the traffic from the Bridge, merging with the one flowing northwards, should turn in the most westerly lane so as to not obstruct the other two.

Likewise at Bagotstown/Eccles, the closest lane should be used.

Importantly, there is no reason for minibuses from the assigned routes for those areas to be in the morning third lane, which is the westernmost one of the eastern carriageway.

The buses are in and out of the three lanes just to find the fastest way to the city. In doing so, they cut across the traffic adding to the congestion. Their function is to drop off and pick up passengers along the way. Passengers are not in that third lane. In the afternoons, the nightmare is reversed. Key is the designation of lanes and for drivers to stay in them for the various purposes during the peak hours. It must be stringently monitored and defaulters fined.

State CCTV cameras can be utilised to assist the Police in the process. Of course, one of the long-term solutions is roads with turning and merging lanes and assigned stopping areas that are adhered to. Another is the bypass road to ease the brunt of the traffic. The situation worsens every day and with incidents such as the shooting in question which compound it, commuters, including children, the elderly and the sick, are overly inconvenienced. Years ago, a major fire at Grove on the East Bank caused the traffic to halt for hours on both sides.

Among those affected were passengers booked for international flights at the airport. While emergencies and congestion will occur and inconvenience as a consequence, it does not have to be as extensive as it currently is. In addition, when the Police converge to resolve a particular situation, inconsiderate drivers use every available passageway, including the parapets, to get ahead, further increasing the congestion. In cases like that, more patrols are needed to ensure motorists adhere to assigned lanes. That did not happen on Tuesday night and woes were exacerbated.

The Education Department in Region Three has started activities celebrating Mashramani 2019 under the theme, “Celebrate 49 with Victory in Mind – Rediscovering El Dorado”. Nursery schools from across the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara region assembled at the National Synthetic Track and Field Centre on Monday where competitions were hosted (DPI photo)

Why US intelligence should release any Khashoggi files

By Jameel Jaffer and Joel Simon

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rom the moment Journalist Jamal Khashoggi was executed in the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Istanbul in October, President Donald Trump has been running interference for the Saudi Government and its Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. He has baselessly attributed Khashoggi’s killing to rogue actors, denigrated the value of investigations and amplified the Prince’s self-serving denials.

Trump has shown himself so willing to cover for the Prince that late last year the Senate felt compelled to pass an extraordinary resolution that directly condemned the monarch-in-waiting for the murder.

But with the President seemingly committed to shielding those responsible for this appalling crime, condemnation is not enough. Human rights and press freedom organisations have called on Turkey to ask United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres to conduct a full investigation into the killing, and US legislators should support that call. At the same time, Congress and the US courts should require the executive branch to release files that show what, if anything, the Administration knew about Saudi plans to harm the Journalist, what the intelligence agencies have since learnt about his murder and whether the White House is acting in concert with the Saudi regime to protect the perpetrators.

On Thursday (January 17), the Committee to Protect Journalists joined a lawsuit filed by the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, which asked a federal court in Washington DC to com-

Slain Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

pel the Government to release some of these files.

Information already in the public domain paints a damning picture of the Kingdom’s actions. US intelligence agencies told The New York Times that they intercepted communications between Saudi officials planning a possible ruse. The 15man team sent from Riyadh included several members of the Saudi military and at least four close associates of the Crown Prince.

Reports indicate that most of the team likely travelled to Istanbul on private jets linked to the royal family.

A gruesome audiotape of the murder captures one of the Saudi operatives saying over the phone, “Tell yours, the thing is done, it’s done,” which CNN’s source interpreted as referring to a superior or boss. Given the Crown Prince’s close hold on power in the Kingdom, the “boss” in this context was almost certainly the Prince himself or someone very close to him.

And yet President Trump was quick to defend bin Salman at the outset and has stood resolutely by his decision. After a phone call with King Salman just days after the killing, Trump told the me-

dia that he didn’t think the King or his son knew anything about Khashoggi’s disappearance. “His denial to me could not have been stronger,” Trump declared.

“I don’t want to get into [the King’s] mind, but it sounded to me like maybe these could have been rogue killers,” Trump added, with no evidence.

Trump also undercut the investigation conducted by the CIA, which reportedly concluded that the Crown Prince had ordered the murder, despite the Kingdom’s denial of this. “We may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder,” the White House announced in a bizarre official statement in November. “It could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!”

This was followed by The New York Times reporting that Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and special advisor, offered the Crown Prince guidance on “how to weather the storm” after Khashoggi’s death.

Against this background, the public interest in disclosure far outweighs the executive interests that might ordinarily justify secrecy.

This is why investigating if the US knew anything about the murder or previous threats to Khashoggi’s life and, if so, whether they took any steps to warn him is imperative. (A directive issued in 2015 generally requires US intelligence agencies to warn individuals when they learn of threats to their life or liberty.)

Others are seeking additional pieces of the puzzle. The Open Society Foundation’s Justice Initiative filed a suit under the FOIA seeking the release of intelligence files about the killing itself, including the CIA assess-

ment tracing the plot to the Crown Prince. Legislators have sought these documents and others as well.

Disclosure of these files could do much more than shed light on what happened that horrible day in October.

It could help us better understand why President Trump has aligned himself in opposition to those who have decried the killing and demanded that the Saudi regime be held to account for it. The documents could also allow us to better evaluate any action that the Trump Administration may take under the Global Magnitsky Act, which, having been triggered by Senate leaders last year, requires the Administration to investigate Khashoggi’s killing, identify those responsible for it, and consider the imposition of sanctions. (The Administration’s response under the Act must be made to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations by February 7.)

Most crucially, these files could help ensure that regimes that persecute Journalists and dissidents are not given the misimpression that the United States will help conceal or justify their crimes. It is telling that Saudi officials described Khashoggi as an “enemy of the people”, a phrase that the American President has frequently attached to Journalists he disfavours. Other repressive regimes are undoubtedly hearing the same message the Saudis are – that the enemies of press freedom have a friend in the United States. It would be terrible for press freedom, and for Journalists and dissidents everywhere, if this message were allowed to take hold.

By insisting on disclosure, Congress and the courts can help ensure that it does not.

(CNN)

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

Full confidence in PPP’s Municipal assets recovery agency needed presidential candidate Dear Editor, Some people seem to feel that running a Government is a sole proprietor business – a one-man business – but this is so far from the truth.

It is a known fact that a Party goes into an election with a manifesto which sells the party to the electorate.

If the party wins, then it is a team effort comprised of persons who should have the ability to deliver on those promises. In addition, there are many advisors who are strategically appointed to assist these persons. The presidential elect not only gives guidance but takes guidance.

In Guyana the coalition and the new kids on the block with their handful of supporters, some claiming to be disgruntled PPP members and supporters, are hammering away at the election of Mr Irfaan Ali as the PPP’s presidential candidate, making their repetitive rounds of personal attacks while claiming that he is “Jagdeo’s third term”.

Bharrat Jagdeo has always been the focus of attack in and out of Office; his salary, his pension, his “mansion” as is claimed. Yet

even the Prime Minister is now earning more than him and living the “Cadillac” lifestyle. This Government utilised great efforts and massive financial resources to ensure that he does not get a third term as President since they are mortally afraid of his sharp intellect and his topnotch statesmanship. The decision of the Caribbean did not deter or daunt his spirit. It must be recalled by Guyanese that after the PPP’s defeat by a one-seat majority, he rose from the ashes like the proverbial Phoenix and began a political crusade that was unrelenting in exposing the corruption and thievery of the coalition. His weekly press conferences were just as eagerly looked forward to as “Days of Our Lives”!

Jagdeo’s relentless pursuit bore fruit and gave hope to the hopeless in this country which had begun to fall into the abyss of social and economic degradation. But while he did the Herculean task, some were waiting like hyenas to partake from the kill of the lion. A few of these were in the media headlines for all the wrong reasons!

Now he is being vilified once

again by those heartless opportunists who never even bat an eyelid for their country. But I know that it will never derail his focus of ensuring the good life for his people!

As I recall, when Donald Ramotar became the presidential candidate twice for the PPP, there were no cries, wails and gnashing of teeth.

He was not seen as the surrogate or puppet of Jagdeo.

It was acceptable because they knew that they could outmanoeuvre him at any time. In fact, they dubbed him the “Lame Duck”!

The then Opposition took full advantage of this and Nagamootoo tabled a no-confidence motion which saw his Government’s downfall.

Ramotar was the ‘perfect’ opponent and the coalition wants another one.

However, when one listened to the debates and presentations of Irfaan Ali, it is evident that he has what it takes not only to run this country but to destroy the corruption posse and thwart the efforts of the APNU/ AFC to bring down his Government. He has that charisma, courage and com-

petence and enough has been said about his achievements as a Minister. Let them call it what they want but Irfaan Ali is no Donald Ramotar and will never be an easy walkover!

As a member of the PPP, I am in total agreement with the election of any presidential candidate since I have full confidence in the ability of my Party to choose the best candidate.

The Central Committee has 35 potential candidates from which one must be chosen. When I was with the Alliance for Change I had no problem with either Trotman of Ramjattan being the presidential candidate.

When I joined the PPP I had no problem with Ramotar being the presidential candidate twice and today I have no problem with Irfaan Ali being the presidential candidate. Let us put Guyana first and focus on the removal of this corrupt Government. God Bless our presidential candidate and God Bless Guyana!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor Region Six

Can we have less political views and more on GuySuCo PRO? Dear Editor, Provide me just a few lines in your newspaper to ask Ms Audreyanna Thomas to keep her mouth quiet and focus on areas where she reportedly has some sense. I've noticed her response to the A New and United Guyana Party’s Mr Timothy Jonas, saying in a letter “Let’s fix families and develop more stable

homes, Mr Jonas, not legalise marijuana” and couldn’t help pondering how she continues to comment and write on matters unrelated to the most important voice she should have at this point for keeping the public well-informed about what is happening at GuySuCo. Ms Thomas, who is the Public Relations Officer at GuySuCo, is doing an

extremely poor job at informing the public on how GuySuCo is rolling out its transition program and as such caused many people, particularly the Opposition PPP and it’s GAWU arm to peddle all kinds of untruths about the sugar industry and Government’s plans for that sector.

Ms Thomas, it is your right to address any news-

paper’s letter pages and air your views, but can we have less of your neardeath experiences and political views and more on GuySuCo? Or can you give the company the same amount of energy you use promoting yourself via the letter pages?

Sincerely, Winston Mars

PYO ready to work with PPP presidential candidate Dear Editor, The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), the Youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends commendations to Mohamed Irfaan Ali on his election as presidential candidate of the People's Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C).

Irfaan Ali has been a long-standing member and leader of the PYO and his election to lead the Party into the next General and Regional Elections is a signal to our country that young people are at the forefront of the PPP/C’s agenda for a greater and more prosperous Guyana.

He brings vibrancy, energy and great experience to this new endeavour. His leadership skills have always been exemplary and

hinge on intense effort and teamwork.

Team PPP/C is our brand and the party’s track record, vision, programme, work ethic and people-driven values are the centre of our elections campaign.

We, therefore, look forward to joining with the rest of our Guyanese brothers and sisters, especially our young people, to work together to remove the authoritarian and corrupt PNC-led regime that is currently occupying the seat of Government.

Congratulations to the PPP/C and to our Guyanese people on a strong decision to elevate this young leader to such an important and deserving position.

Regards, Progressive Youth Organisation

Dear Editor, Even as a State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) has been set up in Guyana to work to recover purportedly stolen assets, the need has become more evident for the setting up of a Municipal Assets Recovery Agency (MARA) to pursue assets recovery and financial investigations into the Georgetown Municipality.

From what has come out at the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that was established by the Local Government Commission (LGC), and which clearly is merely the tip of the iceberg, it has become pellucid that there is need for the formation of such a unit even if temporarily, staffed with a team of skilled persons in the basic elements of the recovery of assets; of how to investigate the theft of the municipality’s and city’s assets; of how to trace these stolen assets and monies, some of which it is clear has been put into forms that are not easily identifiable and some of which have been leaked overseas into foreign bank accounts and transferred to other people.

Citizens of Georgetown were aware even before the hosting of the CoI that corruption was at the top of the scale in their municipality, but they also feel strongly that it is a disease that must not be allowed to fester if we are to see any betterment in our capital city.

With the administrative Head of that organisation being cited for gross misconduct, abuse of office, recklessness, dishonesty, conspiracy, and misappropriation of funds, and with other senior and key municipal officers being cited for dereliction of duty, in-

competence, and conspiracy, it is unbelievable that months have passed since the handing over of the report and the police have not yet been called in, and worse, these individuals have been left unimpeded at their desks to hide and destroy evidence, to intimidate witnesses and continue to carry out their incompetence, conspiracy and dereliction of duty at will. Only in this country could such slackness prevail. When they are finally sent on administrative leave or removed from their posts, all would have been lost at the Council.

One would have thought that one of the first things the new Council would have done after taking office if they are serious about restoring and advancing the fortunes of Georgetown would have been to create an asset register, identifying and securing what municipal assets are left after the plundering that was done over the years, and then they would have sought to go after and retrieve all the municipal reserves and lands that have been disposed of improperly, equipment practically given away to friends, and materials and supplies acquired but cannot be accounted for, like the scenario at the Kitty Market.

It is totally unacceptable for the new Council to just take the filthy baton from the last Council and run off without a stocktaking exercise.

The new Council needs to expose corruption at every level in the municipality, punish the perpetrators and drive out the culture of corruption there.

Best regards, Deodarie Putulall

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magine a group of 100 girls. How many think they are beautiful or pretty? Only 41 of them, according to our recent survey of 11,500 girls.

What about the other girls? Of the rest, 19 per cent (or 19 out of 100) said they were not pretty, and another 40 per cent said they were not sure. Our survey also found that more than half of girls worry about their weight and say they spend a lot of time thinking about the way they look. Some even said they do this “constantly”. And half (50 per cent) of girls said they usually don’t like the way they look in a selfie.

That’s a problem and here’s why: When girls don’t feel attractive, they often don’t feel good about themselves in general. It doesn’t mean you can never have a bad hair day. Of course, that happens. But if you only have negative thoughts and feelings about the way you look, it can wear a girl down. You might not feel very important or valuable. And you are definitely important and valuable.

Here’s what girls can do

Here are three helpful steps to take.

If you feel pressure to be pretty or thin, talk to someone.

Your mom is a good

Foundation

choice.

Take great care of yourself by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. You’ll feel great!

Do your best to feel good (or at least

pretty OK) about how you look. Your mom and others who love you can help with this.

It’s not about looking magazine-cover beautiful. When you hold yourself to impossible standards, it only tears you down and puts too much focus on being perfect. Instead, like your looks. Then how you look won’t take up so much space in your brain and you can work on other, more interesting stuff.

Like what?

Like sports, or art, or school, or music, or volunteering, or reading, or planting a garden, or learning to do computer code. Most girls in our survey agree this is a good idea. A big majority of girls (74 per cent) said they’d choose “being really good at something” over “being pretty and thin”. Exactly!

So put your energy into what you enjoy and want to strive toward. Then, in time, you’ll accomplish a bunch of things and you’ll feel great about you — all you are and all you can become.

Beautiful! (kidshealth. org)

D

o you ever wish you could change something about your body? Do you wish you were taller? Or smaller? Do you wish you had a different shape? More muscles? Or more curves? Do you wish you looked older?

Kids’ bodies change as they go through puberty.

But puberty doesn’t happen at the same time for every kid. Some kids develop early. They may feel awkward at first. They might feel proud too. Other kids develop much later. They may wish they would hurry up and grow. They feel excited to become an older kid.

But there’s no way to rush it along. A young girl won’t grow breasts until her body is going through puberty. And a young boy won’t develop big muscles like teen guys and adult men have. Not even if he lifts weights. It’s hard to be patient.

As your body changes, the way you feel about it might change too.

What things can help?

If you want to feel better about your body, here are some tips: Don’t expect your body to be perfect. No body is.

It’s good to accept and like the body you have. It’s all yours, so show it some kindness.

Think of things you like about your looks. Do you have long legs? Broad shoulders? A great smile? A friendly face? Try to see the good things others see when they look at you.

Think of things your body can do. Are you a fast runner? Are you strong? Can you dribble ball?

Ride a bike or a skateboard? Kick a ball down the field?

Hike up a hill? Swim a lap? Do a cartwheel?

Balance in tree pose?

Take a moment to be glad for what your body can do.

Eat good

foods. Feed your body healthy foods. Eating a healthy diet helps you look and feel your best. It gives you energy and keeps your body working well.

Get to bed on time.

Your body needs plenty of sleep to look good and stay healthy. Sleep gives you the recharge you need to learn and play all day.

Be active every day.

When you move your body, you exercise your muscles.

When you exercise a muscle, it gets stronger. With strong muscles, your body is fit and healthy. You can be active by playing, dancing, doing a sport, or even cleaning your room.

Keep your body clean and groomed. Take a shower or bath. Wash your hair and face. Brush your teeth. Wear clean clothes.

Find your style. Stand up tall and proud. Take a good look at fresh clean you. Let yourself feel happy with how you look.

Keep to a healthy weight. Being a healthy weight is good for you. And it helps you feel good about your body. But don’t try to diet on your own. It’s not safe or healthy for kids to do that. Always talk to your parent and doctor.

When you have a check-up, your doctor can let you know if your weight is healthy.

If your weight could be healthier, your doctor can suggest things you can do.

Eating right and getting more activity help a lot.

Talk to a parent. If you’re having trouble feeling better about your body, tell a parent how you feel. Talk about ways you can feel happier with your body. (kidshealth.org)

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Teen crushed to death in WBD accident Boat capsizes in Essequibo River

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19-year-old father of a one-month-old baby lost his life tragically on Wednesday afternoon when the motorcycle on which he was traversing crashed into a diesel truck resulting in him being crushed to death.

Dead is John Walcott of Lot 367 Westminster, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Reports are the accident occurred at about 14:00h while Walcott, who was a pillion rider at the time, was heading to a friend’s home in Wales, WBD. Guyana Times understands that the duo was proceeding at an extremely fast rate when the rider lost control of the motorcycle and slammed into the fuel truck causing Walcott to be flung under the vehicle.

As the driver of the truck with licence plate GJJ 3746 attempted to stop, Walcott’s head was crushed in the process. When this publication visited the home of the young man, his family were all distraught.

His mother, Desiree Walcott, who was informed of the accident at her place of work was unable to speak. The teen’s child’s mother who was seen with his one-month-old was also inconsolable.

His aunt Shondell (only name given) explained that she was at home when she received a call from her niece who informed her of the tragedy.

“My niece call and say, you heard what happened with John? I say don’t tell me another thing, that he dead or anything like that so I put down the phone and I started to scream. Later, I call he sister and I say, you heard what happened with John and she say that she ain’t know but that he (John’s) child mother call and say some accident and

…Captain feared drowned

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Dead: John Walcott

he die, I seh no is just a joke.

So I called my aunt who work at the Home Affairs Minister, and she supervisor answered the phone and I asked them if they know anything about Desiree son and she said that somebody did call and say that she son get in an accident and he may have died,” the woman relayed.

Further, Shondell explained that she then headed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where she received confirmation that Walcott had indeed died.

“They said yes is truth he died so I go over to Ezekiel Parlour. The people there didn’t want us to see him.

I begged them just to make certain is the right person.

I recognise him, his face is unrecognisable, it’s disfigured … and his foot because he was in an accident couple months ago.” the aunt recounted.

Walcott almost lost his life in April 2018 when his motorcycle had collided with a hire car at Patentia, WBD. According to reports, the accident occurred on April 10, 2018, at 09:50h when the car, HC 7212 – which was headed to Vreeden-Hoop, WBD; driven by

Mother of the dead teen: Desiree Walcott

Cyril Joseph, 59 – attempted to overtake another vehicle. Information from eyewitnesses stated that Walcott’s CJ 668 motorcycle came head-on into Joseph’s Toyota car.

Walcott was thrown into the air and landed some 30 feet away, leaving bloodstains on the roadway. He had suffered serious injuries to his foot, arm and groin which caused him to undergo surgery.

According to the account provided by ranks attached to Wales Police Station, Joseph, a former Wales Estate worker from Sisters Village, WBD, was proceeding north along the western carriageway while the teenager, proceeding in the opposite direction on the eastern side “swerved” in a zigzag manner, into the car’s path. According to Police account of the events, the car driver then swerved to the eastern side to avoid the motorcycle, after which the motorcyclist supposedly swerved back to the eastern side and struck the left side of the car.

Walcott leaves to mourn his girlfriend, child, mother and four siblings. An investigation has been launched.

boat captain is now feared to be dead, while three other persons were rescued after the boat in which they were travelling capsized on the Essequibo River on Monday.

Missing is Junior Benjamin of Fairview Village, Kurupukari, Upper Essequibo River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Police in E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) have since launched an investigation into the incident.

According to reports reaching this newspaper, at about 14:00hrs on Monday, the captain along with three other men left Mabura in the boat which subsequently encountered an engine failure during the trip. At the time of the engine failure, the men who all work at Mabura, were in the vicinity of Levi Falls heading to the Ewing Backdam.

Guyana Times understands that after the boat capsized, the three other occupants

swam to shore but as they reached the shore they realised that Benjamin was not with them.

When contacted, Divisional Commander Linden Lord on Wednesday noted that Police at to the Mabura Police Station received a report of the incident at about 17:30h on Tuesday. Given the remote nature of the area, he said it usually takes a long time for information to travel. Lord said that ranks have since travelled to the area to investigate. (Utamu Belle)

Eccles execution-style killing

Suspects nabbed while receiving treatment at private hospital

The scene of the accident on Tuesday evening

Dead: Kelvin Walters

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he two men who were wanted in connection with the execution-style killing of a taxi driver at Two Brothers Service Station, Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) were nabbed while receiving treatment at a private city hospital. Guyana Times was told that based on information received, Police swooped down on the private hospital where the men sought treatment.

According to Police, both

men were being treated for injuries consistent with that of a motor vehicle accident. One of the suspects is a 25-year-old resident of Albouystown, Georgetown.

On Tuesday evening at about 19:30h chaos erupted on the East Bank of Demerara when two men who were on a motorcycle, rode up alongside Kelvin Walters, who was in his car, and shot the young father to his face. He was in the car with his wife and their five-year-old daughter.

Investigations revealed that the 35-year-old man was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway of the road in motorcar PXX

1509 with his wife and child and whilst in the vicinity of Two Brothers Service Station, Eccles, EBD, the men pounced on him. After being shot, Walters slammed into the two men on the bike.

The suspects fell onto the roadway but hurriedly got up and escaped on foot leaving behind the motorcycle and the weapon. Walters, who is an ex-soldier was pulled from his motorcar and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Walters is said to be the main witness in a case which is expected to come up in the High Court shortly.

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thurSdAY, January 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Miner in hot water for alleged misappropriation

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30-year-old miner on Wednesday found himself in hot water when he appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty charged for failing to return funds obtained from sales of car parts to their owner.

Joseph Garraway denied that between June 1 and

June 15, 2015 at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, he sold a quantity of Mercedes car parts valued $1.17 million and did not return the proceeds to Claremont Cummings.

Claremont is claiming that the defendant converted the items to his own use and benefits.

Garraway’s attorney, George Thomas, in a bail application, contended that his client did not convert the items to his own use, but was rather hindered from returning the proceeds since the third party, to whom the items were sold did not pay him. He further stated that his client should

be granted bail.

However, Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell objected to bail, citing the gravity of the charge.

Magistrate McGusty released the miner on $100,000 bail. The case will continue on February 13, 2019.

Teens remanded for brazen robbery tending that the teens were positively identified as the perpetrators who stole the victim’s phone and watch, among other items, amounting to a total value of $14,000.

Both defendants were remanded after Police Prosecutor Annalisa

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wo teenagers on Wednesday appeared before Georgetown Magistrate Faith McGusty charged jointly for robbery under arms.

They were both remanded to prison after entering not-guilty pleas on the charge.

Kevin Thomas, 19, of

South Sophia, Greater Georgetown and Joseph Macey, 18, of Lot 63 Agricola, Greater Georgetown, both denied that while being armed with a knife on January 20, 2019, they robbed Rishi Maturo in broad daylight on Regent Street, Georgetown.

The prosecution is con-

Brummell objected to bail, noting the penalty the charge attracted and the fact that the victim and defendants were known to each other.

Thomas and Macey are both expected to return on February 13, 2019.

Alleged ganja smuggling lands woman on remand

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33-year-old Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident is now on remand after she allegedly attempted to sneak marijuana into the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts lockups.

The woman’s efforts were thwarted after an alert Policeman conducted a search of the items she had in her possession and unearthed the illegal substance.

Sarah Charles stood before Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday and denied the charge which detailed that on January 21, 2019 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, she unlawfully introduced 23 grams of cannabis into the lock-ups.

The prosecution’s case, presented by Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell, contended that on Monday last, the defendant was asked to deliver shoes and other items to an incarcerated prisoner who was in the lock-ups.

However, Charles was observed acting in a suspicious manner and a search was conducted of the items she had taken. The cannabis was found concealed in the soles of the shoes. The prosecution objected to bail.

However, the mother of three claimed she had no idea that the illegal drug was in the items, since she was only asked to deliver them as a favour.

Magistrate McGusty remanded the woman to prison, and the case would continue on February 13, 2019.

New politics…

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…escapes PNC he PNC’s stuck in a time warp that has left it fossilised as far as politics of the 21st century is concerned. The time warp keeps their leadership in a bubble that was formed in the 1960s leaving them locked with a siege mentality of “us vs them” because of the politics the leader Forbes Burnham practised to claw his way into power.

Robert Corbin is from that era, earning his spurs in what was to become “Linden”, during the most intense racial conflict of the sixties.

He passed on the PNC’s mantle to David Granger, who boasted that while he was an “army man” who rose to be a Brigadier, he’d always been a die-hard PNC. With him imbued with loyalty to that party, is it any surprise that in Guyana the supporters of the PPP were always wary of the role the army played in politics? While Granger mightn’t have actually been in the Corentyne when those two “Ballot Box Martyrs” were shot and killed by GDF soldiers, he played a pivotal role in indoctrinating army officers into the mindset of slavish loyalty to Burnham and the PNC. It’s not appreciated enough that as young as he was then, Granger was entrusted with that role specifically by Burnham, just as Elvin McDavid was responsible for the Civil Service’s indoctrination. Fast forward to the present: it isn’t a coincidence that Granger has placed army officers in key positions in every section of Government and in the Public Service. Some of them you wouldn’t even know – like Nicolette Henry, the Education Minister. They all act in the mould of the communist commissars who ensured the party line was always followed.

And because of the insistence on this chain of command, new leadership cannot rise up in the present PPP. Look at the case of Solomon Sharma and Kissoon from Linden – where are they today? Banned, that’s what! And it certainly isn’t because they aren’t “PNC” – they are that to the max. But they aren’t from the PNC of Granger’s vision. Another one who was banned from the centre was Aubrey Norton, who everyone thought was a protégé of Corbin. Just as Burnham had dumped Hamilton Green and picked Desmond Hoyte to succeed him, so did Corbin diss his landsman from Linden!

Today, unlike the PPP which picked 38-year-old Irfaan from a group of five of which only one (Teixeira) was over 60, the PNC has just reaffirmed that the 73+ year-old David Granger will be their candidate.

And will be backed by his band of geriatrics!! Under Granger, Guyana can never transcend the politics of racial exploitation.

Only someone like Irfaan, who isn’t locked into the past can do that!! …or race politics?

The PNC propagandists are trying to tag the PPP as a party that has the reflexive loyalty of Indian Guyanese. But isn’t it the same for the PNC and African Guyanese? It’s therefore quite racist for one paid letter writer of the PNC – Earl Hamilton – to claim PPP supporters – read “Indian Guyanese” – have a “political culture to vote race”. Let’s look at the voting record in Guyana. The litmus test of race voting was in 1992, when “free and fair” elections returned to Guyana.

All Guyana had achieved equality in one area at least – equality in poverty after 28 years of PNC misrule! For African Guyanese, there was an opportunity not just to vote for the PPP, but also for the WPA which claimed it was “multiracial”. Their presidential and PM candidates were Clive Thomas and Rupert Roopnaraine respectively. And who did African Guyanese vote for overwhelmingly? The PNC that’s who!!

The PNC should quit pointing fingers about Guyanese voting race. And deal with WHY they do so!! …in 3 months GECOM’s CEO has promised to issue timelines for the next elections, based on its “readiness”. This shouldn’t be a problem – since they’re always supposed to be ready!

Hence PNC’s Alexander and Trotman’s crocodile tears for a “new” list!!

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

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thurSdAY, January 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Enthusiastic Lindeners host PPP presidential candidate

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A Lindener shares a light moment with PPP/C presidential candidate Irfaan Ali

eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) supporters in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraUpper Berbice) have thrown their support behind presidential candidate Irfaan Ali as the Party continues its campaign in preparation for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

On Wednesday, Ali continued his countrywide outreach – just mere days after being elected the Party’s presidential candidate. This time, he met and interacted with PPP/C supporters in the mining town, during which they discussed issues facing them such as unemployment while he outlined his plans to take Guyana forward, including his plans for job creation.

Ali said he was touched by the warm welcome he received from the Lindeners.

“I want to assure you, Comrades, that this is not

A section of the gathering at one of the meetings in Linden on Wednesday

about supporting Irfaan Ali; this is about the People’s Progressive Party and support the People’s Progressive Party to go onto victory…,” he told a gathering of party supporters.

Flanked by PPP/C parliamentarians and former Ministers Juan Edghill and Jennifer Westford, Ali add-

Mandatory Art 106 90-day due elections

GECOM’s readiness to be announced today

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ollowing a decision taken during a meeting on Tuesday, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will host a special meeting today to discuss the elections body’s readiness for General and Regional Elections, which are constitutionally due in March.

The December 21, 2018 passage of a motion of no confidence against the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government paved the way for Government to resign and call elections in 90 days, in accordance with Article 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution.

This means that elections are to be held by March 19.

During a high-level meeting between President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo two weeks ago, an agreement was made for a team headed by the Chief Whips from the two sides to meet with GECOM to determine its readiness to host elections as constitutionally mandated.

However, they were unable to have that meeting since the GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson was on sick leave since November and only returned this week. But on his first day back on the job, Justice Patterson held a meeting with Commissioners.

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Commissioner Robeson Benn revealed that not only was the special meeting set for today, but an update was given about the meeting that was supposed to take place between Patterson and the National Assembly’s two Chief Whips – the Opposition’s Gail Teixeira and the Government’s Amna Ally.

“On Thursday morning at 9 (09:00h), the Commission will reconvene to discuss the various timelines in terms of when elections could be held.

And by then or thereafter, we will be in a better position in respect of meetings with the Chief Whips,” Benn explained.

“We didn’t have any documentation in terms of any situation which could advance the meeting… we only

got a letter today to which the Chairman had replied to (Government Chief Whip) Amna Ally. She had written the Chairman on the 10th, pointing out the need for the meeting. He replied on the 14th. Unfortunately, we only saw that letter today,” Commissioner Benn related.

Nevertheless, it was noted that it was the Chairman who paved the way for electoral matters to be discussed.

According to Commissioner Benn, a report is expected to be prepared and submitted by GECOM’s technical staff.

“What did happen is that the Chairman suspended the agenda and allowed for the questions relating to GECOM’s readiness for elections,” the Commissioner further explained.

It was noted that the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield was to present a report to the Commissioners, containing details regarding the time needed to complete various measures for preparing for elections.

However, when contacted on Wednesday, one of the

Commissioners indicated that they only received, “…a bunch of documents, not a report per se”.

Now that election matters will finally be ventilated at GECOM, it is expected that the much-anticipated meeting between the Chief Whips and the Commission Chair will be set and the President will be given information with which an election date can be set.

On December 21, 2018 the no-confidence motion brought by the parliamentary Opposition –.PPP/C – against the Government succeeded when former AFC parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud broke ranks and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

Since the passage of the motion, however, persons aligned with the coalition have sought to question the motion’s validity even as the vote has already been certified. These arguments formed part of the opinions presented to Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland in the hopes that he would reverse the ruling. He refused to

do so.

Amid calls to resign, Government has insisted it is going nowhere until elections are held. A court case was filed, in which an order was sought to, among other things, delay the elections until the court rules on the matter. However, acting Chief Justice Roxane George noted that such an order would be unnecessary and has committed to rule on the pending matters by next week.

in Linden.

“I must say congratulations… Thank you for being here with us and sharing your vision with us.

We can go out from here after today and say the outreach was a success, so thank you very much for coming,” he stated.

Meanwhile, one woman reiterated her commitment to the Party which had begun since it was under the leadership of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan.

“Nobody can’t move me from here and I dedicate myself [to the party]… This party does always give back…,” she asserted.

One day after being elected, Presidential Candidate Ali commenced his countrywide outreach with a massive rally in his home community – Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara. He then visited residents in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Tuesday.

“It is a team approach; the PPP has never been about an individual. The PPP has always been about team…” – Ali ed, “It is a team approach, the PPP has never been about an individual. The PPP has always been about team…”

Meanwhile, PPP supporters in Linden were vocal in their outpouring of congratulations for Ali. One supporter said he was “overjoyed” at Ali’s election as presidential candidate, while calling on his fellow Lindeners to “…let us all forgive one and another, and work for a common victory for the PPP”.

Another supporter expressed gratitude to Ali and the team of PPP officials for reaching out to the supporters

10 news AFC unsure of Nagamootoo’s return as PM candidate thurSdAY, January 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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s political parties kick into campaign mode, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is unsure whether Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo will return as its prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming General and Regional Elections, constitutionally due in March.

This is according to AFC’s Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, at a press conference on Wednesday, when he told reporters that the party would be discussing this, among other issues, at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting this weekend.

“We’re not there at this stage in relation to that. All of that will have to be decided at national congress,” Ramjattan said when he was asked whether Nagamootoo would return alongside the presidential candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)/AFC coalition at the upcoming polls.

In accordance with the 2015 ‘sweetheart deal’ in the form of the Cummingsburg Accord between the two parties, the AFC will have the prime ministerial position while the presidential post goes to APNU if elected.

On Monday, President Granger was endorsed by his party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR),

to run for a second term. In fact, the PNCR – the larger partner in the five-party APNU – officially threw its support behind its leader via a letter from General Secretary Amna Ally.

In the letter, Ally noted that Granger was elected unopposed at the last congress as the party’s leader and he remained “capable, fit and proper” for a second term and on that basis the party endorsed his candidature.

Last week, however, AFC Vice Chair Cathy Hughes had said that it was too soon for the party to say whether it would support Granger’s presidential candidateship.

But Ramjattan told Guyana Times last Sunday that while this matter would be discussed at the upcoming NEC meeting, it was “likely” that the party would support Granger as presidential candidate.

“I support him fully as presidential candidate, personally… [but] we haven’t gone there as a collective,” Ramjattan said. “We’re having our national executive [meeting] and certainly you’ll have me supporting him there… But, of course, I anticipate [there will be support for President Granger].

I don’t think of anybody else with the quality of statesmanship as him,” the AFC

Prime Minister and AFC Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo

Chairman, also Public Security Minister, had asserted.

President Granger was diagnosed in October with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and was receiving treatment in Cuba, which requires him to travel back and forth between the two countries. In fact, he returned to Guyana on Saturday evening after undergoing his fourth round of chemotherapy for NonHodgkin Lymphoma.

Despite this, the Head of State has assured the Guyanese citizenry that he was getting better and a medical briefing from his doctors in Havana described his progress as “satisfactory and in conformity with their expectations”.

Come February 14, the APNU and AFC will cele-

brate the fourth anniversary since signing the “lovers’ deal” that eventually got them into office back in 2015. However, the AFC, in recent years, has come under fire for the submissive role it has been playing since joining forces with APNU. In fact, the top leadership of the AFC had decided back

in 2017 to revise its governing agreement with its majority coalition partner. The Cummingsburg Accord has a lifespan of a minimum of three years and maximum of five years, and was focused primarily on the General and Regional Elections.

As such, the minority party in the coalition had contested the November 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE) separate from APNU after planned negotiations to craft another accord on local government fell through.

At Wednesday’s press conference, however, Ramjattan said that while the 60-month Accord was still valid, it would, nevertheless, come up for discussion this weekend ahead of any further negotiation talks with its coalition partner. “…Indeed there might be

need for further fine-tuning and in view of certain developments recently, I suppose there would be need for both sides to deal with major issues, especially in relation to preparations for the next elections,” AFC’s Chairman noted.

Since the December 21, 2018 passage of the Noconfidence motion with support from AFC’s former Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud, several political commentators and stakeholders, including the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition, have been calling on the APNU/AFC Government to resign and call elections, which, according to Article 106 (7), should be held within three months.

This means elections should be held by March 21 this year.

Narco-trafficking accused escapes from Police lock-ups

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olice in E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) are on the hunt for a 24-year-old Half Mile, Linden, Region 10 man, who escaped from custody on Wednesday morning.

Guyana Times understands that about 10:30h on Wednesday, ranks attached to the Divisional Headquarters at the Mackenzie Police Station, acting on information received, went to the ‘Four

Corner’, Half Mile area at Wismar, Linden where they arrested the man, who was allegedly in possession of a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis sativa.

Following the arrest, he was escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station. It was while being processed to be charged at the office of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) that he reportedly jumped through

the office window and scaled the fence, making good his escape.

Following the escape, there was a heavy Police presence in the Linden community, as ranks combed several areas in search of the escapee.

Divisional Commander Linden Lord assured that stringent efforts were being made to recapture the suspect, so he could be processed for court.

thursdAY, January 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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Tips to help drivers improve their health

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itting for long periods of time has been shown to carry significant health risks. If you spend much of your work day in a car or truck, y o u face risks of both medical and

musculoskeletal issues. You might not be able to change your driving time, but a few changes could help drivers improve t h e i r health in spite of the driving.

Walk frequently Try to break up long drives, and get out and walk. Those short periods of muscular activity could prevent blood from pooling in your legs and relieve pressure in your lower back.

Perform regular exercises for your back Drivers have a high risk for back pain, likely related to sitting w i t h inadequate lumbar support and poor posture w h i l e driving for long periods of time.

Routine lower back muscular stretching and strengthening as well as abdominal and core strengthening could help withstand stress on the lumbar spine and might decrease the chance of low back pain.

Exercise regularly People who drive as a key part of their jobs should try to obtain at least 20 to 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise several times each

week. As you develop better aerobic conditioning, you can increase training as tolerated.

The exercises can help maintain optimal body weight and improve health.

Avoid fast food Try to find healthy food options wherever you travel.

Even if much of your driving takes place on interstates and highways, try to avoid fast food restaurants, or at least choose

healthy options at them. Better yet, pack healthy meals to take with you.

Stop smoking The suggestion applies to everyone and not just drivers.

Cutting back on cigarettes and eventually giving up smoking altogether can improve chronic medical conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.

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thursdAY, January 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

How rubber stamps can help your business stand out

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hen your business begins to grow, it is important that you, as the leader, begin thinking about the importance of your company’s appearance. There are a lot of areas that can be covered on a large scale, from moving to a

more prominent office location to creating a new, more user-friendly website. Often, many businesses pay more attention to big changes and skip out on smaller ones that can make your office look and feel more professional, without draining your company’s coffers.

One of the simplest, most cost-effective things that your business can invest in is rubber stamps. These basic office supplies can go a long way in making your business appear larger and more professional, not only to employees but to customers

and suppliers as well. Here are a few ways in which basic and customised rubber stamps can help your business stand out from your competition.

Basic stamps

Rubber stamps come in nearly every shape, size and design that you can imagine. Many common phrases and job titles that are often used in the business world such as “Paid” or “Accounts Receivable” can be found pre-printed on commercial stamps. For just a few dollars, these stamps will not only make the job of your accounting department easier but also put a more professional appearance on invoices and receipts. With simple stamps, invoices can be marked off much more quickly without the

mess of writing all over each one.

custom-made stamps

In addition to the basic design of pre-printed rubber stamps, most office supply companies can also create custom stamps to fit a wide variety of your needs. Whether it is a customised picture or any phrase that your business uses on a regular basis, office supply companies can provide you with rubber stamps that meet your exact specifications.

The most common use for custom made rubber stamps is as signature stamps. By providing the stamp maker with a copy of your signature, they can create a replica onto the face of the stamp. This is ideal for business owners and professionals who are constantly

signing off on documents and paperwork. By using a stamp, you can easily save valuable time each day. Stamps like these should be well-controlled. Only authorise one be made, and be careful of who has it – it in the wrong hands a signature stamp could be used on countless documents.

Avoiding confusion

Another benefit of using rubber stamps in the office is that it helps avoid confusion on documents between employees. Skip troubles with handwriting and unclear instructions. By using stamps to communicate on documents, coworkers and employees are able to clearly understand what is expected out of them in regards to your instructions.

thursdAY, January 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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scalators are an indispensable part of a mobile society.

They keep people moving in virtually all areas of public life. An escalator is a conveyor transport device for transporting people, consisting of individuallylinked steps that move up or down on tracks, which keep the treads horizontal. As a power-driven, continuous moving stairway designed to transport passengers up and down short vertical distances, escalators are used around the world to move pedestrian traffic in places where elevators would be impractical. In factories or industrial settings, the high cost of escalator maintenance frequently outweighs the potential efficiency so this application is less common in these areas. The escalator system isn’t nearly as good

as an elevator at lifting people dozens of stories, but it is much better at moving people a short distance. This is because of the escalator’s high loading rate. Once an elevator is filled up, you have to wait for it to reach its floor and return before anybody else can get on. On an escalator, as soon as you load one person on, there’s space for another.

Principal areas of usage i. Department stores ii.

Shopping malls ii. iii.

Airports iii. iv.

Transit systems iv. v.

Convention centres v. vi.

Hotels, and vi. vii.

Public buildings.

Benefits of escalators i. Capacity to move large numbers of people at a time ii. Can be placed in the

same physical space as one might install a staircase iii. Can be used to guide people toward main exits or special exhibits iv. Escalators have no waiting interval (except during very heavy traffic) v. ii. Their harmonised designs for shopping malls, office buildings, hotels, and entertainment centres result is a streamlined appearance that can be incorporated more easily into a building’s design scheme. vi. iii. Modern designs take even less space than previous ones and allow for multiple applications with the same look, without the need for costly custom design. vii. iv. Noise and vibration levels are carefully monitored in test environments to ensure the smoothest, quietest ride possible. Enhanced noise reduction packages are used in extremely quiet applications. viii. v. Excellent ride quality as new drive systems are aimed at improvement in ride quality in terms of both vibration and noise.

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thursdAY, January 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

ECD man in ICU after spending Rotary Club gifts National 3 days in Police lock-ups Library $23M bookmobile

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…family calls for probe

By Rupadai Seenarine

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he family of 39-yearold Kalicharran Sawak of Lot Three La Bonne Intention (LBI) on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) is calling for some answers, after he was taken into Police custody last week and later placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) without their knowledge.

Sawak was arrested by Police Thursday last after he reportedly broke a window at his mother’s house and used indecent language towards family members. He was taken to the Beterverwagting Police Station and then transferred to the Sparendaam Police Station.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, his sister, Shivani, related that her brother was scheduled to make a court appearance on Tuesday, but when the matter was called, he was not in court.

The case was adjourned for 10 minutes and when it was recalled, the Magistrate was informed that the defendant was in the hospital.

“When I went to the Police, he said my brother critical at the hospital. When they took my brother on Thursday at the Station, he had no marks of violence, he wasn’t a mentally disturbed person. He was perfect when he went in

there,” the woman said.

She added that the Police informed them that her brother was in the ICU of a city hospital in critical condition.

“On Thursday, he was misbehaving like breaking window and using indecent language and we went to BV (Beterverwagting) Police Station and made a report and they take him there. They forward him to Sparendaam Police Station,” the sister related.

She explained that when she visited the medical facility on Tuesday, her brother was unresponsive and in critical condition. He was also suffering from internal bleeding.

An explanation given by the Police stated that the man was creating noise, thus resulting in him being placed in a cell alone where he injured himself.

“Now he’s critical at the hospital. No one could give account what happening to my brother. The Police said my brother was making noise in the lock-up and they put him in a room by himself and he hurt himself. By going to the hospital, we get to understand that he is bleeding from his eyes, ears [and] a little from his brain. He cannot walk at all,” the sister added.

The family has since sought legal advice from Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall.

Kalicharran Sawak’s sister, Shavani Sawak

Speaking with this publication on Wednesday, Nandlall said that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has to give an account in relation to the injuries. According to Nandlall, the Police Complaints Authority will be briefed on this issue as he made calls for an independent probe into the situation.

“Depending on how the matter unfolds, depending on what the findings are, we do not rule out the possibility of challenging the actions of the Police in the High Court or their omission to act in the circumstances, to seek compensation for the injuries sustained,” the Attorney informed.

Efforts by this newspaper to get a comment from the GPF on the matter proved futile.

he Rotary Club of Georgetown on Wednesday handed over a brand-new bookmobile to the National Library, which will service communities on the outskirts of the city, where library access is limited.

The bookmobile, which was acquired at a cost of some $23 million, features over 3000 books which will be made available to students at the primary and nursery level.

Georgetown Rotary Club President Ralph Persaud related that this project was as a result of over two years of dedication from Rotarians to raise funds. The project was executed in two phases – the first was a raffle to garner funds while the second involved acquiring the vehicle and outfitting it.

For now, plans are on stream to visit a number of locations where libraries are scarce and promote reading among youths within these communities. Every month, children from different areas will be exposed to the mobile and the many books which it offers.

“The plan is to visit 12 locations each month with allowances for additional visits based upon requests.

This new bookmobile will have a mobile hotspot.

We’ll be offering Wi-Fi and

The newly-commissioned bookmobile equipped with over 3000 books

there will be four state-of the-art computers, which will allow students to access information,” Persaud said.

This year, the Club, considered one of the oldest in the country, will be celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who was amid the gathering, noted that this initiative provided support to the Library and extended the reach of its services.

“This mobile unit that will be moving from community to community is important, because I believe it is aligned also to the process of access and equity.

We’re taking service to the people and that is really important, because we live in a society where the further you get from Georgetown, the greater the disparity

is,” the Minister said.

National Library Committee Chairman Petamber Persaud noted, “Although the reach of the Library is far and wide, there are areas that are still to be serviced and this bookmobile will be instrumental in this desire to empower the nation through literacy.”

The mobile will be in close proximity to the Graham Hall Primary, Better Hope Primary, Enmore Hope Primary, Mon Repos Primary, Chateau Margot Primary, Cummings Lodge Primary, La Bonne Intention Primary, St Paul’s Primary, the Lusignan Nursery, Better Hope Nursery and West Road Nursery.

The Club reminded that some 17 per cent of persons over the age of 15 are illiterate.

18 news

thursDAY, january 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

US backs Opposition Leader Charrandas Persaud tells international as Venezuela President No-confidence vote

media about threats to life

F

ormer Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud, who has since been expelled from the party, has outlined the threats to his life after his “yes” vote in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, toppled the David Granger-led Administration.

In an interview with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Persaud said he made the move because he believed the Government has not been focusing on developing the country or creating jobs.

"I was not very calm," Persaud is quoted by CBC as saying, adding "I was frozen."

“Persaud, who was expelled from his party over his vote, said he was terrified for his own safety because of Guyana's history of political assassinations. Because of that, he said the only person he talked to about his intention was the man he asked to provide some security for him in the gallery in case he was "jumped”,” the CBC reported. "I cried all night [the night before the vote]," he told the CBC, adding that he thought he would die.

Charrandas Persaud

The CBC reported that Persaud added that the feeling only got stronger after the vote when he said another MP told him he would be dead that night. "It was not an idle threat I entertained,” he was quoted as saying.

“Persaud said he was even prepared to use his water carafe as a weapon should he be attacked.

He said he was lucky nothing happened, adding that modern technology probably saved him.”

"Thank God for the advent of cellphones. Too many people were watching internationally and locally,” he

told CBC. Persaud added that he did not take any chances, and after the sitting, he went directly to the Canadian High Commission in Georgetown and the next morning, he flew to Barbados and then on to Toronto.

According to the CBC, Persaud moved to Canada from Guyana in the late 1970s and studied at the University of Toronto, eventually getting his real estate licence. He returned to Guyana in 1999 to practise law and eventually got into politics.

Guyana Times had reported in December 2018, that as Persaud broke ranks and delivered the proverbial nail in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coffin, his life was threatened twice; he was hit by both colleagues flanking him as well as received many explicit comments within a five-minute period. This was all done while the National Assembly broadcast the sitting live on its website. The video is still up on the Parliament website showing clearly what transpired. Persaud received the hostile treatment

from his colleagues after he voted his conscience and sided with the Opposition People’s Progressive Party’s motion of no-confidence against the Government, of which he was a part.

During the final segment of the 03h:51m:04s video, during the second part of the debate, when Persaud delivered his first “yes”, all hell broke loose. He received the first punch on his left arm, at 03h:33m:04s in the video, from an APNU MP who insisted that Persaud “can’t vote against the Government” .This was followed by a series of expletives from the same MP and surprisingly, Persaud received another punch from another APNU MP. Then came the issuing of death threats to Persaud. If one listens to the video, one would find that at 03h:33m:04s and 03h:35m:35s, he receives the threats: “Charrandas you gon dead tonight” and “Charrandas you want dead tonight” respectively. It sounded as though the threats came from a female MP on the Government side of the benches.

GPTWU workers give Govt 1-week ultimatum for pension payout

GPTWU President Harold Shepherd surrounded by GTC/GTT pensioners at Wednesday’s press conference

T

he Guyana Postal and Telecommunications Workers Unions (GPTWU) has given the Guyana Government a one-week ultimatum to resolve the decades-old issue regarding the payment of pension to retired workers of the Guyana Telecommunications Corporation (GTC) and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GTT).

When the GTC was privatised in 1990, the workers who stayed on under GTT were promised that they would be paid their benefits when they retired from the telecommunications giant – an Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN) majority-owned com-

pany – as if they were in the public service.

However, those former GTC/GTT workers who retired after years of service under both companies are still trying to get their correct outstanding entitlement.

As such, during a press briefing on Wednesday, they called on Government to take actions immediately to resolve the matter, threatening to move to the court if nothing is done.

“We’re giving the Minister of Finance and the Government of Guyana, an opportunity once more to have dialogue with the union to address this issue.

[But] we’re not prepared to wait indefinitely… we’re

prepared to take the necessary actions to ensure that this issue is resolved… We expect at least a call from some senior official within the next week or so for us to sit down and have dialogue… if not we will seek legal advice and if we have to protest, we’ll protest,” President of GPTWU, Harold Shepherd asserted.

One of the things the union is looking forward to from Government is the establishment of a special committee in accordance with a 2014 recommendation, which the union believes is the way forward in resolving the issue.

“We would like to ask the President to appoint, as was recommended in 2014,

a Special Select Committee to bring about a resolution to this long outstanding issue. We have been languishing approximately two decades and [it] is our opinion that this resolution is not for the Minister of Finance [Winston Jordan] or the Ministry, it lies in a special select committee,” retired worker Lennox Skeete said.

He added too that they would also recommend that Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Godfrey Statia be included in that committee “because of their involvement with this pension issue some years ago”. continued to page 19

Juan Guaido, President of Venezuela’s National Assembly, greets supporters during a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government and to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the end of the dictatorship of Marcos Perez Jimenez in Caracas, Venezuela, January 23, 2019

U

S President Donald Trump has said he recognises Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president.

The announcement came minutes after the 35-year-old declared himself acting leader in Caracas on Wednesday.

A number of South American countries, including Brazil, Colombia and Peru, have also recognised Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president.

It comes amid mass protests against President Nicolás Maduro who has overseen years of economic freefall.

Hyperinflation, power cuts and shortages of basic items have driven millions of people out of Venezuela.

Maduro was sworn in for a second term earlier this month, after a vote marred by an opposition boycott and widespread claims of vote-rigging.

In response to Trump’s recognition of the opposition leader, Mr Maduro broke diplomatic ties with the US and gave its diplomatic staff 72 hours to leave Venezuela.

He accused Washington of trying to govern Venezuela from afar and said the opposition was seeking to stage a coup.

“We’ve had enough interventionism, here we have dignity, damn it!” he said in a televised address from the presidential palace.

Some counter-demonstrations are also being held in support of Maduro, but these are reported to be on a much smaller scale.

Earlier on Wednesday, Guaidó told a cheering crowd in Caracas that the protests would continue “until Venezuela is liberated”.

“I swear to formally assume the national executive powers as acting president,” he said, while raising his right hand.

Guaidó, who is head of the National Assembly, called on the armed forces - who have so far backed Maduro - to disobey the government.

But Venezuela’s defence minister has condemned Mr Guaidó, who has promised to lead a transitional government and hold free elections.

The BBC’s Latin America Editor Candace Piette says Mr Maduro has worked hard to keep the military leadership on his side, giving officers key government posts and offering lucrative oilfield services con-

tracts to military-linked firms.

Some 13 people had been killed during Wednesday’s protests, the rights group the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflicts said.

In a statement, Mr Trump described Mr Maduro’s leadership as “illegitimate” and said the country’s congress was the only “legitimate branch of government” in the country.

“The people of Venezuela have courageously spoken out against Maduro and his regime and demanded freedom and the rule of law,” his statement said.

The statement also said the US would hold Mr Maduro’s regime “directly responsible” for any threats to the safety of the Venezuelan people.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rejected Mr Maduro’s move to cut ties with the US, saying that the US did not recognise him as leader and would instead conduct relations “through the government of interim President Guaidó”.

Pompeo urged Venezuela’s military to support efforts to restore democracy and said the US would back Guaidó in his attempts to establish a government.

A senior US official also said “all options are on the table” and suggested tougher sanctions could be imposed on Venezuela.

In the announcement, Trump also urged other nations to follow suit in supporting Mr Guaidó.

So far, seven South American countries - Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina and Paraguay - have done so.

Canada has also given its backing to Guaidó, while European Council President Donald Tusk said he hoped the EU would “unite in support of democratic forces”.

But Mexico, Bolivia and Cuba have expressed support for Maduro.

The Organisation of American States (OAS) has also recognised Guaidó as president.

“Our congratulations to @ jguaido as acting President of #Venezuela,” Secretary General Luis Almagro said in a tweet.

In 2017 Venezuela announced it would withdraw from the organisation, which aims to aid co-operation across the continent - accusing it of meddling in its internal affairs. (BBC)

news

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thursDAY, january 24, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Any attempt to redo voters’ list is another delay tactic – Gaskin ...says Guyana cannot afford a repeat of 1990 under PNC rule

P

olitical commentator Ramon Gaskin said he has taken note of the coalition Government’s posture as it relates to the holding of elections, and based on his analysis of the situation, it will try to do everything within its power to delay one being held in March this year.

Gaskin told Guyana Times, in an interview on Wednesday, that there was no question whether there should be an election, but the issue has to do with the timeframe for such an election. However, he said there has been recent talk from Government which is pushing to update the voters’ list.

“The elections must be held! You don’t need a new list. We just had elections (Local Government). There is no trouble with that list… So we should go to the polls. I am ready to go and vote… Any attempt to worry with that list would be a delay tactic on the part of Government,” he stated.

Gaskin, a former advisor to late President, Dr Cheddi

Jagan, reminded that this delay tactic being employed now by the Government was nothing new to the People’s National Congress (PNC).

He recalled that elections were delayed by two years before, when the PNC was in power.

“Desmond Hoyte (late former President) did this in 1990 and delayed elections for two years until 1992. We were supposed to have elections in 1990. He was in office from 1985 until 1992 when United States President Jimmy Carter intervened and encouraged PNC to go to the polls,” he recalled.

The political commentator told <<<Guyana Times>>>, “this is PNC behaviour” and unless the Opposition remained focused, this could reoccur.

But Gaskin strongly believes that if this is allowed to happen, it could have several negative impacts on the country. “Simple, Guyana cannot afford a repeat of that.”

Gaskin was the first to

voice concern over the current political situation in the country, accusing the Government of trying to delay the holding of elections in Guyana within the stipulated 90-day period. He said that it was making strategic moves all aimed at delaying the democratic process.

He said the first move was to challenge the no-confidence resolution that was passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. “Everything that the

GPTWU workers give...

Documents shared with the media revealed a correspondence from the Privatisation Unit to the Finance Ministry back in 2000 detailing excerpts from the 1990 sale agreement which states: “…You will be continued in employment with GT&T and your service will be treated as continuous and unbroken and other conditions of service will not be less favourable than what you presently enjoy.

You are guaranteed employment with GT&T for a period of eighteen (18) months, subject, of course, to the right of the management to dismiss or discharge you for cause. These amounts will become due and payable to you when you finally retire from the service of GT&T, or your employment with GT&T is terminated, in circumstances in which, had you been employed in the Public Service, you would be entitled to Pension and

Gratuity under Section 8 of the said Act. The liability to pay the above benefits, when they become due and payable will be transferred to the Government in the Ministry of Finance.”

However, over the years, GTC/GTT pensioners received a mere $22,000 instead of a minimum of $90,000 or a maximum of $700,000 in accordance with their last salary base.

According to the pensioners, although the Finance Ministry had adjusted the rates back in 2017, it was still inadequate to what they are actually entitled to.

Furthermore, the retired workers also called out Finance Minister Winston Jordan over comments he made, claiming that the matter has been resolved.

Insisting that this was not the case, another pensioner, David Wallace, challenged the Finance Ministry to proffer proof that the mat-

From page 18

ter was resolved. Wallace further called the utterance of the Minister “disrespectful, untrue and insulting”.

He noted that it is the retired workers who are suffering.

“There are people within the who Government knows what is taking place and it is our perception that the Ministry of Finance does not have the knowledge and skill to look at this matter, and because of this we are suffering,” Wallace asserted.

The GPTWU also revealed that they had written to President David Granger back in November 2018, appealing for his intervention to have the matter resolved.

In December, Public Affairs Minister Dawn HastingsWilliams acknowledged receipt of the letter, informing the union that the President asked that the letter be forwarded to the Finance Minister “for action”.

Government is doing, including going to court, is a delay tactic … it is aimed at delaying the holding of elections. And this meeting between the Chief Whips and the GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission) is just another set of delay,” he asserted.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) repre-

sentative at GECOM, Bibi Shadick on Tuesday made it clear that house-to-house registration could not be accommodated within 90 days.

“It is agreed that there is a valid list up to April 30. The thing is, we’re working with the fact that there is a valid list.”

Government wants the court to rule on whether the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland’s decision on the December 21, 2018 motion was indeed carried by a majority of all elected members and whether or not the 33 to 32 breakdown meant it was validly passed.

Meanwhile, a private citizen named Campton Reid filed a petition in the court challenging the validity of the vote of former Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud, who helped pass the motion, stating that he had falsely declared that he was a Guyanese citizen.

The political commentator also pointed to recent comments made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo whereby he stated that elections should be held before April, especially since the list of electors would expire during that month and would, therefore, prompt new registration.

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George is expected to make a ruling on all matters concerning the no-confidence resolution next Wednesday, which will determine the way forward. In recognising the importance of these cases, she had committed to delivering judgment within a reasonable time.

As stipulated by the Constitution of Guyana, following the no-confidence resolution, an election must be called in 90 days. For Guyana, that resolution was passed on December 21, 2018.

20

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, January 24, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Take care of your responsibilities without complaint.

If you let the actions of others get to you, it will lead to discord. Focus on getting ahead, not on causing trouble.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

You may want to initiate a change, but make sure it’s what you really want. You must be willing to do some physical work. Your reputation is at stake.

CANCER

You can make a change at home, but run your plans by the people who will be affected by your actions. Your openness will determine whether you receive help or hindrance.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Challenge yourself physically and get rid of some of the anxiety you are feeling.

It’s best to calm down before you complain or criticize.

Keep the peace and show compassion.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

The only way to get things done is to do them yourself. Refuse to let anyone cost you emotionally or financially. Protect your plans and assets.

Do something you enjoy or spend quality time with a loved one. Ask questions and find out what others want in order to avoid a misunderstanding.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Use your intelligence to outsmart someone who is giving you a hard time.

It pays to gather facts and to hold those who put demands on you accountable.

Romance is encouraged.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Get your responsibilities out of the way before someone complains, and move on to the things you enjoy doing. Get together with someone who shares your enthusiasm.

SUDOKU

Don’t let an emotional SAGITTARIUS matter sidetrack you. Focus (Nov. 23- on fitness, health and modDec. 21) eration. Take charge of your life, and walk away from people trying to tell you what to do.

Look over your personal CAPRICORN documents and finances, and (Dec. 22- consider how well you take Jan. 19) care of your emotional and physical health. If change is required, put a plan in place.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Deal with institutions and government agencies carefully. There will be no room for error if you want to avoid a loss. Make sure your finances, medical records and contracts are in order.

Indulgent behavior will lead to emotional problems.

Protect your heart and important relationships. Walk away from people offering empty promises. Do what’s right.

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Singh singled out to lead GABF A

fter many years of serving in the local basketball fraternity, stalwart Michael Singh has been touted to take the reins of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation from outgoing President Nigel Hinds.

With the GABF’s Annual General Meeting closely approaching, many in the fraternity have speculated about the new leadership that the Federation is expected to see.

Outgoing President Hinds, after registering many successes in the premier position, announced that 2018 would be his last year as President.

The announcement came at a Road to Mecca media engagement, at which Hinds also promised that with the assistance of Singh, the tournament would carry on when he was no longer President even if it was to be hosted privately. This announcement gave the first inkling

that Singh would be the one to take up the mantle from Hinds.

However, the position of President from 2019 onwards was still left open to a number of potential leaders.

As the time to the deciding day drew closer, another development was revealed. According to a recent release from the Federation, former Vice President Singh was leading a ‘slate’ of potential executives.

While Singh has been listed on the slate in the position of President, Alex Graham, Lawrence Simon and Kenrick Thomas have been slotted in as Vice President, Patrick Haynes as General Secretary, Gavin Singh as Treasurer and Andrew Hercules as Technical Coordinator.

Affiliate Members of the Federation are eligible to vote; these include basketball associations from Bartica, Berbice, Georgetown, Linden and Guyana Basketball

Contact our

Circulation Department on Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

21

Michael Singh has been a part of the basketball fraternity for countless years

Officials Council, Women’s Basketball A s s o c i a t i o n , Georgetown Masters and GT Pioneers.

Each affiliate will be afforded two votes for each of the elected positions.

Having a welloiled machine is critical for the GABF since the Federation is preparing to send a team to the FIBA Americas qualifying tournament. This tournament will lead the way for the FIBA Americas Championship in 2021.

The Federation will host its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, December 26 from 13:00h.

Williams knocked out by Pliskova

GUYANA S TIMES in your area?

sports

erena Williams says she "did not choke" after missing four match points as Czech seventh seed Karolina Pliskova won the final six games to win a dramatic Australian Open quarter-final.

The 37-year-old American, going for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title, led 5-1 in the decider but lost 6-4 4-6 7-5 in Melbourne.

"I think she just played lights out on match points," Williams said.

"I took my chances," said Pliskova who won on her third match point.

Former world number one Pliskova will meet Japan's fourth seed Naomi Osaka in the last four on Thursday with eighth seed Petra Kvitova taking on unseeded American Danielle Collins in the other semi-final.

Williams, seeded 16th, played down an ankle injury which she suffered during the rally on her first match point when serving at 5-1, 40-30.

The seven-time Australian Open champion did not win another point on serve after the incident.

"She was hitting lines and went crazy. She played unbelievable on match points," Williams said.

"It was nothing to do with my ankle. Obviously I made some mistakes but she played really well."

Williams' inability to seal victory means a highly anticipated rematch of her controversial US Open final defeat by 21-year-old Osaka must wait.

Like Osaka, Pliskova will be playing in the Australian Open semi-finals for the first time and is one victory from appearing in her

Karolina Pliskova will now meet Naomi Osaka in the semis

second Grand Slam final, following defeat by Germany's Angelique Kerber in the 2016 US Open.

Pliskova had led by a set and a break at 3-2 before the momentum swung to Williams and victory appeared a formality after she won nine games out of 10 and set up a match point.

But the momentum then swung back again to Pliskova in a chaotic encounter.

"I was almost in the locker room but now stand here as the winner," she said.

"My mind was in the locker room at 5-1 down but I was still here. I was too passive and mentally down but she got a little bit shaky.

"Naomi Osaka is dangerous but there is nobody more dangerous than Serena."

Djokovic into semi-finals after Kei Nishikori retires

Six-time champion Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open semi-finals after Japan's eighth seed Kei Nishikori retired

injured in their quarter-final.

Serbia's Djokovic, 31, was leading 6-1 4-1 when Nishikori quit with a thigh problem.

Every time Djokovic has reached the last four in Melbourne he has gone on to win the tournament.

The top seed will face Lucas Pouille in Friday's semi-final, after the Frenchman defeated Milos Raonic.

Spanish second seed Rafael Nadal and Greece's talented 20-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas will contest the other semi-final on Thursday.

Djokovic has not lost to Nishikori in their past 15 meetings, stretching back to the Japanese's victory in their 2014 US Open semi-final. "I love to battle especially against Kei, we have played so many matches in our careers," Djokovic said.

"I hope he can recover and it is not something very serious that will take too long.

"I am sorry for everyone not having a full match tonight but thank you for showing up."

'It's not about being a man or a woman, it's about knowing tennis' - Pouille praises coach Mauresmo Djokovic will play his 34th Grand Slam semi-final - only Roger Federer (43) has played more After beating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in a gruelling last-16 match on Monday, Djokovic said he had a back injury which he "hoped" to manage before facing Nishikori.

Any fears the 14-time Grand Slam champion may be hampered were quickly allayed.

Once he broke in the second game for a 2-0 lead, plus again in a sixth game where Nishikori coughed up two double faults for 5-1, it never looked like he would lose on Rod Laver Arena.

Nishikori had spent almost 14 hours on court in his four matches up to the quarters, over four hours more than the Serb.

And it showed as the Japanese player's hopes were ruined by injury.

He called a medical time-out at the end of a first set which he lost in 31 minutes, requiring treatment from a physio on his right quad before returning to the court with heavy strapping.

The former world number four lasted another five games - losing serve in two - but was clearly struggling and decided he could not carry on with less than an hour on the clock.

"This is what the doctor ordered for after two nights ago, not to spend too much time on the court," Djokovic joked.' (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, January 24, 2019

The evolution of Julian Moore – chosen as GCB Academy Coach

By Brandon Corlette

H

e is seen as one of the best coaches in the country – the Level 3 Certified Cricket Coach, Julian Moore.

T h e gift-

ed cricket expert took some time off his busy schedule to sit and reflect on his appointment as the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Academy Coach. Moore told the

Guyana Times Sport that the academy program is the perfect foil for him to develop his high-skill level as a coach, and simultaneously play a role in the success of Guyana’s cricket.

The feeling of attaining selection as an academy coach is an obvious great feeling, but for the former national youth player, he is seeking continuous growth in his coaching career. Moore, who hails from Tucber Park, in New Amsterdam, Berbice, has played a huge role in numerous successful cricketers’ journeys.

The perfect example is Guyana Jaguars all-rounder and Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Romario Shepherd, who passed through the ranks, coming from the junior level, where he received support from Moore. Coach Moore was able to pass on his great

cricketing knowledge to his club member.

Moore has been putting in the necessary work with the Guyana junior teams, over the years, where he tasted a huge amount of success in his premier coaching career. Moore has five Cricket West Indies regional championships under his belt; he won two Under-15 titles in 2014 and 2015 and three Under-19 titles from 2017-2018, while coaching the Guyana youth teams.

The freshly-appointed Academy Coach is presented with a different task at the Academy, where he will be coaching the best senior cricketers in the country on a continuous basis. The Berbician told this reporter that it would be a smooth transition for him, to coach senior cricketers and not youth cricketers. “It’s a great challenge that I am prepared

to embrace, since the senior players are hungry to make it big, I am upbeat to lend my assistance to these players,” Moore related during this exclusive interview.

A majority of the players in the academy are no strangers to Moore, 33; the experienced campaigner has played a role in the past with most players who graduated from the Under-19 level which he operates.

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Level 3 Coach and tutor, who is also a youth selector, has knowledge about cricket as any great player may attain. Moore had a brief career representing Guyana Under-19, but he inherited greatness from his father, Carl Moore, who is regarded as a great cricket enthusiast in Guyana who formerly operated from the Tucber Park and Bermine Cricket Clubs.

Moore, who manages and coaches the Tucber Park Cricket Club, greatly invests his time and patience into the promising youths at the cricket club; he continuously shares his knowledge with aspiring and established players. Being a coach signifies the love and passion Moore has for the game; and his inspirational achievements as a coach may take him to the highest level; who knows, he may be the next Guyana Jaguars Head Coach.

When asked what the year 2019 has in store; Moore told this reporter that his eyes are locked on capturing his sixth CWI regional title. With the Under-19 tournament scheduled to play in July-August 2019 in home conditions in Guyana, Moore is eying a third championship in as many years as the National Coach.

Road to 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup…

Windies Under-19 preparations continue in Guyana – CWI Regional Under-19 tournament to be hosted in Guyana

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Cricket West Indies (CWI) Under-19 Coach, Graeme West is presently in Guyana to continue the numerous programmes for the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, that will be held in South Africa.

West is presently involved in a three-day assessment camp with the Guyanese players who were selected to the Windies Under-19 training camp. Kevlon Anderson, Ashmead Nedd, Sachin Singh and Kelvin Umroa are the selectees, who are currently involved in the three-day programme.

The three-day program that focuses on cricket skills and fitness will conclude today Thursday, January 24, 2019, at the Everest Cricket Club. The 20-man Under-19 squad made their first app e a r a n c e in a training camp in Antigua,

December last.

West is on the verge of visiting Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago to interact with the Windies Under-19 players and the local coaches.

West told this publication that the 20-man squad selected may not be the final squad since CWI Regional Under-19 tournament is scheduled to play in July-August 2019 in Guyana, which will feature the three-day format and the 50-over format.

“If a player performs outstanding in this tournament that is outside of the 20-man squad, there is every chance of him gaining selection for the Under-19 Cricket World Cup final squad,” West told this reporter.

The visits to the various countries will greatly assist West, since he will be spending more time with the players. These players were selected from the 2018 Regional Under-19 tournament that occurred in St Vincent.

West is an Englishman, who joined the West Indies coaching team since 2012 and has guided the Shimron Hetmyer-led West Indies team to a World Cup title in Bangladesh, early 2016. The confident Englishman is seeking the perfect preparation for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup that is slated for January and February 2020 in South Africa.

CWI has taken this initiative to introduce the Caribbean Under-19 players the High Performance syllabus that will educate the youngsters.

The 20man squad that

is currently selected and includes four Guyanese consists of players that represented the Caribbean in the previous ICC Under-19 World Cup that took place in New Zealand. These players are opening batsman Kimani Melius, fast-bowling all-rounder Nyeem Young and left-arm Guyanese spinner Ashmead Nedd.

Under-19 Coach Graeme West with players and local coaches Wednesday at Everest

BCB launches Spready’s Snackette Second Division Tournament T he Berbice Cricket Board’s plan to host at least 30 cricket tournaments in 2019 was given a major boost when another sponsor came on board last weekend.

Manoj Singh, CEO of Spready’s Snackette, readily agreed to sponsor a 100 Balls Second Division Tournament for 15 teams in the Lower Corentyne Sub Area. The Tournament bowled off on Sunday, January 20 at venues across Berbice.

The Tournament would be played on a Knock-out basis with the final scheduled for the historic Port Mourant Ground.

Albion Community Centre Cricket Club and Rose Hall Town Bakewell Cricket Team have been debarred from the Tournament as the Cricket Board seeks to encourage other Clubs to excel without playing against the two most powerful Clubs

in the Ancient County.

The Spready’s Snackette 100 Balls Tournament is a fulfilment of a commitment made by BCB President Hilbert Foster to the Secretary of the Chesney Cricket Club to organise a Tournament between Clubs who do not have any major FirstDivision players. In 2018, Rose Hall Town Bakewell dominated the Second Division Tournaments with Under-19 Players Kevlon Anderson, Keith Simpson, Junior Sinclair and Kevin Sinclair not being considered FirstDivision Players. Players from Albion Community Centre and Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club have been debarred from the Tournament while only players living between Bush Lot and No. 1 Road would be allowed to participate.

Seventeen Clubs would feature in the historic

Tournament: Courtland, Fyrish Road, Fyrish, Chesney, Kilcoy, Toopoo, Tamarind Root, Belvedere United, Jai Hinds, Albion Open, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Tigers, Tain Block 4, Whim Nationals, Nigg Intruders, Kildonan and Ramnarine Memorial.

Matches start at 13:00h sharp with teams bowling 14 six-ball overs and two eight-ball overs. Teams are reminded that once they give walkovers, they would be banned for the rest of 2019 along with their players while Captains would forfeit their rights to the toss if they are not present at the venues by 12:45h.

All players shall have to be attired in white uniforms as the Cricket Board seeks to lift the standard on the field of play.

Foster also disclosed that in 2019, the Board would be playing two new Tournaments at the Under-23 and Intermediate

levels. These would be in addition to the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, Female, Internal Zone, Double Wicket, Primary School, Secondary School, Second Division and First Division levels. The BCB President expressed gratitude to Manoj and Narine Singh for their support of Berbice cricket and pledged to organise a successful Tournament.

Spready’s Snackette under the presidency of Keith Foster had sponsored an Under-19 Tournament for three years.

Singh, in brief remarks, stated that he was delighted to be associated with Berbice cricket again as he was very impressed with the improvements over the last year. Sports, he stated, was the best avenue to keep youths off the road and his business was committed to fulfilling its corporate duties.

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thursdAY, January 24, 2019

23

Anderson's late carnage triggers Windies collapse on Day 1

F

ive batsmen managed to score over 40, and yet, Windies were left on the back foot at 264 for 8 on the opening day of the first Test. It was as much due to their inability to build long innings as it was due to James Anderson late carnage with the second new ball at the Kensington Oval against England on Wednesday.

Electing to bat, Windies got off to a steady start. For a change, Kraigg Brathwaite got good support in company of debutant John Campbell.

The duo saw off a testing period of swing bowling in the first hour by England's newball pair of Anderson and Sam Curran, stitching a half-century partnership.

While Brathwaite hadn't even managed to register double digits, Campbell

John Campbell looked good for his debut score of 44

pushed the scoring rate.

The southpaw was employing the sweep to good effect but became predictable after a point of time, eventually leading to his downfall when he missed the delivery and was trapped leg before by Moeen Ali. However, Brathwaite and Hope - who have become Windies' most reliable batting pair in recent times - ensured the fall didn't let England get on top. In what has become a feature of their batting in the last one year, they continued to dig in and didn't give England any chances, taking the hosts to Lunch on 89 for 1.

Soon after the morning break, they brought up their half-century stand and looked set for a long stay in the middle. However, Ben Stokes's

double strike in a space of nine balls turned the tide of the contest. Brathwaite got slightly squared up to a delivery coming in and edges it to the slips. Darren Bravo, who had marked his return to Test cricket after more than two years, didn't survive long enough, going early into the shot off a slower delivery by Stokes - who was playing his 50th Test - and getting trapped. Windies were reduced from 126 for 1 to 128 for 3. A brief rain interruption brought an early end to the second session, with Hope and Roston Chase seeing off any further damage.

However, soon into the final session of the day, Hope brought up yet another half-century only to fall soon after to Anderson. The veteran pacer's nagging line out-

side the off stump eventually paid off as Hope went poking at a delivery to give an easy catch to the 'keeper.

Yet again, Windies found themselves rebuilding their innings. Even as England bowlers had become more disciplined with their line and lengths, there was little assistance for them to induce chances. Shimron Hetmyer broke away from the brand of batting that was on offer and went after the bowlers. While batting on three, he slashed outside the off stump and offered an easy chance to Jos Buttler at cover only for it to be dropped.

Batting on 3 at that point, Hetmyer took complete advantage of the opportunity and posted 56 by the end of the day, including an over in which he lofted Adil Rashid for a six and followed it up for a boundary through the cover region. However, with Chase getting the majority of the strike in the sixth wicket stand, England didn't get as many opportunities to cash in on. The duo stitched a 66-run partnership to revive the innings before England took the second new ball and changed the complexion of the game, with Anderson being the wrecker-in-chief.

In only his second over with the new ball, he had Chase going after an out swinger to give Joe Root a regulation catch at slips.

Soon after, Roston Chase was undone by a leg cutter that bounced awkwardly and had him edge to slips while fending off. Jason Holder offered

Ben Stokes celebrates the wicket of West Indies’ Kemar Roach

a return catch and Kemar Roach poked outside off in the final over of the day to cap off Windies' troubled last

hour. In only 6.3 overs, soon after taking the new balls, Windies lost 4 wickets in return of 24 runs. (cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st Innings KC Brathwaite c Root b Stokes 40 JD Campbell lbw b Ali 44 SD Hope c †Foakes b Anderson 57 DM Bravo lbw b Stokes 2 RL Chase c Root b Anderson 54 SO Hetmyer not out 56 SO Dowrich † c Buttler b Anderson 0 JO Holder (c) c & b Anderson 5 KAJ Roach c Root b Stokes 0 Extras (lb 5, nb 1) 6 TOTAL (89.2 Overs, RR: 2.95) 264-8

Yet to bat: AS Joseph, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-53 (JD Campbell, 18.1 ov), 2-126 (KC Brathwaite, 46.4 ov), 3-128 (DM Bravo, 48.2 ov), 4-174 (SD Hope, 65.2 ov), 5-240 (RL Chase, 82.5 ov), 6-250 (SO Dowrich, 84.6 ov), 7-261 (JO Holder, 86.6 ov), 8-264 (KAJ Roach, 89.2 ov) BOWLING JM Anderson (24-12-33-4) SM Curran (12-3-54-0) BA Stokes (19.2-2-47-3) MM Ali (12-1-59-1) AU Rashid (17-1-56-0) JE Root (5-0-10-0)

thursDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

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

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Page 23

Shimron Hetmyer hits a six

Jimmy Anderson takes the catch off his own bowling to dismiss West Indies Captain Jason Holder

Anderson's late carnage triggers Windies collapse on Day 1

The evolution of Julian Moore Page 22

Williams

knocked out

by Pliskova Page 20

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