Guyana Times - Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Kwakwani launches women’s group P16

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

Issue No. 3848

THE BEACON OF TRUTH Wednesday, February 27, 2019

PRICE

President Granger instructs GECOM to prepare for elections

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GTT to replace copper P17 landlines with newer technology

Page 3

…concedes date should have been March 19, 2019 …asks to “consult” Opposition

Motorcyclist killed after colliding with car

Over 5000 Venezuelan migrants in Guyana

Police destroy more marijuana camps at Millie’s Hideout Page 2

Page 13

Rice “mix-up” in Panamanian shipment P11 did not injure export relations – GRDB Head

Page 12

Page 10

RUSAL moves to replace dismissed workers …30 others laid off

$80 vat included

Man gets 100 years for killing “Montrose granny”

Page 8

Trump, Kim bet big on personal relationship at 2nd P17 summit

Cops granted bail for robbing Brazilian P8 national

President off to Cuba for more P2 treatment

2 news

wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police destroy more marijuana President off to Cuba for camps at Millie’s Hideout more treatment and clothing.

The other camp reportedly contained dried cannabis which had an estimated weight of approximately 150 kilograms.

The plants and camps were destroyed by fire and the location marked for further investigation. No arrests have been made in relation to the discoveries.

One of the camps that were found during the Police operation

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continuous “Drugs Eradication” exercise by Police ranks in E Division (LindenKwakwani), recently unearthed two additional marijuana camps at 10 Miles, Millie’s Hideout, Upper Demerara.

The ranks discovered two half-acre farms of marijuana which contained about 300 cannabis plants, measuring between 3 to 5 feet in height.

The drugs were said to

have an estimated weight of approximately 250 kilograms.

Ranks also discovered two makeshift camps, one which contained a hammock, three mattresses with makeshift beds, a quantity of kitchen utensils A quantity of dried cannabis found in another camp

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resident David Granger departed Guyana for the Republic of Cuba on Tuesday morning to continue treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

He is accompanied by First Lady Sandra Granger, a brief statement from the Ministry of the Presidency read.

This is one of several visits for treatment since November 2018, when the Head of State was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer which envelopes the lymphatic system.

On October 30, 2018, the President and First Lady travelled to Cuba to facilitate his undergoing medical tests after he complained of feeling unwell. Days later, he was diagnosed with the disease.

The President has since reduced his number of public engagements.

President David Granger during the flag-raising ceremony last Friday evening

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wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, February 27 – 12:00h-13:30h and Thursday, February 28 – 13:00h-14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, February 27 – 11:00h-12:30h and Thursday, February 28 – 12:15h-13:45h.

President Granger instructs GECOM to prepare for elections …concedes date should have been by March 19, 2019 …asks to “consult” Opposition

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected throughout the day, followed by partly cloudy skies in the evening. Overall temperatures will range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 10:23h and 23:12h reaching maximum heights of 2.19 metres and 2.06 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:52h and 16:35h reaching minimum heights of 1.09 metres and 1.04 metres respectively.

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resident David Granger has urged the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to begin preparations for General and Regional Elections, while promising to make the financial resources necessary, available.

In a letter dated February 25, 2019, and addressed to Chairman of GECOM, retired Justice James Patterson, the President laid out these promises and urged GECOM to start its work.

“The Government of Guyana is committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the Commission is provided with the financial resources and has sufficient time to conduct credible elections,” he said.

The information from the missive was shared with Commissioners during a meeting held on Tuesday. It was in response to an earlier letter sent to the President from GECOM. That letter was to inform the President that a motion was passed to indicate to him that new elections could not be held in 90 days as constitutionally mandated, and the need for additional funding.

The President has also promised, “To seek the approval of the National Assembly to ensure that an agreement can be reached given both the constitutional requirement and GECOM’s

capability.”

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon has written Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, on the President’s behalf, inviting the Opposition Leader to consultations for elections.

The letter stated that, “The President wishes to consult with you on the following matters: The National Assembly’s constitutional role in the present situation and the Guyana Elections Commission’s readiness and requirement for funding to enable it to conduct General and Regional Elections.”

The latter has previously indicated that he expects GECOM to follow the dictate of the Constitution and hold elections on March 19, 2019, since the term of the present Government would have come to an end at that time, following the mandated resignation of the President and Cabinet immediately following the successful passage of the no-confidence motion and

GECOM could use funds already budgeted.

Aside from that, Commissioners representing Government and the Opposition have been presented with options to decide on the next way forward regarding registration for General and Regional Elections.

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wednesDAY, february 27, 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

Country above partisan pride and self-interest

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nalysts have always expressed a profound sense of disappointment whenever Guyana and Singapore are discussed in the context of development. Both countries attained independence within nine months of each other; with Singapore first in August 1965. Its meteoric developmental path is exemplary. Today, with its magnetic tourism pull, thousands visit every year while for others, such a journey remains a dream to be fulfilled.

When compared to Guyana, Singapore is behind on available natural resources; however, it found ways to initiate and sustain development strategies in the interest of its people and to grow its international stature. Here, Guyana, within a similar time frame, is still waiting to fulfil its vast potential even though it is blessed with a plethora of natural resources.

Much has been said and written about the developmental disparity between the two countries and one seemingly agreed attributing factor for Guyana’s lag, is its politics in general.

A brief overview would unmistakably reveal the casualty of the dictatorial period of governance by the People’s National Congress (PNC) between 1964 and 1992. Failure, as a result of mismanagement and extravagance, led to rampant oppression and poverty. Many Guyanese, including skilled professionals, were forced to flee in a massive brain-drain.

Such a disabling environment could not have engineered the much needed visionary developmental strategies to capitalise on the diversity of its natural resources. At the end of that regime in 1992, the country was bankrupt and classified as a highly indebted poor one despite towering over Singapore in geographical size. That tyrannical rule also led to a tarnishing of its international image with redounding humiliation to Guyanese.

From 1992, a rebuilding process began and in 2015, Guyana was the fastest growing country in the Caribbean with years of sustained economic growth and expansion up to that point.

Within that 23-year period, there was unprecedented development, aided by the creation of enabling environments, leading to the positive transformation through modernisation of its physical and social infrastructures. Lives were similarly transformed as poverty gradually reduced.

Significant was the re-classification of the country from heavily indebted poor to a developing one. Its international image was restored and not only was the stigma removed from travelling Guyanese, but the country became a tourist destination. What did not happen in the 28 years of a dictatorship, was realised in much lesser time from 1992-2015, in a democracy, putting the country on a sustained development trajectory.

During that said period, despite the overwhelming evidence of transformation through modernisation, there was a major setback.

The results of the 1997 General Elections were not accepted by the then PNC Opposition. Instability swiftly crept in as properties were set ablaze and many beaten in the ensuing violence believably by Opposition thugs. Business ground to a halt while fear and uncertainty prevailed as the PNC ramped up its destabilising efforts.

In the end, an election audit was conducted through an intervention by Caricom and the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government forced to give up two years of its constitutional term of five. That period of instability punctuated by electoral violence, was not only an assault on democracy, but brought shame on the country internationally and set its then budding economic development path back by years. Fresh elections were held in 2001 and that path to prosperity gathered pace leading to what obtained up to 2015.

To put into context, Guyana could face a major constitutional crisis after March 21 when the constitutionally mandated period of 90 days to hold elections, following the successful passage of the No-confidence Motion, expires and no parliamentary extension, by a two-thirds majority, is granted. While economic progress slowed noticeably since the May 2015 elections, Guyanese want to see the country progress irrespective of the Government of the day.

They want to see a continuation of the gains made before that election so that their lives will continually improve. Those who are 27 years and younger would have been born into a democratic, developing, hopeful and economically prosperous Guyana. That is what they know and their lives and expectations vastly different from those who grew up during the oppressive and despondent period. Like all others, they would not want to be deprived and see any semblance of regression that could be realised by a constitutional crisis.

In such scenarios, not only can development be put on hold, but all would expect and demand prudent leadership in their best interest and that of the country. Common would be the desire for the country to be placed above partisan pride and self-interest and not just for a few to disregard the rule of law for seemingly personal gratification and power.

This is where the President must rise to the occasion and demonstrates unselfishly his oath and respect for the Constitution.

The buck stops with him.

One indispensable factor for the country to prosper is adherence to the Constitution which allows for democracy to flourish. The longer he takes to abide and ongoing actions convince of grabbing on to power, the country and its people will unfortunately suffer in times of uncertainty. Such situations will ensure that Guyana becoming a Singapore will remain a figment of its people’s imagination.

The Chiung Falls in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) (James Deeges photo)

Guaido’s return to Venezuela to mark brazen defiance of Maduro

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irst he declared a rival presidency. Then he made a play for Citgo.

Last weekend he flouted a court travel ban. Now, Juan Guaido says he is headed back home to Venezuela in another challenge to President Nicolás Maduro.

Guaido, recognised by most Western nations as the country’s legitimate leader, slipped into neighbouring Colombia last week to lead an ultimately failed effort to bring humanitarian aid into the crisis-stricken country.

After meeting with regional leaders including US Vice President Mike Pence in Bogota, Guaido is expected to come back through the porous border in the coming days and resume his political activities in open defiance of a Supreme Court order.

“I’m going to return to Caracas this week,” Guaido said in an interview with NTN24 broadcast on Tuesday. “My role and my duty is to be in Caracas despite the risks.”

He travelled last week from Caracas across the country in a caravan and then slipped into Colombia via back roads along the 2,200 km (1,367 miles) border, according to Colombian local media. Guaido said he received help from members of Venezuela’s armed forces.

Representatives for Guaido declined to disclose a timetable for his return or whether he will return the same way. To return via an official route would pose an even more brazen challenge to Maduro’s authority.

Maduro has faced regional condemnation this week for violently driving back the opposition’s attempts to bring in humanitarian aid. He denies there is a crisis despite overseeing a hyperinflationary economic meltdown that has spawned widespread food and medicine shortages.

Guaido’s return will force Maduro to decide whether

File photo: Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognised as the country’s rightful interim ruler, speaks to the media in the area of a warehouse where humanitarian aid for Venezuela has been collected in Cucuta, Colombia, February 23, 2019

to risk even greater international outrage by attempting to arrest the 35-year old congress chief or to allow him to openly disregard State institutions linked to the ruling Socialist Party.

“Trying to manage the Guaido situation has become a real problem for the Government because (Guaido) has grown so much politically,” said Luis Salamanca, a political scientist and constitutional law professor at Venezuela’s Central University.

Guaido invoked articles of the Constitution to assume an interim presidency in January, declaring Maduro a usurper following his 2018 re-election in a vote widely boycotted by the Opposition.

State institutions including the chief prosecutor’s office, the Supreme Court, and the comptroller’s officer – all openly allied with Maduro – responded by opening investigations of Guaido.

But no State institution has sought his arrest or even formally accused him of a crime. So far authorities have only frozen his local bank accounts and prohibited foreign travel.

The ruling Socialist Party has in the past clipped the wings of Opposition politicians, particularly charismatic challengers, by accusing

them of irregularities in managing State funds.

Maduro said in an ABC News interview released on Tuesday that Guaido’s fate was up to the justice system: “He can’t just come and go.

He will have to face justice, and justice prohibited him from leaving the country. I will respect the laws.”

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

Guaido said his team had a strategy should he be detained, without giving details on what that was.

“A prisoner doesn’t do anyone any good, but neither does an exiled president so we are in uncharted waters here,” he said.

Keeping up momentum

Many Venezuelans credit Guaido, a fresh face, with capturing the international community’s attention through his bold move to swear himself in as interim President, galvanising a once-fractured and weary opposition.

Maduro, who has described his rival as a USbacked puppet, now faces severe international pressure including US sanctions meant to cripple the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) nation’s vital oil industry.

“I hope he returns because he has shown himself to be a politician with strength, who has given us hope,” said Martha Sanchez, 65, a receptionist who has lost a third of her weight due to hyperinflation that has left her struggling to buy food on a minimum wage equivalent to less than US$10 per month.

Guaido’s attempt to bring humanitarian aid into the country had in particular fuelled her hope as she has been unable to find hypertension pills for sale over the past two months.

“No other candidate called for humanitarian aid before,” she said.

To be sure, Guaido’s team also faces a conundrum after that effort failed, allowing Maduro to declare victory even as the images of troops firing tear gas on convoys carrying aid sparked anger around the world.

Guaido’s team has won control over crucial offshore assets including US-based refiner Citgo, but still does not control the ports or central bank, or, most crucially, the armed forces.

“If he doesn’t keep up momentum, he will end up being another failed leader of the Opposition,” said Jesus Barreto, a 21-year old student. “He needs to keep challenging the Government.”

Maduro’s Government has largely allowed him to carry out political activities including rallies and press conferences, and appears unwilling to imprison him – even now that he has openly flouted a legal restriction placed upon him.

“I think they will hold off because it is much more sustainable over time to make your opponent seem ineffective than making yourself appear more like a dictator, especially when there is so much focus on you,” said Raul Gallegos, an analyst with the consultancy Control Risks.

(Reuters)

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

Minister Ramjattan being disingenuous about sugar

Dear Editor, Once again, the GAWU cannot allow the patent falsehoods of Vice President and Minister of Public Security and AFC Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan to be left unanswered lest his remarks related to sugar be considered truthful. The Public Security Minister, a known lighting-rod of controversy, appearing on an online programme titled “Is there a constitutional crisis looming?” that was broadcasted on the internet on February 23, 2019, made, from our point-of-view, a number of incorrect statements regarding the sugar industry.

The Minister, on the

matter, said that the Administration had spent $36 billion during the first three years of its life. But what the Minister didn’t tell the audience was that the sum represented 3.7 per cent of aggregate expenditure. He also didn’t say that those monies supported the lives of nearly 70,000 Guyanese or 9.3 per cent of the population or that some of those monies were used for consumption and, therefore, helped to support the lives of thousands more Guyanese. Undoubtedly, the Minister was disingenuous in what he was saying and clearly was speaking from one side of his mouth.

The Vice President went

on to say Government’s support of sugar was dragging the economy down. Well, now the support has stopped and what we have is the significant curtailment of consumption of thousands of Guyanese who were linked to the now-closed Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales Estates. In fact, the workers are experiencing such hard times that Guyana Times recently reported that at Skeldon, they have resorted to catching fish and picking wildly grown vegetables in the backlands to feed their families.

The NIS has also lost thousands of contributors which must be taking a toll

Ministers still believe people are gullible Dear Editor, As I watch the news and read the daily newspapers, I can’t help but smile and curse at the same time when I see the coalition Government Ministers going all over the country to meet, greet and share out goodies to the ordinary people in their villages while making more promises that if the people re-elect them in the upcoming elections they will enjoy more good life.

Editor, it makes me very angry to see that these Ministers still believe that the people are gullible and will forget all the promises that were made to them in 2015. Well, I have some news for these Ministers, don’t insult the intelligence of the Guyanese people, they are smarter than all of you and I guarantee, you are in for a rude awakening in the upcoming elections.

Editor, I would like to focus this missive on the AFC Ministers because it is the

votes that they garner that caused the coalition to win the elections and as everyone knows, most of those votes were from disgruntled PPP supporters. Leader of the AFC, Raphael Trotman in the Sunday Stabroek News of February 3, 2019, whilst addressing the National Executive Council of the party, acknowledged that the party did make some missteps in Government and the leaders forgot the masses and he knows they are hurt but promised that they will work fervently to make things right.

Editor, for the enlightenment of Trotman, Nagamootoo, Ramjattan, Patterson and all the leaders of the AFC, let me share a classic example of their betrayal of the people.

Before the 2015 elections, all of them were readily available and accessible. You could talk, call or text them anytime and you would get a reply. Lo and

behold, after the elections, they were all missing in action. It was as if they did not exist anymore. On the rare occasions that they came to Berbice and held call-in programmes on local television stations, I tried to implore, nay beg, Ramjattan and Patterson to do something about my street which is in a deplorable state, but it was like throwing water on a duck’s back.

They just brushed you off with all kinds of excuse and went along their merry way.

During those times, they didn’t care a hang about the people but now they are running back to the people, begging them for their votes.

Well, I want to tell them, “boat done gone a fall” and in the meantime, we the residents are repairing our street with our own money.

You will hear from us in the upcoming elections.

Yours faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus

Ministerial plenary or caucus is just a “jumbie” Dear Editor, Please permit me space to add my comments to the ongoing debate on the ministerial plenary or caucus.

The Opposition Leader’s call to resist adherence, application or implementation of any new requests emanating from plenary meetings is in order and must be heeded.

Amidst the delaying tactics and antics, the APNU/ AFC Administration continues to defy wisdom and good faith acts as we enter the final third of the 90-day period.

The Government refuses to accept that the successful December 21, 2018, no-confidence motion, like the crucifixion of Christ, put the Cabinet to death.

While the resurrection of

Christ influenced the New Testament, accounts of His life and works, the ministerial plenary or caucus, as an attempt to resurrect the Cabinet, is nothing other than a jumbie. It’s not real, thus has no powers, nor is it legally supported.

I would agree that the Government has a right to meet, whether in plenary or caucus. However, outcomes of such meetings, if implemented as part of our national goals, would be illegal and have no effect. For example, the last publication in the Gazette is illegal. In essence, the plenary meeting is an attempt to usurp the functions of the Cabinet which died on December 21.

In a nutshell, the plenary meeting does not resurrect the Cabinet; it’s a jumb-

ie and cannot give rise to actions and functions that are in the domain of the Cabinet. To give effect to or support the implementation of decisions from such meetings would amount to recognising a jumbie as having the authority to take actions on behalf of humans.

Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh

on the Scheme. The GRA also has lost many, many millions in income and value-added taxes associated with the workers. And the economy has lost several million US dollars in export earnings. In fact, for us, it was not unsurprising to read about the increased costs for foreign currency and to learn about shortages in the country as well. So we ask, isn’t the vacuum created by the closure of the estates dragging not only the economy but communities down too?

Then Minister Ramjattan boldly said that about 4000 workers lost their jobs. This, again, is completely a figment of the Minister’s imagination. Contrary to the Minister’s bold assertion, it was approximately 7000 workers who lost their jobs.

First, 1700 were pushed onto the breadline when Wales Estate was closed at the end of 2016. Then nearly 5000 were sent home when the Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates closed at the end of 2017.

The Minister’s sordid attempt to downplay the reality cannot stand scrutiny whatsoever.

Regarding the payment of severance to the thousands of displaced workers, the Minister said that the Government hadn’t enough monies to offset the payments. This excuse has been used so many times that its repetition is now laughable.

The fact remains that the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act required that the workers be paid their monies in full.

The Government was well aware of this, yet it persisted to act contrary to the law. Eventually, as the public well knows, the matter was addressed by the High Court which found the Government in breach and awarded the workers interests on their outstanding payments. The argument about having insufficient monies, in our view, is irrelevant, as the Government was well aware that thousands of workers had to be paid their severance payments since it decided, in the first place, to make them jobless.

GuySuCo even informed the GAWU in the latter part of 2017 that it shared with the Administration an estimated cost for those payments.

To then turn around and argue that monies were not available could only be seen as a futile attempt to pull the wool over the Guyanese peoples’ eyes. The fact is,

when one considers the extravagance that permeates the Government nowadays, monies could have been found but it is our view that the withholding was yet another means of punishment.

The Minister told the programme that Barbados had taken its sugar lands and converted them to golf courses, seemingly to insinuate that the island had ceased sugar production.

Though the island-State may have put some sugar lands into alternative use, it didn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater as the country still maintains its sugar industry.

The Minister, in making the Barbados inference, pointed to the need for diversification. But we ask, what the Government has done in this regard? We should not forget that $30 billion has been borrowed towards diversifying the currently operable estates but that sum has largely remained locked away. Moreover, the GAWU strongly advocates that the industry’s sustainability was rooted in its diversification and the Union in its presentation on February 17, 2017, to the Government, which incidentally, was led

by Minister Ramjattan, outlined how the diversification trust should be pursued.

The Minister also accepted that the decisions on sugar had a socioeconomic impact. But when the necessity of a socioeconomic impact assessment was brought to his attention during a meeting with the trade unions and the Opposition – PPP/C – on February 03, 2017, he unambiguously told those present that the Government would not pursue such a study but the trade unions

and Opposition could do so if they so desire.

To now turn around and admit there was an impact but failing beforehand to ascertain what that impact would be, gives rise to the view of whether the Government really had the people in mind and in heart before it took the decisions it ultimately did.

Today, while the Minister seeks to offer a defence to the situation and conduct which clearly is indefensible, the GAWU see its worthwhile to recall what Finance Minister Winston Jordan said about the sugar industry in his 2015 budget address “[t]he economic well-being of the sugar industry is critical to the protection of jobs and growth of the economy as well as the contribution it makes to GDP, exports and foreign exchange”.

We wonder what happened to such sentiments when the Administration resorted to its approach to the industry especially recognising that its own sugar Commission of Inquiry told it that closure was not an option that should be considered. So, today, while Minister Ramjattan seeks to obviously justify the Administration’s approach, the reality is thousands of Guyanese men, women and children are the hapless victims, living in miserable circumstances and difficult times. Even more disconcerting is that the State, rather than lending a helpful hand, has instead turned its back on them.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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What is bullying? ullying is when someone is picked on by a person or group.

Bullies might make fun of people who they think don’t fit in.

Bullies might make fun of others for many things, including: appearance (how someone looks) behaviour (how someone acts) race or religion social status (whether someone is popular) Bullying can come in different types: Physical bullying is when bullies hurt their targets physically.

This might be shoving, tripping, punching, or hitting. Any form of touching that a person does not want can be bullying and possible sexual assault.

Verbal bullying is taunting or teasing someone.

Psychological bullying is gossiping about or excluding people to make them feel bad about themselves.

Cyberbullying is when bullies use the Internet and social media and say things that they might not say in person. This can include sending mean texts, posting insults about someone on Twitter, or making rude comments on their Instagram pictures.

Cyberbullies also might post personal information, pictures, or videos designed to hurt or embarrass someone else.

What are the effects of bullying?

Bullies often pick on people over and over again. This can make teens: feel afraid, stressed, depressed, or anxious have thoughts about suicide or hurting themselves have trouble with their schoolwork have problems with mood, energy level, sleep, and appetite What kind of people are bullies?

Both guys and girls can be bullies. Bullies may be: outgoing and aggressive. This kind of bully might

make fun of you to your face or physically hurt you. quiet and sneaky. This kind of bully might try to manipulate in secret. They might anonymously start a damaging rumour just to see what happens. friendly and fake. This kind of bully might pretend to be your friend so that you tell them things, but then do hurtful things behind your back.

Many bullies are a lot alike. They: like to be in control of others are focused on themselves have poor social skills and have a hard time getting along with people might not care about people, or lack empathy are often insecure and bully others to make themselves feel better Some bullies don’t understand normal social emotions like guilt, empathy, compassion, or remorse. These people need help from a mental health professional like a counsellor, social worker, psychiatrist, or psychologist.

What can I do?

There are many things that you can do if you’re being bullied or know someone who is. You can: Tell a trusted adult Adults in positions of authority, like parents, teachers, or coaches, often can deal with bullying without the bully ever learning how they found out about it.

Ignore the bully and walk away Bullies like getting a reaction.

If you walk away or ignore them, you’re telling them that you don’t care.

Walk tall and hold your head high. Using this type of body language sends a message that you’re not vulnerable.

Don’t get physical. You’re more likely to be hurt and get into trouble if you try to fight a bully. Work out your anger in another way, such as exercising or writing it down (make sure you delete or tear up any emails, posts, letters, or notes you write in anger).

Try to talk to the bully. Try to point out that his or her behaviour is serious and harmful. This can work well if you notice that a member of your own group has started to pick on or shun another member.

Practise confidence. Practise ways to respond to the bully verbally or through your behaviour. Practise feeling good about yourself (even if you have to fake it at first).

Talk about it. It may help to talk to a guidance counsellor, teacher, or friend – anyone who can give you the support you need. Talking can be a good outlet for the fears and frustrations that can build when you’re being bullied.

Find your (true) friends. If you’ve been bullied with rumours or gossip, tell your friends so that they can help you feel safe and secure. Avoid being alone, especially when the bullying is happening a lot.

Stand up for friends and others you see being bullied. Your actions help the victim feel supported and may stop the bullying.

Join your school’s bullying or violence prevention programmes.

Peer mediation is another way you may be able to work things out with a bully. If your school doesn’t have these programmes, start one of your own.

What if I’m the bully?

Some people bully to deal with their own feelings of stress, anger, or frustration. Bullies might also have been bullied and now want to show their power by bullying someone else.

If you have bullied someone: Try talking to a trusted adult to talk about why you have become a bully. Ask them for some advice on how you could change. Try thinking of how the person being bullied feels.

Imagine how you would feel if you were the target.

Even though people are different, it’s important to treat everyone with respect. (kidshealth.org)

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wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Opposition Leader yet to receive amended summons from AG – Nandlall …ahead of Thursday’s rescheduled hearing of stay applications

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall

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ith Appeal Court Judge, Justice Rishi Persaud expected to hear submissions on the stay applications made by Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams, lawyers representing Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo are yet to be served with the amended summons filed to stay last month’s High Court rulings on the No-confidence Motion against the coalition Government.

Williams is seeking to keep the President and the coalition Cabinet in office until the hearing and determination of the appeals filed on the No-confidence Motion.

In fact, the stay applications were expected to be heard last week but the Appeal Judge was forced to

suspend the hearing after some defects were observed in the summons. The AG was then ordered to correct the defects and refile the summons before reserving on the parties involved in the matter.

In a subsequent statement from the AG’s Chambers last Thursday, it was noted that the Notice of Appeal was amended, refiled and served.

One of the errors made was the omission of the Opposition Leader in the Notice of Appeal. But according to Attorney Anil Nandlall, who is representing Jagdeo in these matters, he nor his office has received the refiled documents from the AG’s office.

“The court had ruled that the documents were defective and that they should be corrected. Part of that correction was to serve on the parties, the corrected documents but as of 5pm (Tuesday afternoon), nothing was received,” Nandlall told Guyana Time.

When contacted, however, the other party in these litigations, Attorney Christopher Ram, confirmed to this newspaper that he did receive the amended summons.

Last month, acting Chief Justice Roxane George had refused the AG’s request for a stay and conservatory order prior to her rulings, say-

Meanwhile, another case was AG v Christopher Ram, who had successfully sought to have the High Court validate the no-confidence resolution and have Government comply with constitutional provisions to demit office and call elections no later than March of this year.

The Chief Justice had upheld both cases, ruling that the no-confidence vote was validly passed, and that

Cabinet should have resigned. However, Williams in his appeal is claiming that the Chief Justice made an error in both of these rulings.

In addition, Appeals were also filed by the lawyers appearing for Minister of State Joseph Harmon; while a cross appeal was filed on behalf of Christopher Ram and an appeal is also to be filed on behalf of Compton Reid – the private citizen who le-

gally challenged the validity of former AFC Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud’s vote on the Noconfidence Motion given his dual citizenship status.

The Chief Justice had ruled that while it was unconstitutional for dual citizens to be a sitting in the National Assembly, Persaud’s vote, which toppled the coalition Government, was valid.

President Granger instructs...

Attorney General Basil Williams

ing she could not grant a stay of the court’s clarification of a decision taken by the National Assembly.

As such, Government asked the Appeal Court earlier this month to stay the High Court’s rulings while it considers setting aside the judgements made by Justice George.

In the first case of AG v Speaker of the National Assembly and Opposition Leader, which deals with the 33 to 32 majority that was used to pass the Noconfidence Motion, Williams is arguing that “there was a miscalculation of the majority of all elected members as required under Article 106 (6) of the Constitution for the Government to be defeated on a vote of no confidence”.

GECOM Commissioners will now have to decide on one of three options presented to them with regards to the registration or reregistration of voters on the list of electors.

Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj told Guyana Times that while a meeting was held on Tuesday, the issue was not discussed there, but would be on the agenda for Thursday.

“The first option is claims and objections period (solely), the second claims and objections coupled with a period of continuous registration; and third for house-to-house registration only,” he stated.

While the governing People’s National Congress (PNC) has called for houseto-house registration, the

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has been staunchly against it, saying it is meant to delay elections.

As such, the Opposition Leader has been calling on President Granger to announce a date for the hosting of General and Regional Elections.

“The Legislature has spoken. The Judiciary has spoken. The President, over the weekend, seems to believe that none of this matters. And so we have to show him that we are serious about having him respect our Constitution,” Jagdeo stated.

Jagdeo had stated too, “GECOM has a moral and ethical responsibility to get elections done before March 19. What is before the Commission now is to come up with actions to ensure this. So, I don’t know

From page 3

where this thing about July is coming in. There is only one way that date can be extended. And Opposition and Government have to agree by a two-thirds majority.”

GECOM had given July as a timeline for the hosting of elections, but at the same time, it stated that the present voters’ list would expire on April 30.

Although the Opposition has been calling for elections within the constitutional time frame, the Government claimed it was up to GECOM’s readiness to host same.

Since the passage of the no-confidence resolution, GECOM has been dragging its feet with respect to elections preparation. It has also been calling for houseto-house registration which could take months.

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wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man gets 100 years for killing “Montrose granny”

Convicted murderer: Colin Allen

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wenty-six-year-old Colin Allen was on Tuesday sentenced to 100 years imprisonment for the murder of Montrose, East Coast Demerara pensioner, Danrasie Ganesh.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Navindra Singh after a 12-member jury found him guilty of the heinous crime.

Allen, also called “Bonus”, formerly of Cemetery Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, was accused of murdering the 77-year-old woman on August 1, 2015, in her East Coast Demerara home.

The State was represented by Tuanna Harding, Abigail Gibbs, and Teriq

Mohamed who argued that the woman, also known as “Carmen” lived alone at Lot 121 Montrose, East Coast Demerara and on the day in question, Allen invaded the property.

He reportedly entered that house though a window after which he attacked the woman. During the trial, CCTV footage from Ganesh’s home was tendered into evidence. In the footage, a man was seen in the woman’s house hitting her on the head with a tyre wrench, kicking, and stomping her.

Allen later escaped but was apprehended three

Murdered: Danrasie Ganesh

weeks later. According to a caution statement given by Allen to detectives, he was

paid $700,000 to kill the elderly woman and steal documents pertaining to her property.

Following the verdict, Allen’s lawyer Rachael Bakker was reportedly left speechless while the convicted murderer maintained his innocence.

With respect to the 100year sentence, Justice Singh initially gave 60 years to the accused but added another 10 for premeditation, 10 for excessive brutality, 10 for him accepting money to kill the woman, and a further 10 years for being brutal to the woman who could have barely walked.

Cops granted bail for robbing Brazilian national

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wo Police Officers were on Tuesday arraigned with armed robbery committed on a Brazilian national when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

21-year-old Sherwayne Spiers of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and 25-yearold Daniel Kellman of McKenzie, Linden, pleaded

Sherwayne Spiers and Daniel Kellman

not guilty after the charge was read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Police stated that on February 20, 2019, at the Takutu Bridge, Central Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), the accused relieved Ronaldo Ferreira of a cellphone and a small sum of Brazilian currency. At the time of the robbery, they were carrying weapons.

The duo was represented

by Attorney-at-law Jerome Khan who stated that both of his clients were stationed at the Lethem Police Station and posted at the Takutu Bridge - an area he claimed is dangerous. His clients, he told the court, informed him that they conducted a search on the victim during which they found a quantity of narcotics in his possession.

On the other hand, Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield stated that on the day in question, the police ranks were issued with service weapons and were posted at the Lethem Municipal Compound but later left their post and went to the Takutu Bridge.

It was there that they allegedly held the victim at gunpoint and relieved him of the aforementioned items.

However, Ferreira subsequently reported the matter to the Lethem Police Station.

Mansfield added that a search was conducted on the person of the two ranks and the stolen items were found in their possession.

They were placed on $100,000 bail each and the matter will resume on March 5, 2019.

Full court press…

B

…by PNC Govt ack in the darkest days of WWII, Churchill rallied the besieged British people with some memorable speeches. In one of them he promised, “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills.” The PNC-led Government seems to be oblivious to the need to defend themselves on any democratic fronts, and have declared, “We shall fight in the courts – for 34 seat majority and we shall fight in the hinterland – to buy off the poorest Guyanese!”

In the first instance, they should know they’re fighting a losing battle since they’re being led by the ‘loosingest’ – Attorney General in the history of Guyana – Basil Williams.

When that fella was awarded his SC, your Eyewitness heard half the living awardees had to be persuaded not to return their silk!! And on the buying off the poor the Indigenous peoples – does the PNC think they’re the new Columbus, who can buy off “the natives” with beads and trinkets??

How insulting!!

But they’re so tone deaf, they are still beating those dead horses mercilessly!! After Basil Williams received a tonguelashing from the High Court Judge for filing defective appeals on the NCM, on the day he rectified his exercise in futility, SARA finally filed six civil cases against some of the persons who’d bought house lots at Pradoville II! Imagine that!! This has to rival one of those old Hollywood flicks where the producers would boast “TEN YEARS IN THE MAKING!!” since SARA was upgraded from SARU over three years ago and just last week, your Eyewitness was wondering where all those BILLIONS in salaries were going with not a case filed!!

Now, dear reader, you might’ve just exclaimed, “But hasn’t SOCU been flogging that same dead horse for a year now?” But it’s not only that SOCU’s in some deep doodoo right now with all the scandals roiling their personnel – foreign and domestic - the SARA cases are CIVIL while the SOCU ones are CRIMINAL. Maybe because the burden of proof in civil cases are lesser than in criminal ones that they’ve gone this route? Your Eyewitness doubts this. The PNC just want to stain the PPP knowing that as far as the NCM’s concerned, they can run but they can’t hide!!

On buying off the Indigenous peoples with baubles, in their one attempt to provide something substantial, the MPI Patterson told the residents of Rupununi they’ll soon be getting a US$40 million new airport!!

It’s not that the man lied through his teeth, but that he obviously felt Indigenous peoples would fall for that obvious whopper!! Wankers!! …on RUSAL So desperate has been the PNC-led coalition to “fill with dew what rain didn’t full” for the bauxite workers in the RUSAL operations in Berbice, they actually called in the company’s management and demanded they immediately reinstate the 60 workers who’d been dismissed for walking off their jobs. The PNC was so cocky their bluster would succeed the Chronic actually blared in a headline “Sacked RUSAL workers to be reinstated”!!

Well, four days later, the Govt and the Chronic had to eat crow, with a new headline: “RUSAL disregards reinstatement appeal”. In fact, RUSAL now served the 60 workers with OFFICIAL dismissal notices – PLUS ANOTHER 90 WORKERS who’d listened to the Government’s siren calls!! Now, don’t get your Eyewitness wrong…he’s as nationalistic as another working stiff. It’s just that the Government is so anxious to woo voters, it refused to consider RUSAL’s contentions.

To, wit that the union’s “recognition” is legally defective and workers just can’t strike arbitrarily without notice!!

What’ll happen if RUSAL walks? …on bauxite And RUSAL may very well walk. After sinking US$250 million in their Dian Dian mine – with 3.1 million tonnes capacity!! – they started shipping bauxite from Guinea, which has the world’s largest Bauxite deposits!!

And those shipments were during the US blockade when we stopped shipments!!

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

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wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jamaicans tight-lipped on confiscated rice shipped from Guyana – attempts by the GRDB to obtain information proving futile

T

he Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is apparently being sidelined by Jamaican authorities with regard to obtaining information about recent reports surfacing that a shipment of 70 metric tonnes of White Cinderella rice from Guyana had been confiscated in Jamaica after it was found unsuitable for human consumption.

General Manager of the GRDB, Nizam Hassan, told the media on Tuesday that such allegations have

reached the public domain already and if such information is in the hands of the Jamaican authorities then it would augur well that such issues be communicated to the exporting country, which in this case, is Guyana.

“There are so many things that we have thought of but let’s not speculate here. Let’s wait for the Jamaicans to tell us but I think that we need to know.

Because let’s say that there is an issue from the sending country that needs to be

General Manager of GRDB Nizam Hassan

Outgoing Caricom Chairman encourages Heads to deliver on commitments made during his tenure

of which he described as fruitful engagements.

In concluding, he said that Jamaica was honoured to have been entrusted to serve as Chair and gave his commitment to continue working to deliver prosperity for the region.

Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness delivers his address as outgoing Chairman of the Caricom Conference of Heads of Government at the 30th Intersessional Meeting of the Caricom Conference

O

utgoing Chairman of the Caricom Conference of Heads of Government, Honourable Andrew Holness is encouraging his fellow leaders to deliver on the bold steps and strong joint recommitment to the regional process that they made during his tenure.

Holness, who is also Prime Minister of Jamaica, was speaking on Tuesday morning at the opening of the 30th Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom which is being held in St Kitts and Nevis between February 26 and 27, 2019.

He gave a quick overview of some of the achievements and commitments made during his time as Chairman of the Conference, speaking first of hosting the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference which was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in July 2018.

Holness said that during the Conference, a “giant leap forward” was made in response to the concerns of Caricom Member States with regard to being treated with fairness, respect and dignity.

He explained that procedures on the refusal of entry were adopted with an agreement to implement them by August 2018.

He further outlined that during the same meeting, Heads of Member States demonstrated their commitment to ensure that the free movement of skills provisions in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) regime not only worked for the principal beneficiaries, but also for their families through the signing of the Protocol on Contingent Rights.

Following the 39th Conference, the Heads of Government met in September in a prime min-

isterial sub-committee Chaired by Prime Minister of Barbados, Honourable Mia Mottley, and again in a special session in December 2018 where they had further discussions regarding the report of the Commission to Review Jamaica’s relations within the Caricom and CARIFORUM frameworks (CRCC) and implementation of the CSME. “The meeting was graciously hosted by Prime Minister Rowley in Port-ofSpain and delivered the St Ann’s Declaration, which cemented our resolve that we must give impetus to the CSME. Among other decisions accordingly, we reclaimed the objective of economic growth and development and emphasised the central role of the Private Sector and labour in assisting the region on this path,” the outgoing Chairman said.

Other achievements outlined by PM Holness included a decision to add agricultural workers and security guards to the agreed categories of skilled nationals who will be entitled to move freely and seek employment within the Community. He also confirmed that beauty service practitioners and barbers can move and work as artistes.

Strategic engagements with external partners was another area of focus, and, according to Holness, that was the reason much of his attention was geared towards strengthening relations with bilateral, regional and international development partners.

This, he said, included engagements with the Presidents of Chile and Cuba during the 39th Heads of Government Meeting, as well as representing the Community at the BRICS Plus Summit in Johannesburg, and at the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, both

looked at that needs to be improved, that needs to be corrected, that information would help the process.”

He explained that since the allegation was made known to the GRDB after being publicised by local media attempts by the GRDB to verify the facts about this situation have proved futile.

“We immediately contacted the agency, the Jamaica Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division.

We contacted them, they reported that they could not give us any information…they have not provided us with any information as I speak to you,” said Hassan.

Although the GRDB came up empty-handed in this case, the only other immediate alternative, after this failed attempt to seek an answer or clarification into the matter, was to speak with the local supplier of the rice in question.

“We then contacted the supplier of the rice, because

we knew who the supplier was. The supplier of the rice informed us that the buyer, that he has been speaking to a number of buyers and none of his buyers have said to him anything with regards to supply. In fact, the supplier informed us that he has been fully paid for the supplies of his rice,” he added.

He explained that more articles about the allegations were being publicised by various media houses and as such, the GRDB attempted to make direct contact with the international buyer of the rice. However, to date, the buyer in question has not divulged any in-

formation to the GRDB. “We learnt through that article who the buyer with alleged confiscation was.

We then contacted that buyer, that buyer did not also provide us with any information. So, as we speak to you we have no additional information with regards to the issues surrounding the alleged confiscation of rice that was exported to Jamaica.”

Hassan added that the GRDB has turned to the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Guyana to help seek the relevant information from Jamaican authorities about this matter.

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wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Motorcyclist killed after colliding with car A

motorcyclist was, in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, killed after he collided with a motorcar along the Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD) Public Road. Dead is Nial Persaud of Lot 635 Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.

Based on reports received, Persaud was proceeding along the Vreed-enHoop Public Road when he collided with the rear of motorcar HC 7218 which was attempting to make a turn.

The driver of the car reported that he indicated

Dead: Nial Persaud The car that was involved in the accident

that he was about to make the turn, however, whilst in

the process of doing so, he felt the impact.

Upon inspections, Persaud was found lying on the roadway with injuries to his head and body.

He was quickly picked up and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The car driver, identified as a resident of Windsor Forest, WCD, was taken into Police custody where a breathalyser test was conducted but showed no trace of alcohol.

He is said to be assisting with investigations.

The motorbike Persaud was riding at the time of his demise

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wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Rice “mix-up” in Panamanian shipment did not injure export relations – GRDB Head – miller accepts responsibility although probe did not reveal when, where it happened approximately 20 per cent higher than white rice so there is no financial advantage to ship parboil in the place of white rice. If it was the reverse, then you would have seen financial advantage. So I am not sure what went on, I cannot really comment on that, but from

T

A shipment of rice being prepared for Panama

he rejected shipment of rice to Panama has not injured or hurt the local market and rice exportations from Guyana to that country continue to progress.

That is according to General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan who told reporters on Tuesday morning during a press briefing that investigations into the matter have been concluded and that the GRDB is not to be blamed.

“It was not the rice ordered by the buyer - rather than white rice it was parboiled rice returned to Guyana and replaced with white rice…There were no wrongdoings on the part of the GRDB or its staff. All the relevant and requisite procedures were followed by the GRDB and its staff in the execution of its duties,” he said.

According to Hassan, it was 33 containers of rice that had been rejected by Panama but his agency executed the duties that it was mandated to.

“The GRDB did, in terms

of when products are inspected for export, the GRDB did all the relevant activities with regards to testing, sampling the rice, to ensure that it reaches the criteria, witnessing the loading of the container, witnessing the seal that is put on the container. The GRDB did all of that.”

However, this issue has been resolved, and relations between the two countries remain strong and fruitful, he noted.

“We have not lost the market nor was there any injury. We apologised, we the GRDB apologised to the Institute, informing them that we are sorry about this and we will replace the rice and we did so.”

The GRDB Head explained that the contract for which the issue arrived was fully serviced in 2018 and through a new contract for 2019 that commenced in late December of last year, Panama continues to be supplied with rice from Guyana.

Meanwhile, Attorneyat-law Juman Yassin, on behalf of the miller that

shipped that batch of rejected rice to Panama, told the media that his client accepts full responsibility for the “mix-up” in the rice shipment.

“He has accepted responsibility for this mix-up and he has also accepted responsibility publicly here today for this apparent mix-up for the shipment being parboiled rice instead of white rice. He indicates that there must have been some negligence involved and as the owner of the mill he has accepted responsibility and will ensure that in the future there is stricter safeguards and control,” Yassin noted.

Additionally, the Chairman of the Guyana Rice Exporters and Millers Association, Rajendra Persaud, explained that there was no way that the miller in question could have benefitted financially from such a move if it had been intentional on the miller’s part.

“The said miller produces both parboiled rice and white rice…from value standpoint, parboiled rice is

my standpoint, I think there is no financial advantage.”

Persaud added that such a mix-up should never occur again by any miller because although it did not affect export relations between Guyana and that country on this occasion if it occurs again then it could possibly

have a worse effect.

“The rice that was shipped to Panama, the parboiled rice was found on the port and not really in the customer’s premises. It was intercepted on the way to the customer. So it didn’t hurt that much but at the same time we need to fix it.”

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wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Over 5000 Venezuelan migrants in Guyana

W

ith 5123 documented Venezuelan migrants in Guyana, efforts are being made to roll out a programme to help them become self-sufficient, the National Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Committee noted in a statement.

Since the bulk of the migrants are in Region One, the initiative – which is being funded by the Australian Government – will first target communities in that area, particularly at Yarakita and White Water.

Spearheaded by the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), the project will provide the migrants as well as locals with tangible and technical agricultural support so that they can become self-sufficient.

Currently, the IOM is in discussions with organisations such as the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) to finalise the details pertaining to implementation.

The project will subsequently be extended to other communities with a large migrant population.

Meanwhile, the Social Protection Ministry is working to ensure that Guyanese returning from Venezuela

grants and protecting them from abuse and/or exploitation of any kind.

Additionally, the Region Two Administration – which also has a huge migrant population – has identified a two-storey building that will serve as a support centre.

Although the Government has managed to put certain mechanisms in place to deal with the Venezuelans seeking refuge in Guyana, it faces

Some of the Venezuelans living in Guyana

are registered at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) so that they can be issued national identification cards which will enable them to benefit from public assistance once the relevant criteria are met.

Thousands of Venezuelans have been fleeing the Spanish-speaking nation in light of the growing social, political and economic crisis under the Nicolas Maduro Government. Many of them have been coming into neighbouring Guyana while others have dispersed to other countries in the region.

The situation has attracted international attention and only recently, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced that it will work with the Guyana Government to expand the infrastructure of hinterland

schools to cater for migrant children.

With approximately 150 migrant children in Region One, the initiative will first be implemented there.

The Guyana Government and Corporate Guyana have also been playing a major role in distributing supplies to the migrants who have settled in communities along the border.

The Guyana Government had also announced plans to develop a homestead in Mabaruma, Region One for the migrants and up to mid2018, authorities were in the process of acquiring land for the project.

The Public Health Ministry has also extended its services to these locations to better serve the migrants.

Public officers were also trained on international best practices in assisting mi-

a major challenge of monitoring these individuals due to the length of the border between the two countries.

This poses a serious concern to the population, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge had noted last year.

“If you get 12 people or 15 moving and they are ill; malaria, measles and these types of afflictions, then there is a danger posed, espe-

cially to our Indigenous people by personal pandemics,” the Minister had explained.

Meanwhile, as the situation in Venezuela worsens, the number of persons fleeing is growing rapidly.

This is evident in Guyana’s context given that only some three months ago, there were an estimated 2900 documented Venezuelan migrants in the country.

MoU to assist Guyana in meeting international commitments inked

T

he Natural Resources Ministry and Conservation International Guyana (CI) on Tuesday inked a twoyear memorandum, which will allow for heightened sustainable efforts to develop Guyana’s economy, thus meeting some international commitments.

The agreement was signed by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Calvin Brutus of Conservation International at Cara Lodge after brief discussions on the dynamics of the document.

Brutus explained that the country’s natural heritage must be sustained and his organisation has been significantly integrated in finding solutions for such issues.

“For us to secure and sustain development for Guyanese now and in the future, we must secure our natural heritage, the cornerstone of our development and wellbeing. For more than two decades, CIGuyana through diverse partnerships, has helped design and implement solutions to secure Guyana’s natural heritage,” he said.

He added that projects will roll out in the near future, to ensure that Guyana’s natural resources are extracted in ways which it can benefit the total earnings of the country.

Discussions will also be held with miners on eradicating harmful mining practices, while replacing them with sustainable resolutions.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Calvin Brutus of Conservation International-Guyana during the signing of the MoU

“CI-Guyana’s partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the agencies under its purview is critical to ensuring that Guyana’s natural resources are exploited responsibly and contributes to growth in the total wealth of Guyana.

Our partnerships have resulted in continued operation of Guyana’s state-ofthe-art MRVS system, and more recently, working towards responsible mining for Guyana through the El Dorado Gold initiative,” Brutus explained.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman stated that the memorandum provides an opportunity for further collaboration in assistance in the natural resources, water management and mining sectors.

“This MoU which aims towards the enablement of Guyana’s green economic growth and development represents another step in a level of exchange between

the Ministry and CI-Guyana that will bode well for progress on a range of natural resources sector development initiatives,” said Trotman.

He added, “We realise that it is more effective to work together with those who share our common interests relating to sustainable management of our natural resources and Guyana’s overall sustainable development. In this sense, it is recognised by both my Ministry and CI that an ideal green economy is built on the principles of increasing human wellbeing and social equity, while reducing ecological scarcities and environmental risks and it is only fitting that we formally collaborate to achieve those.”

This partnership will allow for Guyana to meet international commitments such as the Minamata Convention and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

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wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

RUSAL moves to replace dismissed workers …30 others laid off

RUSAL representatives during a previous engagement to discuss the fate of the dismissed workers with former Chief Labour Officer Mohamed Akeel (centre)

A

fter assurances by Government that the fired bauxite workers will be reinstated, the Russian Bauxite Company, RUSAL, has refused to do so, signalling their intentions of having the 61 workers replaced by the end of the week.

This was disclosed on Tuesday during a meeting with RUSAL officials, Mikhail Krupenin and Vladimir Permyakov; Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally; Junior Social Protection Minister, Keith Scott and Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, where it was questioned whether all fired workers would be reinstated.

While it was announced by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman that the dismissed workers will be reinstated, company officials said those persons can only be rehired after their demands to rejoin the enterprise are laid over, along with some other conditions.

“Those who are willing to come back to the enterprise and work will have an opportunity to write their demands to be admitted to the enterprise. Each case would be examined by the administration. Each individual needs to be examined by the company administration,” Permyakov stated.

According to RUSAL, those who are not on the job have not received any payments and they have moved towards inviting persons who have a desire to join the company to do so.

However, notices were issued to an additional 30 workers, informing them that they are not to turn up for work until further notice.

According to the company, the bauxite reserves are not as lucrative to investors as they were in the past.

These statements were met with strong opposition from Minister Ally, who labelled RUSAL’s actions as unreasonable and unthinkable.

“I believe that RUSAL management is unreason-

able. It is unthinkable for the positions that you have taken on this issue. It is very clear that you do not want an amicable solution to this matter because you have put on the table, issues to us…which says take it or leave it,” Minister Ally posited.

She added, “You have put conditions that those who are willing to come back, their demands to be admitted to the enterprise must be laid over. I think that is unthinkable. Once the workers are back on stream, then it provides an opportunity for us to discuss and come to some agreement but to say to the workers that ‘for you to be readmitted, you have to establish these things’ is unthinkable”.

The Minister further related that they are going to examine the company with regards to its operations and working conditions. Ally posited that the company should reinstate the workers first and then issues surrounding the Labour Department will be dealt with.

In light of the ongoing fiasco between RUSAL and its workers, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) stated that the company is taking a dangerous turn which is seen as an attack on the working class.

“The struggle with the Russian management is taking on an ugly and most dangerous turn that is the first of its nature experienced in the history of Guyana…The actions of the Russian management violates our country in every way and must be seen as an act of declaring war against the working class and all Guyanese,” the Union stated.

According to the Union, the company issued emails to its employees stating, “Management has found it necessary to close sections of its operation and to lay off some employees”.

The organisation sought to respond by saying, “The ‘lay off’ along with the 61 dismissed earlier means the number of workers being

victimised is climbing”.

Meanwhile, Minister Trotman told media operatives on Monday that a collective bargain agreement should be forged between the company and its workers since the present tension is a testament to the absence of such a treaty.

“I think ultimately, the better systems need to be put in place for managing good relations. On one hand, I think the company needs to understand that we do have laws and the workers need to follow a collective bargain agreement, so the answer lies in getting a firm collective bargain between the company and the workers. As long as there is an absence of such an agreement, we’re going to have this tension which erupts periodically,” the Minister said.

BCGI – which is owned

by RUSAL– dismissed 61 workers on February 19, 2019, since the employment contract prohibits them from downing their tools.

During a meeting at the Labour Department last week, the BCGI representatives said that the company does not recognise the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union.

“Only a few weeks after, we got information that the judge in (a case decided) this Board was constituted with some breaches and could be considered illegal. It meant former worker was considered by decision of judge illegal. I think many people knew the Board was illegal.

But nobody said to us such a (poll) could be considered null and void,” the company’s representative said.

This is a reference to the judgment issued in the case of the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB) versus the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).

FITUG General Secretary Carvil Duncan had claimed that TURCB unilaterally appointed a Chairman in 2015 without consulting them and only recognised the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).

In the written judgment issued by the High Court on November 8, 2017, it said FITUG was not consulted prior to the appointment of a Chair in 2015.

This was found to be in violation of the Trade Union Recognition Act, especially as it relates to the selection of a Chairman of the organisation.

When asked, however, Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle maintained that the GBGWU, by virtue of winning that poll, should be the duly-recognised representative of the bauxite workers. This is, after all, the approach the Ministry has adopted.

14 news

wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

1st draft of Guyana’s REDD+ Strategy ready for national consultations

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he Natural Resources Ministry will host consultations on the first draft of Guyana’s National REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) Strategy from March 7-8, 2019, in Georgetown.

Facilitated by the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF-REDD+) Project, this round of consultations include a national two-day workshop with representatives from all ten administrative regions.

It targets stakeholders from Government, Private sector, civil society, indigenous people and forest-dependent communities.

The workshop will provide

Stakeholders making their inputs on the National REDD+ Strategy

information on the design of Guyana’s REDD+ Strategy and get stakeholders’ input to improve the draft as well as identify how they can participate in future implementations.

Stakeholders will get the opportunity to express their ideas on what the REDD+ Strategy options for Guyana could look like when implemented and identify gaps in the current designs.

In the coming months, the consultations will extend to Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), after which there will be another round of national cluster workshops in

Georgetown to verify the draft strategy.

Last April, the Ministry contracted a consortium led by Winrock International and Conservation International to design Guyana’s REDD+ Strategy and Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) report including Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF).

These are all critical components of Guyana’s REDD+ Readiness Preparation Plan (RPP) that prepares the country to access future funding to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

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wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations First Lady emphasises need for APNU/AFC fast asleep at the wheel, fishing families are collateral damage

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here is a foreign currency problem in Guyana. This week, certain businesses are demanding an exchange rate of GY$235 for US$1. In part, reduced export earnings have played a major role in the depreciation the Guyana dollar is experiencing. Reduced earning from fish export is part of this story.

More than a year has elapsed since the American Government banned the export of Siluriformes fish and shrimp from Guyana. Neither the Agriculture Minister nor the Public Health Minister with responsibilities for various aspects of the fish export process, knew there was a problem and both Dr Leslie Ramsammy lacked answers at the time, February 3, 2018, when the Americans banned the export of certain fish from Guyana. At the time, like many in the fishing industry, I by flummoxed by the lack of knowledge and by the disinterest that these Ministers displayed. They were missing in action, MIA, guilty of dereliction of duty. It is inexcusable, it is now more than a year and these Ministers are still guilty of dereliction of duty, neither willing to take responsibility for this major assault on the fishing industry.

On more than a few occasions, I and others have reminded these Ministers and the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Cabinet that this ban is a devastating blow to the fishing industry, to Guyana’s export and the overall economy. We have reminded them that the prerequisites for restarting the trade are not beyond Guyana’s capacity to overcome. For more than a year, these Ministers fiddled while the fishing export continued to be harmed.

Last week, the Agriculture Minister claimed it was not his disinterest, but the bureaucratic wrangling between officials of the Ministries of Agriculture and Public Health have contributed to little or no action in meeting the requirements for the resumption of fish export to America. This is a betrayal of the fishermen and those in the export business and it is another example of the gross incompetence, mismanagement and disinterest that have led to the overall no-confidence in the David Granger-led APNU/AFC Government. This is a Government which readily blames the People’s Progressive Party and others for anything that goes wrong in Guyana, but is unwilling to recognise its failures and find remedies.

Let us call a spade a spade. The Ministers of Agriculture and Public Health are responsible for the loss of the fish export market to America. They are unequivocally guilty of dereliction of duty. APNU/AFC destroyed the sugar industry, leaving thousands unemployed and depriving Guyana of much-needed foreign currency. Similarly, their mismanagement has led to a significant reduction of export earnings from rice and gold. Now, for more than a year, the Americans have restricted and banned certain fish export, the Ministers of Agriculture and Public Health have been twiddling their thumbs, playing politics and busy jetting around the world, while the fishing industry is threatened, leaving thousands of fishermen fearful of their and their families’ future.

America demanded there was a presence of inspectors, documentation detailing verification of each step in the sanitation and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process and documentation specifying how the industry manages adulterated catfish products.

These are not new requirements for Guyana. To varying extent, Guyana has had to meet these standards in the past.

Guyana’s inspection system has been designed to meet European Union (EU) standard. Previously, these standards were more onerous than the standards America required. Guyana had updated our standards to meet the EU standards as part of the EPA (European Partnership Agreement). As our export partners expanded and increased their trade requirements, Guyana acted decisively to stay current with the requirements up to May 2015.

Since then, under a new government, Guyana has shown a troubling disinterest in keeping up with the evolving standards.

Meeting the evolving standards, even if these standards are “protectionist” policies, is doable. Guyana demonstrated an effective capacity to meet such demands before May 2015.

In this instance, the US Government gave Guyana notice since November 2015, more than 18 months before the provisions were to become effective in May 2017. In fact, the US extended the deadline to February 3, 2018. We simply ignored the warnings from America.

Now, one year after the ban was implemented, the fishermen and their families continue to be collateral damage. As boats become idle and more Guyanese become unemployed, there was a deafening silence from the APNU/AFC, followed now by assigning blame to wrangling bureaucrats. The Agriculture and Public Health Ministers, even with the powerful new Food Safety Act, enacted in 2017, which strengthened the regulatory capacities of these Ministries, continue to be disinterested, fast asleep at the wheels.

HFLE to be taught in schools

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irst Lady, Sandra Granger has emphasised the need for Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) to be taught as a subject in schools throughout the country.

Speaking at the recent Information Communication Technology (ICT) graduation for adolescents and outof-school youths in Linden, the Frist Lady spoke about social health issues affecting the youths and stressed on the importance of sexual health education in schools.

The First Lady also stated her belief that HFLE helps students to understand who they are and how they can protect themselves.

“One of the things that I wanted to point out, was my continuing concern...the lack of across the board Health and Family Life Education in our schools. And I know there are many teachers who refuse to teach it because they believe you are teaching the children about sex and we are going to have these orgies throughout the school. We are teaching children to protect themselves, and I’m telling you that this is not a problem that we have only in Guyana. I was at the conference last year when I heard about young men using icicle bags as condoms...that is dangerous,” she stated.

She also recalled working at Caricom Secretariat years ago and being involved in the Caricom Health and Family Life Education project. The ICT training, which was organised through her office, also saw the participants being taught ‘Soft Skills’ and included sexual and reproductive health.

The topic is said to have received a positive response and during the graduation ceremony, participants showed much appreciation for the sexual reproductive health lecturer, Grace Andrews.

Mrs Granger made calls for this to be introduced into the school system, noting that caution should be taken to make modules age appropriate for every level to promote proper decision making and good practices amongst students.

“And I’m saying, ‘why are

First Lady Sandra Granger

we still quarrelling about this and why do people still feel that HFLE should not be taught in schools?’ But

when you see the dangers, when you know that there is a uptake in AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency

Syndrome) among the young population in the Caribbean and that we have the second highest rate of infections after sub-Saharan Africa in the world- think about it, HFLE (not only) helps our young people to understand who they are but how they can protect themselves and lead full lives,” she explained.

The First Lady urged the youths to try to understand how their bodies work and how they can make it work for them in order to make better decisions. The aim, she noted, is to make knowledge widely available to reduce experimental incidence. Granger indicated that she would also like to see a considerate and tolerant group of young people.

16 news

wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Kwakwani launches women’s group

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pproximately forty women in Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are on a path of self-empowerment following the establishment of a Women’s group in the community.

The women proudly launched their group with several pieces of beautiful

handmade craft on display.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe who has direct responsibility of women attended the launch and praised the women who possess remarkable talent.

The Minister, in encouraging the women not-

ed that “it is always good to add more to our household because we always want to see our children look good, feel good because naturally we are women and we are the foundation of any home”.

She added that a fundamental aspect of growing as a group is that “you

should bond with each other, look out for each other and support each other. I know you can do it”.

Minister Garrido-Lowe told the gathering that eighty per cent of the farmers who supply the factory with organic tomatoes are women, and that the number continues to grow annually.

Similarly, Minister Garrido-Lowe said the womenfolk of Kwakwani can follow suit and not only encourage other women to participate but also the youth and men as well.

The women have already signalled their intentions of ensuring the Group remains productive and have since produced beautifully woven, knitted, crochet and embroidered towels, chair covers and pillowcases among other handmade items which will

be available to local and regional markets.

Minister Garrido-Lowe also assured the group that Government will support their efforts to ensure the longevity of their business venture.

Residents of Kwakwani depend heavily on bauxite mining, logging and cattle rearing as their main economic activities, and with the women now establishing what will be a lucrative craft producing industry, additional revenue will be in circulation.

The Minister said the Government remains committed to the people in bringing the “Good Life” to all since, in the past, villages could not have realised such economic and social empowerment as they remained stagnant economically and socially.

“What I saw was, the previous Administration

gave villages a tractor, an ATV, and every year they get one million dollars or so to do a community project but their lives remained the same. Villages were getting no upliftment, their standard of living remained stagnant, they couldn’t think of their future because they never had the opportunity to do so. This wasn’t a guarantee for development of self, of young people and of community. And not because you are far, the Government has committed to meeting you no matter where you are, so all across the country we have been trying to do that,” the Minister assured.

Kwakwani, she said, will continue to receive Government’s support and once proceeds from the oil and gas sector begin, residents will receive further benefits.

17 GTT to replace copper landlines with newer technology L News

wednesday, february 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

ocal telecommunications giant, GTT, is looking to replace its traditional copper landline services with a newer technology being offered with its Blaze Internet Package.

This new technology, according to Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd, is as a result of the US$30 million fibre optic cables that the company has invested in over the years.

During a media conference on Tuesday, Nedd told reporters that the landline service from the Blaze package is of way better quality than that of the copper lines.

“If as a company we don’t look to constantly improve, we will probably be dead and out of business. The fibre is better and there is no doubt about it. We’re not the first company in the work to do this… If we stayed with copper, yes we will probably make money but then it will not be good enough,” he asserted.

The CEO reminded of

GTT Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd along with other company officials at Tuesday’s press conference

the days when dial-up internet and copper lines were exciting but then DSL internet came on stream and improved connectivity. To this end, he noted that the fibre optic cable sees further improvements in these services.

“So it’s just a progression of improving… and we will continue to invest smartly to give our customers the service they want. After all, we’ve been here for 28 years and we’ve gone from no internet to internet provided

by satellite to sub-sea cables which we have multiplied probably a thousand times over from 2010 to now so it always about growth and progressing,” Nedd contended.

However, this announcement by the telecommunications boss comes on the heels of an order imposed by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for GTT to issue 350 landlines per quarter every year – something which Nedd said the company has “handsomely beaten”.

Nevertheless, the CEO pointed out that more customers are actually giving up their copper landline services.

“Every time you roll out a Blaze connection, there is a voice connection. So over the last year, we rolled out more than 20,000 voice services (under the Blaze package)…

Ultimately, we will provide a service that the customer wants and when you listen to the voice service on Blaze, it’s certainly a much better quality than copper,”

he stressed.

According to Nedd, the fibre optic network not only allows for improvements on existing services but also opens the doors for a vast variety of new services such as cable television. In fact, he disclosed that this year, they are working with several partners to roll out this new service.

Already, he noted, there is a new TV box system that offers 100 cable channels including local and popular sports channels. This package, according to the GTT boss, is currently being offered by Gizmos and Gadgets at $2500 per month.

“Again, this is possible with our high-speed fibre optic network… So you will see more of these third-party services being built more on our Blaze network. You’ll see more of those in the coming years,” the CEO posited.

But even as the telecommunications giant is looking to expand its fibre optic network, it continues to be

financially burdened with high costs incurred from vandalism. Nedd disclosed that from the last vandalising of its cables, a whopping US$10,000 was spent on labour alone to repair the damages. Against this backdrop, the CEO is calling for stronger penalties against perpetrators, while noting that legal actions are being undertaken against companies whose large vehicles have damaged its cables.

Recapping on 2018, Nedd told media operatives that the year was a challenging but productive one. He noted that in addition to the Blaze service, which continues to grow daily, the company’s mobile money service (MMG) is also proving to be efficient.

Going forward this year, however, he noted that in addition to improving and expanding GTT’s services, the company will also be focusing on the wellbeing of its employees.

Trump, Kim bet big on personal relationship at 2nd summit

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S President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet today for their second summit, betting that their personal relationship can break a stalemate over the North’s nuclear weapons and end more than 70 years of hostility.

Despite little progress toward his stated goal of ridding North Korea of its nuclear weapons since first meeting Kim in Singapore last year, Trump has said he is fully committed to his personal diplomacy with Kim. Trump said late last year he and Kim “fell in love”, and on the eve of his departure for the second summit said they had developed “a very, very good relationship”.

Whether the bonhomie can move them beyond summit pageantry to substantive progress on eliminating Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal that threatens the United States is the question that will dominate their talks in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi.

“This relationship is the biggest single driving force in crafting better relations,” said Harry J Kazianis, director of Korea Studies, Centre for the National Interest.

“Clearly, there needs to be a more solid foundation for dialogue than Kim and Trump. No two people alone have broad enough shoulders to take on the weight of such challenging issues spread out over 70 years.”

Trump will meet Kim for a brief one-on-one conversation this evening, followed by a dinner, accompanied by two guests and interpreters, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters on Air Force One. They will hold “a series of back and forth” meetings on Thursday, she said.

In Singapore, they pledged to work toward denuclearisation and permanent

report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election, though a senior US Justice Department official said on Friday it would not come this week.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said last year Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. This month, Trump said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe nominated him for it because “they feel safe” after he initiated talks and eased tension.

Concessions?

US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at their last summit

peace on the Korean peninsula. North and South Korea have been technically still at war since their 1950-53 conflict, with the Americans backing the South, ended in a truce, not a treaty.

The Singapore meeting – the first between a sitting US President and a North Korean leader – ended with great fanfare but little substance over how to dismantle North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

Both sides are likely to feel pressure to agree on specific measures this time – what concrete steps North Korea will take to give up weapons that threaten the US mainland, and what the United States will offer in return.

Many analysts believe North Korea won’t commit to significant disarmament unless punishing US-led economic sanctions are eased.

Trump has held out the prospect of easing them if North Korea does something “meaningful”.

Human rights

Any deal will face scrutiny from American lawmakers and others sceptical that North Korea is really willing to give up the cherished weapons it has long seen as its guarantee of national se-

curity, amid worry a compromise could undermine U.S. regional interests.

US intelligence officials have said there is no sign Kim will ever give up his entire arsenal, and UN investigators say human rights have not improved in North Korea.

Trump scoffs at the doubters.

He has hailed the Singapore summit as a “tremendous success”, citing a freeze in North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests since late 2017, and has said the United States would have gone to war with North Korea if he had not been president.

Whatever the outcome, the summit should boost Kim’s bid to end his country’s pariah status and cement his place on the world stage.

As the young, third-generation leader of one of the world’s most impoverished and isolated nations, living under punishing sanctions, Kim will again stand as an equal to the President of the world’s most powerful country.

For Trump, a deal that eases the North Korean threat could hand him a big foreign-policy achievement in the midst of domestic troubles.

While Trump is in Hanoi,

his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen is testifying before US congressional committees, with the President’s business practices the main focus. Anticipation has also been rising about the impending release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s

In the run-up to the second summit, Trump has indicated a more flexible stance, saying he is in no rush to secure North Korea’s denuclearisation.

The two sides have discussed specific and verifiable denuclearisation measures, such as allowing inspectors to observe the dismantlement of North Korea’s Yongbyon nu-

clear reactor, US and South Korean officials say.

US concessions could include opening liaison offices or declaring an end to the technical state of war, they say.

Kazianis said a political declaration that ended the war would be a win for both sides.

“Nothing could test Kim’s intentions more than setting a new course in ... relations and in the best way possible prove America is no threat to his regime,” he said.

Vietnam, relishing its role as mediator, could serve as a model for North Korea as it seeks a path out of isolation.

Vietnam normalised ties with old battlefield foe the United States in 1995 after decades of Cold War mistrust, and its “doi moi” reforms transformed it into one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. (Reuters)

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wednesday, february 27, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

dilbert

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Do what you can to help, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Offer suggestions, but be hesitant when it comes to financial involvement.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Put greater emphasis on your relationships. If you overreact or let someone take advantage of you, it will be difficult to reverse the damage. Moderation is your best bet.

CANCER

Don’t let moodiness ruin your day. Look on the bright side and offer positive suggestions. Avoid excessive or indulgent behavior. Stick to people who share your interests.

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

WORD GAME

Don’t waste time trying to get others to pitch in.

Your energy will be better spent taking care of business.

A proposal should be looked at cautiously. Read the fine print.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Personal change can be made. Consider how you earn your living and what you would like to be doing with your time. Attend an event that will help you update your skills.

Mingle, share your thoughts and consider getting into a joint venture with a like-minded individual. A little romance will help cement your relations with someone special.

Weigh all sides of a situation before you decide to get involved in a debate. It won’t be worth your while if you engage in a standoff with a stubborn rival.

Pay it forward. What you do for others will be admirable, but don’t jeopardize your beliefs or financial situation to take care of someone who isn’t willing to reciprocate.

Keep your emotions SAGITTARIUS tucked away somewhere (Nov. 23- safe. If you are too revealDec. 21) ing, someone will take advantage of you. Check the facts before you share information that someone offers you. Truth matters.

Changes made at home may

CAPRICORN not be welcome at first, but you (Dec. 22- will eventually see the benefits.

Jan. 19) Review the past, assess the situation and prepare to move forward.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Volunteer or make personal changes that will help you let go of the past. Don’t give in to temptation or get involved with anyone who is a poor influence.

Focus on work, how you earn your living and how can you use what you have to improve your life and the lives of those dear to your heart.

wednesday, february 27, 2019

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UFC 235: Jones, Woodley to defend titles on Saturday

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short turnaround from light heavyweight champion and pound-for-pound king Jon "Bones" Jones headlines an incredibly deep UFC 235 card on Saturday from Las Vegas. Jones (23-1, 1 NC), who returned in late December from a 15-month drug suspension, regained his 205-pound title by stopping Alexander Gustafsson in their rematch at UFC 232.

Just over two months later, Jones will seek his ninth title defense overall when he faces Anthony "Lionheart" Smith.

The card, which also brings the return of welterweight champion Tyron Woodley (19-3-1) against Kamaru Usman, carries with it a number of intriguing storylines.

It's also hard to act as if Smith (31-13) is necessarily deserving of such an opportunity. To his credit, Smith has both the size at 6-foot4 and an aggressive style to make him a somewhat attractive opponent from a style matchup for Jones, and he's also riding a fairly dominant three-fight win streak.

His victories, however, came against a pair of has beens via knockout (Rashad Evans and Mauricio Rua) and a submission win over a potential never-will-be (Volkan Oezdemir). One only has to go back 13 months to have seen Smith get stopped by fellow division upstart Thiago Santos.

While Smith's story of overcoming a 5-6 start to his career and a pair of three-fight losing skids is uplifting, his

Jon Jones (left) and Anthony Smith during a UFC 235 presser

13 career defeats are hard to look past. This one has "Jon Jones squash match" potentially written all over it; just ask the oddsmakers.

Jones might be closer to leaving light heavyweight than we realize: Although the idea has been kicked around for years of Jones taking his 6-foot-4 inch frame to heavyweight, a glaring lack of quality competition might bring him there sooner than later. Outside of a trilogy fight against Daniel Cormier -which just as easily could come at heavyweight considering DC is the reigning champion -- who else is there after Smith for Jones (or fans, for that matter) to get excited about? While Dominick Reyes and Johnny Walker (who returns on Saturday's undercard following a 28-day turnaround) have shown potential as future title contenders, neither are quite there yet.

The majority of the remaining names in the top 15 at 205 pounds are either retreads Jones has already defeated or fighters coming off of defeat. While Jones has proven he can produce an honest level of buys against almost anyone, he would have a shot at easily becoming the promotion's biggest pay-per-view star not named Conor McGregor by challenging himself at heavyweight. (CBS Sports)

West Indies ready to spring World Cup surprise, say Coaches

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est Indies can cause a shock - and perhaps even win - the World Cup, according to the England and West Indies coaches.

While West Indies' recent record is not promising - they have not won a bilateral ODI series since 2014, have won only two of their last seven completed ODIs and are currently ranked No. 9 in the world - the coaches of both sides in the current series in the Caribbean believe they are a fast-improving, dangerous side who could beat "anyone on their day".

"I know the right West Indies combination with a fully focussed side can beat anyone on their day," Richard Pybus, West Indies' interim coach, said. "I wasn't at the World Cup qualifiers but, with the group of guys we have now, we feel confi-

dent could take down anyone on their day."

Key to West Indies' improved confidence is the return of several high-profile players. Darren Bravo returned in December, Chris Gayle returned for this series - and has responded with a century and half-century - while Andre Russell is expected to return for the fourth ODI in Grenada on Wednesday. As a result, West Indies look as if they have the firepower to damage more opponents.

"The West Indies have been playing some decent cricket over the last 18 months," Trevor Bayliss, the England coach, agreed.

"With the size of their batters and the way some of them hit the ball they can be a chance of winning that World Cup." While he was unable to confirm whether Gayle had

done enough to cement his place as opener at the World Cup, Pybus did say he had made a "very resounding case" and defended his somewhat careful starts in each of the first two ODIs. "I can't speak on behalf of the selectors but I think Chris has put forward a very resounding case," Pybus said. "He's just class really. It's always great having guys in your side who are a bit scary for the opposition who know full well what they can deliver.

"In those first two games, Chris was getting a feel for a spongy wicket batting first. It can be a game of two halves in Barbados. He was playing himself through.

But, as we have all seen in T20, he can attack that first powerplay brutally. On good wickets he'll be going hard pretty early." (ESPN cricinfo)

UCCA/BCB/Trophy Stall Under-19 Cricket Tournament‌

No 73 Young Warriors thump Scottsburg United on the way to title W hen number 11 batsman Kevin Persaud went out to bat, his team No 73 Young Warriors needed 19 runs to overcome their longtime rivals Scottsburg United, who were just one wicket away from an exciting victory in the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association’s Trophy Stall Under-19 Inter-Club Tournament.

Persaud and his batting mate calmly constructed a partnership in seven overs to spark wild celebrations from their teammates as No 73 Young Warriors won their first-ever championship title at any level.

Earlier in the day, Scottsburg won the toss and elected to bat first in brilliant sunshine at the No 72 Cut and Load Ground. A brilliant and elegant innings by Stephan Norah led them to a healthy 257 all out from 48 overs. Norah struck 14 boundaries and six huge sixes in his 119. He received useful support from Akram Ali

The winning No 73 team take a photograph with representatives of the UCCA and the Trophy Stall

(31); Chandra Budram (19); Aktar Nahar (13) and Brandon Nandlall (12). Bowling for No 73 Young Warriors, Anthony Jabbar took 3 for 40, Sarwan Chaitnarine 2 for 24 and Asteer Hussain 2 for 69. Persaud, Trevon Sukhoo, and Vettori Latchman each supported

with a wicket apiece.

Needing to score 258 from 50 overs to lift the title on the fast and small outfield, No 73 Young Warriors were cruising at 170 for 2 in the 33rd over owing to solid innings from Anthony Jabbar (33); Neon Singh (70); Sarwan

Chaitnarine (30) and Vettori Latchman (26). The dismissal of Singh at 170 followed by Latchman at 175 for 4 brought Scottsburg back into the game. No 73 fought hard to reach 239 for 9 when the last pair came together. Asteer Hussain (11); Trevon Sukhoo;

Brian Stuart (10) all contributed runs for No 73. Scottsburg did not help themselves by contributing seven wides in the 10th-wicket partnership between Kissoon and Persaud. Daniel Persaud (3-16); Norah (3-42) and Rudy Jamaladin (2-38) were the main wickettakers for the very disappointed Scottsburg United team.

Norah was named man of the final despite ending up on the losing side, for his brilliant 119 and 3 for 42. Upper Corentyne Cricket Association President (UCCA) Dennis De Andrade hailed the tournament as a great success and proudly stated that cricket in the sub-association was on the move.

He expressed gratitude to the Trophy Stall and its Managing Director, Ramesh Sunich, for sponsoring the tournament.

Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster also praised the outstanding work of the UCCA, which he described

as a model sub-association. A passionate Foster urged the young players to develop a culture of hard work and dedication while rejecting devious temptations such as drugs, alcohol and crime.

He committed the BCB to providing opportunities for all youths in Berbice to fulfil their potential. Foster also express gratitude to the Trophy Stall for the sponsorship.

Trophy Stall representative Daniel Samaroo stated that the company and Sunich were pleased to support cricket in the Upper Corentyne area. Samaroo stated that he was impressed with the level of cricket played and both teams, with over 500 runs scored in the match.

He expressed gratitude to the UCCA for allowing Trophy Stall to sponsor the tournament. The winning team, runner-up and Man of the Final each collected trophies, medals, and cash prizes from the organisers.

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RHTY&SC congratulates Foster on Medal of Service award T

he management and members of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) congratulates Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster on being named in the National Awards list announced recently by the Guyana Government.

Foster was awarded the Medal of Service for his outstanding service to youth development, sports and making positive differences in the lives of others.

Foster, at the tender age of 21, founded the RHTY&SC in 1990. The Club, which started as a simple cricketing organisation, has over the last 29 years grown into Guyana’s leading youth and sports club with an unmatched list of activities and achievements.

RHTY&SC is the only youth and sports organisation in the history of Guyana to have received a National Award and, every year, organises over 700 events under a wide range of activities.

Foster has touched and changed the lives of countless youths on the cricket field, in other sporting disciplines, and in the educational sector, and has also spearheaded the Say No/Say Yes Programme of Guyana’s largest Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). Over the years, during his elder brother’s tenure as BCB President, he transformed Berbice cricket and is currently doing so again in his capacity as President.

Since his election as BCB President last year, Foster has singlehandedly raised over $12 million for the development of the game; organised over 35 tournaments (the most in Berbice’s history) and has spearheaded the rebirth of Berbice cricket after a long period of dormancy.

The township now enjoys a modern sports facility, all-weather court, 175th Anniversary Monument, a paved tarmac at the Rose Hall Town Primary School, and a children’s playfield among other ameni-

Leicester City appoint former Celtic boss as Manager

B

rendan Rodgers has been appointed Leicester City's new manager after leaving his job at Celtic.

The Northern Irishman has signed a contract until June 2022 and succeeds Claude Puel, who was sacked on Sunday after 16 months in charge.

It marks a Premier League return for Rodgers, who previously managed Liverpool and Swansea City.

"I'm very privileged and honoured to be here as Leicester City manager," Rodgers said.

E x Liverpool manager Rodgers cut short a BBC Scotland interview after the champions' win over Motherwell on Sunday w h e n asked about

the Leicester vacancy.

Celtic are eight points clear of nearest rivals Rangers in the league as they chase an

eighth successive title.

Rodgers has won every domestic trophy he has contested - two Scottish Premierships, three Scottish League Cups and two Scottish Cups - since arriving at Parkhead in the summer of 2016.

They reached the group stages of the Champions League in his first two seasons, but were knocked out in the third qualifying round by AEK Athens this term amid unrest between Rodgers and the Celtic board over a failure to strengthen the squad last summer.

Last week, they bowed out of the Europa League at the last-32 stage for the second successive season, losing to Valencia. (BBC Sport)

ties owing to Foster’s hard work. He also led the restoration of his former school, the Lower Corentyne Secondary School while spearheading the distribution of tens of millions in educational kits, sporting gear, cycles, clothing, medical assistance, footwear, stationery, and food hampers.

The appreciative members of the Sports Club stated that they were very proud that the Government of Guyana has recognised his unselfish and committed dedication to the development of Guyana.

The Club also acknowledged the support he has received from his friends, family, and sponsors of the RHTY&SC.

Ming’s, Caribbean Containers Inc and Bakewell support RHTY&SC 2019 list of programmes

Meanwhile, RHTY&SC plans for 2019 continue to attract support from corporate Guyana.

The Club has set itself

a target of 700 activities for 2019 under a number of sub-headings including sports, cricket development, coaching, community development, education, charity, youth development, and climate change. The latest donors to come on board are Ming’s Products and Services, Bakewell, and Caribbean Containers Inc. Foster stated that the 10 cricket teams of the Club, its Over-35 Group and management hope to surpass the target of 700 activities by December 23, 2019, when they would be hosting the fifth edition of the Rose Hall Town Christmas Village.

Colin Ming of Ming’s Products and Services donated a large quantity of balls towards the RHTY&SC Cricket Developmental Programme.

The RHTY&SC in 2018 totally dominated cricket in the Ancient County by winning 13 titles and securing three runners-up finishes.

Additionally, 17 of its members represented Guyana or Jamaica at the region-

al level. Foster stated that the balls would be used for matches at the junior level and also for practice sessions in the afternoons.

Caribbean Containers Inc made a financial contribution towards the Club’s highly successful Say No/ Say Yes Campaign, which targets 60,000 youths in Berbice. The RHTY&SC in 2019 will organise schoolchildren rallies, educational competitions in schools, sporting events, and youth inspiration forums while providing assistance to less fortunate students among other activities.

Bakewell, a long-time sponsor of the Club, made a financial donation towards purchasing a case of trophies for the 29th annual Awards Ceremony, which is to be held on Sunday, April 28. Over 80 Club members, retired teachers, law enforcement officers, teachers of the year and students are to be honoured during

the Awards Ceremony.

Bakewell also contributed financially towards the 20th edition of the RHTY&SC Annual Youth Review Magazine.

The 40-page magazine highlights the work of the Club in 2018, with profiles of several outstanding members and articles of interest for youths on a wide range of topics, including climate change, the importance of education, HIV/ AIDS and importance of discipline.

Assistant Secretary/ CEO Simon Naidu expressed gratitude to Patricia Bacchus of Caribbean Containers Inc, Rajin Ganga of Bakewell and Colin Ming of Ming’s Products and Services.

Jayasuriya banned for 2 years after ICC anti-corruption unit investigation S

anath Jayasuriya insisted he had not engaged in any corrupt activity but chose to accept the two-year ban imposed on him by the ICC's anti-corruption unit because of his "love" for the game.

The former Sri Lankan captain was suspended for failing to co-operate with the ACU, a charge that was laid on him last October when he wouldn't hand over his mobile devices when he was asked for them.

Under the anti-corruption code, the ACU can seek bank details, phone records and assets including the immediate handover of the communication devices from players/match officials and administrators. If someone fails or refuses to do that, they can be charged.

"I decided to admit the said charges at the first instance for the love of the Sport of Cricket, for the greater good and to protect the integrity of the Sport of Cricket," Jayasuriya said in a statement released to the media immediately after the ICC made his ban public on Tuesday.

The ACU found Jayasuriya guilty on two counts: failure to cooperate with the investigation, failure to provide accurate and timely documentation, obstructing or delaying the probe by concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or oth-

er information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence or may lead to the discovery of evidence of corrupt conduct under the AntiCorruption Code.

In his statement, Jayasuriya said: "The purported finding of the ACU stems from an alleged failure, on my part, to cooperate with the investigation carried out by the ACU by not providing a sim card and iPhone immediately on demand to the ICC ACU Officials. It is clear that there were no Corruption charges, Betting charges or Misuse of Inside Information charges levelled against me under the Code."

Jayasuriya was given the option to contest the ACU charges in front of the ICC's

anti-corruption tribunal but he opted not to do so since that would only "exhaust" him mentally and physically in addition to costing a lot of money.

"The circumstances surrounding the alleged failure, on my part, to provide the sim card and iPhone to the ICC ACU Officials immediately on demand were very personal in nature and a full hearing before an AntiCorruption Tribunal would have entailed an in-depth examination on whether these surrounding circumstances would amount to a compelling justification.

"Although, I subsequently provided the sim card and iPhone to the ICC ACU, in light of the on-going war against Corruption and in recognition of the funda-

Lasith Malinga, Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya at a training session

mental sporting imperatives as contained in Article 1.1 of the Code, I decided to admit the said charges at the first instance for the love of the Sport of Cricket, for the greater good and to protect the integrity of the Sport of Cricket."

Jayasuriya said it was "unfortunate" the ACU had still proceeded to charge him with the breach despite there being no "allegations of Corruption, Betting or Misuse of Inside Information" against him.

"I reiterate the fact that I have always maintained a high degree of integrity throughout my cricketing career. I have always put country first and the cricket loving public are the best witnesses to this aspect."

(ESPN cricinfo)

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21

MVP Colwyn “Buck” Drakes on his new motorcycle along with other winners at the UDFA GT Beer championship presentation

W

hen the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) held its presentation for the winners of the sixth GT Beer yearend football championship, which was won by Eagles United FC on New Year’s Night, the turnout at the ceremony last Wednesday at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Lounge was not what many anticipated, least of all the organisers – the UDFA. However, the show went on and as the UDFA President Terrence Mitchell quipped, “It seems that when the monetary funds are passed, everything else

is secondary. And I want to believe if we had that cheque here today, we would have had a full house.”

That was in reference to the fact that the prize money, which was compliments of the major sponsor Banks DIH Limited, had been delivered to the clubs, including the champions Eagles FC, who carted off the top prize of $1.2 million at a special presentation staged by the beverage company ahead of the presentation by the UDFA of the various trophies and prizes.

Notwithstanding that, the occasion saw Eagles United forward Colwyn Drakes riding off with his

brand new motorcycle for being the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament along with other trophies.

The UDFA Head took time out to identify the reason behind the late start of the programme, which was set for 18:00h, noting, “What we are seeing is basically telling us how all of us think and we need to change that. Why we need to change that? If we need to go forward, it means that we have to start with the internal discipline. So that when we call on you to do externally …you will respond properly.”

He said to those in the

Lounge of the MSC that, “Our mind-set says, 6 o’clock Guyana time. That is how we think. That drop back time is money; time is money; time is success. You got to be able to take advantage and manage your time properly. We got to stop procrastinating. So, we got to work on it. Our idea of this presentation was to be real big, huge.”

Initially, the organisers planned for the presentation to be an awards ceremony for performances throughout the year, both on and off the field. Mitchell added “we are still working on that and our players deserve real recognition”.

“But because with the necessary items, we had to come down to this. I believe our players deserve proper recognition, where we can sit down and recognise them properly,” Mitchell noted.

Apart from the main sponsor, there were other spons o r s which helped make

the tournament a success mainly Nigel Hinds Accounting and Consultancy, Monty Profitt’s GuyConstruction, and Trophy Stall out of Georgetown.

However, Mitchell said he was extremely pleased that several of the sponsors hailed from Linden; among them Jermine and Sons, Haynes Hardware Store, MB Construction, Mora Springs, Alkaline Water, Babaloo Car Rental, Broad Money Car Rental and Spare Parts, Foreign K8lLinks, Snooks Variety Store, Williams Hollow Blocks, Sports Plus, Kingdom Style Restaurant, Jerry Faucett, W i l l s Electrical S t o r e , Rite Care Pharmacy, G u y a n a Police Force, and TWC Pest Control.

Terrence Mitchell

Dave Cameron presidency has “damaged” CWI - Ricky Skerritt T VACANCY ONE MALE/FEMALE JUNIOR ACCOUNTS CLERK. PASSES IN ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS AT CXC. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WILL BE AN ASSET. APPLY AT MIKE’S PHARMACY, BEL-AIR. VACANCY EXISTS FOR ONE MANAGER TO WORK AT HOTEL PURPLE HEART RESTAURANT AND BAR ON THE ESSEQUIBO COAST. MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE IN HOTEL MANAGEMENT AND PROMOTIONS. CONTACT 226-9768 or 665-6082 MONDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 9AM TO 4PM OR SEND APPLICATIONS /CV TO innovationsamericamng@gmail.com.

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he "insensitivity and stubbornness" of CWI president Dave Cameron have created a poor relationship with West Indies' players and coaches, according to Ricky Skerritt, who is running against Cameron in the forthcoming CWI elections.

Skerritt, a former cabinet minister for St Kitts and Nevis, also suggested that "relationships with facts and truth apparently mean little to Cameron" and claimed his tenure as president had caused "significant damage" to the board in both financial and reputational terms. Skerrit was responding to comments made

by Cameron, which referred to Skerrit's four-year spell as West Indies team manager in the early 2000s as "that period of turmoil".

"While I was team manager there was zero industrial unrest by players," Skerritt said. "This period was a time when we were still winning more matches than we lost and players were still respected by the CWI leadership.

Instead of making such unfounded and petty attacks on me I recommend that Mr Cameron hold audience with former players and ask about their experiences and existing relationships with me. But relationships with facts and truth apparently mean little to Cameron.

"If Cameron wants to talk about turmoil, perhaps he can explain why former head coaches, Ottis Gibson, Phil Simmons, and the several others who Cameron hastily and summarily dismissed, from both the men's and women's

teams, have collectively cost CWI well over US $1m."

In 2014, West Indies abandoned a tour of India in a dispute over pay. Two years later, Darren Sammy, West Indies captain at the time, publically questioned the board's policies in the aftermath of winning the 2016 World T20 in India. "These tumultuous instances have caused significant damage to the CWI reputation, commercial health, and team performance," Skerritt said. "Cameron really should not allow the subject of 'turmoil' to become the feature of this campaign. Cameron's pettiness and negativity will not distract us from our forwardlooking election campaign."

Cameron declined ESPNcricinfo's request for comment. Following the announcement of Skerritt's candidacy last week, Cameron had questioned his record managing the team between 2000 and 2004.

"Ricky has always mentioned how passionate he is about West Indies cricket," Cameron told Line and Length. "What most of us remember Ricky for is that period when he was manager of the team, the turmoil that occurred.

I'm hoping that we'll never get back to those days."

Skerritt is running alongside Dr Kishore Shallow, the president of the St Vincent & The Grenadines Cricket Association, who is standing for the position of vice-president.

The CWI elections take place in Jamaica on March 24. A total of 12 votes, two each for six

member territories, are at stake.

At present, Windward Islands, Guyana, Jamaica and Barbados

all appear to favour Cameron and his vice-president, Emmanuel Nanthan, while Leeward Islands

and Trinidad and Tobago appear to favour Skerritt and Shallow.

(ESPNcricinfo)

22

wednesday, february 27, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Stakes high for England after Grenada washout W

est Indies and England are set to face off against each other in the fourth ODI at National Cricket Stadium, St George’s, Grenada.

After the third game was abandoned due to rain, both the sides would be eyeing to emerge victorious in this match to take an unassailable lead in this five-match ODI series.

Currently, the series is beautifully poised at 1-1

with only two games remaining to decide who will clinch this ODI series.

England have not been at their best since arriving in the Carribean earlier this year. Having lost the test series, England will be desperate to perform well in the last two ODI matches.

Eoin Morgan will be hoping to lead his team to another series win under his leadership.

The visitors look hot fa-

vorites in the ODI series as they have played some unbelievable cricket in the past year. After chasing 360 runs in the first ODI, they looked well on course to seal this series.

However, their celebrations were cut short in the second ODI, as the hosts defeated them by 26 runs. The World No. 1 ICC ODI team must be eager to make a statement heading into the final two games of this ODI

Joe Root’s performance will be pivotal to England’s success

series.

West Indies, on the other hand, are riding high after their dominant performance in the second ODI. After being hammered in the first ODI, the home side made a terrific comeback to level the series.

Under the leadership of Jason Holder, the Windies are becoming a force to reckon with in the ODI format.

Winning this series will do a lot of good for the team ahead of the 2019 ICC World Cup. With the arrival of Chris Gayle, their batting will get an immense boost while the bowling lineup will be led by Kemar Roach in the upcoming ICC World Cup.

Squads

England - Eoin Morgan (c), Chris Woakes, Joe Denly, David Willey, Tom Curran, Liam Plunkett, Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, West Indies - Jason Holder (c), Fabian Allen, Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, John Campbell, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach and Oshane Thomas (Sportskeeda)

Simon re-elected LABA President A

fter retaining the top post of President of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) recently, Lawrence Simon warned his fellow incoming executives: “We have to change the mentality and approach to the sport.”

“Let me go back to 2017 when we would have started well with tournaments, and one of the challenges we would have faced then to now is based on sponsorship.”

But he told the new body the challenges had been stretched “to the extent that commitment of clubs and commitment to an extent meant that with all of those limitations, we would have still tried 2017 to 2018 to facilitate and do our utmost best.”

He appealed to all that there must be a radical approach to ensure that the sport returned as one of the spectator attractions in the town of Linden.

The Association held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Tuesday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Pavilion.

Among the other members of the LABA Executive Committee, which will serve in office for a two-year term: are First Vice President, Dr Karen Perreira; Second Vice President Allister Webster; Secretary Joseph Chapman; Treasurer Joel Webster and Assistant Secretary June Harris.

Keith Sullivan will function as the Assistant Treasurer and Christopher Pollydore as Organising Secretary while Nyamikky Johnson will serve as the Public Relations Officer.

The Committee Members are Eusi Francis, Kevin Joseph, Kerwin Abrams, Kellon Nedd, and Shane Lewis.

Meanwhile, the Association has formed a Women’s Committee, which is headed by Dr Perreira and involves two former senior national players in Nichola Jacobs and Shana Chester, along with Chenelle Williamson, Danica Barker, June Harris and Nyamikky Johnson.

Recently, Simon was elected as one of the Vice Presidents of the Guyana Basketball Federation while Chapman is the Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer.

The new LABA Executive Committee will be meeting on Thursday from 19:00h at the MSC Pavilion to discuss its 2019 programme of activities.

Lawrence Simon

Milo Schools’ Football Tournament…

Queen’s College school North Ruimveldt – Bishops’, Saints battle to stalemate The encounter between the Bishops’ High and St Stanislaus was an aggressive one

Q

ueen’s College registered their first win in the 2019 Milo Schools’ Football Tournament in fine style on Monday afternoon.

On the other hand, their academic rivals the Bishops’ High School and St Stanislaus battled to a draw in the first of two games scheduled for the afternoon.

With bragging rights and points on the line, both

Queen’s College were in control of their game against North Ruimveldt

teams opted for an aggressive approach, which made for an exciting game.

Bishops’ High were the first team to be rewarded for their determination, with a goal that came off the boots of Malachi Richards in the 20th minute. Bishops’ then held on to their lead, with a strong defence which was aided by St Stanislaus’ wayward shots at the goal.

When they could have

become frustrated, Saints held their cool and were eventually able to draw out a penalty when a Bishops’ defender handled the ball.

Josiah King’s shot was spot on to level the score in the 58th minute. The remainder of the encounter went without another goal, leaving the sides to settle for a draw.

A rain of goals came in the second game, which kept the school-aged spectators

on their feet.

Queen’s College opened the scoring in the sixth minute, thanks to a Ronniel Lord strike. Ten minutes later Diarra Thomas found the back of the net for QC’s second goal. By this time, North Ruimveldt had found their rhythm, which resulted in Orlando Dickie scoring in the 19th. The scores were equalised at 2-2 by Henry Elcock in the 23rd minute.

But Queen’s College refused to let their opponents get away with two back-toback goals and retaliated in the 27th and 28th minutes respectively with goals from Ravaldo Verreira and Harrell Dosantos to push the score to 4-2.

Just before the half expired, Lord netted his second goal to further extend QC’s lead. North Ruimveldt added to their woes in the

41st minute with an own goal pushing the scoreline to 6-2. Shaquan Favorite tried to save face for the North Ruimveldt team with a goal in the 60th minute, but it was not enough to ease the sting of the 6-3 loss to QC. The Petra-organised Milo Under-18 tournament will continue this weekend at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, february 27, 2019

23

Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-county tournament…

Ramnauth’s 147* helps Berbice crush Essequibo by 257 runs – Demerara humble President’s XI by 169 runs

By Brandon Corlette

I

n the second round of the Dave West Indian Imports-sponsored U-15 Inter-county tournament, Berbice and Demerara registered contrasting victories in their respective encounters at Lusignan and Everest.

Berbice’s Rampertab Ramnauth was the star of the day, hitting an unbeaten century at Lusignan.

Zachary Jodah and Jadan Campbell were among the star performers for Demerara.

Essequibo XI v Berbice

In the match at Lusignan between

ed 98 runs in just 18 overs.

Persaud, who is playing his first game this season, was out leg before to Civion Arokium for an attractive 28 to a ball that kept low. It was then the Ramnauth and Mahadeo show as they made the Essequibo bowlers toil.

Ramnauth played each ball on its merit in his chanceless innings while Mahadeo played the supporting role. The duo added 147 runs for the secondwicket partnership after Mahadeo was out caught for 54, including three boundaries, off the bowling of Essequibo Vice Captain Gladewin Henry.

Arokium then struck for the second time in the match when he removed

Essequibo and Berbice, Captain Isaiah Thorne won the toss and opted to bat first. The Berbicians’ opening batsmen in Ramnauth and Avishkar Persaud went out Player of the Match Zachary to bat in scintillatJodah was brilliant with bat and ing sunshine after the ball (Brandon Corlette photos) early morning showers on the East Coast.

Port Mourant’s Ramnauth, the elegant left-handed opener struck an impressive unbeaten Christopher Deoroop for 147 to lead the Berbicians eight via the stump-out to a daunting 290-3 in 50 route. Kelvin Samuels was overs. He received support unbeaten on four while from Albion’s Tameshwar Ramnauth remained unbeaten on a superb 147, inMahadeo, who stroked his cluding eight elegant way to a classy 54. boundaries.

The new-look openBowling for Essequibo, ing pair of Ramnauth Arokium had 2-33 in and Persaud add-

Player of the Match Rampertab Ramnauth was the star of the show at Lusignan

Tameshwar Mahadeo hit a classy 54 for Berbice

five overs while Henry had 1-44 in seven overs. In reply, Essequibo were blown away for 33 all out in 22.3 overs as only one Essequibo batsman reached double figures. Sarwan Bishram was the one batter to reach 11 in the poor batting display.

The Captain did not bowl a ball in the destruction, as it was again Matthew Pottaya grabbing 3-12 in six overs as he continued his impressive tournament. Bhaskar Dhani had 2-4 in six overs while Salim Khan had 2-2 in 5.3 overs. Deoroop had 1-10 in six overs. Berbice, in a complete performance, won by 257 runs.

Demerara v President’s XI

In the action from Everest Cricket Club, the home team, Demerara won the toss and opted to bat first. Led by Jadan Campbell’s scintillating 81 and Zachary Jodah’s unbeaten 53, Demerara scored 270-7 in their 50 overs.

Demerara lost left-handed opener Romeo Deonarine for four when he was trapped in front by the impressive Sachin Balgobin.

Windies U-16 player Mavindra Dindyal, batting at number three, then partnered Campbell and the pair added 65 runs together.

Dindyal was out leg before

by Berbician Sanjay Algoo for a brisk 41 hitting four boundaries and two sixes.

Captain Alvin Mohabir scored 21, hitting one boundary, but it was Jodah who rode his luck after being dropped off the bowling of Sachin Balgobin. After a 65-run fourth-wicket partnership, Campbell was run out for 81 after hitting nine boundaries.

Jodah, who is a National U-15 player, was unbeaten on 53 hitting four boundaries in his solid innings.

The President’s XI bowlers shared the wickets among themselves as Demerara ended on 270-7 in 50 overs.

In reply, the President’s XI

fell short of the target by 169 runs when they were bowled out for 102 in 42.3 overs.

Only Satya France offered resistance with a solid 34. Jodah after scoring an unbeaten 53 with the bat returned with ball in hand and grabbed 3-23 in 8.3 overs.

Dhanesh Persaud had 2-9 while Joash Charles, Krsna

Singh, Vishal Persaud and Omari Lalbachan had one wicket each in a disciplined bowling effort.

The third round of matches will continue from Thursday, February 28, with Demerara clashing with Essequibo at Everest while Berbice will play the President’s XI at Lusignan.

Jadan Campbell struck an attractive 81

NAMILCO Under-17 tourney to kick off in March A

s the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary of operations in Guyana, the company has included sport in the festivities, partnering with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) once again to host a national Under-17 tournament.

Taking on a similar format to that of the Frank Watson Under-15 tournament, the NAMILCO Under-17 tournament will first be played at the Regional Member Association (RMAs) level, before there is a grand playoff with the nine winners, to crown a national champion.

The tournament, which is expected to start in the second weekend of March and run until the end of July, will see the teams within the nine RMAs playing one or two rounds of league football depending on the numbers of clubs in each association.

According to GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood, this tournament augurs well for national team scouting.

“The tournament this year will give us an opportunity to scout more players from across Guyana from all of the RMAs to show that we have the very best players in the national team programme,” Greenwood said The Technical Director went on to emphasise the importance of such programmes, stating, “So, if we can see these programmes running for four, five, six years, we’ll be able to see a real conveyor belt of players being developed at every age group and that is the only way we’re going to really develop.”

Meanwhile, GFF President Wayne Forde shared a few milestones that the Under-17 tournament has achieved through NAMILCO’s sponsorship.

“Often times when we speak of this relationship we use the words pioneering. But just let me mention three points that capture the pioneering aspect of this relationship. The GFF/ NAMILCO U-17 tournament is the first multi-year contract in the history of Guyana’s football,” Forde noted.

He went on to disclose that the

NAMILCO Managing Director Bert Sukhai was proud of football’s achievements at the Under-17 level

GFF/ NAMILCO flour power U-17 tournament represented the largest financial commitment to football with $30 million injected over five years by NAMILCO. And the NAMILCO tournament is the first officially sanctioned and organised tournament in Region One, with both male and female games kick-

ing off last year.

In addition, the GFF President sees the inclusion of the National Training Centre as a boost to the body’s developmental strategies.

“And now that we have a home of football, we’re going to do everything within our means to prepare the Under -7 team that will

be drawn from the intra- association tournament, so that when we come up against the teams that we are matched with for the World Cup qualifier, we can represent Guyana and the company that has made this all possible with distinction,” Forde said.

Citing the fact that Guyana has jumped to 18th place out of 41 in the CONCACAF Under-17 rankings, NAMILCO Director Bert Sukhai noted that he was pleased with the improvements and was elated that this was the result of the company’s continued efforts.

“It’s good to see that out of the Under-17 [tournament], we have footballers now who are playing nationally and that was one of our objectives when we started. That we hope to see more international football and I’m happy to see that that’s happening,” Sukhai stated.

The RMAs participating will be Bartica Football Association (FA), Berbice FA, East Bank FA, East Demerara FA, EssequiboPomeroon FA, Georgetown FA, Rupununi FA, Upper Demerara FA and West Demerara FA.

wednesday, february 27, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

NAMILCO Under-17 tourney to kick off in March Page 23

GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood, Competitions Director Ian Alves, President Wayne Forde, NAMILCO Managing Director Bert Sukhai, Financial Controller Fitzroy McLeod and Operations Manager Ralf Hemsing were all smiles at the tournament’s launching on Tuesday morning

Stakes high Cook for England after Grenada washout Page 22

Essex cricketer Sir Alastair Cook received his knighthood in a ceremony on Tuesday. Cook was recognised for his services to cricket in the New Year's Honours list and was formally knighted at Buckingham Palace. He became the first England cricketer to be knighted since Ian Botham in 2007. Sir Cook said being knighted by the Queen is a "great ending to a magical 12 years”

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