Guyana Times - Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Massy Group pledges support to suicide prevention, mental health awareness Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4042

tuesday, september 10, 2019

PRICE

Under heavy criticism

GECOM claims it is "multitasking" to prepare for elections See story on page 3

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GPOC warns public of P11 social media scammers P8 Berbice woman jailed for attempting to bribe cop

…says H2H data being verified, polling day staff being trained

…less than 1/3 of names registered during H2H inputted in system – source

Taxi driver feeds estranged wife, 3-year-old poison Page 10

…commits suicide as mom, daughter battling for lives

Man remanded for pelting P8 ex-lover with brick

Caretaker P8 charged for $1.9M theft

Body of P15 unidentified male found on EBD Public Road These two young ladies performing a Kathak dance at the commemorative reception at the Marriott on Monday in honour of the arrival of Guyana’s first Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel the Liza Destiny

Caribbean Financial Action Task Force

AG admits more work needed to pass evaluation

Page 9

…as SOCU called out for lack of convictions

Resignation of Cabinet case

Opposition returns to High Court seeking constitutional See story compliance on page 7

…submissions made, case adjourned

Guyana Goldfields instructed NMWU is official Union for workers P14 ...presented with their Trade Union Certificate of Recognition

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TuesDAY, september 10, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

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TuesDAY, september 10, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Tuesday, September 10 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Wednesday, September 11 – 03:30h – 05:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, September 10 – 14:30h -16:00h and Wednesday, September 11 – 06:30h – 8:00h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine with intervals of light rain showers during late morning and early afternoon hours. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to Southerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 01:45h and 14:23h reaching maximum heights of 2.20 metres and 2.21 metres.

Low Tide: 07:51h and 20:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.96 metre and 1.01 metres.

saturday, SEPTEMBER 7, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

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monday, september 9, 2019 DAILY MILLIONS

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

Under heavy criticism

GECOM claims it is “multitasking” to prepare for elections

…says H2H data being verified, polling day staff being trained …less than 1/3 of names registered during H2H inputted in system – source

U

nder a constant barrage of criticisms for the continued delay in holding elections, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) claims that it is multitasking, by training polling day staff and inputting data while the Commission deliberates on timeframes.

According to GECOM in a statement on Monday, they are currently verifying and encoding the House-to-House data that was gathered and scheduled to be merged with the existing National Register of Registrants (NRR) database.

“In addition, the Commission is moving swiftly with the training of polling day staff countrywide. To date, training has been completed in Region 4 (Georgetown, East Bank and East Coast) and Region 5. Training will be conducted in Regions 1, 2 and 10 on September 7-8, 2019,” GECOM said.

“The Guyana Elections Commission is committed to ensuring it produces a credible list for the conduct of credible General and Regional Elections within the shortest possible time in accordance with law,” the Commission added.

Meanwhile, sources have confirmed to this publication that as of Friday, GECOM had scanned and inputted less than a third (approximately 120,000) of the over 370,000 persons who were registered during House-toHouse into the system.

It is understood that the data generated from this process will then have to be analysed before attempts to add them to the NRR are even made.

After a more than fourhour-long meeting on Friday last, both Opposition and Government-aligned Commissioners disclosed to media operatives that March 2020 was one of several timelines proposed by the Secretariat.

Government-aligned Commissioner Vincent Alexander confirmed that March 2020 is one of the dates discussed during the meeting. According to the Commissioners, one of the activities proposed to be undertaken by GECOM during that period is the printing of new national identification (ID) cards. However, Commissioner Bibi Shadick contended that such an initiative is unnecessary.

She pointed out that ID cards are not needed to vote, as any other form of identification, such as a passport, is accepted. In lieu of any such documents, she said voters can sign an oath at the polling stations.

After this revelation, a number of figures in several sections of the media have

Guyana Elections Commission

come out critiquing not only GECOM, but its Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh. In its statement, GECOM pointed out that these discussions are slated to continue at the next statutory meeting on September 10.

Constitution

Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence”.

Meanwhile, Article 106 (7) goes on to say: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the

oath of office following the election”.

A No-Confidence Motion (NCM) was passed against the government since December 21 of last year. However, elections were not held and there was no resignation.

Instead, the Government went through several levels of court, unsuccessfully arguing that the NCM was not validly passed.

At the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the final court had thrown out the Government’s case and had handed down judgement say-

ing that when the NCM was passed on December 21, 2019, Article 106 of the Constitution had immediately been activated. In addition, the Court had noted that the provisions of the article were clear.

Instead of immediately starting serious preparations to hold elections in the shortest possible time, GECOM proceeded to carry out Houseto-House Registration based on the orders of unilaterally appointed former Chairman retired Justice James Patterson. A court case challenging this process and seeking to have GECOM comply with the Constitution was in fact filed.

While that process was ultimately stopped by his successor, the decision to merge the new data from Houseto-House and to prioritise the printing of identification cards, instead of seeking to have elections held as soon as possible, has been criticised

by People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-nominated GECOM Commissioners as part of the Government’s delaying tactics.

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tuesday, september 10, 2019

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

“Working together to prevent suicide”

T

oday, Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing World Suicide Prevention Day. This year, the general theme is “Working together to prevent suicide” and the day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide prevention.

When life has become a burden, too heavy to bear, some persons do not have the courage, or strength, or spiritual fortitude to overcome an urge to seek a place they think may offer escape from their pain or problems.

They think – that is, if they are thinking at all, and not merely acting on primal emotion – that the place they have in mind would provide a final solution to all that is ailing them. Suicide is one of the most selfish and cruel acts that any human being can commit because the lifelong burden of pain and blame that relatives and loved ones carry to their graves robs them also of their lives, or diminishes the quality of their lives.

The link between suicide and depression indicates that intervention in the lives of those who display suicidal tendencies is a dire necessity, because depression is a disease that predisposes suicidal tendencies. Sometimes someone who decides to end his/her life is saved and has a second chance at living their life to the full and natural end. They discover that so many challenges lead to higher places in life that they come to the realisation that their initial response to pain had not been a solution – final or otherwise – but merely a precipitator of problems and a source of unending pain for loved ones.

Persons who had opted for this apparent resolution to their problems, whether they died the same time or many days afterwards, had committed the most selfish act; because they had paid no heed to their obligations to parents and other relatives who loved them, or are dependent on them for anything.

Mainly of recent times, there has been a spate of actual and attempted suicides in Guyana, especially in rural areas; and the authorities seem perplexed as to how to deal with what is emerging as an epidemic, because mental health issues seem to have taken a backseat in the health sector.

There often is need for merely a listening ear to diffuse unbearable emotions and a caring person to advise that this final act of taking one’s own life leaves many unresolved problems for others. The agony of the moment that precipitates that momentous and tragic act that writes the final episode of one’s life by one’s own actions could be gradually reduced to manageable proportions if there is a confidante or someone to whom the afflicted can relate and in whom they can confide.

Research has determined suicide in Guyana is a serious social problem, as Guyana was ranked first in suicides per capita worldwide.

Statistics have revealed that about 40 per cent of people who commit suicide in Guyana ingest agricultural pesticides and thus poison themselves. The most famous case of suicide in Guyana was the mass suicide of over 900 members of Jim Jones’ Peoples Temple in 1978, although some sources regard the events as mass murder.

Jim Jones, the leader of this cult, and his followers were all Americans who had created a commune in Guyana’s jungles.

Suicide is a major problem and its prevention should be a worldwide priority. Here at home, steps have been taken by both Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Government to help reduce the incidence of suicide.

However, no significant prevention initiatives have been launched. There is no national action plan that can be implemented. Today, as we observe seek to help in the prevention of this ugly sickness calls must be made for a coordinated national response to suicide.

These youngsters from Speightland, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) show off their rich and unique cultural wear during the community’s heritage celebrations on Sunday (Department of Public Information photo)

Brazil deforestation rises, Amazon fire worries soar

D

eforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest rose for the fourth straight month in August from a year earlier, according to preliminary government data released on Friday, adding to concerns over fires already ravaging the region.

The Brazilian Amazon is facing its worst spate of forest fires since 2010, with news of the destruction of the world's largest rainforest last month prompting global outcry and worries that it could hurt demand for the country's exports.

Brazil's leading meat export industry group and other agribusiness associations on Friday joined with nongovernment organisations (NGOs) to call for an end to deforestation on public lands, demanding government action amid the fires.

"I haven't seen any contracts being canceled in any sectors. Exports continue, but the red light is flashing," Marcello Brito, president of the Brazilian Agribusiness Association, told reporters at a briefing.

"If action isn't taken, if the discourse doesn't change, if the rhetoric doesn't change, then things can get worse."

Environmentalists blame the strong rhetoric of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro in favour of developing the Amazon for emboldening deforesters and those setting fires.

Bolsonaro has complained that the country does not have the resources to Police an area as large as the Amazon. The country is facing a steep budget shortfall as its economy recovers slower than expected from a deep recession.

Brazil's Environment

Minister Ricardo Salles told Reuters in an interview on Friday that the Government did not have enough funds to hire more permanent environmental enforcement agents, who are used to combat deforestation and fires.

Instead, the federal government plans to hire state environmental police on their days off to assist in enforcement, he said.

"You have to be creative," Salles said.

The Group of Seven wealthy nations offered $20 million in aid last week to help fight the fires, but Bolsonaro said he would only accept it if French President Emmanuel Macron withdrew "insults" against him.

Bolsonaro and Macron have been embroiled in a deeply personal and public war of words, with Bolsonaro mocking Macron's wife and accusing the French leader of disrespecting Brazil's sovereignty. Macron has called Bolsonaro a liar and said Brazilian women are "probably ashamed" of him.

It remains unclear if Brazil will accept the offer, although the country will take 10 million pounds in aid from the United Kingdom, according to the British embassy in Brasilia.

In the eight months through August, Amazon deforestation rose 92% to 6,404.8 square kilometers

(2,472.91 square miles), an area larger than the US state of Delaware, according to preliminary data from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

In August alone, deforestation more than tripled to 1,700.8 square kilometers (657 square miles).

Deforestation is often followed by burning to clear land for ranching or farming, so the destruction in August could signal more fires to come in the Amazon, according Ana Paula Aguiar, an INPE land use researcher now on leave at Stockholm University.

"They cut trees and then later they start fires, so possibly (the spike in fires) will continue," Aguiar said. "If they have already deforested in the previous month, we'll see fire this month."

In the first five days of September, INPE registered 2,799 fires in the Amazon, a decrease of 60% compared to the same period of 2018.

If the hotspots continue to be registered at the same rate, September could be a better month for fires, falling below the same month a year ago and the average for the last 20 years, Aguiar said. But with only a few days of data, it is too soon to tell, she said.

Environment Minister Salles attributed the fall in the number of fires to the

government's measures to combat the fires, which included sending in the military.

Rain could bring relief to the western part of the Brazilian Amazon, although to the east broad swathes of the rainforest will remain extremely dry, according to Refinitiv data.

Meat group Abiec and NGOs Imazon and IPAM are among the 11 Brazilian groups that signed on to a campaign on Friday calling for a Justice Ministry task force to resolve conflicts over public land, representatives of the groups told reporters.

The protection of the Amazon, which absorbs vast amounts of greenhouse gas that causes global warming, is seen as vital to the fight against climate change.

Roughly 60% of the Amazon lies in Brazil.

The campaign also calls for another task force to examine forests on public land that have not been assigned any reserve or other status.

About 40% of deforestation in 2018 occurred on public lands, according to IPAM. All forests should receive designations based on what they are best suited for, IPAM Executive Director Andre Guimaraes said. For example, if it contains sensitive species, a forest could be protected as a reserve or national park, he said.

Others could be designated as national forests or as concession areas for sustainable logging, Guimaraes said.

Roughly 650,000 square km (250,966 square miles) of forest in Brazil – an area nearly twice the size of Germany – have no designation, according to IPAM. (Saudi

Gazette/Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, september 10, 2019

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

There are major problems within every sector of the economy Dear Editor, On the 6th September, Caretaker President David Granger hosted an interactive business luncheon for stakeholders of the Mining community, members of the GGDMA, WMO and NMS were present and related a litany of woes to Granger; President of the GGDMA, Mr Terrence Adams raised concerns about the deplorable state of the roadways, which lead to mining communities and what he described as a need for more government concessions.

The GWMO president asked whether the Government would be able to render assistance to the mining industry. “How would miners be assisted? At this point, we do not have any alternatives to mercury but at the same time, we have the years that are counting down for us,” she said. The caretaker President also said he would welcome recommendations of solutions from the mining sector, which would be sent to him directly.

Granger explained that he was not previously aware of the issues plaguing the sector. In 2017, Granger introduced a 2% final tax on gold production; this was changed to a sliding scale in 2018 after strong representation by the PPP in parliament. Miners now have to pay to sell gold to the Gold Board; 14% VAT applies to the industry and has not

been removed despite numerous pleas. Miners who are not in possession of claim documents in the interior are threatened with jail. There is rampant corruption in the sector with government cronies forming ‘syndicates’ and being allocated prime claims under most questionable circumstances. How can the President not know what the consequences of his policies are? Granger is meeting and promising as he did before elections 2015, can anyone trust him to care after elections 2019?

Editor, Gold and Diamond mining contribute Billions in hard currency to our nation’s coffers; Mining is the main pillar of our economy presently, how can Granger not know of the issues affecting production and profitability in this vital sector? This begs the question of what does Mr. Granger do all day? For it seems every time there is an issue within a sector, he (Granger) asserts he has no knowledge of the problem; when the issues with the ExxonMobil PSA was being discussed, Granger’s advisor on Oil, Dr. Jan Mangal, revealed that “It was ExxonMobil who told me the contract was signed, not the Government. President Granger himself seemed surprised that a new contract was already signed.”

Following this, Granger assumed responsibility for

oil, or so we were told, He (Granger) promptly handed over control of the newly created Department of Energy to Dr. Mark Bynoe, who in follow-the-leader fashion, appointed Mr. Wilks, a retired oilman to run the department, while he (Bynoe) engaged in various political activities such as talks on ‘Christian oil’.

Dear Editor, Concerning GECOM, I have some questions.

Whatever happened to the fraud investigation of buying expensive pliers and non-functioning radios?

Will there be any inquiry why the Chief Officer and Secretariat did not do any work on election preparation, although the PNC was defeated since December 2018, and they said they could be ready for election in 3 months. For the elec-

tions, follow the GPS principle of driving – do you want the fastest route, shortest route, and do you want to avoid toll routes. We have a constitutional deadline to meet! (Imagine how many roads we could have fixed and electricity improved with the many billions spent on new unneeded registration!).

Will the new Chair look into diversity in hiring and the denial of a job to former deputy chief Elections

Officer, Mr Vishnu, although he was the most qualified and experienced and highest scoring?

Obviously, the Secretariat staff (lacking in diversity) seems to be cooperating well with the PNC agenda of dragging it out.

Will the new GECOM Chair put an end to all these shenanigans and follow the constitutional timeline?

From news reports, you get the feeling that Alexander is running things

Dear Editor, The Guyana Elections commission on Friday submitted a proposal that elections be held in March 2020. I do not wish to weigh in on this issue of national importance of the December 21st no confidence motion but I do believe the law is the law and no matter what is the situation at present, the constitution must be upheld.

The Government was defeated by a vote of no confidence sponsored by the parliamentary opposition and according to the constitution, Article

106(6 and 7) requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the president.

The article goes on to state that, among other things, that notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and that an election shall be held within three months, or such longer period as the national assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the national assembly determine.

What is so difficult about what the constitution states? The Caribbean

Editor, not to belabor the point, but here is another thing Granger does not seem to ‘know’; Declarations must be made to the Integrity Commission annually, otherwise we have no explanation for his (Granger’s) move from a small house in D ‘urban backlands to a compound that includes a mansion and other buildings in Pearl within two years of assumption of the Office of the President.

Granger knows an election can only be delayed for so long; as he temporizes; his Ministers are working for the first time in four years, Volda Lawrence is visiting hinterland villages rolling out internet connectivity; Lawrence never mentions that this program was inherited from the PPP complete with $17 Million USD as part of the LCDS and she never apologizes for the delay in implementation. Amerindian titling is suddenly a priority; roads in Georgetown and on the east Coast are being fixed

hastily as the election fever grips; Guyanese know that ‘fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me’ applies to this sudden flurry of care and new promises.

There are major problems within every sector of the economy - Rice, Sugar, Bauxite, and Construction are suffering a marked downturn, along with the aforementioned Gold and Diamond mining; The teachers, security services and public servants are unhappy; Local businessmen want a vibrant Local Content policy backed by legislation to give them at least a level playing field in the new petroleum sector. Will Granger be meeting with all these groups for suggestions on solutions? If so I would suggest he not waste everyone’s time. Following the meeting described above, a prominent miner asked me for a polite way to indicate to Mr Granger that a return to the status quo that existed when Granger assumed office i.e. the PPP policies, would suffice to solve all of the problems now plaguing the mining industry “just undo all the new taxes and give us back the concessions we had”. In reply, I suggested that the message will be delivered loud and clear by persons in every productive sector and the general electorate come Election Day. Respectfully, Robin Singh

Goings-on at GECOM Secretariat not right at GECOM. Will the Chair, please step up and clamp down on the trampling of the constitution. You can’t choose an elaborate, unnecessary process over more efficient means to meet urgent constitutional requirements. That is simply wicked. In a week’s time, the caretaker government becomes illegal.

Sincerely, Jerry Singh

Constitution of Guyana must be upheld Court of Justice which is Guyana’s Final Appellate Court upheld the no confidence motion in which the President Justice Adrian Sanders when he read the ruling states that there is no need for the court to gloss over the provisions of Article 106 (6 and 7) but it is, in fact, the responsibility of the constitutional actors to be faithful to the rule of law and operate within parameters of the constitution and in relation to the Guyana Elections Commission also responsible for conducting the elections they too must

abide by the provisions of the constitution.

Editor, I still believe that the new Gecom Chair retired Justice Claudette Singh will do the right thing by calling elections before the end of this year as stated by the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and save Guyana from being the center of international travesty by failing to upheld the rule of law. The world is watching.

Sincerely, Robin Joseph Councillor, Waramuri Village

GAWU has always stood by workers, working-class side

Dear Editor, The GAWU’s attention was drawn to Mr Earl Hamilton’s letter titled “Another example of deception by GAWU” which was published in the September 09 2019. The letter writer has sought to add his views to the spirited discussion between our Union and Mr Lincoln Lewis regarding some aspects of the sugar industry. While certainly, Mr Hamilton has a right to express his views, we contend such views ought not to be tainted but rather reflective of what really transpired and what is factual.

Mr Hamilton charges our Union as a mouthpiece, seemingly of the PPP/C. Contrary to such warped thinking, the GAWU is the mouthpiece of no one but an ardent voice of our members and the working-class of Guyana. We have steadfastly and continuously stood on the side of the workers of our country as they face up to varied and multiple challenges in their quest for fairness, equity and social justice.

The letter writer says regarding the sugar industry that the “…decline and eventual death… would have affected the livelihoods of so many…”. Indeed, as our Union and others had warned, this reality is right now playing out in scores of communities at this very time and affecting too many Guyanese. The fact that this is generally recognizable brings into serious question the rationale/s that was advanced by the incumbent caretaker Administration regarding the industry’s minimization.

Mr Hamilton next contends that “…workers’ legal action for severance that originates from employment with a state entity, is one brought against the State”.

What the letter writer seems to say, in our view, is that the State has a beholden responsibility, whether directly or indirectly, to the workers of the industry. With that in mind then it adds further confirmation that the State, led by the APNU+AFC, has been practicing naked discrimination when it chose to award pay rises to all workers of the State except those in the sugar industry.

The letter writer may really wish to consider our views regarding worker and trade union collaboration and co-operation. As we have pointed out, on several occasions, our Union has zealously and continuously called, supported and advocated increased and improved trade union solidarity. Through, our trade union centre – FITUG, the GAWU has expressed support and solidarity with workers facing up to challenges at their workplace. In more recent times, GAWU, through FITUG, has stood together with the nation’s teachers as they sought a fair deal, and with the workers of RUSAL to demand respect for the Union from the employer. Our Union has a long-standing history of standing on the side of the workers and the working-class. We have not forgotten whence we came and we believe standing together makes us stronger.

Today it is saddening that those who once called themselves friends and allies of the workers and who are firmly ensconced in cushy positions of State, have all but forgotten about the workers and their struggles for a better today and tomorrow.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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Foundation

When it's just you after school

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re you home alone after school until your parents get home?

Plenty of kids are. No one knows exactly how many, but the number is in the millions.

It's common for both parents to work or for kids to live with just one parent, so many kids spend some time alone after school. There are many after-school programmes, but in some cases, families may not be able to afford the extra expense.

You might have many different feelings about being alone. Sometimes you might be happy to have the place to yourself. Sometimes you might be lonely, or afraid, or just plain bored.

Here's what you'll need to build your own indoor slingshot!

Set some ground rules

So you and your mom or dad have decided you're mature enough to take care of yourself after school. Every weekday, you'll come home, let yourself in, and then what? Good question!

This is why you'll need to set up some rules — before you're home alone.

Some families put up a list of rules where everyone can see them, like on the refrigerator door. Other families write out a contract and have each member sign it, saying they agree to the rules. Or a family might just go over the rules out loud.

But whatever method you use, there are a lot of questions to talk about, like: Should you call mom or dad as soon as you get home?

Are you allowed to watch TV, movies, and videos, or play computer games? If so, which ones and for how long?

Should homework be done first, even before chores?

Can friends come over? If so, how many?

What can you eat if you want a snack?

Can you go outside, and if so, where?

Which appliances can be used? (microwave, computer, etc) Which chores need to be done and by when?

Should your parent call home just before leaving work each day? For example, would it help to have a headsup in time to finish any last-minute chores before they arrive?

Once you've decided on the rules, you and your parent may find it helpful to make a schedule. That way, you'll know what's expected of you each day.

A schedule might look like this: 3:30-3:40 — Call mom or dad.

3:40-4:00 — Change clothes and have a snack.

4:00-4:45 — Do homework.

4:45-5:30 — FREE TIME! 5:30 — Set the table for dinner.

5:45 — Mom or dad is home.

Know how to stay safe

Knowing how to stay safe is just as important as knowing the family rules.

Again, this is something you need to talk over with your mom, dad, or both of them. Go over safety rules for the kitchen if you'll be doing any cooking while you're home alone. It's a good idea to practise what you would do in a real emergency, just in case anything ever happens.

Kids who are home alone might worry that someone could break into the house and hurt them. The good news is that this is very unlikely. But keeping the doors and windows locked will help you to stay safe.

Decide with your mom or dad what to do if the phone rings or if someone knocks at the door. It's never a good idea to tell someone that you're home by yourself. And if you get home and the door is open or a window's smashed, don't even peek inside. Instead, go to a neighbour you trust for help.

Other kinds of emergencies could come up, too, like a toilet overflowing, a fire, or you or a sibling might get sick or hurt. Just in case, you'll want to know: how to dial 911

your address and phone number the name, location, and phone number where your mom or dad works the name, phone number, and address of a trusted neighbour the name, phone number, and address of another emergency contact person, such as a grandparent or family friend

If you're a little lonely

Talk with your mom or dad about how you feel about being home alone, especially if you feel lonely or scared.

They might be able to give you some ideas or solutions that will make you feel more at ease. Maybe you can go home with a friend once a week or a neighbour can start checking on you.

Sometimes a kid just isn't ready to stay home alone and other arrangements need to be made.

Keeping busy with homework, chores, and play can make your alone time go quickly. But you might find yourself wondering what to do next.

The trick is to think about your choices ahead of time. You might even want to keep a list of stuff you like to do. Need some ideas to get you started?

Read a book or magazine.

Work on a hobby or try a new one.

Listen to music, sing, or play an instrument.

Write a letter or an email or phone a friend.

Write a story full of made-up adventures of what happened to you when you were home alone — and don't forget to give it a happy ending! (kidshealth.org)

2 toilet-paper tubes (or 1 paper-towel tube, cut in half) Tape Single-hole punch (optional) Stubby pencil Pen or marker 2 thin rubber bands Scissors Marshmallow (or small ball)

Do this again at the same end of the tube, opposite your first set of slits.

Attach the rubber bands: Push a rubber band into one set of slits. Be gentle. Avoid bending the piece of cardboard between the slits. Do the same on the other side.

(Thin rubber bands work best because they fit into the slits without bending the cardboard too much.).

TIP: If the slits bend open…

If the rubber band comes out of the slits because they bend open, tape the slits in place while the rubber band is wrapped around them.

It’s okay to tape over the rubber band.

Assemble the blaster: Slide the plunger into the larger tube (called the “grip”).

Power up: Hook each rubber band around a pencil end.

Method

Load a marshmallow.

It should rest on top of the plunger. TIP: If the marshmallow falls into the plunger… If the plunger is so wide that a marshmallow falls into it, cut the plunger open, squeeze it narrower, and re-tape it.

Make the plunger (ie, the inner tube): Cut a toilet-paper tube in half, lengthwise.

Squeeze it so it’s about half its original diameter and tape it.

Punch two holes: Punch the holes half an inch from the end, opposite each other.

Insert the pencil: Gently push the pencil through the two holes, twisting as you push. TIP: If the pencil holes tear…

Punch two new ones.

Punch about half an inch into the tube, away from the old holes. You want a good amount of cardboard supporting the pencil.

Cut slits: Take the second toilet-paper tube. Draw two short lines straight down from the rim, about as far apart as the width of your index finger. Make two slits by cutting each line.

Ready!

Aim!

Hold the blaster’s outer tube. Pull the pencil back to stretch the rubber bands.

The marshmallow will drop into the blaster.

Fire!

Release the plunger.

Watch your marshmallow blast across the room! (pbskids. org)

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7

TuesDAY, september 10, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Resignation of Cabinet case

Opposition returns to High Court seeking constitutional compliance …submissions made, case adjourned

Former AG Anil Nandlall

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he parliamentary Opposition has returned to the High Court seeking to force the Government to comply with the Constitution of Guyana, this time Article 106 of the Constitution which sets out that Cabinet must resign after a No-Confidence Motion.

Bringing the case is former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who is seeking from acting Chief Justice Roxane George orders compelling Cabinet, which has been meeting despite the clear language of the Constitution.

“We are asking for a declaration that Cabinet was resigned on the passage of the No-Confidence Motion.

Alternatively, we’re asking for an order that Cabinet be resigned, because the Chief Justice had ruled that they were resigned by application of law,” he said in an interview afterwards.

He added that the

Opposition is asking for an order giving effect to that resignation. “And we’re asking for an order restraining Cabinet from meeting, because they are disbanded and no longer in existence,” Nandlall further explained.

In response to Nandlall’s submissions, Attorney General Basil Williams is arguing that his return to the court is an abuse of the court process. Nandlall slammed the AG for skimming over the constitutional provision requiring his and the rest of the Cabinet’s resignations.

“It’s unfortunate that we have to resort to this kind of strenuous efforts in the court to get the Government to obey the Constitution.

Every one of you read the Constitution and would know that Article 106 says that upon the successful passage of the No-Confidence Motion, Cabinet inclusive of the President shall resign.”

He added that 10 months after the passage of the No-Confidence Motion, the Opposition is “battling for the Government to give effect to that provision of the Constitution which is our supreme law. This is the level to which we have descended. And rather than the AG come here and concede, he comes here and says it is an abuse of process. It’s an atrocious contention. Instead of come here and apologise to the court and then go and advise his Cabinet to resign, he comes here with a

straight face and says we are abusing the court.”

According to Nandlall, all they are seeking is for the Government to comply with the Constitution.

In her deliberations, Chief Justice Roxane George gave Nandlall five days in which

106 (7) goes on to say: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of

there was no resignation.

Instead, the Government went through several levels of court, unsuccessfully arguing that the NoConfidence Motion was not validly passed.

At the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the final court had thrown out the Government’s case and

Attorney General Basil Williams

to make their submissions while Williams was given until September 21 to file on behalf of the Government.

The next court hearing will be held on September 30 at 13:30h.

Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Meanwhile, Article

the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

A No-Confidence Motion was passed against the Government since December 21 of last year. However, elections were not held and

had handed down judgement saying that when the No-Confidence Motion was passed on December 21, 2019, Article 106 of the Constitution had immediately been activated. In addition, the court had noted that the provisions of the Article were clear.

Instead of immediately starting serious preparations to hold elections in the shortest possible time, however, GECOM proceeded to carry out House-to-House Registration based on the orders of unilaterally appointed former Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson.

The exercise has since been stopped, but GECOM has since proposed a March 2020 timeframe for holding elections.

When it comes to Cabinet resigning, Government had initially announced that it would no longer be holding Cabinet sessions but rather, decisions would be made using a “ministerial plenary” that still retained the powers of Cabinet. They have since resorted back to using “Cabinet” to describe these meetings.

8 news

TuesDAY, september 10, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Caretaker charged for $1.9M theft

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caretaker, who allegedly stole $1.9 million worth of jewellery and cash from her employer, made her first court appearance on Monday.

Forty-year-old Carla Agar appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where she denied the theft charge.

The charge alleged that on September 3, 2019 at Festival City, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, she stole from the dwelling home of Ayoba Watson $1.5M and $400,000 in jewellery.

Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummel did not object to bail; however, she asked that con-

Carla Agar

ditions be applied. The Magistrate released the woman on $250,000 bail.

As a condition for bail, she was instructed to lodge her passport with the court and report to the East La Penitence Police Station every Friday until the conclusion of her trial.

The case will continue on September 23.

Berbice woman jailed for attempting to bribe cop

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40-year-old woman, who allegedly bribed a clearance officer in order for him not to put a previous conviction on her brother’s Police clearance document, was on Monday sentenced to 28 days imprisonment. She was also fined $50,000.

Bibi Azimulla, of New Area, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice – Corentyne) was on trial before Magistrate Dylon

Bibi Azimulla

Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. On Monday, the woman was found guilty of the charge and the sentence was handed down.

The charge had stated that on November 19, 2018, at the Criminal Investigation Headquarters (CID), Eve Leary, Georgetown, Azimulla tried to corrupt Leslyn HalleySmith, an agent of the State, by paying her $20,000 to not

put on a clearance document a previous conviction of brother, Azaad Azimulla.

The woman had denied the charge. The prosecution had contended that on November 19, 2018, Azimulla went into the clearance office at the Criminal Investigation Department and offered the clearance officer the sum of money.

Azimulla was then told of the offence, arrested and taken into custody.

Man remanded for pelting ex-lover with brick

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man, who admitted to fracturing the nose of his ex-male partner after an argument, was on Monday charged and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Thirty-five-year-old Leon Murray appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty after he was slapped with two charges.

The first charge alleged that on September 5, 2019 at Georgetown, he maliciously damaged one spectacle valued at $30,000 property of Shawn Solomon.

The second charge alleged

that on September 5, 2019 at Georgetown, he inflicted grievous bodily harm on Solomon.

The unrepresented man pleaded not guilty to the first charge; however, he pleaded guilty to the second charge with explanation.

In his pleadings to the court Murray stated that Solomon pulled out two knives and started to fire chops. “It cut my hand, he then pick up a big wood and throw it on my neck. After he throw it, I got angry and picked up a big brick and throw it in his face,”

Leon Murray

Murray said.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris informed the court that on September 5 at about 22:30h, the Virtual

Complainant (VC) went home from work and saw Murray, after which an argument ensured. According to the Prosecutor, the defendant armed himself with a brick and pelted the VC to his face. The matter was reported and the defendant was arrested.

The Prosecutor objected to bail since the VC suffered a fractured nose and the seriousness of the offence.

The Magistrate, after listening to both sides, remanded the father of one to prison. The case will continue on September 10.

Security guard charged for stealing dresses from workplace

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father of two, who allegedly stole a quantity of dresses from his employer, was on Monday charged for the offence.

Lenno Alexander, 28, of Lot 317 Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty and denied the charge.

It is alleged that on September 7, 2019 at

Lenno Alexander

Regent Street, Georgetown, he stole 12 dresses valued at $60,000 property of Sunil Theotia.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris told the court that on the day in question, the defendant was leaving the store where he is employed as a security guard when he was stopped and asked to carry out a search on his bag.

The court heard that it was during the search that

a few dresses were found.

However, after the items were discovered, the owner became suspicious and asked to carry out another search on the defendant’s car, when the remainder of items were discovered in the trunk.

The Police was summoned and the guard was arrested. He was released on $40,000 bail.

The case will continue on September 23.

Neighbours settle attempted murder case

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34-year-old construction worker’s charge was dismissed on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Travis Garrett was charged in July for attempted murder after allegedly chopping his neighbour with a cutlass.

Garrett, of Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on July 24, 2019, at Grove, East Bank Demerara, he wounded Ramchan Chunnilall with the intent to commit murder.

When the matter

was called before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, the two men agreed to settle the matter. The victim told the court that he did not want to proceed with the matter and as a result, he is willing to accept $20,000 as compensation. He said that the defendant’s wife is sickly and she has young children to take care of and since Garrett is the sole breadwinner of his family, he will not proceed with the case.

The victim added that he had forgiven Garrett but he would like for the Magistrate to warn him.

The Magistrate, after

listening to the victim, discharged the matter on the grounds of no evidence offered.

Garrett was then instructed to compensate the victim from the bail he posted.

The facts of the matter stated that Garrett and the victim, who are neighbours, were involved in an argument when the 34-year-old man armed himself with a cutlass and dealt the victim a chop to his neck.

The injured man was then rushed to the Diamond Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. The

Travis Garrett

matter was later reported and Garrett was subsequently arrested.

False…

O

…equivalence ne of the most insidious (and annoying) behaviour that pops up with great regularity as the political climate heats up is some folks wallowing in false equivalencies as they strive to walk some thin line of political correctness. “False equivalence”, of course, is what happens when someone tries to convince you that two things should be given equal weight in your considerations as you come to any given decision, while those two things aren’t in any way actually equivalent.

Take Justice Claudette Singh in her new job as GECOM Chair. When she was back being just a judge, do you think she gave rapists the same right to rape women, as the right of the women not to be raped? Of course not!!

After all, the law says you can’t go around raping people just because you have an itch – and she threw the (law) book at those who raped! Yet, here it is, the law says – and not any old law but the highest law of the land, the Constitution – that elections must be held within three months after a NCM. And what does she do in her new job as GECOM Chair?

She orders 370,000 unverified names be merged into the old NRR and then a preliminary voters’ list be extracted for Claims and Objections. Elections March 2020!!And why’d she do this?? She wants to give equal weight to the demands of the Government Commissioners that there be H2H Registration and those of the Opposition that the constitutional command be given primacy and the present list be subjected to C&O immediately to have elections in 3 months. Worked before with no complaints from the PNC, and it can work again!!

But just this morning another example of false equivalence popped up on your Eyewitness’ radar. He read where the Chairman of the PSC, Gerry Gouveia, pleaded unctuously, “We need to besiege our politicians to stop fighting…” Your Eyewitness immediately wondered whether Govt’s GECOM Commissioner Desmond Trotman’s broadside at the Gouveia for being “racist” had made the goodly gentleman bassidy!!

What does he mean “the politicians” – meaning all politicians, including the Opposition, must stop fighting?? Is the PPP’s fight to have the Constitution upheld the same as the PNC’s fight to cling on to power by any means necessary?? Is the raped person’s right to defend herself equivalent to the rapist’s “right” to batter his victim into oblivion?? Was Gerry not rapped because he himself had defended the Constitution??

Why this volte face?? Does he want to run with the hare and hunt with the foxes? Your Eyewitness hopes not.

There comes a time when we must all stand up for what is right. And that time is now!!

…dilemma As opposed to “false equivalence”, a “false dilemma” is one where folks present matters as “black and white” or “either this or that” when in reality, there are other choices available. An example that’s pretty popular in the US right now and being used against immigrants is “America: love it or leave it!!” Now, one can still love America but appreciate it isn’t perfect and critique those imperfections, but remain.

Now take the way Charandass’ decision to support the NCM is being presented by the PNC and its partisans. They insist he’s a “Judas” and a “betrayer”.

But Charandass’ choice wasn’t limited to staying quiet or quitting the party (whether he did it on his own or have the party throw him out!) but also voting against the party line on the NCM!!

This is always an option for any MP. Why else is there that provision for an NCM in the Constitution? Most MP’s don’t consider the option because they want to keep riding the gravy train.

Charandass did the right thing!! …alarm Raised on the “boy who cried wolf” from nursery school, we all know about false alarms. Well, for those who felt the political bitterness had damaged our psyches, three Warriors victories in a row disproved that.

Look at Guyanese “sporting”!!

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

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TuesDAY, september 10, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean Financial Action Task Force

AG admits more work needed to pass evaluation …as SOCU called out for lack of convictions

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ith Guyana’s anti-money laundering evaluation before the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) fast approaching, Attorney General Basil Williams has admitted that more needs to be done in terms of existing legislation.

Williams made this admission on Monday during a seminar at the Bank of Guyana that focused on preparations for Guyana’s mutual evaluation.

According to the Attorney General, the seminar was an important opportunity to coordinate between sister agencies.

“All of us in this room, and those who are not here, must work together to ensure our efforts bear fruit.

This is a tremendous opportunity to collaborate, to see our success at the mutual evaluations. I hope the session will enhance our knowledge of threats from money laundering and financing of terrorism and proliferation.”

He noted that Guyana has passed legislation already but “we have to develop it more. Because it’s one that they’re going to be focusing on. By the time they reach us in 2023.”

Proliferation financing is the act of providing funds or services for the manufacture and acquisition of equipment or chemicals that will be used in criminal enterprises. The term was included under proceeds of crime in the AML/CFT amendment bill of 2018.

Williams also pointed out that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has a special role to play in this and he queried whether new SOCU Head Althea Padmore, was in attendance.

According to Williams, an invitation was extended to Padmore to attend the seminar.

SOCU’s ineffectiveness

“Our focus must be on effective implementation…

Suicide is not an option – social worker

Social Worker attached to the Mental Health Unit, Alicia Solomon

S

eptember 10 is set aside to observe World Suicide Prevention Day annually. This year, the general theme is “Working together to prevent suicide”.

Social Worker at the Mental Health Unit, Alicia Solomon in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) said that emphasis is continuously placed on those affected by suicide. According to Solomon, family members are also counselled and referred for further interventions.

“Suicide is not ending… it often creates a bigger challenge. The person thinks removing themselves is a solution; but what happens to the family members, the people they leave behind?” Solomon remarked.

The social worker emphasised that suicide not only involves the death of an individual but can affect families and communities negatively. She also pointed to the fact that there have been trends noted in many suicide cases – with mental health issues being one of

the major factors. This condition, Solomon said, often results from constant substance abuse.

“People who use [illegal] substances build the courage to commit the act… very often it is a person who lacks coping skills. They may have relationship issues, or they might have problems with their job, and they have been trying other ways of dealing with it. But when nothing seems to work, they decide, maybe if I remove myself then this problem will end,” Solomon is quoted by DPI as saying, Taking all this into consideration, the Mental Health Unit has organised activities for World Suicide Prevention Day to raise awareness. The general population will be targetted to spread the message that there is help and support available for persons who need it.

Today, September 10, 2019, an awareness rally and concert is planned. There will be a walk from the Mental Health Unit to the National Cultural Centre from 13:00h, after which there will be a concert.

There will be live performances including skits and other cultural items such as song and dance, ministerial speeches, NGOs and other concerned stakeholders in the fight against suicide will also be present.

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) will also host a programme starting at 06:30h with a walk from the Woodley Park Health Centre to the compound of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

This will be followed by a brief cultural programme and a blood drive and health fair.

is SOCU here? And is the new Head of SOCU here?

She was invited and she ought to have been here too.

Because… and it’s unfortunate, they looked at them to determine effectiveness.

And if you don’t have prosecutions and convictions, you’re nowhere. And the effort now to restructure SOCU, we hope to see more progress in that.”

Guyana is slated to be evaluated in 2022 by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force and FATF. It will be the fourth round of evaluations, with Guyana having been removed from the global watch list in 2016.

The state of SOCU, Guyana’s main money-laundering investigation arm, has been a source of concern however since information came to light that a probe into the unit being conducted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had unearthed

Attorney General Basil Williams

irregularities that included falsified records and missing documents.

According to reports, there was even a case of an official who alleged that his signature was forged. In addition, there are reports of listed expenditure being concocted and receipts being backdated.

In the fallout from this case, then Head of SOCU, Assistant Commissioner Sydney James was forced to

proceed on administrative leave while investigations were carried out. Padmore consequently took over.

While James’ contract has not ended, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said that James would not be coming back.

However, James’ absence has done little to help secure convictions for the beleaguered agency.

Citing the failure of SOCU Special Prosecutor

Lawrence Harris to prove his case, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly dismissed a fraud charge brought by the unit against three former officials of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) last month.

Those freed of the charges were former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Jagnarine Singh; former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Nigel Dharamlall; and the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Finance in the Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine.

The charge alleged that in 2011, while being Directors at the GRDB, with intent to defraud, they omitted to enter some $52 million in the GRDB ledger. The parliamentary Opposition has long maintained that these charges were politically instigated by SOCU.

10 news Taxi driver feeds estranged wife, 3-year-old poison TuesDAY, september 10, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

…commits suicide as mom, daughter battling for lives

Relatives and friends gathered at the Martyrs Ville, Mon Repos, ECD home on Monday afternoon

A

father of three is now dead while his estranged wife and three-year-old daughter are battling for their lives at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after the man allegedly forced them to consume a poisonous substance moments before he did the same.

Dead is 57-year-old taxi driver, Balkarana Persaud called “Clement”, of Lot 59 Martyr’s Village, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Battling for their lives are Kavita Persaud and her three-year-old daughter Sarswati Persaud.

According to reports, the now dead man’s estranged wife, Kavita, did not reside at the Mon Repos home, but

the couple’s young daughter, Sarswati, lived with her father. This newspaper was told that Kavita, who separated from her husband a few months ago, would visit the home to assist with taking care of the child.

However, on Monday morning at about 07:30h, neighbours heard screams from Balkarana Persaud’s home, and upon investigating, they discovered the trio lying on the floor, frothing from their mouths.

The neighbours sounded an alarm and persons living in the street rushed to the scene.

However, Balkarana Persaud had already died before the efforts were made to save his life.

mother and daughter to the hospital.

The dead man’s sister, Brenda, told this publication on Monday afternoon that she was at her home when her brother’s neighbours contacted her at about 10:00h to let her know that the man had died.

“Nobody was home, the three of them alone was home, and like the poison like all three of them drink it or something, I don’t know. My brother has two older daughters from a previous marriage but they were not home when it happened. They usually go away to spend time at their mother’s family and

Balkarana Persaud and Kavita Persaud in happier times

she comes to take get her dressed and ready for school.

So that is her passport, she does come to dress the child to go to school, so that probably brings problems too but I don’t know because I don’t

The house where the incident occurred

Guyana Times was told that Kavita’s relatives, who live a few houses away from this residence, rushed the

they were there when it happened,” Brenda told this publication.

According to Brenda, her brother and Kavita had been in a relationship for seven years but went their separate ways recently after a series of domestic disputes.

“She does not live here, the two of them separate a couple of months now, problems make them separate with quarrelling everyday…When she comes here she does jump over the gate and come here, the little girl

live here with them”.

She told this publication in relation to Persaud’s other two daughters, relatives are yet to make a decision as to who will take care of them, now that the two have lost both of their parents. One of the girls is differently abled and would need adequate care, Brenda noted.

Lilawattie Ramlakhan, whose deceased sister was previously married to Persaud, stated that the man had taken the two older girls to her home a few days ago

to spend some time with her.

However, she said that Persaud did not appear to be down in spirits and for him to have allegedly committed suicide on Monday came as a shock to her.

“When he was by me, he was normal yesterday (Sunday), he eat and drink and spoke nicely. Everything was good and he left and returned to his home. He did not look like he had a problem or anything like that but whenever he had problems he would always call and complain to us”.

Meanwhile, Commander of C Division (East Coast), Calvin Brutus, told this newspaper that to pronounce on this incident to be a murder-attempted suicide would be premature.

“We don’t have the facts straight other than what the neighbour alleged that she heard screams and saw when she peered over the persons were all frothing at the mouth, so we don’t know if it was accidental, if someone administered it deliberately or what…Police have taken different samples from the home of thing that we suspect or things that should be tested…whatever they used, if there was any cup with water we would have taken that and so on,” he added.

(Kristen Macklingham)

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11

TuesDAY, september 10, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPOC warns public of social media scammers

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he Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has cautioned the public to beware of persons or organisations intending to execute scams through social media, with the operation of extorting money.

On Monday the Corporation stated that the act is being carried out by unknown persons and clear-

ly indicated that they do not have any promotions via Whatsapp, Gmail, Facebook or other social media platforms.

The public was requested not to make any payment of fees or other transactions through these mediums since no one has been authorised to collect monies on their behalf for any com-

7-year-old dies 1 day after having leg amputated

J

ust one day after undergoing a much-needed surgery

Texas on Sunday night.

The news of the child’s passing was announced by

Deceased: 7-year-old Shaniya Persaud

which led to the amputation of her leg and fingers to save her life, seven-yearold Shaniya Persaud succumbed at the Shriners Hospital in Galveston,

both the Rotary Club of Demerara and the Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA) via a social media post. In its post, SHEA, which assisted the child

with the overseas treatment, stated that “Shaniya fought a long and difficult battle, but her fragile body could no longer continue. Her heart stopped twice and her doctors tried desperately to resuscitate her”.

This announcement comes one day after the non-governmental organisation (NGO) revealed that the child’s wounds are not healing, especially those suffered internally. Additionally, Persaud had one of her legs, a few fingers, and a section of her ear amputated during a surgery performed on Friday, a decision taken to save her life.

The now deceased child had received second and third-degree burns to about 97.8 per cent of her body when her North Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara house went up in flames at about 01:00h on August 5, while she was asleep.

A total of US$42,000 was successfully raised by

Fire ravages abandoned

Ogle house

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n uncontrolled fire on Sunday evening destroyed an uninhabited house along the Ogle

Based on information received, flames started emanating from the property at about 21:30h.

The property after the fire was doused

Airstrip Road, East Bank Demerara, after firefighters were unsuccessful in containing the blaze.

Residents in the area would have been alerted by thick smoke and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS)

was immediately summoned to the scene.

However, the tenders arrived at the said location without any water to douse the flames and then frantically began their search for a water source. By then, the two-storied building, constructed from wood, was completely damaged.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, neighbours indicated that vagrants would usually take shelter in the bottom flat of the house, which was unenclosed. The property stood without any fence and this allowed anyone to enter the yard.

Only a shell remains intact as the upper flat was severely burnt. Apart from this structure, there weren’t any other buildings in close proximity that were threatened at the time of the fire.

the two NGOs to secure emergency treatment for the child at the overseas hospital.

Persaud was medevaced from the Georgetown Public Hospital on August 10 to the Cheddi Jagan International airport, where she boarded a chartered flight to the United States.

During the short period, several corrective surgeries were performed in an effort to save the child’s life.

petition or promotion.

The GPOC said that it will take legal action against persons found culpable of this offence.

Persons with any information of suspicious actions are asked to contact GPOC through its telephone numbers or email at pro@guypost.gy. Their Facebook Page, Guyana Post Office Corporation, is also active.

In recent time, several public agencies have reported scams which have defrauded the public. Just over two weeks ago, Central Housing and Planning Authority sent out a stern warning about a fake Facebook profile under the name of President David Granger, which had been extorting monies from persons in exchange for land.

According to the Authority, the sham was set up through a profile named His Excellency President David Granger and has been informing persons that the Ministry of

the Presidency is distributing housing units to interested persons. They were asked to make a down payment through the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s (GTT) Mobile Money system and the money disappears.

The agency had clearly denied their involvement in any such programme under the Ministry of the Presidency or other organisations. Furthermore, legitimate programmes do not require payments through Money Mobile transfers.

These operations are carried out primarily on social media, where vulnerable persons fall prey. In June the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) reported a hike in scamming reports from customers in the Mobile Money Department. According to GTT, as a result of the increasing reports of scams, it has taken several measures to encourage customers to stay alert of fraudsters.

12 news

TuesDAY, september 10, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Humanitarian Mission trains 98 Berbicians to become entrepreneurs

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inety-eight persons are now equipped with the necessary skills to earn additional income and for those who are not working – the skills to be able to set up their own businesses.

The 98 persons successfully completed six months’ training in information technology, cake decoration, garment construction and cosmetology.

The programme was held by the Humanitarian Mission of Guyana (HMG)

and classes were held in Port Mourant, Babu Jaan, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The Mission continues to put methods in place to enhance and empower the lives of Berbicians. The organisation’s aim is to break the cycle of poverty through education and skills training.

The programme seeks to create a level of entrepreneurship for the students.

Those who graduated are now eligible for a grant from the HMG to launch their

Some of the persons who were trained by the Humanitarian Mission of Guyana (HMG) in Berbice

own business.

Founder of the Mission, Suresh Sugrim told this publication that the goal of the programme is to enable

persons to make a change in life since education is the key to unlock the door to success.

“A lot of individual who

have been a part of this programme are now going well in life… Sitting down and now willing to make the change.”

He added that some of those who participated are persons with careers who just want to enhance themselves while others have already started their own businesses.

The Mission will fund equipment which might be needed if those who have completed the programme want to venture off into business.

In addition to that, arrangements will also be put in place for persons to receive grants to start up their own business.

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TuesDAY, september 10, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

World Literacy Day

Stabroek Wharf vendors

Youths urged to be bilingual Timeline demanded as vendors

decry unsatisfactory conditions

T

Attendees during the World Literacy Day activity

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orld Literacy Day, created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), was observed on Sunday, September 9 to mark the importance of knowledge and the ability to read.

The celebrations continued on Monday, as the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) held its formal ceremony at Grand Coastal hotel, where students were encouraged not just to eliminate illiteracy, but to recognise the importance of being bilingual.

Commissioner Nicole Cole insisted that it is a good skill to possess with the movement of people in Guyana and the fact that the country is surrounded by people who speak a different language.

In the secondary education system, Spanish, French and Portuguese are taught as part of the curriculum for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC) examination.

“I want to encourage everyone here to learn another language. Guyana is seated in South America, strategically located.

We have Suriname, the

Dutch. We have Brazil, the Portuguese and then we have Venezuela, the Spanish. It is important for us not only to be boxed in by one language, especially with the high influx of migration into our country by the Spanish-speaking people,” Cole expressed.

Similar sentiments were shared by Member of Parliament, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who insisted that age should not limit one’s learning. Literacy, she noted, is significantly measured as a mechanism to increase confidence.

“There is no shame in attending a class and learning how to read. For those of you who have parents and grandparents who cannot read, give them the gift of reading…Never use age as a barrier to learning and ensure that learning always remains accessible to all,” Persaud encouraged.

She later added that men are still dominating the statistics for being illiterate. This calls for stronger approaches to ensure that youths complete their education.

“As you talk about literacy, understand the ramifications of not being literate and understand too, that

you can be…The world’s statistics show that men are outstripping women when it comes it being illiterate.

So it leaves us in a conundrum what is happening. I think what needs to happen is that more focus must be placed in making sure that our young people not only go to school, but they stay in school,” Last year, it was revealed that that only 50 per cent of children in the hinterland communities attend secondary school after they would have graduated from the primary education programme.

Additionally, only 75 per cent of children on the coastland are provided with the opportunity to complete their secondary education.

September 8 was declared International Literacy Day by UNESCO on October 26, 1966 at 14th session of UNESCO's general conference. It was celebrated for the first time in 1967 with the mission of highlighting the importance of literacy to individuals and society.

Statistics show that approximately 17 per cent of people in the world are illiterate. Every year, the literacy rate increases by some four per cent.

he Mayor and City Council’s Statutory Meeting on Monday once again focused on the relocated Stabroek Market Wharf vendors but this time, timelines were requested for when their operational conditions would be bettered.

Chairman of Markets and Public Health, Trichia Richards asked the Council via a motion to prioritise merchants who were relocated to Russell Square, Georgetown (west of the Parliament Buildings). This is after numerous complaints surfaced about their current conditions.

The vendors were relocated to this site just over one year ago to facilitate the rehabilitation of the deplorable wharf. Richards insisted that while the Council is plagued with financial limitations, the situation needs to be addressed.

“The Council has financial constraints and it’s to that, that we have to prioritise what it is that we would like to do. The vendors are complaining and they have asked us to look into this.

The wharf is a threat to them but the current conditions at Russell Square is not pleasing also,” she said.

The Chairman, who is also a Councillor, said the motion was the last resort after recommendations were made prior, which yielded no results.

“Recommendations were made and forwarded to full Council. That is the action that the Markets and Public Health Committee has taken since last year. It has engaged this new Council and still nothing has been done as it relates to these vendors. We have ventilated all possible ways and we’re now looking here to have this motion, to look specifically at timelines and to prior-

Vendors are complaining about the conditions under which they are required to operate

itise the vendors at Russell Square.”

However, Councillor Oscar Clarke argued that the Council could not provide better facilities at that time, since the wharf was declared unsafe and vendors had to be relocated immediately.

“Council couldn’t do that because [it] has been unable to get all of the resources that it requires to be able to do the work within a specified time...There was an emergency which precipitated the decision of Council to have them moved. That emergency still exists. That is, the state of the wharf.

Because of that, emergency measures had to be taken to try to find a way, find a place to put these vendors,” he persisted.

Meanwhile, Councillor Bishram Kuppen insisted that the concerns of these vendors are “paramount and should be looked into as

soon as possible”.

During the relocation, it was decided by City Hall that the vendors would be responsible for the construction of their new stalls; a project which the Council estimated would cost one vendor approximately $400,000 exclusive of electrical lighting. The wooden stalls were of two specified sizes along with concreted section for restroom facilities. For this move, Route 42 bus drivers who occupied this space were moved to another location.

However, ever since the arrival of vendors at this location, complaints have surfaced over the prevalence of vagrants, improper garbage disposal and up until recently, the theft of chainlink fencing which barricaded their stalls. Many of them had complained that the new location was uninviting to customers, resulting in incurred losses.

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TuesDAY, september 10, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Massy Group pledges support Guyana Goldfields instructed suicide prevention, NMWU is official union for workers to …presented with their Trade Union Certificate of Regognition mental health awareness

T

T

Aurora Gold Mine

he Guyana Goldfields Incorporated has finally recognised the National Mine Workers Union (NMWU) as the official union representative for their workers, after the organisation was accredited with the relevant certification last week.

On Monday, the company informed that they were in receipt of a certificate from the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board, identifying the NMWU as the ‘majority union’ for workers under their subsidiary, Aurora Gold Mine (AGM).

It further stated that the Union will represent employees below the supervisory level and the company is working to abide to all stipulated regulations.

“The NMWU is the bargaining unit that will represent AGM employees below the level of supervisor. As stated previously, the company is actively adhering to applicable laws and regulations and is facilitating communication with relevant authorities,” Guyana Goldfields said.

The certificate which was seen by this publication, was issued on September 4, 2019 after being signed by Chief Labour Officer

Charles Ogle. It stated that the Union has the authority to represent the workers, effective of August 20, 2019.

NMWU had secured 52 per cent of the votes in a survey conducted by the Labour Department back in August. One of the workers had informed Guyana Times that they supported the Union after it had been backing their struggles since 2015. Many were happy since this achievement provided a voice to negotiate demands for better working conditions.

President of the Union, Sherwayne Downer later expressed that they would continue their strides to advocate for miners’ rights. This development, he noted, was a victory for the AGM workers.

“It is a victory for the workers of AGM. As President of the Union, I vow to go above and beyond to ensure that those employees, who would have trusted and placed confidence in us, will be on the receiving end of the highest level of effective representation”.

In July, over 200 workers had downed their tools and initiated strike actions for two days after calls mounted for them to be offi-

cially represented by a union and to improve working conditions and wages.

During the strike, the workers had claimed that they were threatened with having their internet connection disconnected— which is vital to ensure communication from their Cuyuni-Mazaruni location to the coast. They were also demanding better wages, better quality food and laundry services, out of town allowance, missing NIS contributions among others.

Three days later, the Canadian-based company indicated that persons were returning to work on a phased approach and it is anticipated that full production will resume shortly. Three days without production has resulted in an estimated 22,500 ounces of unprocessed ore.

A letter was then issued to employees, granting the second quarterly bonus of 7.6 per cent on July 25, while promising that the formula for the next bonus will be reviewed. However, most of these promises were yet to be fulfilled after weeks had elapsed and some miners had threatened to initiate strike actions once more.

o mark World Suicide Prevention Day, which is being observed today, the Massy Group which operates in Guyana has again pledged its support towards the prevention of suicide as well as bringing awareness to mental health, an issue which is sometimes overlooked.

For this year’s observance, the establishment has collaborated with the Mental Health Unit of the Public Health Ministry to undertake similar activities, including an annual suicide prevention walk in collaboration with Prevention of Teenage Suicide (POTS), debating competitions tackling suicide prevention and mental health, and the hosting of an impactful and strong production of a theatrical performance at the National Culture Centre.

Director of the Massy Group, Christpen Bobb-Semple noted that the company will continue to collaborate with the relevant stakeholders to get the message out that one life lost is one too many. He further indicated that the activities for the Group include ongoing social media posts with positive and uplifting messages – which also include phone numbers for lifelines that can be utilised. In a greater effort to sensitise Guyana’s population at large, the group will provide sponsorship for the mental health segment of a television programme, titled “Perspectives” which will be aired on Television Guyana (TVG)Channel 28 every Tuesday at 14:00h for the next three months. This pro-

gramme will explore the contributory factors such as depression, substance abuse, among others.

In addition to this, the company is also in discussions with the Rotaract Club of the University of Guyana to lend support to a discussion forum targeting mental health on campus. This will be complemented with a play slated for October 10 – World Mental Health Day— an event which the company seeks to partner with Ministry of Education in order to have students’ attendance.

With this year’s theme being ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’, the Director has announced that plans for 2020 have also been discussed with Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr Util Thomas, as the Massy Group is committed to play its part in reversing the numbers.

Guyana was previously labelled as one of the region’s most suicide-plagued countries, according to statistics over the past few years.

Clinical Psychologist attached to the Public Health Ministry, Balogun Osunbiyi earlier this year explained that the suicide death rates in Guyana stood at 44.2 per cent in 2012.

Over the years, this high percentage has decreased with 2016 figures standing at 29 per cent and in 2017, 24.67 per cent.

If you or someone you may know may be at risk for suicide, seek help by calling the lifelines: 226-1402, 226-1405, 226-1416.

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TuesDAY, september 10, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Speightland community showcases Indigenous culture, heritage

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he rich and unique culture of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples was showcased in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Sunday, as the Amerindian community of Speightland hosted its third Heritage observances.

The activity, which was hosted at the community’s playfield, showcased aspects such as Amerindian cuisine and dance.

It was hosted in observance of Heritage month, which is currently being observed under the theme, “Maintaining traditional practices while promoting a Green Economy”.

Residents of the small Amerindian farming community took pride in showcasing Amerindian delicacies and beverages such as the Tacoma worm, piwari, wildmeat and fish. A festive cultural programme kept the atmosphere alive as the Speightland, Surama and Rupertee culture dance

Some of the Indigenous delicacies on display as Speightland hosted its third Heritage observances

groups presented traditional Amerindian dances supported by cultural Amerindian songs. A female cricket competition was also hosted which saw full support from residents.

Minister of State Dawn Hastings-Williams in addressing the gathering said there was much to celebrate this month, despite numerous challenges.

She also urged the community to look for solutions to any challenges they may face and to work together as a team for the good of the country.

Meanwhile, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister, Sydney Alicock in his remarks emphasised the need to celebrate after hard work and successes. He also alluded to the importance of the residents working together, noting that unity is the best ingredient for building a community.

During the celebrations, Minister Hastings-

National Library kick-starts celebrations for 110th anniversary

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n observance of its 110th anniversary, the National Library has prepared a calendar of events under the theme “Preserve the past, embrace the future”, which will aim to educate and promote the importance of knowing and preserving one’s history.

The anniversary celebrations were kick-started

tography exhibition showcasing some of the agency’s past achievements, librarians and Guyanese authors at the library’s Church and Main Streets, Georgetown location on Monday.

At Monday’s exhibition, Chief Librarian Emily King during a brief interview with this publication explained that since the li-

Some of the exhibits on display

on Sunday, with a 5K fitness run and walk in collaboration with the Guyana Athletics Association. This event was followed by a pho-

brary is one of the country’s most valued repository, it is tasked with the responsibility of helping to preserve materials that possess his-

toric value, and according to her, this is the aim behind the exhibition.

“This year we are celebrating 110 years and that’s no mean feed for any organisation…our theme for this one tenth anniversary is ‘preserve the past, embrace the future’ and right away persons would want to think why preserve the past, we are one of our nation’s valuable repositories, and because of this we are charged with preserving these materials for future generations, so that they can have access and know there future,” King stated.

With regards to the period for which the events will be held, King highlighted that celebrations will conclude on November 14, 2019 with the finals of a reading competition.

“Up to the end of November we will be conducting a number of events so we can sensitise members of the public that libraries are still vital and we’re here to stay…we will conclude on

Chief Librarian Emily King

the 14th of November and the event, which rounds up all of our celebrations, will be the finals of our champion readers competitions”.

Some of the events will include a health fair, which will be held on Thursday, followed by the launch of a Champion Readers Competition, which is expected to have a total of 110 schools from across the country participating. This will be followed by an award ceremony at the library’s main branch, among other events.

Williams also handed over a 12-month permit to the Speightland Logging and Agriculture Cooperative Society for the utilisation of the playfield. The field had in the past been subjected to issues regarding its own-

ership.

Regional Community Development Officer Kevon Lorrimer, who is also President of the Agriculture Co-op, noted that the event was well supported by businesses in the region.

Body of unidentified male found on EBD Public Road

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he body of an unidentified male was discovered on the Orangstein, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) public road on Monday morning.

Reports are at about 09:00h, Police ranks arrived at the scene where the dead man was found lying in a north to south direction dressed in a blue and white striped jersey and black long pants.

The dead man’s body was examined but no mark of vi-

olence was found.

The body was then escorted to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, West Coast Demerara (WCD), where it was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.

The body was subsequently taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination (PME).

According to the police, investigations are currently in progress, with the hope of identifying the dead man soon.

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tuesday, september 10, 2019

Regional

Thousands of Dorian survivors desperate Trinidad: Venezuelan to evacuate wrecked Bahamas as death couple kidnapped for with a Venezuelan friend drugs toll climbs to 50 on High Street in Princes

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s hundreds of people waited anxiously to be evacuated at the port in Marsh Harbour, a Bahamian island community wrecked by Hurricane Dorian, Senior Lt William Sturrup of the Royal Bahamian Defence Force pleaded for patience and cooperation.

A cargo ship that just dropped off supplies became a lifeboat for many who lost everything but their lives and were desperate to board the vessel and escape the devastation.

"This boat is here to take you to Nassau," Sturrup told the crowd of distressed evacuees on Saturday, many holding backpacks and garbage bags stuffed with the few belongings they have left.

The death toll rose to 50 on Monday, including 42 from Abaco Island and eight from Grand Bahama, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Bahamian Health Minister Dr Duane Sands told ABC News on Sunday that it is possible some victims were washed out to sea and may never be found while many other bodies are feared buried in the rubble.

"As there are many more persons presumed missing, since they have not been seen or heard from since the passage of hurricane Dorian, we are appealing to family members to file miss-

ing person’s reports with the Police," Anthony Ferguson, commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, said in a statement.

There are about 76,000 people left homeless and in need of assistance in the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama Island, the UN said Friday.

Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis is scheduled to address the nation on Monday night.

On Sunday, Dorian was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, after lashing the Eastern seaboard of the United States and making landfall one last time nearly 1,600 miles north of the Bahamas in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Dorian slammed Nova Scotia on Saturday night as a Category 2 hurricane, packing torrential rain and maximum sustained winds of 100 mph that stripped roofs off homes, uprooted trees and toppled a large construction crane in Halifax.

The deadly storm struck North Carolina's Outer Banks on Friday as a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 90 mph, battering the barrier islands with torrential rain, ferocious winds and dangerous floodwaters.

At least one person, a 66-year-old man, died as he was preparing for the storm, North Carolina Governor

T

An aerial view of the area damaged by Hurricane Dorian on the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas

Roy Cooper said Saturday at a news conference. The man, who was not named, died after falling off a ladder.

Nowhere was the devastation more evident than in the Bahamas, where evacuations and the search for survivors continued on Sunday.

An estimated 10,000 people in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas were in desperate need of food, water and shelter. Bahamian emergency management officials said food distribution was a "challenge" and deemed drinking water in some areas of the islands unsafe for consumption and hygiene.

As the storm-ravaged masses in the Bahamas, including parents and children, scrambled to board the latest cargo ship to arrive to carry them away from the nightmarish conditions, Lt Sturrup told ABC News, "It's the best we can do under the circumstances".

Rymrih Nairn said she was hoping that she and her three children could squeeze onto the ship, their lifeline

out of harm's way after their neighbourhood was obliterated by Dorian.

The hurricane made landfall in the Bahamas last week as a monster Category 5 storm, tying the record for the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever to make landfall.

"I went to Sandy Point to try to get on yesterday, couldn't get on," Nairn told ABC News of her efforts to get her and her children evacuated. "I went to the airport. It was too chaotic.

I couldn't get on. So I said, 'Lord, today has to be the day for me to get on."

Sturrup later told ABC News that everyone waiting at the port in Marsh Harbour on Saturday was evacuated.

"Every person who wanted to leave did," Sturrup said.

Marsh Harbour, a town of nearly 6,300 in the Abaco Islands, was decimated when the hurricane made landfall with 183 mph buzz saw-like winds and cut a wide swath of destruction and death. (Excerpt from ABC News)

Killings, torture still going on in Venezuela – UN Rights Chief

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he United Nations Human Rights Chief said on Monday that extrajudicial killings appeared to be continuing in Venezuela and the Special Action Forces (FAES) presumed to be responsible had received support from the highest levels of government.

Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council that alongside possible executions, her office had documented cases of torture of soldiers and others arbitrarily held and urged the government of President Nicolas Maduro

to punish perpetrators.

Bachelet, who issued a report in early July detailing witness accounts of death squads run by the FAES, said non-governmental organisation Monitor de Victimas (Victims’ Monitor) had found 57 new presumed executions by FAES members in Caracas that month.

The Government called her earlier report a “selective and openly partial vision” that ignored official information and relied on biased witnesses.

She has also expressed concern about US sanctions aimed at pressuring Maduro to step down; on Monday, she said they were among factors fuelling a

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet attends a session of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland [Photo by: REUTERS/Denis Balibouse]

mass exodus from the country, which is reeling from hyperinflation and a collapsing economy.

Bachelet said even though the sanctions envisaged exceptions for humanitarian assistance, over-caution by the financial sector, lower public revenues and a decrease in oil production were having a serious impact.

“All of this is contributing to the worsening of the humanitarian situation and the exodus of Venezuelans from the country,” noting that 4.3 million refugees and migrants had already fled the turmoil, most since the end of 2015.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Guatemala’s Congress approves state of siege despite protests

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uatemalan legislators voted on Saturday to ratify a state of siege in the eastern part of the country, despite protests by social groups.

Outgoing President Jimmy Morales established the 30-day state of siege on Wednesday by executive decree after three soldiers were killed a day ear-

lier in eastern Guatemala.

Congress had passed a resolution on Wednesday urging the executive branch to issue the decree.

“We ask all institutions and also the population to cooperate and collaborate with all the work our security forces will do,” Morales said on Wednesday after announcing the measure.

The state of siege is in effect in the entire department of Izabal and in 17 municipalities across five of Guatemala’s 22 other departments. It suspends many constitutional guarantees, including the freedoms of movement and assembly.

It also implements a night curfew for the affected areas.

According to the Government, the military was engaged in counter-narcotics operations on Tuesday when local residents working for drug traffickers killed three troops. Community reports and an initial forensic evaluation contradict the official version of events.

Police and prosecutor’s office investigations into the incident continue, as does the militarisation of eastern Guatemala. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) is investigating a report that a Venezuelan couple was kidnapped and a ransom of six kilos of cocaine demanded for their safe release.

According to a Police report, the man and woman, who live in Princes Town, Trinidad were last seen leaving their home on Sunday evening.

Reports said that they were expected to meet up

Town.

The man reported to police that the two never showed up and hours later he received a phone call from Spanish-speaking men saying they had abducted the couple and will only release them if the ransom is handed over today.

Up to Monday morning, Police were questioning the couple’s relatives and residents in the area. (Trinidad Newsday)

US working to take in Bahamas storm victims – acting Border Chief

Abaco residents are evacuated from the island at the airport in the wake of Hurricane Dorian in Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco, Bahamas [Photo by: REUTERS/Loren Elliott]

A

cting Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection Mark Morgan on Monday said the country is expediting its immigration processes and deploying more resources to help storm victims from Bahamas to enter the country quickly.

“I’ve authorised the deployment of an enormous amount of resources to southern Florida to

make sure we can receive people coming in from the Bahamas,” Morgan told a White House briefing on immigration.

“That doesn’t mean we do this with a blind eye. We still have to balance the humanitarian need and assistance of those that need it versus the safety of this country.

So we still go through that process but we’re expediting this process”. (Reuters)

Jamaican who testified in case against “Dudus”

fighting deportation from US

A

n undocumented immigrant who helped the US Government bring down one of Jamaica's most notorious drug kingpins is fighting deportation, which he says is tantamount to a death sentence, the New York Daily News has reported.

According to the newspaper's report published on Saturday, the man, identified in court papers only as Sean B, was a cooperating witness in the case against Christopher “Dudus” Coke beginning in 2009, which

made him a marked man.

He was known in the gang as “Cowboy”.

“If I return to Jamaica, I am dead as soon as I get off the plane. I testified against one of the most powerful men in Jamaica,” the New York Daily News reports Sean B as saying in a sworn statement. “Being a snitch in Jamaica is one of the worst things you can do and I am branded as one for the rest of my life. I will be killed in Jamaica if I return”. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Mexico won't be safe 3rd country for asylum seekers –Ebrard that would require asylum

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exican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on Monday reiterated that Mexico would not become a safe third country for US-bound asylum seekers following comments by a US official that Washington was seeking a “cooperative agreement” with Mexico.

Ebrard wrote on Twitter that “Mexico is not and will not accept” a so-called safe third country designation

seekers to apply for protections in Mexico instead of the United States.

US acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan told reporters “we are reaching across the aisle... to come up with a cooperative agreement” when asked if the United States was seeking a ‘safe third country’ agreement with Mexico. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, september 10, 2019

17

Around the World

Trump says US-Taliban US rescues 3 crew members from South Korean cargo ship peace talks are “dead”

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escue workers on Monday rescued three of four missing crew members from a South Korean cargo vessel that flipped on its side off the coast of Georgia by cutting a hole in the vessel’s hull, the US Coast Guard said.

The fourth missing crew member was in a more complicated location inside the ship, USCG Captain John Reed told a live streamed news conference.

“Their condition is relatively good for having spent 34 or 35 hours in the conditions they’re in,” Reed said of the three rescued members.

Salvage crews made

The Coast Guard and port partners search for crew members on Sunday after the 656-foot vehicle carrier “Golden Ray” overturned in the St Simons Sound near Brunswick, Ga (US Coast Guard/AFP)

contact with the missing crew members on Monday

morning and drilled a hole through the ship’s hull to de-

liver food and water to them, Reed said.

Helicopters rescued 20 crew members from the 656foot (200-metre) Golden Ray on Sunday after it became disabled, began listing and eventually fell helplessly on its side in St Simons Sound, near Brunswick, Georgia, the Coast Guard said in a statement.

The ship had previously called at the Port of Brunswick, Georgia, and was headed to Baltimore, according to the Vessel Finder website. The carrier was built in 2017 and was sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, it said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

North Korea fires projectiles after offering talks with US

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orth Korea launched at least two unidentified projectiles towards the sea on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, hours after the North offered to resume nuclear diplomacy with the United States.

The North's projectile launches and demand for new proposals were apparently aimed at pressuring the US to make concessions when the North Korea-US talks re-

sume. North Korea is widely believed to want the US to provide it with security guarantees and extensive relief from US-led sanctions in return for limited denuclearisation steps.

The North Korean projectiles were fired from South Pyongan Province, which surrounds the capital city of Pyongyang, in the direction of the waters off the North’s east coast, according

to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff and Defence Ministry.

Tuesday's launches were the eighth since late July and the first since August 24. The previous seven launches have revealed short-range missile and rocket artillery systems that experts say would potentially expand the country’s ability to attack targets throughout South Korea, including US military bases there.

On Monday night, the North's First Vice Minister

of Foreign Affairs, Choe Son Hui, said North Korea was willing to resume nuclear diplomacy with the US in late September but that Washington must come to the negotiating table with acceptable new proposals. She said if the proposals did not satisfy North Korea, dealings between the two countries could come to an end.

There was no immediate comment from the White House following reports of the launches. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

South Africa: Nigeria to repatriate 600 citizens amid violence

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igeria said it will repatriate some 600 citizens from South Africa after a wave of xenophobic violence which led to tensions between the two countries.

Some will leave on two flights today, Nigeria’s Consul General in Johannesburg told the BBC. Ten people, including two foreigners, were killed in the city last week when mobs attacked foreign-owned businesses.

The attacks started after lorry drivers staged a strike to protest against the employment of foreigners.

South Africa has become a magnet for migrants from other parts of Africa as it

Last week’s wave of violence in Johannesburg left at least 10 dead

has one of the continent’s biggest and most developed economies.

But there is also high unemployment in the country and some people feel foreigners are taking their jobs.

Nigeria’s Consul General Godwin Adama said only those who were under dis-

tress as a result of the attacks would leave the country.

Meanwhile, Abike Dabiri, Head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, said the Government would not provide financial assistance to those leaving South Africa.

On Sunday, two peo-

ple were killed as violence erupted in Johannesburg after a speech by Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a former leader of the opposition Inkatha Freedom Party and Minister in the country’s unity government after the end of apartheid.

Buthelezi, who was trying to quell tensions over xenophobia, was heckled by a rowdy section of the crowd who later clashed with security forces.

People then targeted cars and buildings, which were set alight, Johannesburg Metro Police Department chief David Tembe told Eyewitness News, saying it was “pure criminality” as some of the shops attacked belonged to South Africans.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Syria war: ‘Air strikes’ hit Iran-backed forces

near Iraq border

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arplanes have struck positions of Iran-backed militias near Syria’s border with Iraq, activists say.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UKbased monitoring group, said at least 18 Iranian and pro-Iranian fighters were killed.

It was not clear who carried out the overnight strikes in and around the town of Albu Kamal.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights cited its sources as saying the unidentified warplanes had bombed bases, arms depots and vehicles belonging to Iran-backed militias in al-Hizam al-Akhdar and other areas around Albu Kamal.

Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist from the DeirEzzor 24 group, said powerful explosions were heard across the town, and

that there was a “state of chaos and panic” among the militia fighters.

Another activist group, Sound and Picture, cited medical sources as saying 21 people were killed, and that militias had taken all the bags of blood at Albu Kamal’s hospital to treat their wounded fighters.

A source from an Iranbacked Iraqi paramilitary force, the Popular Mobilisation, told the BBC that a drone had targeted its headquarters on the SyrianIraqi border, about 6km (4

miles) south of Albu Kamal.

The Israeli military did not comment on the incident, but reported that a number of rockets were launched towards Israel hours later from the outskirts of the Syrian capital, Damascus.

It said the rockets failed to hit Israeli territory and blamed militia fighters operating under the command of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force, but said it held the Syrian Government responsible.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

President Donald Trump talks with reporters in the Oval Office of the White House

T

rump says USTaliban peace talks are ‘dead’ US President Donald Trump said on Monday that talks with Taliban leaders are off and he was still thinking about a troop withdrawal in the country.

“They’re dead. They’re dead,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House for North Carolina.

Months of US negotiations with the Taliban leaders, who control large parts of Afghanistan, ended on Saturday when Trump abruptly announced he was cancelling secret meetings at Camp David with the Taliban and the Afghan President. The talks were aimed at securing a peace deal to end nearly 20 years of war.

The developments came after US and Taliban officials last week agreed on a draft deal that could have led to a withdrawal of troops from the US’s longest war.

In announcing the

cancellation of Sunday’s planned meetings, Trump cited a Taliban attack in Kabul last week, in which 12 people, including a US soldier, were killed.

It was unclear if the talks were permanently dead or only suspended for the time being.

But Trump told reporters on Monday, “They’re dead. They’re dead.”

Taliban leaders did not immediately respond to Trump’s Monday comments, but said in a statement on Sunday that the cancellation of the talks would “lead to more losses for the US, “harm [its] credibility” and “show their anti-peace stance in [a] more clear way”.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani earlier on Monday renewed his call for peace. He also said that peace could not be unconditional, repeating demands for a ceasefire that the Taliban has so far refused. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Senior UK Govt figures must publish Brexit WhatsApp messages

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ersonal messages relating to the suspension of the UK Parliament sent on WhatsApp and other platforms by prominent Government Ministers, special advisers and senior civil servants must be made public, the House of Commons declared on Monday night.

In another parliamentary defeat for Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Government, MPs voted by 311-302 to endorse a motion brought forward by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve.

This latest development revolves around a combination of messages thought to exist outside of official Government communication channels in which senior advisers Hugh Bennett, Simon Burton, Dominic Cummings, Nikki da Costa, Tom Irven, Sir Roy Stone, Christopher James, Lee Cain and Beatrice Timpson are thought to have discussed the suspension of Parliament - as well as the planning for a “no-

deal” Brexit, which had been named “Operation Yellowhammer”.

The messages are thought to provide evidence that the decision to suspend Parliament was a strategic move designed to stifle debate in the House of Commons before the October 31 Brexit deadline, and not, as publicly stated when asking Queen Elizabeth II to endorse the decision, to introduce a new domestic legislative agenda.

The demand came after documents released in a Scottish court showed the Prime Minister appeared to have approved the plan to suspend Parliament on August 15 - despite subsequent official denials and the public announcement being made a full two weeks later, on August 28.

Following the vote to have these messages published, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn introduced a motion demanding that the Government abide by the rule of law. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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TUesday, september 10, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO

Calvin and Hobbes

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Put more emphasis on how you manage money, relationships and medical issues. Don’t underestimate a challenger or competitor.

Protect your reputation and job, and pay close attention to detail.

Be the one to instigate what needs to be done. Take a stand, state your thoughts and offer solutions. Your prompt and efficient attitude will encourage others to pitch in and help.

Stick close to home and surround yourself with people you know you can trust.

Listen more and talk less.

Don’t give away secrets or believe what others tell you.

Let others do as they please. As long as you don’t get involved in something risky, you will make progress. Making home improvements, nurturing a meaningful relationship and encouraging romance should be priorities.

Networking is an art.

How others perceive you will determine your effectiveness when it comes time to promote your plans. Don’t overspend. You can’t buy respect or support.

Participate in activities that challenge you to look and feel your best. The positive changes you make will attract attention and give you the incentive to take on bigger objectives.

Do your homework. Make only the necessary changes.

Protect the status quo and be patient with people who need your help. Update personal documents and medical, contractual or financial records.

Control your emotions when dealing with people who don’t share your beliefs. If you listen, you will gain insight into the best way to bring about positive change. Romance is featured.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

A past experience will help you figure out whether someone is being up-front with you or using manipulative tactics to get his or her way. Don’t share personal information.

CAPRICORN

Refuse to let anyone interfere in your life. Do whatever feels right and will help you maintain your standard of living. A financial move will lower your overhead.

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

Emotions will surface if someone makes a change you don’t like or you disagree with. Refuse to let the actions of others stand between you and your goal.

PISCES Listen, observe and gath(Feb. 20- er facts. What you know will March 20) help protect you and your objective. Helping others will result in getting something you want in return.

tuesday, september 10, 2019

19

Rashid bags 11 as Afghanistan use small window to seal big win A

fghanistan overcame the elements that separated them from a remarkable Test victory over Bangladesh and one of cricket's great heartbreaks.

After the umpires gave them 18.3 overs to bowl following a third rain break, Rashid Khan took three of the four wickets to fall, as they won the one-off Test by 224 runs.

With around an hour left to play, Zahir Khan had Shakib Al Hasan caught behind off the first ball in the final session after they made a second restart. Shakib tried a cut shot to a wide delivery, perhaps unnecessary at a time when survival was the only option.

Rashid picked up his fourth wicket by trapping Mehidy Hasan lbw, before completing his ten-wicket haul with the wicket of Taijul. He wanted to review the umpire's decision, as there seemed to be a bit of bat involved, but was told by non-striker Soumya Sarkar

that there were none left; Mehidy had used up the last one on his lbw decision.

Taijul's wicket made Rashid the first cricketer to

take a 10-wicket haul and score a fifty on his captaincy debut. Overall, he is the third captain to do the double, following Imran Khan

and Alan Border.

Quite appropriately, Rashid took the final wicket to fall, Sarkar caught at short leg. In front of most-

ly empty stands, they celebrated by running around the ground, and then gave some of the Afghans who turned up, a victory lap.

Afghanistan must also not forget to thank the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium's groundstaff (and drainage system) for their

relentless work throughout the fifth day, though.

After rain wiped out the first three hours of play, the umpires got the play-

SCOREBOARD

Afghanistan 342 & 260 Bangladesh 205 & …

Bangladesh 2nd Innings (target: 398 runs) L Das lbw b Zahir 9 S Islam lbw b Nabi 41 M Hossain c Afghan b Zahir 12 M Rahim † lbw b Rashid 23 M Haque lbw b Rashid K 3 S Al Hasan (c) c † Zazai b Zahir 44 Mahmudullah c Zadran b Rashid

7 S Sarkar c Zadran b Rashid 15 M Miraz lbw b Rashid Khan 12 T Islam lbw b Rashid 0 N Hasan not out 1 Extras (b 4, lb 2) 6

ers out at 1pm, only for the rain to return within seven minutes. It came down for another couple of hours before the groundstaff ensured play was possible at 4:20pm despite the dark clouds around.

But it was not just Rashid or the groundstaff that gave them this win. It is an allround performance from

TOTAL (61.4 Overs, RR: 2.8, 231 minutes) 173 all out Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Liton Das, 10.3 ov), 2-52 (Mosaddek Hossain, 16.5 ov), 3-78 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 23.1 ov), 4-82 (Mominul Haque, 25.4 ov), 5-106 (Shadman Islam, 36.4 ov), 6-125 (Mahmudullah, 41.6 ov), 7-143 (Shakib Al Hasan, 46.4 ov), 8-166 (Mehidy Hasan, 55.3 ov), 9-166 (Taijul Islam, 57.3 ov), 10-173 (Soumya Sarkar, 61.4 ov) BOWLING Y Ahmadzai (4-1-14-0) M Nabi (20-5-39-1) R Khan (21.4-6-49-6) Z Khan (15-0-59-3) Q Ahmad (1-0-6-0)

Afghanistan that they churned out over the five days. Rahmat Shah's historic first Test century, Asghar Afghan's twin fifties, as well as contributions from debutants Ibrahim Zadran and Zahir Khan ripped the heart out of a home side which failed to turn up all game. (Cricinfo)

Ashes 2019: England unchanged FIBA WC: USA ease past Brazil as for final Test against Australia

Australia edge France

E

ngland have named an unchanged squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia at The Oval.

Australia won the fourth Test at Old Trafford by 185 runs in a final-day thriller to take an unassailable 2-1 series lead.

The Oval Test, which begins on Thursday, will be Trevor Bayliss' final assignment as England head coach.

England have not lost a home Ashes series since 2001 and have not lost a series to any touring side since 2014.

All-rounder Ben Stokes will be assessed over his fitness to bowl after struggling with a shoulder problem.

If Stokes is unable to bowl he is expected to play as a specialist batsman, with Chris Woakes or Sam Curran coming in to the side.

England squad for fifth Test: Joe Root (capt), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes,

B

England’s huddle to solidify plans during the 2019 Ashes (Reuters)

Chris Woakes.

England needed to bat out the final day at Old Trafford to keep the Ashes series alive and set up a decider at The Oval.

Despite brave innings from Joe Denly, Jos Buttler and Craig Overton, they were unable to stop Australia retaining the Ashes.

Denly, promoted to open

in Manchester, made a 123ball half-century in the second innings, while Jason Roy showed patience in making 31 in just under two hours.

However, England have struggled with the bat throughout the series.

Wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow is averaging 20.57 in eight Test innings in 2019, while Buttler has

a top score of 41 in eight Ashes innings.

Captain Joe Root fell to a first-ball duck in the fourth innings at Old Trafford and is averaging 30.87 in the series.

Stokes is England's leading run-scorer with 354 but Australia's Steve Smith leads the way with 671 from three Tests. (BBC Sport)

EIJING (Reuters) - Holders United States romped into the basketball World Cup knockout rounds with an 89-73 win over Brazil and booked a quarter-final clash with France, who were edged by Australia 100-98 in a thriller on Monday.

The U.S. win over Brazil also sent the Czechs through to the last eight despite their 84-77 defeat by Greece but they now face a daunting clash with the Australians, who stretched their perfect record to five successive wins.

Those two quarter-finals will be played on Wednesday while Serbia take on Argentina and Spain will start as strong favorites against Poland in Tuesday’s action.

Monday’s results also mean that the United States and Argentina quali-

fied for next year’s Olympic Games in Japan as the two top-ranked teams from the Americas in the 32-nation tournament in China.

They joined Australia, who earlier booked their berth by advancing into the second group stage as Oceania’s best-placed team with New Zealand dropping into the 17-32nd place playoffs.

The top two teams from Europe will also qualify as well as one each from Africa and Asia. (Reuters)

Jaylen Brown

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesday, september 10, 2019

CWI to commence Head Coach recruitment ꟷ Pollard confirmed as White Ball Skipper

P

ORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Cricket West Indies (CWI) today confirmed the start of the recruitment process for a permanent West Indies men’s team Head Coach, announcing a new selection structure and policy as well as confirming the appointment of Kieron Pollard as the new “white ball” captain for the West Indies One Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) squads.

This follows a comprehensive review by CWI’s Selection Task Force into the selection process and system for all West Indies cricket, with all the recommendations approved by the CWI Board of Directors at the quarterly meeting, held for the first time in Tobago on September 7 and 8.

The Selection Task Force’s four-month review benchmarked cricket selection systems around the world and incorporated feedback and contributions from current and former players, coaches, administrators, franchise CEOs and nearly 2,700 fans across the Caribbean.

As a result, CWI announced that they will be advertising the Men’s Head Coach role with immediate effect inviting applications before the September 20 with the aim of having a permanent Head Coach in place for the forthcoming away tour against Afghanistan.

The new CWI selection system will inShallow said: “The end product in the form troduce new team-specific selection panof eight major recommendations is groundels for the West Indies men’s and women’s ed in a comprehensive methodology encomand Youth teams. This will comprise an passing the feedback of some 2700 stakeExecutive Selector (lead selector), a selector holders. This is a defining document that and head coach. These full-time selectors represents momentous progress for West will be supported by a selection analyst to Indies cricket.” provide performance data to support selecOn recognising the contribution of Jason tion considerations plus a minimum of three Holder and Carlos Brathwaite, Director of scouts to ensure cricketers throughout the Cricket Jimmy Adams region are closely watched and evaluated. said: “I would like to place on record the A modernised, transparent selection polsignificant contributions and leadership that icy will see players selected against six criboth Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite teria: form and performance, fitness (based have provided the West Indies ‘white ball’ on a new approved fitness and conditioning teams and we look forward to both players policy), team balance, mental capacity, techfocusing on their own games and enjoy the nical ability and commitment. The playing freedom of playing with the reduced responDr Kishore Shallow, CWI Vice President XIs will then be selected by the Executive sibility.”

Selector, Head Coach and Captain.

On his appointment as West The Selection Task Force also rec- Selection Task Force Committee: Indies white ball Captain, Pollard ommended the immediate introduc- Dr Kishore Shallow, CWI Vice-President and Chair of the said: “I’m truly honoured to be aption of “red ball”and “white ball” cap- Committee pointed Captain of the West Indies tains to support a long-term strategy Jimmy Adams, CWI Director of Cricket and I would like to thank Cricket to focus on the different formats of in- Enoch Lewis, CWI Director and Chair of the CWI Cricket Committee West Indies’ Board of Directors for ternational cricket. Kieron Pollard is Miles Bascombe, Former West Indies Player placing their faith and confidence being appointed “white ball” captain Ramnaresh “Ronnie” Sarwan, Former West Indies Captain in me. I can’t wait to work with for both the ODI and T20I teams with Philo Wallace, Former West Indies batsmen the coaching staff and players as Jason Holder continuing as “red ball” we start building towards future long-term development strategy. captain for the Test team as CWI seeks World Cups and give the fans more On the Selection Task Force Process and reasons to get behind the team.” (CWI) to see an improvement in performances and therefore ICC World Rankings as part of the Recommendations, Vice President Kishore

Barty reclaims number one Basketball World Cup: spot, Andreescu up to fifth Greece call for officials to A be banned after elimination

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists before he was fouled out during Greece’s match with the Czech Republic

G

reece are calling for the officials who oversaw their final game at the Basketball World Cup to be banned.

The Greeks needed to beat the Czech Republic by 12 points to reach the quarter-finals, but could only win 84-77 as Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled out.

The Milwaukee Bucks man, the NBA’s most valuable player in 201819, picked up a fifth foul in the fourth quarter.

“You cannot call these kinds of fouls on this kind of player,” said Greece coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos.

“He came every day to fight on the court, of course he did not get the respect he wants and I mean about the two fouls he received, the third and the fifth.

“I am sorry because we disappointed a lot of fans in Greece and fans who supported us here.”

A team spokesman confirmed to news agency Agence France-Presse that Greece were writing to the sport’s governing body FIBA, seeking a ban for the three referees in charge.

“Also (a ban) for those who nominate the referees and also watch the video and announce

the results,” the spokesman added.

There has already been a controversy involving officials at the World Cup in China.

FIBA has said the three officials who made an error in the final seconds of Lithuania’s tournament-ending loss to France on Saturday would not officiate any more games.

With Lithuania trailing 76-75 with 30.8 seconds remaining, they should have received a point after ‘basket interference’ by a French player during a free-throw. However, the officials took no action at the time with the French winning 78-75.

The United States, winners at the last tournament in 2014, advanced into the quarterfinals with an 89-73 victory over Brazil to top Group K with five wins out of five.

Australia beat France 100-98 in another match on Monday, a victory that left them top of Group L with France advancing in second place.

Basketball World Cup quarter-finals: 10 September: Argentina v Serbia, Spain v Poland 11 September: United States v France, Australia v Czech Republic

ustralia’s Ash Barty has reclaimed the number one spot in the WTA rankings less than a month after losing it while U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu moved up to a career-high fifth after her maiden Grand Slam win in New York.

Andreescu beat Serena Williams 6-3 7-5 in Saturday’s final to maintain a 13-match unbeaten run, where she also won the Canadian Open, to break into the top 10 for the first time in her career.

“I don’t want to take anything for granted. These are the moments you live for and I’m just beyond blessed,” Andreescu, who moved up 10 places, told Reuters.

After taking the first set and leading 5-1 in the second, Andreescu was broken twice by 23-times Grand Slam winner Williams before eventually breaking back and winning the contest to become the first Canadian to win a major in the professional era.

“It definitely wasn’t easy in the final against Serena Williams,” the 19-year-old added. “I think I’m most proud of how I’m able to get into my zone and I was able to block out the crowd too because they were really, really loud.

“If I didn’t do that, I’m sure Serena would have won that second set so I’m really glad with how I

Ashleigh Barty (Getty Images)

handled everything.”

French Open champion Barty exited the tournament in the last 16 but regained the number one spot after last year’s champion Naomi Osaka was also knocked out at the same stage.

The Japanese, who also beat Williams in last year’s final, slipped to fourth in the rankings with Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova and Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina leapfrogging her to move up to second and third respectively.

Wimbledon champion Simona Halep fell two places down to sixth while Williams fell one spot to ninth despite her run to the final.

In the ATP rankings, there was no change in the top three with Novak Djokovic leading men’s champion Rafa Nadal, who won his 19th Grand Slam on Sunday, and Roger Federer but this year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev moved up to a career-high fourth.

Medvedev has had a stellar record since a third-round exit at Wimbledon, reaching the finals of his last four tournaments, winning the Cincinnati Masters last month.

(Reuters)

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tuesday, september 10, 2019

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Odyssey Sightseeing Golf Extravaganza…

Hussain, Shivraj and Escarraga excel

T

he rainy season has passed, and the game of golf is thriving in the prevalent dry season. Thus many golfers excitedly took to the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) course for the rescheduled Odyssey Sightseeing Tours Guyana Inc. tournament, played on Saturday September 7, 2019.

Club President Aleem Hussain produced an outstanding performance to emerge Best Net (overall champion), but great performances were also produced

by Guillermo Escarraga and Brian Hackett.

Keen performances from other golfers ensured that Hussain was only one stroke in the lead at the end of the day.

Manager Troy Khan, representing the sponsor, was on hand t o

wanted Office Assistant / Accounts Clerk.

5 C.X.C subjects and knowledge of Quickbooks, N.I.S, P.A.Y.E. Good communication skills. Must be able to work with a team, Charismatic, Energetic, Persuasive. Customer service experience is an asset. Apply to MIMA Decor, 8th Sheriff Street, Georgetown #227-0176/ 227-0186.

Mimadecor12@gmail.com

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21

assist with the distribution of prizes, which were awarded to the first two Net places in each flight.

Winners and golfers of honourable mention in the three flights played were as follows: In the 20–28 flight: Guillermo Escarraga (68/22) – 1st; Brian Hackett (also 68/22) – 2nd; Philbert London (73/21), Maurice Solomon (73/24), Carlos Adams (74/26) and Eureka Giddings (75/28) performed creditably.

In the 11–19 flight: Lekhnarine Shivraj (71/16) – 1st, and Ravindra Harry (72/16) – 2nd. In fact, 2nd place was a tie between Ravindra Harry, William Walker (72/12) and Patanjilee Persaud (72/16).

Sung Soo Han, Ravindra Harry, Brian Hackett, Guillermo Escarraga, Aleem Hussain, Feroze Barakat, Lekhnarine Shivraj, William Walker, Avinash Persaud and Troy Khan

Additionally, David Harry (74/16) and Feroze Barakat (76/17) performed well. In the 0–10 flight: Aleem Hussain (67/9) – 1st; Avinash Persaud (72/2) – 2nd. Former Captain Patrick Prashad produced a fine 74 off a 9 handicap to be placed 3rd in that flight.

Specialty prizes: Nearest the Pin was won by Brian Hackett, while Longest Drive and Best Gross were won by reigning Guyana Open champion Avinash Persaud. Other specialty prizes were awarded to William Walker for the close 2nd tie with Ravindra Harry, and to Sung Soo Han - Architect of the new United Nations Complex in Kingston - for the Most Honest Visiting Golfer.

Veteran golfer Feroze Barakat also participated, and indicated that Odyssey Sightseeing Tours was delighted to be supportive of the Golf Club, and was committed to continuing the partnership.

BCB/Stag Beer 50-Overs bowls off Saturday T

he Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB’s) First Division season for 2019 will commence on September 14 with the hosting of the Stag Beer 50-Overs Round Robin Tournament.

The tournament was originally due to start in May, 2019, but was postponed because a prolonged rainy season had left most grounds in an unplayable state.

The 11 teams in Berbice have been divided into three zones. West Berbice, Blairmont Community Centre and Tucber Park are in Zone ‘A’. Rose Hall Town Thunderbolt Flour, Rose Hall Canje, Young Warriors, and Police Sports Club are in Zone ‘B’. Zone ‘C’ consists of Albion Community Centre, Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne and Skeldon.

The top two teams from each zone will advance to the playoffs, where they will be involved in a knockout phase to reach the finals.

Berbice Cricket Board President (BCB) President Hilbert Foster disclosed that the 2019 First Division season is expected to consist of 50-Overs, 40-Overs, 20/20 and the

historic Two-Day Tournament.

Albion and arch-rivals Rose Hall Town will start as pre-tournament favourites, but challenges are expected from Tucber Park, Blairmont Community Centre, and Young Warriors.

Among the players expected to participate in this tournament are Romario Shepherd, Devandra Bishoo, Clinton Pestano, Kevlon Anderson, Jonathan Foo, Keon Joseph, Veerasammy Permaul, Garfield Benjamin, Shimron Hetmyer, Alex Algoo, Demetri Cameron, Rishi Persaud, Javed Karim and Kevin Sinclair.

Teams are reminded that walkovers would be granted half-hour after the scheduled start of play, while captains will forfeit their rights to the toss if they are not present at the venue by 09:15 hours, to allow for a prompt 09:30 start.

Teams are required to be properly attired, and the host teams are to provide snacks and refreshments both to teams and to the umpires.

Only Berbicians are allowed to participate in this tourney.

Next Gen & HJ Entertainment’s “Not in My House”

Boxers officially ink contracts

Dexter Marques signs his contract alongside Keevin Allicock

By Timothy Jaikarran

I

t all goes down on Saturday September 28 at the Durban Park in Georgetown, when Next Gen Global Marketing and Hits & Jams Entertainment present “Not In My House” – an event featuring more than 50 rounds of top quality boxing, which is scheduled to commence at 18:30 hrs.

At the official signing of the boxers, Promoter Aleem Hussain said, “We are expecting a total of 12,000 to 15,000 in attendance, as this is going to be one of Guyana’s most premiere event. It’s a unique event because all of our sponsors will be giving away free tickets to their clients, sponsors and families.

“It is our hope that this becomes the model for all boxing matches in Guyana, and with all the partnerships coming on board, this looks to be one of the greatest boxing events in Guyana.

“Thanks to cooperation (from) Minister Norton of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the event will be hosted at Durban Park, in the heart of the city, for easy access to transportation.”

President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool, who also made remarks, said he is pleased with this new form of boxing, as it will bring a large turnout. He noted that the amateurs will be showcased apart from the professionals. “…essentially, cricket is currently dominating sports in Guyana…but I would like to believe that these fighters can add some sparkle to the event and put on a good show for the people (of) Guyana. There have been a couple of additions to the card, as Kwesi Jones will be fighting Edmond Declou in the catchweight category; while added to the card will be a female component of Pearline Lochan taking on Sharon Warde and Patrick Boston battling Duel Augustin.

“We have chosen to include a female bout as we would want to promote and have this type of representation at this event.”

The main event of the night will see Dexter Marques battling Jose Antonio Jimenez, a Colombian fighter who is undefeated in 21 fights.

Marques has said he would leave his talking for the ring, since his preparation is coming along nicely. He noted that he has sacrificed a lot in his aim to be a world champion, hence he is keenly studying his opponent, and vows to take him out.

Marques has promised to punish Jimenez come September 28.

There will also be an after- party powered by 94.1FM and HJ Entertainment Guyana Carnival. Complimentary tickets are available at Hits & Jams Entertainment's main office, New Trend Auto, and sponsors that would be announced shortly.

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tuesday, september 10, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

“Consistency is key”

Captain Malik looking to keep it clean ‘on the road’

By Jemima Holmes

F

ollowing a hat trick of wins at home, the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) will ‘hit the road’ for their next five games in the 2019 edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament.

The Warriors’ success at the National Stadium, Providence was no small feat. They defeated the St Lucia Zouks by 13 runs, the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by eight wickets, and the Barbados Tridents by a whopping 47 runs. Yet, in spite of their success at home, their task will now be a little more difficult, because they have to play at foreign grounds.

The home crowds at foreign venues will be backing the Warriors’ opponents, but the Amazon Warriors are resolved to continue bagging wins, and all that is required for them to keep on so doing is consistency.

According to Captain Shoaib Malik, “Well, when you win games, of course confidence is there: in the dressing room, and especially (among) the players who are in good form.

We’ll just stay consistent in the tournament.

“It’s just the beginning of the tournament.

We’ll be on the road for the next five games, and we’ll try putting (together) good combinations, considering the grounds and opposition,” Malik declared in response to questions about the team’s intentions for their 5-game tour. Probed about talents such as Clinton Pestano and Anthony Bramble being utilised, the captain said he anticipates that every player would have his chance with bat or ball, given the great quality of the players in the GAW team.

“Yes! Definitely! I guess we have all good players in our dressing room, and I’m hoping they all get their chances. And it’s just that

staying consistent in the tournament is the key (to being successful),” he said.

The Warriors have thus far both chased and established runs on the board, and the result has been the same each time: a win for the Warriors.

three departments; it’s just the fielding department where we need to improve. We’re going to have some fielding sessions, and look forward for what’s coming our way,” he explained.

the fans had questions, Captain Malik had no doubt about Hemraj’s capabilities.

“I heard that he bowls left- arm spin, and since this ground has some history of supporting the spinners, that’s why I had one thing in mind: If we start off with Chandrapaul, he can give us a good start, and even take wickets; and that’s what he did upfront,” Malik disclosed.

Hemraj had bowled 2 overs for 10 runs in the game against the Tridents, registering an economy of 5.00. To put the icing on the cake, he had dispatched the Barbados Tridents’ most explosive batsman, Alex Hales.

Feeling ‘right at home’

GAW Captain Shoaib Malik spoke extensively to the media on the Warriors’ winning intentions

There is no doubt about the readiness of either the bowling or batting departments, but Captain Malik explained that the Warriors have to improve in one particular area before they can achieve perfection.

“To be honest, we have performed in all

Allicock looking to make an impact at World Boxing Championships

Chandrapaul with the ball

Most persons in the National Stadium, Providence were shocked to see Chandrapaul Hemraj take the ball on Sunday for the first over of the Warriors’ bowling innings. While

When visitors are asked what they love most about Guyana, one thing is invariably mentioned: “Guyanese hospitality”. The GAW captain enjoys this immensely. “For me, it doesn’t feel like I’m outside of Pakistan. It’s just packed; and people, they have so much passion about cricket, and whenever we even come out from the hotel, we get a lot of support from all these people, and it’s great to see,” Malik said.

Malik accordingly wants to make known to the Guyanese public his appreciation for the “sold-out” support the team had received during the first three home games recently played, and he says he is looking forward to returning to Guyana for the final two games -- against the Jamaica Tallawahs and the Trinbago Knight Riders, on October 3 and 4 respectively.

“I would like to thank them, that they were here and they cheered and supported both the teams; and that’s what I even expect for our two last games,” he disclosed.

BCB’s 80th anniversary celebration…

12 youths to benefit from Minister Ramjattan’s donation to BCB

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Boxer Keevin Allicock

G

uyanese Boxer Keevin Allicock is currently capitalizing on the opportunity of a lifetime as he prepares to compete in the World Boxing Championships.

Guyanese and Caribbean bantamweight boxing champion Keevin “Lightning” Allicock is currently in Yekaterinburg, Russia to participate in his first World Boxing Championship.

He departed Guyana’s shores on Saturday, and will be competing in the featherweight division, given that the bantamweight category has been dropped from the World Championships.

The Guyanese boxer will on Wednesday enter the ring for his first bout, against Finland's Arsian Khataev. Speaking on the decision to have Allicock participate in the World Boxing Championships, Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle said he had worked tirelessly in order to get the extremely talented young boxer to the championships.

"The World Championship is second only to the Olympics, and it is my commitment to keep exposing not only Mr. Allicock, but all of our boxers, to the highest level of training and competition," Ninvalle said.

Guyana last participated in the World Championship in 2013. In Kazakhstan, Dennis Thomas and Imran Khan flew the Golden Arrowhead.

In addition to Allicock’s participation, recently certified International Technical Officer (ITO) Elton Chase would be at the World Championships. Chase is the first Guyanese to have achieved an ITO status.

welve outstanding Under-13 cricketers drawn from across Berbice will each benefit from a donation of cricket gear as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues celebration of its 80th Anniversary.

BCB current President Hilbert Foster and former President Malcolm Peters on Thursday visited the office of Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, and were given over $250,000 worth of cricket gear as a donation to the Board. The donation included bats, batting pads, helmets, wicket keeping pads, stumps and wicket keeping gloves.

Foster expressed gratitude on behalf of the BCB that the county of Berbice was remembered. Twelve cricketers will each receive a piece of cricket gear, while two clubs in the Upper Corentyne area would each receive a complete set of stumps.

The BCB has, in the past 19 months, assisted dozens of young cricketers with over $2 million worth of bicycles, educational materials, school bags, cricket bats, batting pads, batting gloves, helmets, bowling boots and wicket-keeping equipment.

Foster said the BCB would also assist another fifteen Under-15 players to own their own batting pads or gloves.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan handing over cricket gear to BCB President Hilbert Foster, as Malcolm Peters looks on

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tuesday, september 10, 2019

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Tahir, Ahmad to join Guyana Amazon Warriors ꟷ Tallawahs pick up slow over rate penalty

T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) have announced that South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir and Afghan leg-spinner Qais Ahmad will join their squad to replace Shadab Khan and ICC Americas player Saurabh Netravalkar.

GAW have announced that Pakistan international leg-spinner Shadab Khan would be available only for the first three games of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, because he has commitments to the Pakistan team.

Netravalkar, who will also be unavailable because of international commitments, was drafted as the Amazon Warriors’ ICC Americas player, but draft rules allow for him to be replaced by a Caribbean or over-

seas player, who in this is the Afghan Qais Ahmad.

When Imran Tahir played for the Amazon Warriors in 2018, he had claimed 16 wickets at 17.75, and the team had made it to the final, but were beaten by the Trinbago Knight Riders.

From his 27 matches in T20 cricket, Qais Ahmad has taken 35 wickets at the very impressive average of 18 in the format. In the Hero CPL 2018 season, he played in the St Lucia team.

Qais Ahmad

Tallawahs penalised

The Jamaica Tallawahs have been charged with a breach of Article 2.5 of the Hero CPL Code of Conduct: Minimum Over Rate Offences.

This development came to light at the end of Match 3, between themselves and the Trinbago Knight Riders on Friday 6th September at the Queen’s Park Oval in Portof-Spain. The charge of being one (1) over down was laid by the Match Officials Team against the captain of the Tallawahs, Chris Gayle.

As provided for at Appendix 2, Section 4.2 of the Code of Conduct, the applicable monetary fine was imposed on the captain, and the Jamaica Tallawahs team was penalized with a 0.05 reduction in their Net Run Rate.

Hero CPL 2019: Patriots Riddim Squad demolish GT

battle Tallawahs at Warner Park tonight S t Kitts & Nevis Patriots welcome Jamaica Tallawahs to Warner Park in their first home game of the 2019 Caribbean Premier League on September 10. The live action is scheduled to start at 18:00 local time.

After away defeats to Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors, the Patriots will be hoping to start their block of home matches with a first win of the campaign.

They have already seen Devon Thomas hit his stride as he scored 62 against the Warriors last time out.

Jamaica Ta l l a w a h s also lost their first away

game, to the Knight Riders. They have signed some big players for this season, however – Chris Gayle switching from the Patriots in one of the most notable of those.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots stuck with the same team for both of their away defeats, with Kjorn Ottley playing his first T20 match in the opening game of CPL 2019 and late replacements Alzarri Joseph and Mohammad Hafeez also featuring. Their bowling was punished last time out, with Afif Hossain among the options to switch things around – Usama Mir could make way.

SKNP’s key players

Andre Russell

Alzarri Joseph appeals for success during the CPL 2018 season against the Tallawahs

Panthers for 1st Limacol win

Evin Lewis came up short last time out, having been the Patriots’ top scorer in the first match, but his form for the West Indies recently shows that he has been back to his best in recent times.Sheldon Cottrell took an excellent 3-13 in the first match to continue a fine year on a personal level, before claiming 1-35 last time out. His salute celebration will surely be brought out a lot more in this competition.

Devon Thomas top-scored in the last game, hitting seven fours and two sixes on his way to 62 from 49 balls. He just lacked some big-hitting support at the other end until Fabian Allen came in.

JT’s key players Late replacement Jerome Taylor played in the opening game but Kennar Lewis – another late addition to the squad – did not. The Tallawahs lacked top-order runs in what was always going to be a difficult chase but their top six was the strongest it could have been on paper and changes are less likely.

Andre Russell, aalready proving his form, having starred in the Global T20 Canada final prior to this tournament, hit 44 from 24 balls in the opening game, having earlier taken 1-37 with the ball.

Chris Gayle showed signs of his best form with three sixes on his way to 28 in the first game – had he stayed in a couple of overs more, as he was starting to motor, it could have been a different story. So often it is too.

Glenn Phillips, a centurion in a losing cause when these teams met in the play-offs last season, the wicket-keeper-batsman will want to improve on his cheap dismissal last time out as he opens up with Gayle.

Head-to-head St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Jamaica Tallawahs faced each other three times last season, winning one game apiece before the Patriots claimed victory in the play-offs. The Tallawahs still edge the head-to-head record with five wins to the Patriots’ four.

A snippet of the Limacol action

I

n what was a scoring frenzy at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown on Sunday evening, Riddim Squad and Timehri Panthers registered wins in the Limacol Football tournament.

By demolishing GT Panthers 5-2 in their opening game, Riddim Squad sent a clear message that their intention is to go all the way in the Limacol 2019 tournament.

Ian Mars was the first player to have his name written on the score sheet when he scored a goal for Riddim Squad in the 6th minute; but Panthers maintained their defensive line for the remainder of the half, and the score was left at 1-0.

Riddim Squad however turned up the heat in the second half after Panthers’ Joshua Anthony had levelled the scores in the 46th.

Wendell Joseph was quick with the Riddim Squad reply, in the 47th minute, to have that team retake the lead.

The encounter became more intense when the Panthers’ Seon Urquart equalized the scores again in the 52nd minute; because thereafter the Panthers were completely shut out, as James Bowman scored another goal for Riddim Squad in the 64th minute, while Wendell Joseph completed his hat trick with two more goals in the 65th and 68th minutes, to hand Riddim Squad a 5-2 win.

Joseph was visibly happy at his efforts on the field. He told this newscast that while he is happy about his team’s performance, the GT Panthers had shown their potential.

“I think we performed very well because our team has been training during the period of this tournament. So we train very hard to accomplish what we have tonight. So I think our team did what we had to do,” he said.

“The opposition, I think they trained very well, because I know it’s a new team that came into the competition; it’s a lot of youths. All they need is some more training and they will get there sometime,” Joseph declared.

The second fixture on Sunday evening saw Timehri Panthers coming up against Camptown. Jarel Walcott of the Timehri Panthers was the first to find the back of the net -- in the 7th minute -- and Timehri held on to their lead with strong defenses.

Camptown had a few near misses, but try as they might, they could not find the net; whereas, Tyron Khan netted Timehri Panthers’ second goal in the 85th minute to give his team a 2-0 win.

Sponsored by the New GPC Inc, the Limacol tournament will continue tomorrow evening with the first two games in Round 2.

Mahaica Determinators will take on Police ‘B’ at 19:00hrs, while Santos Under- 20 will battle Timehri Panthers at 21:00hrs.

The eventual champions of the tournament will walk away with $400,000, while the second placed team will pocket $200,000. The third and fourth placed teams will receive $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. (Jemima Holmes)

tuesday, september 10, 2019

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

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Page 23

Tahir, Ahmad to join Guyana Amazon Warriors

ꟷ Tallawahs pick up slow over rate penalty

Hero CPL 2019: Patriots battle Tallawahs

at Warner Park tonight

Page 23

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