Guyana Times - Wednesday, February 13, 2019

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

Issue No. 3834

THE BEACON OF TRUTH Wednesday, February 13, 2019

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Mandatory Article 106 90-day due elections

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Miner killed P7 after attacking businessman with cutlass

No “good faith” efforts

by Govt – Jagdeo tells Carter Center

D’Urban Park Project

$400M still unaccounted P10 for

Page 3

…Auditor General’s probe hits brick wall

…says APNU/AFC seems bent on creating constitutional crisis

New oil contract template will have better terms – Energy Dept claims

Page 9

– to close tax loopholes, include ring fencing provisions

Unions call for financial audit of UG Page 16

Mon Repos man jailed, fined $221M for narco trafficking P5

GRA staff P10 evacuate HQ after reports of fire …fire official claims “bomb threat”

…claim lavish misspending by VC

State to pay Attorney predicts additional miner $5M abuse of State for $54M resources for diamonds lost election in Police custody …says GECOM needs to “get up” and work Campaign financing Page 9

Page 14

P15 Terminal operators ordered to pay over $3M for breaching consumer laws

Waiver on tax data necessary to complete EITI report – consultant P7

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wednesday, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, February 13 – 10:00h-12:00h and Thursday, February 14 – 12:00h-13:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, February 13 – 09:30h-11:00h and Thursday, February 14 – 11:00h-12:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers can be expected in the morning, followed by light cloudy skies in the afternoon. Partly cloudy to light cloudy skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 10:23h and 23:08h reaching maximum heights of 2.31 metres and 2.22 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:52h and 16:32h reaching minimum heights of 0.97 metre and 0.90 metre respectively.

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Court-ordered Article 106 March 19 elections

No “good faith” efforts by Govt – Jagdeo tells Carter Center …says APNU/AFC seems bent on creating constitutional crisis

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epresentatives from the US-based Carter Centre met with members of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Monday where they met with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo along with Opposition Members of Parliament Juan Edghill and Priya Manickchand.

The Carter Centre team included Associate Director, Brett Lacy, and Legal and Electoral Advisor, Anne Marlborough.

The representatives are in Guyana on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the country’s preparedness to host General and Regional Elections following the December 21, 2018 passage of a motion of no-confidence against the coalition Government.

In an interview with Guyana Times, the Opposition Leader said he briefed the visiting officials on his party’s perspective on the elections.

“We welcomed the meeting and we’re pleased that they’ve shown continued interest in the governance issues in Guyana, particularly free and fair elections.

We also used to the opportunity to outline our perspective on how the matters are evolving,” he stated.

According to the Opposition Leader, he made it clear that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition seems “hell bent” on violating the Constitution.

“I told them that there is almost no respect for the [High] Court’s decision and that Government is operating in a manner and have made public pronouncements that it is ‘business as usual’. There has been no good faith effort made by this Government to meet the constitutional deadline and that they are pushing us into a constitutional crisis once the March 19 deadline expires,” Jagdeo said he told the Carter Centre representatives.

Since the passage of the No-confidence Motion, the Opposition has been reaching out to a number of international organisations to update them on the political situation in Guyana.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

As such, Jagdeo said this visit by the Carter Centre demonstrates that Guyana and the events happening here are being watched closely.

“We’ve been having regular meetings with the international community and I know that they are very concerned with the developments in Guyana and I believe that at the appropriate time, stronger views will be expressed,” he stated.

Already international pressure on the country has mounted. Only recently, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka urged the State to demonstrate its integrity and respect the Constitution as she reminded that building a peaceful and just society requires respect for the rule of law and confidence in national institutions.

“Recent political developments triggered by the

no-confidence vote in the National Assembly, are a test for Guyana’s strength and integrity with regards to the effectiveness of the rule of law and governance.

The delivery of the decisions by the Chief Justice demonstrate the independence and integrity of the Judiciary in protecting the Constitution and upholding the rule of law. The Honourable Speaker’s earlier validation of the process of the controversial voting at the National Assembly was testimony of the integrity of the Legislative arm of the State. It is hoped that the third arm of the State, the Executive, will demonstrate its integrity and respect for Guyana’s Constitution and the Judiciary that constitute the foundation for the rule of law,” Tanaka noted.

While the length of the Carter Centre officials’ visit is unknown, the team has already met with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

During that meeting, they engaged Chairman, Justice James Patterson; Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; and the three Opposition Commissioners. The three Government Commissions did not show for the meeting on Monday.

Later that day, the Carter Centre representatives also met with Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Social Protection Minister Amna Ally; and Political Advisor, Dr Mark Kirton

at the Ministry Presidency.

Civil society

of

the

Meanwhile on Tuesday, the visiting team participated in a civil society forum meeting with local stakeholders. The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) made a presentation, which according to its General Secretary Lincoln Lewis, highlights the need for society to vest itself in good governance, while also emphasising on the Centre’s crucial role at this point in time.

Lewis maintains that the GTUC’s concern is on rights and the rule of law, and the application of justice for all.

The GTUC head believes Government and the Opposition should return to the National Assembly, not only to address the issue of election and matters pertaining to how Government should “function” consistent with Article 106 (7), but to put in place structures to realise inclusion of political and non-political stakeholders.

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WEDNESDAY, february 13, 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

In the words of Martin Carter

W

hile much has been said and continues to be said about the successful passage of the No-confidence Motion on December 21, 2018, and its mandated constitutional process, much more will be said. This is simply because the Government, up to this point, has refused to abide by the enshrined process. It has filed an appeal to the Chief Justice’s ruling which upheld the validity of the parliamentary vote.

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

Suddenly, with elections constitutionally mandated following the passage of the No-confidence Motion, the list is coming under attack by the Government with a pronouncement by one official that it is compromised. Now the Administration is intensifying its call for new house-to-house registration; the idea of which was reportedly floated by a supportive GECOM Commissioner.

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

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

Many are worried as to what will happen after March 21 if the elections are not held or no parliamentary extension, which must be supported by the Opposition, is agreed to. There could be economic implications in addition to a possible political impasse. There are already reports of a reduction in foreign currency with exchange rates climbing. If no reprieve, then there is a great chance of a further escalation in the cost of living.

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

This is not to take away from the few who hold regular public days over time; however, there has been a noticeable presence of these officials in parts of the country following the December 21, 2018, vote. A few, who may have never ventured out of office for such engagements are now basking in the spotlight. Even what may be considered as insignificant, is now used as an impetus to engage residents. Similarly, within the same period, a number of potholedroads in the city and some other areas have been fixed.

This strongly suggests electioneering and may not have been realised at this juncture had it not been for the No-confidence Motion.

The State media also seems to have gone in campaign overdrive in an attempt to convince the populace that the Government has their interest at heart. Accused of abandoning the electorate and alienating them through the implementation of unpopular policies, the government seems to be in catch-up mode on all fronts.

Simply put, it seems to be doing everything to prop itself up and searching for straws, while ignoring the rule of law as dictated by the Constitution. This can only help to confirm the widespread belief that it is preoccupied with remaining in office, possibly at the expense of the best interest of the nation and its people. This is what continues to fuel uncertainty as what could play out after March 19 if no agreement is reached.

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

Silence would bring into focus the words of Guyana’s renowned poet, Martin Carter, who penned that all are involved, all are consumed. The context therefore seems apt.

Bichon Frises gather in the judging ring during the Daytime Session in the Breed Judging across the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Pier 92/94 in New York City (VOA news photo)

APNU/AFC Govt is unable to start any new projects of its own Dear Editor, On Sunday, my dear friend David Patterson tagged me in a Facebook post that proudly announced that as an alternative to construction of a Diamond entrance and with the help and cooperation of DDL, Government was able to access lands for a car park, market and a second entrance to Diamond. Patterson further alluded to the PPP Administration sale of land being the reason he could not construct this overpass. I reminded him that Diamond was a PPP project and commended him for the cosmetic improvement; in return, David replied “Thanks for reminding everyone that this was a PPP project. It takes a special type of idiot, to take an absolutely empty area of land (it was a cane field before-

hand), and develop it into a housing scheme to accommodate over 60,000 persons with only one single lane access road….these idiots decided to ‘double down on their master plan’, so they also opened up Grove, right next door, adding another 20,000 persons to the same single lane access road”. Of course, David failed to mention that the plan and financing for the Diamond to Ogle bypass road greeted him on his desk on assumption to office.

This is the choice facing the electorate in a nutshell. Do you want a PPP/C Government who helps to house 80,000 people, and who have made plans and secured financing for new roads and for widening existing roads?

Or do you want an APNU/ AFC Government of elitist

talkers who have so far been unable to complete any of the projects inherited; unable to start any of the new projects already tabled and financed; have been unable to conceive any new projects of their own, and would clearly be unable to move a project from conception to execution in timely manner. The Diamond-Ogle road project has been redesigned and tinkered with endlessly to the frustration of the nation.

The PPP/C added over 90,000 housing units in 23 years (Auditor General’s reports) an average of 3900 units per year, despite starting with empty cane fields.

APNU/AFC, in contrast, met a booming and experienced construction sector, partially constructed housing schemes and dismally failed to deliv-

er even 390 house lots (much less homes) in three and a half years. They have, however, written many and threatened to seize lots already paid for because of sloth in construction. A caring lot, this cabal!

We all know about or have that co-worker who waits until all the work is done to grab the file, change one word and then whisk it away and delivers it to the boss. APNU/AFC operates very much in that mode. Words of advice from Indira Gandhi to David would not be amiss “There are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there”.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Laws repeatedly being bent, twisted for a few Dear Editor, In my last Letter to the Editor, I listed my concerns about the actions of the prosecutors who happen to be mostly serving members of the Guyana Police Force and listed the recent case of a senior officer being charged for rape against a 13-yearold girl. Interestingly, after that publication of my letter, the remanded senior officer of the Guyana Police Force made his next appearance in front of the same Magistrate, without any objections from the police prosecutor again, he was granted bail for the measly sum of $250,000 for such a serious offence with instruction of staying 50 ft away from the victim.

Now take the case against the UG student who was remanded to prison for allegedly making threats of bombing

the University. Since I was a small boy, I recall there always being a threat of bombing various places, especially workplaces and schools.

That is nothing new and at this day and age, everyone should know that even if you block your phone’s number and place calls, the phone companies would still have the records of all the calls you send or receive, similarly with texts too. I would say for someone who is attending one of the highest learning institutions in Guyana; if she is not familiar with this info and committed such a stupid act, I have no sympathy for her.

My main concern is what is occurring in the various courts and the actions of the police officers. Latchmie Rahamat did indicate to the Magistrate that her client

was detained beyond the stipulated 72-hour period but basically that’s just it because it’s not the first time that happened either. The Magistrate could only voice his/her concern, no disciplinary action would be taken against the errant officers. Everyone should know that even though based on allegations, according to the various news outlets, the police persecutor put up a fierce battle against the trained lawyer and was successful in getting the accused remanded. I did not see the prosecutor involved in the matter of rape against the 13-year-old girl by the senior police officer putting up one single objection when the application of bail was made for him on both occasions in a case which I consider to be more serious than the bomb threats against the

University. There are numerous cases which is more serious and the accused get bail.

I guess your freedom depends on the mood the Magistrate and the police prosecutor is in. I observed these things and took note and it is my humble opinion that the laws of Guyana are repeatedly being bent and twisted to please a few, especially those who can afford it. My observation is that injustice is being meted out to many who are seeking justice. Under different leaders, the system remains the same but then again you can’t expect different if the leaders themselves refuse to obey the law. The case of the no-confidence vote is a typical example.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

5 Mon Repos man jailed, fined $221M for narco trafficking news

wednesdAY, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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zim Baksh also known as “Bato” of Phase One, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, who was busted with 91.132 kg of cocaine and 56.008 kg of cannabis in a fishing vessel at Mon Repos, ECD, was on Tuesday found guilty of narcotics trafficking.

Baksh appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court where he was informed that there is enough evidence against him and as such, he was

Azim Baksh

found guilty. Magistrate George sentenced Baksh to five years’ imprisonment and fined him $221 million. In addition, the boat in which the drugs were found was confiscated and handed over to the State.

The prosecution contended that Baksh was under surveillance by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on July 14, 2018, when the fishing vessel docked at the Mon Repos River channel. He was followed by CANU agents while Police searched the

Slothfulness, unprofessionalism at Govt Valuation Office Dear Editor, I wish to bring to the attention of the general public and the relevant authorities the unprofessionalism and slothfulness of the Government Valuation Office when it comes to completing a valuation of a property. Since last month I have been following up a request for a valuation to be completed on a property that I am about to sell. I have been given the royal runaround and there appears to be no end in sight.

In March 2018, the GRA issued a statement indicating that it “wishes to announce that with immediate effect, a valuation is not required when applying for a Certificate of Compliance to transfer land or property by way of sale, gift or tender. This intervention is intended to relieve the procedural strain and burden on the taxpayers”. This information can be corroborated from the GRA’s website via the link: https://www.gra.gov.gy/ publications/press-releases/797-valuation-not-required-for-land-property-certificate-of-compliance.

Nevertheless, there is still a need for a Valuation Certificate to be done since it is required by the banks when they are being requested to finance a property acquisition.

In this case, this is exactly what has happened; the proposed buyer needs a loan from the bank and has requested a valuation before an agreement of sale and purchase is signed, which is of course, very reasonable.

I first contacted the Valuation Office in the last week of January and was told that the valuation would take “a couple days”. It has now been over two weeks and I am still without a valuation after several frustrating follow-up calls and visits to the Valuation Office.

After several frustrating attempts to follow-up with Mr Paul (the Valuator), last week I attempted to speak with Mr Barrington, who oversees the Valuation Office, however, this has proven futile since he

is always “busy” or “out of office”.

Last week, I was told by Mr Paul to come on Friday at 13:30h to collect the valuation.

When I arrived, I was told that Mr Barrington had to sign the document and he would not be in office until Monday. I was requested to visit the office once again on Monday morning. I visited again, as requested, at 10h and was once again told that Mr Barrington “has not come in as yet” and I should visit in the afternoon at 14:00h. I complied and visited at 14:00h, but still, Mr Barrington had not signed the valuation as he was “busy and only came in for a few minutes and then left”.

Editor, I am an understanding person and know that at times these officials can be busy but what is so dif-

ficult in having an alternate sign off a document in your absence. I have already paid the fees for the valuation and I am currently at the mercy of the Valuation Office.

I can only hope and pray that when I do eventually get the document the potential buyer is still interested. I have turned away other enquires about the property since I already committed to selling to an individual, however, she and I cannot go ahead with the agreement until a valuation is done and the bank gives its approval of the financing. I have, thus far, expended significant time and finances in this process and I am frustrated and fed up.

Yours sincerely, Name and address provided

Some of the cocaine and ganja found on the fishing vessel

boat. Following the discovery of the drugs, Baksh was arrested in a car at Mon Repos, ECD. His accomplice, Farok Baksh, called “Shoot”, however,

managed to escape and a wanted bulletin was issued for him.

During the trial CANU ranks gave evidence showing that they found 82

parcels of cocaine which weighed 91.132 kg (201.32 lbs) as well as 98 parcels of cannabis which weighed 56.008 kg (123.47 lbs) on the vessel.

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Questions and Answers

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f a bully picks on me, should I fight back?

– Cole* Standing up to bullies doesn’t mean you have to have a physical fight with them. Most of the time, you don’t have to fight.

There are almost always more effective ways to deal with bullies – ways that are better for you.

Sometimes, though, people feel they need to (or want to) fight a bully. They may feel that they’re being physically threatened right at that moment and need to protect themselves. They may think fighting back will teach the bully a lesson or be the best way to escape.

Some people may feel pressured by others to fight back even when they don’t really want to. Feeling pressured by other people is not a good reason to fight.

There’s no easy answer to the question about when someone should fight back physically. Some bullies don’t actually want to fight. They just like to intimidate others or show off in front of their friends. Other bullies back down without a fight if the person they’re targeting stands up to them.

Some bullies like to get into a fight. They might like to cause pain to others – or feel pain themselves.

Fighting can get dangerous. A fight sometimes leads to serious injuries. The bully might have a weapon. Fighting may make the bully feel he or she has to come back later with a weapon or friends to help – and the whole thing can get out of control.

So, what can people who are being bullied do to feel more in control and able to defend themselves? If you’re being bullied, talk with a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, counsellor, or coach. They can get involved to help. Most schools do not tolerate bullies and have strict anti-bullying rules.

In some cases, it also might be necessary to get help from the Police. After all, if a bully physically attacks someone, it’s assault – and that’s a crime. If a bully uses a weapon or threatens to use one, it can result in severe penalties for the bully, including expulsion from school, arrest, and even prison.

For people who want to build skills and improve confidence, taking self-defence classes can help. Even for people who never need to use self-defence skills, just learning them can be very helpful.

In a few rare situations, fighting back may be the only way out at that moment. Fighting back physically is only a good idea when there is no other choice to avoid injury. But in almost all other cases, there are better, more effective, and safer choices. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. (kidshealth.org)

Fighting back physically is only a good idea when there is no other choice to avoid injury. But in almost all other cases, there are better, more effective, and safer choices.

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oday, February 13, 2019, UNESCO will celebrate the eighth edition of World Radio Day. This day marks a time where people around the world celebrate radio and how it shapes our lives. Radio informs, transforms, and unites us. It brings together people and communities from all backgrounds to foster positive dialogue for change. More specifically, radio is the perfect medium to counter the appeals for violence and the spread of conflict, especially in regions potentially more exposed to such realities.

On that basis, World Radio Day 2019 will celebrate the theme of “Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace”.

Broadcasts that provide a platform for dialogue and democratic debate over issues, such as migration or violence against women, can help to raise awareness among listeners and inspire understanding for new perspectives in paving the way for positive action.

Radio programming can also build tolerance and surpass the differences separating groups by uniting them under common goals and causes, like ensuring education for one’s children or addressing local health concerns.

In the spirit of celebrating World Radio Day 2019, an event open to the public will take place at UNESCO Headquarters today, from 11:00h to 16:00h. Two radio stations will be broadcasting live, including Radio UNESCO, a temporary radio station dedicated to World Radio Day. In addition, a total of 10 “Speed Workshops” will be offered for all to gain hands-on experience in radio production.

Widest audience

Radio is the mass medium reaching the widest audience in the world. It is also recognised as a powerful communication tool and a low-cost medium. Radio is specifically suited to reach remote communities and vulnerable people: the illiterate, the disabled, women, youth and the poor, while offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level.

Furthermore, radio has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief.

There is also a changing face to radio services, which in the present times of media convergence, are taking up new technological forms, such as broadband, mobiles and tablets.

Radio is still the most dynamic, reactive and engaging medium there is, adapting to 21st Century changes and offering new ways to interact and participate. Where social media and audience fragmentation can put us in media bubbles of like-minded people, radio is uniquely positioned to bring communities together and foster positive dialogue for change. By listening to its audiences and responding to their needs, radio provides the diversity of views and voices needed to address the challenges we all face.

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wednesday, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Miner killed after attacking businessman with cutlass

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miner was on Thursday shot and killed after he allegedly attacked a businessman with a cutlass at a mining camp in the Cuyuni River. The dead man has only been identified as “Leon”.

Reports are the businessman visited a shop owned by a Brazilian on Thursday last but was forced to stay at that location since a fallen tree had blocked the road, preventing him from returning to his camp located at 1 ½

mile Bartica, Potaro.

The businessman reportedly tied a hammock in the Brazilian man’s premises to spend the night when he heard loud noises emanating from outside.

As a result, the Brazilian man went to check and saw the now dead man hitting a cutlass to the walls of his premises.

According to reports, the Brazilian man attempted to take the cutlass away from “Leon” but instead, he was

overpowered. The Bartica businessman intervened and was also attacked.

Guyana Times understands that the Bartica businessman, who is a licensed firearm holder, drew his weapon and reportedly discharged a round in the air to scare “Leon” but the man continued making advances at him.

The businessman discharged three rounds, two of which struck the now dead man. The Police were called to the scene and “Leon” was pronounced

dead. The businessman was taken into Police custody and his weapon has since been lodged. On Tuesday, the police said that the businessman is assisting with the investigations.

Meanwhile, a source close to the investigation told this publication that persons reported that the now dead man and the businessman were engaged in a heated argument.

It was during this time that the man collected a cutlass and attacked

the businessman who responded by shooting him twice, once the chest and once to the upper back. He collapsed and died.

Police sources explained that after they received reports about the shooting, a team of investigators travelled to the area but due to the mountainous terrains, the body was only brought to Bartica on Monday. The businessman, the source explained is the son of a popular resort owner.

Waiver on tax data necessary to complete EITI report – consultant

BDO LLP representative Rached Maleej

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he collection of data from major Government agencies to assist in the compilation of Guyana’s first Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) report has started, but the only challenge lies with being able to get a waiver on tax information from these agencies.

UK-based accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has been hired as the independent administrator for Guyana’s EITI. Representing

the company is Rached Maleej who briefed stakeholders on the task ahead and what could be some of the challenges.

Maleej made a presentation at the opening of a special workshop for “The EITI Reporting Mechanism, Methodology and Process” on Tuesday. Pointing to the most significant challenge, Maleej said confidentiality is one, particularly as it relates to the release of tax information.

At present, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is unable to release taxpayer information to third parties to compile and consolidate revenues and expenditures from Private Sector entities unless it is authorised by an entity or the President, according to local laws.

But this information is pertinent to BDO’s work to compile the reconciliation report which will include information on operations and procedures of Guyana’s mining, forestry and oil and gas sectors.

The EITI requires a comprehensive reconciliation of company payments and

Government revenues from the extractive industries. An understanding of company payments and these revenues can inform public debate about the governance of the extractive industries. It also points to advancing transparency.

While the consultant acknowledged that this issue is not unique to Guyana, he did say that Government could ask the local companies to grant waivers for the GRA to release their tax information and identities. “For the major players, we can obtain a waiver. We can try to contact them and try to get a no-objection signature,” he explained.

As for other agencies, Maleej said an independent administrator could sign a confidentiality agreement and work on the information and presenting the report, which should be approved by the Multi-Stakeholder Group. This information could be presented without breaking the laws, he added.

According to the BDO consultant, his company would need a comprehensive list of all

Attendees at Tuesday’s EITI workshop

the valid and active players in Guyana since 2017 from these agencies.

“This is the crucial information. This is the cornerstone of the entire EITI standard because if we do not have it, we have no assurance on the comprehensiveness,” he told the gathering.

Maleej said the work will be done in a six-phase process and would include an analysis of all the major Private Sector players in the local oil and gas sector. The aim is to identify through data, the taxes and payment flow to Government

and whether there is any level of discrepancies.

The process requires the Private and Public Sector entities to complete templates by a deadline after which no more information would be accepted.

He also cautioned Government against rushing to include the fisheries and forestry sector to the EITI process because of the need for the related agencies to be restructured in line with the Initiative’s standards.

This is critical to BDO LLP’s work, which is to match the earnings and expenses of

all major Government agencies in the extractive sector and help compile the EITI report.

Data is now being collected from GRA, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Gold Board, the Finance Ministry, National Insurance Scheme and the Environmental Protection Agency as well as nine oil and gas, and 25 mining companies.

The deadline for the report is April 25, 2019.

Guyana became the 52nd country to join the global standard last October. EITI seeks to promote tenets of good governance, transparency and accountability in the management of the extractive industries.

EITI is recognised as a global standard to promote the open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources. The standard requires the disclosure of information along the extractive industry value chain from the point of extraction to how revenues progress through the Government and how they benefit the public.

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wednesday, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

‘Child father’ on bail after breaching protection order

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man who breached a court order found himself before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus charged with violating a protection order granted to the mother of his child against him.

Seon Felix, a sales coordinator of Lot 658 Diamond Housing Scheme, denied that on February 11, 2019 at Robb and Hinck Streets, Georgetown, he breached a court order and went with-

in 100 feet of the Virtual Complainant, which is a violation of the protection order issued by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Defence Attorney Ronald BurchSmith, in a bail application, told the court that on the day in question, his client had gone to the area to pay for his car insurance when he saw the woman in the vicinity. He said that his client continued his business, but was

later arrested by Police.

However, the VC denied the claim put to the court by the defence counsel, saying that she became afraid after she saw Felix staring at her.

Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus ordered Felix to report to the Brickdam Police Station weekly until the trial is completed. The defendant was released on $10,000 bail. The case will continue today.

Standing up…

T

…to high-handedness at UG he academic staff at UG – from both of the unions representing all workers at the sole tertiary institution in Guyana – came out in force against VC Ivelaw Griffith. He insists that he and his tight coterie live high off the hog to engage in all kinds of “Cadillac” style events at UG’s expense, while the rest of the University – which actually delivers the goods – has to make do with a “donkey cart” budget. They’re demanding an audit of UG’s spending.

Now, bear in mind that last year UG received $3.1 billion from the Central Government, with just $501 million earmarked for capital expenses. Meaning that $2.6 billion– plus another $1.5 billion from fees imposed on students was for operational expenses – including salaries!! The Lecturers got a measly three to four per cent increase last year – after agitation!!

The VC wanted to know from where he’d get the money!! Well duh!! How about from the $4.1 billion from the student fees and the Govt subvention?? But the academic staff have brought up their demands at a very strategic moment – just as the Guyana Teachers Union has done. With elections just around the corner and most of the staff from the PNC’s constituency, it’ll be interesting to see how the powers that be will react to the demand for an audit!

After all, the Government was willing to spend over $150 million for 50 audits of Govt departments where they suspected PPP office holders had pilfered from the public purse. Shouldn’t the sauce for the duck at UG be the same as that for the gander at Govt departments??

Well, in the honest opinion of your Eyewitness, the answer will be no!!

You see, this nonsense has been publicised ever since the man was recruited – handsomely!! – back in 2015 after he was let go with two years on his contract from some land-grant university in Georgia. The staff also had issues with his predecessor, the Nigerian Dr Jacob Opadeyi, and had demanded that HIS contract not be renewed. But while Opadeyi was given the boot, why will a different treatment be accorded to Griffith??

And the answer, dear reader, has been blowing in the wind since 2011 when Griffith – who’d been a YSM leader back in the day with the present crop of PNC leaders – was tasked by Florida International University to gather a bunch of Guyanese academics to conduct a “Strategic Culture” analysis of Guyana, for use by US policymakers. Griffith’s selection of academics was as “outcome determinative” as could be.

Their report declared: PNC was the group in Guyana most closely aligned with US interests!!

Granger and the PNC owe him big time!! …at the Privy Council There was an interesting Privy Council decision out of Trinidad. T&T, of course, has retained the Privy Council as their final Appellate Court, even though it houses the CCJ. The case concerned appointments to their Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) by their President in accordance to their Constitution Art 110(3)(b) which stated that one of the persons had to have served as a Judge and two from “persons with legal qualifications at least one of whom is not in active practice”. The President went on to appoint two retired Judges to fill the last category.

The Privy Council ruled:“…the difficulty exemplified by this attempt to categorise a serving Judge as either in, or not in, active practice as a person with legal qualifications, adds significant weight to the argument that it was not intended that Judges should be included within section 110(3)(b) at all.”

Yet our Appellate Court ruled that the DISJUNCTIVE “or” separating a “judge” or “other fit and proper person” in our Article 161 (2) could be JUDGE!!

CCJ anyone?? …for free and fair elections?

The Carter Centre knows about PNC delaying tactics and the Elections Commission when the elections scheduled for 1990 were pushed back to 1992.

They visited GECOM on their timelines. We hope they issue a “déjà vu” statement!!

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

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wednesday, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Campaign financing

Attorney predicts additional abuse of State resources for elections …says GECOM needs to “get up” and work

By Samuel Sukhnandan

I

mmediately after the Noconfidence Motion was passed in the National Assembly and following the High Court’s ruling in the matter, the coalition Government has upped its political campaigning, although President David Granger is yet to announce a date for the constitutionally mandated General and Regional Elections.

Local political analysts and commentators have also taken note of the frequent travel of Government Ministers to various parts of the country, including the hinterland region.

This point to the fact that Guyana is still in need of a modern piece of legislation that will cater for campaign finance for each political party, whether that party is in Government or not.

Outspoken attorney and chartered accountant, Christopher Ram told Guyana Times on Monday

Activist and accountant, Christopher Ram

that it is clear that the current Administration is utilising State resources to fund their political campaign.

“That is a misuse of public State funds and there is a law on campaign financing – the Representation of the Peoples Act has provisions on it. The Government is abusing the law and State resources,” he added.

In Chapter 1:03 Part XIII of the Act titled “Election

Expenses”, a limit is placed on personal campaign expenses to GY$25,000 per candidate and a maximum sum of GY$50,000 multiplied by a maximum number of 53 from a total number of 65 candidates for each contesting political party. The Guyana exchange rate in 1990 was GY$45:US$1. It is presently GY$200: US$1.

And according to Section 120 (1) of the amended Act, following elections, political parties’ election agents have 35 days in which to submit financial returns to the Chief Elections Officer, disclosing on behalf of candidates and their parties, all payments made by the party’s election agent, amounts of personal expenses paid by each candidate, all disputed and unpaid claims, all monies, securities, and those received for the conduct of the elections, the names of donors and contributors, among others.

However, since the enactment of these regula-

New oil contract template will have better terms – Energy Dept claims – to close tax loopholes, include ring fencing provisions

By Jarryl Bryan

I

n the wake of public criticism over the contractual terms it negotiated with the oil contracts based on a model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Government said it has taken steps towards rectifying this issue.

At a press conference on Monday at the Ministry of the Presidency, Head of the Department of Energy Dr Mark Bynoe revealed that a new PSA template has been developed. Even though ExxonMobil’s contract insulates it from changes in Guyana’s laws and policies, this template will be used for future contracts.

“The new template will definitely have more favourable terms for Guyana,” Bynoe said. “When that (old) PSA started, the risks of investing in Guyana were significantly higher… the greater the risk, the greater the returns.”

“Going forward, because we have a lot more knowledge now, we’ve been able to have conditions that are a lot more favourable. So from that perspective, there will be improvements.

Meanwhile, Department of Energy Advisor, Matthew Wilks gave some details about what was changed about the templates. He explained that ring-fencing is catered for in the improvements.

“We’re looking at improving the overall Government take, in terms of the amount the Government will get, by instituting elements like ring-fencing. We’ll also look at making it more of a progressive regime, so as the oil price

From left: Department of Energy Advisor Matthew Wilks and Head of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe

increases the Government gets more of the share.”

“There are a number of techniques for doing that in PSA’s. We’ll also be looking at closing off potential taxation and value-loss loopholes.

There are many in all PSA’s around the world. What you try to do is mitigate avenues by which companies can reduce their taxes. And there will be a tightening up to ensure Government has more of a say.”

However, Wilks cautioned against too much tweaking of the model to the point where the terms repel rather than attract investors. The advisor stressed that the right balance has to be found, otherwise investors will take their money elsewhere.

In terms of royalties, which in Guyana’s case is two per cent, Wilks noted that this should be subject to a competitive process.

“In constructing these PSA’s, we’re trying to evaluate what’s best for that critical point where the Government gets what it wants and the investor will still invest.

That’s what we’re working on throughout the year.”

“Royalty is often a bidda-

ble term. In many countries where there is a PSA, that is sort of a square box to be filled in by companies. And they compete. So rather than stipulating royalty levels, you let them compete against each other to offer royalty levels.”

The PSA

The current PSA between the coalition Government, ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block was finalised on October 7, 2016.

ExxonMobil and its partners were able to secure a number of exemptions.

Article 15.4 of the renegotiated contract also provides for the Government itself to pay the company’s income tax. To facilitate this, the oil company has to submit tax returns to the Government.

Article 32 stipulates that Government cannot modify the contract or increase any fiscal obligation the company has. This, therefore, puts a cap on the taxes, royalties, duties, fees or charges outlined in the contract.

Government also has to compensate the operator if a change to existing laws causes loss of revenue for the company.

tions (Act 24 of 1990) they have neither been observed by contesting political parties nor enforced by the Chief Elections Officer. Ram said therefore this could lead to social, political and economic instabilities in society.

“GECOM should be drawing it to their attention. They need to get up and do some work.

GECOM is the elections regulator in this country… I am not sure that the Chief Executive Officer (Keith Lowenfield) or the Chairman (retired Justice James Patterson) is aware of that, but there are provisions,” he opined.

Legislation

Asked whether he thinks there is need for a more modern legislation to guide campaign financing in Guyana, the commentator told Guyana Times that there is always need for a more modern legislation but “they first have to comply with what exists within the Representation of the Peoples Act.” The Carter Centre had recommended the implementation of campaign financing laws and even prior to that, the Alliance For Change (AFC) was pushing for the implementation of the laws; however, after years in

“GECOM should be drawing it to their attention. They need to get up and do some work. GECOM is the elections regulator in this country… I am not sure that the Chief Executive Officer (Keith Lowenfield) or the Chairman (retired Justice James Patterson) is aware of that, but there are provisions,” – Ram Government, the party and its coalition partner are yet to make a step in that direction.

In its final report on the 2011 General Election, the Carter Centre said the need to create legislation to cater for campaign financing was important and even reiterated that in its 2015 report.

“To ensure realisation of the right and opportunity to be elected, legal reform is necessary to improve campaign finance laws. Legislation should be strengthened to routinely require disclosure of contributions and expenditures. Consideration also should be given to establishing reasonable limits on donations and expenditures to

ensure that the free choice of voters is not undermined or the democratic process distorted by disproportionate expenditures on behalf of any candidate or party.

A monitoring and enforcement body with oversight authority of compliance with campaign finance regulations would also be a positive contribution to Guyanese politics,” the report stated.

Additionally, the report stated that Guyana’s legal framework for elections was silent in the area of registration and operation of political parties; hence, the reason why legislation is needed to establish clear requirements for the registration and operation of political parties that would support the freedom of association and promote broad multiethnic parties that could represent citizen interests in governance.

One of the co-founders of the AFC, Sheila Holder, who wrote a report on ‘Political parties and campaign financing in Guyana’ was passionate about getting the issue addressed through the drafting of legislation. In that report she revealed that incumbent Governments in Guyana have an unfair advantage over opponents when it comes to them having access to finance for their political campaigns.

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tuesday, february 12, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

D’Urban Park Project

$400M still unaccounted for …Auditor General’s probe hits brick wall

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

A

s the probe into the controversial D’Urban Park Project continues, Auditor General Deodat Sharma says he is dissatisfied with the information they have gathered thus far and would, therefore, need more documents.

Last week, the Public Infrastructure Ministry said in a statement that it had already handed over documents requested by the Auditor General’s Office.

But Sharma told <<<Guyana Times>>> on Tuesday that while he was in receipt of those documents, more financial records are needed before the audit is completed into the multimillion-dollar project.

“We sent a draft [report], they have now responded but we are now combining their response in the original queries and we’re sending back that report to them because we still haven’t gotten quite a few documents. So I’ll be sending that to the (Permanent Secretary

of the Public Infrastructure Ministry Kenneth Jordan) requesting some more information they said they have,” he told this newspaper.

According to the Auditor General when asked, he is unsure how long the audit will last.

“We will have to wait and see the information we get.

Basically, I’m still not satisfied with the information that we have… [As it is right now] the half of billion that was expended by the private company that cannot be explained which is what I had in my AG report already. Remember the company did some work and the Ministry took over it so how do you check that work and what they said, that’s the type of problems we have…,” Sharma asserted. The coalition Government has come in for much criticism over D’Urban Park, its flagship project, with issues such as corruption and mismanagement of state resources taking the fore.

It was Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman, Irfaan Ali, who had requested that further probing be done by the Auditor General into specific projects including D’Urban Park, for which the AG in his 2015 report had listed that some $36.5 million in Lotto funds was used for rehabilitative works.

Ali had stated that these requests were in relation to follow-ups from the findings that had been included in the AG’s 2015 report. In his 2015 report, the Auditor General had said that following checks on the accounts, it was found that

while Government transferred $1 billion of the Lotto money to the Consolidated Fund in 2015, it held on to just over half a billion dollars to remain under the control of the Ministry of the Presidency and it spent $305 million on various activities.

The controversy surround-

GRA staff evacuate HQ after reports of fire

– fire official claims “bomb threat”

cured another $500 million from the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, Opposition parliamentarian Juan Edghill has been behind efforts to have the Public Procurement Commission investigate the D’Urban Park Project. In a letter to the Commission’s Chairperson, Carol Corbin,

GRA employees waiting to re-enter the building

S

ing the D’Urban Park Project exploded when it was revealed to the public that now Public Service Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine sat as a Director of a secret company, Homestretch Development Inc (HDI), which was established to collect funds from private companies to develop the Jubilee Park.

This information was initially omitted by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson when he was being drilled by Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly in 2016.

However, after this revelation was made, the Public Infrastructure Ministry took over the project but by that time, some $400 million was already expended by HDI. Furthermore, Minister Patterson subsequently se-

Edghill had identified aspects of the Project the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was most concerned about.

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

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

taff and other personnel attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Headquarters, Camp Street, Georgetown, on Tuesday were positively informed that they can resume work after an immediate evacuation exercise was carried out following the sight of smoke emitting from a department on the third floor.

Initial reports stated that it might be a bomb since over the past weeks, several establishments had received bomb threats.

However, an employee who asked not to be named, confirmed that it was not a bomb threat but rather smoke emanating from a wire which was suspected to have caught afire.

Reports confirmed that no major damage occurred as the Guyana Fire Service arrived promptly at the scene and brought the situation under control.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, frus-

trated staffers of the Stateowned company were seen gathered in their numbers outside of the premises waiting on instruction on their next move.

Ranks of both the Guyana Fire Service and Guyana Police Force who were present at the scene, were observed to be inspecting the compound after which employees were allowed to re-enter the building.

A senior Police official at the scene told the media that he was unable to give a comment on the incident and as such, directed all questions to the Crime Chief.

On the other hand, when contacted, Fire Prevention Officer Andrew Holder was unable to provide sufficient information on what had transpired at the establishment. “I was told that it was a bomb scare, I wasn’t fed with any other information which would suggest that it was a fire”.

11 wednesday, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

12 wednesday, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

V

alentine’s Day is just around the corner, providing couples across the world with the opportunity to profess their love and showcase their affection. A lot

of pressure can come along with the day of love, stressing out individuals as they try to come up with something that is both unique and special for their romantic night.

Though we may find ourselves attracted to the everyday card or box

of chocolates, Valentine’s Day provides us with a creative slate to do something even more special.

We’re here to tell you that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. A glass of red wine from your favourite vineyard can enhance an event as special as Valentine’s Day. Here are five reasons why wine is a Valentine’s Day necessity: 1. Presentation: If you’re trying to impress your Valentine, nothing looks more enchanting than a glass of red wine at the dinner table. Enjoyed over dinner for thousands of years, there’s a reason red wine is something we reach to consume when we’re celebrating or appreciating what we have.

Presentation goes a long way on Valentine’s Day, and it all starts with a bottle of wine.

reaction activates proteins in our body that protect us from aging diseases. If you and your partner want to both look and feel younger this 2 .

Romanticism: Valentine’s Day is the day of love. It’s about being romantic. And what’s more romantic than sharing a glass of delicious red wine with your sweetheart? Rich, deep in flavour, yet mystical, red wine does something for the senses. It helps you to relax, unwind, and really take in that beautiful face looking back at you from across the table.

3. Loving infection: When you drink wine, your brain produces the “love hormone” oxytocin, which is a chemical compound that is prevalent in loving emotions and reproduction. So yes, drinking a glass of red wine will make you a more romantic partner this Valentine’s Day! 4.

Youthful happiness: Wine has been shown to promote longevity of life, slowing down the process of aging in both men and women. Thanks to a special compound in red wine known as resveratrol, a chemical

Valentine’s Day, wine can help.

5. Pairing perfection: If you’re a perfectionist, you’ll want everything about your Valentine’s Day to go perfectly.

That means appetisers, entrees, desserts, and drinks that all complement one another. Luckily, red wine complements just about any kind of meal, with a variety of red wines that are customtailored for any specific type of dinner. Many of us will be cooking dinner on Valentine’s Day, which means a well paired, delicious drink to wash it down with is critically important. (vanessavineyard.com)

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wednesday, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

India celebrates ITEC Day 2019 in Guyana

A section of the gathering at the ITEC Day 2019 at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown

G

uyana joined the Indian High Commission to celebrate Indian Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day 2019, as Guyanese continue to benefit from training provided by the Indian Government.

In observance of the event, a luncheon was held at the Marriott Hotel, which saw several ITEC alumni in attendance.

Speaking at the event, special guest, Auditor General Deodat Sharma, posited that his office is only one of the local agencies that has reaped the benefits of this innovative form of technical cooperation.

He revealed that for the past 20 years some 71 of its employees received training under the ITEC programme in various auditing disciplines, with nine staff recently trained over the past two years.

These staff, Sharma noted, were trained in areas considered to be new and emergent, such as Auditing in an Information Technology Environment, Auditing of Divestment Issues, Performance and Environmental Auditing, Auditing of the Energy Sector and Auditing of e-Governance, among other financial, compliance and regularity audits “Not only have my staff been able to have training in

methodology and execution of these audits but these sessions were interactive and all these training were supplemented with field trips to actually experience the full impact of the projects or areas being audited. This in and out of the classroom sessions coupled with the use of auditing software has helped the Audit Office of Guyana to stay ahead and be comparable with its developed sister Caricom countries,” the Auditor General posited.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, noted that the ITEC alumni have been successful over the years in producing Government Ministers, Diplomats, successful academics, senior Government officials and leading entrepreneurs among others.

“For us, Guyana is one of the most important partners in our development assistance and capacity building. Our development cooperation with Guyana is purely on the basis of its priorities and needs. We may proudly state that more than 525 Guyanese have been trained under ITEC scheme and another 100 from Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Caricom Secretariat and the British Administered Territory – Anguilla which falls under the jurisdiction of

the High Commission seated in Georgetown,” the Indian Diplomat stated.

Mahalingam went on to note that the programmes offered by India have since expanded from ITEC over the years. He outlined that ITEC activities globally have been associated with regional and multilateral organisations and cooperation groupings like African Union, Afro-Asian Rural Development Organisation, Pan African Parliament, Caricom, World Trade Organisation, Association of South East Asian Nations etc.

Under ITEC and its sister programme SCAAP (Special Commonwealth African Assistance Programme), the Indian High Commissioner noted some 162 countries in Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean as well as Pacific and Small Island countries have been invited to share in the Indian developmental experience acquired over six decades of India’s experience as a free nation.

During Tuesday’s event, ITEC alumni, Sherry Kissoon – an auditor of the Caricom Secretariat and engineer Lyndon Younge of the Linden Chambers of Commerce, both shared their experiences, telling the intimate gathering

that not only were able to use the lessons learned in the execution of their respective duties but they also got the opportunity to partake in the Indian culture.

General Manager of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) of the Telecommunications Ministry, Francis Simmons, said that India’s efforts to build capacity in Guyana will not go unnoticed. He noted that these training will go a long way in aiding Guyana as it continues

Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam

its quest to complete e-governance.

ITEC, a flagship programme of the Indian Government, was first established 54 years ago and now has some 142 partner countries which benefit from full-sponsored programmes in the areas of Banking, Audit and Accounts, Information and Communication Technology, Hydrology, Management, Environment and Renewal Energy and Journalism among others.

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wednesday, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

State to pay miner $5M for $54M diamonds lost in Police custody

By Shemuel Fanfair

T

he case involving the $54 million worth of diamonds – that vanished while in Police custody almost 25 years ago – finally concluded with High Court Judge Fidela Corbin-Lincoln awarding the applicant, Ronald Khan, $5 million. The State, through the Attorney General’s Chambers, will have to pay out another $200,000 in court costs to the now elderly retired businessman, who never saw his missing merchandise after it disappeared from the Mahdia Police Station in the PotaroSiparuni district following a 1994 robbery.

The 430 carats of diamonds were taken as evidence by Police after it was recovered during an investigation after Khan’s Ewang Creek, mining camp was invaded. During that attack, his brother and another miner were shot and killed, while Khan’s life was nearly taken as he too was shot. He had testified that he has a hole in his neck and can hardly see

Attorney General Basil Williams

owing to the injuries he sustained during that robbery.

Khan had outlined that following the recovery in 1994, he attended court on a few occasions after being hospitalised for nearly three months but said he never knew what came out of the murder and robbery matter. He was represented

by Attorney Nigel Hughes, while Tiffany Castello had appeared for the State. The matter was put down for decision since late last year.

In the judgement handed down by Justice CorbinLincoln on Monday, she relayed that the matter concerned diamonds that were in the custody of the Police but observed the defendant’s contention that the Claimant, Khan, was barred by the Limitation Act owing to the time which has passed. The Judge recalled Khan’s evidence was that he made several requests to Police to retrieve his diamonds but was never able to do so. He first asked Police Commissioner Henry Greene about his diamonds when his Attorney Nigel Hughes wrote to him on November 24, 2010. It was observed that receipt of the letter was acknowledged.

“I am satisfied that Mr Khan made a specific request for the return of his diamonds. There is no evidence that there was a response to the request made of behalf of Mr Khan for the alleged diamonds to be returned. It is not in dispute that the alleged diamonds have not been returned to date,” the Judge explained.

Retired Pork-knocker Ronald Khan

She further reasoned that it could not be disputed that the Police had a lawful basis upon which the diamonds were initially retained. However, citing the Constitution, she explained that this possession or retention could only be required for the purposes of examination, investigation or trial but this “does not permit the indefinite retention of property.”

Justice Corbin-Lincoln also found that limitation in this case ran out one month from November 2010; that is the date from the letter of demand which was November 24 of that year. Having observed that the claim was

filed January 4, 2011, the court determined that this matter was therefore not barred by statue. The State’s argument was that Khan’s decision to wait until 2011 to file his claim was not within the three-year timeframe as outlined in Section 6 and 8 of Chapter 7:02 of the Limitation Act. Despite this, the Judge was satisfied that relief should be granted to Khan.

Another issue was whether the property was diamonds as Khan contended or stones as the defendant, the Attorney General’s Chambers claimed.

Khan had testified during trial that he was a pork knocker since 1950 and had decades of experience. “He was unshaken under cross-examination,” the Judge opined.

She noted that the Police were indeed satisfied that the stones were in fact diamonds since they accused persons who were charged with the theft of diamonds from the mining camp.

Regarding the assessment and value of the 430 carats of diamonds, the Judge said Khan led no evidence regarding the current value of the 430 carats. In the absence of this, Justice Corbin-Lincoln said it was then open to the

court to make no award of damages. She further said that there was a problem of proof but not of absence of evidence of the amount.

The Judge opined that since Khan failed to produce the evidence of its quality or value, the court has to arrive at a nominal figure in favour of the defendant, the Attorney General, as opposed to Khan.

She therefore awarded the sum of $5 million and observed that the defendants have to pay costs of $200,000.

This case was before the court for just over eight years and Khan had alleged that late Commissioner Greene promised that the matter would be investigated but this never gained traction.

Former Solicitor General Kym Kyte-Thomas had disclosed that locating certain documents was proving difficult, since the matter had its genesis in Mahdia in 1994.

The State never produced the diamonds which disappeared from Police custody.

The case garnered increased attention after the Attorney General had published notices in the press calling for several Police ranks, including former Police Commissioner Floyd McDonald, to make contact with his Chambers.

Labourer found dead in Berbice home …reportedly beaten during bicycle dispute

T

he lifeless body of a labourer was on Monday discovered at his Lot 272 Brittan, West Coast Berbice home.

Dead is Rakesh Outar, 30. Reports are the discovery was made by the dead man’s mother, Danmat Outar, who had gone to his home to check on him.

According to her, when she arrived at the gate, she called but got no response.

She said she nonetheless went inside the yard and was greeted with an unpleasant odour. She said she ventured into the house and found him lying face down.

“I had send his three children to school. I did tell them to come by me and I prepare them for school, so later in the day, I go to see how he doing… it had blood coming out of his mouth and blood all on his head when the police turn

Dead: Rakesh Outar

him over,” she said.

According to the grieving mother, on January 27, Rakesh told her that he was going fishing and left his children with her.

This publication was told that while fishing, three men accused Rakesh of stealing a bicycle and this led to a confrontation during which the

men beat him.

“They start to lash Rakesh in he back and them one of them start to choke him and is another boy had to go and save him,” a close relative said.

She said before leaving, the trio threw Rakesh’s bicycle into the trench.

“When he raise up his shirt if you see the marks on his back and he did bleeding so I tell him to go and make a report at the station [Police Station],” the relative said.

The relative noted that the injured man apparently went home and subsequently died. He leaves to mourn his mother and three children ages 10, seven and five.

Guyana Times was told that the Police made efforts to arrest the three men who had beaten Outar but they have since gone into hiding. A post mortem is expected today.

NA Hospital CEO still on the job – Minister Cummings

J

unior Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings on Tuesday said that the Chief Executive Officer of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr Samantha Kennedy, is still on the job.

In a missive to the media, the Minister stated: “I would like to categorically state that to the best of my knowledge, the CEO of the New Amsterdam Hospital was never dismissed by the Ministry of Public Health”. Several media outlets have published that Dr Kennedy was fired on Thursday last after the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) was informed by the

Chairman of the Regional Health Committee, Zamal Hussain, that the CEO was dismissed.

With respect to reports about the NA Hospital CEO being granted leave two days after her appointment to the post; the Minister said that Kennedy along with Dr Carlos Martin travelled to Israel to read for a Post Graduate Diploma in Health Systems Management at the Galilee International Management Institute.

On Monday, residents of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) staged another picketing exercise outside of the New Amsterdam Hospital

following reports that the CEO remains on the job even after the RDC had announced that she would be removed.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Regional Health Committee, Zamal Hussain warned that the region will not sit idly by and allow the New Amsterdam Hospital to be mismanaged. The issues at the New Amsterdam Hospital were highlighted some weeks ago when frustrated residents in the region took to the streets to protest, among other things, poor services at the facility, drug shortages, the death of a resident and the nonfunctioning mortuary.

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wednesday, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Terminal operators ordered to pay over One crisis after another – APNU/ AFC is falling apart

T

he Governor of the Bank of Guyana finally conceded this week there is a shortage of foreign currency in Guyana.

The President and the Finance Minister are silent, as usual. More than 70 tonnes of Guyana’s exported rice were confiscated in Jamaica because the rice smelled and was infected with fungus. The Agriculture Minister is not only silent, he jetted out of the country to attend a talkshop food safety conference in Ethiopia, spending several million dollars of taxpayers’ money, while abrogating his responsibility to the people.

At least three children died of preventable causes at the Dr Leslie Ramsammy country’s national referral hospital, the Georgetown Public Hospital, and weeks after, the hospital and the Public Health Ministry still insist they are investigating. The mortuary at the New Amsterdam Hospital no longer functions, medicines are still in short supply across Guyana, there is no cataract surgery in all of Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) because the Port Mourant Ophthalmology Centre stopped functioning since 2015. The NIS is in trouble.

The Berbice River Bridge is in trouble. The list of crisis-level situations across all sectors is unending.

With the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government becoming illegal by March 21, with the country being hurtled towards a constitutional crisis by an unconscionable Government, people have begun to notice that there are, in fact, many debilitating crisis suffocating Guyana and the Guyanese people. While the David Granger-led APNU/AFC Government carries on with business as usual, the country is rapidly falling apart. Civil society largely are jittery, worried about further deterioration of the economy. The United Nations and the European Union recognise this and have called on Government to adhere to the Constitution and hold elections before March 21 or in accordance with Article 106 (6) and 106 (7). The Carter Centre, recognising the impending constitutional crisis, made haste in coming to Guyana. But the silence of the ABC countries and Caricom is deafening, particularly given their vociferous Venezuela posture.

While APNU/AFC is busy these days trying to craft the next move to delay elections, with only 36 days left for them to comply, one of the many crisis-situations alarming people is the shortage of foreign currency and the depreciation of the Guyana dollar. The foreign currency shortage is something Guyanese have known about for some time. The Governor of the Bank of Guyana, the Finance Minister and his Cabinet colleagues cannot escape the truth anymore. The foreign currency shortage and the depreciation of the Guyana dollar have reached a stage, however, that would be difficult for band aiding the problem. Commercial banks, Cambios and businesses dealing with foreign currency are operating with exchange rates routinely now between GY$220 and GY$230 for one US dollar.

This crisis did not just jumped at us. It has been in the making since May 2015. The fact is that export earnings has dropped by more than US$300 million annually. Sugar export losses have made a significant dent in the influx of the US dollar, Guyana’s sugar export having dropped by greater than 50 per cent since 2015. Even though rice production and rice export have been sustained since 2015, export earnings from rice have significantly dropped because we are exporting lowerpriced rice products, exporting more paddy than ever before, significantly replacing export of rice. Guyana is also exporting rice to lower-priced markets than before 2015. Fish export has also been reduced. Much of the problem stems from the stupidity of the Government which decided to wait on OIL, while allowing deterioration of the traditional economy.

Not surprisingly, the Government’s posture is the “Shaggy” principle – “It Was Not Me” – blaming the Private Sector for hoarding foreign currency and blaming Cuban traders for bypassing the banking and Cambio systems. But there is a reason why the Private Sector may be holding onto their US dollars.

People believe that this Government is clueless in managing the economy. The tax-and-spend policies have generated no confidence in the Government’s capacity to drive the economy forward. Compounding the problem is the Government’s reckless move to draw down more than US$300 billion from the foreign currency reserve at the Bank of Guyana, reducing it by more than 50 per cent and depleting the gold reserve from $25 billion down to about $2 billion. At the same time, the national debt has increased by more than US$500 million.

With the panic of impending elections, APNU/AFC is on a spending spree, election gimmicks, with freebies. The shortage of foreign currency and depreciation of the Guyana dollar is about to get worse.

$3M for breaching consumer laws

F

ive terminal operators who breached the Consumer Affairs legislation were ordered to pay up over $3 million each as they colluded to fix prices in an effort to exploit customers.

In a statement issued by the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), the organisation explained that the Commission recently ruled against the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) in a price-fixing case in a complaint filed against the SAG by businessman Mahindranauth Jaikarran, owner of JD Transport Services.

Jaikarran, who provides haulage service for containers from terminals operated by the members of the SAG, in a 2017 complaint to the Commission accused the SAG of engaging in anti-competitive behaviour by agreeing to fix rates for the haulage of containers from terminals operated by its membership, with the intention of disrupting the natural market flow to the advantage of the SAG. Members involved in the SAG were Muneshwars Ltd, Demerara Shipping Ltd, John Fernandes Ltd, Guyana National Industrial Company Inc and Guyana National Shipping Corporation, the CCAC said.

The agency said the matter was heard by the Commission, led by Commission Chairman, Ronald Burch-Smith; Commissioners Rosalie Roberston, SC; and Pradeepa Bholanath, where evidence was provided by both the SAG and Jaikarran.

“Evidence presented showed that the terminal operators imposed handling fees for the private haulers which is not charged by the SAG members which gives them “a price advantage vis a vis the private hauler, to the extent of the handling fees,” the Commission expressed.

Furthermore it said, “We are satisfied that the 15th July decision of the Shipping Association and adopted by the five terminal operators was an agreement within the meaning of Section 20 of the Consumer Affairs Act. It distorted a competitive environment among terminals for services provided by them to consumers generally, that is to the shipping lines and agents, importers of goods and any person or entity which had the option to exercise choice or influence where their goods were shipped. The private haulers had little choice in this matter, but by imposing the agreed rate on private haulers in a concerted manner distorted competition and gave themselves an unfair and unlawfully implement-

CCAC Chairman Ronald Burch-Smith

ed advantage.”

The members of the SAG were ordered by the Commission to terminate the price-fixing agreement which is reflected the SAG’s memorandum of July 15, 2017 immediately and were

each ordered to pay the sum of $3,843,000 within six weeks of the date of the order.

“Price-fixing is a conspiracy between business competitors to set their prices to buy or sell goods or services

at a certain price point. This benefits all businesses or individuals that are on the same side of the market involved in the conspiracy, as the prices are either set high, stabilised, discounted or fixed”.

In a media engagement held earlier this year, the Commission stressed the importance of businesses not agreeing to compete with their competitors in terms of prices.

Price-fixing, she explained, poses a major disadvantage to customers who are forced to pay a specific price at all supermarkets in an area, as a price would have been agreed to by the business owners.

16 News

wednesday, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Unions call for financial audit of UG …claim lavish misspending by VC

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group of employees attached to the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus on Tuesday picketed the Vice Chancellery, calling for audits into the spending of the University as it is allegedly unable to properly account for its expenditures and more so, offer a salary increase to its staffers, although tuition fees have been increasing annually.

President of the UG Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), Jewel Thomas told members of the media earlier that the University has rejected their proposal for an increase in salaries saying that the University has a deficit.

Thomas accused the University of wasteful spending, explaining that the University has been hosting talks and events to accommodate various speakers, some of whom the University does not even know of, and funds go towards their accommodation, food and travel.

“University has a public profile, we’ve been hosting talks, events, lectures, visiting people some of whom the University doesn’t even know of their presence, we just know that they came and they went and they cost us money but we don’t know exactly what they did,” she noted.

The workers’ representative said she has made efforts in the past to garner information on these visiting persons and was told that they are “advisors” and experts among others, who spent in some instances, one month.

Thomas on behalf of her colleagues took the opportunity to complain of what she described as almost inhumane working conditions that they are forced to work under as sections of the university are infested with bats and rats along with other harmful pests.

Added to pests, some employees are forced to work in overcrowded classrooms with

leaking roofs and no air conditioning.

These conditions, the employees said, have led to persons falling ill in the past.

According to her, in one instance classes were moved from one location to another because of an infestation where they spent at least ten months with wires hanging from the ceiling since the refurbishing was not completed because of unavailable funds.

Thomas said she is hoping that the needs of workers can be addressed at the earliest since continued industrial action can have a major impact on the entire campus.

The leader of the association, however, noted that workers plan to picket as long as it takes for some sort of action to be taken.

The employee added that the Unions met with the executives of the University twice this year - the 8th and 16th of January - where they were later told that the University is in deficit for 2018.

The UG workers who picketed the institution

“Finally we got a letter from them dated the 31st January but it actually came to us on the 1st February and that letter said that they could only, the offer was three and four per cent as in what they had already imposed in November and given us in December. They said that that was all they could afford and that there was no more money, in fact, the University was in deficit for 2018 and that would conclude all negotiations for 2018. They were not prepared to discuss the additional demands that we had had because there were addition-

al demands we had around things like uniform and gratuity for UG staff,” she said.

Meanwhile, the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, said the Unions breached an agreement they had with the institution.

“The University of Guyana has an agreement in December 18 of last year with the Union that if there is any impasse we will go to conciliation which is the next level. In violation of that agreement, the Union started protesting. We have formally notified the Ministry of Social Protection, Department of

Labour and we will be following their guidance,” the VC explained.

In November 2018, the trade unions representing UG workers announced that they have rejected the imposed salary increases of three and four per cent announced by that institution for 2018, as they deem the entire situation “deeply disrespectful”.

According to the Unions, “not only are the imposed increases a violation of good labour relations practices, but some might say that arrogance and hypocrisy are displayed in this action.”

Mae’s Schools heightens security following bomb threats

M

ae’s Schools on Tuesday announced that it has heightened security at the institution following bomb threats which led to the cancellation of classes on Monday.

The school will be reopened today. However, as part of new security measures, parents, teachers, students and visitors will all be screened before entry at the institution.

Additionally, the educational facility is now implementing an increased presence of armed security guards in its compound.

The school’s administra-

tion in a letter to parents informed that security measures undertaken are for the safety of all students and teachers at the institution.

“In preparation for the resumption of normal school activities on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, parents and students should expect increased security measures. This will take the form of an armed security presence and security screenings of all students, staff, and visitors entering the school compound,” the administration stated in a letter to parents.

Mae’s Schools on Monday

was forced to suspend classes until today after threats of a bombing were made to the institution over the weekend via social media.

Although the Guyana Police Force stated that there was no real threat, the school said that it was taking no chances.

When Guyana Times visited the school on Monday, parents were seen briskly entering the compound to collect their children. Police personnel were also present and had a sniffer dog to conduct a search of the school’s premises to ensure that no harmful devices were planted.

Son on trial for father’s 2016 murder

K

umey Bourne, also known as Kwame Bourne, was on Tuesday indicted for allegedly murdering his elderly father, Rickford Bourne, in May 2016 at the man’s Turkeyen, Sophia, Greater Georgetown home.

Represented by Attorney Maxwell McKay, he entered a plea of not guilty before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court and a 12-member jury was sworn in to hear the matter.

Reports were that while being heavily intoxicated, Bourne allegedly beat his 70-year-old father with a metal pipe.

The supposed murder weapon was tendered into evidence at the trial by Lance Corporal Jason Beresford. He told the jury that he found the item after a search of the home.

The witness also said that he was the one who put the murder allegation to him on May 23, 2016.

Under cross-examination by Attorney McKay, Beresford noted that he

Dead: Rickford Bourne

could not recall if the pipe was checked for fingerprints. He further stated that there was not any blood on it. Beresford added that the defendant seemed normal to him at the time he had seen him.

Also testifying was Bourne’s sister, Aisha, who said that her half-brother was unemployed at the time her father was killed. She said that her father died four days after the beating.

She also said that Kwame lived with her father, just one street away from her.

She recounted hearing

about the May 19, 2016 incident and told the jury that she ran into the home past her brother and went to the room where her father was and saw three wounds on him.

Aisha Bourne also said she got $1000 from a shop owner which she used to transport her father to the hospital where he remained until he died. Her mother, Cythia Ferguson, who was Bourne’s common-law wife, told the jury that she was on shift in Skeldon, Berbice, when she received the news.

Her story was that she travelled down to the city the following day and obtained $30,000 from Rickford Bourne’s brother which was used for a brain scan. Her testimony was that her stepson seemed “stressed” when she saw him.

Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh is expected to testify this week.

Attorneys Tuanna Hardy, Abigail Gibbs and Teriq Mohammed are prosecuting the case.

News

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wednesday, february 13, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Logger nabbed as CANU, Police unearth more ganja fields …over 2700kg dried cannabis found

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A ganja field which was unearthed at Upper Demerara River

olice have detained a male logger following the discovery of multiple fields of marijuana cultivation at Hururu Backdam.

This arrest came during what was described as a four-hour eradication operation in the Berbice River area where ranks destroyed several fields of cannabis cultivation with plants measuring from a foot to four feet in height. Police have also observed that two camps with kitchen utensils,

clothing and groceries were also found and have been destroyed by fire together with the prohibited plants.

Meanwhile, another marijuana field was recently destroyed at 20 Miles, Millie’s Hideout, Upper Demerara, as E Division (LindenKwakwani) Police along with ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) continued a massive cannabis eradication exercise in the division.

This time around, a

three-acre cannabis field was discovered with some 1000 cannabis plants. The plants were said to range from one foot to one and a half feet in height, with an estimated accumulated weight of about 1000 kilograms. Additionally, 2700 kilograms of dried cannabis was discovered.

A nursery was also found which contained about 2000 seedlings. Also discovered was a makeshift camp with four makeshift beds, mat-

Teen accused of killing drinking partner

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drinking spree, which turned deadly last week, saw a teenager being remanded to jail after he was charged with the capital offence of murder.

Ronell Henry, 19, of Koriabo, Barima, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before the Chief Magistrate Ann

McLennan.

The prosecution is contending that on February 5 at Koriabo, Barima in the North West District, he unlawfully killed Orlando Joseph, 26, using an arrow and bow.

According to Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, Henry was in the company of his mother and others, imbibing when an ar-

gument ensued between the Henry and Joseph at about 15:30h. The prosecutor contended that the argument escalated and Henry armed himself with a bow and arrow and shot the farmer in the upper region of his body.

Joseph was taken to the Mabaruma Public Hospital where he was treated but later that day succumbed to his to his injury.

One of the camps set alight by Police

tresses, hammocks, kitchen utensils, clothing and groceries. Police said the items were destroyed by fire. No arrest has been made so far in connection with the discovery. Investigations are ongoing.

Several fields of marijuana have been destroyed recently at various points at Millie’s Hideout as Police beef-up a contin-

uous drug eradication exercise. Recently, a farmer who hails from Kuru Kuru, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, was charged in connection to the cultivation of a quantity of marijuana at the location. Twenty-two-year-old Gabron Williams also called “Short Man” was charged with cultivating cannabis sativa, a prohibited plant.

Williams was arrested by

Police after he was reportedly discovered on a marijuana camp at 7 Miles, Millie’s Hideout during a drug eradication exercise by ranks attached to the Division. At the time of the discovery, he was allegedly tending to the marijuana plants. After being caught, the defendant reportedly led ranks to several other marijuana farms at the location.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, february 13, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

You’ll crave knowledge, change and novelty. The experience you pick up will help map out how you plan to move forward. Trust in your intuition, judgment and ability.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

An emotional matter will affect your productivity if you can’t focus. Don’t fall short at work, or it could cost you down the line.

CANCER

Put everything you’ve got into your relationships.

How you treat others will determine your future. A judicious compromise will be a game-changer.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Pay more attention to your personal finances and ideas that could bring in more cash. A personal change should be made carefully and for the right reasons.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Be the one to initiate change. If you wait for someone else to make a move, you may not like the outcome.

Look for an opportunity and seize the moment.

Get in the game. Don’t let anyone throw you off guard by trash talking or shortchanging you. Believe in your ability to win, and don’t stop until you reach your goal.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

If something is getting you down, do something about it. Putting up with unfair treatment or demands will lower your self-esteem.

Step up and do what needs to be done.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Make travel plans or lifestyle changes. You’ll feel rejuvenated if you try something new. Romance is in the stars.

SUDOKU

Change begins with you.

SAGITTARIUS Set a high standard and (Nov. 23- make arrangements to start Dec. 21) a strict routine that will leave you feeling healthy and ready to conquer the world.

Let others do as they CAPRICORN please, but don’t feel obligat(Dec. 22- ed to take part. If you focus Jan. 19) on activities you enjoy, you will connect with inspirational people.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Listen carefully and do your own fact-checking.

Someone will exaggerate an offer or situation that could end up costing you emotionally as well as financially. Be on guard.

Don’t let an emotional incident spin out of control.

Walk away if it will stop you from saying or doing something you may regret. Focus on helping, not on creating chaos.

wednesday, february 13, 2019

19

Breaches and bans – all you need to know about over-rate offences

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here have been 485 of them since 1992; most have been brushed aside with a gentle rap on the knuckles, some have resulted in match bans, a few of them have brought about the threat of lawsuits, and a rare one was responsible for a mid-tournament captaincy switch that has since been outlawed.

We are talking about punishments for over-rate offences, for which the ICC invariably gets criticised: "too soft" when overs are lost but allowances are made, "too officious" when a captain gets banned despite allowances. The ICC finds itself in a bind over a breach-related incident again, this time being criticised heavily with West Indies playing their ongoing third Test against England without captain and talisman Jason Holder.

The first thing to know on the subject is that the process is subjective but not arbitrary. In a Test match, you are expected to maintain a rate of 15 overs an hour; in an ODI, you are expected to bowl your 50 overs in three-and-a-half hours or bowl the opposition out before that; a T20I innings should go no longer than 90 minutes. There are allowances made: injury timeouts, DRS reviews, sightscreen problems, longer drinks breaks in hotter weather, any external delay beyond the control of the

fielding captain.

In April 2003, the ICC took the drastic step of bringing the captain under the ambit of match bans. In the six years leading up to that, starting 1997, international cricket lost 73, 59, 60, 77, 78 and, in 2002, a whopping 120 overs. On the final day of the Port-of-Spain Test of 2002, a fifth-wicket stand of two hours for just 73 runs frustrated India.

There was still time for both outright results, but the draw became a real possibility. Now, imagine the situation if West Indies had not been caught short by 18 overs across their two bowling innings.

Such were the matches that eventually resulted in ICC getting stricter. Even as the amount of cricket has only increased since, there has never been a year since 2003 in which 60 overs have been lost. The data available - on the ICC website for all to see - is not always complete, but here are a few trends that might reinforce certain views and surprise you too.

Pakistan - 32 breaches and 69 overs lost - are a distant second.

Ricky Ponting, Graeme Smith and Sourav Ganguly are the captains under whose watch a high number of overs were lost. However, while Ponting and Smith captained 287 and 286 matches to be short by 36 and 34 overs respectively, Ganguly captained in only 64 matches

since April 2003, but was in charge of a team that was short by 31 overs. Virat Kohli's side has been short by only one over in 129 matches played under him.

India's transformation

India began to transform as they became more and more spin-oriented under MS Dhoni, and then as a disciplined bowling unit on the whole, that still had enough spin, under Kohli. It might surprise you if you have seen a lot of Indian cricket in the 2000s, but India hold

the longest streak without an over-rate offence. The last time they were found short was at The Oval back in 2014. Ravindra Jadeja has never been part of a side found short on overs.

India's is a streak of 216 matches, comfortably ahead of Bangladesh's 190 at second spot. West Indies' best streak has been 48 matches.

It's not always pace

As you would expect, most of the breaches happen when a high proportion of overs is bowled by the quicks - when Faf du Plessis was banned recently, he bowled no spin - but there have been a few instances when sides have

West Indies are the slowest

This is perhaps no surprise. They bowl a lot of fast bowlers, they haven't had a great spinner since 1992 to build an attack around, and they have not been the most disciplined side. Since 2003, West Indies have been 88 overs short in a total of 45 over-rate breaches.

failed to maintain the acceptable rate even with spinners on. Rahul Dravid once bowled only 16 overs of pace in an ODI innings, and yet fell short by two overs - against Australia in Gwalior in 2003.

Do Big Three players get away with it?

That is the question always asked because the last few captains to be banned have been from West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies again, Sri Lanka again, Sri Lanka yet again, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Pakistan again. This is a question difficult to answer unless you sit with a stopwatch and note every allowance made for every delay during every match. If you agree, though, with match referees - and that's their job so there's little point doubting them without evidence - the penalties sound about right.

Since 2003, in all formats put together, West Indies have been short in 6.45% of their matches, Pakistan in 4.38% and South Africa in 3.69%.

Sri Lanka are an interesting case study. Their overall rate of breaches since 2003 - 3.24% - is close to India's and Australia's, but they have a big variance: excellent when at home, with the vast majority of the bowling done by the spinners, but slow when using quicks. (ESPNcricinfo)

Root praised for challenging Gabriel’s comment

J

oe Root, England's captain, has been praised by Stonewall, the UK equality charity, after appearing to challenge a discriminatory remark from Shannon Gabriel, the West Indies fast bowler, during the St Lucia Test*.

Stump mics caught an interaction on the third afternoon of the Test between Gabriel and two England batsmen, Root and Joe Denly, which ended with Root saying: "Don't use it as an insult. There's nothing wrong with being gay."

Although the mics did not catch Gabriel's earlier comments, it is understood the umpires spoke to him about them at the time.

They have not, at this stage, taken any further action.

Kirsty Clarke, director of sport at Stonewall, told Press Association Sport: "Language is really influential and it's great if Joe Root

Shannon Gabriel and Joe Root appeared to exchange words

was willing to challenge potentially abusive comments.

"The more players, fans, clubs and organisations that stand up for equality in sport, the sooner we kick discrimination out and make sport everyone's game.

"Stonewall research shows more than half of British people (58 per cent) believe it's important anti-LGBT language is challenged at live sporting events." Root was reluctant to draw attention to Gabriel's remarks once play

had finished. He seemed to accept the fast bowler may have said something inappropriate, but was not understood to have reported it to officials and suggested such exchanges should stay on the field.

"Sometimes people say

things on the field that they might regret, but they should stay on the field," Root said.

"It's Test cricket and he's an emotional guy trying to do everything he can to win a Test match. He's a good guy who plays hard cricket and is proud to be in the position he is. The battle was a good contest, he's had a wonderful series and he should be proud."

Nasser Hussain, the former England captain, said that Root's actions had been hugely significant. "I don't know who said what to whom…but boy do I applaud Joe Root's reaction here," Hussain wrote on Twitter. "For me his twelve words as a role model will be in the end more important than a test hundred or possible victory."

Richard Pybus, West Indies' interim coach, said he was not aware of the

comments but suggested that, if they were deemed "untoward", it would be addressed.

"Nothing has been reported to me," he said. "But if a comment was made, we'll review it. And, if it was untoward, we'll be addressing it."

The incident may speak of a culture clash as much as anything. Radio stations in some parts of the Caribbean regularly play music with lyrics that would be viewed as homophobic and unacceptable in the UK - or many other places while some homosexual acts remain illegal across much of the region.

Article 2.13 of the ICC's code of conduct applies to use of "language of a personal, insulting, obscene and/or offensive nature", with a range of charges covering different levels of seriousness. (ESPNcricinfo)

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wednesday, february 13, 2019

CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifier

“We will be ready for the game,” says Coach Johnson G

uyana’s Senior Men’s football team will play their most important game yet when they meet with Belize in their last CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifier match on March 23. When the Golden Jags take to the field in March, they will be under the instruction of Head Coach Michael Johnson, who is positive about the team’s chances of qualifying.

Johnson is currently in Guyana, with a packed itinerary which is focused on getting a batch of local players in shape for the national team selection. Building on the work that is being done

by Assistant Coach Charles Pollard, not only did the Head Coach have praises for his second-in-command but also for the promising Guyana-based players and the Astroturf surface at the National Training Centre, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

“It’s an excellent facility to work on, the players have been brilliant so far.

The idea is actually to come

in, support, nurture and get the players ready for what is a massive game coming up in March,” Johnson stated.

Shifting his focus to the national team selection, Johnson noted that there were a host of players who can cop a spot in the team.

And the foreign players who have participated in previous matches are not to be forgotten.

“So, of course, you’d expect the players overseas to be at a really good place,” Johnson said, citing the advantage that the overseas players might have.

In spite of this, he is cognisant of the talent that the local players are bringing to the table.

“Everybody is in contention; I wouldn’t rule out anybody, even players [who] have not been involved. I’m looking at this group of players with a fresh eye.

Everybody’s in contention; this is why the camp is here, so we can see which players are outperforming. It’s open for everybody to come and

A section of the encampment at the National Training Centre, Providence (Jemima Holmes photo)

compete. It would be remiss of me to rule out anybody at this stage.”

Speaking about the mindset of the players, Johnson explained that the onus was upon him to make sure that the players were mentally ready.

“That’s what my job is to do, to make sure that everybody is really tuned in to what we want them to do, so they can give a hundred per cent and leave nothing

to doubt. Individual performances and as a team, my job is to make sure that happens,” Johnson stated.

Furthermore, he explained that everyone involved was aware of the possibilities and opportunities that can come from a win and qualification, stating, “It’s massive, we all know what’s at stake here; we all know the opportunities that it would give for the players; we all know

that it would put Guyana on the footballing map and on the international stage.

So, we understand the ramifications of the game. And we will be trying one hundred per cent to make sure we deliver on it.”

As such, the Head Coach also stressed on the importance of having a venue that is accessible to the largest number of excited and supportive patrons, which is integral to the team’s perfor-

mance.

“What I think is if we start saying this is where we’re going to play, it’s a good opportunity for the Federation to start marketing the game to the fans in that way. So as soon as we can confirm we can use the stadium, which will be great, obviously there’s more supporters and I think it’ll be a benefit for not only the team but the nation,” he explained.

The Head Coach also shared that he has been keen on examining Guyana’s opponents, Belize.

Noting that Belize are a strong team, Johnson boldly promised that the Golden Jaguars will be ready for battle come March 23.

“Very, very good in transition. Very good at defending and breaking at quick speed, so we got to be ready for it. Analytically we’re preparing for it now, we are making sure we leave no stone unturned. And we will be ready for the game.”

(Jemima Holmes)

First-Division Hockey Leagues off to exciting start Woodroffe 1 Bounty GCC defeated GCC Vintage 14-2 Goals: Bounty GCC – Meshach Sargeant 5, Mark Sargeant 3, Kareem McKenzie 3, Shaquille Leung 1, Kevin Spencer 1, Peter DeGroot 1 Vintage – Eric Hing 1, Andrew Xavier 1 2-0

Goals: Saints – Shakeem Fausette 1, Hilton Chester 1

Marzana Fiedtkou winds up to take a shot

T

he premier leagues for hockey for both genders got off to an exciting start over the past weekend at the St Stanislaus College Ground.

Junior men’s national side, Supernova scored the opening goal of the 2019 Farfan & Mendes Men’s First-Division League through a penalty corner strike from Samuel Woodroffe.

The defending champions, Pepsi Hikers, however, sprung to life through prolific national striker Aroydy Branford, who scored a hattrick in the first half, with Andrew Stewart adding another. The second half was littered once again with field goals by Branford who matched his first-half tally of three goals while teammate and fellow national player Jamarj Assanah scored a single. The Hikers, therefore, emerged with an easy 8-1 victory.

In another high-scoring match, Bounty GCC annihilated GCC Vintage 14-2.

The Bounty boys chalked up nine unanswered goals by the half mainly through young Meshach Sargeant, who had four to his name.

Vintage managed two goals late in the second half, but not before Bounty GCC had put the game well beyond their reach.

Two second-half goals

by Shakeem Fausette in the 36th minute and Hilton Chester in the 56th gave Saints their maiden FirstDivision victory over Old Fort. Old Fort fielded a young side with new developmental players joining their remaining seniors and fell short of the mark, succumbing 2-0 to Saints.

Teams returned on Sunday when Vintage suffered their second crushing loss, this time to the Pepsi Hikers 9-1. Bounty GCC smashed Saints by a similar margin while Old Fort showed an improved performance by drawing with Supernova 1-1.

The lone ladies fixture of the weekend pitted fa-

Saints defeated Old Fort

Pepsi vourites GBTI GCC against the Bingo Spartans. While the Spartans showed some grit and clearly had youthful legs on their side, the GBTI ladies were clearly the stronger of the two sides. Midfielder Madison Fernandes surprisingly put the Spartans ahead through a crafty reverse shot off a penalty corner in the ninth minute, which seemed to make the GBTI ladies buckle down to business. They rattled off five unanswered goals in cruising to a 5-1 victory.

Matches are being held on the St Stanislaus College Ground and will run every Saturday and Sunday until May 20.

Full results:

Farfan & Mendes Men’s First-Division League

Pepsi Hikers defeated Supernova 8 -1 Goals: Hikers – Aroydy Branford 6, Andrew Stewart 1, Jamarj Assanah 1 Supernova – Samuel

Hikers

defeated

GCC Vintage 9-1 Goals: Hikers – Devin Munroe 5, Aroydy Branford 3, Brian Asregado 1 Vintage – Philip Fernandes 1 Bounty GCC defeated Saints 9-1 Goals: Bounty GCC – Kareem McKenzie 2, Meshach Sargeant 2, Mark Sargeant 2, Steven Xavier 1, Kevin Spencer 1, Shaquille Leung 1 Saints – Edmund Chinian 1

Supernova drew with Old Fort 1-1 Goals: Supernova – Meshach Sargeant 1 Old Fort – John Abrahams 1

Woodpecker Ladies FirstDivision League

GBTI GCC defeated the Bingo Spartans 5-1 Goals: GBTI – Shebiki Baptiste 2, Carina Muller 2, Marzana Fiedtkou 1 Spartans – Madison Fernandes 1

Cardiff will be ‘honourable’ with Nantes on Sala transfer

C

hairman Mehmet Dalman says Cardiff will be "honourable" with Nantes over the £15m transfer for Emiliano Sala and has defended withholding a payment.

Dalman confirmed the French club are threatening legal action, but they are seeking "clarification" on the issue.

Sala's body was recovered from the wreckage of a crashed plane last week.

Dalman also issued strong backing to Neil Warnock over his connection with football agents, believing people have had "knives out" for Cardiff's manager.

Sala had been travelling to Cardiff in a light aircraft piloted by David Ibbotson that went missing over the English Channel on 21 January.

A fundraising appeal to fund an underwater search for the pilot has been set up.

Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan has boosted funds by donating £50,000 of his own money towards the appeal.

Confirming the Nantes action, Dalman said: "Of course, if we are contractually obliged to pay them then of course we will. We are an honourable club.

"But if we are not - and there are some anomalies in that - then surely you would expect me as the chairman and guardian of this club's interests to look into that and hold our position. That is what we are doing.

"We are still in the process of gathering information and that process will be ongoing. And when we reach a level where we have

enough information, I am sure we will sit down with Nantes and move forward."

Dalman says Cardiff are looking to get a full picture of events.

"They [Nantes] have asked for what they believe is the money due to them and there is a process and they have initiated that process," he added.

"What we are saying is, that we are not in agreement with that process given the extraordinary events that have taken place and the tragic circumstances.

We are not making any positive or negative statements.

"We are simply saying, please understand there are a lot of questions which need to be answered and that is what we are trying to do."

(BBC Sport)

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sports Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Tournament…

Showstoppers just a win away from 4th title T

he community support has always been there and threetime West Side champions Showstoppers have never taken that for granted.

So what they’ve done is hone their skills perfectly to ensure that success and not disappointment is the reward for such overwhelming support.

Undoubtedly the most dominant team in the West Demerara-/East Bank Demerara Zone of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition, they will go head to head with Brothers United for the coveted trophy and $500,000 this Friday, at the Pouderoyen Market Tarmac.

Already a very potent force that no team have been able to dethrone for the past three years, Showstoppers have acquired national player Trayon Bobb, which

Part of the action in this year’s West Demerara-East Bank Demerara Zone of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition

has added even more firepower to a frontline that possesses the likes of Stephon Jupiter, Marvin Josiah and Dexroy Adams, all prolific goalscorers.

The champs have also shown that they are not afraid of a dogfight and even though opposing teams,

the Football Club stated.

The East Ruimveldt Brave Heart Football Club

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afraid of their goal-scoring might, employed robust defensive strategies in an attempt to send the game into penalty shootouts, Showstoppers still found a way to penetrate their defence.

However, Brothers United with former nation-

al player Andrew Murray Jr in their line-up are a team with a difference.

They love to be on the offensive and this open playing style could provide fans with an explosive and exciting finale.

Murray Jr has been the bright spark for the team,

but there are other players who could steal the show on the night.

Another massive outpouring of spectators are expected to converge at the venue and the organisers once again will have giveaways for them.

Meanwhile, Up Top Bosses and Ballers Empire will meet in the third-place play-off.

Over $1.1 million in total prize monies are up for grabs with the winners set to receive $500,000, runner-up $250, 000, while third and the fourth-place finishers will take home $200,000 and $100,000 respectively along with trophies.

Also on board as a major sponsor is Colours Boutique, Robb Street.

ESPN and West Side Ballers battle in the Plate Section for $60,000, winner takes all.

P&P Insurance fuels Brave Heart FC tournament

property for sale

services

21

A representative of P&P Insurance hands over the sponsorship cheque to the Brave Heart Football Club

P

&P Insurance has actively been involved in the sports arena by funding or sponsoring events for those who care to approach the organisation.

The latest sporting body to benefit from P&P’s generosity was the Brave Heart Football Club, who strive to provide an outlet for youngsters predominantly in the East Ruimveldt area.

With the help of P&P, the Football Club were able to construct goal posts and offset expenses for a Mashramani small-goal tournament. In recognition

of the company’s generosity, the team are expected to place the entity’s logo on their uniforms.

P&P Insurance Executive Director Vikash Panday outlined the importance of sports in a school curriculum. In addition, he pledged to continue supporting the Club’s endeavours.

“On behalf of the Brave Heart Football Club, we want to say a very big thank you to P&P Insurance for making it possible for us to maintain the youths in the community and getting them involved in sports,” a representative of

were started a little over two months ago and cater to children between the ages of 1

and 11; the Club currently have in excess of 30 students in its male and female teams.

22

wednesday, february 13, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

England beat West Indies by 232 runs to restore some pride

England’s Joe Root shakes hands with West Indies’ Shannon Gabriel after the match

E

ngland and West Indies have plenty of food for thought after

a third Test won emphatically by the former and a series clinched almost equally as

SCOREBOARD

England 1st Innings – 277 Windies 1st innings – 154 England 2nd Innings RJ Burns c Joseph b Paul 10 KK Jennings b Joseph 23 JL Denly c †Dowrich b Gabriel 69 JE Root (c) c Hetmyer b Gabriel 122 JC Buttler b Roach 56 BA Stokes not out 48 Extras (b 13, lb 9, nb 3, w 8) 33 TOTAL (105.2 Overs, RR: 3.42) 361/5d

Did not bat: JM Bairstow †, MM Ali, MA Wood, SCJ Broad, JM Anderson Fall of wickets: 1-19 (RJ Burns, 10.1 ov), 2-73 (KK Jennings, 27.1 ov), 3-147 (JL Denly, 45.5 ov), 4-254 (JC Buttler, 80.5 ov), 5-361 (JE Root, 105.2 ov) BOWLING KAJ Roach (18-6-45-1) ST Gabriel (23.2-1-95-2) KMA Paul (5-1-11-1) AS Joseph (16-2-72-1) RL Chase (31-1-92-0) KC Brathwaite (12-2-24-0) West Indies 2nd Innings (target: 485 runs) KC Brathwaite (c) c

Stokes b Anderson 8 JD Campbell c Ali b Anderson 0 SD Hope c Broad b Wood 14 DM Bravo c Root b Anderson 0 RL Chase not out 102 SO Hetmyer run out (Denly/†Bairstow) 19 SO Dowrich † c Stokes b Ali 19 KAJ Roach c Wood b Ali 29 AS Joseph c Anderson b Ali 34 ST Gabriel not out 3 KMA Paul c & b Stokes 12 Extras (b 1, lb 5, nb 2, w 4) 12 TOTAL (69.5 Overs, RR: 3.6) 252 all out Fall of wickets: 1-5 (JD Campbell, 0.3 ov), 2-10 (KC Brathwaite, 2.2 ov), 3-10 (DM Bravo, 6.1 ov), 4-31 (SD Hope, 15.4 ov), 5-76 (SO Hetmyer, 31.4 ov), 6-110 (SO Dowrich, 40.5 ov), 7-156 (KAJ Roach, 52.1 ov), 8-212 (AS Joseph, 60.5 ov), 9-236 (ST Gabriel, 67.5 ov), 10-252 (KMA Paul, 69.5 ov) BOWLING JM Anderson (11-2-27-3) SCJ Broad (14-6-22-0) BA Stokes (8.5-2-30-2) MA Wood (12-1-52-1) MM Ali (21-1-99-3) JL Denly (3-0-16-0)

convincingly by the latter.

Joe Root's return to form, Mark Wood's revival as a strike bowling option, and lingering uncertainty at the top of the order were England's takeaways from St Lucia, where the tourists claimed a 232-run victory inside four days for a face-saving 1-2 series scoreline.

They switch their focus to the five ODIs starting next Wednesday but, in the context of a landmark year of cricket including a home World Cup and Ashes series, they will also be thinking ahead to the English summer.

West Indies, meanwhile, will be boosted by their series win as underdogs, but they missed suspended captain Jason Holder in the dead rubber and will welcome him back in the limited-overs series opener in Bridgetown, the scene of his unbeaten double-century that helped lead his side to victory in the first Test. They also felt the absence of impressive allrounder Keemo Paul - Holder's replacement in St Lucia who broke down while fielding early on day three with a torn thigh muscle.

What England had lacked in the first two Tests - in

sharp contrast to West Indies - was someone to stand up with bat or ball. In the third Test they had both with Wood's five-wicket haul in the first innings and Root's century in the second, but they also enjoyed a stronger all-round team performance with Joe Denly, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler scoring runs and James Anderson's three wickets early in West Indies' second innings snuffing out any hopes of chasing down a hefty target of 485.

Root gave his side plenty of time to bowl West Indies out, declaring their second innings at 361 for 5 on the fall of his own wicket. He was out for 122 within the first half-hour of play to an excellent diving catch by Shimron

send West Indies to lunch at 35 for 4 in their second innings. Moeen Ali contributed well with the ball and in the field, claiming three wickets and taking a spectacular catch.

Anderson had Moeen to thank for his first wicket, claimed with the third ball of the innings when John Campbell drove and Moeen pulled the ball down with a sensational one-handed grab over his shoulder at gully.

Anderson, who went wicketless in the first innings, struck again in his next over when he forced Kraigg Brathwaite to play and had him caught by Stokes at second slip.

Darren Bravo, missing from the field for the en-

when Denly fired the ball in from near the boundary and Jonny Bairstow dislodged the bails with the batsman well out of his ground.

Chase went on to post some resistance, with a gutsy 102 not out but he ran out of batting partners.

Dropped catches were rife, but Rory Burns' contribution to the blooper reel was a sitter, simple, head-height and with plenty of time, Kemar Roach's chip off Moeen slipped through Burns' hands at at mid-off. Roach's cameo to an end on 29 when he drove Moeen to cover, where Wood took the catch.

Alzarri Joseph swung the bat for some late entertainment value, smacking three sixes on his way to a quick-

Jonny Bairstow runs out Shimron Hetmyer

Hetmyer off the bowling of Shannon Gabriel, with whom Roothad exchanged words the previous evening over comments that led Gabriel to be charged under the ICC Code of Conduct.

The declaration left Stokes stranded two runs shy of his second half-century for the match and he had looked set to build an impressive knock with some typical shot-making flair after play resumed.

Anderson claimed 3 for 5 in the space of 3.1 overs, while Wood chimed in with one to

tire third day as he sought treatment on a finger injury suffered earlier in the match, survived an lbw review off Anderson, and then Stuart Broad saw Shai Hope dropped by Jos Buttler in the slips. But Anderson had Bravo out a short time later, edging to Root at first slip and Hope went cheaply when Wood was brought into the attack, caught by a back-pedalling Broad at point.

Potential danger man Hetmyer was run out shortly after lunch, attempting a third run with Roston Chase

fire 34 off 30 balls before he pushed too far and spooned Moeen to Anderson at midon.

With Chase not out 78, that brought Gabriel to the crease but his dismissal to a simple caught behind off Stokes when Chase was on 98 meant a lame Paul returned to action for the first time in the best part of two days.

Unable to run, Paul saw Chase bring up his century with a four and then smacked three of his own before he was caught and bowled by Stokes to end the match.

Magnum Mash Cup returns tonight with 10 exciting fixtures – Bent Street in the hot seat

A

s the clock winds down to the knockout stage, the Magnum Mash Cup will be on this evening with teams looking to get their points up in order to avoid elimination.

With three nights of competition already completed, the 2019 instalment of the National Sports Commission Magnum Mash Cup is going smoothly, bringing the best of street ball to the National Gymnasium.

The teams will now be stepping up their competitive spirit in order to ensure that they have a spot in the knockout rounds.

On the card for tonight’s action are defending champions Bent Street, the red-hot Gold is Money, Buxton Diamond, Leopold Street, Showstoppers, Tiger Bay, and Albouystown.

Among those teams that have already impressed and are in a good position to

advance from the KO round are Gold is Money; Sophia; North Ruimveldt; Back Circle and Showstoppers, who’ve remained unbeaten in their two engagements to date.

Reigning champs Bent Street drew their opening fixture and will no doubt be looking to secure a win against Avocado Ballers to stay in contention for a place in the next round.

In addition, Leopold Street, Tiger Bay, Broad Street, Future Stars, Island All Stars, Kitty Hustlers and Albouystown will have similar thoughts and ambitions if they are to progress further.

It promises to be a thrilling night of action tonight, and the fans are being encouraged to once again show up en mass to witness their respective community teams go head to head against each other.

The organisers are appreciative of the support received thus far and will be

giving fans two opportunities to win prizes for Valentine’s Day and the February 22 Stag Stage Jouvert.

One hundred lucky couples will receive tickets for the Jouvert, while 12 will be given one bottle of Verdi wine to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one.

Tonight’s games will include a battle between Mocha and Gaza Squad, while Ol Skool Ballers look to upset Island All Stars. Broad Street will try to stop Showstoppers, Back Circle will take on Good Life, Buxton Diamond will battle Hustlers and Gold is Money will look to make Capital Strikers another

one of their victims. Alexander Village will target Future Stars, Tiger Bay will go head to head with Sophia, Leopold Street will challenge Albouystown, and Bent Street will look to draw first blood against Avocado Ballers.

The entrance fee is set at $500.

23

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, february 13, 2019

2018-2019 CWI Regional 4-Day Tournament…

“Big Boys” stealing limelight in 4-Day Tournament

By Brandon Corlette

H

e made his FirstClass debut in 1998/99, but the 37-year-old Devon Smith continues to make his bat talk in the 2018/19 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-Day Tournament.

In this edition of the ongoing tournament, which is known as the WICB Professional Cricket League, Smith has 621 runs, sitting at the top of the runs chart.

At 36 years old, Jamaica Scorpions’ Nikita Miller has featured in this season and in the few matches he played

Imran Khan

he has been among the wickets. The likes of Jason Mohammed, Kirk Edwards, Jerome Taylor, Imran Khan, Chadwick Walton and Lendl Simmons are among the players who impacted the game this season.

Veteran left-arm spinner Miller played three matches this season capturing 24 wickets, picking up three five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket match hauls.

He has been simply amazing with ball in hand with a bowling average of 16.33.

Miller, who will be turning 37 in May, played 50 OneDay Internationals (ODIs) for West Indies, nine T20 Internationals and one Test match.

The 31-year-old duo of Montcin Hodge and Jonathan Carter have been dominating for their respective teams with the bat.

Hodge has 534 runs averaging 48.54 this season with two hundreds and three half-centuries. Meanwhile, Barbados Pride Captain Jonathan Carter has shown immense consistency this season.

Carter, who was the leading run scorer in the 2018-2019 Regional Super 50 Tournament, is currently the third leading Four-Day batsman this season with 487 runs with four half-centuries and one magnificent

hundred.

The elegant stroke-maker hit an unbeaten 149, which was his career best; it came against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and ensured a monumental Pride victory. At 31, Carter will fancy his chances of playing international cricket for the West Indies. The Bajan native will want to add to his 28 ODIs. At age 34, Windward Islands Volcanoes Captain, Kirk Edwards has been among the runs this season. The Barbadian native has 418 runs thus far with o n e century and two half-centuries. Edwards played 17 Test matches for West Indies and 16 ODIs for the Caribbean side.

Jamaica Scorpions’ leading run scorer, Chadwick Walton has 443 runs beneath his belt. The 33-yearold Walton averages 36.91 with one century and two half-centuries in the ongoing Regional Four-Day tournament. Walton, who is seen as a T20 specialist, played two Test matches, nine ODIs and 19 T20Is for the West Indies.

Another batsman who has received the axe from the Windies team, Jason Mohammed has returned to form with a half-century and a composed 121 against Barbados Pride.

The 32-year-old Mohammed has featured in 28 ODIs and nine T20Is for the West Indies, and he may be eyeing a Test call-up in the future.

Cricket is a game filled with possibilities, with England’s Joe Denly making his Test debut at age 32. Mohammed will be eyeing consistency having scored a double century in First-Class cricket.

The 34-year-old Trinidadian, Lendl Simmons, who retired from the longer format, returned to Four-Day cricket and in

o n e m a t c h scored 203 runs with one century and one half-century.

Simmons will be eyeing a senior team return with the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup in sight, he will want to continue impressing at the regional level.

The 34-year-old duo of Imran Khan and Jerome Taylor have been among the wickets for their respective teams. The Red Force

leg-spinner Khan has 26 wickets while former Test quick Taylor has 16 wickets in three matches. Taylor has continued to generate extreme pace at age 34, having bagged 9-59 in one match this season.

Each of the players mentioned are above 31 and has a wealth of experience in their possession. However, they have played for West Indies at some stage in their career and most of these players are eyeing a return to the senior team.

Jonathan Carter

“Female Inter-county a success, but more can be done,” says Tremayne Smartt T he recently-concluded Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Female Inter-county tournament was a huge success; Berbice continued their dominance completing the double, winning both the T20 and 50over titles.

Speaking at the postmatch presentation, the successful Berbice Captain, Tremayne Smartt hailed the GCB for hosting the tournament, but simultaneously called for the Board to do more for females.

Smartt lauded the young-

er females for showing maturity and progress in their cricket, especially the GCB Select U-19 that showed tremendous fight, defeating Demerara in a T-20 fixture.

The 33-year-old Smartt –who played 115 international matches for the West Indies (T20Is and ODIs) – called upon the vibrant GCB to consistently work with the young females, so they could maintain a high level of fitness throughout.

Furthermore, Smartt called for an “academy-like” programme to facilitate all females who are usually exposed to intense training when a tournament is around the corner.

The experienced campaigner, who played her last match for Windies Women in March 2018, called for more female tournaments to be played on a consistent basis.

“I think something else can be done in terms of the incentives,” Smartt added at the post-match press conference. The winning team Captain asked for at least a small incentive for the team since the team trophies will be going to the respective

Cricket Boards. Additionally, she called for more female tournaments to expose more youths in the country.

The historic International Cricket Council (ICC) Standalone Women’s World T20 tournament that was held in the Caribbean inspired more females to take the game seriously. Smartt called for more individuals and businesses to invest in female cricket.

Led by Smartt and Cricket West Indies (CWI) level three Head Coach Winston Smith, Berbice continue to dominate, each player in the 14-member squad got the opportunity to play at some stage of the tournament. The GCB ran off this tournament to prepare the players for the upcoming Regional Female Tournament. It will feature the best regional players and is expected to commence from March 4, 2019 at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue.

The outstanding performers from the recently-concluded inter-county tournament will feature in the auspicious tournament.

(Brandon Corlette)

Tremayne Smartt

wednesday, february 13, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

England beat West Indies by 232 runs to restore some pride Page 22

CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifier

“We will be ready for the game,” says Coach Johnson Breaches and bans – all you need to know about over-rate offences Page 19

Page 22 Head Coach Michael Johnson (in red) gets involved in a set of drills with the local players (Jemima Holmes photo)

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