Guyana Times Epaper - Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Teachers’ salary negotiations P11

Arbitration panel to be named today Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Issue No. 3683

PRICE

LGE gerrymandering

PPP takes Govt to court over added Local Authority Areas Page 3

It’s On!

See story on page 23

CPL Play-off fever hits Guyana

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

P10 Cutlass, improvised weapons found in Mazaruni Prison

Pensioner jailed for smuggling ganja into prison

P8

GA-FDD urges consumers to report fake products P10

Braving the scorching sun – CPL fans flocked the local ticketing office to secure a place at the historic play-off matches in Guyana which will be held today and tomorrow (Dexter Ceres)

Golden Fleece koker cracks under pressure

Page 14

Int’l funding cuts hampered HIV/ AIDS programmes – Lawrence Page 14

– as Govt working on new strategies to sensitise public

Man dies Page 9 after wife allegedly sets house alight

Berbice man killed by fire P5 truck Former Cop found guilty P7 of raping 13year-old lad

P12 GNNL Finance Controller fired, rehired same day

…over leaked info on excessive spending of GM …GM unlawfully issues dismissal letter

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tuesdAY, september 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

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TUESdAY, september 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, September 11 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, September 12 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, September 11 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, September 12 – 05:40h-07:10h.

LGE gerrymandering

PPP takes Govt to court over added Local Authority Areas

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy skies with light rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with sunny intervals expected in the later afternoon. Partly cloudy to clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-westerly to East North-easterly and North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 05:27h and 17:46h reaching maximum heights of 2.86 metres and 2.83 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:21h and 23:40h reaching minimum heights of 0.39 metre and 0.37 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, september 8, 2018

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GECOM Commissioner and Applicant, Bibi Shadick

F

ollowing complaints that the Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan is involved in the gerrymandering of Local Authority Areas (LLA) in Opposition strongholds, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Monday filed a legal challenge in the High Court to halt the Minister’s move even as Bulkan maintained that everything he did was above board. Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall filed the Fixed Date Application (FDA) on behalf of People’s Progressive Party Guyana Elections Commissioner (GECOM) Commissioner, Bibi Shadick.

The Applicant filed judicial review proceedings in the High Court against decisions of named respondents, Communities Minister Bulkan and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield. Nandlall told reporters on Monday that the PPP’s action is not geared at delaying the entire Local Government Elections set for November 12 but rather; elections in the contested Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) could be rescheduled until the outcome of the court case.

In the writ seen

by Guyana Times, the Applicant is seeking a several orders which seek to bring the Communities Minister’s alterations into the conformity with Local Democratic Organs Act, Chapter 28:09.

In so doing, the Applicant is petitioning the court to have Bulkan’s orders declared null and void.

The Applicant made an application for an Order or Writ of Certiorari to quash Bulkan’s order of holding elections of seven NDCs without first issuing an Order under the Local Democratic Organs Act, to identify the NDCs by name, boundaries, and number of members. These NDCs are Moruka/Phoenix Park; Kitty/Providence; Nile/Cozier; Lamaha/ Yarrowkabra; Hauraruni/ Yarrowkabra; Plegt Anker/ Kortberaad; and Wyburg/ Caracas.

The Applicant is also seeking two Orders of Certiorari against GECOM CEO Lowenfield.

The first moves to quash the

Attorney Anil Nandlall

Commission CEO’s decision to fix the exterior boundaries in respect to the said seven NDCs, adding that the move was an abuse of power, illegal and constitutes a “usurpation of the statutory functions” of Minister Bulkan. A second Certiorari order wants to quash his decision to demarcate constituency boundaries within the said seven NDCs on grounds that his actions did not first involve the consultations of electors and stakeholders which include political parties. In this regard, Shadick views Lowenfield’s actions as irregular or improper exercise of discretion, in bad faith, or having cited irregular consideration, adding that it has no legal effect since this would be a violation of Article 13 of Guyana’s Constitution.

More than that, Shadick is seeking an Order or Writ of Mandamus to compel Minister Bulkan, under the Local Democratic Organs Act, to establish the boundaries and number of members in respect to the Municipality of Mahdia

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

and other eight other LLAs so that elections could be held by November 12. These would be Aranaputa/Upper Burro-Burro; Moruka/ Phoenix Park; Kitty/ Providence; Nile/Cozier; Lamaha/Yarrowkabra; Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra; Plegt Anker/Kortberaad; Wyburg/Caracas. With regard to the aforementioned NDCs, the Applicant is seeking another Order of Mandamus for Lowenfield for him to hold consultations with stakeholders on the establishment of constituency boundaries within the said Local Authority Areas.

The Applicant’s final

Order or Writ of Mandamus wants Lowenfield to also hold consultations in relation to the re-demarcation of constituency boundaries in Rose Hall and Rose Hall and 13 NDCs. These are Evergreen/Paradise; Aberdeen/Zorg-en-Vlygt; Malgre Tout/Meerzorgen; La Grange/Nismes; Toevlugt/ Patentia; Caledonia/Good Success; Woodlands/Farm; Mahaicony/Abary; Zeelust/ Rosignol; Blairmont/ Gelderland; Ordnance Fortlands/Number 38 Village; Adventure/Bushlot; and Numbers 52-74.

Shadick is also seeking the State to pay her court costs in addition to seeking other orders, directions or writs as the court sees fit. Her grounds are that Bulkan failed to issue an order to identify the said boundaries under the Local Democratic Organs Act, making his actions null and void. She meanwhile said that Lowenfield went beyond his exercise of discretion re-demarcating the existing constituency boundaries as outlined in the orders sought before the court.

Turn to page 15

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

Proactive approach to juvenile delinquency

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dults in families are often to be blamed for the moral turpitude of the children under their care, and if inculcating false values into children is an instance of abuse, then many adults are guilty of both abuse and the misdemeanors that the children under their care commit.

For instance, some children are encouraged by the adults in their lives to covet and steal the possessions of others.

We will take the privilege of quoting some passages from an enlightening chronicle of times past, documented in an autobiography entitled ‘A Goodly Heritage’ and written

by Elma Seymour, wife of A.J. Seymour, renowned Guyanese writer.

(In the absence of their mother, who was visiting her elder daughter in the USA), Mrs Seymour related of their caregiver, “Aunt Car was truly a second mother to us, and papa left many of our problems in her hands. She was always helpful and kind. Besides, we all had to be very polite, wellmannered, and obedient; and no loose-talking or (loose) jesting was allowed in our home.

“Aunt Car was always one for encouraging the members of the family, especially those who were married and had started to raise a family, to establish the ‘Family Altar’, where prayers and Bible reading were said daily every morning.”

On the discipline and administration in the educational system, Mrs Seymour recorded, “The primary school system in those days was administered by a governing body for primary schools, and priests and ministers of the various denominational schools were appointed to monitor the administration of the schools. For example, at Carmel R.C., while I was there, Fr. McCaffrey was the priest who visited the school once or twice per month, to sign the payroll and the attendance register of teachers; look into any problem facing the head teacher; and sign in the logbook the date of his visit and any remarks he might have to make concerning the discipline of pupils or staff.”

This was during the first PPP Government, when C.V. Nunes was the Minister of Education.

There were also schools run by Hindu and Islamic organisations, with similar codes of conduct.

The products of this system were decent, well-behaved law-abiding adults who believed in the basic principles of honour, respect for their fellow humans, and compassion for the less fortunate in society.

The system involved training in decorum, deportment, and good manners, with the requisite and necessary inputs to achieving equitable intellectual, social and physical development, which started from the home, and which was strategically supported by a strong network involving the educational system and the community.

Any objective observer can easily argue how far down the ladder we have descended in social behaviour from the days when Mrs Elma Seymour taught school. Rather than a practice where families “pray together” in order to “stay together”, they instead drink together and fight together, and the only solution to this rapid decay in the moral fabric of society is that a holistic approach be taken, as in the days of yore, wherein there is total involvement of societal sectors to upgrade and enhance social behavioural norms.

The Government needs to take a pro-active approach in dealing with juvenile delinquency in a structured way, where children with severe discipline problems should be sent to obtain their education under rigid disciplinary conditions, which may serve to restore their sense of social responsibility.

Teachers are constrained from punishing children because of widespread concerns about abuse, and the media reported a recent incident where a very dedicated teacher gave an erring student a few lashes and was severely persecuted by students, their parents, and officialdom.

According to her, discipline has to be left completely to the parents, as teachers are allowed no latitude, despite the most provoking behaviour from troublemaking students, who even walk with weapons and threaten other students over trifling incidents.

Parents, on the other hand, can withhold privileges within the home environment, but without a simultaneous programme, wherein the school is allowed some leeway, even with monitoring from officials from the Education Department, the problems of society will continue to deteriorate into an escalation of violent and aberrant behavior, where even authority figures will be helpless to contain.

As the Guyana Amazon Warriors prepare to battle the Trinbago Knight Riders in the first play-off match of 2018, the fan base of the local team is expected to turn up in their usual large numbers to support the Warriors in their bid for a spot in the finals

AFC turned out to be the biggest hoax played on Guyana (Part 1) Dear Editors, When the APNU/AFC coalition won the general elections of May 2015, the country had voted for, and had high hopes for, change.

Even Guyanese who did not vote in the elections gave the new Government their support, and a chance to prove themselves. However, as events unfolded, and the new Government settled into office, slowly, the people of this country began to realise that a hoax had been played on us.

The range of condemnation and accusations that were levelled against the PPP/C turned out to be hype, and suspicion, and excessive noise. All the AFC did to get into power was capitalise on the disenchantment of the people.

The AFC has turned out to be the biggest hoax played on the people of this country. After all the campaign promises made immediately upon getting the power the people gave to them, the AFC supported a 5 percent raise in salary for public servants and a 50 percent raise in salary for Cabinet. Rates and taxes were increased across the board, and cost

of living immediately increased after the coalition went into office. A minister is quoted in sections of the media on October 7, 2015 as asking why he should work for the same salary in public office that he paid one of his attorneys when he was in private practice.

Beyond salary issues, more signs of an unjust and incompetent administration that was misusing its power to pursue its own agenda began to emerge. Carifesta Avenue is now a monument to secret military involvement in civilian Police operations. The military invasion of Kaieteur National Park and the detaining of a cameraman who wanted to verify the boundaries that were the source of contention were other acts of aggression against the people of this nation, and an assault on the media. The parking meter fiasco and subsequent protest action in the city of Georgetown, as well as the teachers being forced into taking to the streets while the Government Ministers were on holiday have helped the People of this nation to become aware that the agenda of the political elite – a NEW Government -- is not in align-

ment with the agenda of their campaign promises. One can only wonder as to the causes for a NEW Government to be so insensitive to the needs of the people.

Beyond insensitivity, we find contempt from no less a person than the President of the nation. If we carefully analyse the behaviour, utterances and actions of the President, we will find that a pattern has begun to emerge that can support a theory that the President is pursuing an agenda beyond the responsibilities given to him by the people of the nation when the coalition was elected into office. Firstly, the President had a candidate earmarked to be the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.

He condemned over a dozen Guyanese as not ‘fit and proper’, nor possessing the ‘integrity, impartiality and independence’ required for the role. The only suitable person for the role was the President’s personal choice.

The pattern is to attack the character of the citizens involved, arrogate to himself the higher morality, and then appoint his choice, even outside of the constitution.

This pattern was repeated once again after the GECOM fiasco, and allowed the President to interfere directly in the operations of the Guyana Police Force. It began with “an alleged plot to assassinate the President,” and a series of activities and events followed that led to the removal of Seelall Persaud and David Ramnarine and the selection of a candidate whom the President found to be suitable and having the ‘integrity’ and being ‘intelligent and impartiality’.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall advised the nation that a Commissioner of Police cannot be forced to take leave; nor can he, according to Article 225 of the Guyana Constitution, be removed from office for misbehavior, unless a special tribunal is convened.

Once again, in the removal of Mr Seelall Persaud, we have the Government of Guyana operating outside of the Constitution, interfering in the operations of the Guyana Public Service.

Sincerely, Sandra Khan

Really, Mr Nagamootoo?

Dear Editor, Responding to the suggestion by Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, that Guyana should ask for an international agency to take over the running of the local government elections, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said an “international agency running local elections would be an insult to Guyana”. Really,

Mr Nagamootoo?

While I certainly do not support Mr Jagdeo’s idea, the Prime Minister’s statement is the real insult – an insult to the intelligence of the people of this country.

Where was Mr Nagamootoo when, in 2015, at the last general elections, the representatives of the so-called ABC countries were busily administering the elections to

shape the outcome?

Based on his utterance, Mr Nagamootoo would certainly believe it to be an insult to Guyana if foreign agencies and governments constantly interfere in our internal affairs.

Well, then unfortunately, Mr Nagamootoo, we stand insulted. The coalition Government that you represent takes constant direction from the ABC

countries and their agencies. This is what ensures that the APNU+AFC coalition will remain in place.

Who better to manage our much-vaunted flag and anthem so-called independence?

If it were up to us, the people…well, it would be a different story!

Sincerely, Gerald A Perreira

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News

Berbice man killed by fire truck Tensions flare as co-accused denies attempted murder, robbery at City Mall A unit of the Guyana Fire Service on a fire report collided with a pedestrian resulting in his death.

Dead is Mahendra Haricharran of Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) According to the Police, enquiries disclosed that the fire tender bearing registration number PVV 2027, which is based at the Skeldon Fire Station and driven by a 33-year-old fireman of Budhan Housing Scheme, West Canje, Berbice was responding to a fire at Number 51 Village when it collided with the pedestrian, who was crossing the road from West to East.

The pedestrian was rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to Police, the driver, who passed a breathalyser test, is in custody assisting with the investigation.

Dead: Mahendra Haricharran

When Guyana Times visited the area, an eyewitness related that Haricharran walked across the road and into the path of the fire tender which was approaching with siren blazing. Another eyewitness related that the now dead man is the second person to have crossed the Corentyne Highway as the siren approached.

“He walk straight into

the fire truck,” a resident told Guyana Times.

According to the eyewitness, the 33-year-old man was tossed into the air and landed some distance away from impact.

The speeding fire tender was stopped a short distance away. The man was picked up and taken to the Skeldon Hospital but had to wait for a while before receiving medical attention. He later died as a result of his injuries.

Meanwhile, the dead man’s mother, Kamla Katwaru, said the accident took place moments after her son walked out of the house following an argument.

She further related that Haricharran returned to Guyana about a year ago and was taking care of sheep, goats, fouls and ducks.

Meanwhile, the Police are continuing their investigation.

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andemonium was narrowly avoided at the High Court on Monday when Police ranks rushed in to settle tensions when co-accused John Caesar almost prevented a jury empanelment before Justice Sandil Kissoon.

He is charged along with Marisco George for the July 4, 2009 attempted murder of Dhanmattie Phulchand, who was severely chopped to the head in what was believed to be a robbery at her Reshma’s Collection Store in the City Mall, Georgetown.

According to State Prosecutor Abigail Gibbs, the duo assaulted the woman before or after they robbed her store on the day in question. The duo however denied the charges.

Upon Caesar’s arraignment, he openly accused State Counsel Mandell Moore of

Businesswoman: Dhanmattie Pulchand

offering him a plea deal moments before the trial commenced.

However, both prosecutors denied any such involvement. Moore immediately addressed the court, including all potential jurors and rejected the assertion the accused made. Justice

Kissoon then restored order but not before Caesar shouted “Freedom” several times, adding that the Judge should listen to what he was saying.

The Judge was having none of it and proceeded to empanel the 12 member-jury which comprise only males after Marisco George’s Attorney, Damien DaSilva requested changes.

Caesar earlier had no representation but Attorney Brandon De Santos accepted the case prompting Caesar to say he was sent an angel.

Justice Kissoon admonished the jurors to disregard all of what transpired during Monday’s proceedings, telling them to focus on the evidence presented in the four walls of the court room. The matter was adjourned for Wednesday.

More emphasis needed on youth

Dear Editor, In Guyana, the youths comprise approximately 60 percent of the population. In my humble opinion, enough emphasis is not being placed on the young people of this country, who are the future.

Each year, hundreds graduate from secondary schools, and are unable to further their studies (worse if they are not from Georgetown).

Even more graduate from the university, to venture into the world of work in which there are no jobs for them.

Many are forced to suppress their dreams and aspirations despite being qualified; despite working and studying hard to finish their schooling; despite being academically equipped to face the challenges of the world of work, only to be surprised that the real challenge is in gaining meaningful employment in Guyana. Any hope of a productive and meaningful life, the chasing of one’s dream, significantly diminishes, leaving nothing but a struggle for survival.

As a young Guyanese, I find this challenge burdensome.

I pity those who are not qualified; for if those of us with our qualifications find it so difficult to secure employment, what about those without? Many are talking

about things being better in this country; they need to be more aligned to the common man and the everyday hardships he endures just to survive in this country, because the struggle is real.

We, the youths, constitute Guyana’s only hope for a real future. The youths of this country are ambitious, enthusiastic, energetic and promising.

We are considered vulnerable in today’s society because of the rapid pace of change we experience at this time in our lives. A national youth development policy should be created and designed to advocate for youth and youth development. This policy should view youth welfare as vital to Guyana as a nation, and to its socio-economic development. Identifying and addressing these issues would enhance the lives of youths in Guyana, and would improve overall national development.

Now is the time. What are our leaders waiting for?

The formation/creation of a youth policy must have youth participation on a national level, which should involve recognising and nurturing the strengths, interests, and abilities of young people of this country through the provision of real

opportunities for us youths to become involved in decisions that affect us at individual and systemic levels.

It is time the young people become involved in the decision-making process that adversely affects our lives, both now and in the future.

I implore those responsible to provide technical training to our youths, to prepare them specifically for jobs. Technical and Vocational Training and Education (TVET) would help address the skills cri-

sis. Youths who are not academically inclined and/or are school dropouts are often the most unprepared to acquire jobs, due largely to their lack of skills. With our resources and the money from our oil, a technical institute should be available in each of the 10 administrative regions of this country.

This would be more convenient for persons living out of Georgetown or Linden, where two of our institutes are located. Youths

who are neither working nor studying do not have the opportunity to learn and improve their skills. They are progressively marginalized, and in turn can develop anti-social behaviours (hence, crime mostly involving youths, drug abuse and gang-related problems and teenage pregnancy, and a whole host of other social ills that negatively affect our society).

For the “Good Life” that was promised a while over three years ago, we, the

youths of this country, still await those jobs.

It is time for the youths.

Please do not fail us with your divisive politics and petty agendas. We are the future of this country; invest in us, create that foundation that we so desperately need.

Be our role models, and ensure that you set a good foundation for the future generations of this beautiful land of Guyana.

Regards, Nkosei Williams

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By Margarita Tartakovsky, MS

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hile adulthood is filled with serious responsibilities, childhood isn’t exactly stressfree. Children take tests, learn new information, change schools, change neighbourhoods, get sick, get braces, encounter bullies, make new friends and occasionally get hurt by those friends.

What helps children in navigating these kinds of challenges is resilience.

Resilient children are problem solvers.

They face unfamiliar or tough situations and strive to find good solutions.

“When they step into a situation, [resilient children] have a sense they can figure out what they need to do and can handle what is thrown at them with a sense of confidence,” said Lynn Lyons, LICSW, a psychotherapist who specialises in treating anxious families and co-author of the book Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous and Independent Children with anxiety expert Reid Wilson, PhD. This doesn’t mean that children have to do everything on their own, she said.

Rather, they know how to ask for help and are able to problem-solve their next steps.

Resilience isn’t birthright. It can be taught.

Lyons encouraged parents to equip their children with the skills to handle the unexpected, which actually contrasts with our cultural approach.

“We have become a culture of trying to make sure our children are comfortable. We as parents are trying to stay one step ahead of everything our children are going to run into.” The problem? “Life doesn’t work that way.”

Anxious people have an especially hard time helping their children tolerate uncertainty, simply because they have a hard time tolerating it themselves. “The idea of putting your child through

Foundation

the same pain that you went through is intolerable,” Lyons said. So anxious parents try to protect their children and shield them from worst-case scenarios.

However, a parent’s job isn’t to be there all the time for their children, she said. It’s to teach them to handle uncertainty and to problem-solve. Below, Lyons shared her valuable suggestions for raising resilient children.

Don’t accommodate every need.

According to Lyons, “whenever we try to provide certainty and comfort, we are getting in the way of children being able to develop their own problem-solving and mastery.” (Overprotecting children only fuels their anxiety.)

She gave a “dramatic but not uncommon example”. A child gets out of school at 3:15. But they worry about their parent picking them up on time. So the parent arrives an hour earlier and parks by their child’s classroom so they can see the parent is there.

In another example, parents let t h e i r s e v e n - y e a ro l d sleep on a mattress on the floor in their bedroom because they’re too

uncomfortable to sleep in their own room.

Avoid eliminating all risk Naturally, parents want to keep their children safe. But eliminating all risk robs children of learning resiliency. In one family Lyons knows, the children aren’t allowed to eat when the parents are not home, because there’s a risk they might choke on their food. (If the children are old enough to stay home alone, they’re old enough to eat, she said.)

The key is to allow appropriate risks and teach your children essential skills.

“Start young. The child who’s going to get his driver’s licence is going to have started when he’s five [years old] learning how to ride his bike and look both ways [slow down and pay attention].”

Giving children age-appropriate freedom helps them learn their own limits, she said.

Teach them to problem-solve Let’s say your child wants to go to sleep-away camp, but they’re nervous about being away from home. An anxious parent, Lyons said, might say, “Well, then there’s no reason for you to go.”

But a better approach is to normalise your child’s nervousness, and help them figure out how to navigate being homesick.

So you might ask your child how they can practice getting used to being away from home.

When Lyons’s son was anxious about his first final exam, they brainstormed strategies, including how he’d manage his time and schedule in order to study for the exam.

In other words, engage your child in figuring out how they can handle challenges. Give them the opportunity, over and over, “to figure out what works and what doesn’t”.

Teach your children concrete skills When Lyons works with children, she focuses on the specific skills they’ll need to learn in order to handle certain situations. She asks herself, “Where are we going with this [situation]? What skill do they need to get there?” For instance, she might teach a shy child how to greet someone and start a conversation. (Excerpt from psychcentral)

To be continued

W

People make a difference

hen you’re dealing with a stressful situation or going through a rough time, the people in your life can help you cope. When someone who cares knows what you’re going through, it helps you feel understood – and not so alone.

Knowing someone loves you means a lot on a typical day. And it really counts when you’re under stress.

Problems seem smaller and more manageable when we talk about them with the right person. We may actually cope better and see solutions more easily when we share our problems.

Many ways to help

There are lots of different ways to get and give help.

Sometimes we just want to hear an encouraging word.

Other times we need advice or a fresh perspective on things.

Help can be very specific and immediate, like assistance with a homework project. Or it can go on for a while, like tutoring to bring up a failing grade or counselling to get through a difficult personal situation.

It’s likely you remember the times someone has helped you. A parent may have taught you to drive or supported you when you quit a bad habit.

Perhaps a friend helped you get through sadness or deal with disappointment. A favourite teacher might have guided you through the college application process. And you can probably remember times when you’ve helped others.

Friends, parents, teachers, and other adults can be great resources when we need help.

There are also times when we need the extra help that a professional can provide best.

Therapists, counsellors, and doctors can offer specialised help for a health concern, mental health issue, or personal problem.

Turning to the right people for help pays off. You just have to ask.

Helping a friend?

Help yourself too

We often worry about friends who are having troubles. It’s natural to want to help a friend in crisis — it can be just as rewarding to help another person as it is to have someone help you. Being there for a friend who needs your advice, support, and ideas is a positive part of friendship.

However, if you’re feeling pulled down by a friend’s troubles, it’s time to step back and regroup. Decide what you can do and what you can’t.

These three little reminders can help keep things in perspective: There are limits to what we can do to help. We can’t make other people do things they’re not ready for.

We need to take care of ourselves first. If a friend’s problems are overwhelming you, step back. Don’t let

yourself be dragged down. We can’t help friends when we’re not feeling our best or are feeling resentful.

We can’t always fix the problem. Some things are beyond our control. Sometimes the best you can do is listen and offer your support and understanding.

Sometimes a friend rejects or ignores your advice or help. You might feel frustrated if someone continues with self-destructive or unhealthy behaviour when you have tried hard to steer your friend toward a healthier path. It’s not up to you to fix the problem, though. You can still let a friend know that you care, want the best for him or her, and believe in him or her.

It can help to remember that making changes or letting go of old patterns is hard for some people, so it takes time.

This is one reason why a friend might not immediately follow advice. If you don’t feel dragged down or taken advantage of, be patient. Just offer support until things change.

Making help a habit

Here’s something people don’t often think about: Helping helps even when there’s not a problem.

Getting in the habit of giving and receiving help builds positive relationships. It makes us feel more connected and cared about. It prevents stress from building because we know someone else is thinking about us and looking out for us.

And if there is a problem, we’re sharing it before it gets too big.

It just feels great to help.

Try these small gestures at home and see how they make you feel: Help your little brother or sister with a homework problem.

Help your dad prepare dinner.

Help your mom carry groceries.

Offer to do a chore that’s not usually yours “just because”.

There’s more to it than just feeling good: Kindness is contagious. It can create more kindness. So you might start to notice your family (or friends) reaching out to help more.

Just don’t fall into the trap of expectation. If we help out only because we expect the other person to do something in return, we will probably end up feeling disappointed and angry instead of happy and fulfilled. So decide to help simply because of the positive feelings it creates.

Then, when someone else does something nice for you (and it will happen!), it’s a wonderful surprise.

Giving and receiving is one of the most basic friendship skills. With a good network of supportive people, we are less stressed. We feel loved and understood, so we’re better able to solve problems, bounce back from disappointments, and try again. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

news

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TUESdAY, september 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former Cop found guilty 4 nabbed with of raping 13-year-old lad gun, ammo at LBI

F

ormer Policeman Milton Kewley was on Monday unanimously found guilty of raping a 13-year-old lad who was left in his care on August 22, 2013.

The 50-year-old man will know his fate today, when Justice Priya Sewnarine Beharry passes sentence at the Sexual Offences Court.

The jury’s decision was returned after more than two hours of deliberation, but it shocked Kewley, who had cutting words for the 12 jurors. He looked directly at the panel, telling them that they will all be judged for sending an innocent person to prison for a crime he did not commit. The offender professed his innocence several times, saying that the guilty verdict was a mistake, as it was based on false evidence.

Milton Kewley hiding his face while being escorted to prison

With his voice breaking, he said he is not attracted to males.

“The jury has made a mistake, but in life we have

to live with some of our mistakes,” he said.

He also claimed that the lad’s mother had set him up, as the case was well

planned, since she had allegedly threatened him.

Kewley said, too, that from here on, everything is in God’s hands.

“I will never have sex with any male. I know that I am innocent. God is my witness,” Kewley noted.

His lawyer, Maxwell McKay, did not request that a probation report be prepared. McKay, however, said the father of three is a member of a popular church organisation.

At Monday’s verdict, both the lad and his mother were seen sobbing. Ahead of today’s sentencing, State Prosecutor Lisa Cave asked for a heavy penalty because of the prevalence of rape in the society.

In being taken away from the court, Kewley was allowed to shield his face from the media.

Repeat offender to spend more time on remand

R

oyston James of Lot 15 A, Front Road, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown was on Monday further remanded to prison by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, before whom he reappeared to answer a charge of gun possession.

On his first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts back in August, James had denied the allegation made against him.

The court had heard then that on August 1, 2018, the 40-year-old man had been found in possession of a .38 revolver without being the

holder of a firearm licence at the time.

On this occasion, James’s attorney, Paul Fung-AFat, requested that bail be granted to his client in a reasonable sum; but Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris cited the serious nature of the offence in objecting to the

defendant being placed on bail.

The prosecution’s submissions were upheld, and James, who allegedly is well known to Police, was remanded to prison.

He is expected to make another court appearance on September 24.

The gun and ammo which were recovered

F

our men are now in Police custody after an unlicensed pistol and four live rounds were found in possession of the driver of a car in which they were travelling.

Based on reports received, at about 22:45h on Sunday, members of a mobile patrol observed the suspicious movements of a motorcar along the Railway Embankment at La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara.

The Police pursued and intercepted the car, in which four male occupants, inclusive of the driver, were travelling. A search conducted on the vehicle un-

earthed nothing suspicious, but upon searching the occupants of the car, a gun and ammunition were found in possession of the 47-year-old driver, who hails from Prince William Street, Plaisance.

The Police have since confirmed that two of the men are known characters who have had bushes with the law. One was charged for narcotics possession and the other was wanted in connection with several robberies.

The men remain in Police custody as investigations continue. They are expected to be charged shortly.

8 news

tuesdAY, september 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Trio charged for discharging firearm at Police further remanded ...“Isn’t this a bailable offence?” ‒ accused asks court

J

unior John, 32, of Lot 60 East La Penitence, Ruimveldt; Jamal Jeriah, 21, of Lot 236B, Albert Street, Queenstown; and Carlton Bourne, 21, of Norton and Chapel Streets, Georgetown were on Monday further remanded to prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman on their second arraignment before the court, before which they stand charged with allegedly discharging a loaded firearm at two Police constables.

They had first appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer these charges, the first of which alleges that on August 1, 2018, while in the vicinity of Norton and Chapel Streets, Georgetown, they discharged a loaded firearm at Police Constable Royston Mendonca

with intent to maim, disfigure, or cause him actual bodily harm.

It was also alleged that, on the same day, the men discharged a loaded firearm at Police Constable Lester Lewis.

Defence Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, in a bail application for John, had told the court that his client was never found with a weapon on his person. He further noted that his client was arrested while he was asleep several hours after the alleged shooting.

Meanwhile, Attorney-atLaw Kezia Williams, in a bail application for Jeriah, had informed the court that her client was shot as he was being apprehended.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to these defendants being placed on bail on ground of the serious

nature of the offence. His objection was upheld and the men were further refused bail.

Jeriah has additionally been slapped with two other gun and ammunition possession charges. One charge stated that on August 1, 2018, at Norton and Chapel Streets, he had in his possession a .357 revolver without being a licensed firearm holder at the time. Another charge stated that, on the same day, Jeriah also had in his possession four live matching rounds and one spent shell.

In court on Monday, after being further remanded, and before exiting the courtroom, one of the accused asked the court, “Isn’t this a bailable offence?”

Their matter will continue on September 24.

Recap

Reports are that the car in which Jeriah, John and Bourne were travelling was intercepted by Police at Norton and Chapel Streets at about 15:00h on August 1. According to the Police, ranks noticed the occupants of the car acting suspiciously and pursued the vehicle.

Reports are that as the occupants of the car observed that they were being followed, one of them opened fire in the direction of the Police ranks, jumped out of the car, and headed towards Princes Street, Georgetown. This resulted in an exchange of gunshots, and Jeriah was shot in his right shoulder.

He was subsequently picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Subryanville shooting

PI to commence on Friday P

rincipal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday announced that the preliminary inquiry into the shooting death of taxi driver Jason De Florimonte, who reportedly was shot and killed by his neighbour last August, is set to commence on Friday before Georgetown Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Businessman Erwin Bacchus, owner of Tourist Villa Hotel in Subryanville, Georgetown, who allegedly shot and killed De Florimonte, is on $1.5 million bail.

At his arraignment be-

Dead: Jason De Florimonte

fore Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, defence attor-

neys Nigel Hughes and Glenn Hanoman had contended that their client was acting in self-defence on the day of the incident.

Hughes disclosed that Bacchus had fired two warning shots before shooting De Florimonte, who had armed himself with a knife and a rolling pin in attacking the hotel owner’s handyman.

As such, bail had been granted to the accused, one condition for which had required him to lodge his passport with the court and report weekly to the Kitty Police Station.

Recap

On the day of the shooting, 30-year-old De Florimonte, of Lot 96 Fifth Avenue Subryanville Georgetown, had reportedly been assaulting his girlfriend in front of his home when the hotel’s handyman intervened.

This had angered the late De Florimonte, and he had pursued the handyman to the hotel, but was reportedly shot by Bacchus, who had gone to the rescue of his employee.

Pensioner jailed for smuggling ganja into prison

S

ixty-three-year-old Ishwar Persaud, a pensioner of Leopold Street, Georgetown, was on Monday found guilty of smuggling marijuana into the Camp Street penitentiary during last year, and has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and fined $30,000 by Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty. His trial had lasted for 12 months.

The charge Persaud had faced alleged that on August, 31, 2017 he had in his possession 20 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

According to facts presented by Police Prosecutor Ceon Blackman, the craftsman had gone to the Camp Street Prison to take food and clothing for an inmate, but a search conducted on the items brought had unearthed narcotics that had been concealed in the soles of a shoe.

Elections…

H

…a la Green!

amilton Green wrote a long and rambling letter (well…he IS getting on in years, isn’t he?!!) about President Jimmy Carter’s role in our 1992 elections.

According to Green, this wasn’t a “free and fair elections” – even though certified by international observers. No, siree Bob! Jimmy Carter was an “agent of regime change” – presumably on behalf of the US Government, which had fully backed his mission!!

According to Green, Carter rigged the election via the PCD, which prepared a voters’ list leaving off PNC supporters’ names. He cited his personal experience with one individual at Enterprise, and said he’d complained to both Elections Commissioner Rudy Collins and GECOM CEO Stanley Singh. Green said Singh -- a most partisan holdover from the PNC-controlled Elections Commission -- verified his claim. On this anecdotal basis, he concluded the elections were rigged by Carter!!

What he didn’t say was Collins advised him to send any voter alleging their names were left off the list at polling stations to the Elections HQ in G/town. They’d be checked against the Master List and allowed to vote if their claim was valid. What Green also didn’t say was he used the claim of disenfranchisement to bus in hundreds of PNC supporters – a good number of them children, who couldn’t vote in any case -- to riot in front of the Elections HQ. They were whipped up by Govt radio broadcasters hysterically transmitting Green’s claims as gospel. Bottles were hurled at the building, smashing most of the windows. The claims of disenfranchisement were later proven to be false!

As Carter wrote later, “It seems that as the disturbance at the Commission grew, some members of the PNC saw an opportunity to disrupt the election and shed doubt on the outcome.” He was inside the building and wrote that the “most personal danger I have felt since leaving the White House was in Guyana in 1992.” Carter called Hoyte to deal with the rioters. Eventually the ex-us President had to call Bill Clinton, the sitting President in Washington, who must’ve read the Riot Act to Hoyte, who then ordered troops to quell the riot.

Green criticised President Hoyte – calling him “the then president” – for rejecting his advice for “dealing with the situation”. Meaning creating riots to cast doubts on the elections as per Carter. Now Hoyte always saw Green as the thug he was, and, of course, right after 1992, he expelled Green. Green’s position, then and always – going all the way back to 1964 -- was the PNC should hold on to power BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!!

It’s clear Granger agrees with this. Green was the first man honoured when he became president!!

Prelude to 2020!!

…a la Nagamootoo

Nagamootoo tried to lambast his bete noir, Opposition Leader Jagdeo, for the latter’s suggestion – that’s all the latter said it was – that maybe the UN could run Guyana’s LGE. He offered as his rationale the element of cost, since GECOM seems to have a black hole in its premises, sucking money into another universe!!

Or some pockets, since some say it’s because of all the thiefin’ going on with radio sets and such like! But your Eyewitness is shocked at Nagamootoo’s declaration: “Except for the “half-hearted” complaint about the General Elections in 2015, there have been no other complaints about irregular elections since 1992.” Really?

Was the operation Nagamootoo recently underwent a lobotomy?? Because even though he’s admittedly dimwitted, surely he couldn’t have forgotten the PNC’s rioting in the streets of Georgetown after the 1997 elections??

They even demanded, and got, a forensic inquest after they bludgeoned the PPP, with Nagamootoo as a leading executive member.

Then he suggested joining the PNC. Now he’s there and earning his keep as an attack poodle!! …a la third force With all the talk about a “third force” among the chatterati, you’d think they’d have seized the opportunity to get their feet wet in the LGE. But that would mean mixing with the hoi polloi. The horror!!

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

News

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tuesdAY, september 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man dies after wife allegedly sets house alight

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ifty-six-year-old Christopher Harry Bramble of Lot 39 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown perished in a fire that consumed the home he had shared with his reputed wife in the wee hours of Monday.

His remains were discovered in the ruins of his former dwelling after the flames had been extinguished. They are currently at the Lyken’s Funeral Home.

Bramble’s reputed wife, Jewel Coats, who suffered burns to her hands and about her body, was evacuated from the burning one-flat wooden building by persons at the scene. She reportedly was covered in blood, and had told her rescuers that Bramble was not at home.

However, it is now being alleged that she had set the home on fire.

According to information received, smoke was seen emanating from the home in the wee hours of Monday, and alerted neighbours managed to evacuate Coates from the building even as they summoned the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

When Guyana Times visited the scene on Monday morning, relatives of the dead man were considering their next move as they grieved the loss of Bramble.

His daughter Tameka Bramble recalled that she received a call at about 12:30h, informing that her father’s house was in flames and he did not survive.

“I just get a call that my father die; so when I came around -- cause I live just around there -- I see the house in flames,” the woman stated.

She noted that when they arrived, a neighbour broke the section of the wall to get the occupants out of the house. However, he managed to pull Coats out of the blaze, and was reportedly told by the injured woman that Bramble was not at home. The woman was covered in blood.

“He break down the wall and get she out! But when he ask about Harry, she said he went to Queenstown! So everybody believe that they (the 2 occupants) were out the house. When she come

Coats is nursing burn wounds at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) under Police guard, while Bramble’s charred remains

have been taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home.

An investigation has been launched.

Police hunting man who threatened wife

What remains of the wooden structure

out now, she whole body covered with blood and some small burns… When the fire done, then we see he body by the door like he trying to escape.”

Neighbours and the man’s relatives believe that the 36-year-old Coates had stabbed Bramble, locked the doors and windows, and then proceeded to set the house on fire.

Meanwhile, Toya (only name given), niece of the deceased, told this publication that Coats was a frequent imbiber, and this had caused problems between the couple.

“Normally she does just drink; that’s the issue. They been living here for just over

two years. I think she drink, cause that’s a norm, and every day is something. She chop he in he head, stab he, try to slit he by he throat with a razor blade…all kinda things,” Toya revealed.

“This could’ve been avoided if they used to take actions against her when we would make reports! But they would just let her go every time,” the man’s daughter claimed.

“She very, very abusive!

You know how much time we talk to he? Nothing never really making any sense to he! He ain’t want part from she; and then, every time she go at the station, she making a false accusation against he. Is like the

Police does just loose she like hours after, cause they does get fed up of she at the station. Then she free back on the road,” Bramble’s niece asserted.

This publication understands that the couple’s twoyear relationship had produced one child, but the late Bramble had five children from his previous marriage.

P

The gun which was found in the miner’s home

olice are on the hunt for a 25-year-old man who threatened to kill his wife, and who assaulted his mother-in-law after she intervened.

The incident reportedly occurred at Savannah Blackwater, North West District on Saturday eve-

ning.

The Police were summoned after the incident, but the miner had already fled the scene. Upon searching the house, Police found and confiscated an unlicensed shotgun.

The Police are continuing their investigations.

10 news Cutlass, improvised weapons found in Mazaruni Prison A tuesdAY, september 11, 2018| guyanatimesgy.com

four-and-a-halfhour search of the Mazaruni Prison on Monday unearthed several contraband items, including seven cellular phones, a cutlass, improvised weapons, cigarette lighters, an earpiece, a cellphone battery and a charger.

The raid was reportedly conducted jointly by ranks of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service.

Only recently, 19 cellular phones; five phone chargers; one flash drive; 15 cigarette lighters; two packs of cigarettes; five pairs of scissors; seven improvised weapons, and 774 grams of cannabis were found during a raid at the Camp Street penitentiary.

On Friday last, Director of Prisons (ag) Gladwin Samuels had stated that a rank of the Guyana Police Force had been caught in his attempt to throw a bag containing contraband items into the Holding Bay of the Lusignan Prison on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

The plastic bag, when ex-

Some of the items found during the prison raid at Mazaruni

amined, was found to contain one cellular phone, one cellular phone charger, and seven packs of cigarettes. The officer was detained before subsequently being handed over to an Inspector of Police and escorted to a Police station for further investigation.

Monday’s operation at the Mazaruni Prison came less than a month after a major find at the Lusignan Prison.

During the Lusignan Prison raid, razor blades, 17 phone chargers, 24 lighters, a quantity of wires, eight metal spoons, two pairs of scissors, one plastic knife, two nail clips, a quantity of Ziplock bags, 6 bottles of pepper sauce, one pack of cards, three bottles of medicine, 4 bottles of oil with suspected cannabis seeds, one memory card, three mirrors and one wristwatch were discovered.

The smuggling of contraband items into prisons remains a perennial problem within the system.

Authorities have been working assiduously to curb the practice, and these efforts

have resulted in several prison officers being caught facilitating the illegal trade, which is said to be “big business”.

In fact, back in July, Samuels, had disclosed during a press conference that several prison officers

had been relieved of their duties after they were found to be working in collusion with each other in order to facilitate the movement of suspected contraband into the various correctional facilities.

GA-FDD urges consumers to report fake products

GA-FDD Director, Marlon Cole

T

he Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) is urging consumers to make complaints against unauthentic products sold to them.

The caution was issued by the Director of the Department, Marlon Cole during an interview with Guyana Times on Monday.

According to him, there is an increased need for monitoring of those supermarkets, especially with the recent incident where the popular milk power was being relabelled.

“We normally have National Food Safety and Control Committee meeting every month and they would do monitoring of those Chinese supermarkets for us in the outlining regions.

If we got a complaint we would have an investigation performed,” he informed.

He added that recently there has been a proliferation of Chinese supermarkets and “if we find that there is a violation, if there is a complaint, or a product is unlabelled and those types of things they (the officers) will deal with it,” the Director posited.

Cole warned that members of the business community can be penalised and even lose their business licenses for having illegal, expired or even fake goods on their shelves.

It was on that note that the Director pointed out that there is now an increased need for monitoring of certain stores.

“There is definitely an increased need for monitoring of these products but you see public health officers are troubled with factory inspection, yard inspection, field inspection and a host of other responsibilities so it could be taxing and challenging,” he said.

The Director was unable to say whether there has been a hike in the number of unauthentic products on the market but neverthe-

less urged that customers should report such instances to the department as well as public health officials.

Back in January the GAFDD said it will be moving to take legal actions against persons or businesses who are selling fake products on the local market.

His statement was made after reports surfaced that a Bourda, Georgetown grocery store had sold a woman fake powered milk.

Reports are the customer returned the milk to a store and informed the employees that the milk was not authentic and that she could not risk feeding it to her children.

The customer examined the product; it was dented and had a label printed in a foreign language.

Speaking with this publication, Cole said besides the regular inspections his department conducts, the GA-FDD has to act based upon complaints. He said once a formal complaint is lodged, an investigation will be launched.

Part II, section 6 of the Food and Drugs Act states “Any person who labels, packages, treats, processes, sells or advertises any food in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character, value, quantity, composition, merit or safety is guilty of an offence.”

Part seven also reinforces this message, stating that “Where a standard has been prescribed for a food, any person who labels, packages, sells or advertises any article in such a manner that it is likely to be mistaken for such food, is, unless the article complies with the prescribed standard, guilty of an offence.”

It was only last year that the Department had cause to refuse entry to these shores some 2000 cases of tuna.

According to reports, the containers were labelled “BUIWICK” instead of “BRUNSWICK” and the exact address of the manufacturer in the country of origin was not stated.

The actions were taken by the Department after they were informed by an inspector’s report of the issue.

The department refused the cartons on the basis of the section six of the Food and Drugs Act previously quoted.

11

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tuesdAY, september 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teachers’ salary negotiations

Arbitration panel to be named today

T

he awaited arbitration panel which will decide on the teachers’ salaries and wages impasse, will be discussed today as the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) meets with the Education Ministry to iron out the final kinks.

All teachers who were on strike also returned for duty officially on Monday, while some were back in the classrooms from as early as last Friday. Several calls made

by Guyana Times to executives of the Union went unanswered.

Nonetheless, the Government gave in to arbitration on Thursday during the second round of conciliation talks, being mediated by Minister Keith Scott under the Social Cohesion’s Ministry, Labour Department.

This process will see the two parties both agreeing on an independent body, to address the issues affecting teachers at present.

GTU President Mark Lyte described the meeting last Thursday as a “good day”. In smiles, he explained that the Union was insisting on arbitration from day one.

Education Minister Nicolette Henry

“From day one we insisted that this matter should go to arbitration and we have achieved that today, much to the pleasure of our members… we did not feel like this process would have served us well, the conciliation,” he had said.

His comments came at a time where some 400 teachers were on strike after several talks failed between the two parties with regards to a salary increase for teachers.

Strike action became effective from August 27,

Man stabbed by father died from perforation of the lung

T

he post-mortem examination performed on the body of Satesh Sookdeo proved that he died as a result of perforation to the lungs from the stab wound to his chest.

The autopsy was conducted

by Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Monday.

Satesh Kevin Sookdeo, 21, of Lot 217 Fifth Street, Foulis, East Coast Demerara, was stabbed to death by his father on Saturday evening during an argument.

It was reported that at about 20:35h, the 44-yearold suspect and his wife had an argument during which he grabbed her by the neck and began choking her.

Upon seeing this, the now dead young man and another sibling intervened, but this enraged the father further, who subsequently broke a louvre pane and stabbed Satesh to his chest.

Neighbours rushed to the family’s aid after hear-

Dead: Satesh Kevin Sookdeo

ing screams but by then the younger Sookdeo had already succumbed to the injuries.

The Police were contacted and the suspect was arrested.

Meanwhile, now that the post-mortem examination have been performed, the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. The suspect, according to a source, could make his court appearance on Tuesday and is expected to be arraigned with murder.

Miner on bail for narco trafficking

A

gold miner on Monday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer to a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Akeem Richmond, 20, of Jawala Village, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven

(Cuyuni-Mazaruni), denied the charge which stated that on September 4, 2018, he had in his possession 22 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

He was released on $50,000 bail and the case has been transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court where it will continue on December 17.

during preterm activities and was accompanied by nationwide protests from thousands of teachers, which alternatively affected students in various schools.

While some schools were open, with few teachers present, others remained on complete shutdown.

Education Minister, Nicolette Henry had deployed some 400 substitute teachers during the period, which included retired, trainee and volunteer teachers.

A 40 per cent salary increase for public school

GTU Presiden Mark Lyte

teachers was proposed for the year 2016. Over time, the percentage would be increased for all categories of represented teachers.

For the year 2017, the Union was hoping to have bargained for a 45 per cent increase, which would then increase to 50 per cent for the remainder of the years indicated in the agreement (2018-2020).

They recently changed their demands and said they were willing to accept a ‘substantial’ payout from the Government even after the GTU rejected Government’s

request for teachers to agree to a debunching payoff of $200 million for 2018/19.

Lyte said the Union similarly rejected the $700 million cap that was placed on salary increases which was for 2018 only. Government also wants the clothing allowance to remain at $8000, a figure which Lyte said was given in 2011. He said, too, that for Whitley Council Leave, teachers still have to wait four years before getting their one month off, even though the GTU appealed for that period to be reduced to three years.

12 news

tuesdAY, september 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GNNL Finance Controller fired, rehired same day …over leaked info on excessive spending of GM …GM unlawfully issues dismissal letter

Reinstated: Finance Controller Moshamie Maraj-Ramotar

M

ere hours after she was abruptly sent a letter of dismissal, Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) Finance Controller Moshamie Maraj-Ramotar has been reinstated to her position following the intervention of her lawyer and the holding of an emergency meeting.

Maraj-Ramotar’s lawyer, Sanjeev Datadin, told this

publication on Monday that after Maraj-Ramotar had received her letter of dismissal, he took steps as per the Civil Procedures Rules to challenge her dismissal.

One of those steps involved the lawyer sending a pre-action protocol letter to the newspaper.

“A pre-action protocol letter was sent to them… before we introduce legal proceedings, under the new rules we have to send a letter saying what we intend to do. We sent one to say we feel the termination was unlawful, and if is not corrected, we will be entitled to damages… if they don’t, we’ll file legal proceedings,” Datadin explained.

And indeed, GNNL subsequently backed down from the impending legal battle.

According to a statement issued later on Monday, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo called an emergency meeting with General Manager Sherod Duncan, Editor-inChief Nigel Williams and Chairperson of the gazett-

Waves, the spending continued into August, with $271,806 being paid for a truss and tablet floor stand; $259,000 for a computer for the Social Media coordina-

General Manager Sherod Duncan

ed but yet to be sworn in board of Directors, Geeta Chandan-Edmonds.

At the meeting, which discussed Maraj-Ramotar’s dismissal and the reports of excessive spending since Duncan took charge as General Manager, it was agreed that the dismissal letter would be rescinded. In addition, the release states, a full investigation was ordered into Duncan’s spending and the circumstances of Maraj-Ramotar’s dismissal.

The finance official has been with the company for over twenty years.

While the letter has been withdrawn, there has been a barrage of criticism against management of the newspaper for sending the dismissal letter in the first place, without an investigation to determine who actually leaked the information.

The dismissal letter, which was seen by this publication, shows that it was signed by Duncan himself.

One former board member has already taken to social media to recommend that the newly minted general

When it comes to the newspaper’s social media page, some $74,000 and $140,000 were requested to live stream the National Grade Six Assessment and

Attorney Sanjeev Datadin

manager be removed and the application process for the top spot reopened.

Excessive spending

It was reported over the weekend that Duncan, since taking up the role of general manager, had gone on a spending spree, purchasing in June a $190,000 laptop; and in July, an Apple IPad for $100,000. He also paid $159,000 to a consultant to work on the Guyana Chronicles Facebook page, while $191,000 was paid for work on the website and front pages.

According to media reports, Duncan also paid $400,000 to an Information C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Technology Company in August for more work on the company’s website and front pages. A drone was also purchased for the sum of $140,000 in July, while $93,000 was paid for two backdrops. A retractable banner was also purchased for $55,000. This was all done at the request of Duncan.

According to local online news agency Demerara

The dismissal letter sent to Maraj-Ramotar and signed by Duncan

tor. According to the report, the Coordinator was also the recipient of headphones, a hard drive and monitor at a cost of $65,000.

the World Cup respectively. The outlet also reported that in June, Duncan requested $586,000 for a trip to New York.

This includes $104,000 for food. Tickets costing $149,000 were also purchased by the newspaper for Duncan. Interestingly enough, $20,000 was requested by Duncan for a prayer ceremony at the newspaper.

Then there is $200,000 the GM requested for a trip to Lethem; close to $500,000 spent on servicing the vehicle assigned to Duncan in the month of June alone; another $275,000 on repairs to his vehicle the very next month, and hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of furniture being purchased. The outlet reported that a freelance payment of $180,000 was also approved

by Duncan.

The former Deputy Mayor of Georgetown was appointed the GM of the Guyana Chronicle only in May of this year. Sources have indicated, however, that even before these facts were published, the spending had been a source of concern at the entity.

The board is tasked with investigating the spending habits of Duncan, a member of the same political party as Nagamootoo.

news

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TuesdAY, september 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibo Chamber calls for DHB repairs Govt to desilt Pomeroon River Quotations underway for …says this will facilitate more trade fabrication of panels

T

he Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) is calling on Government to desilt the Pomeroon River; one of the deepest rivers in the Caribbean, to accommodate trade.

According to the Chamber President, Suean Seewnarayan, due to the heavy siltation of the Pomeroon River mouth, large vessels cannot enter nor leave port and this is adding to the cost the regions bears for importation and ex-

ECCI President Suean Seewnarayan

portation of goods.

Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) is mainly an agricultural region which has the potential to produce enough food for local and export markets. However, according to the Chamber, farmers need to have the necessary infra-

…works unlikely to be completed this year

A boat transporting cooking gas in the Pomeroon River

structure and security in place before investing.

Additionally, the Chamber President noted that the garbage piled up and congestion at Charity needs to be addressed in the commercial zone as this will be a hazard for development.

Charity was one of the main ports on the Essequibo Coast and is ideal for big ships due to the depths of the Pomeroon River, but the heavy siltation of the river mouth has impeded larger ships from traversing the channel, resulting in the entire waterfront being left to deteriorate further.

According to a resident living in the area, he can remember the days when the steamer used to come to the Pomeroon and residents used the service to transport all their produce to markets in Georgetown.

Presently, the coconut industry is doing well and the

Pomeroon can be the gateway once again to the Caribbean and the rest of the world if the river mouth is dredged and the waterfront rehabilitated, the resident said.

With the coming of the Pomeroon Oil Mill Inc, which is the brainchild of businessman Alfro Alphonso, it will significantly assist the struggling industry, which has seen farmers giving up, owing to the lack of markets.

The oil mill which sits on the Pomeroon River was designed to use the river as a gateway for export markets, but due to the siltation of the river mouth, the mill will have to do all its exporting through Georgetown which is time consuming and costly.

The only means to transport goods for local and export markets out of the region is by ferry service, which is some distance away from Charity. This therefore adds to transportation cost.

Settlement plan for Venezuelan refugees still under consideration – Citizenship Department ity to implement, but the Government has not made a decision on that issue; it is being dealt with at the level of the Department,” he said.

Meanwhile, the MultiSectoral Coordinating Committee established to deal with the influx of Venezuelan migrants continues to meet regularly to discuss strategies to better serve the immediate and long-term needs of displaced persons. The most recent meeting is being held today

Some of the Venezuelan refugees in Region One

T

he Citizenship Department within the Ministry of the Presidency is still considering a proposal that was made regarding the settlement of Venezuelan migrants in the township of Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini).

There has thus far been no decision taken at the level of the Cabinet.

Speaking to the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Information and Press Services Unit, Citizenship Minister Winston Felix on Monday explained that, in July, during an engagement with the officials from the regional office and the municipality of Region One, this recommendation was proffered and the Council

CDC acting Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, distributing supplies to Venezuelan refugees in Region One last week

indicated that it was willing to make representation to a private land owner for permission to use his land.

“The Department of Citizenship was looking at the recommendation in terms of its feasibil-

at the Department’s office on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is the agency that is spearheading relief efforts so far. turn to page 15

The Demerara Harbour Bridge

Q

uotations for the fabrication of panels for the Demerara Harbour Bridge are currently in process but it is highly unlikely that the works will be completed by the end of 2018.

This is according to the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams, who told Guyana Times during an interview that the body is awaiting word from the contractor as it relates to the quotations.

“The contractor who we’re having discussions with to get us some quotations is yet to provide that information. We’re trying to get that information so that we can begin to plan our works. It’s not only fabricating the panels, it’s also galvanising the panels and so we need some quotation for galvanising,” Adams said.

While only some of the panels need attention, the broken ones which were repaired in the past would have to be replaced. While Adams is unsure of the period of time which will be taken for the quotation to be submitted, he noted that plans will be drafted as soon as this is done.

“Galvanisng is not done locally so it has to be done overseas. It has to be shipped, returned, so unless we have those timelines available to us, we cannot start. We wouldn’t be doing that for all the panels, just the ones that are damaged.

There are a few that are broken that needs replacement.

We’ve done some repairs to them and we decided that we’ll have to replace them in the near future.”

This is the only major work which will be undertaken by the Corporation

along with other small maintenance works. There are other areas of the bridge which require rehabilitative works. However, the main focus of the company is to have the panels replaced.

Earlier this year, the announcement was made by the DHBC to close all marine and vehicular traffic for about five days to change the panels. At that time, Adams was positive that the works would be completed by the ending of this year.

In addition to this project, the DHBC was also working on the rehabilitation of six large pontoons and 15 regular ones along with the fabrication of 40 buoys, 20,000 feet of galvanised anchor chain and 30,000 feet of wire ropes and the rehabilitation of the traffic office for this year. This was expected to cost approximately $267 million.

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TuesdAY, september 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Int’l funding cuts hampered HIV/AIDS programmes – Lawrence ...as Govt working on new strategies to sensitise public

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hile cuts in funding from foreign organisations have hampered the drive to sensitise the public on Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), Government is working on innovative ways around this set back.

This is according to Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, who explained during a recent interview with the media that this is a scenario being faced not only by Guyana but by other countries in the region. Additionally, non-governmental organisations (NGO) previously on the frontlines of spreading awareness have been hit hard.

“With regards to expanding those programmes, the programme for 2018 has been rolled out. There’s a second phase that starts very soon and that is some more public awareness.

With regards what happened previously, you would not see (awareness) on that

The National AIDS Programme Secretariat

scale because it was foreign funded.”

“There was a lot of foreign funding in the Caribbean and Guyana.

What is happening is not only Guyana, it’s throughout the Caribbean. The funds have dried up. So many of the NGOs who were gatekeepers no longer exist or they’re not working in a wide area as they use to do before. But the Ministry, I can assure you, we will do whatever we can with the budget we have to ensure that we come up with some new strategies.”

Asked for more details on measures to enhance public information, Lawrence noted that they have been working with the Ministries of Education and Social Protection to reach as much adolescents as possible. It has been reported that there has been a rise in new HIV cases among this group.

“We’ve been sharing thousands of condoms out there. We will continue to collaborate, not only with the sister Ministries but with NGOs. It is the responsibility of the Ministry

of Public Health to ensure that we keep our population safe from any disease. And we have been doing so. With regards to the rise, it is not something new. We have been looking at the trend, since last year we saw an increase in the younger age group.”

“And we did put some other measures in place.

Let me say that that number is not confirmed. And so they are working on it.

Very soon they’ll be putting out the CMO (Chief Medical Officer’s) report, which has not been published for several years. I had a preliminary meeting and that’s why I can say to you those numbers had not been confirmed. I was made to understand there are some changes in the way the reporting is done now.”

HIV in Guyana

It was reported previously that Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) had recorded the highest number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases for 2017,

with 650. The figures were displayed during the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) consultation for faith leaders, hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown in August.

The country has also seen an overall increase in HIV cases, owing to the fact that 705 were recorded in 2015, 855 in 2016, and a whopping 961 cases were confirmed in 2017. And according to statistics presented, Region Four’s place as most populated with HIV affected persons is due to the fact that it is evidently the most populated region in the country.

Trailing Region Four was Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), with 130 cases of HIV in 2017. For the same year, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was documented as the region with the least number of cases, since a mere three persons were diagnosed with the virus there.

Minister within the

Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings had said there are many gaps in AIDS responses, which deserve some attention. The Minister had also encouraged the use of treatment, as she noted that neither HIV nor AIDS is a death sentence.

“There are still major gaps in the AIDS response, and then there are barriers that still stop people from accessing quality healthcare services. Too often, stigma and discrimination prevent people from accessing the much-needed healthcare… this situation needs to be promptly addressed, in order to ensure equitable and equal access to treatment is universal among those living with HIV,” the Minister had related.

There are a number of voluntary counselling and testing sites throughout Guyana. For those in Region four, services including treatment, are offered at the Georgetown Public Hospital and health centres around the region.

10 Indigenous persons honoured for contribution to community development

…life of Stephen Campbell remembered

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en Indigenous leaders were honoured for their invaluable contributions to community development, at an event on the reflection on the life of Stephen Campbell on Monday, at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.

Among those honoured for their contribution in the area of education, health and community development were Johnathan Jarvis, Edwards Anthony Jarvis and Olga Chacon, all of Region One (Barima-Waini); Morris Leyland Jeffery of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Lloyd Andrews and Amanda Mahadeo of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Sylvie Henry of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Rudolph Peneux of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Dianna

Abraham of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and John Medas Alfred and Janet Rema Yaymochi of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) were also honoured.

The late Stephen Campbell, Guyana’s first Indigenous Member of Parliament, is widely regarded as a hero by the Indigenous communities, and his achievements are celebrated on September 10 every year as a part of activities to commemorate Amerindian Heritage Month.

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock described Campbell as a “Jack of all Trades and Master for the representation of land rights for the Indigenous peoples.” He

said Campbell was a visionary and most of what he represented is still relevant today.

The Minister encouraged the Indigenous population to use the opportunity to remember all those who would have fought for their rights and contributed to the development of Guyana.

Also noting the importance of celebration was Minister within the Ministry, Valerie GarridoLowe. The Minister described Stephen Campbell as a “strong man and a fighter for the rights of the Indigenous peoples”.

Among his achievements were his efforts towards crafting an Amerindian Act, and improving access to health and education services, and agriculture devel-

First Lady Sandra Granger; Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock; Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman; and Minister within the Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, along with the awardees at the reflection on the life of Stephen Campbell at the Umana Yana

opment. Minister GarridoLowe underscored the importance of Campbell’s role in ensuring that the Indigenous peoples were given legal rights of their lands.

“Indigenous peoples must remember that their

lands are valuable to them…

We take for granted that somebody had to make representation for us to have our lands and that person was Stephen Campbell.”

Also in attendance of the event were First Lady

Sandra Granger; Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman; Public Affairs Minister Dawn HastingsWilliams; and Minister with within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings.

Golden Fleece koker cracks under pressure

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esidents in Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast, were on Monday evening bracing themselves for floodwaters after the koker door cracked as a result of pressure from the tide. Up to late Monday evening, staff from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority were working to seal the breach.

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tuesdAY, september 11, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Hospitality Institute to be prioritised Sophia man beaten after attempting to rape 6-year-old in new fiscal year – Sharma

M

an A man who was on Monday evening caught attempting to rape a sixyear-old child was beaten mercilessly by residents of Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Reports are the man re-

portedly lured the child into his home, locked the door and attempted to commit the act but the child began screaming. This alerted residents, who along with the child’s relatives broke into the house and rescued the child.

However, residents in the area gave the man a sound thrashing and even attempted to cut his penis off but by that time, the Police had arrived and intervened.

An investigation has been launched.

Prostate Cancer Month awareness

T

he month of September has been designated prostate cancer awareness month in an effort to sensitise men on the dreadful sickness which is the third leading type of cancer in Guyana.

Among the plans to raise awareness during the month of September, the Guyana Cancer Foundation will host a number of outreaches across the country.

President of the Foundation, Bibi Hassan disclosed that some 25 outreaches have already been held for the year, as the non-governmental organisation (NGO) continues in its quest to decrease the number of cancer related deaths nationally.

According to her, prostate cancer is the third leading type of cancer in the country.

During some of the outreaches the Foundation conducted, several persons were referred to hospitals, due to the severity of their condition.

“The prostate cancer screening, you got to do the screening – the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing (because) we don’t do the actual physical check-up anymore because that has moved off now. (In this new process) you just draw the blood and you do it at the lab,” she stated.

She hinted that plans are being finalised to conduct advanced screening for men, even as the country joins in observing prostate cancer month.

According to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) data published in 2017, prostate cancer deaths in Guyana reached 89 or 1.54 per cent of total deaths. The age adjusted death rate is 44.40 per 100,000 of population ranks Guyana at num-

ber 13 in the world.

A report from the Public Health Ministry back in 2014 showed that cancer was the third leading cause of mortality in Guyana with Ischemic Heart Diseases coming at second and Cerebrovascular Diseases at number one.

Prostate, breast, lung and cervical cancers are the main categories affecting the Guyanese population.

According to the Government Information Agency, the report shows that during the period of 2004-2011, over 3400 persons died from various forms of cancer, with the largest number of deaths being 621 in 2011.

Prostate cancer is also the most common type of cancer in the United States as well as Canada. According to statistics, one in every seven Canadian men will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

This type of cancer occurs in the prostate – a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

It is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Usually prostate cancer grows slowly and is initially confined to the prostate gland, where it may

not cause serious harm.

However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.

When this type of cancer is detected early, or while it is still confined to the prostate gland, it has a better chance of successful treatment.

While it may show little or no symptoms in its early stages, trouble urinating, blood in semen and erectile dysfunction are a few of the serious warning signs men experience.

Doctors say prostate cancer begins when some cells in the prostate becomes abnormal. Mutations in the abnormal cells’ DNA cause the cells to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells do. The abnormal cells continue living, when other cells would die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumour that can grow to invade nearby tissue. Some abnormal cells can also break off and spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body.

The disease can be prevented by simply maintaining an exercise routine as well as eating lots of fruits and vegetables.

Settlement plan for Venezuelan refugees...

The CDC Last week conducted an outreach in Khan’s Hill, in the Mabaruma sub-region district, where food hampers were distributed to 24 migrant families. While at White Water Village, another 46 families received hammocks and hygiene supplies.

The Committee is also working to establish a database of all Venezuelan migrants, and to ensure that migrants are screened and vaccinated upon arrival at the various ports of entry.

Venezuela has, over the past two years, been experiencing worsening economic turmoil following the decline of oil prices on the

world market, and is in its fourth consecutive year of recession.

Scores of Guyanese living in the neighbouring country have been returning home, and there has also been a high influx of Venezuelans seeking refuge in Guyana to escape the hardships.

Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley has since disclosed that some 600 Venezuelan refugees are in his region alone, staying in churches and makeshift tents with little to no belongings.

In response to the influx of returning migrants, Government has established a Multi-Sectoral Committee

from page 13

to coordinate the national response and provide assistance to these refugees. Last week, local public officers underwent a one-day training on the international best practice in assisting migrants and protecting them from abuse and exploitation of any kind.

The workshop was aimed at capacity building, to better equip representatives and agencies to respond effectively to this and other such occurrences in the future. It focused on issues such as human trafficking and migrant smuggling, migrants’ vulnerabilities, and direct assistance and referral systems for migrants.

T

he Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has asked that Government work towards the establishment of the Tourism Hospitality Institute; a request which would be reviewed according to Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma.

The request was made on Thursday last during the first round of consultations for the 2019 National Budget. Minister Sharma had met with the group of THAG officials, headed by its President, Mitra Ramkumar.

According to Minister Sharma, the Administration would seek to prioritise the request as it will be an asset to Guyana’s tourism industry.

“It is something we may have to prioritise, I will have to address it and see how we could speed it up,” Sharma is quoted by the Department of Public Information as telling the team.

Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma

The Tourism Institute is aimed at ensuring that the country improves its human resource capabilities within the tourism sector and produces world-class personnel to meet the kind of demands that the growing industry requires.

While funding has already been approved by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and a plot of land identified, there are still some minor issues to be ironed out.

According to the THAG President, the “world-class

PPP takes Govt to...

The writ also outlines that the purported establishment of seven NDCs without complying with the provisions of the Local Democratic Organs Act is unlawful, ultra vires, null, void and of no effect.

She said too that Lowenfield acted with authorisation in this regard, while adding that Minister Bulkan unilaterally made changes to the number of seats in 14 Local Authority Areas.

The PPP has expressed its concern over the recent decision to declare Mahdia in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) a new town. In fact, the party believes that the changes might be a ploy by the coalition Government to have a stronger showing at Local Government Elections.

All actions above board

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan however said on Monday afternoon that he was not fazed by the PPP’s legal suit. He told reporters that everything that was executed was done lawfully and above board, signalling that he was not too concerned about the PPP filing its motion.

“They’re on record saying that the Minister has the authority to determine the size of Councils and that it all I did. I don’t see why I should be fazed because I’m acting lawfully and legally,” he said.

The Minister also rejected the PPP’s claims that he violated Article 13 of the Constitution as outlined in

hospitality institute” will shape future hospitality professionals. He said this will especially be helpful for single parents and other vulnerable groups that are seeking employment.

“They can actually get in there. Right now, the tourism industry provides jobs for all of these people. The challenge, however, is actually the training of persons and it takes a while to train them in order for them to be productive,” he told the Minister.

Persons will be taught housekeeping and front desk services among many others.

“If we have an institute, it sends a message that we are serious about tourism.

We want your support on that.” Ramkumar continued, “there are people who come to hotels simply because of their housekeeping service.”

The THAG President emphasised that the Institute will be self-sustained.

from page 3

Shadick’s suit. This section speaks to inclusionary democracy.

“What I do know is that the PPP by their actions and track record have demonstrated to the Guyanese people that they have no interest in local democracy. They do not believe in the system of Local Government, but we are forging ahead... we are following the democratic traditions and are empowering people and the PPP will either conform or step aside,” he asserted.

The increase of nine LAAs brings the total Local Authority Areas to 80. The PPP said in the past that it captured more than 60 per cent of the Local Democratic Organs at the last LGEs in 2016.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesdAY, september 11, 2018

Regional

Gunmen storm Brazil prison, Regional countries more than 100 inmates escape warned to monitor water resources H eavily armed men blew down the front gate of a maximum security prison in Northeastern Brazil early Monday and with guns blazing enabled more than 100 inmates to escape, authorities said.

Officials said the assault was carried out by about 20 men in four vehicles, who fired on watchtowers and used explosives to destroy the front gate of the Romeu Goncalves Abrantes prison.

The prison, a maximum security facility with 680 inmates, is located in Joao Pessoa, the capital of

Guards escort inmates back to the "Coronel Odenir Guimaraes" State Prison Goias, Brazil in January this year; Brazil has the third largest prison population in the world

Paraiba state.

"Heavily armed men knocked down the main gate

after an exchange of fire with police and penitentiary agents," the state's secretar-

iat for prisons said.

By midday, 41 of the 105 escaped prisoners had been recaptured as security forces locked down the state capital, closing schools and medical centres as a precaution.

Brazil's has the world's third largest prison population, with 726,712 inmates as of June 2016, according to official statistics.

The population is double the capacity of the nation's prisons, which in 2016 was estimated to be 368,049 inmates. Along with severe overcrowding, Brazil's prisons are plagued by gang violence. (MSN)

Venezuela migrants flee back across border with Brazil

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Venezuelans have been sleeping in the open in Boa Vista. Another 30,000 migrants are in Roraima state

undreds of Venezuelan migrants have crossed back over the border with Brazil in the last few days after a violent incident in Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima state.

Most said they were leaving because they feared for their lives after a young man was lynched, accused of killing a local man during a robbery.

They were picked up by buses sent by the Venezuelan government.

Brazil has accepted over 30,000 Venezuelans fleeing economic chaos.

Many of the migrants had been living on the streets of Boa Vista with no sanitation or water in improvised plastic and wooden shelters.

Many locals say they re-

sent their presence, complaining of the smell and the mess left in public spaces.

Police were investigating the stabbing of a local man who had allegedly got into a fight with a Venezuelan after a robbery at a supermarket. The Venezuelan man was attacked and beaten to death by a group of Brazilian men.

Tensions have been rising on

the BrazilianVenezuelan border where hundreds of people cross daily into Brazil fleeing Venezuela's severe economic crisis.

Most of the migrants continue further south heading towards other countries in South America. But around 30,000 have stayed in the border region in the state of Roraima.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Barbados reaches agreement with IMF as Fund gives homegrown economic plan thumbs up

Prime Minister Mia Mottley made the announcement at a press briefing at Government Headquarters. Also in attendance were from left: Minister in the Economic Affairs and Investment Ministry, Marsha Caddle; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Dale Marshall; the International Monetary Fund’s Nancy Horsman and Bert Van Selm

T

he Barbados Government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a Staff Level Agreement that would see the country getting access to a total US$290 million.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Deputy Division Chief of the Caribbean II Division of the IMF, Bert van Selm made the announcement during a press conference last Friday. The IMF official suggested that the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) Programme, on the basis of which assistance is being granted, had the Fund’s

thumbs up. “The authorities’ reform programme, and the important commitment of IMF resources that it entails, is a vote of confidence in Barbados’ Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan,” he said.

Van Selm said the measures in the programme should help reach a primary surplus target of six per cent of GDP in the fiscal year 2019/20. He added that the fiscal adjustment would be complemented by a comprehensive debt restructuring aimed at securing meaningful debt reduction, reducing financing needs and restor-

ing debt sustainability.

And he noted that while the initial implementation period would be challenging, Barbados would emerge stronger and more dynamic from the programme and it would be better positioned to generate growth and job creation for citizens.

Prime Minister Mottley said it was an extraordinary achievement by Barbados

to reach agreement with the IMF in three months.

Mottley noted that the IMF was a “cheap source of funding” but more than anything else, it would assist in unlocking access to funding for the country. The Prime Minister admitted that the road ahead would not be easy, but emphasised that the country could make it.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

T

he Barbadosbased Caribbean Drought and Precipitation Monitoring Network (CDPMN) is urging regional countries to monitor water resources amid concerns that parts of the Caribbean continue to experience below normal rainfall.

CDPMN, which was launched in January 2009 under the Caribbean Water Initiative (CARWIN) to support equitable and sustainable Integrated Water Resources Management, said that concerns over short term drought that can impact cropping, and small rivers and lakes, continues over northwest Belize.

It said there is some chance that long term drought, which can impact large water resources and groundwater reserves, can impact Antigua and the Cayman Islands by the end of the wet season and urged that 'this situation should be monitored”.

CDPMN, which is led by the Caribbean

Trinidad refinery will be closed as Govt, unions disagree

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he Government of Trinidad and Tobago and unions on Sunday agreed to disagree: Petrotrin’s refinery will be closed.

This was the final word from Government on the Petrotrin issue following Sunday’s meeting of 18 union leaders with Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley and six Ministers.

At the end of almost three hours of discussions at the Prime Minister’s Office, Government did not bend to the call by unions – including the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union – to re-exam-

Chilean environmental regulator expands probe of gas poisoning

C

hile’s environmental regulator expanded its investigation into a gas poisoning incident in coastal town Quintero, bringing charges of noncompliance with environmental agreements on Monday against a gas plant.

The environmental inspectorate (SMA) said Gasmar, a company that imports and sells liquefied petroleum gas and is partowned by Chilean industrial conglomerate Copec, has 10 days to present a compliance plan or appeal the accusation that it failed to adhere to agreed levels of residual gas flaring from its chimneys.

The charge against

Gasmar comes on the heels of stricter monitoring by SMA following a gas poisoning incident in August in which hundreds of people showed symptoms of gas inhalation poisoning, prompting ongoing protests over the government’s handling of the issue.

Within days, the SMA ordered the suspension of some operations by the stateowned energy company ENAP, also in the Quintero industrial zone, about 90 miles northeast of Santiago. The company has denied responsibility for the incident.

The SMA said in a statement on Monday that its audit of Gasmar’s operations

Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), the World Meteorological Organisation's Regional Climate Centre (RCC) for the Caribbean, said that apart from Guadeloupe that ranged from severely dry to moderately wet, normal to below normal rainfall dominated the situation in the islands of the eastern Caribbean, Trinidad, St Kitts, and St Thomas.

It said some of the Caribbean islands like Tobago, Grenada and Barbados experienced dry to severe to exceptionally dry periods during the months of May, June and July, while St Vincent, St Lucia and Martinique had moderate to severely dry weather conditions.

Dominica was slight to moderately dry while conditions in the Guiana's ranged from moderately dry in northern portions of Guyana and Suriname to exceptionally wet in northern parts of Guyana and eastern French Guiana. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

had not yet detected any pollution or harm caused to people living nearby. However, it called the charge against Gasmar “serious” and said it was brought because the company failed to mitigate its potentially adverse environmental impact.

Quintero has had several pollution incidents in the past, including gas and oil leaks, leading to investigations and fines against companies for noncompliance with environmental obligations.

The SMA has admitted it struggles to supervise the operations of the 15 largescale industrial plants based in the area. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ine its decision to close the refinery.

Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis told reporters at a subsequent media briefing nothing new came out of the meeting.

The closure is now in the hands of the union and Petrotrin’s Board guided by Energy Minister Franklin Khan and the focus is on working out separation packages for workers, she explained.

OWTU members who awaited the meeting’s outcome outside the PM’s office expressed their views with statements, some placards and an effigy in a suit.

OWTU President General Ancel Roget addressed them after the meeting.

Robinson-Regis said the decision was looming for many, many years as Petrotrin had sustained losses and it was now necessary to protect the economy.

Minister in the Finance Ministry West said Government would allocate significant proportions of the Public Sector Investment Plan’s projects “for the next year or two” to support San Fernando and environs to cushion the refin­ery closure blow.

While it won’t be dismantled, stocks and plants will be preserved “in the event it has to be restarted.” He said a big cost could arise if assets aren’t preserved properly. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

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guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

International Criminal Court: Tanzania's John Magufuli advises against birth control US threatens sanctions

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P

resident John Magufuli has advised Tanzanian couples to stop using contraceptive methods, saying that the country needs more people, according to local media reports.

"Those going for family planning are lazy ... they are afraid they will not be able to feed their children.

They do not want to work hard to feed a large family and that is why they opt for birth controls and end up with one or two children only," he said at a public rally in Meatu on Sunday.

Magufuli, who has two children, said it was "important to reproduce" and warned Tanzanians against what he said was bad advice provided by outsiders.

"I have travelled to Europe and elsewhere and have seen the harmful effects of birth control. Some countries are now facing declining population growth.

They are short on manpower," he was quoted as saying

by The Citizen publication.

Magufuli called birth control users 'lazy' at a public rally on Sunday

"You have cattle. You are big farmers. You can feed your children. Why then resort to birth control?" he asked. "This is my opinion, I see no reason to control births in Tanzania".

Legislators on Monday criticised the comments, according to local media, saying they are not consistent with national policy.

Speaker of Parliament Job Ndugai meanwhile said the president's comments were advisory and did not represent a governmental position, regional media re-

ported.

Social media users also reacted angrily to Magufuli's speech, with many pointing out that womens' right to choose any method of contraception and have access to family planning information is enshrined in the Maputo Protocol, an African charter women's rights.

Tanzania is home to some 55.5 million people, according to the World Bank, up from 10 million when it gained independence in 1961. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he US has threatened sanctions against the International Criminal Court if it goes ahead with prosecutions against Americans. The court is currently considering prosecuting US servicemen over alleged detainee abuse in Afghanistan.

National Security Advisor John Bolton said the US would do everything "to protect our citizens". The US is among dozens of nations not to have joined the court, founded in 2002.

The court investigates and brings to justice people responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, intervening when national authorities cannot or will not prosecute.

In a speech in Washington, Bolton said: "If the court comes after us, we will not sit quietly." Judges and prosecutors with the International Criminal Court (ICC) would be barred from en-

The court in The Hague was founded in 2002

tering the US and their funds in the US would be sanctioned.

"We will prosecute them in the US criminal system.

We will do the same for any company or state that assists an ICC investigation of Americans."

More "binding, bilateral agreements" would be signed to stop countries submitting US citizens to the court's jurisdiction. Giving his reasons for opposing the court, Bolton cited the threat to

"American sovereignty and US national security". He said the ICC lacked checks and balances, claimed "jurisdiction over crimes that have disputed and ambiguous definitions" and failed to "deter and punish atrocity crimes".

Bolton also criticised Palestinian moves to bring Israel before the ICC over allegations of human rights abuses in Gaza and the occupied West Bank – a move dismissed by Israel as politicised. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Airport project on world's largest Indian Catholic nuns protest island sparks sovereignty row

G

r e e n l a n d ' s Government has struck a deal with Denmark over funding for upgrades to three airports on the Arctic island, a project of strategic interest to a number of international players including China and the United States.

Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Monday confirmed the agreement reached with Kim Kielsen, Greenland's premier, during an impromptu visit to the Greenlandic capital, Nuuk.

A self-governing Danish territory and the world's largest island, Greenland has control over areas including mineral resources and social policy, while Denmark main-

The meeting between Rasmussen and Kielsen has raised concerns over Greenland's sovereignty

tains responsibility for foreign policy and security.

The deal will see Denmark contribute to an estimated 3.6 billion kroner (US$559 million) revamp of airports in Nuuk, Qaqortoq in the south, and Ilulissat, the island's

main tourism spot, which is aimed at helping Greenland capitalise on Arctic tourism and cater for flights between Europe and North America.

It comes one day after Kielsen's Government lost its parliamentary majority fol-

lowing the pro-independence Partii Naleraq's exit from the ruling four-party coalition over the prospect of Danish funding.

Copenhagen has argued that the airport project falls under its remit, but Partii Naleraq said mainland funding – which was backed by Kielsen's Siumut party and the other two members of the coalition – amounted to interference in Greenlandic politics.

The airport project has attracted the interest from both the East and West.

Greenland, which houses a large US airbase, is strategically important for the US military and its ballistic missile early warning system.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Barnier says Brexit deal could be struck in next 2 months

T

he European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has said it was realistic to believe a Brexit deal could be agreed between the UK and the EU within the next two months.

The pound jumped in value after he said during a visit to Bled in Slovenia on Monday: “If we are realistic, I want to reach an agreement on the first stage of the negotiation, which is the Brexit treaty, within six or eight weeks.

“The treaty is clear, we have two years to reach

an agreement before they [the UK] leave... in March 2019. That means that taking into account the time necessary for the ratification process in the House of Commons on one side, the European Parliament and the council on the other side, we must reach an agreement before the beginning of November. I think it is possible.”

EU leaders were expected to announce during a meeting in Salzburg next week that an extraordinary Brexit summit would take place in November,

A meeting in Salzburg next week is likely to give Barnier fresh impetus for a deal with Britain

as they give Barnier extra encouragement to strike a

deal with the British prime minister.

against bishop accused of rape

I

ndian Catholic sisters have broken ranks with the church by openly protesting in the streets of the Keralan state capital against a bishop accused of raping a nun.

The demonstrations started on Saturday and continued throughout the weekend in Thiruvananthapuram, fuelled by an incendiary press conference in which a politician questioned the account of the Bishops’ alleged victim, a 46-year-old nun, and described her as a prostitute.

The nun lodged a complaint against bishop Franco Mullackal on June 27 this year accusing the clergyman of sexually assaulting her over a period of two years starting in May 2014.

She made the complaint

Discussions on the state of play in the talks will take place over a two-hour lunch at an informal summit in Austria, at which leaders were likely to instruct the EU’s chief negotiator to work with the best of Theresa May’s Chequers proposals.

The EU27 is expected to insist on a resolution over the issue of avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland is achieved by the time of a leaders’ summit in October in order for a deal to be possible. (Excerpt

from The Guardian)

only after Mullackal went to the Police claiming the alleged victim and five other nuns were harassing and blackmailing him. He denies the rape accusations and says the alleged victim has a vendetta against him.

The case has exposed deep ruptures inside Kerala’s Roman Catholic church, whose adherents numbered close to one million according to the most recent census in 2011. The southern state has one of the largest Christian populations in India and one of the oldest in the world.

Former nuns have previously raised allegations of sexual exploitation by priests and other male clergy in the state’s church but the latest case has prompted unprecedented publicity and calls for investigation.

Outrage at the case grew on Sunday when a state politician, PC George, asked a press conference why the nun had taken more than two years to raise the complaint. “No one has a doubt that the nun is a prostitute,” said George, an independent MP with a history of controversial remarks about sexual assault.

The National Commission for Women, a statutory body that promotes women’s rights, called his remarks shameful and demanded a Police investigation. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesdAY, september 11, 2018

ARCHIE

Consider how you can help or offer someone words (March 21- of encouragement. A positive April 19) attitude will help you avoid being pushed away or ostracized from a conversation.

ARIES

Don’t let anyone push you TAURUS into moving forward prema(April 20- turely. Time is on your side, May 20) and you’ll know when you are ready. Choose your battles wisely and take all the time you need.

dilbert

Keep moving until everyGEMINI (May 21- thing is complete. You’ll get June 20) a sense of satisfaction when you put your responsibilities behind you. Don’t waste time helping someone else get ahead.

Keep your emotions in check. Don’t lend money or (June 21- possessions. A change at July 22) home will turn out to be more beneficial than first anticipated.

CANCER

Peanuts

Collaborate with peoLEO ple who share your concerns.

(July 23- Working toward a goal that Aug. 22) will bring about change will lead to opposition. Decipher who is and isn’t on your side.

A trip or gathering with VIRGO people you don’t see very of(Aug. 23ten will open your mind to a Sept. 22) host of new possibilities. If you add to the conversation, a new venture will develop.

Calvin and Hobbes

Emotions will surface LIBRA (Sept. 23- and should be carefully hanOct. 23) dled to avoid any distress.

Giving someone the wrong impression will leave you in a difficult situation.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD – AFFECTS (AFFECTS: uh-FEKTS: Has an influence on or causes a change in.)

SUDOKU

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Average mark 16 words Time limit 25 minutes Can you find 21 or more words in AFFECTS? The list will be published tomorrow.

SATURDAY’S WORD – CANTEENS cane cant case cast caste cease cense cent cesta acne anent ante

ascent nascent neat neaten nene nest tease teen tenace tense ease east

eaten enact enate encase sane sate sateen scan scant scat scene scent

seance seat secant sect seen senate sent seta stance

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Don’t share secrets, SCORPIO or someone will use them (Oct. 24against you.

Work toward Nov. 22) your goal, but don’t present what you are doing until it is polished. There will be no room for error.

solution for last published puzzle

Stay focused on your responsibilities. Don’t be a follower. Someone will lead you astray if you put too much credence in an exaggerated or false impression.

Tame any emotional urgCAPRICORN (Dec. 22- es you have before you say Jan. 19) or do something you’ll regret. Focus on your personal finances, health or legal matters, and fight the urge to retaliate.

A problem with an instiAQUARIUS tution can be overcome if you (Jan. 20- make a couple of adjustments Feb. 19) before you present what you want to do. Stay on top of medical concerns and personal investments.

Handle partnerships with PISCES (Feb. 20- care. Listen and respond posMarch 20) itively and you will make headway regarding joint ventures you want to pursue.

Romance will bring you closer to a loved one.

TuesdAY, september 11, 2018

19

Cook, Root hundreds provide perfect script for England to dominate F

or more than 12 years, Alastair Cook has reliably carried the hopes and expectations of England’s Test batting at the top of the order. On his last day in the job as a Test opener, he was not about to let anyone down - certainly not the 19,500 who had streamed into The Oval to witness his final act, after 161 Tests and 291 innings.

Cook’s scriptwriters duly did the occasion justice, as he became the fifth man in the history of the game to begin and end his Test career with a century.

For a player who has built an unparalleled record for England via the unobtrusive accumulation of nudges and cuts, going repeatedly to the well as batsman and captain, here was a chance to simply enjoy the moment - or rather several moments, as the ovations stacked up, beginning with his walk down the stairs and to the middle to resume on his overnight score of 46 not out. With the series won and England already in a strong position in the fifth and final Test, English cricket could indulge in a send-off worthy of a great player and a great servant.

There was further applause after the first ball of the second over, as Cook clipped the boundary that brought him his second fifty of the match - as well as ensuring that his final Test average would bob back above 45. They were on their feet again an hour into the morning session, as Cook reached 76 and surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to go fifth on the all-time Test run-scoring list.

When the hun-

Andre Silva

Alastair Cook walks off after his dismissal in his final Test innings at the Oval

dred came, as it inevitably did shortly before lunch, the ovation lasted for several minutes as play stopped completely. That it had arrived via overthrows, after Cook had dabbed a single behind square for the umpteenth time in his career, mattered not a jot - in fact, there was a certain synchronicity with the moment in 2010, also at The Oval, when Mohammad Asif’s wayward arm presented Cook with a 13th Test hundred and set him up for the Ashes series that cemented his legend.

The contrast was in the carefree manner of Cook’s 33rd ton in England whites, as he repeated the feat of his 2006 debut in Nagpur. The crowd rose as he returned to the dressing rooms at lunch, alongside his successor as captain, Joe Root, just eight runs away from a century of his own, and they cheered him to the skies when he finally fell for 147 during the afternoon ses-

sion - failure to record one last “daddy hundred” a forgivable blemish.

Still there was more, as Root urged Cook to lead England out on to the field one more time, following their declaration; and as the shadows lengthened, with India three-down chasing a notional target of 464, the chants started up again: “Ali Cook, Ali Cook, Ali, Ali Cook!”

Briefly, during the evening, some of the other protagonists intruded. James Anderson, the only man involved around Test cricket longer than Cook, drew level with Glenn McGrath’s record of 563 wickets for a fast bowler by ripping out Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara in the space of four balls. Stuart Broad then produced a roar to rival those directed at Cook when he had Virat Kohli caught behind for a golden duck, leaving India 2 for 3 and in danger of an ignominious end to a tour that promised so much.

That was as dramatic as the day got, India’s fourth-wicket pair charting a way to the close - KL Rahul attacking to produce his highest score of the series, while Ajinkya Rahane focused on preserving his wicket. It seemed as if the fight had finally gone out of India during the 259-run stand between Cook and Root, and they face an almighty effort to rouse themselves for a fifth-day rearguard to salvage a draw.

Root’s hundred was a mere subplot, though it should have more significance for England’s future as he ended a 13-month wait to reach three figures in a Test. He was dropped on 46 a sharp chance off Ravindra Jadeja to Rahane at slip and threatened to upstage Cook as he upped the scoring during the morning, striking Jadeja for a straight six and sweeping with precision; but he ceded the stage as Cook’s landmark quickly approached, only four legitimate balls required to nego-

tiate the not-so-nervous final-Test-innings 90s.

Jasprit Bumrah wrote himself into the story as a footnote, when he picked up the ball at backward point and hurled it beyond the reach of any of his teammates, allowing Cook to turn and celebrate an unexpected gift on a day of surround-sound hero worship from the majority of people in the ground.

Like Reggie Duff, Bill Ponsford, Greg Chappell and Mohammad Azharuddin before him, Cook had a hundred in his final Test to go with one on debut. Like his Essex mucker and predecessor as captain, Nasser Hussain, he had crafted the perfect farewell.

After the lunch inter-

val, India contrived to drop Root again, Pujara shelling a simpler chance at first slip off Mohammed Shami - though he was not helped

by Rishabh Pant’s dive across him - before a scampered single brought another opportunity for the crowd to erupt. Hanuma Vihari added unexpected success with the ball to his impressive batting debut, dismissing Root and Cook with successive deliveries as India chipped away during the afternoon, but the pattern of proceedings had long been set. India will have to summon untapped reserves if the final day at The Oval is not to end with Cook - and England - being raucously cheered from the field one last time. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

England 1st Innings – 332 India 1st Innings - 292 England 2nd Innings AN Cook c †Pant b Vihari 147 KK Jennings b Mohammed Shami 10 MM Ali b Jadeja 20 JE Root (c) c sub (HH Pandya) b Vihari 125 JM Bairstow † b Mohammed Shami 18 BA Stokes c Rahul b Jadeja 37 JC Buttler c Mohammed Shami b Jadeja 0 SM Curran c †Pant b Vihari 21 AU Rashid not out 20 Extras (b 14, lb 4, w 2, pen 5) 25 TOTAL (112.3 Overs, RR: 3.76) 423-8d Did not bat: SCJ Broad, JM Anderson Fall of wickets: 1-27 (KK Jennings, 12.4 ov), 2-62 (MM Ali, 27.4 ov), 3-321 (JE Root, 94.1 ov), 4-321 (AN Cook, 94.2 ov), 5-355 (JM Bairstow, 100.6 ov), 6-356 (JC Buttler, 101.3 ov),

7-397 (BA Stokes, 109.4 ov), 8-423 (SM Curran, 112.3 ov) BOWLING: JJ Bumrah (23-461-0), I Sharma (8-3-13-0), Mohammed Shami (25-3110-2), RA Jadeja (47-3-1793), GH Vihari (9.3-1-37-3) India 2nd Innings (target: 464 runs) KL Rahul not out 46 S Dhawan lbw b Anderson 1 CA Pujara lbw b Anderson 0 V Kohli (c) c †Bairstow b Broad 0 AM Rahane not out 10 Extras (lb 1) 1 TOTAL (18 Overs, RR: 3.22) 58-3 Yet to bat: GH Vihari, RR Pant †, RA Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, I Sharma, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-1 (S Dhawan, 2.3 ov), 2-1 (CA Pujara, 2.6 ov), 3-2 (V Kohli, 3.2 ov) BOWLING: JM Anderson (5-223-2), SCJ Broad (5-0-17-1), MM Ali (4-1-8-0), SM Curran (2-1-10), BA Stokes (2-1-8-0)

Silva scores in Portugal’s win over Italy A

ndre Silva struck a stylish goal as Portugal took control of their Nations League group by beating Italy.

Silva, who had a poor season in Italy with AC Milan before joining Sevilla on loan in August, controlled and steered in Bruma's cross in the 48th minute.

Portugal were without Cristiano Ronaldo, excused from international duty and pictured relaxing with his family on a yacht in St Tropez.

Yet Fernando Santos' side still had the better of this League A Group 3 match.

The win took them to the top of the group on three points, two clear of Poland and Italy.

Roberto Mancini's side, showing nine changes from the team who drew their Nations League opener 1-1 with Poland in Bologna on Friday, looked disjointed for much of the night in Lisbon.

Mancini left former Manchester City and Liverpool strik-

er Mario Balotelli out of the squad altogether, and retained only goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho from Friday's starting line-up.

Donnarumma, the AC Milan teenager, was fortunate not to concede just before the half-hour mark, fumbling Bruma's header under pressure, then watching as Bernardo Silva's drive goalwards was cleared off the line by Alessio Romagnoli.

The keeper redeemed himself in the second half after his team went behind, though, with a flying save to tip away Manchester City forward Silva's 20-yard angled shot, and was sharp again late on to stop substitute Renato Sanches' low shot.

Portugal should have been in front before they did score; Bryan Cristante deflected a Mario Rui cross against his own bar just after the half-hour mark, and the home side were then denied a penalty when Domenico Criscito blocked off Pizzi inside the area - with Scottish referee Willie Collum declaring it a fair challenge.

Italy were better in the closing stages, once Domenico Berardi and Emerson Palmieri came on, but without creating any clear chances. (BBC

Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

TuesdAY, september 11, 2018

DRS possible in 2019 season – CPL COO F

ans have been thrilled and excited at the revelation that the Umpire Decision Review System (DRS) will be used for the final two matches of the Hero Caribbean Premiere League 2018.

However, that promise has now broadened to include the 2019 season of the biggest party in sport.

The announcement was made by Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CPL, Pete Russell, who disclosed that the investment into such an initiative is definitely on the cards for 2019.

COO of CPL, Pete Miller, has disclosed that the system would make work a lot lighter for those involved.

“We haven’t given them the tools that they’re used to on the international scene.

CPL’s Chief Operating Officer Pete Russell makes the disclosure alongside Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe

Obviously DRS is coming in for the last two games, which I think will make their job a little easier.”

Based on how this weekend’s trial goes, the COO and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Damien O’ Donohoe

BCB/Elizabeth Styles U21 Tournament…

revealed, provision will be made to have the review system available throughout the 2019 season.

“That’s what we’ve been discussing. Bringing that sort of technology is a big investment, but the tournament and the expectation is now at such a level that you have to make sure that every angle is covered.”

COO Russell went on to confirm the move, stating, “For us, we just want the players to be able to go out and play without having the fear of being out by bad decisions. So it’s very likely that we’ll have it next year.”

After a few unfortunate decisions during the 2018 season, the management of the Hero Caribbean Premier League thought it best to implement the system for the remaining matches. This initiative was welcomed by the captains of the top four teams, who responded in

smiles and nods when they were questioned about the new system.

Captain of the Trinbago Knight Riders, Dwayne Bravo, speaking on behalf of his cricketing colleagues, expressed his contentment with the decision.

“Throughout the season, there were some really poor decisions (made) by the umpires, and it cost some teams.

So I think it’s only fair that the right thing is being used, especially in playoffs, cause those simple mistakes can really cost a team the title”, DJ Bravo stated.

The review system is expected to come into play during the second eliminator and finale of the Hero CPL in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday and Sunday respectively.

BCB/New York Business Group…

Kevin Sinclair’s brilliance RHT advances to finals leads RHT to title – Albion to face Blairmont in other semi

T

he Rose Hall Town (RHT) Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 Cricket Team on Sunday advanced to the finals of the Elizabeth Styles Under-21 Tournament of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

They easily crushed Tucber Park Cricket Club by eight wickets at the Area ‘H’ Ground, while Albion Community Centre Cricket Club was able to fight back against Young Warriors Cricket Club to clinch a semifinal date with archrival Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club.

RHT won the toss and surprisingly elected to field, despite all the players having been involved in the BCB/New York Business Group Under-19 finals less that twelve hours prior.

Tucber Park were dismissed for a meagre 104 from 43.2 overs, with only Steve Deonarine (24), Martin Singh (18), and Abdul Ramsammy (11) reaching double figures, as left arm spinners Simon Naidu and Jeremy Sandia took 3 - 14 and 3 – 22, respectively. National Under-19 off-spinner Junior Sinclair had 2 – 18, while Kevin Sinclair claimed 1 – 20.

A confident RHT, spearheaded by their captain Sinclair, raced to victory in just 8.5 overs to end on 106 for 2. Kevin cracked a brutal 58 before he was dismissed by Martin Singh with the scores level. He included six huge sixes and four sweetly timed boundaries in his brief innings.

His opening partner and fellow national player Junior Sinclair supported with 40 as the pair added 83 for the first wicket in just 5.5 overs.

National Under-15 players Mahendra Gopilall and Jonathan Rampersaud eventually took their side over the line.

At the Canje Ground, Albion Community Centre Cricket Club were dismissed for 99 in 23.3 overs, with Ramesh Kasinauth (12) and Kevin Umroa (15) being the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Dilshan Mc Donald contributed 3 13 and Trevon Stanislaus 4 - 11 for the Young Warriors Cricket Club.

In response, despite a fighting 26 from national under-19 player Alex Algoo, Young Warriors Cricket Club were bowled out for 45.

Left arm Mahendra Chaitnarine had the remarkable figures of 7 - 13 from nine tight overs, while Gourav Ramesh supported with 3 - 18.

A l b i o n Community Centre Cricket Club and Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club will clash on Saturday at the Blairmont Cricket Ground to decide the second finalist.

Kevin Sinclair

R

RHT Pepsi Captain Kevin Sinclair receiving the winning prize and trophy from a representative of the New York Business Group

ose Hall Town (RHT) Pepsi on Saturday last regained their New York Business Group Berbice Under-19 Cricket Championship title by easily outplaying Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club on first innings.

The historic final was played under lights using a pink ball at the Albion Cricket Ground, in front of a sizeable crowd for both nights.

RHT won the toss and elected to bat first, with national youth players Kevin and Junior Sinclair adding 85 for the first wicket, and with solid contributions from fellow national player Kevlon Anderson and Berbice all-rounder Keith Simpson, they posted 268 all out.

Kevin and Junior blasted 32 and 52 respectively, while Anderson top scored with a brilliant 73, which included five boundaries. He was supported by Simpson, who batted for over two hours to hit a composed 71.

Nigel Deodat took 5 - 75 with his left arm spin, while off-spinner Seon Glasgow took 2 – 62 before Blairmont’s response.

It was a disappointing effort which ended when they were bowled out for 92 from 46 overs.

Fawaz Gafoor batted well for 28, as Kevin returned with the ball and claimed 7 – 30, while fellow off-spinner Junior bowled well to claim 3 -32.

Rose Hall Town Pepsi, with a healthy 172 runs lead, opted to bat again; which led Kevin to complete a remarkable all round match by scoring a brilliant 101 not out as they reached 176 – 4 declared.

Anderson chipped in 48 in the second innings as the target for victory set was now 349. Marvin Prashad finished with 3 – 48 for Blairmont.

The declaration left Blairmont with 95 minutes to bat. They struggled to 58 for 5 before the game was called off thirty minutes before the scheduled closing time. National Under-19 player Javed Karim was unbeaten on 30, while Anderson and Keith Sinclair took 2 - 13 and 2 – 10 respectively.

President of the Berbice Cricket Board, Hilbert Foster, hailed the tournament as a huge success and proudly announced that Berbice Cricket was on a roll.

RHT pocketed $100,000 for the triumph and the winning trophy, while Blairmont had to settle for the $50,000 runner-up prize.

Kevin Sinclair was adjudged Man-ofthe-Finals for his magnificent performance.

Trophies were also presented to Sinclair as the best batsman and bowler if the finals. Other Awards shared out were Best Batsman of the Tournament - Kevlon Anderson; Best Bowler of the Tournament - Nigel Deodat; Best Wicket Keeper - Antonio February; and Best All-rounder - Kevin Sinclair.

The New York Business Group also donated a Grass mower to the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club.

sports

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Regal Masters win T20 Masters Softball title

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laying in sunny conditions at the Everest Cricket Ground on Sunday, the finals of the Ink Plus, Crown Mining Supplies and Elegance Jewellery & Pawn Shop T20 Masters Softball Cricket tournament saw Regal Masters defeat RR Masters by 27 runs to clinch the title.

Regal, sent in to bat on a hard pitch and sluggish outfield, saw Guyana’s former First Class player David Harper played a stroke filled innings of 48, which included 5 fours and 1 six; while Mahendra Arjune hit a watchful innings of 41 in his 76 run partnership with Harper.

The only batsman to hit double figures was Erick Thomas, who made 12 as Regal climbed to 134-7.

Troy Kippins (8) and Eon

Abel (1) were quickly removed by Dharam Persaud, while Raymond Harper removed Mahase Chunilall (8) to leave the powerful Regal Masters in a slump at 18-3.

Then came the partnership, as Harper and Arjune unified and played a smart and controlled innings, before the latter fell to Rudolph Mayers, leaving Regal at 94-4. RR Masters was led with the ball by Raymond Harper, who took 3-26, and Dharam Persaud, who supported with 2-23.

Later on in the innings, RR Masters were sent in to bat, needing to score at 6.75 per over for an upset win; but they could only muster 108, with Arjune claiming 3-5 in his only over of the game. Scoring for the Masters were Khemchan Dindyal, who counter-at-

tacked with a pugnacious 54 before he was forced to retire hurt.

He added 58 with the left-handed Suri Kumar, who struggled to get the ball off the square in his quiet 17, as he soaked up 22 dot balls. In his innings of 54, Dindyal kept hopes alive by targeting Parasaram ‘Bimbly’ Persaud, destroying him by taking 20 from the over before he retired.

When Arjune dismissed Kumar at 83-3, it triggered a dramatic collapse, and five wickets tumbled for six runs. Not long after, Regal Masters were crowned the new champions.

Twelve teams competed in the tournament which carried a top prize of $100,000, while the runners-up won a trophy and $25,000.

CWI thanks regional governments C ricket West Indies (CWI) wishes to thank the Governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Kitts & Nevis for their partnerships and investment in the upcoming England tour of the Caribbean.

The January to March 2019 series is the biggest and most comprehensive tour in a decade and historically is one of the most economically viable for the region.

In 2015, CWI commissioned an independent economic impact evaluation of England’s tour to the region. The REPUCOM study revealed that there was a direct economic impact of US$5.1 million a day of international cricket.

For major international home series tours against England and India, countries are asked by CWI to bid for matches. Once the bids are received they are reviewed by the CWI International Fixtures Committee (IFC) after which a recommendation is made to the Board for a final decision on the tour schedule.

President, Dave Cameron has said, “I would like to thank all the region-

CWI President Dave Cameron

al Governments that took part in the recent bidding process for their support of the England Tour. As the REPUCOM report highlights, England tours to the West Indies have a tremendously positive impact on the countries who bid to host games. Through our broadcast partners and the media, West Indies cricket can be used as a platform to promote the host Countries and their tourism to cricket fans in England and around the World.”

Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave has added that “there are considerable opportunities for countries to enhance the hosting of matches with a wide va-

riety of events and activities to promote the country; while countries can bring their culture and traditions to life through marketing activations and the global media channels that will cover the games.”

Discussions continue with the Governments of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana over hosting India tour matches in the region next summer after the 2019 Cricket World Cup. With an Australia Women’s tour in 2019 to Caribbean too, there are still a number of matches still to be scheduled to ensure each International venue hosts WINDIES cricket next year.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesdAY, september 11, 2018

ICC Women’s Championship…

Teams aim for points ahead of World T20 T

he third round of the ICC Women’s Championship continues this week with four teams looking to climb out of the bottom half of the points table and fine-tune their preparations for the ICC Women’s WT20 2018.

Sri Lanka host India, whilst 2018 hosts Windies welcome South Africa with all four sides looking to make up ground on Australia, England, Pakistan and leaders New Zealand in the race to qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021.

The ICC Women’s Championship sees all eight sides taking on each other in a series of three ODIs home and away. Following the ODI games, there will be crucial preparation for this winter’s Women’s World T20 event with a number of T20Is scheduled.

ICC Women’s WT20 champions play at home

The West Indies host South Africa in Bridgetown from 16-22 September in a series that could see a change of positions in the points table. The home side have six points from six matches with South Africa just two points behind in as many matches.

The West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor, who has scored 321 runs and grabbed 11 wickets in six matches of the tournament so far, wants her team to be identified among the leading teams but remembers that South Africa had the better of them in recent matches.

South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk understands the importance of playing in the West Indies.

West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor said, “With the ICC Women’s World

T20 taking place in the Caribbean this year, our Board has invested in a number of training camps for the team throughout the year, and they have been going well. Everyone is excited and looking forward to putting into practice what they have been working on and have learnt.”

“They (South Africa) have improved steadily and we have had some tough matches against them over the last few years. We had two unflattering performances against them in a warm-up game and then in the group stage at the ICC Women’s World Cup last year in England, so this should motivate us to perform at our utmost best and defend our home turf.

“Our biggest challenge is ourselves. Being able to overcome our own doubts and fears and play boldly.

Hero CPL 2018...

Award for best groundsman at Hero CPL venues introduced T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League has created an award for the groundsman who has overseen the greatest improvement in the pitches at tournament venues since the league’s inception in 2013. The award will see the winning head groundsman being flown to New Zealand to work with world renowned pitch expert Mark Perham.

The award winner will visit New Zealand for three weeks, spending time in both Christchurch and Auckland to see how pitches in other countries are prepared.

This is an amazing opportunity for professional development, and further cements the Hero CPL’s commitment to improving pitches across the region.

Speaking about the award, Mark Perham

said, “I have been delighted to work with the groundsmen across the region to help improve the pitches in the Caribbean. This opportunity for the groundsman that has made the biggest improvement to the standard of wickets at their venue is just reward for a lot of hard work; but I would also like to extend my thanks to all the ground staff who have also put in a lot of hard graft over the years.”

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of Hero CPL, said: “As a tournament, we are firmly committed to playing our part in the improvement of cricketing infrastructure across the Caribbean, and we are very pleased to have been involved in the improvement of pitches. This award is another example of CPL investing in the development of West Indies cricket.”

Also, practicing good habits. Preparing well. Paying attention to detail. Taking ownership of our game. All of these things come together to make you successful on the field. We have to embrace them and bring them to a boil during the series.”

South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk said, “This ICC Women’s Championship series provides us with a great opportunity to prepare for the ICC Women’s WT20 later this year, also to be held in the West Indies.”

“Getting to play the ICC Women’s World T20 champions should be a great learning even though this is a longer format. There are some important points up for grabs in this series and we are hoping to move up the ICC Women’s Championship points table. Stafanie Taylor and her team are a talented lot and we will be looking to be at our best.”

West Indies squad reads: Stafanie Taylor (captain), Merissa Aguilleira, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra

Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Natasha Mclean, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman South Africa squad: Dané van Niekerk (captain), Marizanne Kapp, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Suné Luus, Zintle Mali, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Mignon du Preez, Robyn Searle, Tumi Sekhukhune, Saarah Smith, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe, Laura Wolvaardt

GISE Star Party Rental & Trophy Stall Semi-f inal

Barnwell spurs DCC into final

T

he Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), thanks to a brilliant all-round performance from Christopher Barnwell, defeated the University of Guyana by nine wickets to progress to the final of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), GISE, Star Party Rental and Trophy Stall Firstdivision, two-day tournament which continued at the DCC Ground.

On Saturday, DCC won the toss and inserted UG to bat. They posted a modest 225 all out, with Ershaad Ali narrowly missing his century when he was trapped lbw by Totaram Bishun for 96. Back-up for Ali’s innings came from Omesh Danram (44), Linden Austin (35) and skipper Melroy Stephenson (22).

C h i e f torment o r for the DCC was Barnwell, who bagged 5-52; while Bishun snared 2 wickets for 42 runs.

Sent in to bat, DCC responded with 265 allout, as Barnwell slammed

a massive 165, in process saving his side from a humiliating first innings defeat with them reeling at 138-8 at one point.

Leading wicket-takers for the students was Heywood (382); while Omesh Danram, Ershaad Ali and Ray Newton, chipped in with 2 wickets each.

With a deficit of 40 runs, the students struggled to bat on, and ended their innings at 68-8. Unfortunately, two players sustained injuries and were unable to bat. Danram (22), Stephenson (15) and D a r n e l l Douglas (13) were

the only ones to make double figures, as left arm spinner Ashmead Nedd took 4-15 and Bishun, 2-0.

Set a target of 29 runs for victory, DCC easily brushed aside UG and reached their target for the loss of one wicket.

Christopher Barnwell

guyanatimesgy.com

TuesdAY, september 11, 2018

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Ready, Set, Play!

– top 4 ready to take on play-offs

The top four captains share a light moment during Monday’s press conference

By Jemima Holmes

A

s the sun sets this evening, the National Stadium at Providence will be home to Guyana’s first Hero Caribbean Premier League playoff match. The top four teams are prepared to compete for their spot in Sunday’s final, and both players and fans are excited for the occasion.

With anticipation mounting, the top four teams of the CPL 2018 season are ready and rearing to take apart their opponents. This intention was made clear by all four captains when the in-

teracted with the media on Monday afternoon at the Marriott.

The youngest of the lot, Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain Chris Green, has noted that the team is very confident after its win over the Trinbago Knight Riders on Sunday evening. Added to that, they are looking forward to a repeat of the marvellous home support.

“I think the Knight Riders have been the form team all competition, and they’ve played some really good cricket. We take a lot of confidence after last night’s clash”, Green stated

The captain then went on to state, “We obviously got out home support here, which we thoroughly enjoyed this weekend. And I know our team’s really excited for what’s going to be a very good challenge.”

Touching on the advantage of being a top two team, Trinbago Captain Dwayne Bravo highlighted the uncertainty of going into the playoffs.

“The luxury of finishing one and two, you have two chances, but at the same time that doesn’t give you the right to make it to the finals cause’ you could easily

It’s On!

CPL Play-off fever hits Guyana

have two bad games”, he explained Meanwhile, Jamaica Tallawahs Captain Andre Russell is elated to be a part of the final four in his first stint as captain.

“I’m happy to be here in the top four. You know, it’s my first year as a captain, so that’s an achievement for me as well.”

St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots captain Chris Gayle stated that it took a lot of work to get to this stage. He admitteding that the top two holds the largest advantage.

“Well, I have to be satisfied with where we’re at at this point. It’s been a lot of ups and downs, but it’s a fresh start for these four teams; but the team with the momentum has a slight edge.”

On a lighter note, the World Boss revealed his preferences for the cup.

“Well I can tell you this: it’s going to be St. Kitts or Jamaica winning the cup.

Not Guyana, not Trinidad”, he stated.

One all. Who will it be?

Only a fortune-teller would be able to say whether the matchup between GAW and TKR will be similar to the duo’s encounter in Trinidad and Tobago last Wednesday, or a repeat of the shocker in Guyana on Sunday evening.

In last Wednesday’s encounter, TKR dismantled the Warriors’ line-up, bowling them out for just 103.

Playing at the Queen’s Park Oval, the Trinidad team built their 170 total on the back of Colin Munro’s 90 from 56. However, when it looked like Munro would secure another CPL hundred off the Warriors’ bowl-

Guyana Amazon Warriors Captain Chris Green as he addresses the media

ing, he was sent back by young Guyanese Romario Shepherd, who eventually took 3-29.

Despite Shepherd’s ability to pull back the home team, the Guyana Team’s batting crumbled under Ali khan’s 3-22 and Fawad Ahmed’s 2-20.

But the Warriors side on Sunday proved that they can be held to their name when they hosted Trinidad at the Providence National Stadium. The first task was holding back the Trinidadian batting, and this was helped

by Rayad Emrit (2-25), who was rested in the previous match.

With the Warriors needing to reach the total of 155 in 15.3 overs to lock in the second position over the Jamaica Tallawahs, the Guyanese duo of Shimron Hetmyer (59 runs off 30 balls) and Sherfane Rutherford (45 runs off 13 balls) blasted their way to a win in 14.1 overs.

One can only wonder whether the inclusion of Sunil Narine and Ali Khan in Trinidad’s bowling would have made the score a little less attainable. However,

Captain of the Warriors, Chris Green, is aware of the fact that the duo will be back in today’s lineup, but remains confident of his team’s ability.

“We know they’re going to make some changes through the guys they rested last night. And I think it’s going to be a really exciting clash again”, Green admitted.

Whichever way the pendulum swings, one thing’s for sure: the Providence National Stadium this evening will see it rain in sixes and wickets, as both teams fight to the very last ball to ensure that they are the ones lifting the cup come Sunday evening.

Tomorrow evening, the Jamaica Tallawahs will face off with the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the same time and venue, after which the winner will take on the loser of Playoff one at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, September 14 at 8 pm.

When it is all decided, the ultimate clash will go down at the Brian Lara Stadium from 5pm on Sunday evening.

GFF Elite League…

Hackett doubles to sink Buxton T

CPL fans endured the blistering sun as they waited to secure their tickets for the play-off matches today and tomorrow

H

istory will be made this evening as Guyana prepares to welcome their first playoff at home. As such, anticipation for the matches is rising, and patrons are not wasting any time in getting their tickets.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CPL, Damien O’ Donohoe, on Monday revealed that there has been a 20% rise in attendance at matches around the Caribbean for the 2018 year. In addition, the CEO is elated at the sold out crowds that flocked Providence for a whopping 5 home matches.

“I think all around the CPL fever is just hitting new heights, so we couldn’t be more pleased,” O’ Donohoe stated.

The CPL office has made a grand announcement that will allow patrons to attend both games at a discounted price.

According to a statement made by CPL’s Chief Operating Officer Pete Russell, patrons who purchase tickets for tomorrow’s playoff will be eligible to purchase tickets for Wednesday’s playoff at a 25% discount.

We want to show Guyana off to the world in all its glory. You’ve done a brilliant job so far”, Russell said.

Patrons can pick up their tickets at 238 Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown; Imam Bacchus & Sons General Store at Affiance, Essequibo Coast; 19 Princess Elizabeth Road, Queenstown, New Amsterdam; Cellular Planet location in the Giftland Mall, Sherriff Street, and Rosignol; Cell Smart locations in Rose Hall, Parika and Avenue of the Republic; and Speed Talk at Anna Regina.

he Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) Elite League III continued on Sunday with a triple header at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground.

It saw Western Tigers, Fruta Conquerors, and defending champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) securing wins.

Conquerors outgunned Buxton United 4-0, displaying a nature consistent with their name, and showing the Buxtonians who is the proverbial boss.

Hackett’s performance started with him picking up a yellow card in the 19th minute, before Eon Alleyne put his side ahead in the 32nd minute to put Conquerors up by one at the half.

When play resumed, it didn’t take the Conquerors long to break the defense of Buxton again, allowing

Anthony Abrams to find the back of the net in the 48th minute.

Already comfortably ahead 2-0, the Conquerors rubbed salt in the wounds of the proud Buxtonians when Hackett scored in the 64th and 66th minutes, to make it virtually impossible for Buxton United to bounce back before the regulation time whistle.

In the first match of the night, Western Tigers did well to hold off Ann’s Grove United 1-0. Both teams began

play passing the ball back and forth, defending, and even going on the offensive from time to time. However, the Tigers, playing like their namesakes the predatory felines, pounced on their prey and drew first blood.

Hubert Pedro’s 36th minute goal proved to be the decider, as equalizing was too tough a task for Ann’s Grove to handle.

Meanwhile, defending champs GDF were set to play Victoria Kings, but with a goalless first half in the books and what looked like much of the same in the second, GDF pulled a rabbit out of its hat when Dowlin Fraser managed to hit the back of the net in the 84th minute of the game. With six minutes remaining until full time, GDF were happy to go on the defensive and maintain the lead.

TuesdAY, september 11, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

No introduction needed!

The captains of Hero CPL 2018 top four teams

Page 23

Ready, Set, Play!

– top 4 ready to take on play-offs

DRS possible in 2019 season – CPL COO Page 20

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