Guyana Times - Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Private Sector donations to aid Venezuelan migrants increase P17

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3833

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Carter Center officials visit GECOM

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Wanted P7&15

Page 7

…seek answers on elections preparedness

New oil blocks to go through competitive tender

Guyana’s high P2 unemployment rate has economic, social implications – Ram

Page 3

Classes suspended until Wednesday at Mae’s Schools Page 10

…after bomb threats made

P8 UG student remanded on bomb threat charge

...large-scale joblessness undermines tax collection – Finance Secretary

Berbicians protest nonremoval of NA Page 9 Hospital CEO

59 motorcycles impounded during Police search operations …24 arrested Page 10

Public Security Ministry office assistant charged with robbery P8 Morris Prince freed of 2016 executionstyle killing P15

P15 Region 10 Chairman slams decision to remove doctors from Linden

Energy Dept P9 prepared to reject wasteful cost oil claims …audit contract likely by March

PPP/C presidential candidate Irfaan Ali chats with a resident of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara on Monday during a visit to the community where persons raised concerns about water shortage, deplorable condition of roads and taxes

“Blondie” denies knifing fish cleaner P16 to death

2 news

tuesday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

In our Sunday, February 10th edition, Guyana Times inadvertently attributed remarks made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to Finance Ministry’s Finance Secretary Michael Joseph. Below is the correct article. Guyana Times apologises to Mr Joseph for any embarrassment this inadvertency may have caused.

Guyana’s high unemployment rate has economic, social implications – Ram …large-scale joblessness undermines tax collection – Finance Secretary

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hree years after the coalition Government took office, it has been unable to effectively address the unemployment rate and according to Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, unemployment will present a major challenge in the coming years.

In an interview with this publication, Ram spoke of some of the reasons for Guyana’s low employment rate and also expressed the belief that not enough attention is being paid to its economic and social side.

“Part of the problem we have is that we have a very low wage economy,” Ram said, adding “and it discourages people entering into the employment sector. If you get the minimum wage and you have to spend 20 per cent of it on transportation alone, it’s not a great motivator for you to work.”

Finance Secretary Michael Joseph

“(This) is why we have the paradox of employment and yet it is difficult to get people with even the basic skills.

The rate these people earn, they say they might as well hustle here and there, rather than getting involved in the formal economy, having to pay NIS and income tax.”

According to the

Accountant, many do not see their National Insurance Scheme (NIS) deductions in the positive light of being a contribution to their future pension, but rather they see it as a deduction from an already small salary. He noted that another factor that must be considered was how effectively the school system prepared students to enter the workforce. Ram expressed worry about the impact of joblessness and the oil and gas sector.

“I think we will have a major challenge in the next couple years. We already have a challenge, in terms of providing the labour necessary not only for the oil industry, but for all the spin-off industries.

We mustn’t forget we don’t have a Ministry of Labour.

Employment is partly economic and partly social.”

Taxes

The need to arrest un-

employment and provide opportunities for business start-ups was hammered home by none other than the Finance Ministry’s Finance Secretary Michael Joseph, who was at the time speaking on the opening night of the University of Guyana Turkeyen and Tain Talks on Thursday at the Pegasus Hotel.

Talking about tax collection, Joseph expressed concern about youth unemployment and the impact it has on taxable income, and noted the serious effect unemployment has on this process.

“Taxes are the lifeline of the Government’s income stream to pay for the provision of public goods. The income base of households and the Private Sector largely constitute the pool by which Government can tax and raise money.

“That pool is taxable in-

Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram

come [and] is dwarfed by the large-scale incidence of unemployment and insufficient start-ups to replace business failures. Indeed, joblessness narrows the potential base from which Government can collect income tax and undermines the capacity of the Government.”

Joseph also cited the 2017 labour force survey commissioned by Guyana’s Bureau of Statistics. This survey had found that Guyana’s employment rate was a worrying 49.2 per cent.

“It was empirically determined that youth unemployment among the 15 to 24-year-old cohort was at 21.6 per cent, representing almost twice the unemployment rate of other adults. This survey confirmed that 35.2 per cent of the youth were not in education, employment or training.”

Entrepreneurship

At the same time, the Finance Secretary backed his subject Minister, Winston Jordan, who had noted previously that Government could not provide employment for all. According to Joseph, youths should also look to entrepreneurship as a means of income.

Tax collection is not the only thing taking a hit when there is large-scale unemployment, as NIS contributions are also affected. For instance, concern has been expressed that layoffs in the sugar belt could undermine the Scheme’s position.

This is particularly so if the Scheme were to pay unemployment benefits. At a previous press conference, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had said that the idea of paying out these benefits did not take into account the current financial status of the Scheme and its ability to meet its current obligations.

He noted that the last actuarial report recommended that focus be placed on building the reserve to avoid a deficit. In fact, it was disclosed in that report that the life of the Scheme should come to an end by 2022 unless strategic plans for revenue earnings and expansion of the investment portfolio were effectively implemented. Jagdeo also referenced the thousands of dismissed sugar workers.

“What has happened since is that this Government has fired 7000 sugar workers,

many others. Let’s say maybe 20,000 more have lost their jobs. Take of the 20,000, just take another 8000 who were paying NIS, so those are people who are not contributing to NIS,” he explained.

This translates to decreased inflows for NIS and payouts that would remain constant or increase. In the last financial statement issued by the Scheme, it had showed a deficit of over $800 million.

Then, there are the almost 2000 Amerindian Community Support Officers (CSOs) who were dismissed soon after the coalition Government came to power in 2015. These officers were previously employed under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP).

This led to the Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana taking the Government to court, arguing that the dismissals were unlawful and discriminatory. The group in its affidavit had noted that the CSOs were drawn from approximately 187 Amerindian villages and communities.

It was also noted that these CSOs were afforded steady employment until the coalition Government’s action. For its part, the Government has argued that the programme was not performing on par in a bid to justify the dismissals.

In addition to the over 7000 sugar workers, who were fired from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the CSOs who were dismissed by Government, Barama Company Limited was also forced to close its operations after several of its concessions were taken back

by Government. This created further unemployment.

Worry

Observers have also expressed worry about the link between unemployment as a signifier for the gradual erosion of the traditional sectors of the economy owing to neglect by the Government as it waits for oil revenues to start flowing. This will inevitably lead to the dreaded Dutch disease, where the economy cannot stand on one leg. This has been most graphically illustrated over the past few years, in the sugar industry where production has dwindled with the dismissal of the sugar workers, and the Government has not diversified the prime agricultural lands into other crops to create employment and generate foreign exchange by exporting those crops.

In general, Dutch disease is an economic term for rapid changes to a country’s revenue earnings in a resource-extracting sector like oil that result in a reduction in the value of other exported commodities. The situation is often blamed on the sudden development of one sector at the expense of others.

news

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tuesday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, February 12 – 09:30h-11:00h and Wednesday, February 13 – 10:00h-12:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, February 12 – 08:30h-10:00h and Wednesday, February 13 – 09:30h-11:00h.

New oil blocks will go through competitive tender – Energy Dept …seismic data survey ongoing to map out available oil blocks

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers and sunny intervals can be expected during the day. Partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 09:22h and 21:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.38 metres and 2.29 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 15:25h reaching a minimum height of 0.84 metre.

saturday, FEBRUARY 09, 2019

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Energy Department Head, Dr Mark Bynoe

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he remaining blocks available for oil and gas extraction will be distributed through a competitive tendering exercise; the first of which is expected early in 2020.

This is according to Head of the Energy Department, Dr Mark Bynoe, at a press conference on Monday.

According to Bynoe, operators can come individually or as consortiums.

While he declined to name specific operators likely to be in the running, he did admit that there has been universal interest for one particular block.

“We have no operator lined up. This will be going to a competitive bidding process. Those who would have put in the best bid, whether as a consortium (or single), they will be awarded accordingly. In terms of areas that are still out there for possible allocation, Guyana is divided in three zones.

“You have the deep and the ultra-deep, the shallow continental shelf and then you have onshore. The main areas that are still out there for allocation is Block C, with some potential relinquishments ongoing.”

There is also a multi-client seismic survey being done; the data from which will inform Government’s distribution of blocks. This survey, however, will be centred on the shallow continental shelf – an area Bynoe lamented has been underexplored.

Additionally, Bynoe also related that three other oil companies will start exploration in Guyana’s waters this year. He revealed the companies as Tullow, operating in the Orinduik block, Repsol in the Kanuku block and CGX in Corentyne.

Meanwhile, the Department’s Special Advisor Matthew Wilks went into further detail about the 2020 timeline for distributing the blocks and the survey. Wilks noted that both these issues were

interconnected.

“Another thing that determines the timeline is how long it would take to acquire the seismic data and process it. That will take between 11 and 12 months. You need the seismic to package up into data packages, which companies then get as part of the licensing process.

“The seismic data will guide us in terms of block size and shape and how we cut the available acreage up. So that, as well as the legislation, dictates the timeline,” the energy advisor added.

Following criticisms last year, Government had announced it would award future oil blocks through both direct engagement and selective bidding.

Before that, former petroleum advisor Dr Jan Mangal had come out publicly to urge the auctioning of the available petroleum blocks.

“Guyana should no longer be awarding petroleum acreage via one-on-one negotiations after the Liza discovery in 2015 … there

The Department’s advisor, Matthew Wilks

is a very serious risk of corruption with this method, due to the lack of transparency and accountability …

Most countries have abandoned this method, as experts recommend against using it.,” Dr Mangal had said.

“After the Liza discovery in 2015, Guyana was in a position to use the method of competitive bidding for the award of leases … The Liza discovery de-risked Guyana, and as a consequence, all the major oil companies recognise that there is oil in the coun-

try. Hence, all the oil companies will be interested in bidding for leases in a transparent way, which ensures that Guyana incorporates market forces to maximise its share,” Dr Mangal had said.

According to Dr Mangal, the risk of Government’s friends and family illegally obtaining leases will be significantly reduced if an independently managed and well-audited competitive bidding process is used.

Nor is he the only one.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has also been calling for auctioning of the remaining blocks to ensure the best deal, backing Dr Mangal’s recommendations. At a press conference last year, Jagdeo had urged the Government to take its own petroleum advisor’s advice.

“You don’t need to bring anyone in to tell you what your advisor already said, ‘Auction the blocks’. That is the best way that the Government gets value,” Jagdeo had stressed to the media.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, february 12, 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

Domestic violence: Impact on children

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cross the world, overwhelming numbers of children – some as young as a few months old – have experienced violence, be it to them or them seeing their parents partake in domestic violence. In Guyana, this newspaper has published numerous reports of domestic violence where mothers are brutally beaten or killed in some instances.

Unfortunately, it continues despite awareness efforts and the much-touted training of law enforcement officers who are expected to be the first step of recourse with regard to the lodging of complaints.

There are countless campaigns, policies and strategies aimed at addressing the impact of such violence against women. But what is often overlooked is how such abuse affects the numerous children and young people who witness and perhaps experience it.

Exposure to such events would affect you in some way.

In fact, the effects might have lasted into children’s adult years, for example, affecting their outlook on life, love and relationships.

For a child, witnessing a parent being abused can be traumatic and can have lasting, and sometimes devastating effects on their academic development and personal growth.

Too often, children are forced to bury their heads under a pillow to drown out the constant yelling, spend consecutive nights crying and praying it would all end, or sometimes, are compelled to rush to their parent’s defence in a desperate bid to offer protection. Cases of the latter are very evident in Guyana as reported in June 2018 when an enraged man killed his wife and subsequently his own daughter, after she tried to save her mother. All of this unfolded before his son, who was merely 11 years old at the time. All of this can take a huge toll on a grown-up, much less a kid who already has difficulties trying to understand algebra. A research paper published by a US social worker surmises that children’s exposure to domestic violence and intimate partner violence is extremely prevalent and those children are considered at a higher risk for problems in holistic development.

Research also shows that children who witness domestic violence performed on average 12.2 percentile points lower than children whose parents reported no violence in the home.

Just a few days ago, the Department of Education in Region Three in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection hosted a workshop aimed at training teachers to identify and help students who may be struggling with violence at home.

The workshop facilitators recognised that exposure to domestic violence can hinder a child’s ability to learn, and as such, the initiative prepared teachers to deal with the situation holistically.

Not only were teachers informed of coping mechanisms, they were acquainted with information about resource groups, agencies and various support services.

This initiative is highly commendable and much needed.

It needs to be further developed and rolled out in a robust manner across the country. In Guyana’s context, where intimate partner violence and domestic violence are so prevalent, it is imperative that such a programme is taken seriously and that teachers genuinely try to help.

There needs to be an established protocol for teachers and other educators to follow when dealing with children who are exposed to domestic abuse.

Of course, there also needs to be systems in place to help teachers help their students. This is because teachers can find themselves in uncomfortable situations if they decide to help a student dealing with domestic violence issues at home.

A 2013 study conducted among elementary school teachers in the United Kingdom found that educators themselves struggled with having to send the children back to a potentially abusive home. The study indicates that this is line with secondary trauma theories, where confidants of abuse victims may themselves experience trauma.

Teachers also develop fears that family members may retaliate or that the abusers in a student’s life may in turn start to abuse the teachers.

Tackling domestic violence, therefore, requires a holistic approach. Not only must we focus on the immediate victims, help must also be rendered to other persons who may be emotionally affected, like children. In many cases, teachers are often the first persons to realise that something is not right in a child’s life and if they are expected to become the first responders to an issue of abuse in the home, then help must also be provided to them. No doubt, such great responsibility may cause some to demand better pay and in the current climate, the request for better salaries for all public servants is an ongoing struggle. It will come down to one’s moral compass and the simple question of “if children are our future, what kind of future do we want to create?”

Indian labourers select ‘Mosambis’ fruits, also called sweet oranges, at Gaddiannaram fruit market on the outskirts of Hyderabad (voanews.com photo)

Venezuela’s Maduro seeks OPEC help against US sanctions – letter V

enezuela’s Nicolás Maduro has sought Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) support against US sanctions imposed on his country’s oil industry, citing their impact on oil prices and potential risks for other members of the producer group.

But a source familiar with the matter said the OPEC, of which Venezuela is a founding member, had declined to make any formal statement. OPEC says it is concerned with oil policy, not politics.

More than 40 nations including the United States, European powers and most of Latin America have recognised Maduro’s rival, Juan Guaido, as the country’s rightful Head of State late in January, following elections last year.

The request was made in a letter sent to OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo dated January 29 and seen by Reuters, a day after the United States imposed sanctions on Venezuelan State oil firm PDVSA. “Our country hopes to receive the solidarity and full support of the member countries of OPEC and its ministerial Conference, in the fight we are currently having against the illegal and arbitrary intrusion of the United States in the internal affairs of Venezuela,” Maduro wrote.

I seek “your firm support and collaboration to jointly denounce and face this shameless dispossession of ... important assets of one of the members of OPEC”, the letter said.

He wrote that OPEC should help to determine potential solutions based on “the impact that this action has on the global energy market, and the risk it represents for the other countries ... of this Organisation”.

Venezuelan Opposition delivers 1st cargo of humanitarian aid – Guaido

Guaido said on Monday his team had delivered a first cargo of the humanitarian aid that has become a

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro attends a military exercise in Charallave, Venezuela, February 10, 2019

flashpoint in his tussle with President Maduro, without specifying how it had received it.

Guaido tweeted a photo of himself surrounded by stacks of white pots of vitamin and nutritional supplements.

He did not say from where or whom they came.

“Today we delivered the first donation, or the first cargo of humanitarian aid, albeit on a small scale, because you know they have blocked the border for the time being,” Guaido, 35, said in televised remarks in Caracas on Monday evening.

Venezuela’s Opposition has been coordinating an effort by Western nations, companies and organisations to deliver aid to Venezuela where malnutrition and preventable disease have proliferated in recent years as the economy has nosedived.

Maduro has said this is part of a US-orchestrated strategy to undermine and ultimately overthrow him.

He says he will not allow this “show”.

The United States last month recognized Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate leader after he declared himself President. Guaido argued Maduro’s re-election last year was a sham. The US has since been joined by a majority of Western nations.

Senior US officials last week heralded their country’s efforts to move aid to Venezuela’s doorstep, after US supplies were among those delivered to the first collection point established, in the Colombian border town of Cucuta.

There has been no sign of the aid that is being stockpiled in Cucuta leaving the warehouse.

Guaido, who has appealed to the military to allow in the aid, has said it will be collected at points in Brazil and a Caribbean island as well as Cucuta.

Brazil has not yet commented on whether aid is being gathered at any point there. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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tuesday, february 12, 2019

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

Rejected rice again; no one is accountable, business as usual Dear Editor, Just about three months after the Panama fiasco, news of another rejected batch of exported rice - this time in Jamaica - is sending shockwaves in the industry. Every time there is a question concerning the quality and safety of Guyana’s rice in an export destination, we must be shocked and worried because such occurrences threaten the total export market. Jamaica is one of the more important export destinations for Guyana’s rice. This is not the first time that poor quality rice has been quarantined and rejected by Jamaican authorities.

The rejected batch of rice in Jamaica follows a similar, but larger batch, that was exported to Trinidad and rejected and then exported to Panama and rejected. When Guyana sends poor quality and unsafe rice to any destination, it is a threat to all the markets, all thirty-five destinations that Guyana export rice and paddy to.

The response from the APNU/AFC Government is business as usual, not a word of concern. Even as stakeholders in the industry express their shock, there is total silence from the Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The GRDB, with responsibility and oversight for rice and paddy export, is also silent. Even more worrisome is that the Agriculture Minister ignored the problem and jetted out of the country to attend what is nothing but a talk-shop food safety conference in Ethiopia, a trip costing more than $2 million. This Minister has a propensity for running away from the problems and always hiding somewhere far. His disin-

terest in things that impede the growth of agriculture in Guyana must flabbergast all Guyanese. Once again, Minister Holder is MIA, missing in action. This is misconduct in office.

The revelation of yet another batch (more than 70 tonnes) of exported poor quality, fungus infected rice, raises serious questions and demand answers from the Minister and from the GRDB. The GRDB has a standard protocol designed to prevent the export of poor quality rice products, whether it is bulk rice, packaged rice, paddy or bran. Inspectors and testers visit the source of the rice product before it is prepared for export and then scrutinise the product before export by physical examination and testing at the wharf during the loading process. The standard protocol, therefore, requires the GRDB to certify that the rice or rice products loaded into ships for export meet all standards specified by the importing country. This is an intense, intrusive process for which the GRDB, the Ministry of Agriculture and Guyana have no apologies. It is designed to ensure that what is exported meet the specifications of the importing authorities and countries.

Given the frequency of poor quality and unsafe rice being exported, the questions beg themselves: are the standard protocols still in place? If they are not being rigidly implemented, who is responsible for easing the rigidity with which these protocols are to be implemented? If they are no longer implemented, why not? What mechanism has been put in place to prevent the export of poor quality and unsafe rice and

rice products? Is it now a free-for-all, where private exporters are no longer subjected to checks and balances? Has the Government abrogated its oversight and regulatory authority? Why has there not been an investigation already?

In the past, as Minister of Agriculture, I visited Jamaica and other export destinations. I often met the relevant Ministers in these countries and always provided assurances that the Government of Guyana is playing an active oversight role. In instances where there might be glitches that affected the smooth export process, I ensured that I was in the loop and that the relevant GRDB officers were engaged aggressively in resolving problems, even if it meant travel to the export destinations.

Just as in the Panama situation, the GRDB is already late in its response and the Agriculture Ministry and the Government are recklessly hands-off. The GRDB is accountable and must publicly address what happened and what they are doing about this latest episode which threatens the market for rice. This cannot be treated as business as usual. The farmers and the country need to see that the GRDB and the Agriculture Ministry are acting aggressively and decisively to assure the market and the farmers in Guyana that exporting of poor quality and unsafe rice and rice products will not repeat itself.

The GRDB Board continues to display impotence. An independent investigation is needed immediately.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Pre-election, Election Tribute Day and post-Election to Isahak Bashir Day fraud

Dear Editor, Various methods were used in the past to rig elections. These can be classified as pre-election fraud, Election Day fraud and post-election fraud.

In the pre-election, it’s about the selection of the GECOM Head, delaying of elections, the padding of the voters’ list with persons not eligible to vote and disenfranchising of voters by names not on the voters’ list or because of errors. In the past, there was the fraudulent use of proxy, postal and overseas voting. During the election there is seizure and tampering of the ballot boxes, multiple voting by PNC members and supporters, ejection of polling agents, intimidation of voters, failure to use the electoral ink on the fingers of PNC supporters, large-scale use of the army and thugs to perpetrate several acts of violence to scare voters away, and failure of Police to prevent violations of the law.

The post-election period sees undue delays in the vote counts and refusals to recount close results as in the one-vote difference in Region Eight which would have probably given the one seat to the PPP/C. The rigging arsenal of the PNC has no shortage of ammunition.

However, in the last Local Government Elections (LGE), the PNC became complacent or probably attempted to gauge its popularity and thus felt that there was no need to activate its rigging machinery which since 1985 was oiled and placed in storage.

We have also seen that it was a strategy of the PNC in the past to postpone the holding of elections to facilitate rigging and from the various GECOM-aided delaying tactics currently being employed, it is pellucid that the PNC-controlled coalition feared a massive defeat at the General Elections if they are held as constitutionally due by March 21. They have not only failed to deliver on their campaign promises but they have eroded the economic gains made by the PPP/C Government who had inherited a bankrupt economy from the same PNC in 1992.

Hordes of the coalition’s own supporters have now rejected

them and in just over 3 years, the PNC’s partner in crime, the AFC, has completely disintegrated except for the few hustlers and thieves who remained.

In the last LGE, the AFC tried in vain to be ‘fit and proppa’ to effect its own brand of electoral fraud but sadly this later became exposed by the results of the LGE itself when they got far fewer votes than the number of their backers’ lists. On the other hand, the PNC became shell-shocked by its LGE demolition and was later blasted by Amna’s ricochet “bring it on” boast.

Both the PNC and the AFC have now realised that they are two losers who can complement each other, with the AFC continuing its subservient role.

It is evident that the pre-election rigging process is activated and that these delaying tactics are only meant to give the PNC enough time to put its entire rigging apparatus in place. However, this should not be allowed to happen since Article 106 of the Constitution has made it clear that Elections must be held within the 90-day period and the High Court’s decision has supported this.

Many arguments have been proposed by the Leader of the Opposition and other prominent political commentators and reputable local and international organisations which support the holding of General Elections.

Will the coalition risk the wrath of the local and international community to illegally remain in Government so that it could perpetuate a massive electoral rigging?

They can, they have done it before!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor Region Six

Dear Editor, The recent passing of Mr Isahak Bashir did envelop the entire region into mourning, he was not only a Member of Parliament, but was instrumental in the formation of many groups and committees across the Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon River – the place of his birth. He was a People’s Progressive Party stalwart with very close ties with the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan.

I can remember as a lad when the PPP would have meetings at the Aurora Public Water Side and other villages, Mr Bashir would usually be in the advance party interacting with the people and distributing flyers and other kinds of literature, listening to their concerns and having these matters addressed. This man had a fantastic memory; if he met you at Aurora today for the first time, weeks after he sees you at Charity, he calls out to you.

While he was a PPP stalwart he also represented persons irrespective of their political affiliation or religious convictions, he was the people’s man for which he was loved and admired.

At his funeral, which was attended by thousands of persons including the former President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister and Acting President Honourable Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Regional Chairman, Davenand Ramdatt among others, all of whom paid glowing tributes to the hero, it was an illustration of the unselfish life Mr Bashir lived.

The political arena of this country needs more like him. I hope and pray that somewhere, someplace from a political party, another Isahak Bashir is in the making.

Sincerely, Archie W Cordis Former AFC Councillor Region Two

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Foundation I

“I

hate school, and I’m not going back!”

Have you ever had that thought? Lots of kids do. Usually this feeling doesn’t last long. But what happens if you feel this way too much? School is a fact of life, and getting an education can help you build the kind of future life you want.

So let’s talk about school and what to do when you don’t like it.

Signs of school stress

When you worry about school, it can affect your body. A kid who feels stressed about school might have headaches or stomachaches. You might feel “butterflies” or like you have to throw up.

Having trouble sleeping is also a sign of stress. And if you’re not getting enough sleep, you probably feel grouchy and tired during the day. Feeling tired can make your school day seem even worse.

If you’re stressed out, you might have a hard time making decisions. In the morning, you can’t decide what to eat, what to wear, or what to pack for lunch.

Y o u don’t want to go to school, so you put off getting your stuff together. And now you’re not prepared to go to school, and you’ve just missed the bus – again! Staying home may seem like a good choice, but it just makes it harder to go to school the next day.

Why do some kids dislike school?

guyanatimesgy.com

If you don’t l i k e school, the first step is finding out why. You might not like school because a bully is bothering you, or because a kid you don’t like wants to hang around with you. Or maybe you don’t get along with your teacher. You might feel different or worry that you don’t have enough friends.

Sometimes it’s a problem with your classes and schoolwork. Maybe the work is too easy and you get bored. Or maybe the work is too hard, or you don’t feel as smart as the other kids. Reading or math may be difficult for you, but you’re expected to do a lot of it. You may be getting farther and farther behind, and it may seem like you’ll never catch

up. Maybe you’re dealing with worries, stress, or problems that make it hard to concentrate on schoolwork.

When you stop to think about why you don’t like school, you can start taking steps to make things better.

Finding help

It’s a good idea to talk to someone about your problems with school. Your mom, dad, relative, teacher, or school counsellor will be able to help you. It’s especially important to tell an adult if the problem is that you’re being bullied or someone hurts you physically.

Another good idea is to write down your feelings about school in a journal. You can use a journal or diary or just write in an ordinary notebook. It’s a great way to let out emotions that may be stuck inside you. And you don’t have to share what you’ve written with others.

If you feel disorganised or like you can’t keep up with your schoolwork, your teachers and school counsellors want to help. Teachers want and expect you to ask for help when you have trouble learning. If all of your subjects seem really hard, a school counsellor can help you sort things out.

Special help with schoolwork is available if you need it.

Try not to let the problems go on too long. It’s easier to catch up on one chapter than the whole book!

f you have a learning problem, it doesn’t mean you can’t learn. But you’ll need some help and you’ll need to work extra hard. If you have a learning disability, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia (serious trouble with Maths), remember that you are not slow or dumb.

Learning problems happen because of the way the brain takes in and processes information. As a result, some people learn differently. The trick will be figuring out how you learn best.

There are people who know how to do just that. Your parents and teachers can help you and they can find you a learning specialist or a school psychologist. These professionals can help figure out what a kid’s learning problem is – and come up with ideas for how to make it better.

Feeling better about school

The next time you find yourself disliking school, try this: First, write down everything you don’t like about school.

Then make a list of the good things you enjoy (even if it’s only recess and lunch, that’s a start!).

Now, what can you change on the “don’t like” list? Would remembering to do your homework help you feel more confident if you’re called on in class? Can you get help with schoolwork that’s hard? Who can you talk to about a worry or problem you’re dealing with? Could you find a way to show off your special interests and talents? If you made just one new friend, would you feel less alone? If you helped someone else feel less alone, would you feel even better? Which activities could you try that would help you meet new friends?

Of course, you might not be able to change everything on your “don’t like” list. A bully may not simply disappear.

Reading may always be a challenge. But that’s OK. Focus on what you can change and you might be able to put the cool back in school! (kidshealth.org)

What are learning disabilities?

Learning disabilities aren’t contagious, but they can be genetic. That means they can be passed down in families through the genes, like many other traits we get from our parents and grandparents. Someone with a learning problem probably has other family members who have had some learning troubles, too.

Kids with learning problems are sometimes surprised to find out that one of their parents had similar troubles in school. But kids today have an advantage over their parents. Learning experts now know a lot more about the brain and how learning works – so it’s easier for kids to get the help they need.

Dyslexia (say: diss-LEKS-ee-uh) is a learning disability that means a kid has a lot of trouble reading and writing.

Kids who have trouble with Maths may have dyscalculia (say: diss-kal-KYOO-lee-uh). And people who have trouble forming letters when they write may have dysgraphia (say: diss-GRAF-ee-uh). Other kids may have language disorders, meaning they have trouble understanding language and understanding what they read.

It can be confusing, though. What qualifies as “trouble” enough to be diagnosed as a learning disability? Reading, doing Maths, and writing letters may be tough for lots of kids at first. But when those early troubles don’t fade away, and it’s really difficult to make any progress, it’s possible the kid has a learning disability.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is sometimes thought of as a learning disability but usually it’s not.

Why? Because most kids with ADHD can learn in school without special assistance, even though they may be easily distracted or have trouble sitting still in class. Although ADHD itself isn’t a learning disability, researchers believe kids with ADHD may be more likely to have learning problems. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org) To be continued

7 Carter Center officials visit GECOM news

tuesday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

…seek answers on elections preparedness

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fficials from the Carter Center met with top officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), including Commissioners, to get a better understanding of their readiness for General and Regional Elections.

GECOM Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward told Guyana Times that the meeting, which took place on Monday morning, saw two representatives from the Center in attendance.

“The visit was basically for information gathering.

They have been following the developments in Guyana in relation to elections and so they requested to meet with the Commission,” she explained.

According to Ward, while the Opposition-appointed Commissioners Bibi Shadick, Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn were present, those appointed by the Government were absent.

Also present for the meeting with the unnamed Carter Center officials were GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson, and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, and three others.

Asked whether the meeting is the start of a series of similar ones, Yard said the officials did not indicate, but just wanted to get an update as to the Commission’s preparedness for an election.

The meeting was based on a request made by the Carter Center to the Commission.

Reports are that questions in relation to the December 21, 2018 no-confidence vote, which saw the fall of the coalition Government and events that have stemmed out of this issue since then were raised.

While the two female officials did not offer a comment to the media following the meeting, People’s Progressive

Party (PPP)-nominated Commissioners did provide some comments and clarity about the meeting.

Commissioner Benn told media operatives that the meeting was an indication that the international community was paying close attention to the issues regarding elections in Guyana.

He said it also confirmed the Carter Center’s interest in Guyana’s democracy. The Carter Center has observed every election in Guyana since 1992, upon the invitation of late President Dr Cheddi Jagan.

M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner Gunraj said that the Carter Center officials were provided with updates in relation to the timeline and laws for the holding of elections and GECOM’s readiness.

He stated too that they questioned the GECOM team on registration of voters.

“They did not express concerns, but they did ask about timelines and ,of course, we presented that,” he explained.

The Commissioner made it clear that the Center’s role was not to mediate, declaring that GECOM has a constitutional mandate to hold General and Regional Elections.

“Our role, our duty is to hold elections when they are constitutionally due.

Anything outside of that, I don’t see any mediation in that, there is no role for mediation in that,” he said.

GECOM’s CEO had previously stated that elections could not be held by the constitutionally due and court-ordered March 19, 2019 date. This, he noted, is as a result of the amount of preparations needed.

It was noted that a total of 148 days was needed

to prepare for elections, according to Lowenfield, if the Secretariat now gets the goahead to commence election preparations. He said that the country could head to the polls sometime in July 2019.

However, according to the Constitution of Guyana, following the passage of a no-confidence motion, General and Regional

Elections must be held in three months.

Meanwhile, Deputy CEO Roxanne Meyers said if a July date was being considered, then it would have to be taken into account that the List of Electors would be invalid since it would have expired on April 30.

According to Lowenfield, the options available to up-

Eccles woman wanted for fraud

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he Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for a 35-year-old Eccles resident in connection to fraudulent actions committed last year.

Trisha Karisha Resally-Jurakan is wanted for questioning in relation to fraudulent conversions committed on Alicia Rajpal and Sursattie Dookie between July 5 to October 9, 2018.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers: 226-6978, 225-8196, 226-2870, 2267065, 227-1149, 226-7065,

Wanted: Trisha Karisha Resally-Jurakan

911 or the nearest police station.

date the list are house-tohouse registration, which will take some nine months, or a Claims and Objections (C&O) period which can last some 35 days.

The latter, he noted, is the most favourable option, which will see the use of the expired list as a preliminary list in the process of creating a new Official List of Electors (OLE). “…for the purposes of this election, what the Secretariat has suggested to the Commission is that we do a C&O with registration for a duration of 28 days’ period and a seven days’ objections period with the view… towards an early deliverable for elections,” he stated.

The Chief Elections Officer disclosed that the elections body had used the

C&O mechanism in the past for the production of an OLE for the hosting of polls.

As time progresses without any move towards the hosting of elections, the PPP/ Civic Opposition is accusing the Elections Commission of deliberately delaying polls.

The parliamentary Opposition and other observers have accused Government of attempting to delay the holding of the constitutionally mandated elections following the passage of the no-confidence motion of December 21, 2018.

The three-month time frame in which the polls should be held was validated in a judicial interpretation by acting Chief Justice Roxane George, who declared that the motion was validly passed 33-32.

8 news

tuesday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

UG student remanded on bomb threat charge

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niversity of Guyana student Sheliza Dianne Jaferally was on Monday remanded to prison when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of misuse of a telecommunications device.

Jaferally is accused of issuing bomb threats against the tertiary institution. The 25-year-old denied that on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, by means of a public telecommunications system, she caused anxiety to the students and staff of the University of Guyana by transmitting a false message knowing same to be false.

Defense Attorney Latchmie Rahamat in a bail application told the court that her client has completely denied the allegations and intends to “vigorously defend herself.”

Rahamat also presented to the court a printed and stamped copy of a list of generated phone numbers that are similar to that of her client’s.

However, the police prosecutor opposed bail for the

Sheliza Dianne Jaferally at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday

student on the grounds that she may tamper with witnesses as well as evidence that was generated during Police investigations against Jaferally.

The prosecution also opposed bail on the grounds that the matter is a concern of public interest. Further, the court was informed that there are also four outstanding statements into the matter.

Attorney Rahamat, after listening to the police submission, noted that the police have her client’s telecommunication devices in custody and,

therefore, she would not be able to “tamper with witnesses or evidence” if granted bail.

The defence attorney also informed the court that her client has been cooperating with investigators from the inception and has been incarcerated for more than 72 hours.

However, the Chief Magistrate upheld the prosecution’s submissions, noting that the issue is a matter of public interest and remanded Jaferally to prison. The case will continue on February 18 at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

The alleged bomb threat forced the suspension of all classes at the University of Guyana with Police ranks, sniffer dogs, Guyana Fire Service operatives and other security personnel swooping down on the campus.

Reports are, students received messages on their mobile devices just after 13:00h which purported that there were two bombs planted which would soon explode.

The text claimed that the bombs were hidden in haversacks that were strategically placed, which caused some to panic and flee classrooms and buildings with some even leaving belongings behind.

After security agents were summoned to the scene, no explosive device was uncovered.

This latest incident follows threats carried out to School of the Nations, Queens College, the Bishops’ High and Mae’s schools.

Public Security Ministry office assistant charged for robbery

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n office assistant attached to the Public Security Ministry was on Monday slapped with a robbery charge and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he was remanded to prison.

Shaquille Duncan denied that on February 5, 2019, at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, while being in the company of others and armed with a gun, he robbed Steve Munroe called “Pablo” of a gold chain valued $360,000.

The 25-year-old of Lot 1917 Willemstad Road, Festival City, Georgetown, stood before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

Prosecutor Quinn Harris objected to bail on the ground of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. The prosecutor also pointed out that a gun was used in the commission of the robbery.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant and the Virtual Complainant had a scuffle after he grabbed the chain by which time public-spirited citizens were able to assist the victim.

During the botched robbery, Duncan was allegedly shot by his accomplice.

Reports are, Duncan was shot to his left arm by his partner, who fired several shots as public-spirited persons helped the VC. The accomplice managed to escape, leaving Duncan and the gun at the scene.

In court on Monday, the Prosecution contended that on February 5, at about 16:35h, the VC was hanging out on Mandela Avenue and Plaza Bridge when two men who were armed with a gun approached him and snatched his gold chain.

After listening to the prosecution’s facts, the Magistrate remanded Duncan to prison. The case will continue on March 4, 2019.

Still waiting…

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…for public officials’ Code of Conduct ur dual-citizen Minister of Business, Gaskin, announced that by this Friday, Guyana will have a “Minibus Code of Conduct”!! Imagine that!! We’ll have minibus drivers and conductors wearing slick-looking uniforms instead of those ratty and dingy outfits that looked like they were handed down by gold miners on their return from the bush!! Conductors will be politely inquiring, with a smile, whether you’d like to travel in their spanking new “carriages” and inform you of the fare in advance!!

No more pulling or tugging between competing touts vying for your body and being willing to tear you apart –in addition to parting you with your money!! And best of all, they will address you as “Ma’am or Sir” and turn off the music the moment you let them know you’re going crazy with the cacophony!! Truly, Guyana will be creating transportation history in the Region. But as your Eyewitness breathed a deep sigh of satisfaction as he contemplated this coming nirvana, he wondered what had become of that Code of Conduct which had been promised in the PNC-led coalition’s Manifesto.

The PNC and AFC had made quite a sturm and drang about the PPP officials when they’d been in office. All sorts of accusations had been hurled their way from the then Opposition parties both in and out of the National Assembly – graft, corruption, inaccessible, and so on and so forth. When they got into office, they (fervently) promised, they’d institute a Code of Conduct (COC) so thorough, their people in Government would be purer than Caesar’s wife!!

Within three months of forming the Government in 2015, with great fanfare and trumpeting, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo announced that Raphael Trotman would be heading a Committee to draft their COC. And within another few months a Draft was submitted which proposed “ten guiding principles” that rivalled the ten commandments brought down by the other Moses: Accountability, Dignity, Diligence, Duty, Honour, Integrity.

Loyalty, Objectivity, Responsibility and Transparency!!

Sadly, it soon became clear that these COC principles were not cast in stone. Nagamootoo hemmed and hawed about combining the COC with the Integrity Legislation – which none of the Opposition had bothered with. Then claimed he’d have to submit it to the Parliamentary Drafters, etc – much like the foot-dragging exercise now being conducted by GECOM!!

In the meantime, Ministers signed away Guyana’s oil for a pittance; assaulted and jailed security guards to get to their fried rice, issued sole-sourced contracts; insisted that only PNC members could “get wuk”; dabbled in hocking fuel and evading taxes, etc, etc!!

Ahhh…but isn’t it great minibus operators will follow rules of etiquette and social graces!! They got a COC!! …“Political Reform” Another promise made by the PNC-led coalition in their Manifesto was “Political Reforms”: “APNU/AFC recognise that the Constitution, in its present form, does not serve the best interest of Guyana or its people”. They promised a “new constitution which will put the necessary checks and balances in place to consolidate our ethos of liberal democracy.” But as with the COC, a Committee was speedily set up; it made recommendations to Moses Nagamootoo and then…deafening silence!!!

Sadly, the Manifesto had already spelled out a specific change – taken from the Cummingsburg Accord – for the President to share power with the PM! They labelled it, “Shared Executive Responsibilities” and it was supposed to’ve been implemented as soon as they got into office.

It would’ve seen Nagamootoo “chairing the Cabinet and in charge of domestic affairs”, not to mention “appointing heads of agencies”.

But why go on? Like with Nagamootoo, this government thinks the Guyanese people are a pack of fools.

Prove them wrong next elections. Payback’s a b*tch!! …for freedom?

Simona “I is” Broomes was caught on video booming out her “cover” of Marley’s “War”! Broomes says she’s ready to wage “war” all over Guyana – against the PPP! What now?? Firing more sugar workers?? Isn’t that “sub human bondage” Marley warned against??

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

news

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tuesday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Energy Department prepared to reject wasteful cost oil claims …audit contract likely by March

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he Department of Energy on Monday made it clear that it is prepared to reject any expenses deemed to be wasteful that were included in ExxonMobil’s cost oil claims to Guyana.

This was communicated by special advisor to Guyana’s Energy

Department, Matthew Wilks, in its first press conference for the year at the Ministry of the Presidency.

According to Wilks, the whole point of having the cost oil claims audited is to weed out wasteful expenditure.

“Let me put it bluntly. If anyone tries to charge costs which are unwarrant-

ed or not benchmarked to norms by being excessive, the Department will reject them. That is the purpose of cost recovery audits. It’s not merely to sign off on costs; it’s to say no under the right circumstances.”

Wilks made it clear that some costs will be turned down, once found to be ex-

cessive. The advisor explained that this is always an understanding in oil and gas exploration and that the Department has no compunction with saying no to Exxon.

“So no will be said...when we look at costs, that’s the whole purpose of getting qualified companies in who have experience in auditing, who have benchmarking capabilities, is so they can

Berbicians protest non-removal of NA Hospital CEO

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Berbicians on Monday protesting the non-removal of the NA Hospital CEO over poor services offered at the facility

esidents of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Monday staged a picketing exercise outside of the New Amsterdam Hospital following reports that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) remains on the job even after the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) had announced that she would be removed.

Following the picketing in front of the hospital, the group of protesters went to the Health Services Director’s office and continued their picketing exercise before returning to the hospital.

Outside the hospital, the group chanted for the removal of the CEO, Dr Samantha Kennedy, while at the Health Director’s office they chanted slogans suggesting that the Director of Health Services, Jevaughn Stephen has been covering up mismanagement.

As the protestors made their way from the Health Director’s office, a group of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) supporters met them in a counter-protest. Some of the APNU protestors attempted to pull away the placards from those who were against the CEO

and Stephen’s alleged actions.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Regional Health Committee, Zamal Hussain on Monday called on Stephen to apologise to the people of Berbice for being dishonest regarding the removal of Dr Samantha Kennedy as the CEO of the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Hussain also warned that the region will not sit idly by and allow the New Amsterdam Hospital to be mismanaged.

Last Thursday, Hussain had informed the RDC that Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Public Health Ministry Colette Adams informed the Health Committee that the hospital would be getting a new CEO. However, on Friday, Stephen told the media that the CEO was not fired.

On Monday, Stephen met the protestors who were also calling for his removal.

In response to the allegations that he misled the public, Stephen told the media that this was not the case.

Hussain, who lead the picketing exercise, said the Director of Health Services, the Junior Health Minister

and the PS are misleading the public since it was promised that the CEO would be replaced because of mismanagement and deficiencies in the health service in Berbice but this decision has been reversed.

He added that it is “sad because of all the deficiencies which are being experienced in the health sector, they are still holding on the Dr Kennedy.”

While both the Health Services Director and the Health Committee Chairman are of different views on the CEO’s removal, <<<Guyana Times>>> was able to obtain a recording of the meeting between the PS and Hussain.

“We are also looking to have the CEO’s position looked at and have someone from the region fill that position. The CEO’s position was temporary,” the PS is heard saying in the recording.

The issues at the New Amsterdam Hospital were highlighted some weeks ago when frustrated residents in the region took to the streets to protest, among other things, poor services at the facility, drug shortages, the death of a resident and the nonfunctioning mortuary.

look at the costs, they can benchmark them and tell the Government if the cost is excessive or in the right order.”

“If anything is excessive and there is no good reason for it being there, it will be disallowed. So if an operator expends too much, or doesn’t seek cost efficiencies, it might be spending its own money and not the Government.”

Meanwhile, Energy Department Head, Dr Mark Bynoe noted that out of 13 firms interested in the cost oil audit, five have been shortlisted. He said that the Department is awaiting their technical and financial proposals for further evaluation. Bynoe was optimistic that this contract would be awarded by March of this year.

The ExxonMobil Production Sharing agreement stipulates that the oil company has to recoup over US$400 million from oil and gas revenue.

After its 10th discovery of oil in the Stabroek

Block, ExxonMobil has estimated the recoverable resource in the block to be 5 billion oil equivalent barrels. At US$50 a barrel, that equates to well over US$200 billion. In addition, an independent assessment, or competent persons report, had found that 2.9 billion barrels of oil existed in the Orinduik block.

Exxon is expected to use revenue from its production in order to recoup its capital investment. Whatever remains of this is the ‘profit oil’ Guyana will have to split with the oil company and its associates.

According to Annex C of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed with Exxon, pre-contract cost “shall include four hundred and sixty million, two hundred and thirty seven hundred thousand and nine hundred and eighteen United States Dollars (US$ 460,237,918) in respect of all such costs incurred under the 1999 Petroleum Agreement prior to the year ended 2015.”

10 news

tuesday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

59 motorcycles impounded Classes suspended until Wednesday at Mae’s Schools during Police search …after bomb threats made operations

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…24 arrested

Some of the motorcycles that were impounded by Police

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olice ranks of A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) on Saturday conducted several cordon and search operations where 18 persons were detained and questioned for several criminal offences.

Reports are the operation was carried out by senior Police officers who questioned the individuals in relation to robbery under arms, simple larceny and housebreaking offences.

Meanwhile, a similar exercise was carried out between 23:00h on Sunday and 05:00h on Monday by ranks

of the said Division at the Georgetown Seawalls from Camp Street to Vlissengen Road.

During this activity, six persons were arrested for various offences and 59 motorcycles were impounded. A dozen cycles were also abandoned by the riders during the operation.

A verification of the authenticity of the documents of the said cycles is being carried out since many are suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained.

Some 70 grams of cannabis was also found.

Body of psychiatric patient found in abandoned house

The house in which the man’s body was found

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he body of a patient of the National Psychiatric Hospital situated at Fort Canje, Berbice was on Monday morning discovered at an abandoned house at Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The dead man has been identified only as Porter.

According to reports, the 52-year-old man left the National Psychiatric Hospital on February 4 to collect his public assistance but never returned.

This publication understands that Porter was discharged from the institution a few weeks ago but no one went to collect him and as such, he remained there.

“He was in an open ward

and not considered as being mentally ill,” Director of Health Services, Jevaughn Stephen told Guyana Times on Monday.

Stephen said Porter was allowed to leave to collect his public assistance on a monthly basis and had always returned.

There was an official report of him being missing.

The body was discovered at an abandoned house which was previously used as a watch house for a quarrying company in New Amsterdam. The building has not been in use for more than two years and is situated two miles away from the National Psychiatric Hospital The police are investigating.

ae’s schools on Monday were forced to suspend classes until Wednesday after threats of bombing were made to the educational institution over the weekend via social media.

According to a statement issued by the school’s administration, the duration of the suspended classes is uncertain.

“The extent of this shutdown is uncertain at this time.

As soon as the logistics are in place for the resumption of classes, you will be informed accordingly via print and electronic media” the school’s administration stated.

Even though the Guyana Police Force stated that there is no real significance behind the issued threats, the school is taking no chances as it posited that safety and security of the students and staffs are of much importance.

When this publication visited the school on

Students waiting outside Mae’s Schools to be picked up on Monday

Monday, parents were seen briskly entering the school’s compound to collect their children. Police personnel were also present at the scene where they brought out a sniffer dog to conduct a clean search of the school’s premises to ensure that no harmful devices were planted.

The school’s shutdown affected students from

playgroup to the secondary department.

Last week, parents of students attending School of the Nations protested at the Public Security Ministry’s office in Brickdam, Georgetown, after similar threats were issued to the school’s administration but not much information was forthcoming from the police.

It was related by the parents that they are willing to give a reward to anyone with information which would lead to the arrest of the proprietors so as to be sure that their children’s lives are not at risk.

The Guyana Police Force is investigating. This is the fifth educational institution to have been disrupted by bomb threats.

UG boosts security measures following bomb threats

…“We are not going to let efforts to destabilise us lead us into panic” – UG VC

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ollowing two consecutive days of bombing threats at the nation’s tertiary educational institution, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith on Monday assured that the institution will not allow efforts made to destabilise the University lead them into panic.

In fact, Griffith informed the media that improved security measures are being put in place at the educational facility.

Griffith was at the time speaking at a news conference hosted at the University’s Turkeyen Campus.

“We are not going to let efforts to destabilise us lead us into panic. We are going to be steadfast and methodical, mindful of what our responsibilities to our students and our staff and the community (are) and we know that some of what we are introducing may cause some discomfort. We will just have to manage that discomfort but we are not gonna be destabilised,” he said.

Among the added security measures, the VC said that all persons and vehicles entering the campus will now require some form of identification, beginning on Wednesday.

According to the Vice Chancellor, from tomorrow the new protocol will be conducted for a two-week

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith

span, which will be trailed by an evaluation to trigger modifications if necessary.

He admitted that the University’s approach to use and display identification (ID) badges is very lacklustre among both students and staffers and this is one area which will require immediate change.

Come Wednesday persons will not be allowed to enter the campus without their ID badges. If any student or staffer does not have their badge in their possession, they will be required to present some other form of identification before they are allowed entrance.

Additionally, all vehicles entering will be checked for the University’s sticker.

“We are going to be taking a stronger approach ensuring that vehicles that don’t have a UG sticker have a

way of identifying at least who the driver and passengers in those vehicles are,” Griffith posited.

The Vice Chancellor added that a significant amount of traffic uses the south gate, again with very little identification checks being conducted.

He said the University will be restricting access through the south gate unless an identification badge or sticker is provided.

When it comes to the minibuses and taxis dropping students off, the VC noted that the existing protocol will be maintained with a few variations. He explained that those minibuses with UG stickers will be allowed to enter the compound to drop off passengers at the security checkpoint and proceed to the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) building to turn around.

Additionally, random vehicle and other searches are expected to be conducted.

According to the VC, he is aware that bag checks would be appropriate at this time, however, the University is not equipped with the manpower to conduct it. He, however, noted that the University is seeking to implement an electronic verification program for students using their badges in the future.

In relation to the students who were affected and missed classes, he as-

sured that the University will make up for that.

Investigations

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, Linden Alves, made it clear that the GPF, although it has never dealt with such bomb threats before, is well prepared and ready to pursue such cases.

“The Guyana Police Force is adequately equipped and ready to deal with situations of the present nature,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner told members of the press that someone was taken into custody and charged for improper use of the public telecommunications system while contravening Section 33 1 (B) of the Telecommunication Act under Chapter 4702.

“Based on statements that we have obtained so far that is what is taking us further and we will go as far as we practically can deal with this issue…There are other persons that they are looking at…” the Deputy Commissioner said.

Alves clarified that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is not working in isolation on this case and is, in fact, seeking the aid of regional and international expertise.

Last week the University was evacuated, which led to classes being suspended because of two consecutive days of bombing threats to the institution.

11 TUESday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

12 TUESday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Are your Valentine’s Day roses saying more than you think?

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ou meant to say, “thank you”, but instead you said, “I’m falling for you!”

When you send Valentine’s Day flowers, you’re honouring a tried and tested tradition.

However, sending roses of certain colours may say more than you think.

“Sending roses on Valentine’s Day is a classic idea and will always win you points, but make sure that the colour of the roses matches your true feelings.”

Red roses are the traditional way to say “I love you”, and are, therefore, the most popular flower sent on Valentine’s Day. However, think beyond red this year. Valentine’s Day is when we

celebrate love, of course, but in the people we love, there is often much more to celebrate.

Luckily, for almost every feeling and sentiment, there is a colour of rose.

What the flowers convey:

Red: “I love you” Nothing says “I love you” like red roses. Red symbolises love, beauty, courage, respect, romantic love, and even congratulations.

White: “I am the one for you” While many send red roses on Valentine’s Day, surprise your Valentine this year with white

roses that symbolise true love, purity, innocence, reverence, humility, youthfulness, and charm.

Pink: “Thank you” Perfect for a friend that you want to honour on Valentine’s Day, pink roses show appreciation, grace, perfect happiness, admiration, gratefulness, and gentleness.

Yellow: “We’re friends and I care about you” Another way to honour your friendship, yellow stands for joy,

gladness, friendship, delight, new beginnings, welcome back, and remembrance.

Yellow with Red Tip: “I’m falling in love with you” The beautiful sunset roses

let that new person in your life know that you want more than friendship – they symbolise falling in love.

Orange/Coral: “I want you in my life” Orange lets the receiver know that you are passionate about them.

The colour means desire, enthusiasm, and fascination.

Red and White Together: “We are a great match” Send a mixed bouquet of red and white roses to your Valentine to signify unity.

Peach: “Let’s make this a memorable Valentine’s Day”

If you are ready to say, “Let’s get together”, peach roses are the ones to choose as the rose colour symbolises intimacy.

If there’s not a rose colour that says precisely what you feel, Nesha’s offers a variety of arrangements with colourful flowers such as tulips and lilies that will be sure to brighten anyone’s Valentine’s Day. If you really want to go above and beyond, couple our flowers with a Valentine’s Day gifts for her.

So, this Valentine’s Day, make sure you are sending your special someone the right signals with the right Valentine’s Day flowers from Nesha’s Flowerland

13 TUESday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Why we give chocolates on Valentine’s Day

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hocolate as an aphrodisiac: truth or myth? This concept dates back to the Aztecs when it was said that Emperor Montezuma would consume cocoa to fuel romantic urges. Later, when Spanish Conquistadors discovered this love potion, it was said that chocolate became a popular item that gentlemen gifted to their ladies. And now, science searches to prove or dismiss this phenomenon in efforts to understand why we gift chocolates on Valentine’s Day. To its credit, it was discovered that chocolate contained two chemicals – phenylethylamine and serotonin, associated with heightening romantic urges and enhancing happiness and overall energy. When released into the human body, these chemicals cause a release in hormones that uplift a person’s mood and create a sense of euphoria, a feel-good trance if you will. These chemicals increase one’s blood pressure and blood sugar levels to those which are similar to those in love.

Now, whether these chemicals are potent enough to create romantic urges is an ongoing scientific debate. Some scientists aim to prove that while chocolate contains chemicals associated with feelings of happiness, love, and passion, the phenylethylamine content is too small to produce a measurable effect on desire.

Confused? It cannot go unnoticed that chocolate contains chemical components that trigger feelings of well-being, happiness, even if they may not be in a romantic way. So, some argue that perhaps the whole idea of chocolate gift giving for the purpose of romance,

especially around Valentine’s Day, is a psychological act, rather than a scientific one. What makes chocolate romantic is entirely contextual. Throughout history

we have been told and shown over and over again that gifting chocolate on Valentine’s Day is the ultimate romantic gesture of love. (xocolatti.com)

14 TUESday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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alentine’s Day, legend says, originated during the third century in Rome. During this time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men. A young priest named Valentine was furious with this injustice and defied Claudius by continuing to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Claudius eventually discovered Valentine’s actions and sentenced him to death (not quite the fate of those who fail to buy their significant others flowers on Valentine’s Day, but clearly a lesson to be learnt from history!).

During his time in jail, Valentine fell in love with his jailer’s daughter, who visited him in prison. Before he

was put to death, Valentine sent a letter to the girl and signed it, “From Your Valentine” – an expression we still use today.

Valentine was executed on February 14, 270 AD. Later, around 496 AD, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 a day to honour Valentine, who by that time had become a saint.

Today, we continue to honour St Valentine and recall the history of Valentine’s Day each year on February 14 by celebrating our love for significant others, friends, and family. For thousands of years, the middle of February has been a time for fertility festival celebrations, so it is no wonder Valentine’s Day flowers are often the Valentine’s Day gift of choice around this time of year. For

centuries, flowers h a v e symbolised f e r t i l i t y, love, marriage, and romance.

The history of giving your loved one Valentine’s Day flowers comes from the old-fashioned custom of sending floral bouquets to pass

on non-verbal messages.

Introduced in the 18th Century by Charles II of Sweden, each flower had a specific meaning attached to it, making it possible to have an entire conversation using only flowers. Today, people continue to send flowers on special occasions or to express sentiments of love and admiration.

In addition to flowers, other contemporary symbols of Valentine’s Day include chocolates, candy hearts, and cards.

According to the US Greeting Card Association, approximately one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year worldwide, making it the second largest card-sending

holiday.

The history of Valentine’s Day says to send flowers

Valentine’s Day is also one of the biggest holidays to send flowers. The rose is the traditional Valentine’s Day flower, as it signifies romantic love, but there are many other flowers that people send to communicate the different types of love they feel for those important people in their lives. This Valentine’s Day, many flower shops have created magnificent bouquets that fit every type of love and budget.

With Valentine’s Day choices that cover the spectrum of affection, here are a few suggestions Roses – A holiday • tradition offers a selection of one, two, or three dozen long-stemmed or short-stemmed red roses to send to your love this Valentine’s Day. Three Days of Valentines • – Your love is so hot that you need more than just one day to celebrate.

Surprise your sweetheart by sending her/him one bouquet on Valentine’s Day and two others during the following days. Continue celebrating your love for one another after Valentine’s Day is over.

Scent with Love – Send • your crush this mixed bouquet of pink oriental lilies, white freesia, and bells of Ireland this Valentine’s Day to find out if Cupid’s arrow has struck and she/he feels the same way about you!

Valentine’s Day • Spectacular – Use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to remind your mom and/or grandma that you love her and are thinking about her, whether she is near or far, with a beautiful arrangement of stargazers and blue irises.

Loves Me, Loves Me Not • Daisies – Single or not, remind your friend how fabulous she/he is this Valentine’s Day and how much you treasure your friendship by sending this pretty arrangement of daisies. (www.proflowers.com)

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tuesday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Morris Prince freed of 2016 execution-style killing

Morris Prince, in the white shirt, embraced his loved ones after being unanimously freed of murder

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creams of joy erupted in Justice Navindra Singh’s courtroom on Monday afternoon when Morris Prince was freed of the murder of O’ Riley Small, who was killed execution-style as he was about to open the gate to his Smyth Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown residence on March 16, 2016.

The former defendant declined to speak with reporters after being freed as he was in the midst of embrac-

es from emotional relatives.

Moments prior, the jury returned with the unanimous not guilty verdict after nearly three hours of deliberations at the High Court. At one point, the court’s marshal ordered silence when some of the relatives screamed out as the verdict was announced by the jury’s forewoman.

Prince was represented by Attorney Mark Waldron, who disputed the Prosecution’s evidence which was led in

part by ex-Police Corporal Derwayne Eastman, who said he saw Prince crouched over at the crime scene with a reportedly unlicensed firearm. The discharged rank had also told the court that when revisited the scene to see if Prince was still there; he had left. Corporal Eastman had also testified that he along with other ranks later went to the Rio Night Club where Prince was contacted and was later taken into custody.

It was also stated during the trial that a search of Prince’s car unearthed a hoodie with a marijuana leaf – similar to what the dead man’s sister, Charlene Forde, claimed she saw when the gunman fled the scene. During her testimony, Forde stated that she was about to open the door on that fateful night when she heard rapid gunshots only to discover her brother lying in blood. She testified that it was one day before her birthday.

Police Inspector Eon Jackson, a ballistics expert, outlined that he examined ten .40 spent shells and two .40 bullets which were hand-

Murdered: O’ Riley Small

ed over to him by Corporal Radcliff. Jackson reasoned that the weapon used was either a .40 pistol or a 10mm pistol.

Police Corporal Radcliff had testified earlier in the trial that gunshot residue was found when he tested Prince while he was in custody but the Defence had argued that a Police Station would have been contaminated by such a material.

State Counsels Tuanna Hardy, Abigail Gibbs and Teriq Mohammed prosecuted the case.

Wanted bulletin issued for Capoey Lake murder suspect

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for 19-yearold Carl Welcome Jnr also known as “Ralph” of Swan, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Welcome is wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the murder of a 23-year-old excavator operator, who was found dead on December 17, 2018, with a slit to the throat at his home at about 05:00h.

Dead is Shervin Melville of Capoey Lake, Essequibo Coast. Initial reports stated that the deceased had a “holiday drink” for close friends and relatives at his home the evening before the incident occurred.

Relatives of the victim related to this publication that while imbibing, Melville left his home to purchase cigarettes at a nearby shop and returned with a young man whom he invited. When asked about the stranger by relatives, the now dead man said that he invited him to have a drink. While relatives retired to bed, Melville continued drinking with the stranger. The following

Wanted: Carl Welcome Jr also known as “Ralph”

morning, Melville’s lifeless body was discovered lying face down in the house but the young man he had invited was nowhere to be found.

The Force is advising anyone with relevant information which may lead to the arrest of Welcome to kindly make contact with the police on telephone numbers: 226-6978, 225-8196, 777-5360, 455-2238, 4552267, 227-1149, 226-7065, 911 or visit the nearest police station. According to the Force, any information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Rio Inn manager charged for operating brothel Miner charged for killing

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he manager of a popular night club and bar, Rio, was charged on Monday for operating a brothel at the place of his business knowing it to be illegal.

Andy Bynoe, who denied the offence, stood be-

fore Principle Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The hotelier of Lot 248 Foreshaw and Oronoque Streets, Queenstown, was represented by Attorney-at-

Law Keoma Griffith, who made a bail application on his behalf.

However, Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris requested that bail only be granted on the condition that the defendant lodges

his passport and report to the Criminal Investigation Department every Friday until completion of the matter. Bynoe was released on $30,000. He will make his next court appearance on February 18, 2019.

Region 10 Chairman criticises decision to remove doctors from Linden

Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Chairman Renis Morian

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he Wismar Hospital in Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice) has seen some upgrades and improvement with the functioning of its maternity and children wards but other pressing issues have been raised in relation to the movement of resources to other institutions.

Regional Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council Renis Morian shared some of his concerns after a visit was made to the hospital in the company of Regional Executive Officer, Orrin Gordon.

Director of Regional Health Services, Kay Shako was criticised for removing doctors from the medical facility and placing them elsewhere. This did not go well the Chairman, who noted that when these decisions are made, improvements are hampered.

“Every time we put and improve things at the hospital, they move it and carry it somewhere else and this is the challenge…Now I think we have three doctors working there and now somebody from Georgetown want to move the body from here and take them to Georgetown. We are now bringing up our services to par, it hasn’t meet par that

Director of the Regional Health Services, Kay Shako

it was before, but we are now trying,” he said.

Morian said that he intends to raise this matter with the subject Minister, Volda Lawrence, to find a permanent resolution since there are also intentions of moving the sole x-ray technician to another facility.

“What is happening to us, that is the lone x-ray technician, what is really

happening to us? But we objecting to it, we will object to it,” he declared.

In expressing strong and direct words to the Public Health Ministry, the Regional Chairman voiced his condemnation of these actions by saying, “The Regional Democratic Council [of] Region Ten is working very hard to bring it back to where it was before, every time we say that we coming to par somebody pulling away, we don’t support on behalf of the residents of Upper DemeraraBerbice. Primarily, I want to be quoted as saying that Dr Shako can take doctors from elsewhere to send wherever she wants”.

The argument continued as he noted that this may be a deliberate attempt to stall progress in the region. The Regional Chairman said that every time the region is making gains, it is being reduced.

drinking partner

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33-year-old miner was on Monday remanded to prison by the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, after he was charged and taken to court for the capital offence of murder.

Paul Charles of Foulmouth Village, Essequibo River, was not required to plead to the indictable charge. It is alleged that on February 7, 2019, at Foulmouth Village, he murdered his drinking partner, Cedric James. He was remanded to prison and the case will continue on February 21 at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

Reports are the Essequibo River man was allegedly stabbed to death

by Charles after the two had an argument over an incident that occurred almost ten years ago.

Investigations revealed that the suspect and the deceased were imbibing at the landing when an argument ensued between the two over an incident that occurred in 2009.

Due to the disagreement, it is alleged that the suspect became annoyed, armed himself with a knife and stabbed the labourer to the neck several times before fleeing the scene.

The now dead man was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital by public-spirited persons but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Bartica man accused of rape on $150,000 bail

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andy Peters of Carabese Hill, Bartica, was released on $150,000 bail by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The 31-year-old salesman appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

It is alleged that between January 1 to January 31, 2019, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 16.

Reports revealed that

family members of the 13-year-old became aware of the incident after she was questioned by a relative who became suspicious.

The teen then related to her parents what had transpired between herself and Peters and a report was made to the Bartica Police Station.

The accused will make his next court appearance at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on February 21, 2019.

16 News

tuesdAY, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Boys to get access to HPV GRDB probing mouldy rice vaccinations soon – Public shipped to Jamaica Health Minister T …lauds Guyana’s immunisation success

Attendees of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Quarterly Review Meeting which was held at the Pegasus on Monday

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hile underscoring the importance of immunisation which helps to protect people from various diseases, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence lauded the successes made thus far in ensuring that Guyanese of all ages are covered under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), but not without mentioning the challenges the country also faces.

Minister Lawrence was at the time delivering remarks at the opening of the Maternal Child Health (MCH) Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Quarterly Review Meeting which was held at the Pegasus on Monday. The forum focused on maternal and child mortality, as well as immunisation.

In recognition of the benefits of immunisation, there has been need to extend immunisation coverage worldwide, especially in low income countries which have the highest maternal mortality rates.

Minister Lawrence noted that Guyana has registered great success with support from various stakeholders but there will always be a need for improvement and further expansion.

She observed that with the constant bordering traffic and increasing outbreak of diseases such as measles and yellow fever, there is an urgent need for more active monitoring and surveillance of what is happening.

While significant strides have been made on the coast, access to remote areas of the country remains a hindrance to the process, the Minister reported.

“I wish to state that the potential and sustainability of our country are strongly linked to a healthy nation. I want to reiterate that monitoring and appropriate management of our health systems are intrinsic to us making substantial progress,” she told the participants.

Equal access

Guyana is among the countries that have benefited significantly from the Global Vaccine Action Plan

(GVAP) initiative in procuring vaccines for children. Currently, 17 vaccines exist in the Public Health Ministry’s vaccination schedule to which every child has equal access.

Minister Lawrence said that the campaign is reaching many girls with a strong focus on young adolescents, particularly in the hinterland. “We are not trying to stop our girls from having children in the future, but stopping them from having cancer,” she explained.

In announcing that Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines will be given to boys and girls now, the Minister said that it is hoped that more people could become advocates and speak to people in churches, mosques, temples and clubs, educating them on the work regarding immunisation.

Guyana was successful with its immunisation programme over the decades.

This has come about with the strategies used to combat preventable diseases

particularly in children.

According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Guyana’s EPI was initiated during the late 1970s with vaccinations against 6 diseases namely: measles, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, diphtheria and tuberculosis.

The last case of yellow fever was in 1968, and measles in 1991.

At the end of 2017, the programme now offers additional antigens against the following diseases: yellow fever, Hepatitis B, mumps, heamophilus influenza, rubella, rotavirus and pneumococcal, meningococcal and Human Papilloma Virus. This programme has expanded from a child immunisation programme to a family immunisation programme.

PAHO in collaboration with the Ministry has been making efforts to strengthen surveillance and conduct vaccination mop-up activities in the bordering and outlying communities.

he Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is probing the circumstances surrounding the shipment of 70 metric tonnes of White Cinderella rice which was confiscated in Jamaica after it was found unsuitable for human consumption.

This announcement comes after numerous media reports on the incident as General Manager of the GRDB, Nizam Hassan continues to maintain that no rice has been shipped to Jamaica from Guyana by the miller who packages under the Cinderella brand for the year.

He stated that the last shipment left Guyana on December 15, 2018, and arrived four days after several mandatory tests.

“We have since reached out to the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries in Jamaica and are awaiting a response. The situation is puzzling since the last shipment left Guyana on the 15th December and arrived on the 19th December 2018. Like any other shipment, the rice that was sent to Jamaica underwent a series of physical tests and was certified. The Board conducts such tests on paddy, rice and rice by-products prior to any shipment leaving Guyana,” Hassan said.

GRDB said that its export records revealed that the supplier has not received any complaints from the buyer in Jamaica to date.

“It is very important that the rice be stored in a dry place. Mould and other

The Guyana Rice Development Board

bacteria can develop on the grain if the rice is exposed to moisture or becomes wet in storage,” Hassan said.

The rice was confiscated by the Ministry of Industries, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF) because of high microbial content after reaching the countries shores.

According to reports by Jamaica Observer, the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division of the Ministry impounded some 1575 bags of rice worth millions of dollars.

The grains, according to Jamaica Observer, were inspected and was found to have signs of mould, clumping discolouration and wetting and as such, detained by a food storage inspector.

These alarming discoveries ensured that a statutory detention notice was fixed and samples were submitted to the Division’s microbiology lab for testing.

Results showed that the rice contained microbial levels which are beyond the accepted limits, thus making it inapt for human consumption.

In keeping with the Food Storage and Prevention

of Infestation (FSPI) Act (1958) and Regulations (1973), provisions were made for the rice to be disposed of after discussions with the importer, who is said to be a large-scale distributor from the island.

This seizure is said to be the first for the year but an epidemic of poor quality rice exiting Guyana was seen in the recent months when Panama rejected some 20 containers of rice from Guyana back in September.

As such, one local miller, Turhane Doerga, commented on the matter and strongly stated that the GRBD should zero in on the quality of rice before it is exported.

“The GRDB is an insult to all law-abiding rice people in this country. The rice was shipped from Guyana.

Where was GRBD? The rice millers and everybody pay them so it is corruption. Bad rice is passing and it gives Guyana a bad name. This is my concern that again, Guyana is getting a bad name because the people who are paid to make sure that quality is shipped are not doing their jobs,” Doerga said.

“Blondie” denies knifing fish cleaner to death

By Shemuel Fanfair

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uaison Jones called “Blondie” on Monday denied killing fish cleaner Marlon Green at the Meadow Bank Wharf, Georgetown, during the early morning hours of January 17, 2011. After entering his not guilty plea before Justice James Bovell-Drakes, a 12-member jury was empanelled to hear the matter.

He is represented by Attorney Ronald BurchSmith while Prosecutors Tiffini Lyken and Tameika Clarke are presenting the State’s case. Eyewitnesses, who took the stand on Monday recalled seeing the accused over the deceased making stabbing motions.

Green’s brother, Rondell Singh, who also cleaned fish at the wharf said he and others ran to the scene after hearing Green “get bore up”. He said he saw the defendant over his brother and when he pushed him off, he saw a knife with blood and a hole in Green’s neck.

Accused: Quaison Jones called “Blondie”

“I see he cuff Marlon on de ground and when I reach, Blondie had a black-handled knife in he hand; de knife had blood pon it,” the dead man’s brother told the court.

Singh along with another witness, Nicolas Isaacs, who was also a fish cleaner testified that Jones ran away from the scene. Under cross-examination, 28-yearold Singh, who worked as a fish cleaner for around 17 years, said that he knew his brother smoked cigarettes but nothing else like weed or cocaine when probed by Burch-Smith.

The attorney suggested that his brother smoked “weed” which Singh denied.

The Defence further indicated that fellow witness Isaacs was not with Singh at the time he ran to Green which was also denied. As the cross-examination progressed, Singh seemed to encounter difficulties with his hearing and the attorney asked why this hearing difficulty developed suddenly. Burch-Smith had to also repeat himself sever-

Deceased fish cleaner Marlon Green

al times owing to the fish cleaner responding that he could not understand.

Isaacs, who said he knew “Blondie” for some four months prior to the incident also recounted how the events unfolded. He said he was 17 at the time and noted that he was with workmates Christopher Vieira and Rondell Singh, Green’s brother. He said too that after running

over to the scene, he saw a black-handled knife in the defendant’s hand. Under cross-examination, he denied that he and Green went to confront Blondie or that he had armed himself with a knife to attack the defendant.

Another witness, Steven Vieira, in whose yard the fish was being cleaned, denied suggestions under cross-examination that he could not clearly see Jones stabbing Green. Vieira said the stabbing occurred some 60 ft away from his home at Meadow Bank koker but Attorney Burch-Smith suggested it was 200 ft. Vieira had said earlier that Green was like a stepson to him and denied that he “cookedup” a story with his other relatives because of this relationship. Justice BovellDrakes reprimanded Vieira several times about not sticking to answering the questions being asked of him and further cautioned him against offering explanations. The trial continues at the High Court on Wednesday.

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tuesdAY, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Private Sector donations to aid ICT project to roll out in 20 Venezuelan migrants increase hinterland communities

Some of the items donated by Atlantic Southern Trades Incorporated to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for distribution in Region One

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ore Private Sector companies are coming on board to aid the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in their relief exercise to Venezuelan migrants.

A donation was made on Monday by the Atlantic Southern Trades Incorporated at the CDC’s headquarters in Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

The company’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Joseph Messiah, said the contribution seeks to support the ongoing exercise by the CDC to aid the migrants crossing into Guyana’s border regions. The company donated several food items, along with some toiletries.

CDC Director-General (ag), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as expressing much appreciation to the company for their timely donation. He emphasised that the products donated are those used by the Venezuelans, given their cul-

ture. The acting DirectorGeneral added that they are distributing supplies in remote communities in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Region One (BarimaWaini).

For the past several months, the Civil Defense Commission has been conducting distribution exercises in various communities in Region One where migrant families received basic food and sanitation supplies.

During the latter part of January, a total of 273 hygiene kits were distributed to migrant families in Eteringbang. Migrants in Khan’s Hill, Mabaruma and Imbotero also received hygiene kits and food hampers while 151 food hampers were distributed to migrants in Kaikan, Cuyuni Mazaruni.

The National MultiSectorial Coordinating Committee, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), has been providing relief to migrants in the border regions. Venezuelans have been crossing the bor-

der into Guyana to escape the political and socio-economic crisis in their homeland. These migrants have also been going through the registration process.

About two weeks ago, Region One’s Regional Chairman Brethnol Ashley had expressed worry over the fact that the region lacks resources to cater for the individuals who are seeking refuge there.

In a document to this newspaper, the Chairman stressed the lack of human resources, adding that shortages of drugs and other medical supplies continue to plague the region as a result of the high number of Venezuelans.

These matters were highlighted during a special meeting between regional executives. The meeting was attended by the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), Pauline Lucas and others. It was hosted with the intent of establishing a collaboration between the two regions to address the number of issues birthed as a result of the increased influx of Venezuelans.

“There continues to be shortage of drugs and medical supply as a result of the increased number of Venezuelans seeking medical and other attention,” the Chairman pointed out.

The Chairman had told the visiting team that he would be thankful for any assistance while noting that officials in the region are faced with increased challenges and difficulties and support from Region Four’s health sector would be appreciated.

(From left to right) Project Manager Phillip Walcott, UNDP Representative Vidya Lokhnauth, UNDP Resident Representative Roberto Glavez, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes and NDMA Chairman Floyd Lewis

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s part of the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Access and E-Services to Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities Project, 20 out of the 200 listed communities are soon to benefit from this initiative, primarily in the education sector.

Public Communications Minister, Cathy Hughes on Monday convened a meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) with stakeholders across the country to address some of the new developments in the project which was inked back in 2016.

Funded by the United Nations Development Programme, some US$608,000 has been expended so far for assessments, which will see the completion of hubs across 20 communities.

This is deemed as a pilot project which will determine how the other 180 projects are executed.

According to officials, these internet hotspots should be ready for commissioning by June.

Through satellites, four megabytes per second bandwidth will be used in ar-

eas such Apoteri, Monkey Mountain, Kako, Shulinab, Kaikan, Surama, Jawalla, Philippi, Paruima, Isseneru, Kangaruma, Tasserene, Kurukubaru, Toka, Maruranau, Karaudanau, Kimbia, Wiruni, Aranaputa and Rewa.

In giving her remarks, the Minister explained that the gap between the hinterland and coast will somewhat be bridged with this mechanism since persons will be exposed to all that is happening.

“We’re excited that our ICT Access and E-Services to Hinterland, Poor And Remote Communities Project is really going to transform members of our indigenous communities… who for the first time will be able to access information communication services at a much higher level than has been provided in Guyana.”

As part of the project, it was highlighted by Chairman of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Floyd Levi that students will be exposed to e-learning through live streaming and pre-recorded sessions.

“This project will en-

hance our capabilities of providing e-learning to remote and hinterland communities.

Classes conducted in Georgetown can be recorded or even livestreamed to residents in the hinterland,” said Levi.

He added that it will allow for applications to be filled online, which eliminates covering large distances to do so on the coast.

Added to that, they are also looking at providing telemedicine.

The NDMA Chairman emphasised the fact that service providers face numerous difficulties in reaching these locations. As such, they are targeting communities which are unable to access services. For now, the cost of equipping each area varies because of the location.

Project Manager, Phillip Walcott noted that after extensive research, they were able to identify the necessities of these areas and the approaches that are necessary.

Through the National Implementation Modality, the project is funded under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIFF) and is valid for five years.

More than 100 dead after drinking China retaliates after Turkey’s bootleg alcohol in India claims about Abdurehim Heyit

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ore than 100 people died in two Indian States after drinking bootleg alcohol, Police and media said on Monday, in the worst such case in years.

Many of those who died in Haridwar in Uttarakhand State and two districts in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh complained of stomach pains and respiratory problems, relatives and officials said.

Police have arrested four people in connection with the deaths, Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police Janmaijai Prabhakar told Reuters.

“Total casualties in Haridwar remain at 36 and right now around 18 people are undergoing treatment,” he said.

Officials in Uttar Pradesh could not be reached for latest casualty figures on Monday, but at least 69 people have died in the State, according to newspapers Indian Express and Times of India.

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A woman is consoled after her husband’s death from bootleg alcohol in Saharanpur, northern State of Uttar Pradesh, India

Deaths from illegally-produced alcohol, known locally as “hooch” or “country liquor”, are a regular occurrence in India, where many cannot afford branded spirits.

But the current death toll is believed to be the deadliest outbreak since a similar case killed 172 in West Bengal in 2011.

“He complained of severe stomach ache, so I took him to get an injection,” the wife of one victim, Hira Lal, told

Reuters partner ANI. “He was better then and slept after coming back home.

(But) the pain resumed, so we took him to the hospital again and they admitted him.”

The District Magistrate of Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh, Alok Kumar Pandey, said last week that doctors had concluded many victims died “due to liver infection and problems in their respiratory system”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

hina has railed at Turkish claims it is mistreating its Uighur minority, after a dispute about the fate of a prominent musician.

Turkey cited reports Abdurehim Heyit had died in a detention camp, and called China’s treatment of the Uighurs a “great embarrassment for humanity”.

China then released a video allegedly showing Mr Heyit alive.

The Uighurs are a Muslim minority in north-western China who speak a language closely related to Turkish.

They have come under intense surveillance by the authorities and up to a million Uighurs are reportedly being detained. A significant number of Uighurs have fled to Turkey from China in recent years.

China has asked Turkey to revoke its “false” claims.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said the musician was “very healthy”.

“We hope the relevant

A screenshot of the footage appearing to show Abdurehim Heyit

Turkish persons can distinguish between right and wrong and correct their mistakes,” spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry had said that detained Uighurs were being subjected to “torture” in “concentration camps”.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said the reports of Mr Heyit’s death “further strengthened the Turkish public’s reaction to the serious human rights

violations in Xinjiang”.

China has described the comments as “completely unacceptable”.

Meanwhile Nury Turkel - Chairman of the US-based Uyghur Human Rights Project - told the BBC that some aspects of the video were “suspicious”.

Mr Turkel says China has the technology to doctor the footage and said it was “their responsibility to prove the video is authentic”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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tuesday, february 12, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

You’ll be right on target.

Negotiate, discuss your options and let others know what you want. An opportunity to travel or spend time with someone interesting will motivate you.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Make sure an offer is legitimate. Ask questions and take notes. If something sounds suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is. Proceed with caution.

CANCER

Don’t feel pressured to make a decision or change just because someone else does so. Slow down and only take the plunge when you feel the time is right. Love and romance are highlighted.

Look for opportunities that are solid and free of hidden agendas that could cause emotional turmoil.

A change is favored, but it may not be lucrative.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Look at every angle before you throw your hat in the ring. If you underestimate the extent of a job or an opponent’s skills, you’ll have trouble living up to your expectations.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Initiate a meeting or network with people who have something you want. Use your charm, intelligence and experience to win favors and a place at the negotiating table.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Look at your options, and if you don’t see one that is going to bring you what you want, go back to the drawing board and make some adjustments.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You know your stuff, so don’t hold back. Step up to the podium and say what you think. Your opinion may not please everyone, but it will establish what’s possible.

SUDOKU

A physical challenge will SAGITTARIUS get you moving, but don’t (Nov. 23- take on the impossible lest Dec. 21) an injury slow you down.

Know your strengths and weaknesses, and play to your advantage.

Don’t be surprised or inCAPRICORN timidated by the changes (Dec. 22- others make. Do what suits Jan. 19) your needs, and don’t apologize for your choices.

solution for YESTERDAY’s puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Listen to others, but don’t get sucked into someone else’s dilemma. The best advice you can offer is to suggest talking to an expert.

Don’t meddle, or you will be blamed. ou’ve got the edge when it comes to wheeling and dealing. Speak up, as your charm and friendly nature will win favors from people who can help you advance your plans.

tuesday, february 12, 2019

19

GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U-15…

Rising Stars FC join final 4 T

he stage is set to crown the nation’s best Under-15 team when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Pele Alumni Frank Watson Under-15 tournament comes to a close in a matter of days.

Before a champion is crowned, however, there will be a four-way play-off between the best of the best teams, a category which Riverview FC recently entered over the weekend.

The Anna Regina Community Centre Ground was alive with activity as three teams gathered to compete for the final spot in the Frank Watson Under-15 nationwide play-off. Those teams were Atkinson Brothers out of Region One, Dartmouth Dominators from Essequibo Coast and Rising Stars FC out of Bartica.

Playing in front of an

electric crowd, the young men from Atkinson Brothers and Dartmouth Dominators were the first to take the playing field. Travis Smith from Atkinson Brothers opened the scoring with a strike into the back of the net in the 10th minute. The

boys from Atkinson managed to hold on to the lead with tight defence, but could not hold up as Dartmouth’s Javin Boston pierced the goal in the 37th minute.

With the pendulum poised to swing either team’s way, Atkinson made

sure it swung in their favour, playing both defence and attack. They were eventually rewarded in the 64th minute with a goal from Ray Benjamin, which eventually became the winning one.

The second game of the day finished with a simi-

lar scorecard, but this time around, Atkinson Brothers were the ones on the losing side. Ian Gomes opened the scoring for the Rising Stars outfit in the ninth minute and thanks to great defence by his team, the half almost went without another goal.

Travis Smith struck his second goal of the day in the 45th minute, just before the whistle went.

With the scores levelled, both sides fought hard for the advantage and it finally went to Rising Stars with a goal off the boots of Shawn Williams in the 68th minute, sealing the Bartica Club’s win.

Going into the final game, Rising Stars were aware that a victory would win them a spot in the coveted play-off this weekend. As such, the team upped their game against Dartmouth,

but their opponents did the same, which made for an exhilarating game. Regulation time expired with the scores deadlocked, plunging the contest into penalties. But kicks from the penalty mark did not bring a resolution, as both teams connected with four and missed one. Sudden death kicks were the next stop and Rising Stars managed to edge out their opponents for the win.

Rising Stars FC will now join Rupununi Football Association’s Tabatinga FC, Georgetown Football Association’s Santos FC and West Demerara Football Association’s FC Eagles in a final four play-off for the championship.

The matches will be hosted on Saturday, February 16 at the GFF’s National Training Centre, Providence.

Paul stretchered from field, sent for Bucks co-owner Lasry fined US$25,000 for Davis comments scans after suffering quadriceps injury

M

ilwaukee Bucks coowner Marc Lasry has been fined $25,000 for his recent remarks about Anthony Davis, ESPN’s Malika Andrews reported Monday.

Lasry’s recent comments about the New Orleans Pelicans’ star violated NBA tampering rules.

Davis requested a trade from the Pelicans prior to the trading deadline, and there were reports that the Bucks were among four teams that he would consider joining on a long-term deal.

Lasry was asked about the report when the Bucks were in New York to play the Brooklyn Nets. “I saw that report, and I think it’s great,” Lasry told Sporting News. “It’s a little bit of what we want. We want players to come and play in Milwaukee.

And part of it is, when you’re winning and you’re setting a standard for excellence, people see that. People want to win.

“It doesn’t make a difference if you’re in Milwaukee, New York or L.A. The whole goal is winning. So we hope it would be players like Anthony Davis and others who want to come to Milwaukee.”

The Bucks (41-14) entered Monday with the NBA’s best record.

Lin to join Raptors Guard Jeremy Lin and the Atlanta Hawks are finalizing a

buyout of his contract, and he then expects to sign with the Toronto Raptors, according to an ESPN report.

Agents Jim Tanner and Roger Montgomery told ESPN on Monday that Lin could be with the Raptors by the middle of the week.

Lin is earning $12.5 million in his first season with the Hawks.

Lin, 30, became a household name in 2012, when a short but prolific run with the New York Knicks sparked what became known as “Linsanity.” But since then, he has played for Houston, the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte, and Brooklyn before arriving in

Atlanta in the offseason.

Lin began his career with the Golden State Warriors in 201011.

With the Hawks, he has come off the bench, playing behind rookie first-round draft picks Trae Young and Kevin Huerter.

In Toronto, he is expected to add depth behind Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet as the Raptors pursue the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, currently a game behind Milwaukee.

With the Hawks, Lin averaged 10.7 points, 3.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per game. (Reuters)

Atlanta Hawks guard Jeremy Lin (7) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards forward Jeff Green defends

Keemo Paul is stretchered from the field after suffering a quadriceps injury

W

est Indies suffered a significant injury blow on the third morning of the third Test in St Lucia, when Keemo Paul, their impressive young allrounder, had to be stretchered from the field after damaging his right quadriceps.

The incident occurred in the fourth over of the morning, when Paul set off in pursuit of a Joe Denly cover-drive off Shannon Gabriel.

After initially sprinting at full tilt, Paul pulled up suddenly ten metres from the rope, and fell to the ground as soon as he had left the field of play.

He continued to receive treatment behind the boundary as play continued, before being wheeled

around the perimeter of the ground to sympathetic applause, and was replaced by the substitute fielder, Jomel Warrican.

West Indies announced soon afterwards that Paul had suffered a right quadriceps strain, and later said he had been sent for scans, along with Darren Bravo, who did not take to the field all day after injuring his finger earlier in the match.

Neither have been ruled out from returning to action as yet, although in Paul's case that may be optimistic.

Full recoveries can take six weeks or more, which would rule him out of the one-day leg of England's visit too.

If that were the case, it would be a cruel end to a very impressive per-

formance from Paul, who came into the St Lucia match as a replacement for West Indies' captain, Jason Holder, following his suspension for a slow over-rate in Antigua.

Paul struck with his first ball of the Test to remove Keaton Jennings in England's first innings, en route to creditable figures of 2 for 58, and he repeated the dose with his first ball in today's play, as Rory Burns clipped a loosener to square leg.

West Indies' injury worries may not be over just yet, with Shannon Gabriel appearing to be nursing a tight hamstring with his workload increased in his team-mate's absence. (ESPN

cricinfo)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesday, february 12, 2019

Hemraj sets sights on scoring tons in last 3 rounds

By Brandon Corlette

G

uyana Jaguars 25-year-old premier opening batsman, Chandrapaul Hemraj has crossed the 250-run barrier this season in the three matches he played.

Speaking after Guyana Jaguars triumph over Jamaica Scorpions at the National Stadium, Providence, Hemraj revealed that he has his eyes set on scoring two more centuries in the upcoming three rounds.

Hemraj explained that this season he is feeling confident at the crease and his 29-ball innings of 42 was one of his typical free-flowing knocks. Having lost the first innings to the Scorpions, it was important for Jaguars to start well in the chase, Hemraj disclosed. He and his fellow opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul added 57 runs together in the second innings. The given scenario gave Hemraj the licence to play his natural game and set the tone in a relatively small, but tricky chase.

In the ongoing 2018-2019 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional 4-Day Tournament, the West Indies OneDay International (ODI) player played three matches for the Jaguars scoring 251 runs at an average of 41.83.

Hemraj’s best innings this season came against a Barbados Pride team that included Windies Test bowlers against whom he smashed an extravagant 144.

It was Hemraj’s maiden century at the First-Class level; his top-notch innings came off 172 balls in 241 minutes with 20 fours and four sixes. In Guyana Jaguars’ sixth-round clash against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Queen’s Park Oval, Hemraj was timing the ball sweetly, but had scores of 22 and 30.

The elegant left-hander said his dismissals in Trinidad were unfortunate and in the next match, he was seeking to score big for his team.

He then lauded his captain Leon Johnson’s Player-of-theMatch performance. “It’s very important as the skipper to lead from the front, and his form will give the other batsmen confidence,” Hemraj related.

The flamboyant opener, who has played six ODIs for the West Indies, has had scores of 144, 09, 22, 30, 04 and 42 this season for the Jaguars. He also featured in the CWI President’s XI team that played two practice matches against England. Hemraj opened the batting with current Test opener John Campbell and he had scores of 05, 03, and 22 in the three innings he batted.

However, it is a great feeling for Hemraj to gain exposure with the West Indian and other international players. Having made his First-Class debut in March 2012, in Hemraj’s 22 matches thus far, he has a batting average of 29.52 with one century and six half-centuries, scoring a total of 1181 runs.

With years of cricket still remaining, the 25-year-old will require more consistency to continue to play cricket for the West Indies. With the 2019 Cricket World Cup around the corner, it is every cricketer’s dream to book a ticket for the monumental International Cricket Council (ICC) event set to start May-June in England. Scoring runs consistently for

the Guyana Jaguars and West Indies A team, Hemraj may become Windies regular opener. With Chris Gayle ageing and Kieran Powell off the radar, Hemraj will be seeking to make hay while the sun shines.

Chandrapaul Hemraj

Phil Mickelson wins 5th Pebble Beach Pro-Am with Paul Casey 2nd

Phil Mickelson now has 44 wins on the PGA Tour

P

hil Mickelson won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am for a recordequalling fifth time, closing out the tournament when play went into an extra day.

The American, 48, held a three-shot lead with two holes to play when fading light ended play on Sunday.

He birdied the final hole for a 65 to end 19 under, three shots clear of England's Paul Casey.

Mickelson's fifth success at the California course moves him level with compatriot Mark O'Meara.

The win is his 44th on the PGA Tour - 28 years after his first - and is his second success in less than 12 months following his victory at the WGC-Mexico Championship in March.

Victory at Pebble Beach also means Mickelson and

compatriot Tiger Woods - both aged over 40 - have both won PGA Tour tournaments more recently than Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth.

"There are so many great players that it takes our best to win," Mickelson said. "I just think myself and Tiger are going to have a real good year this year.

"The challenge is playing my best and that's a lot more work off the course, so it's very gratifying.

"To play some of my best golf on a Sunday and be able to catch such a good player in Paul Casey, it means a lot to me."

Before his win at the WGCMexico, Mickelson had gone almost five years without a PGA Tour win.

Reflecting on his recent form, he said many players decline after turning 40 due to

putting problems and a slowing swing speed but believes he has improved both aspects.

"My putting is the best it's been and my swing speed is as fast as it's ever been," added Mickelson, who still hopes to reach 50 PGA Tour wins.

"I had a jump in swing speed in the last year. It's been a lot of work and a long process - nine months of hard work, time in the gym, a lot of work. Days like this make it worthwhile."

Casey, 41, held a threeshot advantage over Mickelson at the start of the final round, but the five-time major winner made up the deficit with three birdies in the front nine and four more after the turn.

Scotland's Russell Knox tied for ninth on nine under, a shot better off than Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell.

(BBC Sport)

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Ramsey signs £400k-a-week deal to join Juventus A

rsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has signed a precontract agreement to join Juventus in the summer in a deal that will earn him over £400,000 a week.

The 28-year-old has agreed a four-year contract that will see him join the Italian champions as a free agent, ending his 11-year spell with Arsenal.

Ramsey passed a twopart medical in January, having picked Juve following talks with a host of European clubs.

He will be the highestearning British player ever based on basic salary.

The Wales international's Arsenal contract expires on 30 June and the Gunners will receive no fee when he leaves.

In confirming the deal, Juventus said the club would incur costs of 3.7m

euros (£3.2m) but did not specify what the fee was for.

On his Instagram page, Ramsey thanked Arsenal's fans and said he will "continue to give the team 100%".

He wrote: "You welcomed me as a teenager and have been there through all the highs and lows I've encountered during my time at the club.

"It is with a heavy heart that I leave after 11 incredible years. Thank you."

The Juventus website welcomed Ramsey by stating he will become the third Welshman to represent the club, following the John Charles and Ian Rush.

Ramsey, who joined Arsenal from Cardiff City in 2008 for a fee of around £4.8m, held preliminary talks with Barcelona and

also received an offer from Paris St-Germain.

Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Real Madrid also showed interest, with Real forward Gareth Bale understood to have encouraged his Wales team-mate to link up with him in Spain.

Arsenal did present Ramsey with the offer of a new deal in September but it was turned down and the club were not prepared to meet his salary demands.

Head coach Unai Emery had reservations about Ramsey's role in his squad.

Ramsey's desire to play as a number eight, running on to the ball from an advanced central

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British horses cleared to race following an outbreak of equine flu

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21

T

Horses at Simon Crisford’s Newmarket stables

he British H o r s e r a c i n g Authority (BHA) will make a decision after 22:30 GMT on Monday whether racing in Great Britain can resume on Wednesday.

All racing has been off since Thursday while the BHA tests horses nationwide.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) said on Monday that British runners will be

able to race if they comply with its requirements.

Four new positive tests were returned in vaccinated thoroughbreds at the Newmarket yard of flat trainer Simon Crisford on Sunday.

The BHA said it will make its decision after taking into account data already gathered and the results of tests being carried out by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) on Monday.

Racing was suspended after the discovery on Thursday of three cases of equine flu at Donald McCain's Cheshire stable.

Three further cases were later reported at his yard.

The AHT is prioritising testing horses that could have been exposed to horses that have tested positive or horses from yards that have returned positive tests.

If racing does return on

Wednesday, the BHA said declarations for any fixtures stages will be made at 10:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Crisford's yard was named so "the Newmarket community is aware" where the infection has been found, the BHA said.

But Crisford says there is "no obvious connection" between the horses that have tested positive for equine flu at his yard and their stablemate who ran at a potential risk fixture last week.

Crisford confirmed Sajanjl, who ran at Newcastle last week, has tested negative.

In a statement, he said none of the four horses who tested positive displayed any clinical signs of respiratory illness prior to the mandatory swabbing undertaken last Friday.

The yard is one of the 174 to be tested because runners from the stable competed at the fixture at Newcastle on 5 February, which had been identified as a potential risk fixture.

All the affected horses are contained within Crisford's yard, the BHA said.

Welshman has mainly been used in a strict deeper role without license to roam or in the number 10 position with his back to goal.

Ramsey has played 259 times for Arsenal, scoring 61 times.

In his 11 seasons at the club, he has struck double figures in a season three times, with a best mark of 16 in all competitions in 2013-14. (BBC Sport)

The AHT is working through "several thousands of samples" received from yards across Britain.

Earlier on Sunday, the BHA reported that around 1,500 samples had been analysed without a positive test.

Equine flu - not unlike human flu - is endemic in Britain, where racehorses are vaccinated against it.

The virus is generally not thought to be life-threatening, but limits the competitive capability of horses.

An unvaccinated non-thoroughbred horse was put down in Suffolk after developing complications following an outbreak of equine influenza.

In a separate case, 10 unraced two-year-old thoroughbreds in the same county were found to have contracted the highly contagious virus.

There have been outbreaks of equine influenza in nine English counties since the start of 2019.

One case involves a vaccinated non-thoroughbred horse in stables at a fee-paying school in the south west of England. (BBC Sport)

22

tuesday, february 12, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Police FC, Santos FC bag Elite League places The Police FC goalscorers: Teon Jones, Quinsi Holder, Steffon Ramsey and Amaniki Buntin

A

fter a promising 2018, Police FC and Santos FC have finally reaped the fruits of their labour by copping the final two places in the Guyana Football Federation’s Elite League fourth season.

This was the result of a packed, six-game weekend at the GFF’s National Training Centre (NTC), Providence.

As the Elite League rules stipulate, after the season is finished the 10th place team is relegated whilst the ninth place team will enter a play-off with other teams for a chance to re-enter the League.

In this case, Cougars FC were relegated and New Amsterdam United entered the play-off along with Santos FC; Buxton Stars; Soesdyke Falcons; Riverview FC; Georgetown Football Club (GFC); FC Eagles, and Police FC.

After the others were knocked out in the first round on Saturday, Santos FC and Buxton Stars were made to battle for one spot while Police FC and Soesdyke Falcons faced off for the other on Sunday.

In the first encounter on Sunday morning, Santos FC controlled the majority of the game, focusing on their defence after a goal from Donte Forde in the 19th minute. This tactic worked well for the Georgetown club for much of regulation time until Kofi Major broke their spirits with a goal for Buxton in the 87th minute.

The game was then plunged into penalties where Santos’ goalkeeper fought valiantly to hold off their opponents, resulting in a 3-1 penalty win for Santos.

Police FC were the next team to taste victory in Sunday’s action after a com-

manding win over Soesdyke Falcons. Teon Jones was the first of the law officers to find the back of the net in the 8th minute and was followed by Quinsi Holder in the 29th. Dellon Smith made a reply on behalf of Soesdyke in the 30th minute, but Holder returned just before the half ended to extend the lead to 3-1.

The second half saw Amaniki Buntin and Steffon Ramsey adding salt to Soesdyke’s wounds with two more goals for a 5-1 win.

Fruta Conquerors are currently the reigning Elite League champions after a scintillating run in 2018.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC; Den Amstel, Western Tigers, Victoria Kings FC, Buxton United, Milerock and Ann’s Grove United are the other teams in the highest competitive league in the country.

MVP gold ring highlight of Kings of Studies’ incentives

D

esigned with a twist, the Kings of Studies football tournament will feature teams comprising University of Guyana students from various faculties, in contrast to how events are traditionally organised on campus.

The action will commence this Saturday at the Turkeyen Campus on the pitch near the Behavioural Science Building from 11:00h, as a total of 10 teams will be vying to see who will be crowned as the Kings of Studies 2019.

Among the prizes to be won is a solid gold ring to be awarded to the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

This was confirmed by first-year student and tournament organiser Jafar Gibbons, who stated that this prize was sponsored

by Antonio Fredericks.

Gibbons also stated that the competition level was expected to be high as teams were eagerly anticipating the event.

The matches will be round-robin style, followed by the knockout stage, which will be three games – two semi-finals and the final.

The games will be played in two five-minute halves for the oneday event. A few of the ten teams that will be vying for top honours include Goons, Kanaima, Hot Topic, and Hot Strikers.

Gibbons noted that he was sincerely grateful to the administration for allowing him to host such an event as it is the first time that a student has been granted permission to host a sporting event on campus.

He was also quite appreciative of the

Jafar Gibbons (left) shares a light moment with University of Guyana’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith

persons and entities who have contributed towards the successful hosting of the event.

These include the Guyana Football Federation Inc, C&L Construction Inc, the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Signature Moov, the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, S h a r m a Solomon, Robbie Rambarran, Asim Shakur and Antonio Fredericks, to name a few.

Lodge begin Milo campaign with win D

ay two in the first round of the 2019 Milo Under-18 Schools’ football tournament was a day of thrills at the Ministry of Education Ground, which ended with two wins and a draw.

The first game of the day was a Group E pairing of President’s College and Marian Academy, in a game that went down to the wire.

The youngsters of President’s College got off to a great start, displaying great potential before Ridel Hernandez of Marian Academy put a damper on his opponents’ spirits with a goal in the 20th minute.

The Marian side held their nerve to put up a solid defence for the remainder of the half, but a few minutes into the second, Keron Solomon fought back on President’s College’s behalf, netting a goal in the 55th minute.

The remainder of the match went without another goal, resulting in a drawn game, which will see both teams sharing the points.

South Ruimveldt Secondary

– Canje look promising and Canje Secondary were the next teams to take to the playing field on Sunday for their Group A encounter. Canje Secondary, who are new to competition at this level, made an impressive showing against their Georgetown counterparts, with not only a strong defence but a very confident attack.

The Berbice team were finally rewarded for their efforts in the 33rd minute when Omar Glenn found the back of the net. The remainder of the match-up went without a goal, resulting in a win for Canje.

In the final fixture of the day, Group E action returned with a contest between St Mary’s

Lodge Secondary’s goalscorers

Secondary and Lodge Secondary.

It was as though the best game was saved for last, when Lodge Secondary unleashed a full onslaught on St Mary’s.

Lodge, who were dominant in the last Under-18 tournament (Guyoil/ Tradewind Tankers Under-18 League) made a clear

statement as to their intentions in the 2019 edition of Milo. The first of Lodge’s goals came from a penalty opportunity, which was taken and connected by Shemroy Meyers in the 18th minute. With the score on 1-0, a strike by Marcus Bamfield further extended the lead in the 30th minute. Just two minutes later, Leroy Sealey joined the party with a goal of his own, for a 3-0 scoreline at the half.

Meyers opened the second half with another successful penalty, after which Nickolas Trotman perfectly placed a header for Lodge’s fifth goal. Needless to say, St Mary’s were left without a reply, missing the few chances they had at striking. Triston Louisey closed out Lodge’s campaign with a sixth goal for the 6-0 win.

The Milo Under-18 tournament, which is being coordinated by the Petra Organisation, will continue this weekend with three matches each on Saturday and Sunday. The action will begin at 12:00h at the Ministry of Education Ground on both days.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, february 12, 2019

23

England’s Tour of the West Indies 2019…

Root’s century has England in command

Joe Root makes his ground against the glove work of Shane Dowrich

I

f spectators at Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium thought they could hear the refrain, "if only" emanating from England's dressingroom, they may not have been mistaken.

If only this match was not a dead rubber, a commanding day with the bat might count for much more than the tourists' pride. If only Joe Root's century had come in Barbados or Antigua, West Indies might not hold an unassailable 2-0

series lead. If only Joe Denly had converted his maiden halfcentury into a ton, he might have gone a long way towards locking down an Ashes berth after playing just two Tests.

But, with England holding a 448-run lead to put themselves on track for a consolation win and with Root playing himself into form in his final innings of an otherwise lean series, incremental gains were the order of the third day in St Lucia.

3

SCOREBOARD

England 1st Innings 277 Windies 1st Innings 154 England 2nd Innings RJ Burns c Joseph b Paul KK Jennings b Joseph 23 JL Denly c †Dowrich b Gabriel 69 JE Root (c) not out 111 JC Buttler b Roach 56 BA Stokes not out 29 Extras (b 9, lb 8, nb 3, w 7) 27 TOTAL (100 Overs, RR: 3.25) 325-4

Yet to bat: JM Bairstow

†, MM Ali, MA Wood, SCJ Broad, JM Anderson Fall of wickets: 1-19 (RJ Burns, 10.1 ov), 2-73 (KK Jennings, 27.1 ov), 3-147 (JL Denly, 45.5 ov), 4-254 (JC Buttler, 80.5 ov) BOWLING KAJ Roach (16-6-31-1) ST Gabriel (21-1-87-1) KMA Paul (5-1-11-1) AS Joseph (15-2-63-1) RL Chase (31-1-92-0) KC Brathwaite (12-2-24-0)

Root found his touch to reach 111 not out after his scores of 4 and 22 in Barbados which saw his average drop below 50 for the first time since 2014 were followed by knocks of 7, 7, and 15. He gritted his teeth through a difficult period against the new ball late the day and was richly rewarded, closing his eyes and punching the air after he brought up his 16th Test ton with a four thumped down the ground off Alzarri Joseph.

He put on a century stand with Jos Buttler, who scored back-to-back 50s for the match, racking up a second-innings 56 off 115 balls before he was bowled by a pearler from Kemar Roach that went straight through the batsman, who couldn't help but offer a look of admiration.

Denly, playing just his fourth Test innings, capitalised after being dropped by Shimron Hetmyer at third slip off the bowling of a livid Shannon Gabriel when he was on 12 to deliver an otherwise composed 69 - until his dismissal midway through the second session.

Had Denly managed a ton in England's penultimate Test before hosting Australia from August 1, he would have well and truly staked his claim for an Ashes berth. But his dismissal, caught behind off a bottom edge by Shane Dowrich while attempting to cut was welcome reward for a hard-working Gabriel and left England's summer selections as uncertain as ever ahead of the remaining one-off, four-day match against Ireland in July with four months worth of County Championship matches between now and then.

That said, Denly looked fluent in his more familiar position at No.3, having opened on debut in Antigua in place of Keaton Jennings, who failed to

innings, before he was out three balls later.

Joseph snared the wicket of under-pressure Jennings with a ball that was missing everything before it jagged the thigh pad and curled behind the batsman onto leg stump. Jennings grinned ruefully after the freak end to his innings. With scores of 17, 14, 8 and 23 in this series, having been dropped in favour of Denly for the second Test, he perhaps realised that his time as an England Test batsman could be over. West Indies played out their own "if only" dialogue after a bright start when Keemo Paul had Rory Burns (10) out to a regulation catch at square leg

by Joseph on the first ball of the day to put England at 19 for 1.

If only Paul had not suffered

had to toil with a handy bowler down.

Paul claimed two wickets in England's first innings, including that of Jennings with his first ball of the match - ended up having to be stretchered away and taken to hospital for scans.

For the rest of the day he remained off the field, where West Indies were already missing Darren Bravo, also sent for scans, on a finger he injured earlier in the match.

Despite appearing to be in some discomfort with a hamstring problem in the morning session, Gabriel soldiered on to resume his verbal battle with Ben Stokes, who came to the crease late in the day and seemed to enjoy picking up the banter which

a quadriceps injury chasing a Denly cover drive that had him prostrate on the grass just outside the boundary rope in agony, they would not have

started in the second Test.

Stokes shared an unbroken 71-run partnership with Root to be 29 not out at stumps. (ESPN

Shannon Gabriel is ushered away by Kraigg Brathwaite after confronting Joe Root and Joe Denly

make the most of his recall in this Test.

Having resumed after lunch on 45, Denly brought up his 50 with a four, the 11th of his

cricinfo)

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Jaguars still sitting pretty with 112.4 points – Smith remains leading run-scorer, Cornwall highest wicket-taker

A

fter a clinical seven-wicket win against the Jamaica Scorpions, Guyana Jaguars continued to reign supreme in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional 4-Day Tournament.

The four-time defending champions remained on the verge of a record-breaking fifth consecutive championship.

With three rounds to play, the Leon Johnsonled team has a 29.2 points gap from second-place Leeward Islands Hurricanes. Jaguars played seven matches, registering five victories and suffering two defeats. The Kieran Powell-led Hurricanes team is in second position with 83.2 points followed by thirdplace Windward Islands Volcanoes’ 75 points.

Barbados Pride played six matches registering

three wins and two losses with 73.6 points to their name. Jamaica Scorpions (59) and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (58.8) are the bottom ranked teams, in the ongoing 2018-2019 Regional 4-Day Tournament.

In the batting department, Devon Smith continues to fly high, leading the batting charts with 621 runs at a stunning average of 56.45. The 37-yearold Smith, who plays for the Volcanoes, has had two centuries and one half-century in the six matches he played this season.

Second on the batting charts is Leeward Islands opener Montcin Hodge, who has 534 runs with two centuries and three half-centuries, at a solid average of 48.54. Barbados Pride standing captain, Jonathan

Carter continued his consistency at the regional level, scoring 487 runs at an average of 56.36.

Carter scored 149* that led Pride to a recordbreaking victory over the Red Force.

Chadwick Walton (443 runs); Tagenarine Chanderpaul (436); Kirk Edwards (418) and Anthony Bramble (405) are the batsmen with over 400 runs thus far this season.

He is arguably the best off-spinner in the Caribbean in the longer format: Rahkeem Cornwall bypassed Veerasammy Permaul to become the leading wicket-taker. Cornwall leads the bowling chart with 36 wickets in five matches, two less than Permaul’s seven matches.

Cornwall has two five wicket-hauls, including a ten wicket-haul against the Guyana Jaguars.

Permaul is in second position on the bowling charts with 33 wickets while Imran Khan has 26 wickets. Nikita Miller has 24 wickets while Romario Shepherd remains the leading fast bowler of the season with 24 wickets at an average of 22.08.

Larry Edwards (22); Keemo Paul (20); Damion Jacobs (20) and Josh Thomas (20) are also among the leading wicket-takers in the 2018-2019 season to date. Guyana Jaguars wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble is the leading gloves man with 27 dismissals this season in the seven matches he played. Barbados Pride wicket-keeper Tevyn Walcott is second, effecting 17 dismissals.

(Brandon Corlette)

Guyana Jaguars are top of the table with 112.4 points

tuesday, february 12, 2019

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

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England’s Tour of the West Indies 2019…

Root’s century has England in command

Keemo Paul is ecstatic after striking on the first ball of play on Day Three

A determined and relieved Joe Root celebrates his 16th Test century

Page 23

Hemraj sets sight on scoring tons in last 3 rounds Page 20

Lodge begin Milo campaign with win – Canje look promising

Page 22

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