Guyana Times - Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Venezuelan military aggression

Exxon contracted vessel P13 resumes work

– to conduct 3-, 4-D surveys in southern Stabroek Block

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

Issue No. 3805

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

PRICE

No-confidence resolution

High Court hears “majority” and “dual citizen” challenges today

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

Surinamese businessman found at Number 63 Beach with gunshot wound to head Page 15

President leaves today for another P10 round of chemotherapy

Tearful chain snatcher gets community P8 service Children should be involved in ICT from young age – researcher

…sector “does not have firm plan for P11 young children” – Ministry’s coordinator

New Demerara crossing corruption probe

File sent to Police legal advisor –– asSOCU Head Unit completes investigation

Lone gunman P10 robs Esso Gas Station in Linden

Page 7

Cops probing Council urged to ensure school feeding “strict programme monitoring” transferred at City Hall Page 7

– as AG decries slow pace of investigation

Page 9

Mash 2019 to cost $70M P14 …events decentralised to all regions

Accused child rapist walks free P9

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tuesdAY, January 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, January 15– 11:30h-13:00h and Wednesday, January 16 – 12:30h-14:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, January 15 – 10:30h-12:00h and Wednesday, January 16 – 11:45h-13:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Cloudy conditions and sunny intervals are expected throughout the day, with clear to partly cloudy skies in the evening. Overall temperatures will range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 11:16h and 23:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.29 metres and 2.26 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 17:20h reaching a minimum height of 0.92 metre.

saturDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

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FREE TICKET

28 Bonus Ball

monDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019 DAILY MILLIONS

03 10 17 23 25 LUCKY 3

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

No-confidence resolution

High Court hears “majority” and “dual citizen” challenges today

A

s Guyanese continue to anticipate the date for early elections with last December’s passage of the no-confidence resolution that effectively toppled the David Granger-led coalition administration, much attention will be paid to acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, who will preside over several legal challenges at the High Court this afternoon.

The first case to be heard at 13:30h today is the one filed by private citizen Compton Reid, who is challenging the validity of the vote of former Member of Parliament (MP) Charrandas Persaud, stating that he had falsely declared that he was a Guyanese citizen.

Opposition Leader Jagdeo, through Attorney Anil Nandlall, had made application in the High Court to become a party to the proceedings. He has said that the case put forward by Reid is aimed at nullifying the no-confidence motion and preventing the law from taking its course through the provisions outlined in the Constitution.

Further, he stated that it pointed to political issues that could have far-reaching implications for national democracy, peace, order and good governance in Guyana.

As such, he believes that filing a legal action will help to diminish the possibility of this ever occurring.

33 majority challenge

The other case to be heard is that which Government, through Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams, has filed for the court to put on hold the enforcement of the no-confidence resolution, which was passed on December 21, 2018.

Williams, who is seeking relief under the Constitution, wants the court to rule on whether the Speaker’s decision on the December 21, 2018 motion was indeed carried by a majority of all elected members, and whether or not the 33-to-32 breakdown means it was validly passed.

In his petition which was filed separately from the dual citizenship challenge, Williams argued that the current total elected members of the National Assembly is 65, and the majority of members legally prescribed by Article 106 (6) of the Constitution is tantamount to an absolute majority that legally requires a vote of 34 or more.

This contention has been Government’s position ever since Attorney Nigel Hughes, husband of Government Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, raised the argument.

The Government believes there was not a majority passage of the no-confidence motion, but the Opposition disagrees and believes that the Government is attempting to buy time in office.

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, SC

Under the Constitution, on the passage of a no-confidence motion, elections must be called within three months, or at a time agreed to by two-thirds of the National Assembly.

In his request for a conservatory order, Williams said it was necessary to preserve the status quo as Article 106 (7) of the Constitution requires that the President and all Ministers of the Government remain in office and hold elections within three months.

However, Williams said the period for the hearing and determination of the matter may expire before that time.

As such, he believes a stay of the enforcement of the resolution is necessary in order to avoid the process being rendered insignificant. “…and in all the circumstances, the applicant is satisfied that there exists an arguable case on the questions in controversy with a realistic prospect of success on the part of the Government,”

the document added, noting that the Speaker’s ruling begs for the court’s intervention.

Attorney and Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram had also appealed to join these proceedings to have the High Court validate the no-confidence resolution and have Government comply with Constitutional provisions to demit office and call elections no later than March of this year.

Though attorney Kamal Ramkarran, Ram’s grounds of appeal, also seeking relief under the Constitution, stated that Government was defeated with 33 votes against 32; that Government should resign if defeated on a confidence vote; that 18 days had passed, and Government gave no indication to resign nor has fixed a date for national and regional elections.

Ram has also argued that Cabinet’s failure to resign with all convenient speed and to fix an elections date could lead to uncertainty and constitutional crisis if neither of those occur in keeping with the Constitution by March 21.

As part of the evidence to support his case, Ram provided a certified copy of the no-confidence as provid-

ed by Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs.

No-confidence

On December 21, 2018, the Opposition’s no confidence motion against Government was passed after AFC parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud took a conscience decision and voted in favour of the motion.

Following the passage, both the President and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had given assurances that the administration would uphold the Constitution.

Despite this commitment, Government went ahead and unsuccessfully sought to have the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, reverse his decision on the passage of the resolution.

The Speaker acknowledged that while he does have the authority to revisit and reverse rulings in the National Assembly, he must always act in conformity with the constitution.

As such, Dr Scotland informed the chambers that their questions must first be settled outside of Parliament, and that any court ruling would guide future actions of the House.

Turn to page 13

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

Wake-up call A

cross the world, staggering numbers of children – some as young as a few months old – are experiencing violence in varied forms, often by those entrusted to take care of them. While girls are predominantly the victims of sexual abuse, there are several cases of boys being sexually and physically abused as well. The figures in relation to this level of abuse are shocking, and it is quite clear that Governments and international partners need to keep the issue on the front burner, where it is always treated as a matter of serious concern.

In Guyana, there is believed to be a high incidence of physical and sexual abuse of children. The Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) had detailed several cases of child sexual and physical abuse for 2018, with reports indicating the figure might not represent the complete extent of the problem, since the crime is a hidden one, which goes unreported in many instances.

Just a few days ago, this newspaper carried a story which provided some harrowing details about the level of abuse some of our children experienced and the difficulties they have in bringing their lives back to normalcy after experiencing such abuse. The story we published was based on a recent study conducted by ChildLink, a Non-Governmental Organisation which works towards the protection of children against abuse and exploitation. In this specific research, it was reported that 338 victims were screened, and at least four were discovered to have ruptured uteruses, among other health implications.

The report said that many of the children had to be hospitalised as a result of the extent of the abuse, while some even required surgery for their injuries. Further, the research found that some children became pregnant while others contracted HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

When it comes to other effects of child sexual abuse, ChildLink found that victims complained more of being sad, getting angry easily, feeling bad, thinking about the abuse “all the time,” crying a lot, feeling down or depressed, and “spacing out a lot.” Victims even reported that they are affected by nightmares, problems with sleeping or eating, flashbacks, numbness, irrational fears, incessant crying, and suicidal feelings, including significant suicide attempts.

Important to note is that those victims also encounter difficulties in school, as they were usually unable to focus.

The report also pointed out that child sexual abuse could result in transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STIs, including the virus that causes cervical cancer. If left untreated, some of these infections will lead to infertility, and even death. A person who is abused in childhood and does not receive adequate medical attention, including STI screening, is at risk of suffering irreparable harm and innocently transmitting infections to others.

To end violence against children, UNICEF had made quite a few recommendations, which, if taken seriously, could go a far way in protecting our children. Among the recommendations are; i) Adopting well-coordinated national action plans to end violence against children – incorporating education, social welfare, justice and health systems, as well as communities and children themselves. ii) Changing behaviours of adults and addressing factors that contribute to violence against children, including economic and social inequities, social and cultural norms that condone violence, inadequate policies and legislation, insufficient services for victims, and limited investments in effective systems to prevent and respond to violence. iii) Focusing national policies on minimising violent behaviour, reducing inequalities, and limiting access to firearms and other weapons. iv) Building social service systems and training social workers to provide referrals, counselling and therapeutic services for children who have experienced violence. v) Educating children, parents, teachers, and community members to recognise violence in all its many forms, and empowering them to speak out and report violence safely. vi) Collecting better disaggregated data on violence against children, and tracking progress through robust monitoring and evaluation.

Children, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, cultural or social backgrounds, deserve to grow up in an environment where they feel safe and are part of loving and nurturing families. The findings of the ChildLink study should serve as a wakeup call for stakeholders here: that the issue regarding the protection of children against physical and sexual abuse should be treated seriously.

A new art installation by American fashion designer Virgil Abloh is seen at the Louis Vuitton flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York (Angela Weiss / Getty Images)

Demands grow to release CIA assessment of Khashoggi’s murder

By Josh Rogin

M

ore than 100 days after the disappearance and murder of Saudi writer and Washington Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi, the Trump Administration has refused to reveal what the US intelligence community knows about the killing. Now, a new Congress and a leading Non-Governmental Organisation are renewing calls for justice and transparency from both the Saudi and US Governments.

In Riyadh on Monday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo repeated his mantra that “every single person responsible” for Khashoggi’s brutal murder in October in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul should be held accountable. Pompeo encouraged the Saudi Government to continue its investigation to ascertain “facts” and punish the perpetrators. He told the media that both King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (also known as MbS) “acknowledge that this accountability needs to take place” and “reiterated their commitment to achieving the objective”.

The absurdity of Pompeo calling on the alleged murderers to catch the murderers is bad enough. In November, President Trump … stated, “it could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event — maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!” Trump said he didn’t want to lose the commercial arms deals that Saudi Arabia has given to the United States.

The Trump Administration’s defence of MbS is built upon its denials of a reported CIA assessment that MbS ordered the murder. That CIA “high-confidence” assessment was reportedly supported by intercepts of electronic messages between MbS and Saud al-Qahtani, a top adviser who is on the list of Saudi officials sanctioned by the US Government in November.

Pompeo has attacked the reporting on the CIA assessment as “inaccurate” and said there is no “direct evidence” tying MbS to the murder. The CIA hasn’t commented. There’s now a growing effort to declassify and release the assessment, to see whether Pompeo is being truthful and whether MbS’s guilt can be proved.

Last week, the Open Society Justice

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, left, meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Pool via Reuters)

Initiative, a non-partisan human rights project, filed a lawsuit against the CIA, the National Security Agency, the Defence Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, seeking to compel them to disclose the CIA’s assessment of the Khashoggi murder to the public. Open Society brought the legal action in the Southern District of New York under the Freedom of Information Act. “The full disclosure of these records is a vital step towards ending impunity for the perpetrators, no matter how powerful they might be, and allowing the public to evaluate for itself how the US Government is responding to this flagrant disregard for the rule of law,” said Amrit Singh, who directs the Initiative’s project on national security and counterterrorism.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week that the new Congress will pursue justice and accountability for Khashoggi’s murder because it’s clear the Trump Administration will not.

“The assault on Khashoggi was an attack on our democratic principles and our democracy, really,” she said at a Capitol Hill event marking the 100day anniversary of Khashoggi’s murder, hosted by the Committee to Protect Journalists. “Commercial transactions, whatever they may be, or even a strategic location is not a licence to kill.”

Representative Tom Malinowski, who previously served as Assistant Secretary of State for democracy, human rights and labour, told the audience that true accountability must include calling out and punishing MbS himself.

“If the administration will not do

what is right, Congress can, and I think Congress will,” he said. “We can and we should wipe the smug smile of impunity off of Mohammed bin Salman’s face, and restore proper balance to our relationship with Saudi Arabia.”

Open Society has asked for expedited processing because time is of the essence. In early February, the Trump Administration is required to report to Congress on its investigation of the Khashoggi murder. That deadline was triggered when the leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee wrote to Trump in October, invoking a human rights law known as the Global Magnitsky Act. In November, the Trump Administration sanctioned 17 Saudi officials under the Global Magnitsky Act, including Qahtani, but not MbS. The coming report will force Trump to defend that call. The Administration may claim the CIA assessment is too sensitive to release, but Congress isn’t buying it.

“As long as it can be done in a way that protects sources and methods, and I believe that should be possible, it’s an appropriate request given what seems to be the Secretary of State’s lie about the conclusions of the intelligence community,” Malinowski told me.

Pompeo’s repeated claims that the Administration is sincerely searching for the truth about Khashoggi’s murder are undermined by his refusal to acknowledge what the US intelligence community has already concluded. The executive branch will clearly not seek justice for this atrocity, so the legislative and judicial branches have no choice but to step in. (Washington Post)

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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

The politics of duplicity & hypocrisy Dear Editor, On December 21, 2018, the APNU/AFC coalition Government was defeated by a no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition, PPP/C in the National Assembly. The Government is refusing to resign and fix a date for National & Regional Elections which they are bound to do under the relevant provisions of the Constitution of Guyana.

Instead, they have decided to challenge the validity of the vote cast in favor of the motion by one of their own, Charrandas Persaud, on the grounds of his dual citizenship to Canada, and that 33 votes do not constitute the majority required to pass such a motion.

The matter is pending in the High Court. Therefore, I

will refrain from commenting on the issues of law involved but will address the lack of political morality so vital to democratic politics which underlies the legal challenges. I will deal with the dual citizenship argument in this article. In another, I will address the 33 votes/majority contention.

The provision in the Constitution which prohibits a person who swore allegiance to a foreign state from becoming a Member of Parliament, has been in the Constitution, possibly, since Independence.

However, over the years, every political party has deliberately turned a blind eye to it and persons with dual citizenship have always been extracted from the lists of political parties and permitted to

sit in the National Assembly without objections from anyone. Of course, this includes the 11th Parliament of Guyana, which have such persons on both sides of the political aisle.

Charrandas Persaud is one such person. His name was placed on their list by the APNU+AFC and extracted from that list to sit in the National Assembly by the APNU+AFC. It must be assumed that they knew or ought to have known of his citizenship in Canada and the constitutional implications. After the 2015 elections, they have used Persaud's vote to pass every budget and every piece of legislation since, including the 2019 budget, which was passed in a matter of days prior to the No-Confidence

Motion.

Indeed, from all their public pronouncements prior to and during the debate of the No-Confidence Motion, it was abundantly clear that they were relying on Persaud's vote to pass the very Motion. However, when Persaud voted against them, they now want to denounce the validity of that vote by relying on that provision of the Constitution in an attempt to disqualify him from being a member on the ground of his dual citizenship. So, having agreed to the rules of the game, when they lose, they are refusing to accept the results by questioning the very rules by which they agreed to be bound. This is not only duplicity and political hypocrisy at its worst, but it de-

A plethora of poor decisions Dear Editor, It is argued that analogy is the “core of cognition” (Hofstadter in Gentner et al 2001). It is with that in mind that I write to express my concern about the reasoning evidenced in Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman’s “When someone, standing with a piece of wood in hand, shouts out that the mangoes growing in your back yard are not yours, you don’t stand around waiting to see what happens next, or for a lash, you start preparing to pick those mangoes as quickly as possible.” This was proffered in defence of claims of malfeasance, corruption and incompetence in the APNU/ AFC Administration’s rush-

ing to first oil production in 2020.

An analysis of this analogy reveals much to explain the contiguous follies of the Granger Administration.

The rational response to a threat claim on your mangoes is to establish that the mango tree is indeed in your yard, to call on law enforcement to protect you from the threat of a lash from said wood and seek all legal means to protect your fruit. To hurriedly prepare for the harvest of the mangoes in your own backyard like a thief is irrational; it is indicative of an unsure mind; of a criminal mindset; of an unwillingness to work within a legal framework to solve problems. To see that

the boy picking the mangoes for APNU/AFC is getting the majority of the mangoes does not require knowledge of “half” math, it is plain to see that they have been outsmarted.

The plethora of poor decisions that have followed from this irrational response to a perceived threat has cost our nation billions in future revenues. To further offer haste to establish claim as a valid excuse for gross incompetence in the handling of vital negotiations is illogical and expedient. The APNU/ AFC have given away the majority of fruits of the nation in return for nebulous gains in time.

The other important point to note is that now

that yard may be handed over via elections to new managers, will there be a grab by Trotman et al for mangoes? The caretaker function is implied to protect the fruits of the nation from men with long bags. The thinking on display through Trotman’s analogy speaks to the danger to national assets during this short period before General and Regional Elections. The public service must be ever vigilant to protect our fruits from those looking to leave office with full bags. Let them know if they steal in haste they will repent in long leisure while incarcerated.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

stroys the possibility of any political force, or anyone, being able to genuinely trust and have any lasting political relationship or alliance of any type with APNU+AFC. It demonstrates their willingness to do anything and everything possible, regardless of its consequences to the welfare of our people and the national interest, to satisfy their thirst for political power.

I must emphasise that if they succeed, it means that all the budgets passed since 2015 to now and all the Bills passed, were unlawful.

The implications and consequences of this on the nation are both irreversible and immeasurable. But they seem not to care!

However, this is not a new ploy for the PNC. They have an indisputable track record of doing anything possible to keep political power. Their years of rigging elections, before 1992, their refusal to accept the results of elections certi-

fied to be free and fair, post 1992, their agreement to the use of a voter ID card for the 1997 elections and then challenging the legal validity of those elections on the ground of the use of that very ID card, all exemplify this ploy as a permanent part of their political modus operandi.

The fact that the legal challenge is being brought in the name of a citizen and not in the name of the main political architects fools no one. The Attorney General is on record boasting about his and the Government’s role in these proceedings.

In any event, the legal challenge to the 1997 elections was also done by a citizen at the instance of the PNC. So this is not new either.

Fortunately, this time around I do not think they will succeed for the law is not on their side.

Sincerely, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP, Attorney-at-Law

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G

rown-ups are usually there to help and encourage kids, right?

They take care of kids, help them learn how to do things, show them the right way to behave, and encourage the good things that kids do. Most adults treat kids well. But some adults hurt kids rather than help them.

Another word for hurting someone is "abuse".

Tell right away

A kid who is being seriously hurt or harmed should tell a trusted adult right away. This can be hard because the abuser (the person who is hurting or harming someone) might have frightened the boy or girl into staying quiet. No matter what the abuser says, abuse is always wrong – and a kid can ask for and get help in a few different ways.

A kid who can't think of a trusted adult to tell, or is worried about upsetting a parent or making someone angry, can call a special telephone number called a helpline, such as 227-0979.

This hotline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Your call is private and the people who answer the phone are trained to help. They also have a Facebook page where you can get help: www.face-

Foundation

one yells all the time, calls the kid mean names, or threatens to leave the kid or have him or her adopted. All kids deserve to have adults in their lives who love and support them as they grow up.

It's common for parents get angry with their kids once in a while, but if there's yelling, punishing, and threatening too much of the time, a kid can start feeling really bad about himself or herself.

It's really important to tell a trusted adult this is happening.

book.com/pg/Childcare-andProtection-Agency-Ministryof-Social-Protection.

If you know someone else who you think might be being abused, you can help by telling your parent or another adult.

How do you know something is abuse?

There are lots of forms of abuse – including hitting,

Do you need help Child abuse (say: ah-BYOOS) can affect all kinds of kids, no matter where they live, how much money their families have, or who they live with. A kid can be abused by a parent, a stepparent, family member, a babysitter, teacher, coach, or a bigger kid.

Child abuse can happen anywhere — at home, school, childcare, or even in a church or other

religious building.

Physical neglect

constant screaming and yelling, or being touched sexually. A kid who is being abused can experience different types of abuse or one kind. It helps to understand the different types of abuse: physical, sexual, verbal or emotional, and neglect.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse is hitting hard with a hand or an object like a belt, especially hits that leave bruises or cuts.

Shaking, pushing, choking, painful grabbing, and kicking also can be physical abuse.

Sexual abuse

Your body has private

parts. These are the parts that are covered by your bathing suit or underwear: breasts, vagina, and bottom for girls, and penis and bottom for boys. If an adult or another kid touches a kid's private parts or tells a kid to touch his or hers, it is sexual abuse. When this happens, the person might tell the kid that this touching is a secret and that not to tell anyone.

But a kid does not have to keep this secret. Tell a trusted adult, or more than one, until someone helps you.

To explain sexual abuse, people talk about good touches and bad touches. We all know what a good touch feels like. A good touch might be a

hug from your mom or dad, a snuggle with your grandma for a story, or a cuddle with your pet. But some touches feel bad or confusing. Your body is yours and you should be able to tell people when you don't like them to touch you. Even if you don't mind doing it or are curious, or want to make that person feel happy, sexual touching between adults and kids is not OK.

Verbal or emotional abuse

This kind of abuse can happen without touching. It can be verbal abuse if some-

Y

Neglect happens when kids live in a home where the adults don't give them basic stuff that all kids need — like food, clean clothes, and a bed to sleep in. When parents or caretakers neglect kids, the kids may not get baths, sleep under warm blankets, or get check-ups or medicine when they need them.

It can be hard for a kid to tell someone that he or she is not getting these important things. A parent or caregiver might have troubles such as losing a job, having family problems, or using alcohol or drugs. But no matter why it is happening, a kid needs to tell someone. Then, the kid can start getting the stuff he or she needs and the parent or caregiver can get help, too. (kidshealth.org)

ou know it's important for kids to tell someone if they think they're being hurt, harmed, or abused. But how does a kid tell? Here are some ideas: Talk to a trusted adult in person.

Talk to a trusted adult on the phone.

Write a note, an email, or send a letter to the trusted adult.

Tell someone at school, like a school counsellor, school nurse, teacher, or coach.

Tell a friend's mom or dad, big brother, or big sister.

Tell someone who answers the phone at a hotline service, such as 1-800-4-A-CHILD. The way a kid tells and whom a kid tells will be different depending on the situation. The most important thing is to tell someone — or even several people — until someone takes action to stop the abuse from happening. Kids who let adults know that someone is hurting them, even if it's someone they love, might be helping other kids as well as themselves. Let the person know you need to talk about something in private.

If you're not sure if it's abuse, you can tell the person that something happened and you want to check to see if it might be abuse.

It takes a lot of courage to talk about this kind of thing, and sometimes it takes a while to feel strong enough to talk about it. That's OK. Just know that, in the end, telling a safe person is the bravest thing a kid can do. It can feel really good when a kid takes steps to stay safe and happy and stop abuse from happening.

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tuesdAY, January 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Cops probing school feeding programme transferred – as AG decries slow pace of investigation

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nvestigations into discrepancies in the National School Feeding Programme are grinding along, with sources informing Guyana Times that some Police Officers who were handling the case were at one point transferred.

While the Police Officers have been transferred, it is unclear if this was a routine rotation or a punitive act. Efforts to contact top officials in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were futile.

When contacted, Auditor General Deodat Sharma informed this publication that the investigation should have been completed by now.

“I don’t know why it’s taking so long … I’m not very satisfied with that. We need to put a close to that aspect of it. I think they’re taking too long, because it was an area that was very clearcut. I don’t know what’s happening there,” Sharma said.

The National School

Feeding Programme targets all nursery and primary school students in Grades One and Two. It was implemented in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and 10 and Georgetown.

Regions Seven, Eight and Nine are treated separately.

The meals consist of biscuits and juices.

But the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the education sector, which was completed since 2017, had recommended that an investigation be launched into the Feeding Programme to ensure Government was getting value for money.

Following this recommendation, State Auditors had embarked on this very investigation targeting the Programme. They had reportedly found major “spending” inconsistencies plaguing the Programme in two remote villages in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) during the period

2016-2017.

Notwithstanding the lofty ideals of the Programme, coordinators in the red-flagged region have reportedly been abusing the responsibility and power vested in them. Particular scrutiny was brought to bear on the expenditures for each meal and that revealed costs were inflated. This had raised further queries as to whether the correct procurement procedures were followed during the award of the contracts.

Millions of dollars ($1.3 billion and $1.9 billion in 2016 and 2017 respectively) were injected into the initiative, which was implemented in the 10 administrative regions following its re-launch in 2010 by former President and now Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

According to media reports, funds allocated to the Feeding Programme for the Kato Secondary School were

A group of students enjoying lunch at the Shulinab Primary School, South Central Rupununi, Region Nine

even diverted to other areas.

Still unaccounted for

When it was released last year, the AG’s 2017 report had found that $52.5 million was still unaccounted for in the controversial programme. It was noted that State auditors examined the records of 11 schools in Regions Seven and Nine.

Some $73.6 million was al-

located to the programme in those schools which was supposed to go towards feeding 2189 students.

But the report revealed that key documentation, such as bank reconciliation statements, was not presented to the auditors. As such, the AG could not even determine whether the sum, which was received by eight schools, was ever deposited

into the bank in one lump sum.

“The absence of this key control measure can lead to the perpetration of wrongdoing, without prompt detection,” the report notes, while adding that there was no evidence of supervisory checks of cash books by the management committee in three of the schools.

“Supervisory checks were also absent in the stock ledgers and goods received book for six schools in Region Nine … the safeguarding of public funds was compromised. Moreover, cash was kept in the personal possession of the treasurers in eight schools. This unsatisfactory situation could lead to the perpetration of wrongdoing,” the report states.

In its response, the Ministry acknowledged the AG’s findings, but it was pointed out that the programme itself was in the process of being transitioned from central management to community-based management.

New Demerara crossing corruption probe

File sent to Police Legal Advisor – SOCU Head …as Unit completes investigation

The contract for the feasibility study was awarded to Dutch company LievenseCSO

T

he Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has completed its investigation into the solesourced feasibility study contract for the new Demerara River bridge, with the file now in the hands of the Police Legal Advisor.

This was confirmed by SOCU Head, Assistant Police Commissioner (retired) Sydney James on Monday. In a brief interview with Guyana Times, James noted that the file has been in the hands of the Legal Adviser, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh, for several weeks.

The contract in question was awarded to Dutch company LievenseCSO, for a feasibility study into the new Demerara River bridge.

The Opposition requested that the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) investigate the award of the $148 million sole-sourced con-

tract.

In its report on the matter, the Commission flagged Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson for requesting from Cabinet that the contract be sole sourced, instead of being processed through the Procurement Board as the law says should be done.

After agitation from the parliamentary Opposition, SOCU had begun investigating the contract award.

Right from the start, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had stressed the need for the Unit to avoid showing favouritism to Patterson, particularly at a time when Opposition politicians were being brought into SOCU for questioning on other matters.

For some time, the Opposition criticised the fact that Minister Patterson was not summoned for questioning, but was instead

allowed to provide statements to SOCU – in contrast to the treatment meted out to the Opposition during the Pradoville probe.

Eventually, however, SOCU did bring the Minister in for questioning on November 19, 2018.

Besides the LievenseCSO contract, probes were also requested by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira and Opposition parliamentarian Juan Edghill, into the D’Urban Park Project and the Sussex Street drug bond. In a letter to the Commission’s Chairperson, Carol Corbin, Edghill had identified aspects of the project the Party was most concerned about.

The Opposition had noted that despite promises to the contrary, no account of donations received between September 2015 and January 2016 was made public. It, therefore, queried the procurement process used for works on the project.

The scope a private company has to engage contractors and receive funding for a public project also came into question. The party queried the budgeted and actual costs throughout the project, as well as the final cost. In addition, the Party had demanded information on what payments were made to individuals and contractors up to June.

In the case of the controversial Sussex Street, Albouystown bond Government has since ceased renting, Edghill also approached the PPC to call for an investigation into the

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson was questioned by SOCU during the probe

contract inked between the Public Health Ministry and a known financier of the coalition Administration.

The former Government Minister had wanted the Procurement Commission to investigate specifically how a contract for a bond for the storage of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies was sole-sourced from an entity that did not own and/or operate such a facility and further “how was the company’s primary Director, Larry Singh, made aware that a drug bond was needed”.

SOCU’s head, Assistant Commissioner of Police (retired) Sydney James

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IN THE COURTS

Food vendor on bail for ganja trafficking

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42-year-old Tucville, Georgetown resident on Monday found himself before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus after he was charged for trafficking in narcotics.

Christopher Cummings, a food vendor of Tucville Housing Scheme, faced the charge which stated that on January 11, 2019 at Merriman Mall, Georgetown, he had in his possession 109 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Cummings, who was represented

by Attorney Bernard DaSilva denied the charge brought against him.

The court heard that on January 11, ranks from the narcotics branch of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on information, went to the defendant’s vending area and

found the suspected narcotics in his hands. He was arrested and charged for the present offence.

Attorney DaSilva, in a bail application, told the court that his client was not found with the illegal drug in his possession, as it was found in a container which the Police suspected belonged to him.

After considering the application, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus released Cummings on $100,000 bail and adjourned the matter to January 28, 2019. As a condition of bail, Cummings is required to report to the CID once a week until the completion of the case.

Tearful chain snatcher gets community service

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n unemployed man, who appeared on Monday before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, will spend the next six weeks doing community service as a penalty for snatching a woman’s gold chain at the Mahdia Minibus Park, Georgetown.

Shamar Whyte admitted to the charge which stated that he snatched the gold chain and pendant valued $300,000 from Ashanti Khan on January 12, 2019 at Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

According to facts presented, the victim was standing at the Mahdia

Minibus Park when the 20-year-old man approached her and snatched the chain from her neck after which he escaped. However, he was later captured by public-spirited persons with the help of a patrolling police officer.

An unrepresented Whyte broke down in tears as he

begged the court for leniency and told Magistrate Marcus that he was sorry for his actions, “I am sorry, Your Worship; I did not go to do it.”

Whyte was given six weeks’ community service and was instructed to undergo counselling during that period.

What…

Y

…“constitutional crisis”?? our Eyewitness has noted with more than a little consternation that some commentators are talking about a “constitutional crisis” in Guyana, after the no-confidence motion was validly passed.

There certainly is a crisis in Guyana, but it has absolutely nothing to do with the constitution. What we have is a naked power grab by the PNC after the Constitution most clearly told them it’s “sayonara” time.

The fact that the coalition has resorted to the Courts cannot undermine the clear language of the Constitution on what is a “majority” in the House of Assembly. We don’t have to look at any HISTORICAL record to figure out if cutting up people into halves a la DR Frankenstein is the way to go. Just look at what happened after the elections of 2011, when both the APNU and AFC were involved.

The PPP got 32 seats in the National Assembly to the PNC’s 26 and the AFC’s 7; but because the PPP won the most votes in a three-way contest – a “PLURALITY” -- they were able to name their candidate as “President”, because that’s what our Constitution says. In the Assembly, however, the PPP with its 32 seats couldn’t pass any legislation since the APNU and AFC had 33 seats combined. They had the majority there!! And even used it to threaten the PPP with a noconfidence motion!!!

In 2015, because the APNU and AFC went into a coalition BEFORE the election, their votes were combined, and their greater amount of votes -- which translated into 33 seats to the 32 of the PPP -- gave them both the Presidency and a majority in the Assembly.

For three and a half years, the APNU/AFC used that 33 seat MAJORITY to not only pass any legislation their little hearts desired, but were able to control the Appointments Committee and such like!! As a matter of fact, just days after losing the no-confidence vote, they expelled the MP with a conscience and replace him with a “yes woman”, and passed the most important Bill in a century – the Natural Resources Bill – with their 33 seat majority!!

Now, lo and behold (as they use to say in Bible class), APNU and AFC now claim while 33 seats is a majority to claim the control of the Assembly and the Government, 33 isn’t the majority to unseat the Government?? How can this ridiculous position be called a “constitutional” crisis?? We hope the Chief Justice will announce that this confounded nonsense must be stopped, lest we become a jurisprudential laughing stock in the Region.

The law mustn’t be allowed to become “an ass”!

She should dismiss the suit as frivolous and vexatious – not to mention “malicious”.

…“one people”??

If nothing else, the desperate efforts of the PNC Government to cling on to power (so that they can get their grubby big paws on the mega oil dough!) has demonstrated that whatever “racial togetherness” their coalition claimed to have created in 2015 is long gone -- even among the young folks whom everyone has been saying represented a “break with the past”.

This was brought out loud and clear in a videoconference with Charrandas Persaud as the “main man”. It appears that all the political parties and several activists – including the vociferous PNC- backed Rickford Burke -- had been invited but only Sase Singh appeared.

Burke balked? Nothing much that wasn’t already out there was revealed, but it was the comments by the audience and on the Facebook page that were most revealing to your eyewitness. The cleavage along race was stark – even though the panellists took pains to insist it wasn’t a “race thing”!

It does appear that this election – whenever it’s scheduled – will rival 1964 in polarisation.

…a “high” platform Your Eyewitness has already noted that the acronym for new party “NUG” – a New United Guyana – is the name of the dried marijuana bud.

But is their first announcement: that they’ll legalise marijuana, confirmation that they’ll get Guyana high?

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

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tuesdAY, January 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Council urged to ensure “strict monitoring” at City Hall …as Code of Conduct for local organs to be crafted – Bulkan

City Hall

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ommunities Minister Ronald Bulkan, on Monday during City Hall’s first statutory meeting for 2019, divulged that attention is being drawn towards establishing a code of conduct for local organ bodies.

He explained that, when crafted, the legislation is expected to include guidelines for treating with the council’s assets, and stipulations on the responsibilities of Mayors, Town Clerks and other administrative officials.

Emphasis would also be placed on the council’s finances by conducting yearly audits through the ministry’s audit department. This is in keeping with the recommendations inked on the Commission of Inquiry’s final report, which was prepared by Justice (retired) Cecil Kennard.

“The ministry’s internal audit department will ensure going forward that your account is audited yearly.

This policy of autonomy must be within a framework that promotes good governance. The Ministry will endeavour, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, to craft a code of conduct for ad-

ministrative officials such as Town Clerks etc,” said Bulkan.

The minister also asked the new council to remain vigilant in monitoring the activities of the council to ensure accountability and transparency.

He noted that they are ready to resuscitate the Tripartite Committee which is intended to improve dialogue between Council and the private sector.

Another recommendation in the report focused on the collection of taxes and outlines that new measures should be undertaken to ensure that this is successfully done. Bulkan insisted that the issuance of building permits should be done within a small window of time, eliminating possible delays.

“The ministry stands ready to facilitate the resuscitation of the Tripartite Committee established to promote dialogue within the Council and the private sector. The council should seek to ensure an investor friendly climate by taking steps to reduce unnecessary delays in the issuance of building permits,” he advised.

His advice to the new councillors

was, “Despite its challenges and shortcomings, proper management of this city is pivotal to our development as a nation…I urge councillors not to shirk from their responsibilities, and keep check with the actions of the administration in the implementation of decisions and programmes…Strict monitoring will ensure value for money, accountability and transparency.”

Meanwhile, new Mayor Ubraj Narine urged councillors to put great effort in building a better Georgetown.

With regards to payments to the outgoing councillors, City Treasurer John Douglas was asked to provide information on whether these persons were paid.

He could not provide an answer, and Councillor Patricia Chase-Green aggressively responded that some persons from the previous Council had not been paid and it is worrying to have these persons fervently asking for their monies.

Douglas asked for an extension of time until Friday, since he was not City Treasurer for an entire year. He, however, served as acting City Treasurer during that time.

“It is the intent of the City Treasurer’s Department to pay the councillors what is due to them.

However, I was not the City Treasurer for the whole year,” Douglas said.

The councillors were sworn in on November 30, 2018 in the chambers of City Hall, where nominations were followed by elections of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Finance Committee.

Twenty-nine councillors were sworn after Patrick De Santos submitted his absence for medical reasons. He is still absent, and was granted one month on Monday to engage the Council.

Narine, who represents Constituency One, was nominated by Councillor Ivelaw Henry and entered the race with People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor Bishram Kupen. The new mayor secured 21 votes in his favour and was elected accordingly. Alfred Mentore was elected as the Deputy Mayor.

Accused child rapist walks free

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Freed: Bishnauth Mohamed

fter almost nine years awaiting trial at the Demerara Assizes, Bishnauth Mohamed walked out of the Sexual Offences Court a free man on Monday following a unanimous not guilty verdict to an indictment of rape of a child under 16.

He was represented by attorney Maxwell McKay, while State attorney Lisa Cave prosecuted the case, and Justice Jo-Ann Barlow presided over the matter.

Mohamed had stood accused of a raping a five-yearold girl at a community in East Demerara between September 1-30, 2010. The jury deliberated for over three hours, and when the

panel returned the verdict, all 12 members were in agreement that the defendant was not guilty of his alleged crime.

The former accused had always maintained that he was not guilty of the indictable offence for which he had been placed on bail.

Court documents showed that while he was committed to stand trial in the High Court by Magistrate Sueanna Lovell in 2014, the deposition was filed nearly three years later, in 2017.

Guyana Times reported on Monday that some 61 per cent of the cases at the Demerara Assizes relate to matters of sexual offences.

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President leaves today for another Lone gunman robs Esso Gas round of chemotherapy Station in Linden

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resident David Granger is today expected to leave for Cuba for another round of chemotherapy at the Centro de Investigaciones Médico Quirúrgicas (CIMEQ) in Havana, Cuba.

This is his fourth medical visit for treatment since November 2018, when he was diagnosed with NonHodgkin Lymphoma, a type of cancer which envelopes the lymphatic system.

Guyana Times was told that the Head of State is expected to spend one week in the Spanish-speaking country.

On October 30, 2018, the President and First Lady Sandra Granger travelled to Cuba to facilitate his undergoing medical tests after he complained of feeling unwell. Days later, he was diagnosed with this disease, which spans across the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system.

It comprises of clear fluid,

President David Granger

called lymph, which contains infection-fighting white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, which flows through the lymphatic vessels.

The President was discharged from the hospital on November 6, after undergoing a series of tests and surgical procedures. He returned to Guyana on November 20 after being given approval by his medical team to travel.

Minister of State Joseph

Harmon had noted during his media briefing on November 30, 2018 that even though President Granger’s work load has been reduced, he remains in charge of the State’s business.

Chemotherapy targets cells that grow and divide quickly, as cancer cells do.

Unlike radiation or surgery, which each targets specific areas, chemo can work throughout the body.

Nevertheless, it can also affect some fast-growing healthy cells, such as those which make up the skin, hair, and bone marrow.

In May of 2018, Granger and the First Lady had travelled to Trinidad and Tobago to undergo what was referred to as their annual medical check-up. At the time, and in response to reports in the press, the Government had revealed that the couple did their examinations under a Caribbean medical insurance scheme at the Good Health Medical Centre.

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olice in ‘E’ Division (Linden-Kwakwani) are investigating an armed robbery perpetrated on the Esso Gas Station at Republic Avenue in Mackenzie, Linden.

Reports are that the incident occurred at about 10:30h on Sunday, when a lone gunman pounced on a female pump attendant.

Guyana Times was told that the pump attendant was robbed of $13,419.

Information reaching this publication states that

the pump attendant was selling kerosene to a customer when the suspect walked up behind her and requested to purchase $200 gasoline. The suspect handed the attended an empty bottle to put the fuel in, and as she handed it back to him, he whipped out a handgun and relieve the attendant of the cash. The gunman then escaped, and the pump attendant reported the robbery to the Police.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commander Linden Lord in-

dicated that detectives have since reviewed surveillance footage from both sides of the gas station as well as from neighbouring business locations but came up empty-handed. He noted that employees on duty at the time were also questioned in relation to the incident and have indicated that they have no knowledge of what took place. Investigations are however ongoing, and Police are searching for a man of Amerindian ancestry in relation to the robbery.

Dead ex-cop pulled out of canal was murdered – PM

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ne day after the partially decomposed body of ex-Policeman Cyril Nova Persaud, 77, was pulled from the Lama Canal, D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown, a post mortem

Dead: Cyril Nova Persaud

performed by Dr Nehaul Singh confirmed that the elderly man was murdered.

Persaud went missing on Friday last, and relatives and Police looked frantically for him, but came up empty-handed.

However, on Sunday morning, Police were called to D’Urban Backlands after a body was spotted. The body was later identified as that of the missing ex-Policeman.

On Monday, an autopsy revealed that he died as a result of brain haemorrhage due to multiple blunt trauma to the head, compression to the neck, blunt trauma to the abdomen and bleeding from the nostrils.

Brother of the now deceased man, Peter Brahamdow told Guyana Times that based on the post-mortem report, the Police have ruled out drowning and has launched a full-fledged murder investigation.

Persaud lived at Atlantic Ville, Greater Georgetown, with a relative who was detained by the Police, but was subsequently released.

The dead man’s brother explained that based on the

autopsy report, his brother was strangled, beaten about the body and lashed to the head.

“We don’t know what to think at this point. We are working on the theory that my brother might have left his home to purchase something when he was cornered, robbed and beaten … it seems as though after the perpetrators realise that the elderly man was dead, they took his body to the canal and dump it,” the man related.

In addition, he noted that more than one person might have committed the act, since his brother was someone who would put up a fight. “We are hoping the Police can do a thorough investigation that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators,” Brahamdow told this publication in a telephone interview.

The aggrieved man also stated that his brother’s identification card was missing and related at the time of the discovery, the now dead man was carrying his pension book.

“This means that my brother had collected his pension and it was on him at the time he was attacked and killed… we found the book, but the ID is missing,” he related.

Persaud joined the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at the age of 18. After leaving the GPF, he worked at a private company and then at the University of Guyana.

Persaud was described as an easy-going person who made jokes about almost everything.

He leaves to mourn his children and siblings. Police are continuing their investigations.

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tuesdAY, January 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Children should be involved in Alleged sexual assault victim ICT from young age – researcher challenging 57-year murder sentence …sector “does not have firm plan for young children” – Ministry’s coordinator

Outreach Coordinator Donnella Collison

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espite being cautioned that children, from a very tender age, should be involved in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the Telecommunications Ministry on Monday said that the Ministry does not have firm plans to include the topic for younger minds.

This was explained by the Ministry’s Outreach Coordinator, Donnella Collison, who spoke on behalf of the subject Minister, Catherine Hughes, at a media conference on Monday.

According to Collison, the Ministry is always evolving on its plans but does not have a firm one as it relates to ICT being introduced for children at the nursery level, although it was recommended during a presentation by a speaker at the forum.

During the presentation of the findings from two ICT programmes that were conducted last year with children, researcher, Lenandelar Singh, highlighted that stu-

Researcher Lenandelar Singh

dents are more exposed to ICT in schools at the secondary school level. In fact, students spend the last three years in high school trying to learn to operate computers, he said.

It was against this backdrop that a call was made for ICT to be introduced to children at a young age, as they are often afraid to learn about computers when they are older.

The presenter said, “…

There are still hundreds and thousands of kids that we want to reach before they get discouraged or before they get to third and fourth form in school”.

Collison, however, in response to a question posted by Guyana Times said, “We (Telecommunications Ministry) are always evolving in how we plan and what we plan to offer (but) we don’t have a firm plan in place for the very young ages but that’s something that we’ve already began the conversation about. It’s something that we know we have to consider”.

The coordinator explained that the Ministry is fully aware that children from very tender ages are becoming involved in ICT and even detailed that five and four-year olds are involved in coding and programming activities in other nursery schools across the globe.

When asked by this publication when ICT programs or subjects will be available to children in nursery schools locally, the Telecommunications Minister clarified that this specific matter had to be dealt with by the Education Department.

“The Ministry of Education is the body that designs the curriculum,” she said.

An Education Ministry official, who was at the event on Monday, chimed in saying that the Ministry is currently working to reform the curriculum to involve such areas for younger children.

When she was asked, however, to provide a name and designation she declined.

The official only noted, “I’m sure that all of you know that the Ministry of Education is involved in the process of curriculum reform and we are in the process of looking at our curriculum, we have a whole project surrounding curriculum reform and yes IT and programming and robotics are all a part of that curriculum reform.”

She said that the Ministry is at phase three of that reform which is the actual writing of the curriculum.

Convicted murderer Clive Knights

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onvicted felon Clive Knights, who murdered an insurance executive in what he said was his bid to ward off a sexual assault seven years ago, is challenging the 57year prison sentence handed down by Justice Navindra Singh, contending that it was not only excessive but that the Judge did not properly direct the jury on the appearance of bloodstains.

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards and fel-

low Appellate Justices Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory continued hearing the arguments at the Appeal Court on Monday.

Justice Singh handed down Knights’ prison sentence in 2015 for the May 14, 2012 murder of Phoenix Park, West Bank Demerara (WBD) resident Bert Whyte.

The Guyana Trinidad Mutual Fire & Life Insurance Group (GTM) insurance executive died from two stab wounds to the chest, but Knights maintained he was defending himself against sexual assault that Whyte was reportedly perpetrating.

However, Attorney Dexter Todd, who is appearing for Knights at the Appeal Court, told the senior Judges that Justice Singh misdirected the jury in relation to the evidence of Assistant Police Superintendent (ASP) David who testified that he observed what appeared to be bloodstains when he visited the scene at Palm Court, where Whyte went after being stabbed at Bentinck Street, South Cummingsburg.

Murdered insurance executive Bert Whyte

Todd argued that Justice Singh told the jury that ASP David saw blood as opposed to apparent blood, and further added that the State should have provided a forensic specialist to make this determination and to prove it was human blood and/or that of the deceased man.

Whyte had been a personnel manager at the Georgetown Public Hospital for 10 years before taking up a post as GTM’s assistant company secretary when he met his demise at the age of 44.

Duo charged for breaking into home and stealing tyres

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enior Magistrate Leron Daly on Monday granted two men bail after they were jointly charged for breaking and entering a home in Region One (BarimaWaini) and stealing several tyres.

Derick Persaud, 36, of

Mabaruma Compound, Region One, and his alleged accomplice, Leon Singh of Kumaka Water Front, Region One, were charged with breaking into and entering the house of Earl Inniss and stealing seven tyres valued $140,000.

Attorney-at-Law Adrian

Thompson made successful applications for the men.

While no facts relating to the matter were presented, Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh did not object to bail.

The men were placed on $60,000 bail each. The case will continue on January 21, 2019.

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tuesdAY, January 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Swine flu in T&T

Guyana’s Health Ministry issues safety tips to prevent H1N1

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he Public Health Ministry of Guyana on Monday issued safety tips to prevent the spread of the highly contagious H1N1 virus, popularly known as swine flu, as neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago have already confirmed several cases of the deadly virus.

According to the Ministry, persons should practice good hygiene, which includes washing the hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based rubs. Persons are being encouraged to cover their mouths and noses with tissues when sneezing or coughing and to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth and avoid close contact with other individuals suffering from the H1N1 virus, which is about 6 feet away.

“Persons are being advised to drink plenty fluids, stay at home and rest, to treat the fever and see your primary care physician should they contract the virus. Health care workers are asked to ensure that they practice infection control and use personal protective equipment,” the Ministry in a statement said on Monday.

The common symptoms of the H1N1 virus vary

from non-febrile mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe pneumonia.

There can be a cough, fever, sore throat, malaise and headache and constitutional symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in 38 per cent of H1N1 cases.

Treatment for the virus includes supportive management in mild cases and may even lead to hospitalisation. There is also respiratory support, as well as anti-bacterial and anti-viral treatments. The two important classes of anti-viral medications available for treatment are the Neuraminidase inhibitors (Oseltamivir and Zanamivir) and Adamantane (Rimantadine and Amantadine), which should be given in the early stages preferably within 24 hours of diagnosis, the Ministry warned.

According to the Public Health Ministry, the Surveillance and Disease Control Department will continue to monitor the disease. In fact, persons who are suspected to be infected with the H1N1 virus will be taken to the Georgetown Public Health Corporation Lab to conduct blood tests to ascertain the presence of the virus.

Moreover, the Health Ministry said it will also be working with Port Health Officers at the country’s borders, as Guyana remains alert to ensure that there is quick surveillance and detention along with rapid responses to guard against the spread of the H1N1 virus.

Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings reassured that, “A technical multidisciplinary response which includes coordinators and

managers of emergency responses has been identified to ensure that appropriate information is available to be disseminated to those who need to know in a timely manner. Challenges and lessons learnt from the pandemic in the Americas included the establishment of non-pharmaceutical measures, having a vaccination strategy and paying strict account of international health regulations are being taken into serious consideration”.

She further explained, “The idea is to prevent delays especially in Phases 5 and 6 of the influenza.

Phase 1 to 3 predominantly dealing with animal infection and few human infections; Phase 4 where there is sustained human to human infections, and Phase 5 and 6 with widespread human infection”.

Just last week, Guyana Times reported that the necessary provisions are present in Guyana to tackle the issue, after speaking with Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud.

According to him, the situation is under control with provisions at arrival ports to monitor passenger activities.

He enunciated that ferry docks and arrival terminals

at airports are equipped with a framework which is expected to be implemented on all passengers. This includes the flight declaration being appraised to indicate if such cases enter the country.

“We continue to maintain our port health requirement for all arriving flights and vessels. A person must do the general flight declaration which would give us a fair idea as to any sick person is coming in. Port health department would usually document those cases and follow them up so those pro-

visions are in place,” said the CMO. As of recent, Trinidad and Tobago reported ten cases of the virus, which is commonly known as the ‘swine flu’. In fact, one death has already been recorded as a result of the virus.

This confirmation came from the country’s Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh with a local news agency. He noted that out of the 75,000 H1N1 vaccines available, 14,500 people have been inoculated in the last few weeks.

Brothers in hot water for damaging car

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wo brothers on Monday made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with a joint charge which stated that they unlawfully damaged a motor vehicle.

Kamal Maraj, 30, and his younger brother, 21-yearold Kishore Maraj both answered to the charge, which detailed that on October 29, 2018 at Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, they unlawfully damaged a

Nissan motor vehicle valued $880,000, property of Khemraj Hussain.

Police Prosecutor Adoni Inniss did not object to them being placed on bail.

Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus placed the duo on $100,000 bail and adjourned the matter to February 11, 2018.

The older Maraj was previously charged in 2018 for fraud and was released on bail. That case is still pending.

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tuesdAY, January 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Venezuelan military aggression

Exxon-contracted vessel resumes work – to conduct 3-, 4-D surveys in southern Stabroek Block

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The Ramform Tethys

fter a harrowing encounter last year with the Venezuelan Navy, during which attempts were made to board it while it was carrying out seismic tests, Norwegian vessel Ramform Tethys has recommenced its seismic operations in the Stabroek Block on Exxon’s behalf.

According to a notice from the Maritime Administration Department, this work would have commenced over the weekend. The department noted that the 3 and 4D survey would take place in the Southern portion of the Stabroek Block.

It is understood that the survey will conclude on April 12 of 2019. Besides the Ramform Tethys, two other vessels will take part in the operation. These vessels are the Thor Magni and the Delta Monarch.

According to the notice, these vessels will cover approximately 1,240 square kilometres of ocean in their data collection. While providing coordinates for the areas

they would work, MARAD also warned local vessels to give these Norwegian vessels their space.

“These vessels will be displaying the international signal for such activities,” the notice stated. “All mariners are requested to maintain a wide berth of these vessels and to navigate with caution when in the vicinity.”

The Ramform Tethys is owned by Norwegian company Petroleum Geo Services, which was contracted by Exxon to do seismic tests in the block. The ship was reportedly forced to pack up shop and leave the area on December 22 when the Venezuelan Navy intercepted and tried to land a helicopter on its deck.

On December 22, ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary announced it was suspending the 3-D seismic tests it started only a month ago in Guyana’s Stabroek Block after the appearance and approach of the Venezuelan Navy caused the vessel to pack up shop and vacate the

High Court hears...

Meeting

On Wednesday last, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger met in what was described as a “fruitful engagement”, during which the two sides entered into agreements on several areas, including jointly approaching the courts to expedite the legal proceedings filed in reference to the NoConfidence resolution.

This is after the Head of State insisted that his administration would continue to pursue the legal proceedings which challenge the validity majority of the 33 votes that were used to pass the motion instead of an “absolute majority” of 34.

Speaking at a media briefing following the meeting which lasted nearly 90 minutes, Jagdeo told reporters the Opposition sought clarity on whether Government would have accepted the Constitutional provisions outlined in Articles 106 (6) and (7) of the constitution.

“The president said “No”, they will continue to pursue the legal route as a remedy to this situation,” the Opposition Leader revealed, while explaining that “This legal remedy could take forever, it could take maybe a year; and what happens in the meantime? We

From page 3

would have defeated, first of all, the purpose of the Constitution – the intent of [Article] 106 (6) and (7) – and what if, at the end of the year, the court rules in our favour, or (after) two years, the court says, ‘yes, it was validly upheld’? So we made it clear that this legal situation, we don’t support it, but that’s a reality because the Government will pursue it.”

Accelerate process

Against this backdrop, Jagdeo disclosed that he suggested during the meeting that the court be approached to expedite these matters so that there would be no breach of the constitution, which stipulates that elections must be held within three months of the passage of a motion of no-confidence.

He added that Guyana’s case is not just an ordinary matter. “This is a question of the Constitution, and also the timeline imposed by the Constitution is ticking, and so the need for that urgency we’re pushing for must dawn on the court themselves… and now they’re getting the Government and the Opposition saying, ‘we want you to hear it continuously, expeditiously get the hearing so that we can move it and get that out of the way,” he posited.

area.

The incident came at a time when Guyana has an ongoing territorial integrity case with Venezuela.

Since Guyana submitted its memorial on Jurisdiction to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year, a date was in turn set for the Venezuelan Government to submit its own counter memorial.

This was revealed during the 2019 budget debates by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge. According to the Minister, April 18, 2019 has been set for Venezuela to submit its counter memorial.

When US oil giant ExxonMobil announced the first of multiple oil finds in lo-

The coordinates supplied by MARAD

cal waters in 2015, Venezuela renewed its claim to twothirds of Guyana’s territory.

Venezuela has been against oil exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where multiple oil deposits were found

by ExxonMobil, and has

since renewed claims to the Essequibo region.

On January 30, 2018, Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, concluded the Good Offices Process – which the parties had engaged in

for almost 30 years, but did not achieve a resolution to the controversy – and chose the ICJ as the next means of settlement, for which Guyana had long been advocating.

14 NEWS Vreed-en-Hoop NDC finally clears garbage pile-up

tuesdAY, January 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Garbage being cleared by workers on Monday

F

ollowing a report in Guyana Times over the weekend about the garbage piled up at the Vreed-en-Hoop junction, West Coast Demerara, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) on Monday finally cleared the garbage pile that was of major concern to persons in the area.

When Guyana Times visited the area on Monday, residents said they believe it was only because of the

publication done in this newspaper recently that the NDC decided to clear the garbage, which had already been there for weeks.

They, however, noted how happy they were for the relief of the stench that came with the wind.

Persons complained that the situation was not only affecting commuters, customers and drivers, but businesses in the area as well.

In fact, it infuriated business owners who reached out to this newspaper last week to share their concerns as the situation resulted in flies and fumes affecting their food and clothing businesses.

An employee at a clothing business in the vicinity had complained that other business persons in the area would usually dump their garbage at the junction; a trend which would usually be followed by school children as well as other commuters who wait at the junction for transportation.

Another concerned businesswoman complained that minibus drivers also throw their garbage near businesses and the NDC does nothing to eradicate the littering trend.

“It’s just there and it just keeps piling up. I’ve never seen anybody clear it up unless we pay people to do it and we are all paying

taxes for this,” she related.

Meanwhile a business owner noted, “Guys or people at the bus stop would usually drink their beers and their drinks and leave it at our shed and the girls who are employed here would have to clean it”.

The entrepreneur said she would like the officials at the NDC to focus on the garbage pile-up in that area and place bins to avoid the issue or even have “litter-free zones” to raise some form of awareness.

Another business own-

Mash 2019 to cost $70M …events decentralised to all regions

Telecommunications Ministry planning for bigger “Code Camp” T

File photo: Participants of the Costume and Float parade 2018

T

h e Telecommunications Ministry on Monday presented the findings from two of its summer camp programs held last year to help children in the area of coding and programming, during which it was revealed that plans are in place to expand the project to benefit more children in various areas.

The plans were revealed by the Ministerial Advisor for ICT, Lance Hinds at a forum hosted at the Telecommunications Ministry, Camp Street, Georgetown.

According to Hinds, the Ministry plans to “train the trainers” this year, so that they can go back to their communities and help others to become well-educated in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

“2019 is going to be bigger, 2018 was really (big) during the holidays (so) we’re expanding that…

They’re going to be sessions on Saturday afternoons. I’m

hoping, based on discussions, we (will) have some during the week as well,” he said.

The ICT specialist noted that the Ministry is currently finalising the locations for these programmes to be held. He, however, disclosed that so far Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) are on the radar. “(Region) Four of course is a large Region, population-wise so even though they are some preliminary centers that are being identified we (are) going to have to work out how we satisfy other parts of Four,” Lance explained.

Under this year’s Code Camp, the Ministry hopes to enter the hinterland region in areas such as Fair View, Annai and a number of others in Iwokrama so as to “train the trainers” who will go back and help their fellow villagers.

Meanwhile, during the presentation of results from last year’s two summer camp activities, “Code Camp” and female programming, it was found that a mere 24 per cent of women enter digital sector jobs.

It was because of this that the program was tailored. The activity saw the participation of 56 girls between Grades Seven to Nine.

On the other hand, Code Camp saw the inclusion of 120 children, of which about 40 were girls. This activity lasted six weeks and catered for children in Forms Three and Four.

Together the programs served to introduce the children to programming and coding among other activities.

Some even built games and created animations during the course.

This year’s Code Camp will be launched in the coming week and application forms for the participation of same will be available in newspapers.

er said that customers usually leave the business and other people do not visit the store when they see the huge piles of waste. It is because of this that she is forced to use her profits to do the work of the NDC.

he Social Cohesion Ministry on Monday announced its Mashramani activities for the 49th annual celebration, bringing the events to all parts of the country so that everyone can experience the Guyanese culture.

In rebranding Mashramani, 39 activities have been scheduled over the next six weeks to mark the Republic anniversary celebrations, held under the banner “Celebrate Mash 2019; With Victory in Mind – Rediscovering El Dorado.”

Coordinator of this year’s event planning, Andrew Tyndall gave a highlight of the schedule, noting that some $70 million will be expended this year and is somewhat the same figure when compared to last year.

“Mashramani will be relevant as we Guyanese want it to be relevant. It’s our culture…Mashramani is unique in Guyana. It’s the only place you’ll find this festival happening and so we have to improve what we present to the public,” Tyndall expressed.

He acknowledged the major sponsors: Caribbean Airlines, Banks DIH, Republic Bank and Ansa McAl. The events commenced on Saturday with an AllStars concert followed by Steel band concert in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Over in Georgetown, Main Street will come alive every Friday with the Banks Main Street Lime, beginning on January 18. On January 19, another concert will be hosted, this time in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Esequibo).

Junior Calypso and Soca rehearsals will be held at the seawall in Georgetown on January 20. These rehearsals will be followed

by Chutney and Soca rehearsals on January 27 and February 1 respectively.

A key event of the season which takes the form of the junior Calypso and Soca competition will be held on February 2 at the Bartica Community Centre Ground in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The adult Calypso rehearsals will be conducted at the sea wall in

Georgetown on February 3.

This will be followed by the Banks Calypso semi-final in Union, Number 53 Village Community Centre Ground on February 8.

On February 9, the Linden-Georgetown Municipal Bus Park in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) will be rejuvenated with the Carib Soca Monarch competition.

Meanwhile a Chutney Dance Competition is expected to excite patrons over in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) at the National Track and Field Centre also on February 9.

The Bath Settlement Community Centre in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) will this year host the Chutney Song Competition semi-finals on February 10.

Other exciting events are expected to take place within the month of February including Children’s costume and float parade at the National Park on February 16, the Carib Soca Monarch final, also on February 16 at the D’Urban Park.

This year the Masquerade Jamboree will be held at the Stabroek Square on February 21. The Flag Raising Ceremony will be hosted on February 22 to usher in the Costume and Float Parade on February 23. The Mashramani festivities does not end on February 23 this year as a Champions in Concert activity is slated for March 9, in Mahdia Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

With regards to security, the Guyana Police Force in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission has taken up the mantle of increasing security for the mash-bands and revelers.

news

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TUESdAY, January 15, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Surinamese businessman found at Number Suriname piracy-murder PI Accused's relative arrested for 63 Beach with gunshot wound to head taking photos of witnesses

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T

Investigators standing next to the body at the Number 63 Beach, Berbice

he body of a Surinamese national, identified as Nitender Omewra Singh, was on Monday afternoon found on the Number 63 Beach on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head.

Singh was implicated in a cocaine bust last Tuesday

by Surinamese authorities.

Some 2300 kilograms of co-

caine was found in rice in a canter truck, which was intercepted at Jules Sedney Haven by the narcotics brigade of Suriname.

His body was discovered by ranks who were on routine patrol in the area about 16:20h. A spent shell and a cell phone were found next to the body of the businessman. This publication understands that tyre marks were also seen next to the

body.

Investigators have since observed that limited blood found on the scene suggested that the body might have been dumped there.

Meanwhile, a source close to the investigation told this publication that several persons in the area were asked to submit footage from their surveillance cameras. An investigation has been launched.

Travellers fume in long lines at Miami International in Govt shutdown

Passengers flying from Miami International Airport wait in line to enter the checkpoint at Concourse F, where some of the flights of a closed terminal were diverted, in Miami, Florida (Photo: AFP)

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assengers departing Miami International Airport endured unusually long waits at security checkpoints Sunday, an indirect consequence of the partial US federal government shutdown.

Since December 22, some 800,000 US federal employees have been on mandatory leave or working without pay because President Donald Trump and Congress have been at an impasse over US$5.7 billion the president wants to build a wall on Mexico border.

Some employees, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents that staff airport security checkpoints, are considered “essential” and must work without pay.

Many however are apparently protesting by reporting sick at an abnormally high rate.

“We almost missed our flight. I wanted to eat a sandwich and now I can’t. We’re furious, this makes no sense,” Italian Rocco Vincenzo, who was heading to the Cayman Islands before returning to his country, told AFP.

Vincenzo stood in a line of cranky travellers waiting to get through security to catch their flights that stretched the length of two city blocks.

“You want to travel? I’m going to stay in Italy and he (Trump) can stay in America,” joked the 52-year-old labourer.

With about 40 TSA agents

out, Miami International Airport officials decided Friday to close one of the airport’s six terminals.

“Travelling in general is difficult, it’s not pleasant, and this adds to the frustration,” said Paul Reynolds, a 52-yearold Jamaican travelling to Kingston also waiting in line.

According to spokesman Greg Chin, the wait times at Miami International remain normal and the closed terminal will reopen on Monday, staffed by TSA agents.

TSA chief David Pekoske wrote on Friday that he had approved a US$500 bonus for officers at checkpoints who have worked without pay in what is now the longest government shutdown in US history.

“While I realise this is not what you are owed for your hard work,” Pekoske tweeted, “I hope these actions alleviate some of the financial hardship many of you are facing.” (AFP)

olice in Berbice on Monday arrested a teenager who was allegedly taking pictures of witnesses in the Suriname piracy attack/murder preliminary inquiry.

The 16-year-old was taken into custody while at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court.

Reports are the main suspect, Nakool Manohar, called ‘Fyah’, had allegedly issued death threats to witnesses when they appeared in court to testify. He was charged for the murder of Tilacknauth Mohabir, called “Caiman”.

It is alleged that between April 26 and May 3, 2018, while at sea, Manohar and

Premchand Persaud, aka ‘Sinbad’ murdered Mohabir.

However, the two are not the only ones charged for that murder. Alexander DenHeart is also facing a charge for the murder of Tilacknauth Mohabir On Monday, the matter was called for the first time before Magistrate Alex Moore, who questioned the rationale behind the men being charged separately for the same murder.

Magistrate Moore said deliberating filing separate jackets defeats the rule where two proceedings are identical.

The prosecution is contending that DenHeart is a witness against the two, and

if charged jointly, he will not be able to give evidence against his co-accused. The Prosecution was given until January 29th to prove to the court why all accused should not be charged jointly.

Between April 27 and 28, 2018, several Guyanese fishermen were killed when pirates attacked their boats in the Atlantic Ocean.

Four boats with a total of 20 fishermen were victims of the attacks, during which some persons were burned with hot oil, attacked with cutlasses, and forced to jump overboard with anchors tied to their feet at Wia Wia Bank in the Atlantic Ocean.

To date some of the men are still missing.

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tuesdAY, January 15, 2019

Regional

South America creating regional bloc Trinidad rattled by to counter Venezuela – Colombia late-night quake

S

outh American countries are developing a new diplomatic group to replace the UNASUR regional bloc that is heavily influenced by increasingly isolated Venezuela, Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Monday.

The Union of South American Nations, or UNASUR, was created 10 years ago by late Venezuelan socialist leader Hugo Chávez to counteract the influence of the United States in the Region as a wave of leftist leaders held sway over the Region’s politics.

But mounting criticism that Chávez’s successor, President Nicolas Maduro, is undermining democracy, as well as a general rightward shift in the Region, led Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Peru to sus-

Colombian President Ivan Duque

pend their participation in the group.

The new group, called Prosur, would seek to counteract the influence of what countries in the Region call a dictatorship in Venezuela.

“We’ve been advancing

toward the end of UNASUR and the creation of Prosur ... a South American platform for the coordination of public policies, the defence of democracy, independent institutions, and market economies,” Duque said in a ra-

dio interview.

“It is very important that (UNASUR), which has been a supporter of the dictatorship of Venezuela, be shut down,” Duque said.

Venezuela’s Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The troubled nation’s economic crisis has caused an exodus of three million people since 2015, according to the United Nations, the vast majority of which have gone to neighbouring Colombia.

Maduro says the country is victim of an “economic war” led by political adversaries with the help of the United States, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against Maduro’s Government and top officials. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A

n earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 rattled parts of the Trinidadian capital late on Sunday night, but there were no reports of damage or injury.

The Trinidad-based Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the St Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) said that the quake, which occurred at 23:18h (local time) was also felt in Venezuela.

It said that the quake, which is the latest in the series of tremors to rattle several Caribbean countries in recent days, was located at Latitude: 10.50N, Longitude: 62.61W and at a depth of 93 kilometres (km).

The SRC, which has been

warning the Caribbean to be prepared for a major earthquake, said that the latest tremor was felt 123 km west of Port of Spain, 71km east south east of Carúpano, and 104km north-east of Maturín in Venezuela.

On Sunday, several countries in the Region were rocked by a magnitude 3.4 earthquake.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports that at 07:29h (local time), the tremor affected the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St Martin, Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, St Kitts Nevis, US Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla and St Barthelemy. (CMC)

Over 5000 flood cheques UK cop to stand trial Pushing for paternity distributed in T&T in Antigua High leave in Barbados Court for rape

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he Scotland Yard detective who was extradited to Antigua last year to face a rape charge has been committed to stand trial in the High Court in the upcoming January Criminal Assizes.

Pending his trial, the officer, who cannot be named due to restrictions under the Sexual Offences Act, will remain on remand at the former US Naval Base at Coolidge where he was placed upon his return, after he successfully argued in a UK court that conditions at Her Majesty’s Prison would breach his human rights if he were to be sent there.

The committal was done in the All Saints Magistrate’s Court last week where Magistrate Ngaio EmanuelEdwards told the cop, in the presence of his lawyer John Fuller, that the prosecution had provided sufficient prima facie evidence (at a

glance) needed to forward the case to the High Court for a trial before a judge and jury.

It is alleged that on May 23, 2015, the then 25-yearold UK Police Officer, who was on vacation in Antigua, raped the 19-year-old woman in Antigua after befriending her and spiking her drink during an outing in Falmouth.

He then left the State while local Police looked for him.

Once he was traced and extradited, the British cop was denied bail when he first appeared in court in September.

The grounds for denying the bail included that he fled the State and did not return voluntarily to face the allegation; he has no ties in Antigua and; he is considered a flight risk given the seriousness of the allegation. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

T

he time is ripe for Barbados to legislate paternity leave.

That’s the view of the Executive Director of the Barbados Family Planning Association (BFPA), Anderson Langdon, who says it is but one of the measures that needs to be facilitated to help improve the family dynamics in the country.

“We often talk about better parenting, particularly among fathers, and improving the development of children, but we need to do the things that allow fathers to be fathers, and one such way is to allow mandatory paternity leave for expecting fathers. Also, the same way we accommodate the parenting life of women, we need to do the same with men. We need to set up our work and social networks to be equitable to allow persons, both men and women, to have the time to be better parents,” he said in an interview with

the Barbados Advocate.

Langdon said he was cognisant that the current Government was keen on the idea of paternity leave, and he wanted to see it become a reality sooner rather than later. However, he is adamant that society need not wait for Government to make it law. Langdon is suggesting that local businesses which have not already done so should create paternity policies, contending that there is no need to wait for legislation to do the right thing.

His comments came as he acknowledged that some companies already have paternity policies in place, but lamented that in too many of those cases, the timeframe fathers are given off from work is not adequate for them to bond with their children. To that end, the BFPA Head is adamant that paternity leave should be no less than one month. (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

Rejected from US, Haitian migrants form community in Mexico

T

housands of asylum seekers from Haiti who were denied entry in the United States two years ago have established a community on Mexico’s north-western border. With nowhere else to go, the Haitian community in Tijuana now consists of around 4000 people.

Many have been granted work visas by the Government, and are helping new migrants adjust to life in Mexico. (Al

Jazeera)

Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn

M

ore than 5000 cheques have been distributed to flooding victims, reported Trinidad Social Development and Family Services Minister CherrieAnn Crichlow-Cockburn.

She was responding to a question in Parliament on Friday.

She said 6501 assessments had been done as at November 15, 2018, the deadline for submissions of requests for assessments and completed forms. She recalled just before the deadline 639 assessments had been received and this

figure was reduced after a check of the database for duplication. She reported as at November 30 there were 348 outstanding site visits and assessments to be made.

Crichlow-Cockburn said as at November 30, 5523 cheques had been distributed to flood victims in all affected areas.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh also reported that after the flooding from October 19-21 a total of 14,895 houses were sprayed and defogged by the Insect Vector Control Division in 30 areas. (Excerpt from Newsday)

Jamaica: Curfew extended in Kingston Western

T Many have been granted work visas by the Government, and are helping new migrants adjust to life in Mexico

he curfew imposed in the Kingston Western Division in accordance with the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Special Security and Community Development Measures Act has been extended. The curfew began at 18:00h on Sunday, January 13 and

will remain in effect until 06:00 am on Wednesday, January 16.

During the hours of the curfew, all persons within its boundaries are required to remain within their premises unless otherwise authorised in writing by the ground commander. (Excerpt from

Jamaica Observer)

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tuesdAY, January 15, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Chinese court sentences Canadian Polish Mayor dies to death as diplomatic row deepens after stabbing

A

Chinese court on Monday sentenced a Canadian man to be executed for drug smuggling, prompting Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to accuse China of using the death penalty arbitrarily.

The ruling, and Trudeau’s reaction, could aggravate already sour relations between Beijing and Ottawa following the arrest of a senior Chinese executive in Canada and China’s subsequent detention of two Canadians.

The Dalian Intermediate People’s Court in China’s northeast province of Liaoning re-tried Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who had appealed his original 15-year prison sentence, and decided on execution, the court said in a statement.

Schellenberg was told in court he had the right to appeal to Liaoning High Court

A general view of the Intermediate People’s Court of Dalian, where the trial for Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, a Canadian citizen on drug smuggling charges, was held, in Liaoning province, China, January 14, 2019

within 10 days upon receiving the ruling, the intermediate court said in a second statement.

“It is of extreme concern to us as a government, as it should be to all our international friends and allies,

that China has chosen to begin to arbitrarily apply (the) death penalty ... as in this case,” Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa.

Schellenberg’s aunt, Lauri Nelson-Jones, said the family’s worst fears had

been confirmed.

“It is rather unimaginable what he must be feeling and thinking. It is a horrific, unfortunate, heart-breaking situation,” she told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

China-Canada ties turned icy in early December after Meng Wanzhou, Chief Financial Officer of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, was arrested in Vancouver on a US extradition warrant.

China denounced her arrest, warning of unspecified consequences unless Meng was released, and detained Michael Kovrig, a Canadian diplomat on unpaid leave from the Embassy in Beijing, and Michael Spavor, a Canadian consultant, on suspicion of endangering State security. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Millions of Indians prepare for holy dip

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illions of people in the northern Indian city of Allahabad are preparing to bathe in holy waters as part of the world’s largest religious gathering – the Kumbh Mela.

At least 15 million people are expected later at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical, subterranean Saraswati Rivers.

Officials are preparing for 120 million people during the 49-day festival.

It is billed as humanity’s biggest gathering and can be seen from space.

Hindus believe that

It is billed as humanity’s biggest gathering and can be seen from space

bathing at the confluence of the rivers – known as the Sangam –- will cleanse their sins and help them attain

salvation.

The biggest draw at the festival is the Naga sadhus – the naked ash-smeared as-

cetics who arrive in massive colourful processions.

At the last Kumbh in 2013, female ascetics were allowed to bathe at the Sangam for the first time.

This time, hundreds of transgender people will be participating.

More than a million foreign pilgrims will also take part in the festival, senior administration official Rajeev Rai told the BBC. He and other organisers have been preparing for more than a year for the event, which dwarfs the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T

he Mayor of the Polish city of Gdansk has died in hospital, a day after being stabbed at a charity event.

Pawel Adamowicz, 53, was attacked on stage in front of hundreds of people on Sunday.

He was taken to hospital for stab injuries and underwent five hours of surgery at a local hospital.

A 27-year-old with a criminal record has been arrested over the attack.

Police believe he used a media pass to gain access to the stage.

Poland’s Health Minister on Monday confirmed Adamowicz had died.

“We couldn’t win,” Lukasz Szumowski told local media, referring to the battle to save his life.

Thousands attended vigils across Polish cities on Monday evening, including in Gdansk.

President Andrzej Duda described the attack as an “evil hard to imagine”.

He said the day of the politician’s funeral would be observed as a day of national mourning. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Car bomb blast near high-security compound in Kabul kills 4, wounds 90

A

t least four people were killed and 90 wounded when a bomb-laden car blew up near a high-security compound in the Afghan capital Kabul on Monday, officials said.

An Afghan Government security official said the blast occurred on Jalalabad Road in eastern Kabul near the Green Village compound, home to several international companies and charities.

“Most of the victims were civilians,” said Najib Danish, an Interior Ministry spokesman. Twenty-three children were among the injured, he added.

Police spokesman Basir Mujahid said a vehicle full of explosives had been detonated. “The area is cordoned

off ... and search operation underway for suspects and attackers,” he said.

“It was a powerful car bomb that knocked (down) a wall between Green Village and the customs office,” a security source said.

Hayat Khan was having dinner with his family at his home when the explosion shattered the windows.

“All of my family are wounded. They have received injuries on the head, hands, legs and on the neck,” he said.

Khan and his family were being treated at the Wazir Akbar Khan hospital, where a Reuters witness saw dozens of severely injured people who had been rushed there from the blast site. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Take a 2nd look, May urges MPs Angry Zimbabweans riot after before Brexit vote 150% fuel price rise imposed

B

ritish Prime Minister Theresa May urged Members of Parliament (MPs) on Monday to take a “second look” at her deal to leave the European Union, a last-ditch effort to win over a parliament that looks set to reject the agreement.

The fate of the United Kingdom’s March 29 exit from the EU is in

the balance today when Parliament is widely expected to vote against May’s deal, opening up outcomes ranging from a disorderly divorce to reversing Brexit.

In the deepest crisis in British politics for at least half a century, May and EU leaders exchanged letters giving assurances on her withdrawal agreement,

though there was little sign of a change of heart among rebel MPs. May used a speech at a china factory in the leave-supporting city of Stoke-on-Trent in central England to say that MPs blocking Brexit altogether was now a more likely outcome than Britain leaving without a deal. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump denies he ever worked for Russia

U

S President Donald Trump has denied working for Russia, pouring scorn on the latest reports to cast scrutiny on his relationship with Moscow.

Addressing reporters at the White House as he left for Louisiana, he said: “I never worked for Russia.”

He played down a Washington Post report that he had concealed a translation of a meeting with Putin.

According to the New York Times meanwhile, the FBI launched a hitherto unreported inquiry into the President.

According to the newspaper, the FBI’s suspicions were raised after Trump fired its director, James Comey, in May 2017.

That FBI inquiry, reports the New York Times, was taken over by Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Mueller is leading an ongoing investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with the Kremlin to influence the 2016 presidential election.

Asked outside the White House on Monday if he was working for Russia, Trump denied it outright before adding: “I think it’s a disgrace that you even ask that question because it’s a whole big fat hoax.” (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Morisson Nxumalo vowed to protest until the Government reverses the fuel price rise [Tendai Marima/Al Jazeera]

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rotesters in Zimbabwe barricaded the main roads into major cities on Monday to protest a fuel price rise announced

by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In the southern city of Bulawayo, commuter bus drivers and activists blocked

thoroughfares with burning tyres, tree branches, and blocks of stone. Riot Police tried to quell demonstrations in the western suburbs of Emakhandeni and Luveve, firing warning shots and tear gas, but the protesters remained defiant.

Demonstrator Glen

Ncube, 25, expressed anger at the President’s announcement on Saturday of a 150 per cent fuel price increase and the Police actions.

“What kind of a man does this? Can Mnangagwa even be called a president? He’s making life hard for us and these Police are trying to stop us as if they don’t know our pain,” said Ncube.

The Government has vowed it “will not hesitate to take action” against protesters who threaten to destabilise the country and the military was deployed to assist Police.

Zimbabwe is going through its worst economic crisis in a decade.

The government announced an increase from US$1.34 for a litre of petrol to US$3.31 with diesel surging to US$3.11 per litre, igniting widespread discontent. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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tuesdAY, January 15, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Double-check everything before you make a move.

Consider whether a change is in your best interest.

Focus on personal improvements, not on changing others.

Learn all you can and finish what you start. You have great potential, and if you apply your skills, expertise and knowledge, you will reach your target.

Don’t believe what you are told just because you want to. Ask for verification before you make a mistake.

Anger will not solve anything. Nurture important relationships.

Look for original ways to overcome problems. If you work alongside people who share your beliefs, you’ll form new alliances and boost your chances of success.

A change will do you good, but make sure your reasoning is sound before you get started. Personal opportunities are apparent, along with romance and creative projects that will improve your life.

You’ll discover a new interest if you socialise. Discussing your opinions will draw both negative and positive responses, which will prompt you to do something that will make a difference in your community.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Take physical action and make improvements to your appearance, how you deal with relationships and how you effect change.

Procrastinating will not solve problems.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

The results you get will be directly linked to the way you handle others. Stick to the truth, take a unique approach and back away from anyone who is extravagant or misleading.

SUDOKU

Make adjustments at SAGITTARIUS home that will lead to an eas(Nov. 23- ier life. Personal improveDec. 21) ment is favoured, as long as you don’t go over budget.

Don’t let a smooth talker take advantage of you.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

Suggestions are only guideCAPRICORN lines. When it comes to getting (Dec. 22- things done, don’t lose sight of Jan. 19) the rules, schedules and the importance of details. Organisation and preparation are fundamental if you want to succeed.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Opportunities are all around you. Don’t try to do everything at once. Choose what will bring you the greatest return physically and emotionally, and do your very best.

Keep the ball rolling and help everyone who needs it. If you offer aid, suggestions and kindness to others, you will enrich your life. Someone from your past will want to reconnect. Proceed with caution.

tuesdAY, January 15, 2019

19

Australian Open 2019‌

Federer and Nadal through, John Isner out D

efending champion Roger Federer is into the Australian Open second round after beating Uzbek Denis Istomin.

The Swiss, who has won the tournament six times, came through 6-3 6-4 6-4 and will play Britain's Dan Evans next.

Meanwhile, 17-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal beat James Duckworth 6-4 6-3 7-5 to reach the second round.

John Isner became the first top-10 player to fall on the opening day as he was stunned in four sets by world number 97 Reilly Opelka.

American Isner, seeded ninth in Melbourne, was beaten 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (8-6) 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-5) by compatriot Opelka in just over three hours.

The victory was Opelka's first in the main draw of a Grand Slam.

Opelka - who at 6ft 11ins is the joint-tallest player on the ATP Tour - is the first American to beat 6ft 10ins Isner at a Slam.

South African fifth seed Kevin Anderson also progressed by beating France's Adrian Mannarino 6-3 5-7

6-2 6-1.

The 32-year-old, who has reached the fourth round at Melbourne Park on three occasions, served 14 aces but made 38 unforced errors as he won his opening match in two hours and 53 minutes.

The Wimbledon runner-up faces American Frances Tiafoe in the next round.

Nadal's new serve 'worked well'

Spanish second seed Nadal, 32, saw off Australian Duckworth in two hours and 16 minutes on Rod Laver Arena, despite a stubborn finish from Duckworth.

"He was playing super aggressive, every shot," said Nadal.

Nadal, who cut short his 2018 season with an abdominal muscle injury and to have ankle surgery, appeared to be back to full fitness against wildcard Duckworth.

The world number two showed no sign of being bothered by a thigh strain that had forced him to pull out of the Brisbane International earlier this month.

He was delivering a re-

modelled serve, which worked well even if he was broken to love when serving for the match at 5-3 in the third.

"When I get broken [it] was not because of the serve," he said.

"When you play against a player that wants to hit all the shots, of course you can have breaks against, because you are sometimes in his hands, "But anyway, my serve worked well. I don't know my percentage, but [there were] a lot of good positions after the first serve. I felt solid with the second."

He won 74% of firstserve points and delivered six aces.

Nadal will play Australian Matthew Ebden in the second round.

Wozniacki, Kerber and Stephens progress

Caroline Wozniacki started the defence of her Australian Open title with a 6-3 6-4 victory against Belgian Alison van Uytvanck.

The Dane, who has rheu-

Roger Federer is a 20-time Grand Slam champion

matoid arthritis, broke her rival once in each set and won in one hour and 33 minutes.

World number two Angelique Kerber also moved into the second round with a 6-2 6-2 win over Slovenia's Polona Hercog.

German 14th seed Julia Gorges, champion in Auckland a week ago, lost 2-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 to American Danielle Collins.

Wozniacki's victory in Melbourne last year saw the 28-year-old claim her

first Grand Slam title, but she has had physical issues since then and was diagnosed with arthritis in August.

"It's such a special feeling, I love playing back here," she said after her win.

"Last year I had some special memories and just to be able to be back out here on Rod Laver Arena is something extremely special and emotional. "Now I'm going to start crying and I never cry."

Czech Petra Kvitova, who won the Sydney

International title on Saturday, easily beat Slovakia's Magdalena Rybarikova 6-3 6-2.

Fifth seed Sloane Stephens beat fellow American Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-2, while Belarusian 11th seed Aryna Sabalenka cruised through against qualifier Anna Kalinskaya 6-1 6-4. Sabalenka will face Katie Boulter in the second round after the British number two's stunning victory over Ekaterina Makarova.

(BBC Sport)

Ex-Team Sky and British Cycling doctor charged with ordering testosterone for an athlete

F

ormer Team Sky and British Cycling doctor Richard Freeman will face a charge he ordered testosterone to enhance the performance of an athlete at a tribunal next month.

Freeman is alleged to have lied to "conceal his motive" for the order of 30 sachets of Testogel to the National Cycling Centre in Manchester in 2011.

The use of testosterone by athletes is banned at all times.

Freeman has been charged following a General Medical Council investigation.

His case will be heard at an independent medical practi-

tioners tribunal Manchester that

in is

scheduled to run from 6 February to 5 March.

The GMC claims Freeman's motive for ordering testosterone from Fit4Sport Limited in May 2011 was to administer it "to an athlete to improve their athletic performance."

It is alleged Freeman then made "untrue statements" in denying he made the order and advising it "had been made in error."

Freeman also faces claims that in October 2011 he contacted Fit4Sport Limited to ask for confirmation the order had been "sent in error, returned and would be destroyed" by the company,

July 2018: Former British Cycling and Team Sky doctor Richard Freeman – "We never crossed the line"

despite "knowing that this had not taken place."

The former British Cycling chief medic is also alleged to have lied to UK AntiDoping investigators by stating the testosterone had been ordered for a non-athlete member of staff.

In pre-hearing information published by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, a regulatory committee independent from the GMC, it is claimed Freeman's "motive for his actions, in respect of the untrue statements and communications with Fit4Sport Limited, were to conceal his motive for placing the order."

Freeman, the doctor who received a mystery medical package for Sir Bradley Wiggins in 2011, is also accused of "inappropriately" providing medical treatment to non-athletes and failing to inform three patients' GPs of "medica-

tion prescribed and reasons for prescribing."

The GMC also claims that Freeman, who resigned from British Cycling in October 2017 because of ill health "failed to maintain an adequate record management system" and the tribunal will also look into his failure to ensure records on a laptop that was stolen in Greece in 2014 could be retrieved.

Freeman denies any wrongdoing and told BBC Sport in July that he would "clear everything up" over the testosterone delivery after the conclusion of the GMC investigation.

British Cycling said it "continued to support" the GMC's investigation having "raised concerns relating to Dr Freeman's fitness to practice."

"British Cycling suspended Dr Richard Freeman in March 2017 and subsequently initiated an investigation into his conduct as an em-

ployee of the federation," said the governing body in a statement.

"British Cycling requested that Dr Freeman be interviewed as part of the investigation: however, he declined to make himself available for interview, citing grounds of ill health."

The testosterone delivery to the national velodrome was revealed by The Sunday Times in March 2017.

Dr Steve Peters, the Team Sky psychiatrist and former head of medicine at British Cycling, told the newspaper that Freeman told him the order "had never been placed and so must have been sent in error."

Peters claimed that Freeman had contacted the supplier and confirmed this and that he subsequently asked Freeman to request written confirmation, which he saw and was therefore satisfied it was "an administrative error". (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesdAY, January 15, 2019

Ramdhani continues to excel abroad G uyanese badminton sensation Narayan Ramdhani continues to make the most of his time in Canada, winning yet another tournament up North.

The 20-year-old started his 2019 season in the best way possible by securing the top spot in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Inter College/ University Badminton Tournament and finishing in the top four of the men’s doubles category.

This is the second ACAC tournament that Narayan has won, the first being held last year at Kings University in Canada.

Similar to the first tournament, the four University teams participating were the King's University-EAGLES, Olds College-BRONCOS, Concordia University of Edmonton-THUNDER, and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) – OOKS. For the men’s doubles division, Ramdhani teamed up with fellow King’s Eagles player Joel Simrose to face their higher seeded opponents. After making it past the preliminaries, the Guyanese and his partner took on the pair of Emil John Aquino and Reece Taubert, both of Olds. They secured an easy victory 21-10, 21-12

to advance to the semifinal.

There the duo’s luck changed as they found themselves pitted against the Number one seeded pair, Nicolas Pittman and Desmond Wang of Concordia. The top ranked pair was too much for the Guyanese and his partner, they lost 21-8, 21-10.

Their misfortune continued into the third place playoff, resulting in Ramdhani having to settle for the fourth place spot. Coming up against Nait’s John Li and Tyler Walsh, the duo lost 2114, 21-10.

Narayan Ramdhani, however, had a better single’s tournament, finding himself having to prove his dominance after being seeded as the Number 1 single’s player.

In the quarter finals, Ramdhani was pitted against Nait’s Taab Khwaja, but took an easy win in two sets: 21-3, 21-10. For the semi-final the Guyanese found himself coming up against his double’s partner Joel Simrose, and made light work of his opponent in another convincing victory, 219, 21-6.

For the final encounter of the tournament, Ramdhani was made to battle with Number two seeded player Tyler Walsh. The Guyanese player emerged victorious

once again with a 21-14, 21-9 win.

The tournament circuit will continue with the third ACAC competition on February 3 at the Olds College, this will be followed by the ACAC Championships February 17 at the Concordia University.

The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is the governing body for collegiate sports in Alberta, Canada.

Founded in 1964, as the Western InterCollege Conference, the ACAC is represented by sevenNarayan Ramdhani teen schools, inafter yet another cluding one in successful tournament Saskatchewan that competes in ten sports.

The ACAC is a member of the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association, and provincial champions compete for national collegiate titles.

Parker returns to San Antonio for the 1st time as a Hornet F

our-times NBA champion Tony Parker will return to the site of his past glory on Monday when he visits San Antonio for the first time since departing for Charlotte in the off-season. When Parker left the Spurs to sign a twoyear deal with the Hornets this past off-season it signaled the official end to an era.

“He came from an organization that’s been the best for the past 20 years,” Charlotte team mate Nicolas Batum told Reuters. “The way he is, his attention to detail, makes him special.”

It is certain to be an emotional occasion when Parker takes the court at AT&T Center once again.

“I won’t be surprised if there are tears in my eyes,” Parker told the San Antonio Express-News shortly after signing with the Hornets.

In Charlotte, the 36-yearold point guard has found a soft landing spot for his career descent.The Hornets offer a young roster ripe for Parker’s mentoring, a coach in James Borrego who spent seven seasons with Parker as an assistant with the Spurs, and a French compatriot in Batum who doubles as a trusted friend and business partner.Parker and Batum’s shared history dates back to the lat-

ter’s rise as an up-and-coming teenage prospect.The elder Parker was always just a phone call away, offering advice on diet and lifestyle.The duo would later team up to earn glory for the French National Team before uniting this year on the NBA front.Parker and Batum also share business interests as both are owners of French club ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne and run its basketball operations.

The two can often be seen watching games together on a mobile phone aboard buses, planes and over dinner.

“He knows all the good restaurants in Charlotte,” said Batum, of Parker. “I didn’t have to show him any.”Parker’s influence has been positive on the court for the Hornets (19-23) as well.

The team gives the 18th-year player occasional rest days, and Parker has looked rejuvenated at times while averaging 9.4 points and 3.8 assists off the bench.He has four 20-point efforts this year after recording just one a season ago. Parker is also helping the team grasp the new concepts of a young head coach.”Tony understands all of my terminology from our time together,” Borrego said. “He’s like another coach.” (Reuters)

Regional 4-Day Tournament 2018/2019…

Failure to grab opportunities at the top – says Brandon Corlette

F

Trevon Griffith leaves a ball during the fourth round (Brandon Corlette photo)

or some, it may not be a surprise when Guyana Jaguars opening batsman Trevon Griffith is relieved from the starting XI when Chanderpaul Hemraj returns.

The elegant left-handed stroke-maker has played in three rounds of the ongoing Cricket West Indies Regional 4-Day tournament, and has failed to score more than 23 runs in a single innings.

His scores in those three matches this season have been as follows: 18, 23, 12, 13*, 14; and 12 in the six innings he opened the batting for the Jaguars.

Trevon Griffith, a 27-year-old opener who came through the ranks, having represented West Indies under 19 in the tournament played in New Zealand, is in need of runs at the Regional level. Griffith made his first class debut in February 2012 against Jamaica in a match played at Antigua. He has been in-and-out of the Guyana Jaguars team, and has played First-class cricket for the Jamaica Scorpions franchise.

In his 20-First-class matches, Griffith has 609 runs, with only two half-centuries in 37 innings he batted. He has a poor average of 17.40 in contrast to his 22.18 in the ‘List A’ format of Regional cricket. The opener, who is arguably the best fielder

in the team and is among the fittest players in the Caribbean, brings a lot of value to the team, but his bat is not talking. Griffith possess great reflexes standing in the slip cordons, where he has taken 21 catches.

With the likes of Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and Chanderpaul Hemraj scoring runs for the Guyana Jaguars at the top of the batting order, Griffith is in need of a big innings.

Hemraj has an average of 30 in First-class cricket, playing the same amount of matches as Griffith, scoring 1083 runs in exactly 37 innings. Hemraj, who is now a player likely to play test cricket in 2019, has already played One Day International cricket for West Indies and he is now seen as the number one opening batsman for the Guyana Jaguars. Hemraj has four half centuries more than Griffith, 609 more runs; and ironically, the openers played the same amount of matches, batting the same amount of innings, in First-class cricket.

Meanwhile, Tagenarine Chanderpaul has been scoring at a slow rate, but is seen as the number two opener and the first choice opener when Hemraj is unavailable.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who has 300 runs in the first four rounds of the 20182019 CWI Regional 4-Day season, including a century at Providence in the last round, has a First-class career average of 32.23.

Chanderpaul has 1515 runs in 29 First-class matches, inclusive of two centuries and seven half-centuries. Among the Jaguars openers, Chanderpaul has played nine more matches than his fellow openers Hemraj and

Griffith, and the selectors will not overlook him, since he has the perfect temperament.

Guyana Jaguars have had a successful Regional 4-Day campaign, but Trevon Griffith’s record speaks otherwise.

Griffith has played some exquisite shots during his stay at the crease while batting this season, but he usually plays one shot too many, which leads to his downfall. His communication bet w e e n the wickets has caused him his wicket in recent times, but he is likely to have an opportunity for the Jaguars and he should want to score valuable runs.

Trevon Griffith (Brandon Corlette photo)

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sports

21

Jamaica take on USA, Guyana, in 4x200m relays at the Amory J

amaica will compete in the 4x200m relays at the DSI Invitational/ Armory Invitational Indoors in New York City on January 26.

The defending men’s champions will feature Oshane Bailey, Germaine Brown, Kavon Rattray, Miguel Barton and Stallone Watson while the women who second last year will be comprised of Verone Chambers, Tovia Jenkins, Schillonie Calvert, Okhalia Buchanan and Candice McLeod.

The USA, who won the women’s race last year and Guyana will also compete in the event but head coach Dalton Evans has high expectations. “I am expecting both to be victorious,” he said head.

Meanwhile, several other Jamaica elites will be on show at the meet. They include Jamaica’s 800m cham-

pion Natoya Goule, who broke the national record twice in 2018. She will compete in the 1000m while

Simoya Campbell will run in the 600m.

Kemoy Campbell will run in the 3000m. Jamaica

Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) President Dr Warren Blake, General secretary Garth

Gayle and Sprintec head coach Maurice Wilson are expected to be in attendance.

(Sportsmax)

Holder wants personal success to mirror team achievement C 223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

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RECEIVING YOUR

DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES

aptain Jason Holder says he is already eyeing another successful year in international cricket but also wants to see West Indies excel, starting with the upcoming series against powerful England.

The Barbadian all-rounder was one of the leading bowlers in Tests for 2018, snaring 33 wickets at 11.87 – the best average by any bowler in a calendar year in 100 years.

He now lies 10th in the ICC bowling rankings and second in the all-rounders rankings but Holder said whatever his achievements, they needed to help drive Windies’ overall success.

“Obviously my goal is to be the number one all-rounder but there is a bigger picture in front of me and that’s for us to lift this [Wisden] Trophy,” Holder told reporters here.

“We’ve had individual brilliance within the last two years so it’s a matter for

us to put it together. I would feel a lot better for us to put it together as a side than for me to continue [in my personal goals].

“I’ll do whatever it takes to compete and get the job done for the team, whether it is scoring a hundred or taking seven or eight wickets. I’m willing to put up my hands for the sake of the team.

“If we can get that attitude going throughout the team, the team would definitely be headed in the right direction.”

Holder missed the ill-fated tour of Bangladesh with a shoulder injury, as the Caribbean side suffered a devastating 2-0 whitewash.

He underwent successful rehabilitation and recently turned out for Barbados Pride in their third round match of the Regional first class championship against leaders Guyana Jaguars.

He managed only a single wicket and sent down

17 overs in Jaguars massive first innings total of 548, and did not bowl in the second innings with the visitors requiring only 45 runs to win.

Holder said his recovery had gone well and while he was not yet back to 100 per cent, he would be in

match condition in time for the opening Test starting January 23 at the Oval.

“I felt the rehab went pretty well. I had four solid weeks in England doing some rehab and I’ve just got back into playing cricket,” he said.

“I’m still probably not a

hundred per cent but hopefully come [the first Test] I’ll be there or thereabouts.”

He continued: “I felt the body held up pretty well. I have to keep building and keep the strengthening going and obviously keep my body active as much as possible. (CMC)

Paddy Upton appointed GUYANA Rajasthan Royals Coach OF THE

TIMES

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

Paddy Upton has a word with Rahul Dravid

P

addy Upton has been appointed as head coach of the Rajasthan Royals for the 2019 season, which begins in March. This is Upton's second stint as head coach of the franchise, having previously held the position between 2013 and 2015. Shane Warne, who was head coach in 2018, will likely assume a brand ambassadorial role, as earlier reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Upton was at the helm in 2013 when Rajasthan Royals turned their fortunes around after a bad start and made it to the semi-finals.

In that season, Royals were also finalists in the now de-

funct Champions League, and under Upton, they were unbeaten in 12 consecutive home games. He also served as assistant coach to Gary Kirsten at India and South Africa.

Upton will form Royals' central coaching group along with former Debyshire quick Steffan Jones, who had been appointed the franchise's fast-bowling coach last season, and director of cricket Zubin Bharucha.

Former Mumbai players Amol Muzumdar and Sairaj Bahutule have been retained as batting coach and spin-bowling coach respectively. (ESPN CRICINFO)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesdAY, January 15, 2019

2019 New York Business Group Under –19 Tournament…

Tucber Park destroy Young Warriors in latest round

GFF aids in execution of UG-organised tournament

– Sinclair’s double century, Anderson’s ton lead RHT dominance

T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continued its cricket season over the weekend with some exciting cricket matches.

In a clash between the New Amsterdam giants Tucber Park and the Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje, Tucber Park outplayed Young Warriors to register a seven-wicket victory.

The match was played at the Young Warriors’ ground

ing conditions in the ancient county, Alex Algoo and Ricardo Ramdehol went out to bat, and encountered some goof bowling from Gevon Schultz and Leon Swammy.

Each of these Tucber Park bowlers have represented Guyana at the under 17 level. Schultz bowled with control, while Swammy was hitting the pitch hard. Young Warriors were blown away for 60 in 18.3 overs, as their batsmen had a horrific out-

Young Warriors v Tucber Park Under

beautiful

play-

T

Delshawn McDonald and Leon Swammy bowled lively spells for Tucber Park

Kevlon Anderson smashed a century while Junior Sinclair smashed a double century

at Cumberland, and Warriors captain Alex Algoo won the toss and opted to bat.

In the other fixture, played at Albion, the Rose Hall Town batsmen enjoyed a runs-fest in defeating Albion ‘B’ by 433 runs. Junior Sinclair recorded a brilliant 215, while Kevlon Anderson stroked 136.

GFF's Shinelle Pearson presents balls to Jafar Jay Hova Gibbons

ing, with extras contributing to the total.

Gevon Schultz had 2-10; Leon Swammy picked up 2-5; Delshawn McDonald 2-8; leg spinner Winslow Roberts had 2-10, and left arm pacer Isiah Anderson had 1-8 in a dominant bowling performance.

In reply, Tucber Park raced away, reaching the target in 17.3 overs to finish on 62-3. Berbice under 19 batsman, Tucber Park cap-

tain Garfield Benjamin, top scored with an unbeaten 25, and Nicholas Veren scored 14 not out to see Tucber Park register a seven wicket win in their unbeaten 2019, under 19 campaign.

Albion ‘B’ v Rose Hall Town

In the other match, played besides the Albion Estate Housing Scheme, Rose Hall Town took first strike and amassed 518-7 in 50 overs. Guyana youth players Kevlon Anderson and

Junior Sinclair opened the batting, adding 300 runs to frustrate the Albion ‘B’ bowlers. Guyana under 15 batsman Jaron Goopilal scored 62 as Rose Hall Town put on a dominant batting display. In reply, Albion ‘B’ were bundled out for 85, with Junior Sinclair returning with the ball to grab four wickets, while fast bowler Joshua Wilson and off-spinner Jaron Goopilal had two wickets each. (Brandon Corlette)

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Monday last presented footballs to aid the execution of a small-goal competition slated for the University of Guyana (UG).

The initiative, organised by Jafar Gibbons, will kick off on February 2 at the Turkeyen campus, and is designed to bolster students' interaction across faculty -which is expected once students are given the opportunity to create their own teams.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport about ongoing preparations for the tournament. Gibbons said, “To answer the question, approximately 11 teams have registered so far. I am not sure, because my phone has been down for a few days and I need that, since the guys are registering via the phone.

Also, the buzz is crazy so far, everybody is hyped. Campus hasn’t restarted as yet, but everybody is talking about the tournament and they like the vibe it creates, I am getting a lot of support, from fans, the participants and also from corporate Guyana.

All the necessary paper work and approval have been completed, so hopefully, on the day of the tournament, it should have a smooth flow of events”.

Gibbons further explained, “What the tournament is designed to do is allow players to create their own team, regardless of which faculty they’re from… so then you’re not only having interactions among teammates, but as a tournament (it will enable) students (to) cross paths, and what better way to foster interaction other than through sports?”

The tournament will be played for one day only, providing that there is a maximum of eight registered teams. However, if there are more than 16 teams contesting, the games shall be played for two weeks. 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.

Some of the other entities on board with this event are the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Signature Move, New Era Entertainment, Michael Singh, C&L Construction Inc. and Robbie Rambarran.

Gibbons also stated that he is once again grateful to GFF President Wayne Forde and his staff for their continued support towards football development throughout Guyana.

Rupununi braces for U-17 Youth Cup in Brazil R

upununi youths will have the chance of a lifetime when they travel to Manaus, Brazil to participate in the Copa Das Cachoerias (Waterfall Cup) in the Under 17 Category.

Clubs from Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and Brazil are expected to be part of this competition, which will be staged on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd February 2019.

Officials identified to lead the team are Ken Grant (Head Coach), Orlando Allicock (Assistant Coach), Franklin Parks (Fitness Coach) and Manley Thomas (Manager).

These officials will train and screen players for the

– appeals for sponsorship

final squad. Prospective squad includes interna-

tional players the likes of Orville Daniels, Wayne Da

Silva and Ken Salvador.

Emerging talents such

as Victor Hernandez and Stephen McDonald and more talented local players from across the Rupununi have already joined a camp on January 9.

The Rupununi Football Association (RFA) will also be launching its flagship tournament, The RFA Champions League.

The Rupununi will once again be treated to three months of exciting football from various clubs across the Rupununi as defending Champions Tabatinga FC (Male) and Gladiators FC (Female) fight to retain their crown. A total of 25 clubs are expected to participate.

The Rupununi Football Association (RFA) is seeking sponsorship for this youth team that will be representing the Rupununi.

Interested patrons are kindly asked to make contact with the RFA on +592 671 7413 or by email: rfaregion916@yahoo.com.

The RFA welcomes all stakeholders to be part of this auspicious competition as they strive to develop football in the Rupununi.

Interested sponsors are kindly asked to make contact with the RFA on +592 671 7413 or by email: rfaregion916@yahoo.com. The official launching is scheduled for the 20th February 2019.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesdAY, January 15, 2019

23

Coach Fernandes grateful for Supernova's 3rd place finish T

he selected Guyanese Under 19 hockey players have shown their worth once again, romping to a convincing third place finish in the University of the West Indies Indoor tournament.

It was a dramatic weekend for the Guyanese boys in Trinidad and Tobago as they fought hard to advance to the semifinal and clinch the bronze medal.

The Supernova team was required to come up against Malvern Hockey club and Queen’s Park CC, in order to advance to the semifinal stage. With a 3-2 victory against Malvern and a fighting 6-5 loss to Queen’s Park on Saturday the Guyanese squad was able to edge their way into the semifinal of the UWI tournament.

Coming against a very experienced Trinidad & Tobago Police Force side in the semifinal, the young Guyanese were unlucky to see two of their early shots hit the uprights, before former Trinidad & Tobago national player Wayne Legerton converted two penalty corners in the 3rd and 15th minutes

The Under 19 Supernova team in Trinidad and Tobago

to send Police into the half up 2- 0. Supernova’s superior speed and fitness began to turn the tide in the second half, although Omar Hopkinson’s penalty corner flick was initially saved, he slammed home the rebound to make it 1-2 in the 21st minute. Warren Williams

then equalised in the 26th minute after finishing off a blistering Jamarj Assanah counter attack. Honours remained even until Legerton converted his third penalty corner with 20 seconds left on the clock to score what seemed to be the game winner. However, an alert

and intelligent Meshach Sargeant sprinted into the goal, retrieved the ball and put it onto the centre line and attacked the TTPF scoring area, which drew an intentional foul and penalty corner just as time expired.

Hopkinson once again stepped up when his

team needed him most and delivered the tie with a bullet of a drag flick into the top left corner. The resulting shootout ended tied on 1-1 after the allotted three rounds, and it took an additional five rounds of sudden death before TTPF won 4-3.

The clearly disappointed youngsters didn’t have much time to feel sorry for themselves as they had to return to the court 35 minutes later to take on Paragon, the same team who had defeated them in the Ventures third place playoff 5-3. However, this time around it was the Guyanese who took home third place.

The efforts of Jabari Perez, Kellon Skerrit and Akim Toussaint were no match for the Guyanese line up, as braces from Warren Williams and Omar Hopkinson, and a lone goal from Kareem McKenzie ensured that they would bring home the bronze with a 5-4 victory.

Reflecting on the team’s showing National coach Robert Fernandes was impressed with the team’s ability to regroup and finish

strongly.

“I thought we had our chances to take the lead early against TTPF in the semi-final. We discussed limiting circle entries in our pre-game briefing because we knew how deadly Legerton was on penalty corners, so it was disappointing to fall behind in the fashion that we did. However, the boys showed great spirit to fight back; and instead of dropping their shoulders and conceding defeat after TTPF scored with seconds left, they were alert enough to restart quickly and give themselves the opportunity to tie the game. They experienced the longest shootout I’ve ever witnessed, and then followed that up by defeating a team that they lost to just a week ago. I’m grateful that they have been exposed to such a variety of game situations in 11 days, this will be invaluable to them moving forward.”

This third place finish comes as a steady improvement after Supernova’s fourth place in the Ventures Indoor Hockey tournament in Trinidad last week.

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Jaguars remain on top of points table – Edwards, Bramble, Miller, Permaul leading performers

A

fter the completion of four rounds in the ongoing CWI Regional 4-Day tournament, Guyana Jaguars remain the dominant force, leading the points table with 80.2 points. Having played four matches, the Jaguars have registered four wins; defeating Volcanoes by 125 runs in the first round, and outplaying Leewards Islands Hurricanes by nine wickets.

In the third round, Jaguars stopped a star-studded Barbados Pride team, winning by six wickets and defeating Volcanoes by eight wickets in the fourth round.

Guyana Jaguars have 11 batting points and 12 bowling points in

Anthony Bramble (Brandon Corlette photos)

their successful Regional 4-Day campaign.

Fresh from a hundred

against the Guyana Jaguars, Volcanoes captain Kirk Edwards, with 344 runs, is the leading run scorer after four rounds. He has an average of 43, including one century and two half-centuries, and has recorded his highest score of 139 in Guyana.

With two centuries in four innings in the Regional 4-Day tournament, Anthony Bramble is second on the batting charts with 327 runs at a staggering average of 109, striking at a healthy 77.30.

Bramble also has seven sixes, second to his teammate Clinton Pestano’s nine sixes, in the first four rounds.

The 31-year-old Montcin Hodge, who plays county cricket in England and represents Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the Regional 4-Day tournament, is third on the batting charts. This solid right handed opener is knocking on the Windies selectors’ doors with his 327 runs scored in three matches at an averaging at 65.40, his highest score being 158.

T a g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul, who has 300 runs in four matches, is in number four position on the batting charts with an average of 60; his highest score has so far been 117*.

Left-arm spinner Nikita

Veerasammy Permaul

Guyana Jaguars celebrate a wicket

Miller leads the bowling charts with 24 wickets, while fellow left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has 23 wickets. With a bowling average of 22.21, Permaul has one five-wicket

haul, with his best being 5-57.

Imran Khan is in third position with 18 wickets, while the suspended Shillingford has 17 wickets. Alzari Joseph is the leading fast bowler with 15

wickets, and Guyanese paceman Romario Shepherd has 14 wickets. Shepherd has an average of 22.14, with his best bowling figure being 4-36, after four matches. Keemo Paul

(10) C l i n t o n Pestano (10) and Motie (08) are among the wickets after the fourth round of play in the Cricket West Indies Regional 4-Day tourn a m e n t .

(Brandon Corlette)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Jaguars remain on top of points table – Edwards, Bramble, Miller, Permaul leading performers

Page 23 Priyanna Ramdhani (centre) is flanked by Narayan Ramdhani (left) and Jonathan Mangra after the BWF Carebaco International Tournament

Ramdhani continues to excel abroad Page 20

Rupununi braces for U-17 Youth Cup in Brazil

Regional 4-Day Tournament 2018/2019…

Page 22

Youths conduct training exercises on the banks of the Takutu River The exercises were closely monitored by Head Coach Ken Grant

Failure to grab opportunities at the top – appeals for sponsorship

– says Brandon Corlette

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