Guyana Times - Thursday, March 14, 2019

106th anniversary of Rose Hall Estate Martyrs observed P13

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

Issue No. 3863

THE BEACON OF TRUTH thursday, MARCH 14, 2019

PRICE

1 day after criminal charges filed

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

President asks GECOM for elections plan in “shortest possible time” Page 7

New US Ambassador urges “free and fair” elections

Fly Jamaica promises P10 repayment to passengers next week

IIA urges P11 internal auditors to report irregularities

Page 3

Clinton Williams elected new P11 GMSA President

Region 10 RDC driver injured in accident on Ituni- P14 Kwakwani trail

Newly-appointed US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch with President David Granger; Dr Kevin Healy, Director General in the Foreign Affairs Ministry; Audrey Waddell; and Deputy Chief of Mission, Terry Steers-Gonzalez

Housekeeper charged for stealing from Minister Page 8

Bauxite workers’ protests

Loggers stranded by Berbice River blockage Page 2

Facebook suffers the most severe outage in its P15 history

2 news

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bauxite workers’ protests

Loggers stranded by Berbice River blockage L oggers utilising the Berbice River as a transport medium have been left in a quandary, as the current blockage of the waterway by dismissed employees of Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), is having a negative impact on their operations and businesses.

The BCGI – which is owned by Russian Aluminium company (RUSAL) – dismissed 61 workers on February 19,

2019, for protesting against a one per cent wage increase and a further 30 employees after a section of the operation was closed. However since then, RUSAL’s employees have blocked a section of the Berbice River, which leads to the company’s operation located at Aroaima, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Sections of the access road were also obstructed to prevent anyone from entering.

For now, the loggers are not allowed to use the river

File photo: Workers and residents protesting the dismissal of the Rusal workers

and have been stranded for almost two weeks. One local sawmill owner from Canje, Berbice, Imtiaz Hoosein, explained to Guyana Times that while attention is being placed on the deadlock between RUSAL and its employees, consideration must be given to other stakeholders who are notably affected.

“The concern is only reflecting on RUSAL and its workers but we are small loggers and we are affected.

I purchased some logs from up there and I’m stuck for over 10 days because they are not allowing them to pass,” said Hoosein.

The businessman explained that he would usually purchase timber once a month from Kwakwani in Region 10. The logs, worth

millions of dollars, would be loaded at Aroaima to begin a four-day journey along the Berbice River to New Amsterdam.

“The logs were purchased in Kwakwani and we would use the river to transport the logs to New Amsterdam.

We transport one load every month. We already load the logs and they’re not allowing my workers to pass.

We understand the workers and the company issue but I don’t know why we can’t pass. We were told everybody has to wait. It’s frustrating to have to wait,” said the logger.

He added that his timber along with other loggers and four of his employees have been waiting to access the river for over 10 days; a sit-

uation which is affecting his business significantly since extra monies were paid to the workers and reimbursement for customers who cannot stand the wait.

“We losing money because these logs are already paid for. I collect advance from customers and lumber yards for maintaining my business. People are frustrated that they have to wait so I have to give them a refund and now its 10 days extra I have to pay the workers. The extra time and money for the workers alone is over $200,000,” he explained.

The river has been blocked with wire rope, preventing bauxite-laden barges from passing.

This publication under-

stands that as a result of the blockages, the Russian company has lost millions already. It had also advised some 30 employees that their department was closed until further notice as a result of the ongoing events.

During a meeting with the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) and representatives of RUSAL, the company said it failed to recognise the Union. However, the stalemate ended last Tuesday when the Union and the company met with representatives of the Labour Department and recognition was given to the worker’s association.

According to Chairman of the GB&GWU, Lincoln Lewis the workers claimed they will continue with this form of protest until they are satisfied with what the company offers. This also means that RUSAL needs to obey the laws of Guyana.

In light of the standoff, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had said that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, a similar matter had arisen, and the then Administration managed to save the jobs that were at risk.

news

3

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, March 14 – 10:00h-11:30h and Friday, March 15 – 10:00h-13:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, March 14 – 09:00h-10:30h and Friday, March 15 – 10:25h-11:55h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals will prevail, followed by partly cloudy skies in the evening. Overall temperatures will range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 09:46h and 22:37h reaching maximum heights of 2.33 metres and 2.19 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:15h and 15:59h reaching minimum heights of 0.98 metre and 0.89 metre respectively.

wednesday, march 13, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

03

18

20

23

24

25

FREE TICKET

19 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

05

13

11

14

17

LUCKY 3

7

4

7

9

Afternoon Draw

5

5

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04

06

07

09

10

18

PAY DAY

01

02

03 04

19 SUPER PAY DAY

12

09

14

17 19

20

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

New US Ambassador urges “free and fair” elections

A

s the time counts down to the constitutionally mandated General and Regional Elections in Guyana, the United States (US) has re-reiterated the need for free and fair polls.

This call was made by the newly accredited US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch.

In brief remarks after handing over her credentials to President David Granger on Wednesday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency, Ambassador Lynch lauded Guyana for the significant progress made particularly in the political sphere.

Without making mention of the current political impasse, the newly accredited US envoy did, however, point to the need for free and fair elections.

“We have seen the strengthening of democratic processes and political institutions along with broader political participation and citizens’ representation.

Moving forward, we will continue to encourage genuinely free and fair elections, freedom of speech and assembly, multiparty representation and a constitutional judiciary process…,” the new US Ambassador said.

On the other hand, President Granger, in his remarks, reminded that among the areas Guyana and the US enjoy strong bi-lateral relations is non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.

“Our relations are founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security,” the Head of State posited.

Since the December 21, 2018 passage of the motion of no-confidence against the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition, calls have been made by various stakeholders including foreign diplomats here for the Government to abide and re-

New US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

spect the Constitution and set a date for elections.

The foreign missions here have been paying keen attention to the developments in Guyana since the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) filed the Noconfidence Motion against the Government.

Only on Monday, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times said the clock is ticking on the constitutional threemonth deadline for holding elections. This deadline expires in eight days.

“The Constitution is the supreme law… There is the three-month clock, which is still ticking, it hasn’t been stayed yet…,” the United Kingdom envoy told this newspaper on Monday.

Moreover, representatives from the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) have also echoed similar calls for the Guyana Government to adhere to the constitution.

In February, the EU’s local mission warned of the need for constitutional com-

pliance, urging in a statement that democratic procedures and the rule of law be respected and upheld. The EU also called for free and fair elections to be held and for the Guyana Government to follow all requirements outlined in the Constitution of Guyana following the December 21, 2018 no-confidence vote.

Days before, however, United Nations Resident Coordinator Mikiko Tanaka urged the State to demonstrate its integrity and respect Guyana’s Constitution.

“Recent political developments triggered by the no-confidence vote in the National Assembly are a test for Guyana’s strength and integrity with regard to the effectiveness of the rule of law and governance,” Tanaka said.

She further lauded acting Chief Justice Roxane George for demonstrating the independence and integrity of the Judiciary when it comes to protecting the Constitution of Guyana.

The acting Chief Justice had ruled on January 31, 2019, that the No-confidence Motion was validly passed 3332 in the National Assembly and the Cabinet has to resign in keeping with constitutional provisions of Article 106 (6) and 106 (7) respectively.

Consequent to the dec-

laration that the 33-majority meant that the motion was carried, Justice George observed that the President and the Ministers could not, therefore, remain in Government in accordance with Article 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution after three months.

However, the Grangerled Administration has insisted that there is no role for a “caretaker” Government and that they will continue to be in office until a new President is sworn in. In fact, the coalition has appealed the High Court’s rulings and those matters are currently being heard in the Court of Appeal.

But even as the coalition continues with its ‘business as usual’ approach, political commentator and Attorney Christopher Ram last week asked the High Court to stop the award and payments of contracts over $15 million.

Section 54 (1) of the Procurement Act gives Cabinet the right to review and approve all procurements (contracts) in excess of $15 million. Government spokesperson, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had disclosed that the President and Ministers have been meeting as a “ministerial plenary” and not as a Cabinet in compliance with the Chief Justice’s ruling.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019

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

Monitoring traffic with CCTV cameras

L

ast Sunday, the Buxton Mash celebrations took to the streets within the environs, affording residents in the nearby villages a close-up view of the costume and float parade. As usual, the grand spectacle, through the kaleidoscope of colours and the vibrancy in the revelry, was conspicuous serving to bring people together as part of the country’s Republic anniversary observances.

Celebrations aside, there was the unfortunate lengthy buildup of traffic on the East Coast of Demerara. Naturally there will be such delays given the lack of alternative routes for the diversion of traffic; however, what transpired confirms the urgent need for the Police and maybe the Public Infrastructure Ministry to relook arrangements with the intention of reducing the waiting time by the travelling public.

What compounded the issue was the inability to have full access to the Railway Embankment due to a reported bridge rehabilitation.

With prior knowledge of the repairs, that should have been factored in, given that only one thoroughfare was left available to accommodate both the usual Sunday traffic and the parade.

While there will be some grouse, commuters will understand and accept some level of delay to facilitate the national celebrations.

However, that delay was unnecessarily extended, ironically, after the end of the parade! At that time, with no floats to pass, many, including those who participated in the parade and onlookers, were partying on the said thoroughfare thereby bringing the flow of traffic to a halt for unacceptably long periods into the night.

Commuters were forced to spend hours just to pass through one village. Shocking was the limited Police presence at that time and with a seeming disinterest in the traffic build-up. Many, while in the traffic, were of the opinion that the parade was still ongoing only to realise that their inconvenience was as a result of the after party.

Clearly the Police could not have been oblivious to the situation down on the ground.

It was the same last year and similarly, children, the elderly, the sick and possibly those on their way to the two international airports would have been tremendously inconvenienced. This brings to attention an incident a few weeks back when a huge oil-related machine fell off a trailer-truck at Mc Doom at Greater Georgetown.

The traffic stalled for hours as three lanes were blocked.

Again, while there will be a build-up and which is compounded by the large number of vehicles traversing the roadways, it’s difficult to accept the extended hours and the apparent lack of effective measure to bring much needed relief. One aspect that could have helped to reduce the lengthy delay was to swiftly allow North and southbound traffic to alternately share the fourth and available lane under the direction of traffic ranks.

In addition, and as carbon-copy in every situation that leads to traffic jams, inconsiderate drivers quickly transform the fourlane road into an eight lane jockeying for any space to give them a believable advantage to get ahead. This inevitably blocks the lanes making it not only extremely difficult to manoeuvre, but adds precious time to the commute from the resulting bottleneck.

Unfortunately, this regular occurrence seems to escape the Police as their presence in very often concentrated only at the source.

Crucial in such circumstances is the need for motorcycle patrols to help prevent the bottlenecks and to safeguard a response if an emergency were to unfortunately arise from someone trapped in the congestion. Some drivers unashamedly bully others in these situations which in turn heighten anxieties for children and vulnerable others. These situation of risks cannot be ignored and must be part of the Police’s planning and response. Large number of ranks at the point of the incident, though needed depending on the severity, is not enough to reduce the congestion and waiting time.

As the country continues to develop, more and more vehicles will be added underscoring the need for other alternative roads especially on the East Bank of Demerara. While that is awaiting to be realised, every day, additional vehicles enter the roadways.

This makes it even more imperative for the Police to derive a more effective mechanism that can be sustained. Too much time is being lost from these daily build-ups and it takes a toll on commuters, including schoolchildren, many of whom are forced to adopt early departure routines.

It becomes unfathomable that in these modern times Police ranks are consumed with manning traffic lights when a simple daily recalibration to suit the priority morning and afternoon traffic can be easily implemented given most, if not all, are computerised.

With that, some of the ranks can better be used in mobile patrols to ensure errant drivers are not creating bottlenecks on the carriageways.

This makes a compelling case for designated lanes especially for minibuses. It must be adhered to and offenders face the court.

The Police, with its own constraints, can also better utilise the CCTV cameras at various points. That implies a need for more so that defaulters would know that the roads are monitored. The major setback for such well-intended suggestions, is the “blind-eye syndrome” by some ranks. That begs the question of who should be monitored.

In Sierra Leone, Bombali Amputee Football Association team captain Mohamad intercepts the ball mid-flight, showing off athleticism and resilience. “The decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone was witness to horrifying deliberate amputations by rebel forces,” explains Your Shot photographer Chris Parkes. “Out of this grew amputee communities and amputee football teams” (National Geographic photo taken by Chris Parkes)

Venezuela’s Guaidó moves to reopen energy industry – document

V

e n e z u e l a ’ s Opposition Leader and self-declared interim President Juan Guaidó is preparing new legislation to reverse late President Hugo Chávez’s energy industry nationalisation, allowing private companies a bigger role in its oilfields and shrinking State-run PDVSA, according to sources and a draft seen by Reuters.

The proposal is vital to reverse a collapse of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) member nation’s oil industry, which provides 90 per cent of its export revenue, and aims to win support for Guaidó among foreign energy companies that could finance a rebuilding, after crude production has fallen to a seven-decade low.

Under the proposal, which is expected to be released in coming days, private firms could choose to run the day-to-day operations of Venezuelan oilfields, a sharp departure from the Chavez era in which foreign companies could only be minority shareholders and were not granted operational control.

PDVSA would continue existing as a main player in the oil industry – a source of pride for many Venezuelans – but some of its assets would be transferred and auctioned by a new, independent regulator similar to Mexico’s energy reforms, which ended 75 years of monopoly.

Guaidó’s team, struggling to form a full Cabinet and win broader international recognition, has gained support at home and abroad, but has been unable to shake Socialist

An oil pumpjack and a tank with the corporate logo of State oil company PDVSA are seen in an oil facility in Lagunillas, Venezuela, January 29, 2019 (file photo)

President Nicolás Maduro’s hold on the reins of the Government, the military and PDVSA, the core of the country’s economy.

“The Venezuelan oil industry has collapsed after years of arbitrary policies that turned PDVSA and its subsidiaries into political tools serving the Socialist model,” according to the preamble to the law.

Guaidó is proposing a variety of exploration and production contracts that would allow private companies for the first time in decades to operate oilfields individually and in partnership with PDVSA. Private companies could also apply to operate oil refineries and retail service stations under the draft proposal.

The new contracts are expected to be awarded by the new regulator, named the National Hydrocarbon Agency, which would organise a “round zero” and let PDVSA pick its preferred oilfields.

“All hydrocarbon reservoirs can be part of an auction to be decided by

Venezuela’s Hydrocarbon Agency,” the draft says.

PDVSA did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Venezuela’s National Assembly is expected to discuss the draft in the coming months, according to the sources. Once it is approved, there would be additional legislation required to fully reform the oil industry.

Venezuela’s current energy law, the backbone of an economy dependent on oil revenue, was approved

by Chávez in 2001 under authority granted to him by the nation’s Congress, and was later revised to increase taxation and the Government’s control over the industry.

The law was used by Chávez more than a decade ago, following a lengthy strike by PDVSA employees against his Government, to force foreign partners to enter into joint ventures controlled by PDVSA. Chávez led a long nationalisation wave that expropriated ConocoPhillips

and Exxon Mobil Corp operations. Those two and others have won billions of dollars in international arbitration claims.

The new proposed law would impose a flexible royalty rate with a minimum of 16.67 per cent and maximum of 30 per cent, depending on oil prices, removing shadow taxes that increase their payments. At present, companies including Chevron Corp are compensated through dividends paid by PDVSA. PDVSA under the legislation would remain a constitutionally-created Staterun oil company, but would no longer be required to be in all oil ventures and operations.

“The collapse of public finances on top of the demands from a complex humanitarian emergency stop the State from taking responsibility for all the investment,” the proposed law says.

The draft legislation also includes temporary dispositions allowing the Government to declare the oil industry in emergency to take control, inspect and audit PDVSA’s assets and facilities to identify corruption and wrongdoing.

It also allows debt re-negotiations, suspension of harmful contracts, PDVSA’s corporate reorganisation and negotiations with its current partners to modify joint ventures if agreed by all the parties.

“The state oil industry, controlled by PDVSA, has found itself involved in corruption, money laundering and organised crime, investigated by the National Assembly and by several countries.” (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019

5

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

No future for sugar in Guyana under APNU/AFC

Dear Editor, Just before the May 2015 General Election, I warned that the Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) had a sinister plan to close the sugar industry (SUGAR) in Guyana. David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo vehemently denied any plans to close SUGAR. In their four years in Government, they have downsized SUGAR by more than 50 per cent, as a first step towards the goal to close SUGAR. As a General Election looms again in Guyana, I again repeat my warning: APNU/AFC is determined to end SUGAR in Guyana.

APNU/AFC is deliberately mismanaging GuySuCo, engineering its excuse to close SUGAR. While three sugar estates continue to operate, APNU/AFC is keen on finding an excuse to also close these estates. For more than 300 years, SUGAR was the most important industry in Guyana. The potential for SUGAR being an important industry for many decades more in Guyana still exists. It is foolhardy and reckless for anyone to give up on SUGAR. APNU/AFC wants

to end SUGAR in Guyana for political reasons, resulting from their anti-Jagan, anti-People’s Progressive Party (PPP) obsession. But while spiteful and petty, closure of SUGAR in Guyana, with downsizing as a first step, has horrendous consequences, with the Guyanese people being collateral damage.

For example, the starting of SUGAR closure, at the end of 2015, precipitated an unemployment problem. Four years into the APNU/AFC term in office, Guyana is mired in an unemployment crisis, a crisis that started in 2015 and crescendoed in 2016 by the closure of the first of the four sugar estates that are now closed.

The total closure of SUGAR, if the Guyanese people allow APNU/AFC to achieve this goal, will mean that the unemployment crisis will be sustained for generations to come. OIL will not be able to rescue us.

Even as RUSAL is threatening to close operations in Guyana, causing a loss of another 500 jobs, GuySuCo, still the largest single employer in Guyana, is bleeding from deliberate mismanagement, facing a precarious future. The last four years

have not been good news for GuySuCo and for employment in Guyana. More than 37,000 jobs have been lost, according to conservative estimates, with SUGAR accounting for more than 7000 direct jobs and many thousands more indirectly. With the uncertainty of elections, a constitutional crisis after March 21 and possibly an illegal government by then, business activities have dropped by as much as 50 per cent, with hundreds being laid off.

Meanwhile, Guyanese are dismayed at the sustained ugly disinterest APNU/AFC has shown towards GuySuCo. This deliberate disinterest by the Government and, particularly, by the Minister of Agriculture, has contributed to the overall mismanagement and incompetence in the operations of GuySuCo. Even as the operating estates are bleeding for more machinery, such as tractors and excavators, etc, Special Purpose Unit (SPU)/National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) is selling off these same machinery, already owned by GuySuCo, from the closed estates. This is not incompe-

tence and mismanagement, it is deliberate suffocation.

The reported theft of significant amounts of sugar produced at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, far from being an isolated case, is symptomatic of every day, niggling and serious problems impacting the industry. These mounting problems will continue as disinterest sickens the industry.

While insisting the treasury will not invest in GuySuCo, APNU/AFC, curiously, allowed SPU/NICIL to borrow $30 billion on behalf of GuySuCo. No one knows where the money is and what the SPU has done with the money. In the midst of suspicion and anger about the whereabouts of the money and what it is being used for, GuySuCo continues to claim it has not benefited from any serious influx of funding from the $30 billion. Several weeks ago, the Leader of the Opposition had to ask publicly for an explanation and the whereabouts of the $30 billion. I have continued to ask for more than a year now the same question – where is the $30 billion?

The President has ignored these questions.

APNU/AFC behaves as if it

is no one’s business to ask.

The Minister of Agriculture has made clear he has no idea where the money is, why the loan was taken and by whom and emphatically pronounced he does not want to know. Ignoring the queries from the workers, from the trade unions and from the management of GuySuCo is inexcusable, but behaving as if citizens have no right to know the whereabouts of one of the biggest single loans ever in Guyanese history is political malfeasance and corruption at the highest level.

Just this week, GuySuCo’s management, out of utter frustration, berated the relationship with the SPU/NICIL, particularly with the SPU Head, who is also now the acting head of NICIL. This same man, about a year ago, announced and published a whole-page advertisement that there was a new GuySuCo Board to replace the Clive Thomasled, Cabinet-appointed Board. The Ministry of the Presidency was forced to disown the SPU-appointed Board. It took the Cabinet almost a year after that to itself appoint a new Board.

Cabinet announced it would

clarify who was in charge – the Agriculture Ministry or SPU/NICIL. Nothing has happened. Such risible behaviour makes a mockery of one of the largest industries in Guyana, unless it is a deliberate strategy to end SUGAR. The treatment of GuySuCo by the SPU/NICIL, the disinterest in GuySuCo by the Government, in fact, reflect the long-standing strategy of the People’s National Congress (PNC) to end SUGAR in Guyana. It said so in 2014 and now in Government for four years, APNU/AFC has done everything to end SUGAR. Just like the Government’s deliberate strategy towards a constitutional crisis in its management of the elections timeline, the Government’s seeming disinterest is a deliberate strategy to end SUGAR. Clearly, APNU/ AFC appears to have engineered an economic strategy in which OIL is the new economic pillar and that Guyana’s economy will be an OIL economy. There is no future for SUGAR under APNU/AFC. Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Indi Beharry has left a legacy of success Dear Editor, I write to express condolences on the passing of Mr Inderjeet (Indi) Beharry.

He comes from a very closeknit family. Indi and his family members achieved great success in cultivating the Beharry Group of Companies into a global entity. Indi himself was a business genius. He was an honest businessman. I admired his talent in business and his kindness.

There are very few people who are as transparent and business-savvy and energetic as he was. The paths he (and his father) blazed in America for Guyanese and the Indian Diaspora in business for minorities will remain unmatched. And his and the family’s contributions to Guyana will forever be appreciated. Indi has left behind an indelible legacy of entrepreneurship and charitable activities.

Beharry’s was a trendsetter in corporate philan-

thropy under Indi’s leadership. The Guyanese and Caribbean Diaspora have benefited tremendously from the family’s entrepreneurial vision and passion for helping the less fortunate. In Indi’s passing, Guyana is poorer in business acumen and business development.

I met Indi some 25 years ago on a flight to Guyana from JFK. And we exchanged phone numbers. We met several times thereafter by mere coincidence at JFK, interacted in flight or in Guyana. He was a very reserved man, but he did not hesitate to engage me, sharing his views on a range of issues, including Guyana’s politics and the economy. We spoke after the change in Government in May 2015 and we spoke again about a year ago through historian Pat Dial, who was a close family friend of Indi. I am grateful for the political

views he expressed about our country. They shall remain confidential.

Indi Beharry also discussed his family businesses and his father’s and mother’s role in them.

Although the public saw the old man (Edward who served in the PPP 1957 Cabinet under Cheddi Jagan), as the brain of the business, Indi credited his mother for success. She was extremely hard-working and industrious. And at one time, he suggested that I interview his mother about his parents’ early involvement in business, starting out in market stalls and migrating to New York City where they traded in foreign currency becoming one of the largest currency traders in the world. The company traded on Wall Street. The Beharry children (Indi and others) and grandchildren would expand the business into the very successful Beharry

Group of Companies (cigarettes, spices, drugs, chowmein, etc.) that had many achievements and that also contributed significantly to varied charitable causes.

Indi was highly respected, a business titan in Guyana and even in the Wall Street environment.

He was a gentle giant in the business community with a very simple personality. He never bragged about his family business’s success or its philanthropic activities. He let the public and beneficiaries do the talking from their appreciation of the company’s accomplishments.

He did not socialise much and his time was committed to his business and his family. He worked tirelessly to expand the family business, venturing into other fields than spices.

His life is an example for all to emulate. The legacy he created will be felt

Keep the pressure on, Mr Jagdeo Dear Editor, It is very disgusting that the APNU/AFC coalition Government is trying to subdue and implicate Bharrat Jagdeo in making an inflammatory statement at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. The Opposition Leader was at the time addressing the massive crowd gathered to commemorate the birth and death anniversaries of the late President,

Dr Cheddi Jagan.

Jagdeo must be complimented for enlightening the residents of Region Six and the entire Guyana that they must not allow this illegal, disrespectful, undemocratic group of people to wastefully use taxpayers’ monies to benefit themselves when they are not allowed to constitutionally. This statement by Jagdeo “to chase them out of the communities” is justifiable, be-

cause this group of political ‘drunkies’ in Government is so much addicted to the benefits that they are refusing to uphold and respect the Constitution despite their oath of office.

Guyanese must be very much appreciative for the strength and resilience that the Opposition Leader is showing against this APNU/AFC Government that is quickly becoming a dictatorship Government.

If Jagdeo does not stand up to this Government, we will find our country returning to the dark days of the PNC. The people of Region Six are in full support of your statement, Mr Jagdeo, so do not be distracted, keep the pressure on these ‘ political drunkies’, do not allow them to destroy Guyana.

Regards, Zamal Hussain

for generations to come. At the wake I attended and the funeral, people mourned his passing while celebrating his lasting legacy.

They honoured the exemplary life of an outstanding Guyanese and American entrepreneur.

Guyana has lost a gem, philanthropist, and business leader. From the suc-

cess of his family empire to the company’s unending generosity and invaluable leadership in business and providing employment, Indi touched the lives of countless people. They are grateful to and will always remember him.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

6

THURSday, march 14, 2019

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation more severe at different points in your life.

A

choo! Every time you go near your best friend’s cat, your eyes water and you start sneezing up a storm.

And your dad gets a runny nose when he takes you for hikes in the woods.

What’s going on? Well, you and your dad might have allergies.

Chain Reaction An allergy (say: AL-ur-jee) is your immune system’s reaction to certain plants, animals, foods, insect bites, or other things. Your immune system protects you

from diseases by fighting germs like bacteria and viruses. But when you have allergies, it overreacts and tries to “fight” ordinary things like grass, pollen, or certain foods. This causes the sneezing, itching, and other reactions that you get with allergies.

The substances that cause allergies (grass, pollen, foods, pet by-products, insects, etc) are called allergens (say: AL-urjenz). When your immune (say: ih-MYOON) system reacts to one of these allergens and you have symptoms, you may be allergic to it.

What causes the sneezing and wheezing?

You can be allergic to many things. Common allergens include:

dust mites (tiny insects that live in dust) a protein found in the dander (dry skin), saliva (spit), urine (pee), or other things from some animals grass, flower, and tree pollen (the fine dust from plants) mould and mildew (small living things that grow in damp places) foods, such as milk, wheat, soy, eggs, nuts, seafood, and legumes (say: leh-GYOOMS), which include peas, beans, and peanuts latex (stretchy stuff that some of the gloves doctors and dentists use are made of) Symptoms Some of these allergens cause sneezing, a runny nose,

itchy eyes and ears, and a sore throat. Other items on the list, such as foods, may cause hives (a red, bumpy, itchy skin rash), a stuffy nose, stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

Less often, allergens can cause breathing problems like wheezing and shortness of breath (asthma). Some allergens, such as foods, are a problem all year long. But others might bother people only during certain seasons.

For instance, you might be allergic to pollen from trees, which is present in the air only in the spring.

Why do some kids get allergies?

People may be born with a genetic (say: juh-NET-ik) tendency to have allergies, which means they are more likely to get them than other people are. Many allergies are hereditary (say: huh-REH-dihtare-ee) – passed to kids in the genes they get from their parents – so you have a better chance of having allergies if your mom or dad or other people in your family have them.

People can develop allergies when they are babies, children, teens, or adults, although allergies often decrease in older people.

Many people outgrow food allergies. Other allergies can last your whole life, although t h e y m a y be less severe or

Colds vs allergies Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference between a cold and an allergy because the symptoms can be similar. If your cold symptoms last more than 2 weeks, you probably have an allergy instead of a cold.

There are other differences between colds and allergies you can look for. With allergies, your nose and eyes itch. Colds don’t itch. The mucus, the stuff that comes from your nose or that you cough up, is different, too. With allergies, it’s clear like water. With a cold, it’s usually yellowish and thick.

How do I find out if I have allergies?

If you sneeze and itch a lot, wheeze, or often get sick after eating a certain food, your doctor may want to check you for allergies. He or she will ask you a lot of questions about your health, about the animals

I

f you just sneezed, something was probably irritating or tickling the inside of your nose. Sneezing, also called sternutation, is your body’s way of removing an irritation from your nose.

When the inside of your nose gets a tickle, a message is sent to a special part of your brain called the sneeze centre.

The sneeze centre then sends a message to all the muscles hat have to work together to create the amazingly complicated process that we call the sneeze.

Some of the muscles involved are the abdominal (belly) muscles, the chest muscles, the diaphragm (the large muscle beneath your lungs that makes you breathe), the muscles that control your vocal cords, and muscles in the back of your throat.

Don’t forget the eyelid muscles! Did you know that you always close your eyes when you sneeze?

It is the job of the sneeze centre to make all these muscles work together, in just the right order, to send that irritation flying out of your nose. And fly it does — sneezing can send tiny particles speeding out of your nose at up to 100 miles per hour!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researcher

and plants in your home, and about the foods you eat. Your answers will provide clues about what you might be allergic to, and your doctor may ask you to stay away from a pet or stop eating a certain food to see if your symptoms go away.

Your doctor may send you to an allergist (say: AL-ur-jist), a special doctor who helps people who have allergies. An allergist may give you a scratch test to see if a tiny bit of an allergen will cause a reaction on your skin. You’ll feel a quick pinch when the doctor makes the scratch or scratches. If you’re allergic, one or more spots will become bumpy, itchy, and red — like a mosquito bite.

Some doctors also might test a kid’s blood to look for IgE, a substance called an antibody (say: AN-tie-bah-dee) that signals an allergic reaction. If you have large amounts of this antibody in your blood, you are probably allergic to the allergen. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org) To be continued

Lydia Bourouiba and her colleagues are studying what really happens when a person sneezes.

They’re using highspeed imaging to film the cloud of droplets that a sneeze creates.

Then, the Bourouiba Research Group uses math to analyse what’s going on with all those droplets.

They hope to learn more about how illnesses spread.

Most anything that can irritate the inside of your nose can start a sneeze. Common causes include dust, cold air, or pepper. When you catch a cold in your nose, a virus has made a temporary home there and is causing lots of swelling and irritation. Some people have allergies, and they sneeze when they are exposed to certain things, such as animal dander (which comes from the skin of many common pets) or pollen (which comes from some plants).

Do you know anyone who sneezes when they step outside into the sunshine?

About one out of every three people sneezes when exposed to bright light. They are called photic sneezers (photic means light). If you are a photic sneezer, you got it from one of your parents because it is an inherited trait. You could say that it runs in your family. Most people have some sensitivity to light that can trigger a sneeze.

Have you ever had the feeling that you are about to sneeze, but it just gets stuck?

Next time that happens, try looking toward a bright light briefly (but don’t look right into the sun) – see if that doesn’t unstick a stuck sneeze!

(kidshealth.org)

news

7

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

1 day after criminal charges filed

President asks GECOM for elections plan in “shortest possible time”

President David Granger

O

ne day after private criminal charges were filed against top Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials for conspiring to delay elections, President David Granger has asked the elections body to submit a work programme at the earliest time possible – with just seven days remaining before the constitutional deadline expires.

In a letter sent to Chairman of GECOM, Justice James Patterson, on Wednesday morning, the Head of State noted that last week’s consultation was intended to provide him with an understanding of the Commission’s work programme, which is expected to enable it to deliver credible elections within the shortest possible time.

On this note, President Granger requested the elections body to submit its work programme in “the shortest possible time”.

The Head of State emphasised in the missive that the work programme is essential to inform him of GECOM’s readiness to deliver credible elections in Guyana.

“I urge you to present your plans, programmes and financial needs which will guide my proclamation of a suitable date for elections,” President Granger stated in the letter sent to the GECOM Chairman.

The coalition Government has been facing mounting pressure to set a date for elections before the March 21 deadline as is constitutionally due. But President Granger has been insisting that he has to await guidance from GECOM before he executes his presidential responsibility.

Last week, the GECOM Chairman and six Commissioners as well as Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield met with the President. The Opposition Commissioners had disclosed that during the meeting, the CEO had indicated that there was no work plan in place as yet when asked by the Head of State.

Commission not Secretariat

However, when contacted on Wednesday, Lowenfield explained that the “work programme” the President is seeking is one from the Commission and not the Secretariat.

He pointed out that the GECOM Secretariat, which he heads, had pre-

sented several work plans to the Commission back in January, outlining various options, including a claims and objections period coupled with continuous registration, on the way forward regarding the holding of elections. The Secretariat had indicated that it would need a minimum of 148 days to prepare for polls with the earliest possible date being in July.

But the Commission had overlooked those options put forward by the Secretariat and decided to go ahead with house-tohouse registration, which is expected to conclude

sometime in November.

This was voted for by the Government-nominated Commissioners supported by the Chairman.

GECOM’s unpreparedness

Meanwhile, the Opposition Commissioners at GECOM have been unsuccessfully pushing for the elections body to get ready for elections within the constitutional deadline. In fact, they presented a plan at last Friday’s meeting outlining how polls can be held before the current voters’ list expires on April 30, 2019.

But that proposal was rejected by Government and the Commissioners on Tuesday walked out of the statutory meeting at GECOM after the issue of house-to-house registration was on the agenda instead of General and Regional Elections as mandated by the Constitution of Guyana.

According to Lowenfield, the Commission will now have to come up with a consensus in order to submit the “work programme” to the Head of State. He added whatever that work programme is, the Secretariat will have to deliver on that.

Since the passage of the No-confidence Motion on December 21, 2018, there has been much criticism about GECOM’s preparedness for the mandated General and Regional Elections, with many accusing the elections body of deliberately delaying the constitutionally mandated holding of polls.

On Tuesday, private criminal charges were filed against Justice Patterson and Governmentnominated Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman for conspiracy to breach the Constitution of Guyana. The charges were brought by Marcel Gaskin, the brother of Business Minister Dominic Gaskin.

Filed by Attorney Sanjeev Datadin, the charges allege that the defendants, during the period

GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson

of December 22, 2018 and March 9, 2019 conspired to breach Article 106 of the Constitution of Guyana, which provided for the holding of General Elections in Guyana within three months from December 21, 2018. The case comes up for hearing before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday.

According to Article 106, upon the passage of a no-confidence motion, the President and Cabinet have to resign and call elections within 90 days or at a later date approved by two-thirds of the National Assembly.

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has since indicated that he would agree to extend the deadline for elections only if the President sets a date before April 30. turn to page 9

8 news

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Housekeeper charged for stealing from Minister

D

onetta Rajkumar, 33, was charged for stealing $195,000 from Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes.

Rajkumar, of La Parfaite

Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty and denied that between March 6 and March 7, 2019 at Lodge, Georgetown,

Bail revoked for footballer on robbery charge

A

19-year-old footballer, Jobe Caesar, who was in January remanded for allegedly attacking and robbing his ex-girlfriend, but was later granted bail, had his bail revoked by Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday.

According to reports, Caesar, who was ordered to stay away from the Virtual Complainant (VC), Jennifer Valdium, breached the said protective order. He reportedly attacked the young woman.

The court heard on Wednesday that the defendant, who was previously granted $150,000 bail, also failed to comply with a stipulation attached to bail – that he report to the Police Station once per week until the completion of the case. Based on his failure to comply with both conditions of his bail, he was remanded to prison. The case will continue on April 3, 2019.

The charge against Caesar, of Albouystown, Georgetown, stated that he on November 25,

Donetta Rajkumar

she stole $195,000 from Minister Broomes. Rajkumar was at the time employed as a housekeeper. The woman, who was represented by Attorneyat-Law Everton Lammy-Singh, is contending that she did not remove the cash.

Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail. The Prosecutor informed the court that the housekeeper was the lone person in the house after the Minister left and had access to the cash. The housekeeper was released on $75,000 bail. She is expected to return to court on April 3, 2019.

Security, health risks at Guyana’s borders worrisome – Minister

G

Jobe Caesar

2018 at Albert and Charlotte Streets, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously damaged a motor car valued $3.5 million, property of Valdium.

On the same day at the said location, Caesar, while being armed with a gun, robbed the woman of her cellphone valued $30,000. The teen is a player attached to the Fruta Conquerors football team.

uyana has been faced with a number of challenges as a result of the recent influx of Venezuelans crossing the countries’ borders.

This is according to Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan who on Tuesday said he was particularly concerned about the health and security risks associated with these persons entering the country.

Ramjattan made the disclosure at an event hosted at the Ramada Princess Hotel, East Bank Demerara.

“At our borders with Venezuela, which is an ex-

tremely long border, we are having our challenges there in relation to matters of health and security issues and in every way this could have been avoided in a sense if we had gotten the correct things happening in Venezuela as it is,” he stated.

He added that despite these challenges, Guyana is still obligated to ensure the heath needs of those persons are met.

The Minister added that even if it means stretching the health resources to provide services for those underprivileged persons, Guyana would have to ensure it exhausts efforts in keeping with humanitarian agreements it signed on to among others.

This was especially important to prevent illnesses from entering Guyana, he added.

Over the past year there has been a rapid increase in the number of Venezuelans fleeing their homeland as a result of the economic crisis there.

Only two weeks ago the number of legal Venezuelan migrants in Guyana stood at 5123 with most of them being housed in Region One (Barima-Waini).

Last week, Government had announced that members of the Community Policing Groups will be increasing their presence at bordering villages in an attempt to ramp up security in those far-flung locations.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud has said the inflow of Venezuelan migrants into Guyana has resulted in amplified initiatives by the Public Health Ministry to expand its vaccine programme, to reduce the possibility of a disease epidemic.

Recently, Indigenous leaders from hinterland communities called for increased security in border communities, since the arrival of the Venezuelans has been affecting their villages. The issues surround cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and surges in criminal activities.

Arau Village representative, Devroy Thomas had related while the village leaders understand the need to lend support, the issue has become very complicated, since these migrants are bringing with them bad practices which could corrupt the villages.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge had stated that the possibility of these persons being diagnosed with diseases posed a danger to the general public.

A task…

B

…for Sisyphus? asil Williams has been roasted time and again as Attorney General for being out of his depth on matters legal. In an obvious effort to show “depth”, he protested that Art 106 (7) – which declares that after a successful no-confidence motion (NCM), elections have to be held in three months – is giving the government a task like the one given to Sisyphus!!

Well! Your Eyewitness is impressed…seems the newlyappointed “Senior Counsel” is acquainted with Ancient Greek literature. Sisyphus, after all, was the Greek King, who was so crafty and cunning, he thought he could even outwit the gods. And tried to do so with any number of scams. For his hubris and arrogance, the gods condemned him to push a huge rock up a hill, only to have it roll back down just before reaching the top and he had to repeat this for eternity!

Is this what Article 106 (7) is all about?? As explained, the Act comes into play after a successful NCM. But how does the NCM come into play?? We can do worse than look at the case of Charrandas on Dec 21, 2018. The PNC-led coalition had slipped into office by the narrowest of margins (one seat) but arrogantly governed for the next three years as if they ruled by divine right!! For instance, they gave their supporters chicken feed while raking in 50 per cent pay hikes for themselves, and then breaking every promise in their slick manifesto!

For Charrandas, the straw that broke his back was his government shutting down four sugar estates – including one in Berbice in the community where he lived – and throwing 7000 people out of work, when during the campaign they’d promised to keep sugar alive!! It was a cane straw!! Well, they say that “God doesn’t come…but he sends”! And for the tricks and betrayals of this PNC Government, the gods sent the PPP Opposition, which laid a no-confidence motion, and Charrandas.

The NCM needed only ONE member of the Government voting for the motion and they’d have to vacate office and hold elections!! And presented with the opportunity to get the Government to sit up and take notice, Charrandas voted his conscience. And the rest is history which is still unfolding. So yes, the Government rolled the NCM rock up to the Speaker, but he knocked it back. They then rolled it up to the High Court hill, but the Chief Justice knocked it down.

Now the AG and a huge team have rolled it up the Appellate Hill…and he’s beginning to understand the futility of his task.

But unlike Sisyphus, the Government can change their fate by calling elections pronto!! …for riot control?

Well, well, well! As March 21 approaches the temperature’s rising!! From complaints of “ethnic incitement” to new “fraud” charges being brewed against the Opposition, it does look like we’re heading into rough waters. This was brought home to your Eyewitness when he saw those pics of Policemen in full battle gear practising “riot control drills” in the city!!

Yes…riot control! Now who do the Police expect to riot? Going by our modern history starting from the 1960s with their “sit-ins” in front of Government buildings segueing into fires that razed the business district, every riot in Georgetown has been led by the PNC. Once ensconced into office there was not a single riot for 28 years while they ruled. The riots restarted in 1992 – led by Hamilton Green against the Elections HQ when the votes started to show the PPP would win. Then it was riots continuously until the PPP was ousted. And then the rioting stopped!

So, since the PNC’s still in office, do the Police think they’ll riot against themselves?? …for labour?

The TUC opted out of the Civil Society Forum calling on the PNC Government to hold the constitutionally-due March 21 elections.

Was it a quid pro quo for the PNC twisting RUSAL’s arms to recognise the Bauxite Workers Union??

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

news

9

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

No-confidence cases

Lawyer calls for court to reject Govt’s application to extend term in office

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards

A

s day two of the arguments on the validity of the No-confidence Motion was heard before the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, Attorney Anil Nandlall submitted that the judges ignore applications made to extend the life of the coalition Government.

Nandlall, who is representing Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in the matter, in his submissions to the court stated that if the honourable judges grants the extension being sought by the Government then they will be directly interfering in the work of the National Assembly, a separate branch of Government, and the political landscape of the country.

“If your honours are to accede to such a request, your honours would be falling into conflict with the separation of powers doctrine,” he said in while outlining that the framers of the Guyana Constitution clearly resided that power of extension beyond that three months, by not putting it in the Judiciary.

“And that your honour is not coincidental… is not an omission but it placed it in the National Assembly. They put it

in the Legislature because it is a political issue and the court must not be dragged into solving political matters that politicians can’t solve. And that’s part of the problem in this case,” he added.

Nandlall submitted that the Constitution makes provision for the eventuality that the three months is passed based on a no-confidence vote that the Government and the Opposition should sit down and find a solution by a twothirds vote in the National Assembly to extend the life of Government.

But now with just a few days left before the March 21 deadline for the constitutionally date for election, the attorney said it is clear that that cannot be solved. “There is a political impasse that the politicians cannot overcome. They are trying to drag the honourable Speaker (Dr Barton Scotland)…but with great tenacity he sidestepped. And now the Judiciary is left to fetch this horrible burden.”

During his arguments, the former Attorney General told the court that Cabinet and Government are two distinct groups. And in the case where a no-confidence motion is passed successfully, the President and the Ministers must remain in office until elections are held and a new President is sworn in. However, the Cabinet and the President must resign immediately after a no-confidence motion is passed.

GECOM

As it relates to the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) role in this matter, Nandlall argued that based on the Constitution, the

Justice Rishi Persaud

Commission must always be ready for an election. “It’s a universal position…It is presumed to be ready…GECOM must always be ready,” he stated.

The attorney also criticised the move made by the Government team to advocate for GECOM to be given time.

“No way in the Constitution provides a consultation before an election,” he said, explaining that GECOM is an independent agency. He asserted that Attorney General (Basil Williams) nor Government have any neither place nor authority to direct or consult with GECOM on elections.

Further, Nandlall also accused Williams of trying to create panic when he entered in his arguments that finances totalling $3 billion for the holding of elections can only be granted based on the approval of Cabinet and the National Assembly. Instead, he told the court that the Constitution allows for the finances to be drawn from the Contingency Fund which allows for access for urgent need for expenditure.

“If GECOM determines that it needs financial aid to access that…by the Contingency Fund and where the advance

President asks GECOM for...

Backpedalling

Immediately after the No-confidence Motion was passed, both President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had initially committed to following the provisions outlined in the Constitution, facilitating early elections and engaging in dialogue with the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo but have since changed their position.

In just one week, the constitutional deadline for holding elections will expire,

throwing the country into a constitutional crisis Guyana has never been in before.

Some experienced political analysts, including distinguished lawyers, have predicted that the country will head into a constitutional crisis.

Only recently, the Civil Society Forum – an organisation comprising several non-governmental organisations, as well as the Private Sector, trade unions and religious groups – argued that this position adopted by the Head of State

is made, as soon as practical a statement to that effect shall be laid in the Parliament so in the next life of Parliament that person (next Finance Minister) will lay it in the House which was accessed from the Fund for GECOM if that is the situation.

There is no need to go back to Parliament.”

The Opposition Leader’s attorney argued also that when the now Government which formed the Opposition back in 2014, they relied on the 33 seats that they had in the National Assembly to pass a motion of no-confidence. However, they are now claiming that it does not add up to a majority vote.

In describing their arguments on the votes as “mathematical gymnastics,” Nandlall reminded the court that these same 33 votes helped the then Opposition to pass bills, defeat and cut budgetary allocations; and even passed yearly budgets. This is before Parliament was pirogue and an election was called in 2015.

Nandlall maintained that the Constitution is clear and nothing is ambiguous in it. He said that it contained rules catered for almost any eventuality. However, he said the Government is trying to make the issue more complex and complicated, to remain in office and using the courts in vein. “I think the issues are very clear and the matters will be resolved in favour of the Constitution,” he added.

Empowered

Meanwhile, the attorney representing political commentator Christopher Ram in the no-confidence matter, Kamal Ramkarran, argued that Constitution is the country’s

From page 7

was “unacceptable”.

In a statement on Monday, the Group said: “Giving GECOM effective power to determine when elections will be held is a position for which no constitutional support exists.”

It added that this “manoeuvre” revived the misgivings and insecurities generated by the controversial selection of the current Chair of GECOM, Justice Patterson, who now has the casting vote on when elections would be held.

Justice Dawn Gregory

rule book and the court must act to uphold the provisions of the Constitution and ensure that the rule of law is not violated.

Ramkarran argued that the court is empowered to determine a timeframe for elections. “In order for that decision of the Court of Appeal to have meaning, the court is empowered to say that elections have to be held forthwith or within a period no later than 31 days from the date of the decision,” he said.

The attorney argued that the court is the protector of the Constitution and noted that if elections could not be held on March 21, 2019; there is no extension and no proposed date which would lead to violation of the Constitution and crisis starting March 22, 2019. And unless there is an extension for

the holding of election, then the country will have an unconstitutional Government.

Ramkarran argued that GECOM was required to take action and is obligated to set a date. “They have the right to do that in order to act impartially, fairness and in compliance with the Constitution. The court cannot stand idly by and allow the March 21 deadline to pass.”

He said the court should enquire from GECOM why it did not comply with the Constitution to conduct the elections within 90 days following the passage of the Noconfidence Motion on December 21, 2018.

The lawyer said, “There was a mandatory duty of the President and GECOM to ensure the elections were held within three months or within such extended period as provided for in the supreme law.”

The court was also reminded that while these legal arguments are being made before the Appeal Court, the time for the 90-day period in which the country should have an election is slowly approaching.

The defence will continue their submissions today before Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette CummingsEdwards, and Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory.

10 news

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Fly Jamaica promises repayment Recruitment of new SOCU advisor will “take some time” – British diplomat to passengers next week

N

T

he Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) has been forced to intervene in the situation with Fly Jamaica and its passengers, as the airline has failed to begin payments to their inconvenienced customers, since the crash-landing of the Boeing 757 aircraft on November 9, last year.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of CCAC, Allison Parker on Tuesday told Guyana Times on Wednesday that the airline was recently written to by the Commission, after it received several complaints from passengers. She said the airline has since assured the Commission that it will begin repayments in the new week.

She however noted that Fly Jamaica had also made a similar commitment to begin reimbursements since February.

Parker explained that the airline would be summoned to a meeting should it fails to meet this most recent promise. She added that if the commitment is not met then the next move would be for the matter to be brought to the attention of CCAC’s Commissioners who will deliberate on the way forward.

It has been well over four months since a Fly Jamaica aircraft, destined for Toronto, Canada,

crash-landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri, East Bank Demerara, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded, and who are yet to be reimbursed.

Passengers, who not only were onboard the crashed aircraft, but others who booked their flights ahead of their actual travel date, are also still waiting in suspense for their monies to be refunded.

Several fuming passengers reached out to this publication as recent as Friday last and complained that although they were promised a refund by the end of last month, they are still waiting with no word from the company.

One person said she contacted the travel agent with whom she booked the flight but was informed that the agents are also awaiting word from Fly Jamaica on the matter.

Meanwhile, another passenger explained that he was promised that payments would have commenced since last month, however, there is no sign of the airline moving towards this.

Other affected passengers have turned to social media to complain of the customer service being provided by Fly Jamaica, as telephone calls to the airline are seemingly going unanswered. Persistent persons have said they would have exhausted their efforts to contact the local office, only for their calls to be forwarded to voicemail and answering machines.

A representative from the airline recently told sections of the media that it was considering resuming services by mid-March.

early a month after Dr Sam Sittlington was fired by the United Kingdom Government as advisor to Guyana’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), British High Commissioner Greg Quinn says the process of finding a replacement will take some time.

This is even as Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has expressed a desire to have Dr Sittlington return.

“We’re at that period where we’re at the end of our financial year so we’ve just completed all the activity we are going to do this year…We are now looking at what happens going forward into the next financial year,” Quinn explained during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Monday.

According to the British diplomat, the process can be lengthy. “It will take a little bit of time,” he noted.

Dr Sittlington, an Irish consultant and fraud expert, was fired last month after it was discovered that he established a local company in Guyana; a move which was considered a conflict of interest.

Sittlington is the Director of his UK-based ‘The Fraud Company Limited’, and last year, he established a local branch here. His company,

just like SOCU, deals with fraud, corruption, money laundering and other white collar-related matters.

“Having a company registered locally whilst being in the employ and doing work for the UK Government, I think deemed the conflict,” Quinn explained.

He explained that the UK Government had a contract with a company which contracted Sittlington.

Sittlington has since contended that he was wrongfully fired. He argued that the establishment of a company here is not a conflict of interest and signalled his intention to sue the British Government.

“The legal process is the legal process, if he feels he has the right and ability to do that, we certainly are not going to stop him,” High Commissioner Quinn noted.

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

In fact, the evening after the officials were questioned, Dr Sittlington along with SOCU Head, Sydney James and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had converged at

a popular night spot in the city to “sip wine”, in what was described as a “celebratory atmosphere”.

Dr Sittlington had then returned to the UK but was contracted again by the British Government to provide consultancy service to SOCU. He returned in January 2018 where he served as Advisor until his contract was terminated early last month.

Questions were raised about the integrity of the cases being investigated by SOCU following this and other developments – including the resignation of the Deputy, Sheronie James. Reports are that she resigned after a local Magistrate disqualified her as an expert witness based on her lack of qualifications.

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

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

news

11

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

IIA urges internal auditors Clinton Williams elected new GMSA President to report irregularities

T

he Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) on Wednesday facilitated a seminar for persons within the auditing profession so as to maximise their capabilities and develop their professional profiles.

Under the theme, “Progress through training”, over 100 persons attended the workshop, which will last two days.

IIA President Goorwantie Kaladeen on Wednesday said that the agency was constantly involved in training of its members and other stakeholders as she encouraged young professionals in the field to join the Guyana chapter of the organisation.

According to her, every person has the right to report anomalies in records, although the possibility looms that they might be victimised for taking such action.

“As internal auditors, pointing out potential problem areas is an essential part in our jobs. We must be willing to step up and speak courageously when we see behaviour that is potentially harmful or create risks, even when top executives are involved,” said Kaladeen.

“We must constantly check our own moral com-

IIA President Goorwantie Kaladeen

pass to validate that we are acting ethically and courageously in executing our responsibilities. When you observe something wrong, even when it isn’t within the scope of your audit, you have an opportunity and obligation to share needing information that can help your organisation,” she added.

Meanwhile, IIA Vice Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo stated that the training took a hands-on approach, which is advantageous to new professionals. According to him, support must be given to other stakeholders who could positively impact the field.

“We need to embrace other stakeholders in the profession. We need to embrace legislative authorities

who can change the profession in the right way,” said Dookhoo.

Giving his keynote address, Ronald Alli of Jack A Alli and Sons Limited, was of the view that there was continued complexity in auditing, given the fact that the laws change. As such, persons associated with this area should be cognisant of these changes and be aware of the importance of their role in producing accurate results.

“You have to know that those laws will change. I don’t know if anyone will tell you that your various areas of activity, that these are new changes. If it doesn’t happen in the organisation, the greater responsibility falls to associations within the accounting body.

They have to take ultimate responsibility of ensuring that knowledge transfer,” Alli told the participants.

He related that this training provided a depth of what was expected in persons in the lower ranks, so that they were capable to step into positions where these skills were needed.

Some of the areas discussed surrounded payroll audits, procurement audits, implementing a risk management framework and observation of the audit charter and structure.

T

he Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Tuesday elected Clinton Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated (GNIC), as its new President.

He will serve for the period 2019-2020.

Williams succeeded former President, Shyam Nokta who served in the said capacity from 2017-2019.

Williams is being supported by Ramsay Ali of Sterling Products as First Vice President, Rafeek Khan of Woods Direct as Second Vice President and Glenis Hodge of Tropical Shipping as Third Vice President.

Williams said he aims to work closely with his Board to address the social, political and economic issues of Guyana.

Williams will also be serving as the Chairman of the Association’s Construction and Engineering Sub-sector.

The Chairmen of the various sub-sectors include Ramsay Ali as Chairman of the Agro-processing Subsector, Rafeek Khan as Chairman of the Forestry & Wood Products Sub-

New GMSA President Clinton Williams

sector, Carol WebsterCarter as Chairwoman of the Services sub-sector, Brian James as Chairman

of the Fast Foods Sub-sector and Annette Arjoon-Martins as Chairperson of the Environmental Sub-sector.

Other Executive members of the board include Shyam Nokta of Environmental Management Consultants, Yonette Jeffers of Laparkan Trading, Ramesh Dookhoo of Banks DIH Ltd, Peter Pompey of Brass Aluminum Cast Iron Foundry, Andre Cummings of Cummings Wood Products, Raymond Ramsaroop of Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd, Clement Duncan of Swansea Industrial Associates, Joycelyn Williams of JTW Management Institute Inc. and Mahadeo Panchu of KSM Investments.

12 news

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Oil and gas sector

US commits to support Guyana in “unprecedented opportunities” ahead – new Ambassador

A

s Guyana prepares for first oil early next year, there is still much more to be done locally for the country to be fully prepared for the impending oil and gas industry – something which long-time ally, United States, has committed to lend support on.

This re-commitment was offered by newly appointed US Ambassador to Guyana, SarahAnn Lynch, during her accreditation ceremony on Wednesday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency.

During brief remarks moments after submitting her credentials to President David Granger, Ambassador Lynch outlined that Guyana is embarking on a time of significant transition and growth, adding that she is excited to be here witness this transformation.

“Your nation is poised to become a regional leader with unprecedented opportunities.

While there is many challenges still to overcome, we remain committed to collaboration with the Government and the people of Guyana to rise above those challenges and prepare for a brighter future. Together we can build upon the new economic opportunities developing here,” she asserted.

According to the newly appointed diplomat, the US is further committed to supporting Guyana as it use its news found resource to: invest in infrastructure; increase bi-lateral trade; diversity the economy, and strengthen social services.

Newly-appointed US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch (centre) with President David Granger; Dr Kevin Healy (left), Director General in the Foreign Affairs Ministry; Audrey Waddell (second from left); and Deputy Chief of Mission, Terry Steers-Gonzalez (right)

“At this moment of incredible potential, we must continue to rely on each other…,” she insisted.

Guyana is now home to the world’s biggest new deepwater oil discovery and with ExxonMobil keen on pushing the development of the oil reserves, the US oil giant is expected to commence production early next year with up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day at its Liza Phase 1 development.

Last week, the company disclosed that revised estimated gross recoverable resource from the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana has been pegged

at approximately 5.5 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

This increase in recoverable oil includes the recent Tilapia-1 and Haimara-1 discoveries – Exxon’s 11th and 12th finds in the Stabroek Block last month.

These discoveries in the Southwest section of the Stabroek Block reinforces the country’s potential to be able to produce more than 750,000 barrels of oil daily by 2025.

Melting pot

During her presentation to the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations back in

December, Lynch referred to Guyana as a “melting pot of ethnic and religious diversity” as she pledged to further her government’s agenda in supporting Guyana.

“This is a particularly momentous time for Guyana, a country the World Bank currently identifies as middle-income. However, the discovery of significant reserves of oil in recent years could alter the equation for this small nation. It is estimated that Guyana holds over four billion barrels (which has since been revised to 5.5 billion barrels) of offshore oil reserves, which could put it into the top 20 oil producing countries in the world,” she said to the Senate Committee.

The newly appointed US had further emphasised that it is critical that the country

not fall into the trap of the “resource curse” and look for opportunities to diversify its economy, improve its governance, and strengthen its civil society.

To this end, she had committed to look for ways to build upon the work that Guyana has already done to chart a productive course for its future.

“We only have to look to Guyana’s West – to Venezuela - to see how poor governance and corruption have destroyed what should be one of South America’s most prosperous economies. Venezuelans are fleeing their country in droves, with thousands now entering neighbouring Guyana. While the Government and people of Guyana have been extremely generous in their assistance to the Venezuelan people, Guyanese systems could become overwhelmed. If confirmed, I pledge to work with the Government of Guyana to help them continue to look for ways to address this situation,” she has outlined to the Senate Committee.

Ambassador Lynch was confirmed by the US Senate on January 2, and was sworn in on January 11 before her accreditation here in Guyana on Wednesday.

After accepting her Letter of Credence, President Granger noted that Guyana-US relations have cemented cooperation in the fields of commerce, defence, the economy, energy, public health, public security and youth empowerment.

“Guyana looks forward to the support of friendly states in its legitimate quest to protect itself against threats to its people, its economy and its territorial integrity and sovereign-

ty. The preservation of regional peace and stability is vital to protecting our common interests. We welcome investment from foreign firms and will work towards ensuring a safe, stable and secure environment for investors,” the Head of State posited.

Ambassador Lynch served until recently as the Acting Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). She has also served as the Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for LAC; USAID Mission Director in Iraq; and the Director of the Office of Iraq and Arabian Peninsula Affairs in USAID’s Middle East Bureau.

A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Lynch has been with USAID since 1993, and served overseas in Bangladesh, Peru, Afghanistan and Iraq.

In Washington, she has served in the regional bureaus of the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, and the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs (OAPA).

She has received numerous awards, including USAID’s Distinguished Honour Award, the Agency’s highest performance award, for her service in Afghanistan and OAPA. Before joining USAID, Ambassador Lynch worked in international relations and for a non-governmental organisation. She also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco where she taught English at the secondary level.

13

news

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

106th anniversary of Rose Hall Estate Martyrs observed

T

he 106th anniversary of Rose Hall Estate Martyrs was on Wednesday observed with a wreath laying ceremony at the monument site at Rose Hall, East Canje.

It was on March 13, 1913, that 15 indentured labourers attached to the Rose Hall Estate were killed

by Police and were buried in a mass grave during their bid for a better life.

The workers were Motey Khan; Bholay; Sohan; Hulas; Badri; Jugai; Sadula; Sarjoo; Lalji; Durga; Gafur; Roopan; Juggoo; Nibur; and Gobindei, the lone female.

In an effort to improve the conditions on the sugar plantation, the labourers had protested the retraction of a four-day holiday awarded to them for a grinding

A relative of one of the martyrs laying a wreath at the memorial site in East Canje on Wednesday

season.

On January 28, the Manager reportedly changed his mind and or-

dered them to go to work because he had some planting to do. Some were inclined while others were

dissuaded from following the orders. Seven men were served summonses to attend court. The Manager asked that they pay for the cost of the summons. The workers agreed to pay it in instalments but the Manager rejected the suggestion. The problem escalated from that point.

When the court date came, hundreds of immigrant workers proceeded to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court where the labourers were found guilty of instigating resistance to work.

This ruling angered workers which led to protests.

Management subsequently threatened to transfer the protesting families to distant plantations and in response, the sugar workers protested even further. On

The Rose Hall Martyrs monument at Rose Hall, East Canje, Berbice

March 13 of that year, colonial Police attempted to follow up on warrants, which had been issued for the leaders of the protest, but after the workers resisted, the Police opened fire, injuring 56 persons and killing

15 workers.

These workers were then remembered as the Rose Hall Martyrs. The remembrance service on Wednesday was organised by the Social Cohesion Ministry.

ECD road expansion to be completed by September

T

he East Coast Demerara road extension project, which has caused much discomfort to drivers and motorists over the past months, due to ongoing works at peak hours, is slated for completion by September.

This was the position shared by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson who told Guyana Times that the works are ongoing, positively assuring that it will be completed within the stipulated time frame.

For now, he estimates that some 60 per cent of the work is completed and the other 40 per cent will take shape in the coming months.

“It is ongoing. We are monitoring the contractors and it is supposed to finish in September of this year.

The last I heard in January was that it was around 55 per cent so by now, it should

Workers on site during the initial stage of the expansion project

be around 60 [per cent],” said Patterson.

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

There will also be a con-

struction of a detour at Cummings Canal and the stage reconstruction of the bridge at Cummings Canal.

Meanwhile, the construction of another Mandela Avenue culvert is scheduled to commence. During the day when works are in progress, persons are asked to take caution when travers-

ing these areas and maintain a speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour at the construction zones.

The US$50.2 million East Coast road expansion project has two components.

One features a four-lane expansion of the road from Better Hope to Annandale and the other caters for an upgrade to the existing twolane road from Annandale to Belfield.

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

The project entails a total length of 16.998 kilo-

metres of roads and 33.996 kilometres of drains to be built. Furthermore, the construction of seven bridges, the extension of 12 culverts and a median along with streetlights in the centre of the four lanes are supplementary works. The project commenced under the previous administration.

With the China EXIM Bank putting up most of the finances for the road expansion, Guyana had awarded the contract to China Railway First Group for some US$42.7 million. The Chinese construction company reportedly put in the lowest bid of US$46.994 million. The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration

had stated that it is saving some $2.8 billion by giving the contract to China Railway First Group.

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

Meanwhile, India approved a new Line of Credit of US$50 million for the East Bank Demerara – East Coast Road Link Project under the previous PPP Government.

14 news

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

10 RDC driver injured in Speak up to end sexual Region accident on Ituni-Kwakwani trail and domestic violence A

Probation and Social Services Officer for the East Bank Demerara District, Milton Smith interacts with primary school students on Wednesday

T

he Social Protection Ministry’s Sexual and Domestic Violence Unit on Wednesday facilitated a sensitisation exercise on sexual and domestic violence in the Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway community.

Probation and Social Service Officer with responsible for the East Bank Demerara District, Milton Smith, said the focus for the outreach is to provide guidance to parents and children since communication is vital within the home in order to put an end to the societal scourge.

“The Childcare and Protection Agency, under the laws of Guyana, has the authority to look after the welfare and the wellbeing of children to ensure that they reach their full potential and become free from any abusive situation and become functional individuals in society. We focus on everyone receiving the same privilege to become whatever they want to,” Smith is

quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying.

He emphasised that domestic violence affects children the most, which make them more vulnerable to abuse. Smith further stated that one of the Agency’s mandate is to ensure that children understand their rights. He called on parents to take a more hands-on approach when raising their children.

“Every child has a right to an identity, they deserve care and attention. It is important that parents understand the vital role they play in the protection of their children’s mental, emotional and physical growth. It is important that every household takes a stand to end domestic violence because it becomes a cycle of normalcy if our children are exposed to domestic violence without counselling,” Smith said.

According to the DPI report, the interactive session, which involved school children and adults of the Kuru

Kururu community, also provided the opportunity for one-on-one sessions with the Probation and Social Services Officers. Reports of sexual abuse were also made and reported to the relevant authorities.

The issue of Trafficking in Persons was also discussed and Smith highlighted some of the troubling factors such as manual labour, sexual and physical abuse, deprivation of legal documents and even death victim’s experience.

“We cannot only touch on one or two societal issues but it is important that everyone understands what is Trafficking In Persons and understands what really happens to victims, we want the residents of Kuru Kururu to get a clear picture of the danger their children can be exposed to if a safe environment is not created for them,” Smith underscored.

Other issues raised at the workshop were teenage pregnancy, child labour and school dropouts.

driver attached to the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) was seriously injured in an accident on Wednesday after the vehicle he was travelling in careened off the Ituni-Kwakwani trail.

Injured is 44-year-old Travis Mingo of Lot 163 D Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden. He has since been admitted to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

According to information received, at about 10:35h, Mingo was heading North to Kwakwani in a vehicle bearing registration number PNN 1756 when a log truck, which was heading South, ventured into his lane. This

The damaged vehicle that careened off the Ituni-Kwakwani trail

reportedly caused him to lose control of his vehicle which careened off the road in the vicinity of the Aroaima junction.

A logger, who was passing at the time and noticed the vehicle reported the in-

cident to the Ituni Police Station. Mingo was taken to the Ituni Health Centre and later transported to the LHC. Police have since said attempts to locate the log truck allegedly involved in the accident proved futile.

Lands and Surveys $30M New Amsterdam office commissioned

The new New Amsterdam Lands and Surveys office

A

new $30 million building to house the New Amsterdam office of the Lands and Surveys Department was on Wednesday commissioned in the country’s oldest town.

Previously, the New Amsterdam office of the Lands and Surveys Commission was housed in the compound of the Regional Democratic Council.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon speaking at the commissioning ceremony said the project was constructed by GUY Construction Services and took nine months to be completed.

The Lands and Survey Commission, he noted, has

always had a strong board and management has taken seriously its obligations.

The restructuring of the department is as a result of the undergoing restructuring of the land policy.

“So the physical facilities which you see are only a part of that restructuring which is taking place in land management and the Police in relation to land. Everywhere you go as the populations expand you have a conflict to resolve in relation to land because to the extent to which the population and domestic use expand, it is to that extent that you commercial, industrial and agricultural use being challenged.

So it is an important issue

which the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission is tackling. And they are tackling it in a very methodical way with the help on international organisations and with the skills available to the Commission,” Minister Harmon said.

Land Administration Division Manager Michal Hutson explained that the Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Sub-offices which is largest in terms of revenue was the first to be restructured.

“Region Six [East Berbice-Corentyne] is our largest portfolio in terms of acreage but it is our second largest in terms of revenue, so naturally after Region Four it will be Region Six.” Meanwhile, upgrades have also been done to the Springlands and Black Bush Polder offices in the region.

Construction has started for a new office at Crane in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) will also be having its own lands and survey office at Bartica.

Hutson said upgrades have also been done in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). The community of Kwakwani is soon to have a sub-office of the Lands and Surveys Commission. So too is the mining community of Port Kaituma.

Hutson says new offices are not all the Commission will be focusing on but services will be upgraded too.

news

15

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

EU names 5 Caribbean Facebook suffers the most countries on new tax blacklist severe outage in its history

T

he European Union Tuesday named five Caribbean countries on a new list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions which it said had been based on an “an intense process of analysis and dialogue steered by the Commission”.

The EU Finance Ministers said that based on the Commission’s screening, they have blacklisted a total of 15 countries.

They said, of those, five, namely Trinidad and Tobago, Samoa, Guam, American Samoa and the United States Virgin Islands have taken no commitments since the first blacklist adopted in 2017.

The European Finance Ministers said that Barbados, United Arab Emirates and Marshall islands that were on the 2017 list and moved to the grey list following commitments they had taken, are now backlisted for not having followed up.

The European said that seven other countries, namely Belize, Bermuda, Dominica, Aruba, Fiji, Oman and Vanuatu were moved from the grey list to the blacklist for the same reason.

They said another 34 countries will continue to be monitored in 2019, while 25 countries from the original screening process have now been cleared.

“The list has proven a true success with many countries having changed their laws and tax systems to comply with international standards,” the EU said.

It added that over the course of last year the Commission assessed 92 countries based on three criteria: tax transparency, good governance and real economic activity, as well as one indicator, the existence of a zero corporate tax rate.

“Today’s update shows that this clear, transparent and credible process de-

livered a real change: 60 countries took action on the Commission’s concerns and over 100 harmful regimes were eliminated. The list has also had a positive influence on internationally agreed tax good governance standards.”

Last month, Caribbean Community leaders at their 30th Inter-sessional summit in St Kitts-Nevis said the blacklisting of regional countries by the EU has brought considerable reputational damage to the community.

“Despite all member states, with the exception of one, being removed from the EU blacklist, the damage inflicted is irreparable and has consequential implications for building member states’ economic and climate resilience given their inherent vulnerabilities,” they said in the communique issued at the end of the two-day summit. (CMC)

F

acebook is suffering the most severe outage in its history, with key services rendered unusable for users globally for much of Wednesday.

The last time Facebook had a disruption of this magnitude was in 2008, when the site had 150 million users – compared to around 2.3 billion monthly users today.

Facebook’s main product, its two messaging apps and image-sharing site Instagram were all affected.

The cause of the interruption has not yet been made public.

“We’re aware that some people are currently having trouble accessing the Facebook family of apps,”

C

ardinal George Pell has been jailed for six years after being convicted of sexually abusing two boys in Australia.

The former Vatican treasurer is the most senior Catholic figure ever to be found guilty of sexual offences against children.

Pell abused the 13-yearold choir boys in a Melbourne cathedral in 1996, a jury ruled last year.

The cardinal, 77, maintains his innocence and has lodged an appeal.

In sentencing Pell on Wednesday, a judge said the cleric had committed “a brazen and forcible sexual attack on the two victims”.

“Your conduct was permeated by staggering arrogance,” said Judge Peter Kidd.

In December, a jury unanimously convicted Pell of one charge of sexually penetrating a child under 16, and four counts of committing an indecent act on a child under 16.

Cardinal George Pell

His conviction has rocked the Catholic Church, where he had been one of the Pope’s closest advisers.

Prosecutors said that Pell had abused the boys following a mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral in 1996, when he was archbishop of Melbourne.

After telling them they were in trouble for drinking communion wine, Pell forced each boy into indecent acts, the court heard. He abused one of the boys again in 1997. The trial heard testimony from one of the vic-

tims. The other died of a drug overdose in 2014.

Judge Kidd said Pell’s crimes were particularly callous because of a “stark” power imbalance.

“You were the archbishop of St Patrick’s Cathedral - no less - and you sexually abused two choir boys within that cathedral,” he told the County Court of Victoria.

“You even told your victims to be quiet because they were crying.”

The judge said he had considered Pell’s age and health in determining the sentence. Each of the five charges had carried a maximum 10-year jail term.

Judge Kidd added that Pell should not “be made a scapegoat” for wider failings within the Catholic Church.

He took more than an hour to deliver his remarks.

Unusually for local courts, they were broadcast live in what officials said was a commitment to “open justice”. (BBC)

post new material. Facebook Messenger’s desktop version did not load – but the mobile app appeared to allow the sending of some messages; however, users reported glitches with other kinds of content, such as images.

WhatsApp, Facebook’s other messaging app, had similar problems.

A third-party outage map suggested the problem was global – DownDetector monitors posts on other social networks for users mentioning a loss of service elsewhere.

The issue also affected Facebook Workplace, the company’s service for businesses to communicate internally. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Oil edges higher, holds near 4-month top on supply cuts

O Cardinal jailed for child sexual abuse in Australia

Facebook said in a statement.

“We’re working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.”

In response to rumours posted on other social networks, the company said the outages were not a result of a Distributed Denial of Service attack, known as DDoS – a type of cyber-attack that involves flooding a target service with extremely high volumes of traffic.

Estimates suggest the issue began around 16:00 GMT on Wednesday.

While Facebook’s main service appeared to load, users reported not being able to post.

Those on Instagram were not able to refresh feeds or

il prices nudged higher on Thursday to sit just off a four-month high reached in the previous session as investors focused on global production cuts and supply disruptions in Venezuela.

International Brent crude oil futures were at $67.61 a barrel at 0054 GMT, up 6 cents, or 0.1 percent, from their last close. Brent touched $67.76 a barrel on Wednesday, its highest since November 16.

US West Texas

Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $58.29 per barrel, up 3 cents, or 0.1 percent, from their last settlement.

WTI hit a high of $58.48 a barrel on Wednesday, the highest since November 13.

“OPEC continues to cut output amid ongoing supply issues, while the situation in Venezuela remains bleak,” ANZ Bank said in a research note.

Two storage tanks exploded at a heavy-crude upgrading project in eastern Venezuela

on Wednesday, according to an oil industry source and a legislator, while the country’s main oil terminal resumed shipments after a prolonged blackout.

US crude stocks also fell last week as refineries hiked output, the Energy Information Administration said. Crude inventories fell by 3.9 million barrels in the last week, compared with analysts’ expectations for an increase of 2.7 million barrels.

(Reuters)

Possible Venezuelan refugee invasion – T&T Senator

O

pposition Senator Wade Mark has questioned whether Government will fast track refugee legislation as this country faces a possible “invasion” of Venezuelan refugees.

He posed the question in Senate on Tuesday asking, in light of statements by National Security Minister Stuart Young that legislation was being drafted to deal with issues surrounding refugees and asylum seekers, when the legislation would be introduced.

Agriculture Minister

Clarence Rambharat, speaking on behalf of the Government, said on July 2, 2018 Government was in the process of drafting legislation to treat with issues surrounding refugees and asylum seekers.

“At present the Ministry of National Security is in the process of finalising the draft legislation. As such the ministry is not a position to provide the time frame for when the legislation will be introduced.”

Mark asked what interim measures Government

intended to introduce to address the invasion of refugees and asylum seekers from Venezuela in the absence of legislation and in accordance with conventions. Rambharat replied Government did not intend to deal with refugees and asylum seekers except by way of legislation and he reiterated he was unable to provide a time frame.

Young has also announced a plan to register all Venezuelans in this country for them to be able to live and work in TT for up to a year.

(T&T Newsday)

16

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019

Regional

Gunmen kill 8, including 5 children, in rampage in Brazilian city

T

wo gunmen wearing face masks entered a Brazilian school on Wednesday and shot and killed at least five teenagers who were on their snack breaks, as well as two school officials, before fatally turning their guns on themselves, Police said.

Before entering the Raul Brasil school in the São Paulo city of Suzano, the assailants, aged 17 and 25 and both former pupils, shot and killed the owner of a car rental agency from which they had stolen a vehicle.

Ten people, including the gunmen, were killed in total, São Paulo Police said. The students who died were mostly 15 and 16 years old.

It was not yet known

Relatives in front of the Raul Brasil, school after a shooting in Suzano, Sao Paulo state, Brazil March 13, 2019

why the gunmen attacked the school, where about 1000 children aged 11 to 16 attend classes.

Marcelo Salles, Commander of Police Forces

in São Paulo state, spoke just outside the school and said that in his over three decades of service, he had “never seen anything like this, it was an unspeakably brutal crime”.

Salles said the gunmen used at least one .38 calibre pistol and speed loaders, along with a crossbow and homemade bombs.

Another 10 people, mostly schoolchildren, were shot and injured, and several were in serious condition, said Police, who lowered their estimates for the number of children killed and those injured late on Wednesday afternoon.

Police arrived eight minutes after the shooting started and did not confront the gunmen, who had already killed themselves, Salles said.

School shootings are rare in Brazil, even though the country is one of the world’s most violent, with more annual homicides than any other.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

St Lucian among winners of 2019 Commonwealth Youth Awards

A

St Lucian who founded an indigenous biotechnology company is one of the four recipients of this year’s 2019 Commonwealth Youth Awards given in recognition of efforts to end hunger, sexual violence, sanitation issues, and climate change.

Johanan Dujon won the award alongside young people from India, Nigeria, and the Solomon Islands. A ceremony was held Wednesday at the Commonwealth’s headquarters in London, where winners shared a £12,000 (US$15,860) grant for their innovative projects.

Dujon’s company Algas Organics develops commercial agricultural products from Sargassum seaweed, which has inundated many of the Region’s shorelines.

Those products unblock fish landing sites and reduce the harmful effect of the sea-

Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland (second left) with the 2019 Commonwealth Youth Award recipients (from left) Johanan Dujon of St Lucia, Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi of Nigeria, India’s Padmanaban Gopalan, and Bobby Siarani from the Solomon Islands

weed’s hydrogen sulphide emissions on local communities.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said: “St Lucia heavily depends on tourism. This seaweed problem has been having a crippling effect on our tourism and local fishery sector. We have developed a process to transform

this seaweed to high quality fertiliser that we now export to other countries.”

Dujon hopes to use his grant to expand his work to other affected small island States in Africa and the Pacific.

The other Commonwealth Youth Award recipients are Oluwaseun Ayodeji

Osowobi of Nigeria, India’s Padmanaban Gopalan, and Bobby Siarani from the Solomon Islands.

Osowobi, who was also named Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, set up the ‘Stand to End Rape’ (STER) initiative which trains healthcare workers how to deal with survivors and provides them with free health kits such as HIV tests.

A survivor of sexual violence herself, Osowobi set up the service to offer support to women, men and young people who have experienced any form of gender-based abuse in Nigeria.

“I dream of a future where this work is not required. I dream of the day when sexual violence is completely eradicated from this world,” she said at the awards ceremony. (Caribbean360)

Venezuela seeks to restore power amid looting; China offers help

P

resident Nicolás Maduro’s Government scrambled on Wednesday to return power to western Venezuela following heavy looting in the country’s second largest city, while China offered to help the South American nation end its worst blackout on record.

Power had returned to many parts of Venezuela after a nationwide outage last week, with the country’s main port terminal of Jose, which is crucial for the country’s oil exports, resuming operations.

The ruling Socialist Party blamed the outage on an act of US sabotage, accusing President Donald Trump of being responsible for several cyberattacks on Venezuela’s main dam.

But power supplies remained patchy in the sweltering western state of Zulia, where anger after nearly a week without power overflowed into street violence.

Looters smashed shop

ter, soft drinks and pasta.

The Information Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Antigua Govt accuses shipping agent of scaremongering in Carnival Cruise Line cancellations announcement

T

he Antigua and Barbuda Government has lashed out at what it said was a misleading claim

by Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Tourism Association President Nathan Dundas that Carnival Cruise Lines has cancelled several scheduled calls to the Caribbean nation and there would be massive fallout.

In a statement issued late Tuesday, Tourism and Investment Minister Charles Fernandez accused Dundas of scaremongering and causing unnecessary fear among cruise stakeholders.

Dundas had told the local media that without explanation, Carnival Cruise Lines dropped Antigua and Barbuda from the itinerary of its Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Legend and Carnival Pride cruise ships, which were scheduled to sail to the twin-island nation for the 2019/2020 winter season. Dundas, a local shipping agent, had also warned of more cancellations.

But Fernandez said his comments were deceptive.

“What he does not reveal is that normally Carnival Cruise Lines make only three or four calls to Antigua and Barbuda annually. The one exception to this pattern was the 2017/2018 winter season when hurricanes decimated other destinations, causing Carnival to take advantage of Antigua’s fully functioning port,” he said.

The Tourism Minister added that the fallout was not as massive as Dundas was suggesting.

“The total number of passengers that could be affected by these cancellations is approximately 12,200. This is a relatively small number of the total cruise passengers that visit our country annually. Therefore, while we regret any loss of business, however small in percentage terms, we do not anticipate any significant adverse impact on the stakeholders in our economy,” he said. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

Barbados Govt to confiscate money from criminals for crime fight locally and regionally

T

he Barbados Government will be introducing legislation to allow it to confiscate the property of criminals who commit a wide range of offences, not just those convicted of drug or terrorism-related crimes.

And a portion of the monies confiscated from such proceedings will go towards a regional account to help the Caribbean’s fight against crime, while the rest would help fund law enforcement in Barbados.

The disclosure was made Tuesday in Parliament by Attorney General Dale Marshall who said the new Proceeds and Instrumentalities of Crime Bill 2019 would also make way for the prosecution of offenders who got rich off ill-gotten gains within the last 20 years.

He explained that the

legislation was intended to “strike at essentially those assets that are in the possession of the criminal element of our country, where those assets are either themselves the proceeds of crime or are intended or have been used in the commission of crime or in unlawful conduct”.

A Proceeds of Crime Act, enacted in 1990 and amended in 1998 and 2002, remains in effect. But Marshall said it has deficiencies that the new legislation will address.

“The Proceeds of Crime legislation that we have today in Barbados and that has been here for the past 29 years, was focused solely on proceeds from drug crime or terrorism-related crime….If you put terrorism associated issues aside, effectively we look only at proceeds of drug-related crime. Now that is a glaring deficiency,” he said. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Chemical castration for paedophiles – T&T Senator urges A hand is seen over the national flag during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s Government in Caracas, Venezuela, March 12, 2019

windows and made off with merchandise in more than 300 businesses across the state, located along the border with Colombia, the Zulia chapter of business organisation Fedecamaras said in a statement.

“About 100 people came into the store and took all the food, the point-of-sale terminals,” said Maria Centeno, 29, the owner of a store selling food and furniture that was looted on Sunday. “They were people from the commu-

nity. The Police came by and they told me to sort it out myself.”

Following the wave of pillaging on Sunday, many businesses sold off their remaining merchandise on the cheap on fears that they, too, would be hit by mobs.

The country’s top food company, Empresas Polar, said four facilities in Maracaibo, Venezuela’s biggest city after Caracas, the capital, had been sacked this week, with looters making off with wa-

T

rinidad Independent Senator, Dr Varma Deyalsingh suggested chemical castration of paedophiles to be considered as a Special Select Committee (SSC) convened to discuss the Sexual Offences Act (Amendment) Bill on Tuesday.

During the discussions, Deyalsingh said chemical castrations were a viable medical option when treating with sex offenders such as paedophiles.

“If you’re looking at castrations and paedophilia and certain individuals we can give an injection. It cuts that sex drive. It’s an anti-testos-

terone so they can go back out – not in their homes – but elsewhere if it’s child molestation that occurs in their home and still be able to provide the earnings for that home as a breadwinner.”

He cited several states in the US that employ such a practice including California and Florida.

He said it was something to be considered as the nation’s prisons were currently overcrowded and the method could reduce the recidivism rate down from 60 per cent to five per cent.

His comments came as the Committee was discussing ways of keeping track of

sex offenders such as stamping their passports or even their driver’s licence.

While the Attorney General Faris Al Rawi did not engage in the conversation, he noted that some African countries were receiving intense criticism for employing such draconian measures to treat with sex offenders.

The sitting was held to discuss concerns by stakeholders on the Sexual Offences Act (Amendment) Bill. The Committee comprised several Senators across the spectrum and was chaired by Senator Clarence Rambharat. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019

17

Around the World

Nigeria school collapse: Lagos Brexit: MPs vote to reject no-deal Brexit building disaster leaves 10 dead B

A

t least 10 people have died and many more are feared trapped after a building containing a school collapsed in the Nigerian city of Lagos.

The school, which was on the top floor of the four-storey building in Ita Faji on Lagos Island, had more than 100 pupils, a rescue official told the BBC. About 40 pupils had been pulled out alive, the official said.

The building had been identified as “distressed” and listed for demolition, Lagos building officials told the BBC. The collapse happened about 10:00h local time (09:00 GMT). There were frantic scenes at the site as rescuers and local men searched for survivors, and family members crowded the area in the hope of finding their loved ones alive.

The collapsed building was a residential block containing a number of apartments as well as the school, residents and rescue offi-

The collapsed building was a residential block containing a number of apartments as well as the school

cials at the scene told the BBC. Emergency teams pulled several injured pupils from the rubble, but many worried parents at the scene were unable to find their children, while others went to a local hospital to look for theirs.

Men from the local area were assisting rescuers, but large crowds of people were hindering the rescue operation.

Mohammed Muftau, a lo-

cal resident who witnessed the collapse, told the BBC that the building had been cracking for a long time and that complaints had been raised about it.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency confirmed to the BBC that the building had been marked and listed for demolition. It is not unusual for buildings to collapse in Nigeria; materials are often sub-standard and the enforcement of regulations is lax. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Boeing grounds entire crash aircraft fleet

B

oeing has grounded its entire global fleet of 737 MAX aircraft after investigators uncovered new evidence at the scene of the fatal Ethiopian Airlines crash.

The US plane-maker said it would suspend all 371 of the aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said fresh evidence as well as newly-refined satellite data prompted the decision to temporarily ban the jets.

The FAA had previously held out while many countries banned the aircraft.

The crash on Sunday in Addis Ababa killed 157 people.

It was the second fatal MAX 8 disaster in five months after one crashed over Indonesia in October, claiming 189 lives.

The FAA has a team investigating the disaster at the Ethiopian Airlines crash site working with the National Transportation Safety Board.

Dan Elwell, acting administrator at the FAA, said on Wednesday: “It became clear to all parties that the track of the Ethiopian Airlines [flight] was very close and behaved very similarly to the Lion Air

flight.”

He added that “the evidence we found on the ground made it even more likely the flight path was very close to Lion Air’s”.

The US is the latest country to suspend the Boeing 737 MAX from flying after the UK, the European Union, China, India, Australia and others all grounded the aircraft.

Earlier on Wednesday, Canada grounded the planes after its Transport Minister Marc Garneau said he had received new evidence about the crash. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ritish Members of Parliament (MPs) will vote today on delaying Brexit after they rejected the idea of leaving the European Union without a deal.

In a night of high drama in the Commons, MPs surprised the Government and voted by 312 to 308 to reject a no-deal Brexit under any circumstances.

The vote is not binding – under current law the UK could still leave without a deal on March 29.

Today, MPs will vote on whether to ask the EU for permission to delay the date for departure.

There could be a short extension – or a much longer one – depending on whether MPs backed the Prime Minister’s existing withdrawal deal that has been agreed with the EU by March 20, the Government says.

That means PM Theresa May could make a third attempt to get her deal through Parliament in the next few days.

In a series of votes on nodeal Brexit, the Commons first voted by a margin of four to reject no deal outright.

Then, in a second vote, they reinforced that decision

D

Paul Manafort has been jailed since last June [Kevin Lamarque/Reuters]

onald Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort has been sentenced to 73 months in prison for two conspiracy charges arising from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s role in the 2016 US presidential election.

On Wednesday, US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said 30 of the months would run concurrently with Manafort’s sentence last week in a separate case when the

Republican political consultant was sentenced to 47 months in prison for tax and bank fraud in a separate Mueller case.

Manafort, who will serve just over 90 months in prison, apologised for his actions and asked for leniency during his sentencing hearing.

“I am sorry for what I have done and all the activities that have gotten us here today,” Manafort said as he read from a written statement.

“While I cannot undo the

(Excerpt from BBC News)

K-pop star quits over secret sex videos

A

second K-pop star has dramatically quit the music business, in a growing industry sex scandal.

Jung Joon-young, 30, admitted to secretly filming himself having sex with women and sharing the footage.

“I admit to all my crimes,” said Jung in a statement. He also promised to drop all ahis TV and music work.

It comes a day after superstar Seungri from the group Big Bang quit the industry after he was charged with sex bribery.

Jung, who is accused of taping 10 or more women, is due to be questioned by Seoul Metropolitan Police today.

“I filmed women without their consent and shared it in a chatroom, and while I was doing so I didn’t feel a great sense of guilt,” said Jung in the statement released late on Tuesday.

It came after South Korean broadcaster SBS reported allegations that he had filmed his own sex videos without his partners’ permission, and shared them with friends in a mobile chat group during 201516. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Lori Loughlin: US actress in custody over college bribery charges

Trump’s ex-campaign manager Manafort given another prison term

past, I will ensure that the future will be very different,” he added.

The 69-year-old, who arrived in court in a wheelchair, said he was the primary caregiver of his wife and wanted the chance for them to resume their life together.

His plea for leniency followed Prosecutor Andrew Weissmann’s scathing assessment of crimes that the Government said spanned more than a decade and continued even while Manafort was awaiting trial.

He said Manafort took steps to conceal his foreign lobbying work, laundered millions of dollars to fund a lavish lifestyle and then, while on house arrest, coached other witnesses to lie on his behalf.

Manafort has been jailed since last June, when his house arrest was revoked over allegations that he sought to influence witnesses by trying to get them to give evidence in a certain way. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

by 321 to 278, a majority of 43.

That second vote was on a government motion, which said the United Kingdom should not leave the EU without a deal on March 29, but with the option of a no-deal Brexit at any other time.

The Government wanted to keep control of the Brexit process, and keep no-deal on the table, so they ordered Conservative MPs to vote against their own motion.

That tactic failed.

Government Ministers defied those orders and there were claims PM May had lost control of her party.

Olivia Jade Gianulli, Lori Loughlin and Isabella Gianulli. Loughlin allegedly used the scam to get her daughters into USC

U

S actress Lori Loughlin, of the sitcom “Full House”, has surrendered to authorities in Los Angeles after being charged in a college cheating scam.

Her husband, designer Mossimo Giannulli, appeared

in court on Tuesday, as did “Desperate Housewives” star Felicity Huffman.

They are among the 50 people charged in an alleged criminal enterprise to get their children into top US colleges.

Yale, Stanford, and

Georgetown were among the colleges targeted.

The colleges have not been accused of any wrongdoing and are investigating the matter internally.

The accused parents – many of whom are celebrities or CEOs of major companies – allegedly paid a firm up to US$6.5 million to cheat on students’ college entrance exams or bribe top coaches to offer fake athletic scholarships for non-athletic students.

Authorities say Loughlin and her husband paid US$500,000 in bribes to have their two daughters admitted into the University of Southern California (USC) as fake rowing-team recruits.

She has been charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. (Excerpt from BBC News)

India’s Prime Minister Modi in 29-tweet pre-election blitz

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi launched a charm offensive on Twitter where he reached out to a cross-section of celebrities, including his political rivals, and urged them to help increase voter turnout in the world’s largest democratic exercise.

In 29 rapid-fire tweets early on Wednesday morning, Modi tagged Bollywood stars, cricketers, a news anchor as well as Congress President Rahul

Gandhi, Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee and Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati.

Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have played a pioneering role in the use of social media for electioneering in India. Their near-total dominance on Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp gave them an edge over their opponents in the 2014 elections which they won by a huge mar-

gin.

In his tweet to the Opposition Leaders, Modi, who has 46.3 million followers on Twitter, said, “A high turnout augurs well for our democratic fabric.”

In his tweet to Bollywood stars Singh and Kaushal, Modi picked dialogues from their hit movies “Gully Boy” and “Uri: The Surgical Strike” and said they could motivate youngsters to use their voting right. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

Thursday, March 14, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Your changing attitude will fit right in with the current economic climate. More time spent organizing and preparing for new possibilities will pay off, as long as you don’t present your plans prematurely.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Spend more time honing your skills and making sure you can live up to your claims.

Sticking to your priorities will ensure that you don’t fall short and damage your reputation.

CANCER

Creativity mixed with stamina and common sense will lead you to the winner’s circle. The changes you make will add to your popularity and gain you needed help.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Don’t let the past limit what you can do in the future. Put old problems to rest so you can find new ways to fill your life with worthwhile activities and interesting people.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

One step forward and three steps back. Don’t rush or make sudden changes without thinking matters through. Look at the big picture and make subtle changes.

Your ability to find what and who you need to expand your interests will lead you to success. Network and share with like-minded people.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Look at every angle and contemplate outcomes. If you take your time, you will find that you will change your mind several times before coming up with the best route.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You’ll slide into home plate if you give your all to a creative pursuit. Whether forging a closer relationship with someone or honing a talent or skill, much will be accomplished.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Trust facts, not what someone tells you.

Exaggeration, indulgence and emotional manipulation should not be allowed to influence the choices you make. Don’t reveal secrets or spread gossip.

SUDOKU

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Put family and domestic matters first. Listen to information offered from experts, but make decisions keeping in mind everyone who will be affected by them.

Personal pampering and taking time to relax should be on your agenda. A break will give you time to assess your position and consider how you should move forward.

Listen carefully and decipher what’s actually being said. Exaggeration and forcefulness should not be allowed to sway your opinion. Confusion and delays can be expected. Question everyone and everything.

thursday, march 14, 2019

19

Messi inspires 5-goal Barca to win over Lyon

L

ionel Messi scored twice and set up two more as Barcelona reached the Champions League quarter-finals for a record 12th consecutive year with a last-16 win over Lyon.

Treble-chasing Barca, who drew 0-0 in the first leg, led when Messi chipped home a penalty.

Philippe Coutinho tapped into an empty net from Luis Suarez’s unselfish pass before Lucas Tousart’s volley gave Lyon hope.

Messi clinched the game with a run and finish before assisting late strikes from Gerard Pique and Ousmane Dembele.

Barcelona will discover their quarter-final and potential semi-final opponents on Friday at 11:00 GMT. Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, Ajax and Porto are their potential rivals.

Masterclass from magical Messi

The night after his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to help Juventus knock out Atletico Madrid, Captain Messi put in a sensational performance of his own as Barca joined the last eight.

Lionel Messi is the second player to score a knockout stage goal in 12 Champions League seasons, after Cristiano Ronaldo (13)

He was sublime right from the start as he had a shot saved in the fourth minute after a good Barca move.

He opened the scoring with a cheeky Panenka-style penalty after Jason Denayer clipped Suarez in the box.

Barca looked in control when their two

former Liverpool players linked up for a second goal, Coutinho – who was booed by his own fans in Saturday’s win over Rayo Vallecano – tapping home from Suarez’s pass.

At that stage the La Liga leaders looked in control, but Tousart gave them a

fright when he volleyed home after Sergio Busquets’ poor headed clearance.

But Messi stepped up when his team needed him, running 30 yards and stepping inside two defenders – including sending Marcelo to the ground – before firing past substitute keeper Mathieu Gorgelin, who should have done better.

It was the 31st time he has scored at least two goals in a Champions League game. The Argentine is this season’s joint top scorer on eight with eliminated Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.

At that stage, they started to pull away and Messi charged forward from the halfway line before squaring it to centre-back Pique, who had come forward in open play looking for a goal, to slide in at the back post.

And Messi picked out substitute Dembele, who placed the ball through Gorgelin’s legs, late on for the Spanish champions.

Messi has been involved in at least four goals in five different Champions League matches now, including when he hit five against Bayer Leverkusen in 2012. (BBC Sport)

Khawaja, Zampa guide Australia to series win

T

he 29th over of India’s chase should have proved to be the decisive one in the all-to-play-for contest. Adam Zampa – bowling his seventh over – had Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja stumped in a doublewicket maiden. India were left with a relatively new batsman at the crease – Kedar Jadhav – in the company of a bowler with a bit of batting credentials – Bhuvneshwar Kumar – to see them through in a chase where the required rate had mounted over run-a-ball and 141 runs more needed. One more wicket would have exposed them to the tail, the lack of depth in India’s batting that had haunted them several times over in the recent past. The much-talkedabout dew wasn’t showing up either to their rescue. The result was obvious, but Jadhav and Bhuvneshwar, with a mix of sense and audaciousness, pulled it deep.

India were left with needing 59 runs off the last five overs, with both the batsmen still at the crease – batting in their 40s. And then, the inevitable happened. Bhuvneshwar, who had steered the first ball of the 46th over for a boundary, perished in a bid to clear the infield off the last, opening the gate to India’s tail and shutting India’s chances in the chase. Jadhav, who didn’t have many options but to go big, fell off the next, pulling Jhye Richardson to the fine leg fielder. For the formalities, India managed to reach 237, falling 35 runs short of Australia’s total of 272.

With the win at Feroz Shah Kotla, Australia sealed the series 3-2, ending their drought of six consecutive series defeats in a country that hadn’t lost one in the 50-over format since 2015, and not to Australia since 2009.

In chasing what turned out to be a competitive target set by Australia, India’s batting struggled to gather momentum. Barring a half-century stand between Rohit and Virat Kohli, no other top-order pair offered stability.

Rohit, who stroked his 41st ODI fifty, kept running out of partners, who put in the initial hard work, only to be undone by the committed channels and variations of the Australian bowlers.

Dhawan seemed to have carried on his good form in to the game, only to play the wrong line and edge it to the ‘keeper. Kohli, on the other hand, found the edge while attempting a hard

slash. Rishabh Pant, who had just settled in with a six over deep mid-wicket, attempted a forward defence only to edge Nathan Lyon to the first slip fielder.

Vijay Shankar, who could have made a strong case for himself to occupy the debated No 4 slot, threw it away in an attempt to hit Zampa out of the park, but holed out to Khawaja at long on.

With wickets falling at regular intervals, Rohit held back from going on the aggressive. His fall in the 29th over, followed by Ravindra Jadeja, courtesy of multiple stumpings from Alex Carey, denting India’s chase.

Jadhav and Bhuvneshwar paired up to form a fighting alliance for the seventh wicket, stitching 99 runs in 17.1 overs. But for most parts of their partnership, they were playing the chase. And by the time, they gave a real hope of pulling it off, they fell.

The platform for Australia’s total was laid

by Usman Khawaja’s second ton of the series and Peter Handscomb’s half-century. The visitors had elected to bat even as the dew was expected to play a part in the match.

While Aaron Finch looked scratchy, Khawaja carried forward his form and stroked some delightful flicks for boundaries to get going and put the Indian new-ball pair – Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami – on the back foot. By the time Finch’s struggle to stay came to an end, the opening pair had already added 76.

His fall, in a way, proved helpful for Australia as Handscomb came with no such scratchiness to his batting. His fluency allowed Australia to attack from both ends, blunting the challenge of the left-arm spin duo – Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. They even went on the aggressive against Jadhav, who was taken off the attack after only a solitary over.

However, the turn of events took place in the 33rd over when Khawaja drove Bhuvneshwar straight to Kohli at short cover. One wicket brought two, and two brought many more. In a period of 3.3 overs, Australia were reduced from 175 for 1 to 182 for 4, including the fall of the two set batsmen.

The big-hitting middle order failed to cash in on the strong platform laid by Handscomb and Khawaja. Jadeja and Shami bagged a brace each while Bhuvneshwar snared three. The only merry period thereafter for the tourists came

when Jhye Richardson smashed Jasprit Bumrah for 19 runs in the 48th over, after he had conceded only 14 off his first eight. The total

may not have been what Australia would’ve liked given the start they got, but it proved strong enough to defend on the day. (Cricbuzz)

Winners receive prizes for Skyy Vodka Domino Tournament

T

he respective winners of the just-concluded Skyy Vodka two-day Domino Tournament, which was held to commemorate the 48th birth anniversary of one of the sport’s ardent enthusiasts, Richard “Saddest” Mittleholzer, received their prizes during a simple ceremony that was conducted on Monday, at the Dynasty Sports Bar, South Ruimveldt.

Spartans with 80 games were declared the winners followed by Players on 77 and All Seasons in the cellar with 72.

The winners collected $150,000 and the championship trophy, while the second and third place finishers took home $75,000 and $40,000 respectively.

Barbara Marshall, who recorded 17 games, was voted the Most Valuable player (MVP) of the final and her performance earned her $8000.

Also receiving prizes were Dexter Thompson and June Watts, who both won Citizen wristwatches for being adjudged the MVPs of the preliminary rounds after registering 17 games each.

Brand Manager Edison Jefford speaking at the occasion said he was extremely happy with the conduct of the tournament, adding that he envisaged more collaboration with the sport in the future.

Mittleholzer, in his response, thanked the company for its continued commitment to the development of sport and also promised to strengthen the relationship between the two parties.

Among the other sponsors on board were Grill Kings, YK Pawn Shop, Montcherri Beauty Salon, John Lewis Fashion, and Magnum and Campari.

A Skyy Vodka representative hands over the winning trophy and first prize to the Spartans Captain in the presence of Brand Manager Edison Jefford (second left), Guyana National Domino Federation President Faye Joseph (left) and team members

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursday, march 14, 2019

2019 Windies Women’s Championship…

Fixtures revealed: Guyana, Trinidad to clash in 1st round

F

Flashback: Melanie Henry makes her ground against Trinidad

ixtures revealed: Guyana, Trinidad to clash in 1st round Fixtures of the much-anticipated Cricket West Indies Women’s Championships have been officially announced.

The first match of the Super 50 leg of the tournament will commence from Sunday, March 17 at 09:30h local time.

Three matches will be played across venues in Demerara: Everest will witness Leeward Islands v Barbados; GCC

will see Jamaica and Windward Islands while Guyana and Trinidad will meet at Providence.

Prior to the first-round matches, the teams will arrive today, Thursday, March 14. The teams will be engaged in a pre-championship meeting at the Regency Hotel; then, they will gather for the opening ceremony from 18:00h at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Bourda.

Team Trinidad and Tobago

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, MARCH 14, 2019

21

WDCA Agape Lumber Yard T20 Competition…

Naveed’s 55 and Akshaya’s 5-4 hand CICC 3rd place

A

Akshaya Persaud set the tone for the match by claiming 5-4 in 1.5 overs

fter a successful season in the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA)/ Agape Lumber Yard T20 Competition, Cornelia Ida Cricket Club (CICC) missed the mark, failing to qualify for the finals as they were forced to play in the thirdplace playoff against New Windsor at the Joe Veira Park over the weekend.

The match was reduced to 15 overs per side owing to overnight rain. As both captains took to the cen-

Naveed Ali leads the innings with a quick-fire 55

tre, it was a must-win toss for either team as they both needed a boost of confidence having not qualified for the finals. CICC won the toss and elected to bowl first in bowler-friendly conditions.

Batting first, New Windsor struggled to find any momentum, it was a mirror image of how they performed in the quarter-finals.

The Windsor side struggled from ball one as CICC showed their intent early, eventually New Windsor were dismissed for 103 all out in 14.5 overs. Top-scoring for

Amerith Rocky Rai Memorial T20 Tournament…

CLASSIFIED ADS ARACARI

Zeeburg continue to dominate

New Windsor was D Rajpat with a classy 35 (1x6, 6x4s) and was supported by Roger Henry (25) and R Dhanpaul (27). The pick of the bowlers was Akshaya Persaud, who snagged five wickets for 4 runs in 1.5 overs as he decimated his opponents. He was also supported by Muhamad Wazidali, who chipped in with 2-21.

Cornelia Ida, in response, began shakily, losing Rajin Tulcan off the first ball and then slipping to 16-3 in the fourth over. Vaickesh Dhaniram and Naveed Ali

repaired the damage somewhat with a partnership of 57 before Dhaniram fell for 16, Richard Baker then joined Ali and the pair took the score to 103. In the end, it was the CICC players rushing onto the field and celebrating their victory as they ended on 104-5 in 11.3 overs. Top-scoring for CICC were Naveed Ali with 55 (6x4s, 4x6s); Vaickesh Dhaniram — 16 (2x6s) and Richard Baker 10. D Rajpat was the only bowler for New Windsor with respectable figures of 2-26.

Youths at Byderabo to form sports club

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

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

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

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

FOR SALE ONE COMPLETE MUSIC SET FOR SALE. CALL: 601-9855 OR 253-3070

LAND for sale Transported land 11.6 Acres. Lot 15 Public Road #2Village West Coast Berbice. Price $18 Million. Contact: 686-4818, 648-7109

property for sale PROPERTY FOR SALE LOCATED AT HERSTELLING BEHIND BUDDY’S SCHEME E.B.D, ONE STREET AWAY FROM MAJOR ROAD. LAND SPACE 60X90. PRICE: $8.7M. CALL 6190113

SPIRITUALITY SUFFERING FROM PROBLEMS SUCH AS FAMILY, LOVE LIFE, MONEY, JOB, CHILDREN PROBLEMS ANY SORT OF OBSTACLES AND BLOCKAGES? THEN CALL 670-9278 FOR HELP.

VACANCY Vacancy one cook – 624-0033 Vacancy one maid – 624-0033 Vacancy driver for water truck – 680-3863 Vacancy handyman/porter – 6803863

VEHICLES FOR SALE For sale Toyota Corrolla/left-hand drive, good condition - $480,000 negotiable.

One small bus - $280,000 negotiable 680-3863.

Balbinder Shivpersaud, Yutesh Dhanpaul and Richardo Poloram

F

ollowing their successes in round three of the Amerith Rocky Rai Memorial T20 Cricket on the West Coast of Demerara, the Zeeburg Sports Club continued their immaculate form in round 4 as they pummelled Players Sports Club (PSC) in their highly-anticipated encounter at Canal Number 2 Sports Club.

The Zeeburg side is currently undefeated in the four matches played.

Needing a win under their belt, Players Sports Club needed to

up the ante on their pre-game strategy and try to carry out their field tactics. In the past, their batting has collapsed and they failed to carry on. After winning the toss, Players SC elected to bat first on a batting-friendly pitch in a 15-over prestige match as the rains had earlier threatened to wash out the game.

The opening batsmen walked to the middle, but soon found themselves back in the pavilion as the undefeated Zeeburg side chipped away at their opponents’ batting line-up.

Despite losing key wickets at key intervals, PSC continued to rally on as they were able to maintain a healthy run rate of 7.26 runs per over. Eventually PSC ended on 109-7 in their allotted 15 overs as A Persaud (24) and J Lovell (24) were the main contributors for the side. Bowling for Zeeburg were Yutesh Dhanpaul (3-6); Mark Jeffers (1-12) and Andre Seepersaud (122).

Needing 110 for victory off 15 overs at 7.3 runs per over the Zeeburg side had to play smart, as while they were looking to carry on their unbeaten streak, the PSC were hungry for a win.

But Zeeburg made light work of the total as they replied with 114 for 1 in 9.5 overs with the top scorers being Richardo Poloram (55*) and Balbinder Shivpersaud (47*). No bowler from PSC was able to get any decent figures.

F Division Commander Kevin Adonis donates a football

G

uyana Police Force F Division ( I n t e r i o r Locations) Commander Kevin Adonis reached out to the youths of Byderabo, a small community in Bartica, in aiding them to form themselves into a sports club.

Accompanied

by Bartica Football Association (BFA) President Alden Marslowe and Councillor Hazel Allicock, the Commander announced that he obtained permission from the owner of a plot of land at Byderabo for the youths to use as a temporary playfield. He also presented them with a ball to start their training.

It was also agreed that a meeting of the group will be held to elect its Executive

Committee, in the interest of their organisation and to be able to apply for affiliation at the BFA. Former Bartica and national football star Christopher George has volunteered to coach the young players.

BFA President Marslowe, when asked how he felt about a new club being formed, told Guyana Times Sport “The formation of a new club means growth for football at Bartica. It also means more players will have the opportunity to play organised association football and will benefit from all developmental programmes of the BFA. In a short time, the BFA will be assisting the club to fashion its constitution so that they can have administration struc-

ture. In the meanwhile, the players are already being introduced to structured training.”

Marslowe also stated he was hopeful that by the start of April, the club would be functioning as an independent club. However, there will be a sixmonth provisional period for them to become an affiliate of the BFA during which time they will be invited to participate in most of the programmes orchestrated by the BFA and would be required to carry out all club functions, including proper record-keeping and reporting to the Association.

The club will also promote softball cricket, which is popular among the females of the community.

22

thursday, march 14, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Keen interest still in final 2 matches

Kraigg Brathwaite

– Gabriel, Campbell return

Kyle Hope

There is still more than just passing interest in the final two matches in the West Indies Championship, starting today, Thursday, March 14.

With the Guyana Jaguars having finished their scheduled matches for the season’s last round and accumulating 154.2 points – they have practically claimed the Headley/Weekes Trophy, the symbol of West Indies First-Class supremacy, for a fifth straight season. The Jags are 23 points clear of Leeward Islands Hurricanes, their nearest rivals, who still have a mathematical chance of clinching the title, as they prepare to face a star-studded Barbados Pride at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. At the same time – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Jamaica Scorpions will be aiming to finish the season strong when they meet at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Hurricanes v Pride in North Sound, Antigua The Hurricanes, however, face the highly improbable if not impossible task of gaining the absolute maximum 24 points against the Pride to be able to surpass the Jaguars and take home a West Indies First-Class title for the first time since they shared with the Jags 21 years ago. It would take miraculously spectacular batting and bowling from the Hurricanes to gain all the points left on the table and pip the Jaguars for the title by just one point.

And, the Hurricanes should not be ruled out, as they have the batting and bowling to get the job done, plus they are playing their best in almost a decade, are on familiar turf and beat the Pride in their first match at the start of the season last December, so they would relish a season sweep. There are also a few personal landmarks that could be accomplished by players on both sides in this contest: Hurricanes off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall needs six wickets for 200 in the Championship and 84 runs to complete the double of 500 runs and 50 wickets for the season;

Pride and Windies opener Kraigg Brathwaite requires 117 runs to become the 21st batsman overall and the sixth from Barbados to score more than 4000 career runs in the Championship; Pride’s Jonathan Carter needs 23 runs to join veteran Windward Islands Volcanoes left-handed opener Devon Smith in the 700-run club for the season and 80 to reach 4000 First-Class career runs; veteran Hurricanes pair of Devon Thomas and Montcin Hodge require 47

Jahmar Hamilton; Montcin Hodge; Damion Jacobs; Alzarri Joseph; Kian Pemberton; Jaison Peters; Akeem Saunders; Devon Thomas and Terance Warde IN–Pemberton, Saunders; OUT–Kieran Powell, Quinton Boatswain PRIDE (from) – Shamarh Brooks (Captain); Kraigg Brathwaite; Jonathan Carter; Roston Chase; Miguel Cummins; Shane Dowrich; Keon Harding; Chaim Holder; Chemar Holder,; Marquino Mindley; Shayne

John Campbell has returned to Four-Day cricket

and 53 runs respectively, to also become members of the 700-run club for the season, and Hurricanes batsman Keacy Carty has 515 runs and needs 85 to reach 600 runs for the season.

HURRICANES (from) – Rahkeem Cornwall (Captain); Sheno Berridge; Nelson Bolan; Keacy Carty;

Moseley; Shamar Springer and Tevyn Walcott IN–Chaim Holder; OUT–Jomel Warrican Red Force v Scorpions in Tarouba, Trinidad Although the two sides are already well out of the running, bragging rights will be on the line in this return contest, as just two points separate them.

Both have played inconsistently this season, leaving them to occupy the bottom two slots on the league table, so they will each look to play earnestly to avoid “the wooden spoon”.

For Red Force, a clean sweep of this season’s matches will be their motivation, and for Scorpions, proving there is life after champion left-arm spinner Nikita Miller announced his retirement from this format earlier in the week will be key, along with avoiding the sweep and the bottom slot which they currently occupy.

There are also a couple of personal landmarks that could be accomplished in this contest: Red Force’s left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano needs six runs for a total of 500 runs this season, and veteran Red Force leg-spinning all-rounder Imran Khan needs two wickets to complete the double of 40 wickets and 400 runs for the season.

Squads: RED FORCE (from) – Denesh Ramdin (Captain); Yannic Cariah; Bryan Charles; Joshua Da Silva; Shannon Gabriel; Kyle Hope; Imran Khan; Jason Mohammed; Khary Pierre; Jeremy Solozano; Odean Smith; Anderson Phillip; Marlon Richards; Lendl Simmons and Daniel St Clair IN–Gabriel, Kyle Hope, Simmons; OUT–Yannic Cariah, Marlon Richards, Tion Webster SCORPIONS (from) – Paul Palmer (Captain); Jermaine Blackwood; Nkrumah Bonner; Dennis Bulli; John Campbell; Akim Fraser; Assad Fudadin; Garth Garvey; Nicholson Gordon; Derval Green; Brandon King; Kennar Lewis and Jermaine Levy IN–Campbell, Levy; OUT–Nikita Miller, Jerome Taylor

DCB Under-17 Inter-Association 2019

East Coast, Georgetown register resounding wins over opponents

– Ramraj, Kissoon among star performers

A

fter East Bank and East Coast registered contrasting victories in the opening round of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Under-17 InterAssociation Cricket Tourney, East Coast and Georgetown humbled their opponents.

In the encounter at Lusignan, the boys from East C o a s t

Rudrunauth Kissoon stroked one past point during his composed 30

Demerara dented the hopes of West Demerara with a 166-run win. The home team, East Coast won the toss and opted to bat first, posting 236-6 from their allotted 50 overs.

Batting at number four, Chanderpaul Ramraj stroked a solid 59 that included eight fours, Chetram Balgobin hit an entertaining 47, while Rudrunauth Kissoon scored a watchful 30. Left-handed Edmond Pearson stroked a supportive 29. Bowling for West Demerara, Aamir Jabriel and Daniel Roberts had two wickets each.

In reply, West Demerara looked out of sorts, only Avesh Persaud was able to give any credence to their batting effort with 14, as West Demerara folded for 71 off 31 overs.

Bowling for East Coast, Rudrunauth K i s s o o n turned in

exceptional figures of three wickets for five r u n s off five overs. Bowlers Trevon Charles, Shafeek khan and J a g d e s h D ow l at ra m supported well.

In the other fixture at Wales,

Georgetown made a mess of East Bank Demerara.

took two wickets. In reply, Georgetown’s opening batsmen Brandon Jaikaran and Mitra Dhanraj cruised Edmond Pearson to 31 without blazed his way losing a wicket to to a 15-ball 29* give their team a commanding 10-wicket victory.

T h e f i n a l

Chetram Balgobin missed out on a well-deserved halfcentury (Brandon Corlette photos)

Batting first, East Bank were blown away for 31. Daniel Mootoo grabbed three wickets, while Niran Bissu and Yohance Angoy each

round of the DCB Under-17 Inter-Association Cricket will continue on Friday 15 at Lusignan where East Coast Demerara will face off with East Bank Demerara and West Demerara will battle Georgetown at Wales.

All matches start at 09:00h.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, march 14, 2019

23

Beharry fuels YBG once again

Edward B Beharry Marketing Director Anjuli Beharry- Strand presents the sponsorship cheque to YBG Director Chris Bowman

Y

outh Basketball Guyana (YBG) is now equipped to continue providing school basketball teams with a platform to showcase their talents, as Edward B Beharry & Company Ltd on Wednesday renewed its partnership with the YBG. The partnership, which has now spanned 11 years, can be described as a fruitful one, giving YBG the opportunity to introduce younger players to meaningful competition at the school level.

In his grateful remarks, YBG Director Chris Bowman noted that more corporate entities needed to take pattern from the Edward B Beharry Company.

“We need corporate partnerships and I think Beharry has been a tremendous example of that corporate spirit,” Bowman stated.

On the other hand, Beharry Marketing Director Anjuli Beharry- Strand explained that the company took pleasure in such ventures.

“For Edward Beharry and Company, we are very proud to be sponsors for the 11th year in a row and we will continue for years to come, to sponsor this programme,” BeharryStrand stated.

The Beharry Marketing Director had a lot to say about the positive impact that corporate Guyana could have on sport and

youths, noting that it was a way to foster youth development.

“I think it’s incredibly important for Private Sector to invest in our children and our youths in Guyana. There is so much potential, there is so much skill, these children just need an opportunity to showcase these skills. It builds self-confidence, their ability to communicate, it enhances their ability to think strategically and I think all of these things are so important in empowering these young people, who ordinarily wouldn’t have this opportunity. I think sport is an extremely important venue that we need to look at and more people need to invest in it,” she said.

While there are a number of projects that the sum of $1.5 million will be injected to, one of the ventures that the YBG is looking into is broadening the competition pool for the annual schools’ basketball festival.

Bowman explained, “We’re inviting Bartica and three schools from Region Three: Uitvlugt, Leonora and West Demerara. So those schools are already paying some level of basketball. Bartica got to the final of our 5-a-side just a couple weeks ago, so they’re ready to play schools’ basketball in the schools’ basketball championship. So we’re going to make it possible for all those schools to be involved in the festival this year.”

Berbice Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition

Can Trafalgar do what Showstoppers could not?

– NA Kings enjoy similar billing

F

ollowing two nights of exhilarating street football, the business end of this year’s Berbice Zone of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition will bring the curtains down this Saturday, at the New Amsterdam Ferry Stelling.

Defending champions Trafalgar will face Lichfield in the first semi-final, while New Amsterdam Kings tackle East Bank Gunners in the other lastfour encounter. The question this Saturday will be whether Trafalgar can pull off the back-to-back win, a feat that Showstoppers couldn’t achieve in the West Coast/ East Bank Zone in February.

The champs have so far displayed ominous form throughout the competition and are expected to survive what is billed as a stern test for them.

Players the calibre of Kevin Layne, Olvis Mitchell and Delwyn Fraser will rest on the performances

of Allan Garnett, Shelton George, and Carlos Grant.

In the feature clash, NA Kings will most likely start as favourites to advance, especially with the likes of Quinn Hazel and Jamal Butts.

On the other hand, East Bank Gunners’ pursuit of a place in the championship game will depend on how well Sherwin Nicholson and Joseph Giddings perform.

The winning team will receive $300,000 and the championship trophy, while second, third and fourth-place finishers will take home $150,000, $100,000 and $75,000 respectively.

It is expected that a number of Banks DIH officials, along with media representatives, will be on hand to witness the final of this year’s tournament. The other sponsor on board is Colours Boutique of Robb Street.

A glimpse of the action in this year’s Berbice Zone of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition

UK company 1E continues support for local cricketers – former national middle distance star influential

F

ormer national middle distance star Waveney Benn once again used her influence to garner support for young cricketers of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC).

Benn, who has made it a habit to journey annually to the land of her birth, has also utilised the opportunity to solicit support from UK-based software firm IE to assist in the further development of young aspiring athletes and this time the DCC was the recipient of a quantity of cricket boots through the goodwill of Benn’s place of employment.

The now retired Benn, who dominated the local scene in the late seventies and early eighties before migrating to the UK, is no stranger to offering support to young athletes and while her association with cricket is relatively new, her desire to see young athletes progress goes way beyond her first love athletics.

Speaking via telephone Wednesday, Benn said it was really her situation when she was a young budding athlete that has made her determined to assist whenever she could.

“I came from a situation where I grew up in a home that could not afford a pair of running shoes for me, but was always determined to succeed, but not because that was my circumstance I am going to ignore the plight of others, instead whenever I could, support would be coming,” Benn assured.

She said during her visit, she would normally make it her duty to go around and watch athletes from several disciplines during training sessions and competitions and what she saw was a lot of talent, but a lack of proper gear to enhance the athletes’ preparation and performance which

very often contributes to the athlete’s frustration and in many instances, the talent goes to waste.

Hence, she vowed to return to the UK and use all her connections to give back and so far it has been constant and successful, and she thanked all those who assisted, including her fellow employees and employer for their unwavering support to the cause.

Careful to state that she has not abandoned her sport of choice, the urge to offer assistance to the DCC was prompted by a conversation she had with several senior club executives. This is not the first time that the UK software firm 1E has supported local athletes.

According to Benn, CEO Sumir Karayi has agreed to lend assistance in the future. Benn was quick to acknowledge the support given by fellow staffers, who according to her did not hesitate to get on board.

“I have an excellent relationship with my company and staffers and I would like to extend my gratitude to all of them, we are a family.”

She insisted that the ones she really loves to help are those who portray the right attitude and commitment, because they remind her of her own approach and dedication to sport.

She thanked the software firm for its timely support and wished that the relationship grow from strength to strength in the future.

Meanwhile, club representative Roger Harper thanked the former track & field star for her continued support of the organisation, adding that the donation will be used to benefit the young cricketers.

thursday, march 14, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

2019 Windies Women’s Championship…

Flashback! Team Guyana in 2015

Page 20

Fixtures revealed: Guyana, Trinidad to clash in 1st round 2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Page 22

Shannon Gabriel

Keen interest still in final 2 matches

– Gabriel, Campbell return

UK company 1E continues support for local cricketers

Page 23

– former national middle distance star influential

Former national middle distance star Waveney Benn (centre) receives a part of the donation from IE employee Diksha Drewal in the presence of fellow employees recently

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.