Guyana Times - Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Cheddi Jagan book, P14 photo exhibition opens

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

Issue No. 3868

THE BEACON OF TRUTH tuesday, MARCH 19, 2019

Constitutionally-mandated elections

The clock never stopped ticking

Page 7

– British High Commissioner

…urges Guyanese to hold elected officials accountable Energy costs still Page Page a challenge for 10 2 Armed bandits rob, terrorise manufacturing sector BaiShanLin employees at Moblissa – PSC executive

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Pensioner P8 charged for sharing nude photos of exlover More work P11 needed to lift ban on greenheart – Minister admits

Caretaker found dead in Costello Housing P9 Scheme yard

24 juveniles escape from P2 NOC

New US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch and her husband, Kevin Lynch enjoying the fresh produce at the Bourda Market, Georgetown (US Embassy photo)

GECOM’s hiring practices

Vishnu Persaud was most qualified candidate – ERC

...says 1st time in history top-ranked candidate overlooked …as Chairman, HR refused to cooperate with probe Pages 3&10

Govt’s large P9 drawdown on net foreign assets worrying – GCCI President

2 news

tuesday, MARCH 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

24 juveniles escape from NOC Armed bandits rob, terrorise

T

A section of the NOC compound, Region Two

wenty-four juveniles have escaped from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), Essequibo, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Guyana Times understands that the juvenile offenders made good their escape on Saturday around 19:30h after climbing down from the southern window in their dormitory. Some juvenile offenders then climbed over a fence and made a

dash for freedom while another group used the Koker entrance which is currently dried as a result of the dry season. Of the 24 escapees, there were 17 males and seven females.

Although the facility is equipped with security officers, the teen offenders managed to outsmart them.

Meanwhile, police have since said that investigations revealed that the females opened a south-

ern door in their dormitory and tied five sheets together then threw the knotted sheets over the western fence of the compound in order to escape.

Police in G Division (Essequibo Coast-Islands) have since managed to recapture all but six of the escapees, while another two voluntarily returned to the facility.

Police are seeking the assistance of the public in re-

capturing the others.

In November 2018, a search was launched for five female juvenile offenders who escaped from the facility.

That incident followed a number of other incidents wherein inmates tried to flee the holding facility.

On October 18, a 17-yearold juvenile offender from New Amsterdam, Berbice, pushed down a social service assistant and escaped.

The teen was sent to the juvenile correctional facility to serve a three-year sentence on a charge of breakand-enter and larceny.

Reports are that the teen was being escorted back to his dorm when he pushed the 61-year-old social service assistant to the ground and ran west out of the compound and into an area covered with high vegetation and made good his escape.

Meanwhile, a few weeks prior to that incident, 13 persons managed to escape from the facility in another such incident. This publication understands that 10 of the teens escaped on September 27, 2018, and the other three escaped on September 28, 2018. The juveniles had completed some chores in the compound of the facility after which they started to run towards the western side of the premises which is not fenced.

Since the coalition Government came into power, responsibility for the NOC has been assigned to the Social Protection Ministry.

BaiShanLin employees

Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin’s operations in Linden

S

everal armed bandits robbed four employees attached to the Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin at Moblissa, Linden-Soesdyke Highway early Saturday morning, stripping them of a quantity of cash and valuables and shooting one to the hand.

Reports are the gunmen pounced on the employees at about 02:00h at the company’s Moblissa location, which consists of several wooden camps.

A 25-year-old labourer with the company told police that he was guarding the compound when he saw two men dressed in black, one sporting a hoodie and another armed with a knife.

He reported that another man approached and he was brandishing a gun.

According to the labourer’s report, one of the bandits then placed a knife to his neck, causing him to sustain injuries and robbed him of his cell phone valued $25,000 and $30,000.

The bandits allegedly then inquired about the

whereabouts of the “Chinese men” while three others joined in, holding the employee at gunpoint. He said that he was forced to take the bandits to one of the Chinese nationals who was at one of the camps sleeping.

The bandits then hit another employee – a 50-yearold Chinese man – to his forehead, causing him to sustain injuries and robbed him of $50,000.

The third victim, another 50-year-old Chinese man was also gun butted to his head which caused him to sustain injuries.

Reports are the fourth victim, a 42-year-old serviceman of Silvertown, Wismar, Linden, was shot to his left hand after he saw the men with the gun and started to run.

The employees were taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where they were treated for their injuries.

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

news

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tuesday, MARCH 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Tuesday, March 19 – 04:00h and 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, March 20 – 04:30h and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, March 19 – 15:05h-16:35h and Wednesday, March 20 –15:55h-17:25h.

GECOM hiring practices

Vishnu Persaud was most qualified candidate – ERC ...says 1st time in history top-ranked candidate overlooked

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected to prevail during the day, followed by clear skies in the evening.

Overall temperatures will range between 20 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 15:44h reaching a maximum height of 2.75 metres.

Low Tide: 09:17h and 21:42h reaching minimum heights of 0.57 metre and 0.43 metre.

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Former DCEO Vishnu Persaud

By Devina Samaroo

S

ome six months after he was overlooked for the position of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), an investigation has found that Vishnu Persaud was in fact the most qualified person for the job.

“Mr Persaud was the first candidate in the history of GECOM who had obtained the highest score and had not been appointed,” stated the report on the findings of the probe, which was conducted by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).

The report was handed over to the complainants, the Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners on Monday.

Commissioners Robeson Benn, Bibi Shaddick and Sase Gunraj had accused GECOM of favouring one particular ethnic group in its hiring practices. The situation escalated when in June 2018, Persaud – who worked at GECOM for 12 years, including in the capacity of DCEO – was overlooked for that position, even though he emerged as the highest scored candidate, with a score of 76.

Roxanne Myers came in at second with 72.

Despite Persaud being the top-ranked candidate, the Government Commissioners voted for Myers to be appointed while the Opposition Commissioners voted for Persaud. Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson used his deciding vote in favour of Myers.

“Shifty”

During an interview with investigators, Justice Patterson said he did not support the return of Persaud as DCEO because he was “shifty”.

In fact, Justice Patterson admitted that he had never met nor interacted with Persaud, but he had a feeling that the top-ranked candidate could not be trusted. “… he came over to me as shifty and unreliable, that is constant in my mind and I was not going to recommend him in place of somebody who I think was … I saw sufficient to raise a red flag or

more than one red flag that this gentleman does not come up to basic standards of character and honesty that I like to have working with me,” Justice Patterson is quoted as saying in the report.

He was asked to submit evidence to support his claims but failed to do so, despite reminders from the ERC investigators.

The investigation found that Justice Patterson’s “failure to produce the documentation on which he based his conclusion that Mr Persaud was an unsatisfactory candidate has grossly discredited his finding concerning Mr Persaud’s shiftiness, unreliability, and dishonesty”.

In fact, the ERC report expressed that “throughout the course of this investigation, the Sub-Committee found no evidence to suggest that Mr Persaud made any misrepresentation with regard to his qualification to the Commission”.

Furthermore, the GECOM Chairman’s judgment of Persaud vastly differed from those expressed by individuals who actually worked with him.

Former GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally described Persaud as a good character, who employed tact, prudence, wisdom, and honesty in the discharge of his duties.

The Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield also described Persaud as having good interpersonal relationships, good work performances,

ERC Chairman, Dr John Oswald Smith

and undertook various responsibilities.

Qualifications

The Government Commissioners, Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman contended that Myers was better qualified than Persaud.

Corbin told the investigators that Myers had “superior qualifications and potential to perform”.

But documents contained in the report show that Myers had only a Masters of Arts in Gender and Peace Building from the University of Peace, Costa Rica (September 2003-

June 2004) and her only listed work experience is an association with the Media Monitoring Unit of the ERC. On the other hand, Persaud possessed a Master of Business Administration – Anglia Ruskin from the United Kingdom (May 2014June 2017) as well as a Level 5 Certificate from the Institute of Management, UK, and a Diploma in Public Relations from the Institute of Public Relations, UK. For work experience, it was outlined that he was Public Relations Officer at GECOM from November 2001 to August 2014, then Personal Assistant to the Chairman, and then DCEO from August 2014 to August 2017.

Under the assessment of working knowledge, Persaud had good working knowledge of computers and is very familiar with the data requirements at GECOM while Myers had none.

Similarly, Persaud attended elections-related conferences in India and England, while Myers had no exposure to such conferences.

Turn to page 10

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TUESday, MARCH 19, 2019

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

Constitutional process: Respecting rule of law

W

hile much has been said and continues to be said about the successful passage of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018 and its mandated constitutional process, much more will be said. This is simply because the Government, up to this point, has refused to abide by the enshrined process.

As stated several times before, many have since concluded that the Government’s action is a demonstration of total disregard for the rule of law and which may be supported by recent public utterances by some senior Government officials. Mere months after the successful holding of Local Government Elections (LGE) by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), these officials in question are trying to discredit the voters’ list used. The integrity of that list was not an issue then.

Suddenly, with elections constitutionally mandated following the passage of the no-confidence motion, the list has coming under attack by the Government with a pronouncement by one official that it is compromised. Now the Administration is intensifying its call for a new house-tohouse registration.

How could have the list gone from good to unacceptable within such a short time? The answer seems to lie in the prevailing belief that the attacks on the list are nothing but excuses for not having the elections within the 90-day stipulated time frame. From the thrust of its appeal of the Chief Justice’s ruling, asking primarily for the judgment to be stayed and for the Government to remain in office seemingly indefinitely in the context of the constitutional time frame, that belief appears not to be in doubt.

In what seems a desperate effort to make its case for a delay through the offering of a red herring in the form of house-to-house registration, the Government has resorted to protest action to try and find support for its case. Not to let up, one official reportedly said that a no-confidence motion does not exist in our Constitution. While some comments can evoke laughter, a very worrying situation is developing as the end of the 90-day period approaches.

Many are worried as to what will happen after Thursday (March 21, 2019) if no parliamentary extension, which must be supported by the Opposition, is agreed. There could be economic implications in addition to a possible political impasse. There are already reports of a reduction in foreign currency with exchange rates climbing. If no reprieve occurs, then there is a great chance of a further escalation in the cost of living.

These are the realities, and the flagrant disregard for the Constitution can only worsen it. Ironically, the Government seems aware that it is caught with the holding of early elections despite seeking help from the courts to stay in office. How else can the sudden presence of officials in outreaches across the country be explained? On the heels of the passage of the no-confidence motion, Ministers are out and about meeting and interacting, with some sustaining public days.

This strongly suggests electioneering and that may not have been realised at this juncture had it not been for the no-confidence motion. The State media also seems to have gone into campaign overdrive in an attempt to convince the populace that the Government has their interest at heart.

Simply put, it seems to be doing everything to prop itself up and searching for straws while ignoring the rule of law as dictated by the Constitution. This can only help to confirm the widespread belief that it is preoccupied with remaining in office, possibly at the expense of the best interest of the nation and its people.

From all perspectives, the Government has a responsibility to not only adhere to the rule of law, but also not to put the welfare of the nation in jeopardy. This must be led by no other than the Head of State and for society to ensure accountability. Voices of reason must, therefore, continue to be heard and not be made silent. It is common knowledge that the collective has the potential to influence, suggesting that much more may be said.

A boy sprays coloured water on a girl during the religious festival of Holi inside a temple in Nandgaon village, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India (Reuters/Adnan Abidi)

Venezuelan Opposition takes control of diplomatic properties in US

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epresentatives of Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó have taken control of three of the country’s diplomatic properties in the United States, Guaidó’s US envoy said on Monday, as the Opposition presses its bid to oust socialist President Nicolás Maduro.

The envoy, Carlos Vecchio, said the Opposition had gained control of two buildings belonging to Venezuela’s Defence Ministry in Washington and one consular building in New York.

He added that the group expected to take control of Venezuela’s Embassy in Washington “in the days to come”.

Guaidó, President of the Oppositioncontrolled National Assembly, invoked the Constitution to declare an interim presidency in January, arguing that Maduro’s May 2018 re-election was illegitimate. He has been recognised as Venezuela’s rightful leader by most Western countries, including the United States.

“We are taking these steps in order to preserve the assets of the Venezuelans here in this country,” Vecchio said from one of the buildings, the office of Venezuela’s military attaché to Washington, after removing a portrait of Maduro from the wall and replacing it with one of Guaidó.

US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told reporters the United States was “pleased to support these requests”.

In a statement, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry called on US authorities to “take the necessary measures to immediately reverse this forcible occupation” of its diplomatic offices. It said the transfer of possession violated international law on the protection of diplomatic properties.

Maduro, who has branded Guaidó a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup, broke off relations with Washington after it recognised Guaidó, calling diplomatic and consular staff back to Caracas.

Of 55 staff members, 12 decided to remain in the United States and support Guaidó, Vecchio said on Monday.

He added that his staff would work out of the attaché building, which is in the upscale Kalorama neighbourhood and has an assessed value of US$2.2 mil-

A combination of two photos shows Carlos Vecchio (left), the envoy to the United States of Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, and an aide take down a picture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro (top photo) and replace it with a picture of Guaidó (bottom photo) in these frame grabs from video after supporters of Guaidó took control of the office of Venezuela’s military attaché in Washington, US, March 18, 2019

lion, according to Washington property records.

Vecchio spoke alongside Colonel Jose Luis Silva, Venezuela’s military attaché to Washington who recognised Guaidó on January 27. Few other high-ranking members of the military have heeded Guaidó’s call to break with Maduro, who retains the support of the armed forces and control of State functions.

On Monday, two sources famil-

iar with the matter told Reuters an army general had defected and fled to Colombia. Vecchio said he was confident that Venezuela, which is undergoing an economic and humanitarian crisis, was in “an irreversible process of change”, but that “it won’t come easily”.

The United States withdrew all its remaining diplomatic personnel in Venezuela last week. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESday, MARCH 19, 2019

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

Soon-to-be illegal Govt clearly directing GECOM Dear Editor, The popular consensus right now is that the Government will become illegal after March 21, 2019. To fully make this proclamation, we need to understand how the “Government” derives legitimacy. The legitimacy of the Government is derived from us the people accepting their authority. The acceptance of this authority is based on being governed by the Constitution.

The three arms of Government remain separate so as to keep the authority of the Constitution in check. The National Assembly (Legislative) is designed to make the laws, whereas the Courts (Judicial) is there to interpret the laws, and the “Government” (Executive) is there to enforce the laws.

The People of Guyana voted for a legal and legitimate APNU/AFC Government. They expect-

ed the APNU/AFC to follow the Constitution, like they swore to do.

If the Government doesn’t enforce Article 106 of the Constitution, they will be violating their very mandate and they will be in breach of the Constitution, which mandates General and Regional Elections in three months after the NoConfidence Motion was passed.

President Granger should have announced a

Getting another opportunity to reject ‘good life’ promises Dear Editor, On their penultimate day of legality, Government Ministers are fanning out in the Greater Georgetown as an outreach. Blessed are the days when the People matter! For decades the PNC has neglected those in the capital city, denizens treated as a ‘vote bank’ for the APNU are now receiving an eleventh hour hearing, an opportunity to share ideas and air grievances. Or are they? Will Ministers that are as unrecognizable to residents really listen to voices and concerns other than their own?

At Christmas time, one senior minister was present

at an event where homeless persons were being cared for with showers, clothing, haircuts and food, his questions to the homeless? Do you have an ID card? Can you vote? This was followed by a reminder to vote for APNU. There was no difference when the 19 Ministers did an outreach in Region 9, and Minster Felix boldly stated “I am only here to get your vote,” as he addressed a gathering of persons engaged in Sunday worship, that he did so in the very Church did not seem to register within his consciousness.

At this new APNU/AFC outreach, they come to seek your vote, to patronize you

with platitudes. Should enough people be taken in by the false promises, once elected, the Coalition will continue the plunder of the treasury. No doubt they envisage a future with even more perks and this incessant stream of corruption lining the pockets of themselves and cronies.

Residents of Georgetown have spoken clearly in the recent Local Government Elections and will get another opportunity to reject these ‘good life’ promises once and for all.

All for your consideration Attiya Baksh

GECOM playing games with Guyanese Dear Editor, The Granger-led fallen APNU/AFC Coalition Government condescendingly attempts to treat the intelligence of Guyanese and that of the representatives of our associating states with an irrational lack of astuteness and deserving candor.

The reactions of these institutions and states has been through strong and definitive statements of intent regarding the grounds on which they are prepared to co-exist, and this is pivotal to the advancement of democracy.

I and hundreds of thousands of Guyanese at home and in the diaspora welcome the forthrightness and timely statements of the British High Commissioner and the new Ambassador of the United States of America, who have highlighted their country’s recognition of the supremacy of our Constitution, and the need for a framework establishing free and fair elections.

We therefore applaud the eminence of many civil society groups who have joined the rallying call for David Granger to stop ‘pussy-footing’ and call Elections in adherence to the Guyana Constitution.

The recent meeting between President Granger and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is nothing but another set of shenanigans aimed at some elaborate pretence and bu-

reaucratic time extensions.

The partial revelations of a necessity for information regarding GECOM’s finances and programme is actually information in the domain of the President as he seeks to take Guyanese for another bureaucratic adventure. It is a known fact that all constitutional agencies are required to provide the Cabinet with monthly reports regarding their plans and utilisation of appropriated funds, and this is accounted for via the IFMAS automated system of the Ministry of Finance.

GECOM’s own position of its role woefully exposes and contradicts President Granger’s abhorrent pronouncements of his related responsibilities. Details publicly published on its website (http://www.gecom.org.gy/ home/about_gecom) state: “GECOM is insulated from executive interference in the performance of its functions. By virtue of Article 226 of the Constitution, GECOM, like other constitutional Commissions, shall not be subject to the direction and control of any other person or authority. Schedules for the conduct of general, regional and local government elections are decided upon by the Commission once a date for the election is announced by the President”.

The situation therefore affirms that the Chairman and three APNU/AFC Commissioners are violently

contradicting the role of the organisation, and playing games with the Guyanese people. A heightened lack of trust in President Granger and his APNU/AFC regime exists as a consequence of the volatile nature of responses, which have been most unpredictable.

Never before has there been so many instances of inconsistency by a Government -- which are evidenced by public statements, then withdrawals and changes to pronounced positions. It begs answers regarding how one can reasonably make projections with any degree of certainty without having myriad backup plans.

President Granger’s glaring constitutional variances of convenient interpretation resulted in his unilateral appointment of James Patterson as GECOM Chairman. It highlights his intent to hold our country to ransom when necessary, and emphasises a concerted clandestine orchestration -- along with his three Commissioners -- to manipulate the institution towards the self-serving interest of the fallen coalition Government. The politically appointed Chairman has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt his established untrustworthiness and that of the David Granger lot.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

date for elections since the passing of the No-Confidence Motion, or, as he is only now saying, he should have asked GECOM for a work plan since December 22, 2018.

GECOM is a creature of the Constitution and with this in mind, everyone expected that GECOM would have started prepar-

ing for elections after the No-Confidence Motion was carried. On December 27, 2018, the Guyana Chronicle quoted GECOM’s Public Relations Officer as saying that GECOM would be ready to deliver elections. Now that story has changed. The soon to be illegal Government is clearly directing GECOM to any

which way they want.

This soon to be illegal Government needs to accept that the Legislature has ruled, the High Court has ruled and the clock continues to tick.

Guyanese will not accept an illegal Government.

Sincerely, Baldeo Mathura

Use of force is sometimes a necessary part of Police job Dear Editor, I recently read an interesting letter in the print media under the caption, “Police need to use non-lethal force,” submitted by Karan Chand, a Region Two resident.

In the missive, the writer mentioned that it was reported recently that the Police in Berbice had shot and killed an intoxicated security guard, who did not comply with their orders, and approached them wielding a cutlass.

The writer posited what he classified as seven non-lethal approaches that law enforcement officers can apply before they shoot and kill someone: pepper spray; rubber bullets; collapsible batons; tasers; grenade sting; grenade flash, and technical communication.

I will comment on them in another letter.

There was also a letter written by Tacuma Ogunseye, captioned, “These articles of brutal force have demonstrated how challenging is the task of reforming the police force.” The letters have titillated me to put back my fingers on the keyboard of my computer, after a self-imposed break from writing letters to the editor.

I do not have sufficient facts in issue or facts relevant to the facts in issue in relation to the fatal shooting and the alleged beating of Shamar Tanner. It would therefore be remiss of me to attempt to pronounce on whether or not Police actions were justified. However, please permit me to repeat some issues I raised in a previous letter to the editor, and introduce some new concepts as I join in the conversation regarding use of force, including deadly force, by law enforcement officers.

According to the doctrine of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, “A police officer will never employ unnecessary force or violence, and will only use such force in the discharge of duty as is reasonable in all circumstances. Force should be used only with the greatest re-

straint, and only after discussion, negotiation and persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or ineffective. While the use of force is occasionally unavoidable, every police officer will refrain from applying unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering, and will never engage in cruel, degrading or inhuman treatment (of) any person.”

The IACP defines force as “that amount of effort required by police to compel compliance by an unwilling subject.” This includes physical, chemical, impact, electronic and firearm force.

The IACP defines excessive use of force as “the application of an amount and/ or frequency of force greater than required to compel compliance from a willing or unwilling subject.”

Use of force is sometimes a necessary part of the police job. Use of excessive force has always been difficult, if not controversial, at times; but determining what reasonable force is is highly subjective.

The landmark case in the United States of America in use of force is Graham v Connor (1989), in which the court held: “The calculus of reasonableness must embody allowance for the fact that police officers are often forced to make split-second judgements - in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving - about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular situation.”

Use of force expert Nowicki (2000) explains, “The standard, according to this decision, is the ‘reasonably objective officer’.”

Use of Force Model used by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) is very instructive. It has five levels.

Level one is the Compliant Level, where no use of force is usually reasonable.

Level two is the Resistive (Passive) Level, where the subject does not follow the officer’s commands. Force options here including guiding or directing the subject through hands-on techniques. Level three is the Resistive (Active) Level,

which occurs when a subject actively resists arrest.

Level three force options include joint manipulation or restraints, leverage techniques, pressure points, even OC (pepper) spray, with a warning given first under proper circumstances. Level four is the Assaultive (bodily harm) Level, a direct physical attack on the officers or others. Appropriate force options at this level include strikes with the hands, fists, elbows or knees; kicks; baton strikes; and forcefully directing the subject to the ground. Level five is the Assaultive (serious bodily harm or death) Level, where appropriate response would be deadly force.

Rosenbaum (2001) suggests, “There are tools available to police managers who want to be proactive in the area in the use of force in order to help guide officer behaviour, to teach proper use of force, to correct it when it is on the borderline, to deal with it through discipline when it crosses over the line. One of these tools is clear policies regarding the use of force.”

Grossi (2002) contends, “A policy that is tactically sound allows for contingencies. As most officers know, the use of force is a reactive process. We react to a suspect’s action. So a good use of force policy has built-in contingencies.” He suggests that force policies must also be tactically sound and administratively feasible.

Nowicki (2002) opinions, “There are three rules relating to the use of force by an officer. Rule number one is you go home the same way as when you went to work: ALIVE. Rule number two is that you don’t go to prison.

Rule number three is that you keep your job. If your use of force is reasonable, you protect yourself, your agency, the community, and even the assailant. But when in doubt, always remember rule number one.”

Yours faithfully, Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)

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Tuesday, march 19, 2019

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Continued from Monday

By Vanessa LoBue, PhD

Although research suggests that starting around preschool age, children can learn from media, there are some important caveats. First, screen time can have negative effects when it displaces other activities like talking to parents or playing with peers, and too much screen time has been linked to problems like obesity and sleep disturbances (Chassiakos et al, 2016).

Second, content is important, and while there are various positive benefits of educational child-directed media for children, watching non-educational, general-audience shows is generally associated with lower academic skills in preschool-aged children (Wright et al, 2001). Further, children have active imaginations, and preschool-aged children have problems distinguishing reality from fantasy (eg, Rosengren, Kalish, Hickling, & Gelman, 1994), suggesting that some content can easily scare them, even content in child-directed media. (Thanks to “Moana”, I’ve had to explain to my fouryear-old countless times that there is no such thing as a Lava Monster.) On top of that, children might have trouble distinguishing factual information from information that is made up or manipulative. Finally, given that children can learn positive things from television, it’s important to keep in mind that they can also learn negative things from TV, including violent content (Bandura, Ross, & Ross,

1963; Dillon, & Bushman, 2017).

The take-home message is that content is important, and media, particularly the Internet, are filled with things that we might not want our kids exposed to. Besides violent programming, there’s pornography and commercial advertising. There’s also

the possibility of contact with strangers who might try to collect our children’s personal information or companies that will try to do the same; and then there’s contact with peers that could lead to cyberbullying or sexting (Valcke, De Wever, Van Keer, & Scellens, 2011).

So how do we best protect our kids from inappropriate content, like Momo?

The obvious solution is to limit screen time use altogether. This is

a fine strategy, especially for younger kids, but our ability to limit children’s total screen time use might diminish as they get older, especially in the teenage years. It’s also important to keep in mind that media and the Internet in particular do carry some benefits: They can expose children to new ideas, teach them about current events, and even promote civic engagement (Chassiakos, et al., 2016). So perhaps limiting screen use altogether isn’t the only or even the best solution. An alternative strategy is to teach children about Internet safety at an early age, and to monitor its use. A recent study showed that active participation in children’s media use by parents – talking to their children about the Internet, being nearby while children are online, and sharing online activities – reduced children’s exposure to online risks (Duerager & Livingstone, 2012). In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends making a Family Media Use Plan and even offers templates online to help. This is one way to start a conversation with children about how to use media appropriately, which is an important first step in making media use safer and more productive for our kids. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

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any people who decide to run away think they’ll find a life that’s free of the troubles they have at home, only to discover they’re faced with different, bigger problems. Life for runaway teens is hard. They often end up homeless, stealing, or even selling drugs or sex in an effort to make money. Every year in the United States, lots of runaway teens die, often because they are attacked, become ill, or take their own lives.

People tend to run away for a lot of reasons: abuse (whether it’s physical, emotional, or sexual); family troubles; or problems with school, bullying, or friends. Some teens run away because of alcohol or drug problems – their own or a family member’s. Others run away to be with someone.

If a friend is thinking about running away, talk about why. Try to work together to help your friend find solutions to his or her problems. At the same time, speak with an adult you trust as soon as possible. Tell that adult that your friend is talking seriously about running away. If you don’t feel comfortable telling your parents, ask another relative, a teacher, coach, school counsellor, your family doctor, or a religious leader for help.

A trusted adult might be able to help your friend understand that there are better alternatives to running away.

If your friend does run away, or if you haven’t seen him or her in a few days and you think that’s what’s happened, take action immediately. Talk to a trusted adult and explain that you believe your friend ran away. Don’t be shy about sharing any information about where your friend might be going, and don’t wait in hopes that he or she might come back after a few days. Your friend’s life could depend on it – the sooner it is reported, the more likely your friend will be found safe. (kidshealth.org)

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TUESday, MARCH 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Constitutionally-mandated elections

The clock never stopped ticking – British High Commissioner …urges Guyanese to hold elected officials accountable

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn

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ritish High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn on Monday reminded that the clock has never stopped ticking on the constitutionally-mandated elections which is due on March 21, 2019.

The High Commissioner reiterated his position that the Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana. He was at the time speaking at the 129th Annual General Meeting of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) at the Duke Lodge, Georgetown.

Speaking frankly on

the subject of the NoConfidence Motion which was passed on December 21, 2018, Quinn said, “It is not, however, my role to interpret that Constitution.

But what I will say is that the clock is ticking following the no-confidence vote in December. A legal process is ongoing, I recognise that, but that clock has not been stayed. I, therefore, urge, indeed implore, the political leadership of this country to get together and agree [on] a constitutional way forward”.

He added that it is imperative that this happens, pointing out that if no way forward is found, then there will be a further and more harmful impact on business and investment in Guyana. “All political parties have a responsibility to act honestly and truthfully and to act for the betterment of every citizen – not their own pockets or to their own narrow interests. Politicians need to put the people first,” the High Commissioner said.

He added that voters also have a responsibility to hold their elected officials to account for what they have done or are doing and not to “blindly follow one party because that has been what the family

Abide by and respect the Constitution

President David Granger

has always done. It is time to look to whomever has the best policies and best plans,” High Commissioner Quinn added.

On Wednesday, new US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch also re-reiterated the need for free and fair polls.

In brief remarks after handing over her credentials to President David Granger on Wednesday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency, Ambassador Lynch, without making mention of the current political impasse, pointed to the need for free and fair elections.

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

The foreign missions here have been paying keen attention to the developments in Guyana since the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) filed the No-confidence Motion against the Government.

On Monday last, British High Commissioner Quinn in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times said, “the Constitution is the supreme law… There is the three-month clock, which is still ticking, it hasn’t been stayed yet…,” Moreover, representatives from the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) have also echoed similar calls for the Guyana Government to adhere to the Constitution.

In February, the EU’s local mission warned of the need for constitutional compliance, urging in a statement that democratic proce-

“It is time to look to whomever has the best policies and best plans” – British High Commissioner dures and the rule of law be respected and upheld. The EU also called for free and fair elections to be held and for the Guyana Government to follow all requirements outlined in the Constitution of Guyana following the December 21, 2018, no-confidence vote.

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

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

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

Constitution of Guyana.

The acting Chief Justice had ruled on January 31, 2019, that the No-confidence Motion was validly passed 33-32 in the National Assembly and the Cabinet has to resign in keeping with constitutional provisions of Article 106 (6) and 106 (7) respectively.

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

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

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

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TUESday, MARCH 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pensioner charged for sharing nude photos of ex-lover

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65-year-old man who allegedly shared nude photos of his ex-lover was on Monday hauled before the Chief Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Godfrey Taylor denied the charge which was read to him by Chief

Magistrate Ann McLennan which stated that on December 15, 2018, while at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, knowingly and without lawful excuse, he exposed nude photographs of Chendra Sewnarine.

While the prosecutor did not object

to bail, it was recommended that a probation report into the matter be submitted.

The martial arts trainer of Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was released on $10,000 bail. The case will continue on March 20, 2019.

Man remanded for robbery, shooting at Police, victim

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ndre Teon Scott of Lot 64 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was on Monday remanded to prison by the Chief Magistrate in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after being slapped with a charge of robbery under arms and shooting in the direction of Police and victim.

The 26-year-old man denied the charge which stated that while he was in the company of others and armed with a gun on March 10, 2019, at West La Penitence, Georgetown, he robbed Grace Bishop of 7 1/2 pennyweight of raw gold and $50,000.

The prosecution is contending that

at about 14:30h on March 10, 2019, ranks went to the home of Annastacia Rodrigues inquiring about her nephew (the defendant) when he came out of the house armed with a gun and started firing shots in the direction of the ranks. It is alleged that a juvenile was shot in his right hand as a result of the shooting.

The defence attorney in a bail submission told the court that after the incident, the police went to his client’s home to perform a ballistic test and could not find any evidence that his client fired a gun.

Further, Adrian Thomson ex-

plained that Scott professed his innocence into the matter as he claimed that he has no knowledge of the robbery or the shooting.

Thompson informed the court that his client was never pointed out during an identification parade.

However, Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield opposed bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence, the penalty it attracts and the fact that a gun was used to commit the crime.

As such, those particulars were taken into consideration by Chief Magistrate McLennan who subsequently remanded the man to prison.

Convicted felon charged for robbery, wounding cops

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hief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday remanded a 26-year-old miner to prison when he appeared before her in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with four charges.

Erwin Ridley of Lot 173 Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, denied all four charges – two of which are for assaulting police officers – when they were read to him.

According to the prosecution’s case, on March 12, 2019, while he was in the vicinity of Campbell and Sussex Streets, Albouystown, he wounded

Police Corporal Clive Clerk in an effort to evade apprehension. It is alleged that on the same day at the same location, Ridley assaulted another peace officer, Nigel Reid, while he was resisting arrest from the officer.

Ridley was also arraigned on two counts of robbery under arms charges, which stated that the father of one allegedly robbed Savita Ramlakhan of items valued $24,000 while he was in the company of another and also armed with a gun in the vicinity of Albert Street, Albouystown.

The prosecution is also contending that Ridley also

robbed Ramlakhan’s husband, Akesh Ramlakhan, of his pedal cycle, valued $18,000 on the same day at the said location.

In court on Monday, Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield opposed bail on the grounds of the serious nature of the allegations. Prosecutor Mansfield informed the court that the defendant was previously convicted for robbery under arms prior to the present charges.

Ridley told the Chief Magistrate that the matter was not properly investigated and that he was innocent of the charges that were instituted against him.

“Madam is this police (identified officer who was in court) tell de husband to point me out, I ain’t do nothing, they trying fuh frame me I tell yuh. They aint even do ah propa ID parade and they want frame me.”

The Chief Magistrate, nevertheless, upheld the prosecution’s submission and remanded the man to prison for the robbery under arms charges.

However, he was released on self-bail for the assault charges committed on the peace officers. The cases will continue on March 25, 2019.

Alleged narcotrafficker on $110,000 bail

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lex Thomas of Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara, was on Monday released on $110,000 bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a narcotics trafficking charge.

It is alleged that on March 5, 2019, at Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), he had in his possession 1035 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution contended that on March 5, police ranks were acting on information when they swooped down on Thomas and carried out a search on the bag he had in his possession.

The search reportedly unearthed two tightly wrapped parcels of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. He was taken into police custody where he denied having knowledge of the narcotics.

In court on Monday, he was released on $110,000 bail and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court. The case will continue on April 11, 2019.

False equivalence…

O

…on elections ne of the tropes deployed by the PNC-led coalition to cling to power beyond March 21 is to claim “the PPP used to do worse”! Never mind that even if the assertion were true – which is quite a stretch, considering their depravities in a mere 4 years!-they DID promise to do better in 2015, didn’t they??

But on the specific matter that’s precipitating the greatest constitutional crisis in our history – elections – what’s often at play is the “fallacy of false equivalence”.

Which is folks claiming two situations are equivalent, but choose to close their eyes (or may be ignorant) to additional factors that’ll show the comparison to be completely off-base.

Take the PNC partisans’ retort to assertions that the PNC rigged elections between 1968 and 1994, and that their foot dragging that prevented constitutionally-mandated elections by Thursday, March 21 is to facilitate the same in the next year. They yell: “The PPP did the same”! They point out that the elections of 1997 were ruled fatally flawed by the courts, and therefore the PPP ruled for 4 years illegally – just as the PNC “might” have done!

Well, let’s look at the “additional factors” the PNC partisans are ignoring to create their false equivalence: For one, the judge made the ruling in 2001 – when new elections had already been scheduled, as per the Herdmanston Accord. She also ruled that the “defect” – GECOM requiring that folks show their ID cards to vote was a technical one, and didn’t change the actual results.

When you compare this to the PNC actually using all sorts of fraudulent methods – including shooting citizens protecting ballot boxes from army seizure, and English horses counted as “overseas voters” -- you, dear reader, should see through the false equivalence.

Inadvertence by GECOM on the import of IDs isn’t the same as PNC “rigging”!!

Then we hear about the PPP being awarded a seat in Linden that was supposedly the AFC’s in 2006. But the PPP secured 36 seats, and even if that one were taken away, they’d be down to 35 - with the combined 4 Opposition parties having 30. Even with the cockamamie claims of dividing people in half, the PPP would’ve still had a majority, no?

But now another PNC partisan (even employed by the Govt!) took another tack with the false equivalence ploy.

Art 162 (2) (a) says GECOM can “postpone the holding of the election to a day specified in the notice” and this makes their foot dragging on Art 106 (6) okay!! This just shows how desperate PNC folks are. You can’t POSTPONE something that’s not already scheduled!!!

Now, if Granger had scheduled elections for March 21??!! All smart flies…!

…on wealth There’s a debate going on about the distribution of wealth in Guyana. One side claims one Guyanese ethnic group owns most of the wealth, and this causes other groups to feel “insecure”. And this inequality generates most of the tensions around election time. Your Eyewitness wish it were so simple…but we know it ain’t.

Income, wealth and opportunity have been dubbed the “Trifecta of Inequality”, since if any group in a society is denied all three, that’s it for them. What’s the situation in Guyana with the “trifecta”??

With income, most studies of household income and expenditure show that, in general, the coastal groups are roughly on par, but with hinterland folks – read Indigenous Peoples – waaaay behind. Urban folks also are on top on the coast. While there is some quibbling, in general there’s also “equality of opportunity” to all groups to education etc. So how come the claim of ethnic disparities in wealth??

No one wants to talk about the need for “equality of effort” to deliver the “equality of wealth”!! …on profits There’s a lot of noise being made about the declared profits of RUSAL on aluminium, and on their claim that they’ve made no profits here on bauxite mining.

So shouldn’t we be turning our bauxite into aluminium?

Oh! It’s not that easy, is it?

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

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TUESday, MARCH 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt’s large drawdown on net foreign assets worrying – GCCI President

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he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has expressed grave worry on the decline of net foreign assets from the Bank of Guyana, which is critically linked to safeguarding the country’s macroeconomic stability in the economy.

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Deodat Indar used the opportunity during the entity’s Annual General Meeting on Monday at Duke Lodge to emphasise the significant decline in Guyana’s foreign reserves.

“What is particularly worrying for us in recent times is the development in the external sector. There is a large drawdown on the net foreign assets from the Bank of Guyana of $104.1 million. The sustenance of net foreign assets to the

Currency shortage

central bank is critical to the external viability and the preservation of macroeconomic stability,” said Indar.

According to him, statistics from the last six years have been analysed by the GCCI and the conclusion points to the fact that there has been a deficit overall balance.

This was determined since the accumulated reserves at the Bank of Guyana during these years saw a drastic decline due to the drawdowns, thus affecting growth.

“We have seen that our reserves has dropped. The GCCI has been observing the situation and have been carefully analysing those numbers. Whilst Guyana has experience, positive growth in recent years, a careful look at the external sector have some facts to

GCCI President Deodat Indar

tell,” the GCCI President explained.

He further added that “the balance of payment over the last six years recorded deficit overall balance and that is worrying.

Due to the large drawdowns

from the Bank of Guyana in the recent years, from 2013 to present, it is clear that the surplus which resulted in the accumulation of foreign exchange has been reducing.”

Caretaker found dead in Costello Housing Scheme yard

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50-year-old man was on Monday morning found dead in the yard of a house of which he had been caretaker. There were blood stains about his mouth and nostrils.

Dead is Lancelot Gransoult of Lot 22 Costello Housing Scheme, Georgetown.

Reports are that the Police received a call informing them that the man was lying on the ground with signs of blood on and around his body. Upon arrival at the scene, Police cordoned off the area and the man’s body was examined.

At time of its discovery, the man’s body was lying in the yard of the two-storey building clad in a pair of long blue pants and was shirtless.

The Police have since said that a bucket containing what appears to be blood was found next to the man’s body, and blood stains were seen in the area of his mouth and nose. However, no marks of violence were seen on the body.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, neighbours explained that Gransoult had been an easygoing person, but he had not often been seen around the community. According to neighbours the man’s body was discovered by a woman who operates an internet café nearby. He would usually open her place of business in the morning, and when he did not show up, she decided to check for him at his house.

After making the horrific discovery, the Police were immediately summoned.

“He used to live and take care of the house; it was him alone… The internet girl see that he didn’t coming, so she come round to see what happen, and that’s when she

The property where the caretaker’s body was found in the yard

find he,” one neighbour told the publication.

Moments after receiving the news, relatives of the dead man showed up to collect his belongings.

Gransoult’s body has been taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour to await a post mortem examination.

The Police are continuing their investigations.

The GCCI President believes that this reduction on the reserves has impacted the occasional foreign currency shortage and increasing exchange rate.

The “behaviour” of the central banking institution further confirms that there are negative effects of removing such large quantities of assets. Last year would have recorded a net purchase of US$178.2 million.

“It is with this persistent drawdown of net foreign assets, which is the heart of the occasional foreign currency shortage that has been experienced and a consistently increasing exchange rate.

The behaviour of the Bank of Guyana confirms the negative effects of these net foreign asset drawdowns as they recorded net purchased of US$178.2 million from the financial system during the year 2018.”

The GCCI, he added, is, therefore, calling for policies to be crafted, which will generate commercial activity and improve business performance. The added that GCCI believes that such actions will guarantee a “critical foreign exchange” for the country.

“It is our fervent hope that suitable policies will be crafted in the near future which will stimulate commercial activity, improve business performance and the economic climate.

These will ensure that critical foreign exchange rate for Guyana is earned and well-aided in the mitigation of the widening balance of the payment of the deficit,” Indar stated.

Some four months ago, the chamber said that it was worried about the macroeconomic dynamics of the fiscal sector. It noted that Budget 2019 indicated the Government’s intention to finance about 80 per cent of the sizable fiscal deficit ($32.84 billion of the $41.49 billion) by borrowing from the domestic economy.

The chamber said compounding this was the concern that there was a projected increase in taxation by 9.9 per cent, in an economy which was projected to expand by 4.6 per cent.

But even more worrying for the Chamber is the slow rate of implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) and the long gestation period of capital expenditure.

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TUESday, MARCH 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM hiring practices

Chairman, HR refused to cooperate with probe ...refusal to answer questions “deliberate and wilful” – ERC

GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson

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hairman of the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM), Justice James Patterson and other top officials refused to cooperate with the investigation into its hiring practices, in a move which was found to be “deliberate and wilful”.

This is according to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which was charged with conducting the probe following reports of racial preferences in the employment of staff at the elections body.

The other listed uncooperative individuals are Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers and Human Resources Manager, Marcia Crawford.

“The unavailability of key personnel did not allow for extensive deliberations to arrive at a more informed conclusion,” the report out-

lined.

“As such, from the material placed before us, it cannot be said that there has been any evidence of deliberate hiring of Guyanese of one ethnicity rather than of another.”

While ERC Commissioner Norris Witter said he is satisfied with the quality of the probe in spite of these challenges, another Commissioner, Norman McLean, admitted that the outcome of the investigation could have been different had these individuals cooperated.

In the case of Justice Patterson, he made himself available for an interview with investigators on the overlooking of the topranked candidate, Vishnu Persaud, for the DCEO post.

The GECOM Chairman made certain allegations which he could not back up with facts and as such, he undertook to provide the evidence.

However, the reappearance of the Chairman to produce those documents to corroborate his claims never happened.

On November 7, 2017, a month after he was interviewed, Justice Patterson was reminded via letter to submit his evidential documents but he never fulfilled his promise of doing so.

Multiple requests to the Human Resources Manager to submit herself for an interview proved futile, resulting in the ERC’s inability to investigate the general hiring practices at GECOM. As a result, it was unable to de-

and inexcusable dereliction of their public duty”.

Going forward, the ERC said it would like to amend

its laws so it can have subpoena powers, ie the authority to summon individuals.

The Commission cur-

rently has some 20 requests for investigations, nearly half of it submitted by politicians.

Energy costs still a challenge for manufacturing sector – PSC executive Renewable energy

Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers

termine whether there is an unfair practice of hiring at the elections body.

Particularly, the ERC said it was prevented from adequately investigating 1) the allegation of ethnic imbalance at GECOM; 2) the allegedly discriminatory employment practices prior to and post-November 2017; 3) the methodology used in the selection of a successful candidate for employment at GECOM, among others.

Regarding Myers’ nonappearance, the ERC explained that the DCEO knew that her appointment was one of the principal subjects of the inquiry and her refusal to present herself for questioning can be considered as putting her own personal interests above her public duty.

In its report, the ERC said: “the failure of these persons to assist…in this inquiry is nothing but a clear

PSC executive Ramesh Dookhoo

F

irst oil is just around the corner but high energy costs remain a concern for the manufacturing sector; with a Private Sector Commission executive expressing the need for more measures to bring

He expressed the need for renewable energy like hydropower to be integrated into the system so that costs can be lowered. He also cited the previous Government’s approach of adjusting the excise tax in order to stabilise prices for the consumers.

“The way I see it, we either do hydropower or set up other systems or we will be in the same position ten years from now. There is talk about getting some of the gas here. I don’t know how much it will cost.”

“There has been a call by manufacturers to the Government to try and adjust the duties. Most of the diesel prices have gone up tremendously. What the previous Government did was adjust the duties so that the price could be stable and predictable,” he said.

According to Dookhoo,

previously projected that with the advent of the oil and gas sector, Guyana may face a situation where there is a high demand for energy and as a consequence, oil prices will rise. At the same time, they have expressed concern over the higher than usual price being paid by consumers.

This observation was made by a representative of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Carol Litwin, when she was in Guyana for a workshop in March of last year. Litwin had also observed that the price commercial and business class consumers pay for power in Guyana is an abnormal one, considering the unreliable supply of energy.

“I see a sector dependent on heavy fuel oil or diesel,” she related. “I see a sector that is not always able to provide quality of supply. You have been growing

Vishnu Persaud was most...

From page 3

In fact, Myers has been openly supportive of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition on her Facebook page – a development which caused many to question her integrity to serve as DCEO. When this question was put to the GECOM Chair, he

saw no problem with that, stating: “Roxanne Myers’ involvement in politics has no concern for me. It is her constitutional right to do so.”

Types of hiring

In addition to the matter with Persaud versus Myers, the ERC was asked to do a probe into the general hiring

practices of the elections body.

GECOM utilises two different processes when it comes to hiring employees. Managerial employees are interviewed by four Commissioners (two from the Opposition and two from the Government). After interviewing and assessing their eligibility, the four Commissioners would present their findings to the full Commission, which would then vote. Non-managerial staffers are hired by the Human Resources Department.

However, the ERC was unable to assess the hiring practices as it relates to non-managerial staff, since there was no cooperation from the relevant authorities.

The investigation was conducted by Retired Justice Stanley Moore, who had served as Home Affairs Minister under late President LFS Burnham during the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime, along with former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lloyd Smith and human resources consultant Jairam Petam.

Energy costs are a burning issue for businesses in Guyana

down the costs.

In an interview with this publication on the sidelines of a workshop on Monday, PSC Executive, Ramesh Dookhoo shared his thoughts on the budding oil and gas sector, noting that price fluctuations and the high cost of fuel prohibits Guyana from being competitive with other countries.

“We still have a huge challenge as a manufacturing country, with the cost for electricity. I would urge the Government to continue to look for sustainable supplies and initiatives in energy. Fluctuations that govern the price of oil affect us and put Guyana in a place where we’re not competitive to export and compete with countries that have cheaper energy,” Dookhoo told this publication.

this practice seems to be abandoned by the current Government.

Notwithstanding this, the executive was hopeful that other ways of reducing the cost of fuel will be pursued.

Oil and energy

Only Sunday, prominent Attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin gave a presentation in which he expressed concern about Guyana’s lack of preparedness for first oil.

This shows, according to Datadin, in the lack of new legislation to regulate the sector.

Many have expressed the need for clear measures to be articulated that would see ordinary Guyanese benefitting directly from the sector. One such expectation has been cheaper electricity.

In addition, experts have

at about five per cent, but that’s going to change. With oil and gas, it is quite likely that your demand is going to double over the next five to eight years.”

“At the same time, as the quality of supply is not always there for customers, the prices are extremely high. They can be as a much as 30 to 33 US cents for commercial and industrial consumers. This is considered as one of the higher end countries,” she had said.

In Guyana, the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) Demerara interconnected system is fed with power by the Power Producers and Distributors Inc (PPDI), which replaced Wärtsilä, a company from Finland which for two decades maintained over a dozen engines for the utility company.

NEWS

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TUESday, MARCH 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

More work needed to lift ban on greenheart – Minister admits

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

er matters of standardisation and trade facilitation, the Government of Guyana and particularly Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) have initialled an agreement with the EU in November, 2018 to commence implementation of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement.

Under the terms of this agreement, products with FLEGT licences can automatically enter the EU market.

“This will allow for

moving the restrictions.

Millions loss

Among the attendees at the workshop was Executive member of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Dookhoo. Speaking to Guyana Times in an exclusive interview afterwards, Dookhoo noted that the local Private Sector has been paying keen attention to the issue and was hopeful.

Dookhoo estimated that exporters of lumber lost mil-

By Jarryl Bryan

T

he GuyanaEuropean Voluntary P a r t n e r s h i p Agreement signed a few months ago is being cited by the Government as the gateway to lifting restrictions on the export of timber to the United Kingdom – restrictions that have been estimated to have cost millions of dollars.

This was communicated

by Foreign Affairs Minister and acting President Carl Greenidge on Monday. At the time, he was delivering feature remarks at a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development workshop at Cara Lodge.

Greenidge said that under the terms of this agreement, Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) certified timber would automatically enter the European Union (EU) market. According to the Minister, this not only means access to the United Kingdom but also to other premium markets.

“As it pertains to oth-

Members of the delegation that made Guyana’s case last year, among some officials from the UK

also that is being made up by exporting greenheart to other countries that do not have that harsh requirement,” Dookhoo said.

Intercessions

The export of timber to the UK was restricted in part over concerns about sustainable logging

Guyana to potentially have access to a wider range of premium markets, especially those that require strong environmental and forest legality compliance. This also sets Guyana apart in a positive way from its counterparts in the timber market,” Greenidge said.

But with Brexit, the UK’s exit from the EU, scheduled for this month end, it is unclear how this will impact these plans. Greenidge did acknowledge, however, that much more work remains to be done. He noted that this was only a step toward re-

lions of US dollars as a result of the ban. He noted, however, that such exporters were likely to have taken steps to ramp up exports to other markets to alleviate their losses.

“The requirements are harsh. They are claiming environmental standards.

It’s really a barrier… hopefully, whichever way Brexit goes, England is going to follow that. Or we’re going to just have to keep working on resolving the matter.

“I think that we’ve lost about two or three million US in England, but I think

As recent as November of last year, a Guyanese delegation in the UK went to the UK Environment Agency (EA) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to make Guyana’s case for the lifting of the greenheart import ban.

The delegation, which included GFC’s Chairman Joslyn Dow; EU-FLEGT Secretariat Head, Kenny David; GFC Deputy Commissioner Andrew Mendez, of McVantahe Inc, made a combined presentation to Andy Powell of the EA and Clare Marsden of

DEFRA. The presentation focused on the many accomplishments of Guyana with regard to sustainable forest practices, and the key impacts the restrictions have had on the industry and the country as a whole. It also focused on the current code of practice and the maintenance of Guyana’s biodiversity.

After the presentation, the delegation then sought clarification from the EA and DEFRA representatives on whether or not the FLEGT certification which will be given to Guyana in about five to six years will be accepted for Category B timber since the UK only accepted Category A Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) 100 per cent greenheart from Iwokrama as of 2016.

They also challenged the EA’s stance on offering support to the country in getting FSC certification, since only this is accepted but it is costly. Further, they asked what could be done between now and the time FLEGT certification started, to restore trade between the two countries.

The greenheart restrictions were introduced by the EA in the UK in 2015. Then it was claimed that proof of sustainable sourcing of the forest product was inadequate, and this has since resulted in a drastic decrease in export of the product to the UK. In December 2016, the EA relaxed the restrictions on greenheart, but only began to accept Category A FSC 100 per cent greenheart from Iwokrama.

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tuesday, MARCH 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

H

olika Dahan or the burning of Holika will take place across Guyana on the night before the Phagwah celebrations. The festival of Holi gets its name from this very ritual of Holika Dahan. The phrase Holika Dahan literally means burning Holika.

The day when Holika is burnt is also known as Choti Holi or small Holi. The people create a bonfire on this day and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

It is stated in the Vedas that one day before the Holikotsav, a sacred fire was burnt and specific mantras to ward off evil were recited during the burning ritual. The fire was burnt with the objective to destroy the demonic forces.

Some texts also mention a different version of Holika Dahan. According to the texts, the parched cereals and grains are collectively called “Holka” in Sanskrit.

It is believed that the word Holi or Holika is derived from Holka. These parched grains were used to

perform ‘hawana’ or sacred fire.

The sacred ash obtained from this fire ritual was known as the Bhumi Hari.

This ash was smeared on the forehead of the person participating in the ritual to keep away evil spirits. This ritual of offering food grains to the bonfire is still followed today.

The preparations of Holika Dahan start 40 days before the festival.

People gather twigs, logs, dry leaves, etc. Then, on the night of Phalgun Purnima, the bonfire is set alight amid chanting of the Rakshogana mantras, which help to ward off evil spirits. Next morning, the ashes of the fire are collected and smeared on the body before taking a bath.

The burning of Holika signifies the triumph of good over evil and that the bad forces around you can never win if you have a strong will.

Holika represents the negative forces, which get burnt against the strong will of humans which is illustrated by Prahlad.

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tuesday, MARCH 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ingredients Batter * 2 cups flour (self-raising) * 1/2 teaspoon baking powder * 1 cup yogurt * 3 strands saffron * 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder * 3 inches vegetable oil (canola/sunflower cooking oil for deep frying) * 2 drops food colouring (orange) Syrup * 1 cup sugar * ½ cup water * 2 tablespoons rose water Directions Mix flour, baking powder, yogurt and food colour and set aside for 24 hours to ferment.

To make syrup, bring sugar water, rose water, cardamom, and saffron to a rolling boil for 5 minutes then lower heat and leave to gently simmer.

Heat oil and place fermented batter in a squeeze bottle or piping bag with a small writing tip. Squeeze batter in coiled circles and fry until crispy. Immediately soak in syrup for 3 minutes and then remove. Serve warm.

14 NEWS

TUESday, MARCH 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Cheddi Jagan book, photo exhibition opens

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he Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) on Monday opened a book and photo exhibition at the National Library on Church Street, Georgetown, in paying homage to former President Dr Cheddi Jagan for his sterling contribution to Guyana.

This year marks the 101st birth anniversary of Dr Jagan, who was born on March 22, 1918. He died 22 years ago on March 6.

At the exhibition, there were images depicting various periods throughout his life. From his fight for independence to being the first democratically elected President of Guyana.

Books written by the late President were on display and included The West on

The late Dr Cheddi Jagan

Trial, Rooting for Labour, Forbidden Freedom and the USA in South America. The West on Trial is dubbed as one of his best pieces, which documents his fight for the

country’s freedom.

Chairman of the CJRC, Hydar Ally stated during the commencement of the exhibition that because of Dr Jagan’s persistence, persons of all social strata are given the chance to vote.

“It was Dr Jagan who fought the British for that right to vote. The very right to vote that we take for granted was fought for and won. He was also instrumental in the struggle for Guyana’s independence and I would consider him to be the architect in Guyana’s independence struggle,” Ally relayed.

In 1950, the former President founded the People’s Progressive Party and headed the PPP elected Government in 1953 while

BV robbery-murder

“Breadman” died from manual strangulation, blunt trauma – autopsy

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post-mortem examination conducted on 63-yearold Clairmonte Telesford of Triumph, East Coast Demerara, who met his demise during a robbery, has confirmed that he died as a result of manual strangulation compounded by blunt trauma to the head.

The autopsy was conducted by Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary on Monday morning and the body was subsequently handed over for burial.

Telesford, who is known as “Breadman”, was attacked along with his reputed wife, Shaundell Emmanuel, at about 01:30h on Sunday morning by gun-toting bandits.

According to reports, the couple had just closed their shop located in front of their home and was in the process of packing up their supplies when they were attacked.

Guyana Times reported that three masked men, clad in dark clothing, emerged from aback of the house and confronted the woman. Two of the men reportedly led her into the house where

Dead: 63-year-old Clairmonte Telesford

they tied her up and began to ransack the bottom flat of the two-storied wooden house.

The now dead man reportedly heard screams and went to check but was attacked by one of the men who proceeded to tie his hands behind his back and led him outside of the house.

His wife told Guyana Times that while inside, she was beaten to her head and choked several times.

“He choke me and beat me up terrible in my head, then they tek the gun and

put it down to my throat and seh that they got to get the money, the jewel and the phone card or they gone killed he (Clairmonte) but I keep calling and screaming for he (Clairmonte)…the two that was inside with me kept searching in here for the valuables because I ended up telling them where it was,” the terrified woman recalled.

According to the woman, at this time she began screaming for neighbours to lend assistance but no one responded. After getting the valuables, the three armed men escaped on motorcycles.

Emmanuel managed to untie herself and ran outside, it was at this time that she found her husband lying in a pool of blood in the yard.

Telesford was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Emmanuel was also taken to the Mahaicony Hospital where she was treated and sent away.

A few years ago, they were attacked by gunmen, badly beaten and robbed of a large sum of cash.

Some of his publications on display at the National Library

presiding as the Minister of Agriculture. He headed the second elected Government in 1957 to 1961 while serving as Minister of Trade and Industry. From 1961 to 1964, he served as Premier and Minister of Development and Planning.

Dr Jagan served as leader of the parliamentary opposition from 1964-1973 and 1976-1992. On October 9, 1992, he was elected as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

The exhibition is ongoing until March 29 at the National Library in

Georgetown and New Amsterdam. The centre is also known for its vast collection of Dr Jagan’s work, which can be viewed year round. Additionally, those who wish to have additional information can visit jagan.org where his works are electronically tabulated.

As customary, thousands of PPP supporters would culminate at Babu Jaan, Berbice, in remembrance of Dr Jagan during this period.

The annual pilgrimage to the memorial site saw attendance from the former President Bharrat Jagdeo

who outlined how the Party continues to keep Dr Jagan’s policy alive.

“Dr Jagan waited for 28 years to return freedom to Guyana. We can return it faster because people are more educated and their children are educated and also they have more means of combination. They can get involved in the fight using social media and now they are not fearful of this Government, so we can all play a part in returning our country to what it was,” Jagdeo stated.

Body of handyman found at businessman’s residence

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he body of a 48-yearold handyman was found early Monday morning on the verandah of a businessman’s home at Belle West Squatting Area, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Dead is Lalta Persaud of Lot 359 Belle West Squatting Area, WBD. Reports are the man died sometime between 22:00h on Sunday and 07:00h on Monday at Lot 142 Belle West Squatting Area, WBD. This newspaper was told

by Persaud’s relatives that he was an alcoholic who was suffering from epilepsy.

According to the police, further investigations revealed that on Sunday at about 22:00h, Persaud was seen alive and well at his

home but he was talking to himself. On Monday, at about 07:00h, Persaud was found lying motionless on the western verandah of a businessman’s home in his village. The body was examined by the police but no

marks of violence were seen.

The body was escorted by the police to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where Persaud was pronounced dead. The body is at Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

news

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tuesday, MARCH 19, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

IMF team in Guyana to review Man freed of Berbice businessman’s murder GDP formula – Jordan ...as new oil & gas sector to make changes necessary

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

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team from the InterAmerican Monetary Fund (IMF) is presently in Guyana working with the Finance Ministry in a bid to review and rebase Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculations.

This is according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan. At the time, the Minister was addressing a workshop convened by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Monday.

“Even as I speak, personnel from the Caribbean Technical Assistance Centre of the International Monetary Fund are in Guyana supporting our efforts to rebase the Gross Domestic Product, in light of our evolving production profile,” Jordan said.

“Data gathering across all segments of the Private Sector producing goods and services is critical to the accuracy and success of this exercise. Several indicators within the national and SDG framework are expressed as a percentage of GDP.” It is understood that Guyana’s economy grew by 3.4 per cent for 2018. But in the country, various sectors have taken a beating over the past few years as production numbers have dropped. Despite the economy growing by 4.5 per cent in the first half of 2018, traditional sectors like sugar and rice contracted by 30.6 and 3.8 per cent respectively. This was revealed in the Finance Ministry’s MidYear Report 2018.

Last year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan admitted to the National Assembly that the gold sector also suffered a decline of 9.1 per cent. This is equivalent to a decrease of 288,114 ounces in gold declaration.

The report also revealed that this represented a 19.4 per cent shortfall.

The Minister in his report also noted that there are a number of downside

economic and fiscal risks to the economy, both domestic and external, which can frustrate the achievement of the various revised targets.

In relation to sugar production, the report stated that this continued to be impacted negatively by a sub-optimal mix of factors which also include deficient cash flow alignment and the undue absence of a Board to oversee the management of the remaining sugar estates.

Already, struggles in lowering production costs for the sugar industry have seen sugar from other countries take precedence over locally produced sugar.

Private Sector

Persons have opined that the growth of Guyana’s economy which was presented as part of the 2018 midyear report was as a result

of continuous support from private stakeholders with an interest in the country’s propulsion.

This was the sentiment of President of the Guyana Marketing and Services Association (GMSA), Shyam Nokta, during the Association’s annual award ceremony on Thursday. He expressed that members of the organisation would have played a key role in this progress.

“Guyana’s economy grew by 4.5 per cent during the first half of 2018, compared to 2.5 per cent for the corresponding period in 2017.

This growth was led by continued efforts from the Private Sector, including our members,” Nokta said.

But with first oil expected next year, estimates have been made that economic growth will triple in the years to follow.

After its 10th discovery of oil in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil had estimated the recoverable resource in the block to be 5 billion oil-equivalent barrels. At US$50 a barrel, that equates to well over US$200 billion.

More oil was subsequently found earlier this year.

In addition, an independent assessment, or competent persons report, had found that 2.9 billion barrels of oil existed in the Orinduik Block. All of this will represent a monetary windfall for Guyana, which will be saved and invested through a Natural Resources Fund.

Dead: Devendra Deodat

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fter two brothers were indicted for the murder of a Hampshire, Corentyne, Berbice businessman and one of them was later killed during a prison brawl, the second was set free by Justice Brassington Reynolds.

Justice Brassington Reynolds upheld a no case submission made by Attorney-at-law Chandra Sohan and instructed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

On trial for the October 9, 2013, murder of Hampshire businessman, Devendra Deodat also called “Dave”, was Ramnarine Jagmohan.

The State’s case, which was presented by State Prosecutor Mondel Moore was that Deodat, 34, of Lot 72 Hampshire, Squatting Area, Corentyne, was shot to his chest, chopped to his neck and hands and one of his fingers was severed in the attack at his home.

Accused: Ramnarine Jagmohan

According to the State, during the robbery, the now dead man’s father-in-law, Rafeek Abdul, called “King”, 57, of Lot 63 Williamsburg, Corentyne, was shot twice to his shoulder and Deodat’s wife, Shaneeza, was chopped to the head.

However, Defence Counsel Sohan argued that the accused was not charged with attempted murder for those injured. He further noted that while the State claimed that Deodat’s wife, Shaneeza, was injured, and according to her, chopped in the head and received 90 stitches, the prosecution failed to produce a medical report to substantiate its claim.

During the trial, Surendra Oreall said he was sitting outside with Deodat’s son and daughter when the three bandits pounced on the family. However, Deodat’s wife said both of her children were inside the house when the bandits arrived.

She told the court that she was able to identify the two accused during an identification parade. However, Sohan pointed out that there was no evidence that an identification parade was conducted.

During the trial, the defence had asked Deodat’s wife why she did not lock the door after the bandits had locked themselves in the shop.

She told the court that it was after the bandits had collected the jewellery and money and were leaving that she told her husband to fight back, resulting in him being shot. She also said that she took the bandits to a secret exit to get them out.

Initially, the accused and his younger brother Neshan were charged with the murder of Deodat. However, on June 21, 2017, he was killed during a brawl in the New Amsterdam Prison.

(Andrew Carmichael)

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, MARCH 19, 2019

Regional

As Venezuela crisis deepens, US sharpens Brazil’s Bolsonaro stops at CIA on 1st focus on Colombia rebel threat

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s the United States makes its biggest diplomatic push in Latin America in years to try to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the US military is zeroing in on a by-product of the crisis: a strengthening of Colombian rebels on both sides of Venezuela’s border.

US Admiral Craig Faller, the head of the US military’s Southern Command that oversees US forces in Latin America, told Reuters the United States had sharpened its focus on the rebels and increased its sharing of intelligence with Colombian officials.

US officials see a growing threat from both Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) and factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) that refuse to adhere to a 2016 peace agreement to end five

A Venezuelan flag hangs from a building in Caracas (file photo)

decades of civil war.

The United States believes the rebels are taking advantage of Venezuela’s crisis to expand their reach in that country and the scope of long-standing illegal activities, including drug trafficking.

“Our principal role working with our Colombian partners is to assist in in-

telligence sharing. What we know, we share,” Faller said. Asked whether the intelligence sharing on the rebels had ramped up as Venezuela’s crisis deepened, Faller responded: “Absolutely.”

The risks from the insurgents on both sides of the Colombia-Venezuela border add another lay-

er of complexity to the crisis in Venezuela, where US President Donald Trump says all options are on the table to remove Maduro from office.

US officials have uniformly emphasized diplomatic and economic tools to accelerate Maduro’s departure, like sanctions, but Faller acknowledged the US military stood ready to provide options if needed.

At the same time, he noted that no US allies in the region were seeking a military solution to the crisis in Venezuela.

Maduro, a socialist who has denounced Opposition Leader and self-declared interim President Juan Guaidó as a US puppet seeking to foment a coup, retains the support of the armed forces and control of State functions. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Buju Banton concert comeback hailed as “legendary”

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his is history, the energy here is crazy. I’ve never seen anything like this – this is another level of inspiration.

He’s at G.O.A.T status, another level. Legendary.”

It’s clear UK rapper Konan is still in awe of what he’s just witnessed.

Buju Banton is the artiste who’s just performed – it’s his first headline show since serving eight years in a US prison for drug charges.

It’s been described as the biggest music event in

Jamaica since Bob Marley’s “Smile Jamaica” concert in 1976.

Jamaica’s national stadium, which hosted the concert, is listed as having a capacity of 35,000.

For the first night of Buju Banton’s “Long Walk to Freedom “Tour it’s estimated there were more than 40,000 people there.

“I haven’t seen anything like that and I have been to a few concerts. To come out and do this, that’s crazy,” Konan says backstage after

the show.

BBC 1Xtra’s Seani B says anticipation in Jamaica has been building since the date of the show was leaked.

“Flights were booked out, hotels were fully booked, Airbnbs were booked out,” he tells Radio 1 Newsbeat.

“Every club, bar and radio station was playing Buju Banton.

“I spoke to fans who had travelled from Europe, America and the UK to see him – that’s how much of a column in dancehall this

man is.”

Although he’s always maintained his innocence, Banton was convicted in 2011 of conspiring to set up a cocaine deal two years earlier.

Prosecutors in Florida said the singer, whose real name is Mark Myrie, told a police informant he could broker the drug.

But Banton testified in court he was merely boasting, and prosecutors conceded he had never put money into a deal, nor made any.

Washington visit

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razilian President Jair Bolsonaro visited the CIA on Monday as he sought support from the Trump Administration for his security agenda and courted the US business community on his first official trip to Washington.

The three-day visit underscored Bolsonaro’s embrace of US influence in Latin America to confront what he calls a communist threat against democracy — a theme he remarked on at a dinner on Sunday evening with his Ministers and rightwing thinkers.

In a gesture aimed at boosting tourism, Bolsonaro also waived a visa requirement for visitors from the United States in a decree published on Monday afternoon.

President Donald Trump will receive Bolsonaro at the White House today, a meeting organised within weeks of the far-right leader’s January 1 inauguration after the two populist fire-

brands expressed mutual admiration for each other.

Their ideological common ground has raised expectations of greater cooperation between the two biggest countries in the Americas, although their aides have played down the potential for major breakthroughs on this first visit.

The United States will strengthen military ties with Brazil to a level usually reserved for NATO allies, Brazilian Government officials said last week.

A half dozen ministers travelling with Bolsonaro are also preparing accords for collaboration on nuclear energy, aerospace and law enforcement, along with more open trade of agricultural goods.

Still, the Brazilians showed little interest in getting caught up in the US trade war with China, which has long since replaced the United States as Brazil’s biggest trade partner. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Cubans turn Haiti into unlikely shopping oasis

(Excerpt from BBC News)

US agency gives Trinidad money to help Venezuelans fleeing homeland

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he United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has made US$1.6 million available to Trinidad and Tobago to help Venezuelans in the twin-island republic who have fled their homeland.

Representatives from USAID, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the US Embassy, Trinidadian and Venezuelan civil society met in Port of Spain last week to determine how the US can assist the people of Trinidad and Tobago in managing the impacts of the political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

It was decided that pro-

The programmes being funded will focus on strengthening community resilience and capacity to address the recent influx of Venezuelan refugees and migrants to Trinidad and Tobago

grammes using the US$1.6 million will begin by September, and will focus

on strengthening community resilience and capacity to address the recent influx

of Venezuelan refugees and migrants to Trinidad and Tobago.

“Funds will not be distributed directly to persons in need, but will be used to assist the people of T&T as they assist the people of Venezuela who have been forced to flee their homeland,” USAID said.

Over three million Venezuelans have fled their country since 2015, according to the United Nations.

Over the past two years, the United States has given or allocated more than US$150 million in assistance to help countries in the Region manage the impacts of the political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. (Caribbean360)

Cubans shop for clothes in a market, in the centre of Port-auPrince, on February 4, 2019

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ou wouldn’t think the poorest country in the Americas would be anyone’s shopping dream. Yet Haiti has become just that for Cuban merchants.

Cubans, in the Region’s only communist country with a still mostly State-led economy, face very high prices and not much selection at all.

So at the Hippolyte street market in Haiti’s capital, vendors – amid piles of clothing and shoes – call out in Spanish trolling for their likely clients: Cubans on short shopping trips.

They will exchange your

Guadeloupe joins OECS family

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n a significant milestone for the Region, the French-governed island of Guadeloupe is now part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as an associate member.

Although Basse-Terre is Guadeloupe’s administrative capital, the historic event was

made official in Pointe-à-Pitre.

“This means well for us … we have had a common history; a history of colonialism and slavery and we have similar cultures and we have even had cultural exchanges over the decades,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne said on POINT FM over the week-

end.

The meeting for this accession agreement was held last Thursday and it came about two years after a report commissioned by the Government of St Lucia urging OECS integration for both Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Browne says the move will

foster better cooperation between Guadeloupe and other OECS members, while promoting unity and solidarity among members of the regional grouping.

However, the new agreement places a few restrictions on the French neighbouring island. For example, they

will not be part of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank or the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. He further added that the government is currently in discussions with the government of Guadeloupe to foster a greater movement of people between both countries. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Cuban pesos to Haitian gourdes, they promise.

“I buy everything: clothes, electronics, shoes ... In Cuba, it’s so expensive and, above all, there is not all this choice,” explains Wilfredo Sotolongo, checking the size of beach sandals he was buying.

At home in Cienfuegos, southeast of Havana, the 39-year-old was on his third trip to Port-au-Prince. He never stays as long as a week, and his shopping missions are carried out with almost military precision, in this one small area of Haiti.

Just a few meters (yards) away, his compatriot Maria Carmen from Sierra Maestra, in south-western Cuba, was in cutthroat negotiations on a lot of women’s underwear.

“They limit us to 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of luggage at home. And we can’t have more than twelve items of the same kind: twelve T-shirts, twelve jeans, twelve bras,” she explains, a roll of tape on her wrist to seal her purchases in a huge plastic bag. (Excerpt from AFP)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, MARCH 19, 2019

17

Around the World

Beira city “90% destroyed” by Dutch shooting: Utrecht Police Cyclone Idai, hundreds dead arrest suspect after 3 killed

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resident Filipe Nyusi feared the death toll could rise to 1000 in Mozambique in the wake of Cyclone Idai he said in a nationwide address on Monday.

“For the moment we have registered 84 deaths officially, but when we flew over the area ... this morning to understand what’s going on, everything indicates that we could register more than 1000 deaths,” he said.

So far the total death toll has risen to at least 215 after the storm tore into central Mozambique last week before continuing on to Zimbabwe and Malawi, bringing flash floods and ferocious winds.

At least 126 people were killed in Mozambique and Malawi, according to the Red Cross, and Zimbabwe’s Information Ministry on Monday put the number of

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The cyclone destroyed 90 per cent of Beira, according to the Red Cross

dead at 89 in the country.

Most of the deaths in Mozambique happened in the central port city of Beira, 90 per cent of which was destroyed, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

A large dam burst on Sunday in the city, cutting off the last road to the city

of about 530,000 people, the IFRC said in a statement.

The IFRC warned that the death toll could rise once the full scale of the devastation is known, with further heavy rains expected.

Hundreds are missing and more than 1.5 million people have been affected by the widespread destruction and flooding. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

man has been arrested following a shooting in the central Dutch city of Utrecht which left three people dead, police say.

Five others were injured in the incident, which the authorities say appears to be a terrorist attack.

Police have arrested Gokmen Tanis, a 37-yearold Turkish man, in connection with the shooting.

“We have just been informed that the suspect has been arrested,” Police Chief Rob van Bree told reporters.

Schools were closed and security was increased while counter-terrorism police worked to locate the suspect earlier on Monday.

A photograph of him was posted on social media by police, who warned people against approaching him.

A number of raids were reportedly carried out and counter-terrorism officers

Police released this image of Gokmen Tanis

were pictured surrounding a building near the 24 Oktoberplein junction, where the tram attack took place.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte earlier said the country had been “jolted by an attack”, which he described as “deeply disturbing”.

The tram attack happened at about 10:45 local time (09:45 GMT). One witness told local media that “a man started shooting wildly”.

Meanwhile, the threat level has been reduced following the arrest. It was earlier raised to its highest point in the province of Utrecht. Paramilitary police were seen in airports and mosques.

Utrecht, the Netherlands’ fourth largest city, has a population of about 340,000.

Crime levels are low and gun killings are rare, which is the case for much of the country. (Excerpt from BBC News)

2 die in clashes outside 3rd Brexit vote must be different – Speaker Vedanta’s Indian S alumina refinery

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protester and a policeman died in clashes outside Vedanta Ltd’s eastern Indian alumina refinery, a police official said on Monday, less than a year after police killed 13 anti-Vedanta protesters in south India.

The incident in the eastern State of Odisha happened 10 months after police opened fire on demonstrators protesting against Vedanta’s copper smelter in southern Tamil Nadu state, killing 13 people.

Maheswar Pati, a protester, told Reuters the State’s industrial security force personnel attacked the people without provocation.

The State police-controlled Odisha Industrial Security Force said its staff were attacked by stone-throwing protesters.

Pati said the demonstrators included people from three neighbouring villages who had surrendered land to Vedanta and hoped to secure jobs for locals in the company.

Vedanta says 85 per cent of the 3000 employees at its Lanjigarh plant were from the State of Odisha.

Ajay Dixit, Chief Executive of Vedanta’s aluminium business, told Reuters that protesters disrupted production at the 1.9 million tonnes per annum refinery by blocking railway lines supplying bauxite and burning the front gate and other parts of the premises.

The protests, involving over a hundred people, were also sparked by the retrenchment of a local employee, a senior police official told Reuters on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to media.

Dixit said the employee was not fired, and had voluntarily resigned after the company initiated an investigation over compliance-related issues.

The dead protester was a laborer who worked for one of Vedanta’s contractors, Dixit said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

peaker John Bercow has thrown the UK’s Brexit plans into further confusion by ruling out another vote on the PM’s deal unless MPs are given a new motion.

In a surprise ruling, he said he would not allow a third “meaningful vote” in the coming days on “substantially the same” motion as MPs rejected last week.

With 11 days to go before the UK is due to leave the EU, Ministers have warned of a looming “constitutional crisis”.

The UK is currently due

Speaker John Bercow rejects further Brexit votes without changes to the motion

to leave the EU on March 29.

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to the first, but any further votes must pass the “test” he had set out to be allowed.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Bercow “did not warn us of the contents of the statement or indeed the fact that he was making one”.

Bercow made his ruling in response to what he said were concerns from MPs across Parliament that the Government intended to “bring the same deal back to the House ad infinitum” and ask them to “repeatedly pronounce on fundamentally the same proposition”. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

PM Ardern vows tough new gun laws after New Zealand shootings

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ew Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday she would announce new gun laws within days, after a lone gunman killed 50 people in mass shootings at two mosques in the city of Christchurch.

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, was charged with murder on

Saturday. Tarrant was remanded without a plea and is due back in court on April 5 where police said he was likely to face more charges.

“Within 10 days of this horrific act of terrorism we will have announced reforms which will, I believe, make our community safer,” Ardern told a news conference after her Cabinet reached in principle decisions on gun re-

China says 13,000 “terrorists” arrested in Xinjiang since 2014 uthorities in China have arrested almost 13,000 “terrorists” in the restive far western region of Xinjiang since 2014, the Government said on Monday.

The announcement was made in a lengthy policy paper again defending Beijing’s controversial “deradicalisation” measures. China has faced growing international opprobrium for setting up facilities that United Nations experts describe as detention centres holding more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims.

Beijing says it needs the measures

Theresa May has negotiated the withdrawal deal with the EU but it must also be agreed by MPs. They have voted against it twice, and the Government has been considering a third attempt to get it through Parliament.

Bercow cited a convention dating back to 1604 that a defeated motion could not be brought back in the same form during the course of a parliamentary session.

He said the second vote on the Prime Minister’s deal last week was “in order” as it was substantially different

to stem the threat of militancy and calls the jails “vocational training centres”.

Legal authorities have adopted a policy that “strikes the right balance between compassion and severity”, the Government said in its white paper.

Since 2014, Xinjiang has “destroyed 1588 violent and terrorist gangs, arrested 12,995 terrorists, seized 2052 explosive devices, punished 30,645 people for 4858 illegal religious activities, and confiscated 345,229 copies of illegal religious materials,” it added.

Only a small minority of people face strict punishment, such as ringleaders

of armed groups, while those influenced by “extremist thinking” receive education and training to teach them the error of their ways, the paper said.

The main exiled group, the World Uyghur Congress, swiftly denounced the white paper.

“China is deliberately distorting the truth,” spokesman Dilxat Raxit said in an emailed statement.

“Counter-terrorism is a political excuse to suppress the Uighurs. The real aim of the so-called de-radicalisation is to eliminate faith and thoroughly carry out Sinification.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern meets representatives of the Muslim community at Canterbury refugee centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, March 16, 2019 (New Zealand Prime Minister’s Office/

Handout via Reuters)

form laws in the wake of New Zealand’s worst ever mass shooting.

In addition to the 50 killed, dozens were wounded at two mosques in the South Island city during Friday prayers.

Under New Zealand gun laws, A-category weapons can be semi-automatic but limited to seven shots. Livestreamed video of a gunman in one of the mosques showed a semi-automatic weapon with a large magazine.

Ardern did not give details on new laws, but has said she

supports a ban on semi-automatic weapons following the Christchurch shootings.

Ardern encouraged gun owners who were thinking of surrendering their weapons to do so.

A New Zealand standard A-category firearm licence is issued after a police and background check. Only firearm owners are licenced, not weapons, so there is no monitoring of how many weapons a person may possess.

Still, violent crime is rare in New Zealand and police do not usually carry guns. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

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Tuesday, March 19, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Be watchful of anyone who can affect your reputation. Keep an open mind, but don’t be gullible or you will end up in a vulnerable position. Moderation is encouraged.

Make plans and follow TAURUS through. Addressing issues of (April 20- concern and working alongMay 20) side others to solve problems is encouraged. If you let anger or stubbornness take charge, you’ll accomplish little.

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Evaluate your position and career path and make adjustments that will encourage you to reach your goals. Include partners or people you trust in your plans.

CANCER

Look at your objectives and make sure you are being reasonable. Put your priorities in order and look for accomplices who are just as driven as you are.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — BAYONET

Average mark 19 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 26 or more words in BAYONET? The list will be published tomorrow.

dale dame deal alms made male mead

meal medal meld mesa sale same seal

seam slam sled lade lame lase lead

Trust in your ability and don’t let someone’s demands or criticism stop you from pursuing your goals. Making personal improvements and reconnecting with someone from your past look promising.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Precision, technique and style will all play a role in helping you get what you want. A partnership with someone as creative and determined as you will lead to stellar results.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Emotional matters will escalate quickly. Don’t overreact or you will end up in a stalemate and will accomplish nothing. Be smart and apply your energy to personal improvements.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY’S WORD — DAMSEL

Certain changes will turn out to your satisfaction.

Meetings are favoured and partnerships will prove valuable. Set high standards and focus on making new connections and getting ahead.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

(BAYONET: bay-uh-NET: A steel blade attached to the end of a shoulder arm.)

Look at what’s going on around you, and do what you can to carry on without getting into a dispute.

Patience will pay off. Make adjustments if necessary.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Make change happen.

Don’t wait for someone else to step up when you can take action and be able to control the outcome. Use your expertise to achieve victory.

Easy does it. If you take on too much or make promises you cannot keep, you will end up being blamed for your shortcomings. Focus on what’s doable.

An unexpected opportunity will help you advance. Don’t second-guess your ability to outmanoeuvre any competition. A personal pick-me-up will make your day.

tuesday, march 19, 2019

19

Indian Wells 2019…

Thiem topples ‘legend’ Federer – teenager stuns Kerber

D

ominic Thiem claimed his first Masters 1000 title after coming from a set down to defeat Roger Federer 3-6 6-3 7-5 and win the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday in Indian Wells.

Momentum swung in Thiem’s favor in the deciding set when he smacked a forehand winner down the line to break Federer and take a 6-5 lead.

The Austrian fell on his back and covered his face with his hands when Federer, who had been bidding for a record sixth Indian Wells title and 101st tournament victory, netted on match point.

The 25-year-old Thiem, who will rise four places to a career-high world number four on Monday, paid tribute to his opponent.

“It is such a pleasure to compete with you, to learn so much from you, and to play with one of the biggest legends of all time,” he told the 20-times Grand Slam champion during the trophy presentation ceremony.

“I feel like it’s not my right to congratulate you, you have 88 more titles than me, so I’m just hoping you play more and we can have some other big finals,” he said with a laugh.

Federer was gracious in defeat after falling in the final in the Southern California desert for a second consecutive year.

“It has been a great week for me even though it didn’t work out today,” he said.

“What a great week for Dominic. Wonderful playing at the very end and throughout the week. You deserve it.”

Federer raced to an early lead, winning the first three games before wrapping up the first set in the Southern California desert.

But baseline specialist Thiem kept his composure and leveled the match in the second, gaining traction by extending rallies and unleashing a torrent of high-kicking serves to keep Federer off balance.

Federer’s own serve lost some of its bite in the crucial game in the third set with the score tied at 5-5.

“The game he broke me I didn’t serve very well, so I think he took advantage of that fact,” said Federer, who was not overly down

Bianca Andreescu with the championship trophy following her triumph over Angelique Kerber

Dominic Thiem holds the championship trophy after defeating Roger Federer

about the defeat.

“I just got my 100 (career title) in Dubai and I had a good week here,” the 37-year-old said.

“Really there is no reason to get down. Plus there is more to look forward to in Miami.”

Thiem will also play in Miami, hoping to complete the “Sunshine Double” with a victory there after his Indian Wells win.

Teenager Andreescu stuns Kerber to win Indian Wells title Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu stunned three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber 6-4 3-6 6-4 to win the BNP Paribas Open and capture her first career title in Indian Wells on Sunday.

Andreescu used creative and aggressive shot-making to defeat the German despite suffering with a troublesome right shoulder and leg cramps on a hot and sunny day in the Southern California desert.

The 18-year-old dropped her racket and fell on her back when

Kerber hit a backhand into the net on match point to deliver the tournament wildcard the victory.

“It wasn’t an easy match. It was one of the toughest matches I’ve ever played,” she said in an on-court interview. “It’s so incredible.”

Andreescu would love to follow in the footsteps of world number one Naomi Osaka of Japan, who won the tournament last year before claiming the U.S. and Australian Open titles.

“The next is a Grand Slam. Let’s see where this can take me,” said the unseeded teenager who is ranked 60th in the world but will rise to 24th on Monday.

“Naomi did this last year. Now to have my name in front of so many champions it means the world to me.”

Andreescu played fearlessly at the outset, breaking the former world number one in the opening game of the match and taking the first set.

The eighth seed battled back to claim the second and looked like she would cruise to the finish line when she broke to go up 3-2 in the third after Andreescu needed a medical time out to have her heavily taped right shoulder worked on by a trainer.

Momentum swung in Andreescu’s direction when she broke back to level the set at 3-3 and held serve to love in the next game.

Nerves appeared to get to Andreescu near the end, when Kerber saved three match points behind some stout defence.

But Andreescu broke the German in the next game to claim the title and become the youngest woman to win at Indian Wells since 17-year-old Serena Williams in 1999.

“Hopefully this moment can be a great inspiration for many young athletes,” she said.

“If you believe in yourself anything is possible. This moment has become a reality so it’s really, really crazy.” (Reuters)

Team Sky set to be renamed and owned by Britain’s richest man

T

eam Sky are set to announce a new sponsor - owned by Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The broadcaster said in December that it would end its decade-long commitment at the end of 2019, during which time Team Sky have won eight Grand Tours.

The team will be renamed Team Ineos - after the chemicals giant that billionaire Ratcliffe owns.

Ratcliffe is worth £21bn and has been in talks with Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford for several weeks.

Team Sky was launched in January 2010 and has since amassed 327 victories, including those eight Grand Tour triumphs.

Current riders Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas have won

Sir Jim Ratcliffe will change the team’s name to Team Ineos, after the chemical giant he owns

five Tours de France between them, and Welshman Thomas signed a new three-year deal in September after winning his first Tour last July.

Ineos is Britain’s largest privately owned company and in 2018 posted annual pre-tax

profits of £2bn.

Ratcliffe has already invested £110m in Ben Ainslie’s Americas Cup team.

Former Team Sky rider Bradley Wiggins, who won the 2012 Tour de France, said the partnership between Brailsford and Ratcliffe could be “ideal”.

Talking on Eurosport’s The Bradley Wiggins Show, he said: “I think he would have been reluctant to have another multinational company that came in and wanted the control in terms of ‘this is how we advertise our company’.

“Ratcliffe is the richest man in Britain and you would imagine that the kind of money they have asked for is nothing to him.

“Dave can continue running this team with all his plans and philosophies, so it’s an ideal situation for him and you’d

Team Sky’s domestiques lead Chris Froome and the peloton on Stage 18 of a Tour de France the British team have dominated from start to finish

imagine he is answerable to one man.”

Team Sky have dominated the Tour de France in recent years, winning six of the past seven editions, while Froome also won the 2017 Vuelta a Espana and the 2018 Giro d’Italia.

However, the efficient style and big spending that underpinned Sky’s success has

been unpopular with some fans, particularly in France.

The team has also been subject to allegations of cheating.

Froome, 33, had an antidoping case brought against him and subsequently dropped by governing body the UCI, while former rider Bradley Wiggins has faced questions over his use of a medical exemption for

hayfever medication.

The UK Anti-Doping Agency also conducted a 14-month investigation into a ‘mystery package’ delivered to then-team doctor Richard Freeman on the final day of Wiggins’ successful Criterium du Dauphine bid in 2011.

Team Sky, Froome and Wiggins deny any wrongdoing in all three cases. (BBC Sport)

Cycling: 2020 Tour de France to get off to hilly start

N

ICE, France - The 2020 Tour de France will get off to a hilly start with two stages around Nice, organizers said on Monday.

The opening stage will be a 170-km ride around the Azurean city but is expected to be decided in a bunch sprint finish.

It will serve as a warm-up for the 190-km trek featuring three climbs with the overall

contenders expected to already be at their best.

The peloton will tackle the Col de Colmiane before the Col de Turini and the Col d’Eze. The Col de Turini featured in this year’s edition of Paris-Nice while the Col d’Eze is a regular on the ‘Race to the Sun’.

The 2020 Tour will be held from June 27-July 19. (Reuters)

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi speaks during a news conference for the official presentation of the 2020 Grand depart of the Tour de France cycling race

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesday, march 19, 2019

Johnson rates Jaguars squad among best ever produced – Head Coach confident in 23-man selection The 23-man shortlisted Golden Jaguars squad

The new international players who have joined the Golden Jaguars line-up

W

ith less than a week left on the calendar to Guyana’s most important football match yet, Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars, Michael Johnson, has announced a 23man squad to face Belize on Saturday, 23rd March, in the most significant CONCACAF Nations League qualifier for Guyana, to be played at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora.

The top notch squad includes three Goalkeepers, seven Defenders, seven Midfielders and six Forwards, as well as three debutantes – Defender Reiss Greenidge, Midfielder Anthony Jeffrey, and Forward Keanu Marsh-Brown.

Reiss Greenidge is a 22-year-old from Norway, where he has been playing professional football since 2017. At 6 feet, 6 inches tall, he is a leftfooted Defender who can operate both as a Centre or Left Back. His technical development has been based at the English Premier League (EPL) team Arsenal’s famous youth Academy.

Anthony Jeffrey is a 24-year-old rapid attacking player, who can play as a Winger or as a Main Forward. A talent also produced by EPL’s Arsenal’s Academy, Anthony has played in the English Football League for Stevenage Borough FC and Wycombe Wanderers FC. Currently a regular goal scorer in the Conference National for Dover Athletic, Anthony will add a new dimension to Guyana’s Forward line.

Keanu Marsh-Brown, brother of Ronayne Marsh-Brown, is a 26-year-old seasoned forward in the English Football League playing at Newport County. A product of Fulham’s Academy, Keanu has played for MK Dons, Oldham Athletic, Yeovil Town in England, and Dundee in Scotland.

Among the seasoned members of the squad rejoining the team are Warren Creavalle, Emery Welshman, Samuel Cox, Walter Moore and Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson.

This selection follows the Guyana-based team’s preparation, which has been in training for approximately eight weeks, and which has had five training matches during this time, the last of which was held on Saturday at the Pierkhan Stadium in Nickerie, Suriname from 15:30hrs (local time).

The team went down to a full-strength Suriname Senior Men’s National Team by a 3-1 margin.

Head Coach Johnson reflected on the match: “The objective was completed with our friendly game against Suriname. It was a chance for us to have a closer examination of our Guyana-based players in a tough fixture. Everything we are currently doing is focused on March 23. We were able to find out what worked and what didn’t, who can play in this position and who plays better alongside this person; we got our answers from the game. You can do as much training as you like, but nothing beats a competitive fixture.”

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup...

Defending champions Barbados eyeing retention of title – Captain Matthews

By Brandon Corlette

Deandra Dottin on the go

B

arbados remain a team to be reckoned with. The defending champions got their campaign off to a perfect start this season by comprehensively defeating the Leewards Islands by ‘the small matter of seven wickets’.

Speaking exclusively with this reporter, 20-yearold Barbados Captain Hayley Matthews, who turns 21 today, said her team is focused on playing good cricket.

“Coming into this tournament as defending champions, we don’t want to be too complacent,” she said.

“The team wants to back up last season’s performance.”

The Windies vice-captain, who is for the first time competing in a Regional

tournament as captain, declared the Barbados team an experienced unit, but said the aim is to play hard cricket in order to reap fruitful results in this tournament.

Assessing conditions in Guyana, Matthews said the practice sessions the team had undergone had seen balls keeping on the lower side at the different venues. She declared the conditions in Guyana the exact opposite of those obtaining in Barbados, where the ball bounces and carries through to the wicketkeeper at a reasonable height.

Matthews explained that the intention of the team is to acclimatise quickly in terms of batting and bowling, in order to adapt to the conditions prevalent in Guyana in the upcoming matches.

Having, in recent times, sustained an injury that saw her being absent from the Women’s Big Bash and Windies tour to Pakistan and UAE, Matthews declared herself fit and ready for the entire Super50 Cup and the T20 Blaze tournaments.

As an all-rounder, Matthews said, her intention this tournament is to score several runs and pick up vital wickets for her team.

Since making her ODI

debut for Windies in 2014, Matthews has scored 980 runs in the 39 matches she has played to date. She has one century and four halfcenturies to boot. In T20Is, Matthews has participated in 38 matches, and has four half-centuries to her name, including the monumental knock of 66 in the 2016 World T20 final.

Her bowling performance has shown promise, with her currently being ranked number six in the T20 ICC MRF bowling rankings. Her team mate Deandra Dottin is ranked number one in T20Is. Matthews has thus far snared 35 ODI wickets and 38 T20I wickets in her career.

In the first match of this season, she began her campaign in fine fashion, snaring

Hayley Matthews cutting during her first match at Everest

Johnson’s point of view With the 23-man squad listed and all players on Guyanese shores, Head Coach Michael Johnson is looking to solidify the Guyanese outfit in anticipation of a win against Belize. Identifying key areas that he is looking to work on, the head Coach noted that he is happy to have the team encamped at an early date.

“The earlier that we’re here, the better (it is for us). We can start to prepare them with what we are looking to do. It’s also better (when) we can have them in camp, because some of them are meeting their teammates for the very first time,” Johnson explained.

Johnson is of the opinion that he has made all the provisions necessary to ensure that the Guyana team are up to scratch. Preparation wise, the entire team is said to be well oiled. “There been no stone left unturned. We’re talking about the local players being encamped for eight weeks, the players we have flown in from America, Canada; so everybody is in a great place condition-wise. And now it’s just working on the psychological aspect of the game, because we all know the magnitude of the game,” he explained.

Owing to the rigorous preparation and the highly scrutinised selection, the Head Coach believes, without a doubt, that this is the best team Guyana has to offer.

“Probably one of the strongest, if not the strongest team Guyana has ever got together. So career best figures of 7-27 in 8.4 overs.

Alongside Matthews, there are Deandra Dottin, the Knights twins (Kacia and Kyshona), and pace queens Shamilia Connell and Shakira Selman. These ladies are

we’re in a good place, the mood in the camp is tremendous,” Johnson stated.

Tickets for this epic match are being sold at $1500 at the following locations: Andrew’s Supermarket, Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt; The Guinness Bar, Durban Street, Gt; West Indian Sports Complex, Robb Street; Nice Restaurante, below Space Gym, Croal Street, Gt; Pegasus Hotel, Guyana; KFC Outlets - Regent Street & Mandela Avenue; Dad’s Fish Shop, Den Amstel; Patsy Food Court And Bar, LindenSoesdyke Junction; The Fashion Box, Vendors Arcade, Bartica; and at Giftland Mall.

Fan jerseys are also available at the GFF Secretariat, the Guyana Pegasus, and Giftland Mall at a cost of Gy$5,000.

all players with Windies experience. Dottin showed her explosiveness in the first match when she battled for 12 minutes and scored an unbeaten 34 from 14 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. The top five batters

in the Barbados team have all represented the Windies at some point in their career.

The Barbadians will today meet the jaded Afy Fletcherled Windward Islands team at the National Stadium at Providence.

Milo Schools U-18 Football Tournament…

Christianburg-Wismar finish prelims with clean streak

C

The Christian-burg Wismar goalscorers

hristianburg-Wismar Secondary continue to stamp their authority in the Milo Schools Under-18 tournament, as they romped to yet another comprehensive victory in being the only team to bag three wins in three games.

Aside from the Lindeners’ feat, Charlestown Secondary and Tucville Secondary overcame their opponents by the same margin in hopes of advancing out of the round robin stage.

Christianburg-Wismar have thus far produced the most entertaining performances, and did not look to spare the Friendship Secondary team when they met on the playing field on Sunday at the Ministry of Education Ground. As soon as the first whistle was sounded, Felix Innis wasted little time in sending the ball careening into the goal within the first minute of play, to immediately mount pressure on the Friendship side.

A free kick coming off the boots of captain Andre Meyers from 25 yards out also found the back of the goal, to push the game to 2-0 in just the ninth minute.

Three minutes later, Tyrese Lewis played circles around the Friendship defenders to strike a goal of his own.

Although Friendship had their fair share of chances, the team could not hit the target. Lewis then connected with the net once more in the 57th minute to seal Christianburg-Wismar’s 4-0 win.

Charlestown fought hard to move to the top of their group in the second game, defeating Vergenoegen Secondary in the process. Vergenoegen were in control of the game initially, after Ronaldo Macey struck two goals in the 13th and 24th minutes. A goal in the 22nd from Anthone Vasconcellos was the only reply Charlestown had made by half time.

However, a more organised and vigilant Charlestown team took to the field in the second session, and Vasconcellos netted his second in the 43rd minute even as Carlos Agard contributed one in the 48th to pull the game back in Charlestown’s favour.

The final game of the day saw a similar 3-2 result, but this time Tucville Secondary was on the victorious side. Tucville’s goals came in the first half, as Shawn Lewis netted two and Klem Semple contributed one.

With the half time score being 3-1 owing to Dellon Harry’s reply on Tutorial’s behalf, the latter fought valiantly to equalise. Stephan Millington was the only successful striker in the second half, netting a goal in the 52nd, but his team had to settle for a 3-2 defeat.

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Amerith Rocky Rai Memorial T20 Cricket…

Zeeburg advance to semi-finals F

ollowing their successes in the Amerith Rocky Rai Memorial T20 Cricket on the West Coast of Demerara, Zeeburg cemented their place in the semifinal of the tournament, played over the weekend, as they demolished the in-form Rising Stars ‘A’ at the Tuschen Ground, East Bank Essequibo.

After winning the toss, Rising Stars elected to bat first. The Tuschen ground has in the past proven to produce 160- plus scores, and having thus far lost no match in the competition, the Zeeburg side were up for the challenge.

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But Rising Stars folded for 80 all out in 18.2 overs of their allotted 20 overs, after performing so well in the competition.

No Rising Star player passed 11, as their batting failed them at the worst possible time. Zeeburg’s Richardo Poloram had 3-9, Yutesh Dhanpaul had 2 -14, and Reon Kingston 2-15.

Needing 81 for victory at four runs per over, Zeeburg made light work of the total, chasing the target down in 10 overs to reach 86- 2. Top scoring for Zeeburg were Balbinder Shivpersaud with 27.

Zeeburg now await their opponents, who will emerge victorious from a clash in the quarterfinal round this weekend.

The Zeeburg team will be hunting for their second trophy or the 2019 season

“A historic day for Afghanistan” – Asghar Afghan

H

istory awaited them - a first-ever Test match win - but Afghanistan were still 118 runs off from the mark at the start of the fourth day in Dehradun. And a fourth-innings chase is nothing to be scoffed at, especially in India, where it’s been five years since anyone has taken down a target over 125. But Rahmat Shah and Ihsanullah played with the calmness that is normally found in Test-match veterans, both men reaching fifties to ease the team’s passage into the record books.

How were they able to stay so calm? Well, their captain Asghar Afghan felt it was because of the domestic cricket they have played back home.

“We have played a lot of multi-day cricket and automatically we have matured because of that,” he said at the post-match presentation. “Nowadays we are playing first-class cricket at home as well.

Before we played three-day, two-day cricket but now we’re playing first-class.

“Playing Test cricket was our dream and today we played our second Test and we won the game. It is a historic day for Afghanistan, for Afghanistan people, for our team, for our cricket board.”

The seven-wicket victory, though, was set up by the bowlers, with seamer Yamin Ahmadzai and spinners Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Waqar Salamkheil bowling Ireland out for 172 in the first innings after they had won the toss and chosen to bat. And that is significant because it’s been six years since a non-Indian side has won a Test despite losing the toss in this country.

“I would like to congratulate the bowlers especially, Rashid, Waqar, Yamin, because the wicket

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The first one – the Afghanistan players celebrate their maiden Test win

was good for batting.” Asghar said.

Ireland captain William Porterfield also pointed to their first innings as a turning point in the game. “I thought at the time, I fancied winning the toss, it was a big toss to win. Any multi-day game, you have to capitalise on your first innings.

If we batted remotely like our second innings [when they made 288] in our first innings, I think it could’ve been a completely different game,” Porterfield said.

“You’re taking about chasing upwards of 280-300, which could’ve been a completely different story. But taking nothing away from

how Afghanistan played. They played very well throughout the whole game and came out deserved winners.

“It’s still their second game, five lads making their debut… but I’m glad with they way they came in and went about it. How prepared they were. You want the lads to kick on and make big contributions and obviously we didn’t do that in the first innings and you’re always looking to come back into the game from that and once Afghanistan got past us, they never really let us do that.” (ESPNcricinfo)

Ronaldo charged by Chelsea winger called up to England squad from Under-21s Uefa over celebration

C

helsea winger Callum HudsonOdoi - who is yet to start a Premier League game - says he is “shocked” to have received his first England call-up.

The 18-year-old was brought into the England squad on Monday for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

He has played 19 games for Chelsea this season, scoring five times, but is yet to start a Premier League match.

“It’s been a crazy experience but I’m delighted,” Hudson-Odoi said.

He was with England’s Under-21 squad, having received his first callup at that level last week, when he was told he was being promoted to the senior squad by U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd.

“I thought the manager was joking,”

he added.

“I was shocked and then when I heard that I actually had to go over, I couldn’t believe it.

“I was delighted. It’s a dream come true. Now I’ve got to work hard, enjoy every moment and keep working to just hopefully make an impact when I get the opportunity.”

Hudson-Odoi was called up after full-back Luke Shaw joined John Stones, Fabian Delph and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in withdrawing from the squad.

Earlier on Monday, Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse was added to the squad as a replacement.

England host the Czechs at Wembley on Friday, 22 March and are away in Montenegro on Monday, 25 March. (BBC Sport)

J

uventus forward C r i s t i a n o Ronaldo has been charged with improper conduct by Uefa for a goal celebration in the win over Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.

T h e 34-year-old appeared to mimic Atletico boss Diego Simeone, who turned to fans and grabbed his crotch during his side’s 2-0 first-leg victory.

Ronaldo made the ges-

ture after his third goal of his hat-trick in the return leg as Juventus won 3-0.

Uefa will rule on the case on 21 March.

Simeone was fined 20,000 euros (£17,000) for his celebration.

Juventus have been drawn to play Dutch side Ajax in the quarter-finals. (BBC Sport)

Ronaldo has scored 124 goals in the Champions League

22

tuesday, march 19, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Guyana women’s hockey team to compete in Canadian Indoor Invitational A Full schedule

national indoor selection is on Wednesday scheduled to travel to Toronto, Canada to compete in the upcoming Field Hockey Canada Invitational Indoor Hockey Tri-Nation Series, scheduled to be played from March 22 to 24.

Guyana had initially been hoping to enter male and female selections, as there is nothing else on the indoor hockey calendar internationally to prepare teams before the next Indoor Pan American Cup (IPAC) is held in March 2020 in Pennsylvania, USA. However, Guyana encountered difficulties in managing to achieve the objective of having both male and female teams attend the Series, and it was decided that the male team would be unable to attend.

The ladies have been preparing at the National Gymnasium under the guidance of Head Coach Philip Fernandes since early in January. Eight of the twelve players are from the 2017 national team that competed in the IPAC, held for the first time in Guyana in 2017. Those players are goalkeeper Alysa Xavier, Marisha Fernandes, Trisha Woodroffe, Marzana Fiedtkou, Nicole Eastman, Gabriella Xavier, Minsodia Culpepper and Latacia Cheong.

The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), in using this event as preparation for 2010 and beyond, have opted to give the opportunity to new, young players who show the potential to be good representatives of the country in the future. As a result, they have named their youngest-ever squad, which features -including the two reserves -- 3 fourteen-year-olds, 2 fifteen-year olds, and others in their early twenties.

Coach Fernandes has lamented the loss of

Friday 22nd 12:00 – Guyana versus Kazakhstan 13:00 – Canada White vs Canada Red 15:30 – Kazakhstan vs Canada White 16:45PM – Guyana versus Canada Red Saturday 23rd 11:45 – Canada Red vs Kazakhstan 12:30 – Guyana versus Canada White 17:00 – Women’s semi-final 1 vs 4 17:45 - Women’s semi-final 2 vs 3 Sunday 24th 14:00 – Women’s bronze medal match 14:45 – Women’s Final

The team underwent prep at the National Gymnasium

especially Aliyah Gordon due to injury, as he considers her to be one of those special players around whom the future of women’s hockey can be built. However, he is very excited at seeing several teenagers in the line-up, as he feels that they are among the most talented players he has seen in recent years in the women’s programme.

The Guyana team will face the Canadian National Team; a Canadian President’s 11; as well as the national team of Kazakhstan, which represented Asia in the last Indoor World Cup in Berlin. Fernandes indicated that the two countries, Canada and Kazakhstan, both boast far superior reputations in indoor hockey than does Guyana,

and he has expressed great appreciation for the invitation from Field Hockey Canada, and their willingness to include Guyana in the series.

While Fernandes is cautiously optimistic of the Guyana team’s chances, he thinks it is exactly what the local ladies need at this very moment. The coach indicated that the young players need to be exposed to this level of tough competition, where they can see, experience and appreciate indoor hockey; its toughness, and the level of physical and skilful play required to be at the top.

His only regret is that, during preparation, the team was unable to train on the tile floor housed at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, as the multi-sport

facility would not have been able to accommodate the floor being in place for these months. He, however, appreciates having been allowed to use the gymnasium, which although having a different and slower mat surface, still allowed the team to get through its training.

Matches in this Canadian tournament will all be played at the University of Toronto’s Athletic Centre, and will begin on Friday.

Guyana’s full squad reads: Abosaide Cadogan, Alysa Xavier, Gabriella Xavier, Marisha Fernandes, Trisha Woodroffe, Sarah Klautky, Latacia Cheung, Nicole Eastman, Minsodia Culpepper, Tekeisha Deleon, Marzana Fiedtkou and Makeda Harding.

The reserves for this squad, which will be managed by Tiffany Solomon, are Charlia Webb and Madison Fernandes.

GABA/Let’s Bet Sports 3-division Knockout Tournament...

Pacesetters make epic comeback to take U-23 title – Eagles finish 3rd

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Guyana Amateur Basketball Association got the Under-23 Championships out of the way in just three days of play at the Burnham Hard-court. It ended with the Pacesetters walking away with the title after an intense finale against the Plaisance Guardians.

Supporters from Georgetown and Plaisance came out in their numbers to witness the action, and the match was entertaining from the first points.

Guardians are no strangers to the Pacesetters, having beaten them on more than one occasion, but there was something ‘off’ with the

Guardians on this night of reckoning. For Pacesetters however, it was quite a different scenario, as they looked well poised heading into their first major match in 2019.

Pacesetters won the tip-off, but the Guardians shook off the nerves and played as a unit to finish the first half ahead, 1917.

Maintaining their consistency in the second quarter, the Guardians again outscored the Pacesetters to lead 38-32 at the half.

What looked like a victory for the Plaisance side turned out to be the beginning of a comeback for the Pacesetters, as they dug deep and employed every tactic to force Guardians to play defensively.

Despite giving away a few baskets in the third quarter, Pacesetters still managed to take the lead at 50–58 heading into the final quarter.

Once the lead was achieved, Pacesetters kept the upper hand in the final quarter to eventually win the title by six points, with the final score reading 75-69.

Top scoring for the Pacesetters were Quing Dos Santos and Zion Gray, who Part of the third-place battle between Eagles and Trojans both had 19 points, while defeating UG Trojans by one between them.

Akinne Wilson chipped in with point in a thriller that ended But in the final 5.5 seconds 14 points. of the game, the teams used For the Guardians, Nigel 76-75.

The see-saw match was a their respective timeouts and Bowen top scored with 17 points and Jared Sears thriller throughout its duration, consulted a revamped rule as neither side relented in book. However, the matter was contributed 16.

Earlier in the night, the third their pursuit of victory and the quickly resolved, and the Eagles place playoff saw the Eagles lead kept steadily transferring sunk the last basket to take the

game.

Eagles’ top scorers were Shamar Huntley (26) and Anthony Vanveen (14); while Trojans’ Denzel Ross and Kadeem Peterkin were able to score 20 and 19 respectively.

Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s Triple Crown…

2nd leg set for Sunday T

he highly anticipated second leg of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s Triple Crown will be the main event for horse-racing in Guyana when it kicks off this Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club in Port Mourant, East Berbice.

This Sunday’s event will attract a total prize purse of almost $2million, as the day of events will showcase 8 races. The feature event of the day will see the winner of the ‘C’ Class and Lower contest carting off $1million in cash. For the three-year-old Guyana-bred horses, the winning jockey will pocket $400,000 while the winner of the F Class category will take home $350,000.

In the H Class category, the winning horse will take home $300,000, while in the I Class many will see the winner bagging $250,000.

The J and K Class will see the winners taking home $230,000 and $220,000 respectively.

Culminating the day of events, the L Class and L Class and Lower will duke it out as they compete in their categories for $200,000 and $140,000.

Many of Guyana’s top horses will be competing in the event. Fans will be on the edges of their seats as Vera’s Finally has returned from injury and will be looking to score big this Sunday.

Outstanding individual performers, including jockeys, trainers and stables, will be presented with accolades compliments of Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.

The final leg of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s Triple Crown will take place on April 21 at the same venue. There will be over $20 million at stake, inclusive of cash, trophies and other mementos from gate prizes. Gates for the event will be opened at 12:00 hrs.

This event is sponsored by Banks DIH.

Part of the first leg’s action

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, march 19, 2019

23

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup...

Merissa Aguilleira

T&T not taking any team lightly this season – Captain Aguilleira

T

he Merissa Aguilleira-led Trinidad and Tobago Divas began their 2019 Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup on a positive note -- with a 69-run win over hosts, Guyana.

The Trinidad & Tobago Divas are among the favourites to win this tournament; the last time it was played in Guyana, they had clinched both titles.

Speaking exclusively with this daily publication after their triumph over Guyana, T&T captain, the 33-year-old Merissa Aguilleira, explained that it was a good feeling to come out on top.

She added that the team had also performed creditably in fielding, barring the lone drop catch in that opening game.

“I mean, it was good to get out there and experience our first game. I must say that (the) partnership between Stacy Ann King and Rachel Vincent was vital; but our vice-captain, Reniece Boyce, put the icing on the cake,” Aguilleira declared.

The victory over Guyana in the opening round is very significant for the Trinidad & Tobago Divas, Aguilleira explained, since Guyana was the team

Trinidad and Tobago Divas

that had prevented Trinidad from occupying one of the final two spots in the 2018 tournament.

Despite this victory, Aguilleira said, the team still has to work on a few things moving forward in this tournament. However, this is a very pleasing

result for the team.

She hailed the deep batting line-up of the Trinidad team. “The batting depth lacked nothing.

I mean, that is to show the depth of the batting.

Boyce batting at number six shows that the women

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup...

are focused and they are not relying on one person to score the bulk of the runs,” she declared.

Aguilleira revealed that the Trinidad Divas’ bowling attack will be spearheaded by Anisa Mohammed, who has 146 wickets in the 117 matches she has played for the Windies Women.

Aguilleira, the ‘gloves woman’ of the team, declared that the pitches in Guyana keep improving.

“The last time we played in Guyana, the pitches were not up to standard. But after the Stand-alone World Cup, we have seen a great number of runs scored,” she explained.

Having played 112 ODIs and 95 T20Is for the West Indies Women, Aguilleira is expecting all the pitches at the different venues in Guyana to suit good cricket.

Trinidad will play against Leeward Islands today, Tuesday March 19, at the Georgetown Cricket Club from 9:30h local time; and Aguilleira has said that her team will not be taking any team lightly in this tournament.

(Brandon Corlette)

Surinamese contingent possible for weekend’s drag race

Guyana seeking to make amends W against Jamaica Shemaine Campbelle would need support in the batting department

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Shemaine Campbelle-led Guyana team are resolved to come out on top in their second match encounter with the experienced and assured Stafanie Taylor-led Jamaica team.

The two teams meet head-on today at the Everest Cricket Club from 9:30h local time, and there can be only one winner of this contest.

On the eve of this match, Guyana Captain Shemaine Campbelle and Jamaica Head Coach Cleon Smith spoke with Guyana Times Sport with

– batting 50 overs is the main aim, says J’ca Coach

Campbelle declaring that her team’s batting performance requires improvement in time for the Jamaica clash.

“Batters need to put runs on the board, and this has been a problem in the past; and there is still room for improvement,” Campbelle highlighted.

In their first match, a tussle against the T&T Divas, Guyana suffered a 69-run defeat.

Reflecting on that loss, Campbelle said the new-ball bowlers had given the team a good start, but the middle overs had lacked that wicket-taking ability, leading Guyana to lose momentum in the latter part of the bowling innings.

The areas that did not click for Guyana would be required to so do when they meet a confident Jamaica team.

Jamaica Head Coach, Cleon Smith, took time after his team’s practice at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) to share his thoughts on their impending second match.

“We are confident!

We believe in our training programme, and both teams are familiar with the players”, Smith declared.

He added that Jamaica have a specific game plan that always works for the team, and they are sticking to it.

The Jamaicans are fresh from an 80-run win over Windward Islands in a match played at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground at Bourda. Reminiscing on that match, Smith said the women executed the main game plan -- to bat their full quota of 50 overs. The Jamaicans had registered a good showing with the bat, scoring 236-8 against a Windward Islands team that included spin ace Afy Fletcher.

Explosive Windies batters Natasha Mc Clean and opener Rashada Williams are expected to bat at the top of the Jamaica order. This duo had added 59 runs to the score in the first match. Then there are Windies Captain Stafanie Taylor, who bats at number three, and Windies middle order batters Chadean Nation and all-rounder Chinelle Henry included in the formidable batting lineup.

The 23-year-old fast bowler Chinelle Henry, who has played five ODIs for Windies, will spearhead Jamaica’s bowling unit, assisted by right-arm offbreak bowler Vanessa Watts, who grabbed 4-25 in round

Jamaica Head Coach Cleon Smith

one, and the veteran Stafanie Taylor, among others.

The first match in this tournament, played at Everest between Barbados and Leeward Islands, saw the spinners dominating on a dry track, with off-spinner Hayley Matthews grabbing a sevenwicket haul.

Everest, a slow turning surface, will offer assistance to the spinners, and both teams have an adequate supply of such talent. The Guyana team have spinners in Plaffiana Millington, Kaysia Schultz, Sheneta Grimmond, and Mandy Mangru, which may prove effective at this venue.

Anisa Mohammed

ith the days rapidly counting down to the much anticipated first Drag-racing event of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), international competitors are beginning to signal their interest in participating.

According to the GMR&SC, Suriname is interested in supporting the event with a contingent of cars. They want to come in on Friday morning. GMR&SC is in the process of getting the list of names from that body’s motorsport division, but has confirmed that at least five cars are expected.

The interest being shown by international competitors in participating in drag racing locally is now being renewed with the installation of the launch pad for drag racing. And since the strip is being extended from 1000ft to 1320ft or a quarter-mile, the Surinamese will be eager to finally unleash the full power of their machines before an expectedly overawed Guyanese audience.

What makes this drag meet a must-see is that, last week, one of the fastest Nissan GTRs in the world was cleared at a port in Georgetown. The EKanoo/Magnus GTR, which will compete on Sunday under the Team Mohamed’s Enterprise banner, is something that fans and other racers are most interested in seeing perform.

In addition to that, the 1000ft strip record holder, ‘Goliath’ – Team Mohamed’s other Nissan GTR -- will also be in action.

The event is sponsored by Mohamed’s Enterprises, BM Soat Auto Sales, Motor Trend Service Centre, Delco Ice Factory, Trans-Pacific Motor Spares, Supreme Ventures, Air Services Limited, PowerLine Auto, Cyril’s Taxi, Omega Brokers, Enetworks, Prem’s Electrical, Miracle Optical, Choke Gas Station and Super Bet.

Team Mohamed’s Goliath

tuesday, march 19, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana seeking to make amends against Jamaica

Page 23

Natasha Mc Clean showed her aggression in the opening match

Team Guyana would need to tick all the boxes against Jamaica at Everest

Johnson rates Jaguars squad among best ever produced Guyana women’s hockey team to compete – Head Coach confident in Canadian Indoor in 23-man selection Invitational

Coach Philip Fernandes having a word with the squad during one of their training sessions

Page 22

Page 20

A glimpse of the team’s practice session on Monday afternoon

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