Guyana Times - Wednesday, September 11, 2019

JetBlue to begin direct flights from Guyana to New York in 2020 P13 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4043

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNesday, september 11, 2019

PRICE

March 2020 elections out of the window – Jagdeo

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Region 2 REO questioned

by Police P2 for allegedly assaulting Vice Chair

Page 3

…GECOM Chair assures polls before end of year – Joe Hamilton

US Congressman urges key colleagues to keep Guyana from falling off democracy pathway

Serial robber jailed for 30 P8 years

Page 9

Page 12

Guyana records 141 deaths by suicide in 2018 See story on page 11

7 months later

School of the Nations Director expresses P13 dissatisfaction with probe into shooting …calls out Police, US Embassy for non-action

Govt touts P7 earlier-thanexpected oil production

NA Prison escapee recaptured hours later

…following early arrival of FPSO in Guyana

…protocols breached, 3 officers suspended

Govt pathologist's contract terminated See story on page 10

Finance Minister claims staffing for separate oil and gas unit a challenge P14

2 news

wednesDAY, september 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 2 REO questioned by Police for allegedly assaulting Vice Chair

R

egional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Dennis Jaikarran was on Tuesday questioned by Police after a report was made that he assaulted Regional Vice Chairperson

Nandranie Coonjah.

The report was made at the Anna Regina Police Station.

Coonjah told Guyana Times that she had closed the main door to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office when the REO and

supporters left the boardroom, after disturbing the monthly statutory meeting.

According to the Regional Vice Chairman, the REO and supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) left the boardroom after disturbing

REO Dennis Jaikarran

Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah along with Regional Chairman Davanand Ramdatt and other councillors leaving the Anna Regina Police Station

the monthly statutory meeting by protesting and shouting slogans inside the boardroom.

However, the REO reportedly returned to the

boardroom “annoyed�, according to the Vice Chairperson.

Coonjah said that the REO accused her of slamming the door as he and the

Protestors disrupting the Region 2 RDC meeting on Tuesday

protesters exited.

She alleged that it was then that the REO hit her on the shoulder, in the presence of the Regional Chairman Davanand Ramdatt and other councillors.

At the Police station, both parties were required to submit statements.

The matter is being investigated.

news

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wednesDAY, september 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Wednesday, September 11 – 03:30h – 05:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Thursday, September 12 – 04:00h – 05:30h and 14:30 – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, September 11 – 06:30h – 8:00h and Thursday, September 12 – 15:35h – 17:05h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine will prevail throughout the day.

There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 02:39h and 15:08h reaching maximum heights of 2.31 metres and 2.33 metres.

Low Tide: 08:40h and 20:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.86 metre and 0.88 metre.

saturday, SEPTEMBER 7, 2019

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March 2020 elections out of the window – Jagdeo …GECOM Chair assures polls before end of year – Joe Hamilton

F

ollowing a meeting with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has assured that the upcoming General and Regional Elections will be held long before the end of the year.

His comment comes after it was revealed last week that the Commission is considering a proposal for elections to be held in March 2020, which would be one year after constitutionally mandated elections ought to have been held given the December 2018 passage of the No-Confidence Motion against the coalition Government.

However, Jagdeo told reporters following his meeting with the Commission on Tuesday that the timeline, “…is clearly out the window now. We don't even need to debate that. This March [timeline] is totally out the window. We're looking for elections before the end of the year”.

Jagdeo told reporters that during the engagement, he reminded GECOM of its responsibility to hold elections, citing that President David Granger has been using its preparedness “as an excuse” to delay the hosting of early polls.

Furthermore, the Opposition Leader said he went through the various processes that the Commission is considering including the merging of data collected during the now-scrapped House-toHouse Registration exercise with the existing National Register of Registrants (NRR) database. He noted that it was pointed out to the Commission that there is a much simpler way of adding new registrants to the NRR. “So we said they should make a decision to start the process by extracting a PLE (Preliminary List of Electors) from the NRR and go to Claims and Objections.

We believe the elections can be held long before the end of the year and so we made a case for that,” Jagdeo contended.

According to the Opposition Leader, there were some encouraging signs and statements made during the meeting and they are now awaiting the deliberations by the Elections Commission.

“The Chairman said some encouraging words at the end of the meeting... encouraging words because it has an outside limit to this whole ordeal that we're going through,” Jagdeo related without going into more details.

At Tuesday’s meeting, which the Opposition Leader had requested, he was accompanied by former Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira and Members of Parliament (MP) Anil Nandlall, Juan Edghill, Zulfikar Mustapha and Joseph Hamilton.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo accompanied by his party members after meeting with the full Elections Commission on Tuesday

However, Hamilton revealing that the GECOM Chair, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, assured polls before 2020.

“Importantly, at the end of the summing up everything that transpired, the Chair indicated that she has taken everything into consideration presented by the Leader of the Opposition and his team and indicated further that she, as Chair, and the Commission [are] working together towards a timeline, having elections long before the end of the year,” he stated.

Against, this backdrop the Opposition parliamentarian posited that he was surprised when GECOM issued a statement shortly after the meeting, defending a 55-day gap between Nominations Day and Elections Day. In the missive, the Elections Commission said the lengthy gap is justifiable, adding that it was done to facilitate certain activities such overseas ballot printing and then the subsequent distribution of ballot papers to

foreign officers posted overseas.

“The law is clear that Nominations Day should be no later than 32 days before elections day. Therefore, any time before that amount of days, even if it’s 55 days, is acceptable and in conformity with the laws of Guyana,” the missive from GECOM’s Public Relations Office stated.

However, Oppositionnominated Commissioner, Sase Gunraj contended that GECOM’s Operations SubCommittee, which he cochairs with Governmentnominated Commissioner Charles Corbin, agreed that all statutory timelines, catered for by the law, would not be breached. “…the content of that press release is inaccurate and is misrepresenting the discussions of the Commission,” he asserted.

Gunraj went on to say that “every single other activity between the holding of Nominations Day and Elections Day, we decided as late as Friday last, we will make efforts to have that

time reduced in an effort to hold elections in a timely manner. This press release today suggests that everything else is set in stone and the only thing that will be adjusted are those statutory timelines. I want to reject the contents of that press release. The only thing that we agreed to in the Commission was to maintain the statutory timelines.”

In fact, the GECOM Commissioner posited that in keeping with maintaining those timelines, they had even agreed to engage the suppliers to reduce the times usually taken to supply, for example printed materials, so as to fast track the holding of polls.

Meanwhile, in a statement later on Tuesday, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Opposition said that the Elections Secretariat seems to be operating separately from the Commission, adding that this recent incident just highlights the lengths which it will go to justify delaying the upcoming elections. turn to page 7

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wednesday, september 11, 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

The fruits of visionary thinking

J

ust a few days ago, the National Stadium at Providence once again saw sold-out audiences for home games of the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) as the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2019 is truly on its way. With growing anticipation over the years, fans, including children, were characteristically vibrant in their participation throughout the innumerable and predictable celebrations for any given match.

This is what CPL has come to represent as it continues to bring people from all backgrounds together in a national demonstration of unity for a common cause. A mere glance at any given moment during a game could cause questioning of the existence of the national crisis which has dominated the news over the past nine months. There seemed little or no room for any such contemplation. Partisanship seemed abandoned as camaraderie and unbridled support once again took over.

This is how it has been since the CPL commenced in 2013 and the organisers and franchises must be commended and encouraged to continue providing the opportunities to help unify. The positive impact is not only invaluable, but seemed even more relevant at this juncture.

One critical factor to facilitate and sustain this, is the stadium itself.

Since its establishment twelve years ago, it has come to symbolise a national vessel for togetherness, be it through CPL games, other sporting events, or concerts.

It is possibly an underestimated or even overlooked factor in its very important national role. Without it, what would have been? That’s an important question, especially in the context of the iconic and historic Bourda ground becoming far more easily inundated, seemingly with the slightest of showers. Its use came into question especially when rain became synonymous with cricket and the hosting of international games threatened.

With cricket over the years becoming a more globalised sport and heavy emphasis on television marketing, host nations and facilities are thrust into the international spotlight. If, for some reason, that may have been taken for granted, Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007— hosted for the first time by the West Indies— brought home that reality. Host Caribbean nations swiftly went into overdrive to meet international standards.

Guyana may have been trapped with the Bourda facility, despite its glorious history, was riddled with drainage and some infrastructural challenges. That placed the country at risk of becoming a host for cricket’s biggest and most prestigious show. Not being a host could not have been an option. A bold decision was then taken to construct a modern facility out of the congested City. With work around the clock, the stadium was realised as was a brand-new mega hotel to boost accommodation capacity.

The decision for a new stadium, with infrastructure to facilitate concerts of international standards, exemplified visionary thinking with firm commitment to modernise Guyana. It was one of the many projects that saw Guyana’s infrastructural landscape being positively transformed and the provision of much-needed facilities.

The building of four-lane roadways along the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara, the Berbice Bridge, the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, the Marriott Hotel, the University of Guyana Tain Campus, the Ophthalmology Centre, new regional hospitals and schools, upgrading the electricity sector through new power plants and the expansion of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, are just a few initiatives that formed part of Guyana’s modernisation pathway envisaged and implemented by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) government.

The visionary Amaila Hydroelectricity and Specialty Hospital projects were scuttled by the then APNU/AFC Opposition and funding withheld for the Marriott and expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

That transformation under the PPPC was realised at a time when the country experienced unprecedented and sustained economic growth for many years helping it to earn the label as the Caribbean’s shining star. Then, the economy boomed and it redounded positively to Guyanese as their standard of living and personal wealth were vastly improved.

Today, under an APNU/AFC government, things are not as robust.

There is continuous lamentation of how sluggish the economy is, how cost of living has risen steeply making it difficult for families to be provided for and the challenges faced by scheduled extensive power outages— a stark difference to just five years ago.

In analysing, one can only imagine what could have been had the scuttled projects been realised. One can also only imagine the possibilities which could have been opened up, after all, who, in 2007, other than those with the vision, could have contemplated the positive impact and importance of the stadium? Who then could have imagined the East Bank, especially, being transformed the way it is now? The same question can be asked of the Marriott, the Convention Centre, the Berbice Bridge and the other envisaged transformative projects.

Today, their absence is a frightening contemplation. Just imagine the country and cricket without the stadium. Just imagine the lack of opportunities for families to enjoy and cheer at a sporting event there.

Without visionary thinking and bold implementation, cricket could not have been played louder and watched in unison at the stadium.

A cultural group performs a native dance during the Heritage Day celebrations at Riversview Village, Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice), which was attended by President David Granger and other government officials

“Chaos, chaos, chaos”: a journey through Bolsonaro’s Amazon inferno

F

rom afar, it resembles a tornado: an immense grey column shooting thousands of feet upwards from the forest canopy into the Amazonian skies.

Up close it is an inferno: a raging conflagration obliterating yet another stretch of the world’s greatest rainforest as a herd of Nelore cattle looks on in bewilderment.

“It started this morning,” said Valdir Urumon, the Chief of an Indigenous village in this isolated corner of Rondônia state, as the vast pillar of smoke loomed over his settlement’s palm-thatched homes.

By late afternoon, when the Guardian arrived on the scene, the fire had intensified into a catastrophic blaze, streaking north through a strip of jungle perhaps two miles long.

Huge plumes of smoke drifted skywards as if this sweep of woodland near Brazil’s north-western border with Bolivia had been subjected to a ferocious bombing campaign.

At the farmhouse nearest to the blaze the lights were on but not a soul was to be seen – much less anyone who might extinguish the giant pyre.

But two empty petrol barrels and a cluster of plastic jerry cans dumped at its entrance hinted at a possible culprit – a cattle rancher torching yet another swath of the Brazilian jungle in order to expand his Amazon domain.

Three weeks after Brazil’s unusually severe burning season sparked an international storm, the far-right government of Jair Bolsonaro has launched a global PR campaign to try to convince the world everything is under control.

“The Amazon is not burning, not burning at all,” Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Ernesto Araújo, insisted in an interview with CNN. Rondônia’s Governor, the Bolsonaro ally Marcos Rocha, took an identical line, dismissing the “fuss” over the fires as a foreign ruse to shackle Brazil’s economy.

Rocha, a retired police colonel, said: “If we look at the situation in other countries, their forests are burning much more than here in our Brazil.

You go to London, or other countries, and what do you see?

“It’s not fog – it’s smoke! Smoke from burning; from industry. So how can they demand of us what they haven’t done themselves?”

Fire fighters from Amazonas state fight to put out a fire on the rural outskirts of Humaitá

João Chrisóstomo, a Bolsonarian congressman in Rondônia’s capital, Porto Velho, rejected claims that Brazil was entering a new era of Amazon devastation and insisted – contrary to a growing body of evidence – that conservation was a top priority in Bolsonaro’s Brazil.

Statistics produced by Brazil’s own space institute – whose director was sacked last month after clashing with Bolsonaro – show deforestation has surged in recent months with a Manhattan-sized area lost every day in July.

But Chrisóstomo maintained Bolsonaro was “making every effort to stop unbridled deforestation” and chastised European leaders, such as Emmanuel Macron, who have questioned Bolsonaro’s vision for the Amazon.

Chrisóstomo seethed: “He’s not Brazil’s President. He’s not even from the Americas. This forest isn’t shared, as he claims. It belongs to a nation which enjoys complete autonomy and authority to decide what happens to the forest and takes every possible care to preserve it”.

That last claim rang hollow this week as the Guardian travelled almost 2,000km by road and river through two of the Amazon states worst affected by this year’s fires, Rondônia and Amazonas.

Along the way, an almost identical refrain emerged from the mouths of Indigenous leaders, wildcat gold miners, environmental activists and government officials: that Bolsonaro’s

stripping back of protections and anti-environmental rhetoric had contributed to the scale of the fires – more than 30,000 of which were recorded in August alone – and set in motion a new age of wrecking that looks set to continue beyond the end of the annual burning season next month.

“It is chaos. Chaos, chaos, chaos,” lamented one senior official from Brazil’s environmental agency, Ibama, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

“If we go on like this, things will get worse and worse,” predicted the official, diplomatically blaming the spike in Amazon deforestation during Bolsonaro’s first eight months in power on the “political situation” in Brazil.

Life has never been easy for the activists and government agents seeking to slow rainforest destruction in a vast region many still call Brazil’s “faroeste” (Wild West).

In the riverside town of Humaitá in Amazonas state, Ibama’s former headquarters lies in ruins two years after it was stormed, ransacked and burned to the ground by illegal gold miners in retribution for a crackdown.

Now, as the dismantling of Brazil’s environmental protection system gathers pace, its operations there are to halt altogether.

Three regional Ibama offices – in Humaitá, Parintins and Tabatinga – are in the process of being deactivated, leaving only one central command post in the capital, Manaus, to tackle environmental crime in a state three times the size of Spain. (Excerpt from the Guardian)

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wednesday, september 11, 2019

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

Caretaker Govt petrified to face electorate Dear Editor, Having issued no Amerindian land titles nor extensions since coming to office in May 2015, the Department of Public Information’s announcement on September 6 that the “Cabinet has given the green light for absolute grants of land titles for eight Indigenous communities” must be met with a huge dose of cynicism.

After all, this is a decision of a President and Cabinet that has “stood resigned” since December 21, 2018, according to Article 106 (6) and (7) of our Constitution and upheld by the Caribbean Court of Justice on June 18 and July 12, 2019. Therefore, under what authority will the President sign such absolute grants and titles when the Caribbean Court of Justice explicitly ruled in its consequential orders of July 12 that the Government would be a caretaker Government with restricted legal authority?

The same release goes on to refer to the “establishment of legal boundaries” and names four communities – Parabara, Rockstone,

Tasserene and Kangaruma.

Interesting choice of words.

Does this mean that the illegal Cabinet is commencing the demarcation of these communities and therefore the DPI is misinforming and misleading the public and the Amerindian communities that “absolute grants of land titles” are being issued?

Without the no-confidence vote and the growing demand for now long overdue elections since March 21, 2019, the caretaker Government would not have moved an inch to issue any absolute grants. This last-minute ditch to win votes in Amerindian communities during Amerindian Heritage Month is just an election gimmick.

One must remember that the PPP/C Government left US$10 million for Amerindian Land Titling.

Over the past 4 years, the PPP/C has repeatedly raised the issue of no titles and extensions being granted in the National Assembly, in the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources, and in many other fora to no avail. The National

Toshaos Council also repeatedly raised this issue to no avail over these four years.

Individual communities have also raised their outstanding applications for extensions and titles with the Government to no avail.

This new election gimmick is like another recent announcement of the removal of the 14 per cent VAT for hinterland passengers travelling to interior locations. Following this announcement, the GRA issued a list of 54 airstrips where the VAT would not apply.

However, with the exception of Kamarang, few flights, if any, ever go to the other 53 airstrips, maybe only a charter here and there. For example, no planes have gone to the listed airstrips in Region Nine for years with the exception of RAMS. This is another election ruse by a caretaker Government and we should expect and witness many more to come.

The Guyanese people remember the plethora of promises of decriminalising marijuana and amending the

sentencing for small quantities, the promise of 20 per cent salary increases for public servants and teachers, just to name a few. All are “broken promises.”

In the 2019 Amerindian Heritage Month celebrating the first peoples of Guyana, the APNU/AFC is once again trying to fool our Amerindian peoples.

September 10, Amerindian Heritage Day, in honour of the first elected Amerindian Member of Parliament, Mr Stephen Campbell, the caretaker President and his large entourage accompanied by its “green cheerleading brigade” descended on the Riverview community.

No matter what the caretaker Government promises at this stage, nothing can remove the fact that the electorate knows that this caretaker Government is petrified to face the electorate.

Within a few days, on September 18, 2019, the caretaker Government will be illegal.

Sincerely, Gail Teixeira

MPs should, first and foremost, represent the interests of their constituents Dear Editor, What can we learn from the most recent phase of the Brexit process in the UK? Mr Anil Nandlall (“Brexit process in UK puts Guyana Gov’t to shame - Monday, September 9) offered one interpretation. I write to offer another, speaking as a layperson.

The UK polity is now split into two roughly equal parts (Brexiteers and Remainers). The past fortnight has seen a breakdown of trust between the Executive (Government) and the Legislature (Parliament).

The Westminster model envisages an Executive with a healthy majority and the respect of other MPs. Faced with an absent majority, ab-

sent trust, absent written Constitution and a belligerent Executive, the model has been stretched to its limits.

There has been a noticeable pivot in the balance of power in favour of Parliament: the Opposition parties have combined to flex their legislative muscle in Parliament to force the Government to act in certain ways.

The ‘Whip’ system (where MPs are instructed how to cast their votes by their party) has failed on previous occasions and appears to be crumbling. Last week, a clutch of respected Conservative MPs acting in line with their conscience, eschewed blind loyalty to their party, defied the Whips and worked with Opposition MPs

to secure the passage of the Benn Bill. It seems that the Whip system and the Prime Minister’s prerogative to prorogue Parliament may emerge diminished from this phase of parliamentary history.

Guyana also has a polity divided along roughly equal lines and has had recently a sequence of Administrations with a slim or no majority.

The current Administration, having prevaricated relentlessly in the aftermath of the no-confidence vote, has now lost the trust of those who do not support the APNU/AFC coalition. The Opposition has withdrawn from the National Assembly and gridlock looms.

Given events in the UK, is it possible that in future our

National Assembly might play an amplified role in our decision-making and governance? Might it not be wise to provide for this constitutionally? And to revise some of the more autocratic features of the current set up such as powers to prorogue and the Whip system? If, as seems likely, future Governments here will also only enjoy the support of half of the population, perhaps more Executive power should devolve to the National Assembly (and the parliamentary committees) and MPs should be encouraged to represent, first and foremost, the interests of their constituents.

Dear Editor, The Guyana Amazon Warriors is on a real high.

The team, well blended with youth and experience, won their first three matches convincingly and they are fully motivated and pumped up for the next five games.

The Warriors won their first match against St Lucia Zouks by thirteen runs. The top-order batsmen struggled to score runs freely.

However, the young “turks” flourished at the end of their batting as the team was able to get a challenging total. Winning by thirteen runs was tight but the team’s spirit was high.

The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, with their strong bowling lineup, lost by eight

wickets. It was the masterstroke player, Shimron Hetmyer, with an attractive undefeated brilliant half-century that ensured the Warriors’ victory.

During their batting session, the Nevis Patriots struggled to get runs as the Warriors’ bowlers were well supported with some magnificent fielding.

Barbados Tridents won the toss and sent the home team to take first strike.

The Warriors lost Brandon King early.

However, Chandrapaul Hemeraj hit a brilliant half-century, which was punctuated with six fours and three sweetly timed sixes. The home team lost Hetmyer and Skipper Shoaib Malik cheap-

ly. However, the diminutive Nicholas Pooran and Sherfane Rutherford blasted the Tridents’ bowling to all parts of the ground.

The two young Warriors took the fight to the visitors and sent the massive Providence crowd to their toes and had them screaming for joy. They hammered 78 runs off a mere 29 balls.

Pooran’s magically undefeated half-century contained five massive sixes and four blistering fours.

Young Rutherford blasted four Hugh sixes.

The Warriors, with three wins, have captured the heart of all Guyanese and it is most heartening to see the franchise holder investing in Imran Tahir as the

replacement for Shadab Khan. The effective Afghan leg spinner Quasi Ahmad is also coming to play for the Warriors.

Guyanese will be following the Warriors in the away matches. All eyes and all roads will lead to Guyana National Stadium on October 3 and 4 when Guyana Warriors will take on Jamaica Tallawahs and Trinbago Knight Riders.

The massive crowd support along with our people’s passion and appreciation for our Amazon Warriors is a manifestation of our people’s unity and interest for a better Guyana.

Yours faithfully, Isabelle de Caires

Amazon Warriors on a high!

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Elections delay wearing Guyanese people’s patience thin

Dear Editor, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is deeply concerned regarding the continued delay in the hosting of National and Regional Elections in our country. It is a now well-known fact that elections ought to have been held nearly six months ago. The reality is that today we are really no closer to the hosting of the elections. From recent media reports, we learnt that elections possibly can be held in March 2020, one year after they were constitutionally due. This has to be a record of sorts, we believe.

The FITUG is conscious that, among other things, the elections deadline slipped because of what has been recognised as a baseless case challenging the legality of the No-Confidence Motion. While it is opined that the unnecessary and costly pursuance of the legal gymnastics was one of the means to delay the inevitable, the Guyanese people, notwithstanding the clarity they have on the matter, are today being denied their inalienable constitutional right to exercise their franchise in free and fair elections. We hasten to remind, again, that this right was won out of the struggles of the Guyanese working people.

The Federation has seen and heard of several of the rationales regarding the reason(s) for the protracted delay in the hosting of elections. While we will refrain from offering a specific comment, we well recognise there seems to be more than what meets the eye.

The delays have, undoubtedly, caused us and many Guyanese to be anxious and apprehensive. And, the continued delays have only served to heighten anxiety and worry. At this time, when several important national matters remain unaddressed, the bedrock of our democratic foundation, it appears, is being taken for granted by those who hold the reins of power and authority. This is neither in our interest or well-being and can well set a very negative precedent for the future.

The FITUG is aware that, over the years, huge sums have been allocated to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to

improve the organisation’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Apart from State support, friendly and supportive bodies have also lent their assistance and expertise to improving the functioning of the electoral body, undoubtedly, in recognition of the important role it plays in our country. It is, therefore, for us, a great disappointment that the body, it seems, is unable to get its act togetheewr and undertake its significant function in upholding our nation’s democracy through elections that are free and fair and free from fear as well.

Indeed, as Stabroek News reported on September 9, the conduct of elections with acceptable outcomes within a short space of time is not outside of the remit of the electoral body. It obviously brings into question what is preventing GECOM from repeating past feats on this occasion.

Our constitutional clock is essentially now beyond the midnight hour and yet we continue to hear excuse after excuse being invoked. Undoubtedly, the patience of all right-thinking Guyanese has worn thin and the need for credible elections within a short space of time cannot be underscored. The unnecessary procrastination has caused us too much time and the need for further delay cannot be excused. At this time, it is our view that the use of the House-to-House data remains questionable at best and really should be set aside. Certainly, the time-tested Claims and Objections remains the best approach to address non-registered, eligible voters.

The FITUG, at this time, looks to the new Chairperson of the Commission, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh to take decisive action. The Chairperson had publicly committed to upholding the law, which has been dissected in recent times, and for which the consequences are now as clear as day.

Continued temporising by the Chairperson is not in our country’s interest and we look to her to live up to her “Iron Lady” moniker.

Dear Editor, Heartbreaking best describes the death of sevenyear-old fire victim, Shaniya Persaud.

While the doctors tried their best, in the end, an angel soared into heaven.

Shaniya fought bravely

and valiantly and her spirit and courage will write the epitaph of a champion.

Rest in peace little girl and my condolences to the grieving family and friends.

Sincerely, Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana

Heartbreaking Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

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Wednesday, september 11, 2019

Page

“I

hate school, and I’m not going back!”

Have you ever had that thought? Lots of kids do. Usually this feeling doesn’t last long. But what happens if you feel this way too much?

School is a fact of life, and getting an education can help you build the kind of future life you want.

So let’s talk about school and what to do when you don’t like it.

Signs of school stress

When you worry about school, it can affect your body. A kid who feels stressed about school might have headaches or stomachaches. You might feel “butterflies” or like you have to throw up.

Having trouble sleeping is also a sign of stress. And if you’re not getting enough sleep, you probably feel grouchy and tired during the day. Feeling tired can make your school day seem even worse.

If you’re stressed out, you might have a hard time making decisions. In the morning, you can’t decide what to eat, what to wear, or what to pack for lunch. You don’t want to go to school, so you put off getting your stuff together. And now you’re not prepared to go to school, and you’ve just missed the bus — again! Staying home may seem like a good choice, but it just makes it harder to go to school the next day.

Foundation

school because a bully is bothering you, or because a kid you don’t like wants to hang around with you. Or maybe you don’t get along with your teacher.

You might feel different or worry that you don’t have enough friends.

Sometimes it’s a problem with your classes and schoolwork. Maybe the work is too easy and you get bored.

Or maybe the work is too hard, or you don’t feel as smart as the other kids.

Reading or Maths may be difficult for you, but you’re expected to do a lot of it.

You may be getting farther and farther behind, and it may seem like you’ll never catch up. Maybe you’re dealing with worries, stress, or problems that make it hard to concentrate on schoolwork.

When you stop to think about why you don’t like school, you can start taking steps to make things better.

Finding help

It’s a good idea to talk to someone about your problems with school. Your mom, dad, relative, teacher, or school counsellor will be able to help you. It’s

Why do some kids dislike school

If you don’t like school, the first step is finding out why. You might not like

especially important to tell an adult if the problem is that you’re being bullied or someone hurts you physically.

Another good idea is to write down your feelings about school in a journal.

You can use a journal or diary or just write in an ordinary notebook. It’s a great way to let out emotions that may be

in-

stuck s i d e you.

And you don’t have to s h a r e written

what you’ve with others.

If you f e e l disorganised o r like you can’t keep up w i t h your schoolwork, your t e a c h e r s and school counsellors want to help.

Teachers want and expect you to ask for help when you have trouble learning. If all of your subjects seem really hard, a school counsellor can help you sort things out. Special help with schoolwork is available if you need it.

Try not to let the problems go on too long. It’s easier to catch up on one chapter than the whole book!

A terrarium is like an aquarium, but for plants instead of fish. It is made in just about any glass container. It is planted to look like a miniature garden or forest enclosed in its own little world.

You can easily make a

sized, depending on the size of container) Activated charcoal to filter the water and help prevent growth of fungi Potting soil (sterilised) Small plants of different colours, shapes,and textures. Try to get miniature

beautiful terrarium yourself.

First, you want all the plants to thrive in the same kind of environment. For example, you could plant all succulents (including cactus), because they need very little water. Or you could plant all ferns, because they like it moist. You could put moss with the ferns, because moss likes it moist too. If you put a fern with a cactus, one or the other might not do well (the fern if it gets

plants that aren’t going to grow too big for the container.

Optional: Moss Decorative rocks or pebbles, or both Fun décor, like tiny pine cones, shells, ceramic animals, or a garden gnome.

Make sure your glass container is clean and shiny.

Start with a layer of rocks, about one inch or so, at the bottom of your container. These will help the

too dry, the cactus if it gets too wet).

You can use an open container or a closed container.

An open container is best for succulents and cacti.

They like lots of air.

A closed container (with a lid) might be best for ferns, ivies, and begonias. They like it humid. But if you see a lot of water condensing on the lid, remove it for a while, then replace it.

soil drainage, so the roots of your plants won’t get water-logged.

Add a 1/2-inch-thick layer of charcoal.

Fill the container up to half-full with potting soil.

Plant your plants. When you remove them from their little pots, carefully tease the roots apart and remove some of the old soil so they will fit nicely in the terrarium. Arrange them to look nice. Leave some space for them to breathe and grow.

Pat down the soil so they don’t get uprooted easily.

Add decorative pebbles, rocks, pine cones, or whatever to make your terrarium look like a little garden world.

Water the plants, but not too much.

Place in indirect light.(cli-

Feeling better about school

The next time you find yourself disliking school, try this: First, write down everything you don’t like about school.

Then make a list of the good things you enjoy (even if it’s only recess and lunch, that’s a start!).

Now, what can you change on the “don’t like” list? Would remembering to do your homework help you feel more confident if you’re called on in class?

Can you get help with schoolwork that’s hard? Who can you talk to about a worry or problem you’re dealing with?

Could you find a way to show off your special interests and talents? If you made just one new friend, would you feel less alone? If you helped someone else feel less alone, would you feel even better? Which activities could you try that would help you meet new friends?

Of course, you might not be able to change everything on your “don’t like” list. A bully may not simply disappear.

Reading may always be a challenge.

But that’s OK. Focus on what you can change and you might be able to put the cool back in school! (kidshealth.org)

For any terrarium, you need: Clear glass container.

For example, aquarium of any size, goldfish bowl, cookie jar, pickle jar, vase with a broad bottom, brandy snifter, or even a shallow dish with a glass bowl turned upside-down over it.

Rocks (around marble

matekids.nasa.gov)

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7

wednesDAY, september 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt touts earlier-than-expected oil production …following early arrival of FPSO in Guyana

W

ith the arrival of the Liza Destiny Floating Production and Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessel, both Finance Minister Winston Jordan and Director of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe, have talked up the possibility of earlier-than-expected oil production.

During a reception held at the Marriott hotel to commemorate the FPSO’s arrival, Jordan was asked for a timeframe for first oil. In response, the Minister hinted at the possibility that ExxonMobil could begin pumping this year instead of the first quarter of 2020.

“I haven’t heard any change from the first quarter. There was no particular date in the first quarter. But I’m hearing now that first quarter may be an outside date. I’m not sure whether we’ll be able to get it this year or not. Signs are encouraging though”.

Meanwhile, Bynoe, during his address to attendees at the reception, noted that the Liza Destiny’s arrival ahead of schedule means that the Department of Energy’s own timetable has to be fast tracked.

“The Liza Destiny’s arrival three weeks ahead of the schedule means that our timetable has moved forward. And as a policy-relat-

ed body, the Department of Energy is also called upon to advance its timetable”.

“It means that we move earlier to production of first oil and to seeing the benefit of this industry impact Guyanese much faster. As Guyanese, we must realise that it is a vessel paid for by Guyanese, pumping Guyanese fuel, which will bring in revenue for Guyana”.

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

Exxon has since revised this figure upwards after three more discoveries, the last one being at the Yellowtail-1 well in April.

More drilling is also scheduled for this year and it was only days ago that its first FPSO bound for Guyana, the Liza Destiny, was commissioned.

ExxonMobil has also said there is potential for at least five FPSO vessels on the Stabroek Block, producing more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025.

The start-up of the Liza Phase 1 development has always been on track to begin by the first quarter of 2020.

However, there has been

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe

talk previously of the possibility of production starting even earlier.

Exxon has pegged oil production at 120,000 barrels of oil per day utilising the Liza Destiny FPSO. Liza Phase 2 is expected to start up by mid-2022, after Exxon made a final investment decision after getting regulatory approval earlier this year. It had been reported that the project would use the Liza Unity FPSO to produce up to 220,000 barrels per day.

ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is operator of, and holds 45 per cent interest in, the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a whol-

ly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

The Liza Destiny, Guyana’s first oil production vessel, arrived in Guyana’s waters at the end of last month after travelling nearly 11,000 nautical miles for 42 days from the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore.

The vessel is a significant component of the Liza Phase 1 development, which involves four undersea drill centres with 17 production wells. Besides its production capacity of 120,000 barrels of oil per day, it also has an overall storage volume of 1.6 million barrels. During normal operations, there will be at least 80 persons living and working on-board the vessel.

The Liza Destiny

Before its departure from the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore, the Liza Destiny was commissioned by First Lady Sandra Granger. The Liza Destiny FPSO was converted from oil tanker,

“Tina”, a 1999 Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). The conversion included upgrading of the hull and integration of 14 topside processing modules, totalling 16 thousand metric tonnes.

March 2020 elections out...

“The PPP is of the view that the ‘rogue’ GECOM Secretariat cannot be allowed to undermine the process that would allow for constitutional compliance and adherence to the rulings and orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)… The ‘runaway’ Secretariat continues to invent reasons for lengthy timelines (for which it has been called out by the local media corps) that were included in its notorious election activities plan that envisages elections be-

ing held until March 2020 – a full year past the constitutionally mandated deadline,” the missive from the party outlined.

According to the Opposition, it appears as though elements at the Secretariat were not pleased with the outcome of the meeting during which “positive signals” were sent on the timeline for elections.

However, even as the Opposition is confident of polls before the end of this year, Government-

from page 3

nominated Commissioner at GECOM, Vincent Alexander, told reporters after the Commission’s meeting late Tuesday afternoon that he would not be supporting any reviews to the Secretariat’s March 2020 timeline.

“In the Secretariat’s timeline, there is no wriggle room… I’m not supporting the review, I’ll participate in the discussions because I rationalised why I’m not supporting it,” Alexander asserted.

8 news Serial robber jailed for 30 years A wednesDAY, september 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

serial robber, who is no stranger to the courts, was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after pleading guilty to eleven counts of armed robbery.

Travis Payne was sentenced by Magistrate Annette Singh after he changed his not guilty pleas to guilty. The 26-yearold clothes vendor of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in June after he was charged for the series of armed robberies. Payne was also charged for escaping lawful custody and intentionally discharging a firearm.

The first four charges detailed that during

the month of October 2018, at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, he robbed Rawle Ramnarine, Mohamed Ishmael, and Colin Edwards of phones and other articles valuing a total of $428,000. He also escaped from the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost while in custody for armed robbery.

It was alleged that on May 23, 2019, at Tucville, Georgetown, he discharged a firearm at Roxcell Nepal with the intent to maim, disfigure, or cause grievous bodily harm.

It was further alleged that on April 12, 2019, at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, he robbed Faith Desouza of

a phone valued $48,000 and on January 21, 2019, at Castello Housing Scheme, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he robbed Angela Caesar of a purse valued at $13,000 while being in the company of oth-

ers and armed with a gun.

The last four charges stated that on January 30, 2019, at Kitty, Georgetown, while being in the company of others and armed with a gun, he robbed Randy Simons, Michael Agrica, Terrence Parke, and Ronaldo Etwaroo of phones and cash totalling $632,000.

During the court proceedings, one of the armed robbery charges was dismissed against Payne, after one of the victims told the court he did not wish to proceed with the matter.

The Magistrate sentenced Payne to three years each for the 10 charges, however, the sentences will run concurrently so Payne will only spend three years behind bars.

The second charge stated that on September 5, 2019 at Georgetown, he inflicted grievous bodily harm on Solomon.

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

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

he throw it, I got angry and picked up a big brick and throw it in his face,” Murray said.

Facts on the matter stated that on September 5 at about 22:30h, the Virtual Complainant (VC) went home from work and saw Murray, after which an argument ensured. The court heard that Murray then armed himself with a brick and pelted the VC to his face. The matter was reported and the defendant was arrested.

Travis Payne

Man gets 18 months jail time for pelting ex-lover with brick

O

ne day after a man admitted to fracturing the nose of his ex-partner during an argument, he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for the offence.

Thirty-five-year-old Leon Murray reappeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty on Tuesday, who handed down the sentence at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

When the matter was called, Murray had initially asked the Magistrate if he can compensate the victim; however, he was unable to accumulate the funds, therefore, he was sentenced for the offence, since he had admitted it.

The first charge stated that on September 5, 2019

Leon Murray

at Georgetown, he maliciously damaged one spectacle valued at $30,000 property of Shawn Solomon.

Case dismissed against woman who threw muddy water on PPP protestors

T

he woman, who allegedly threw muddy gutter water on a group of People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) protesters on July 19, 2019, at Barrack and High Streets, Georgetown, had the charge dismissed against her. The case was dismissed after the Virtual Complainant failed to show up on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to give evidence. The case was called on several occasions but the VC was a no-show.

At the court hearing, Cassandra Amsterdam, 24, a cosmetologist who is a squatter at Lot 48 Barrack and High Streets, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Rondell Weaver, who dismissed the charge.

Reports are on July 19, as hundreds of PPP supporters were protesting in front of the Guyana Elections Commission, Amsterdam hurled expletives at the protesters and then proceeded into her home, brought out a cutlass and threatened the peaceful protesters.

The woman, along with others in the yard, were seen with knives in their hands threatening the protesters.

Several of the protesters said that Amsterdam then took a bucket and dipped

Cassandra Amsterdam

it in a nearby gutter and threw the muddy water at them. She then ran inside, picked up a pitchfork and proceeded to exit the yard with intentions of confronting the protesters.

Police ranks who were stationed at the protest quickly disarmed the pregnant woman and arrested her. She was then taken away in handcuffs.

During her first court appearance, the woman claimed that on July 19, her child was asleep and the protesters were making “a set of unnecessary noise in front her house”.

Amsterdam further claimed that she threw a cup of clean water into the crowd but it did not catch anyone, after which she apologised for the act.

A Pyrrhic victory…

O

…but does PNC care? ne of the leaders of a new party – an old hand from the PPP – recently commented that the PNC has emerged “victorious” from the war they launched in the wake of the Opposition-led NCM which was successfully passed on Dec 21 2018. But oh…what kind of “victory” this has been! Even though the leader attempted to be circumspect as he navigated what he thinks is a line between the PNC and PPP, he had to concede that, “A new constitutional principle has taken root in Guyana. It is called constitutional convenience, having displaced constitutional supremacy”.

In truth, he was trying to navigate a line between the rule of law – encompassed by the law above all laws, the Constitution – and the law of the jungle. And in this face-off, no one can afford to remain on the side lines, because the very existence of Guyana is at stake. Way back in ancient times there was a war between one of the Greek City-States led by their King Pyrrhus and Rome. But while Pyrrhus won the war, he lost so many troops that his city could not sustain itself. Ever since, a “Pyrrhic Victory” has signified one that inflicts such a devastating toll on the victor that it is tantamount to defeat. The Greek writer was forced to report, “If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined”. If the PNC has won the war, it will be a Pyrrhic victory for Guyana.

The new party’s leader said that the PNC’s new constitutional principle is “Where a constitutional provision is required to be implemented within a specific timeframe, such implementation will only be given effect to within the said time frame if it is convenient to do so. Guyanese and courts will rue the day that they allowed, tolerated or facilitated this travesty in Guyana.

It will return to haunt us”. But in this, he is wrong…this principle is nothing new for the PNC. In fact, they’ve always operated opportunistically and cynically not only to the implementation of constitutional strictures within specific timeframes, but to the Constitution in toto.

This Eyewitness has oft reminded the nation that while the PPP was twisting itself into a pretzel during the 1960’s to have their AG Fenton Ramsahoye craft a new Constitution under which the British would grant Guyana independence, Burnham declared he didn’t care a whit about what Constitution he was given. Once he was given power, he knew what he’d do: simply give lip service to the Cconstitution and do whatever it takes to keep power.

In this iteration, the PNC will leave Guyana utterly ruined! …for the FIU In the latest report on the progress (or lack thereof) on the AML/CTF on whether we’ll once again return to the dreaded “Blacklist”, mention was made of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). This body was supposed to give “teeth” to all that legislation passed under duress. After all, you can have all the laws in the world but if you cannot enforce it, what’s the use? Look at the CCJ…our Constitution was as clear as crystal on what happens after an NCM…but without any teeth to enforce their order, the PNC’s merrily thumbing their nose at the “law”.

Back at the AML/CTF conclave, a Bank of Guyana Director reported that the FIU’s annual report – submitted months ago – detailed at least 30 cases involving “over $8billion worth of illicit money in 2018 alone!! “We’ve done a lot of work in sharing information [with] the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) suspicious transactions related to tax evasion, drug trafficking, corruption in public office, suspected terrorist financing and insider trading,” the fella said.

But to what end? …for GECOM appointment As with all new brides, there were a lot of expectations raised when the Opposition proposed Justice (rtd) from the GECOM Chair.

But that’s been one short honeymoon, hasn’t it?

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

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9

wednesDAY, september 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

US Congressman urges key colleagues to keep Guyana from falling off democracy pathway …says loss of democracy in Guyana could impact regional stability …writes congressional foreign affairs committees

US Congressman Gonzalez

A

Vincente

United States (US) Congressman Vincente Gonzalez who heads a key committee has written to two senior colleagues who head a committee and subcommittee in the US Congress, urging them to keep Guyana on the path of democracy, even as the country meanders on several months overdue for elections.

In the letter which was seen by this publication, US Congressman Vincente Gonzalez, a representative of the 15th District of

impact regional stability and endanger the well-being of the Guyanese people.”

“I request that the Committee continue to keep a watchful eye on Guyana moving forward. It is imperative that we continue to bring democracy (globally) and Guyana is no exception. I am available to work with you and the Committee on legislation for the betterment of the Guyanese people,” Gonzalez also wrote.

The Congressman pointed out in his letter that President David Granger lost a no-confidence vote in December 2018 and that after six months of legal challenges, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) unanimously upheld the no-confidence vote.

He noted that even though the regional court had recognised that elections should have been held by March 21, 2019, the Guyana Elections Commission had insisted on preparing for elections in a lengthy House-

The letter sent by the US Congressman

Texas, wrote to Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Eliot Engel and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security and Trade, Albio Sires.

Gonzalez warned in his letter that a loss of democracy in Guyana could have disastrous effects on regional stability. He also said that as the US has worked to bring democracy around the world, Guyana should be no exception.

“The United States has maintained a friendly relationship with Guyana since 1992, after then Guyanese President Desmond Hoyte decided to reform the country’s electoral laws and held free and fair elections. Any reversal of these efforts could

to-House Registration process.

“The People’s Progressive Party has requested that elections be held within 90 days of the CCJ’s June 18, 2019 ruling or September 18, 2019. CCJ’s internal counsel has advised that the Houseto-House Registrations would be an act of contempt against the CCJ,” Gonzalez advised Engel and Sires in his letter.

This letter will go some way in showing that while sections of society have been critical of the diplomatic community’s silence as Guyana heads down the road of constitutional violation, events are happening behind the scenes.

When questioned in July of this year after the CCJ’s rulings, Caricom Secretary

Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel

General Irwin LaRocque had sought to deny reports that Caricom has not been active enough in trying to ensure Guyana remains a democratic and not authoritative State.

“There’s a process ongoing since the no-confidence vote. The process has worked

so far, in the sense that the CCJ delivered a judgement and its consequential orders.

And the CCJ, in my view, was very, very clear that all the actors concerned, must play their part,” LaRocque had told the media.

“As I understand it, there continues to be dialogue among the parties. We continue to monitor everything very closely. I have met with both the President and the Leader of the Opposition on more than one occasion.

Following the ruling, I’ve met the Opposition Leader and spoken to the President.

So I’m in touch, I’ll continue to be in touch.”

The Secretary General had added that the Chairman of Caricom, St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, was being

President David Granger

Chairman of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security and Trade, Albio Sires

briefed regularly on the situation and had reached out to leaders in Guyana. But LaRocque stayed on the side of caution as it relates to taking a more proactive role.

“We’ll continue monitoring this. We remain available to assist if we’re asked to assist. But Caricom does not interfere unless the democratic and judicial process

breaks down. It doesn’t mean we don’t care. It doesn’t mean we’re not engaged. We are fully engaged,” he had stressed.

So far, the diplomatic community has not publicly renewed its position on respecting the Constitution and the CCJ’s ruling. Representatives of the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union observed the July 12 pronouncements and later acknowledged that this adherence must be done expeditiously.

10 news

wednesDAY, september 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt pathologist’s contract terminated

T

he Public Health Ministry has terminated the services of Government Pathologist, Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan for reasons unknown. Guyana Times understands that the news of the termination was related as Police in Berbice were awaiting the doctor to perform three autopsies on Tuesday.

Dr Bridgemohan, who has conducted more than 15,000 autopsies, was one of two pathologists

who served in the Public Health Ministry. He performed his duties mostly in the Berbice regions.

In recent times, the doctor has been criticised for his findings, thus, leaving many to question his credibility.

In addition, his refusal to perform a post-mortem on the body of Mark Johnson of Nurney, Corentyne, Berbice in March last has also led to health officials and others questioned his perfor-

mance.

With the termination of Dr Bridgemohan’s contract, only State pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh can perform autopsies for the Police-related cases.

Meanwhile, as Police wait for the autopsies to be conducted on the bodies of 55-year-old Junior Quintin, also called “Hammer” of 58 Stanleytown; Shantharam Seenarine of East Canje, and Dominic Tyler Sulker of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, family mem-

bers are uncertain whether or not to go ahead with funeral arrangements.

However, Divisional Commander Paul Langevin assured relatives that arrangements will be made for the autopsies to be conducted.

Back in June 2017, Dr Bridgemohan was imprisoned at the Camp Street jail by Justice Navindra Singh after he failed to show up to provide evidence in a matter before him.

news

11

wednesDAY, september 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mahdia freak storm NA Prison escapee recaptured hours later Mother, baby recovering after …protocols breached, 3 officers suspended pinned under collapsed house place of a female prison officer and removing $17,000 in cash and an electronic tablet.

He was convicted on a simple larceny charge

the prison farm which is situated opposite the Prison Officers’ Club.

However, while working, Prakash requested to use a washroom that is on the op-

Prison escapee: Rameshwar Prakash

H

ours after 21-yearold Rameshwar Prakash of Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice escaped from the New Amsterdam prison on Tuesday while working on the farm of the correctional institution, he was recaptured and taken into custody.

He will be processed for court shortly where he is expected to be slapped with

The house which the prisoner entered and removed cash and other items

and was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. He was due to be released in June 2020.

Based on reports re-

The New Amsterdam Prison

an escaped from lawful custody charge.

He made good his escape at about 07:30h, but not before entering the dwelling

ceived, the escapee along with 12 other prisoners were taken from the New Amsterdam Prison by two female officers to work at

posite side of the road from where he was working. He reportedly scaled the fence and made his way to a prison officer’s house where he entered through a window with the aid of a ladder.

It was there that he removed the items and escaped. After some time had elapsed and the prisoner did not return, an alarm was raised. After hours of search, there were no signs of the convicted thief. In light of this incident, three prison officers were relieved of their duties pending a thorough investigation.

Guyana Times understands that the prisoners would normally work on the farm with little or no supervision.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Prison Service said initial investigation suggests that there were breaches of Standing Orders and as a result, three officers have been relieved of their duty.

“I

was so scared, I thought I was going to die,” recalled Norma Ferreira, who is nursing serious injuries about her body following a freak storm at Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Sipiruni).

Ferreira, 27, and her fivemonth-old baby were pinned under heavy debris after her elevated wooden house collapsed during the unusual storm on September 6, 2019.

The woman, who has been living in the mining town all her life, suffered a fractured nose, a broken jaw, and bruises to her entire face.

“I am feeling much better now,” she told Guyana Times during an interview on Tuesday.

Ferreira is currently hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Her baby boy received injuries to his head.

The child was discharged and is currently staying with relatives back home.

The woman and her baby were at home during the storm which destroyed several buildings and uprooted trees. The roof of the primary school was blown off and

Injured: Norma Ferreira

she had ever seen before.

The powerful winds lasted for approximately fifteen minutes. Ferreira said her house was flattened within the blink of an eye.

While help came right away, the woman said she and her baby were trapped as it took “a while” for persons to remove the debris.

The mother and child were immediately medevaced for emergency medical attention.

Ferreira’s reputed husband, Jordon Joseph, was not at home at the time of the incident. He was just

The collapsed house

power lines sustained damages.

It was unlike anything

returning from the interior where he works as a miner, when the cab driv-

er informed him of what occurred.

Jordan said the next day, he took a flight out to Georgetown to visit his wife and he was completely taken aback with the extent of the injuries about her body.

“I felt so sad,” Jordan said, while adding that he thankful that both his wife and baby live to see another day.

For now, he said the family is burdened with a lot of expenses. Not only do they have to worry about rebuilding their home, but Jordan said he has to factor in other costs such as meals and transportation.

He is currently staying on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and would visit his wife every day at the GPHC. He is unsure when she will be discharged.

Meanwhile, Miss Indigenous Heritage Queen Sherryanna, who hails from that region, has been visiting the injured woman and offering support.

Anyone desirous of helping the family can contact Jordan on 665-4357.

12 news

wednesDAY, september 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana records 141 deaths by suicide in 2018 …Govt commits to reviewing criminalisation of attempted suicide

G

uyana experienced a “significant” decline in the number of deaths caused by suicide with 141 cases recorded in 2018 when compared to the 184 documented in 2017.

These figures were disclosed by Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr Util Richmond-Thomas during a programme organised by the Public Health Ministry at the National Cultural Centre in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday.

According to RichmondThomas, young people between the ages of 20 and 29 years old accounted for the most suicide deaths during 2017 and 2018.

She was keen to note too that the majority of the

A section of persons who participated in the sensitisation walk

deaths were as a result of pesticide use followed by persons hanging themselves.

On the other hand, the Director related that persons who attempted suicide and were unsuccessful in

their bids are now being assessed by psychiatrists and are linked to services such as alcohol and substance abuse treatments.

The Mental Health Director posited that the Ministry still has a lot of work

to do to reduce these figures.

“According to the National Suicide Plan 20152020, published in December 2014, Guyana ranked at the top worldwide with an estimated suicide rate of 44.2 per 100,000. Also, according to the said plan, suicide was a leading cause of death among persons aged 25-44 years old. The most affected age group was 20-29 years but individuals 13-19 years and greater than 50 years were in high proportion,” she explained.

But more recently, the death rate caused by suicide stood at 24.63 per 100,000 in 2017 and 18.80 per 100,000 in 2018 in a population of just about 746,995 people.

Males, she pointed out, die more frequently as a result of suicide with a proportion of four to one while the most common method was by pesticide or herbicide use. In fact, statistics revealed that 69 per cent of suicide cases were men in

2017 which climbed to 83 per cent in 2018.

East Indians accounted for more than 50 per cent of suicide cases which were highly concentrated in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice), respectively.

A further breakdown shows that last year, 65 per cent of persons were of East Indian descent, 17 per cent were of African descent and 8.5 per cent were Amerindians while seven per cent were mixed race.

Although this was the case, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud told the gathering that suicide has no face and that everyone suffers from this scourge.

On the other hand, Pan American Health Organisation, World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO)

Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr Util Richmond-Thomas

Representative, Dr William Adu Krow reminded Guyana that while the figures may be decreasing, the country still needs to do more work.

He pointed out, “In 2014 we happened to be the worst in the world in terms of per capita (suicide deaths) now we are the third-worst and we are coming down”.

More alarming, Adu Krow explained that for every death, about 20 to 25 people attempt suicide, which translates to about 3500 persons who try to harm themselves annually. turn to page 15

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wednesDAY, september 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

JetBlue to begin direct flights from Guyana to New York in 2020

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he New York-based carrier, JetBlue, will begin to operate direct flights between Guyana and New York in April 2020.

According to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the airline is well into its preparatory stages.

JetBlue on Tuesday said that tickets for flights which are slated to commence on April 2, 2020, are already on sale in the United States (US).

The non-stop flight will travel from New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport to Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on a daily basis with the carrier’s new A321neo aircraft.

Speaking with Guyana

Times, Director General of Guyana’s Aviation Authority, Egbert Field said that the airline, though yet to file its application, ought to be lauded for its due diligence as it contacted them prior to making the big announcement.

“Yesterday (Monday) they called and I had a discussion with them and they are very happy and want to come to Guyana,” he explained.

The Director was keen to note that JetBlue is currently in the process of registering their business locally. When this is completed, the airline’s next step would be to approach the GCAA to iron out the “technical” aspect of the process.

tives,” the Director of Route Planning, Andrea Lusso posited.

The Director was happy to note that Guyana will be benefitting from low travel fares but high-quality service.

“Things are on stream for the April commencement of operations. The timeline is a good timeline because it gives them time to register their business here, look for the necessary facilities and also to make their application to us so we can begin the process,” Field asserted.

With this new service, passengers will enjoy five hours of travel time between the two countries.

Guyana will be the fourth country in South America JetBlue serves in the coming months. Presently, the airline services almost 40 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Guyana service introduces a diverse and underserved destination to the JetBlue route map which will benefit both leisure travellers, as well as those visiting friends and rela-

7 months later

School of the Nations Director expresses dissatisfaction with probe into shooting …calls out Police, US Embassy for non-action

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even months after School of the Nations Director, Dr Brian O’Toole, was shot thrice outside of his home, there is yet to be an arrest.

In a statement via the private institution’s Facebook page on Tuesday, the Director expressed dissatisfaction as it relates to the handling of the situation by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the United States (US) Embassy in Guyana.

In his statement, Dr O’Toole reiterated the fact that no one was arrested for the shooting which left one of his hands paralysed, even though it was widely publicised by both local and international media outlets.

“This is now more than seven months since I was shot outside of my home…

Time has passed, no one has been arrested, and my hand is still paralysed. There has been so much publicity in several newspapers and radio and TV programmes in more than 10 countries.

Surely, many, many persons are tired of ‘my story’. But it is not ‘my’ story, it has become ‘our’ story,” he stated.

School of the Nations Director, Dr Brian O’Toole

On this note, the Director further asserted that despite the fact that necessary information was communicated to the relevant authorities, with regards to previous events which may have led to the shooting, that information was not used.

“The shooting happened after we expelled a young boy for allegedly selling drugs in schools. All this was shared with the police.

The threats made against schools in the capital were also shared with the police and with the American

Embassy in Georgetown as these came from a young man in Florida. Again no action. It was reported to us by the Guyana Police that the same Florida youth was interviewed by the FBI and his response that the whole matter was just a ‘joke’ was enough to end any further action.” Dr O’Toole said.

Dr O’Toole pointed out that because of the unsatisfactory work done by the authorities, more criminal activities such as this one will be overlooked and this should be a concern for the nation.

“It is, therefore ‘our’ story in that an attempted murderer is left on the loose, drugs continue to be peddled in many schools, and children are being intimidated not to come forward to give evidence.... so it is not ‘my’ story but a tragic situation that affects us all. And what has been the response to date, from the police who provide no feedback, the

American Embassy who are content to judge vicious threats as a mere ‘joke’, and the media as they move on to another ‘story’,” the Director underscored.

On January 27 of this year, Dr O’Toole was shot three times as he was returning to his Bel Air, Georgetown residence, hours after an emergency meeting with parents and guardians about violent threats on social media to injure students and teachers of that school.

Earlier this year, Crime Chief Lyndon Alves had told this publication that Police had questioned four persons – both current and former students – in relation to the shooting of the school’s principal.

However, subsequent to the incident, there were several threats against the school on Facebook made by “Kira” (meaning killer), which is the alias of the main character in “Death Note” – a Japanese manga series that was later adapted into films.

JetBlue

The A321neo – the newest aircraft type to join JetBlue’s growing fleet of more than 250 aircraft – boasts a 20 per cent increase in fuel efficiency which supports some 500 nautical miles of extended range.

The longer-range flying capabilities of the A321neo open up a host of new markets which JetBlue’s existing fleet could not serve with nonstop flights, including recently announced service between New York-JFK and Guayaquil, Ecuador, launching this December.

Additionally, each JetBlue Airbus A321neo will be powered by two Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, which produce a smaller noise footprint and

lower operating costs when compared with today’s engines.

Inside the aircraft, JetBlue’s award-winning comfort and connectivity will be the focus of the onboard customer experience.

The A321neo will feature the Collins Meridian seat – which is the widest seat available for the single-aisle Airbus family of aircraft – with enhanced cushion comfort, adjustable headrests, power connections at every seat and the most legroom in coach.

Inflight entertainment will be powered by Thales AVANT and ViaSat-2 connectivity. With this system – featuring 10.1 inch, 1080P high definition screens, more than 100 channels of live television with DVRlike pause and rewind functionality, picture-in-picture function and more – JetBlue will offer customers expanded entertainment choices in nearly every region the airline flies.

Man freed of 2014 rape charges

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12-member mixed High Court jury on Tuesday unanimously returned a not guilty verdict against 36-yearold Nandram Ganesh, who was accused on two counts of rape when his trial commenced before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court.

The indictment against Ganesh detailed that during January 2014 and April 28, 2014, he engaged in sexual penetration with a 26-yearold woman without her consent.

The now free man had pleaded not guilty to the charges at the commencement of his trial last week.

Ganesh was represented by Attorney-at-Law Stanley Moore, who argued that his client and the victim were involved in a relationship and had consensual sex.

The State’s case was presented by Prosecutor Teriq Mohammed in association with Sarah Martin.

Justice Ramlall, when informing Ganesh that he was free to go, encouraged him to be grateful for the second chance.

14 news

wednesDAY, september 11, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Finance Minister claims staffing for separate oil and gas unit a challenge

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he Government is unsure whether it will go ahead with setting up a separate oil and gas unit in the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) or not. It is sure about one thing, however, and that is staffing such a unit will be a challenge.

Making this pronouncement was Finance Minister Winston Jordan on the sidelines of a reception at the Marriott Hotel on Monday for the arrival of ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

According to Jordan, he has had discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the available options for the unit.

However, Jordan noted that he is leaning towards scrapping the idea and building

Finance Jordan

Minister

Winston

capacity within GRA’s current, albeit small, oil and gas unit.

“The IMF is in the country right now to do technical assistance. I had a brief meeting with them and we discussed whether we want to set up the unit separate-

ly or whether we will build capacity in the existing unit that we have”.

“I’m thinking that we’re going to build capacity, because it’s very difficult, not setting up the unit, but it’s very difficult staffing it. So I want to just build on the staff we have there already and use some funding form the World Bank loan to complement the staff we have there”.

Jordan also noted that a few other qualified locals could be brought on board to add to the staffing complement of the unit. He pointed out that the unit would also be helped by the Ministry’s Economic Policy Unit.

While there has been much advocacy for local content, a commonly cited obstacle has been the lack of

tertiary-trained local oil and gas personnel. Guyana already has a troubling ratio of university-trained graduates to persons who have never attended university.

These statistics are notwithstanding the percentage of those specialising in oil and gas. A survey released by the Bureau of Statistics last year had found that less than ten per cent of Guyana’s population had completed post-secondary education.

However, there have been efforts to build capacity at the University of Guyana. Earlier this year, the University announced that it had launched its Associate of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering which would be a two-year duration and have students engaged in workshop training and skill courses.

It had been announced that the course was being offered in collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago, with some courses expected to be delivered in Trinidad.

A UG team had visited the

Guyana Revenue Authority

University of Trinidad and Tobago and the University of the West Indies, and an agreement was struck to develop various courses.

Speaking during a forum titled “The Youth and the Oil and Gas Sector”, UG Registrar Nigel Gravesande had noted that while the Technical and Vocational Training Education (TVET) institutions have started to create an enabling environment for training, more had to be done to ensure “sustainable exploration, development and production of the nation’s petroleum as-

sets”.

Gravesande had explained that “Guyana found itself not only as a newcomer to the industry, but also relatively unprepared without the necessary skills to make a significant contribution to the production that was targeted to commence in 2020”.

The University Registrar had underscored that “this situation gave rise to the demand for these requisite skills in this highly-specialised area of petroleum engineering to be developed locally, but also rapidly”.

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wednesDAY, september 11, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

M&CC to improve services of City Constabulary Department

Rewriting history cannot No-Confidence Motion passed against Chief Constable change facts – Guyana far …asn light of the findings vealed in the CoI’s final re- Constabulary. and recommendations port that oral submissions These are among the reabetter in 2015 than in 1992 out of the Commission made by the Chief Constable sons which led to the No-

T

he country the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) inherited from the People’s National Congress (PNC) in 1992, after 28 years of devastating mismanagement, nepotism, corruption and dictatorship, was a poverty-stricken, broken, dictatorial country, worse than it was in 1964. The country the PNC (now reincarnated into APNU/AFC) inherited in 2015 from the PPP, on the other hand, was the fastest growing democratic economy in Caricom, with an impressive record in reducing poverty and hunger, and, improving the social welfare needs of her people. Now, just about five years later, APNU/AFC has mismanaged Guyana back to the pre-1992 era, again victimised by dictatorship, incompetence, nepotism, corruption and a stifled economy.

But David Granger and the APNU/AFC are busy Dr Leslie Ramsammy shamelessly rewriting history today.

Their disgraceful narrative is the PNC handed the PPP, in 1992, a glorious country, which the PPP destroyed between 1992 and 2015. Consequently, in their narrative, in 2015, APNU/AFC inherited from the PPP a country that was bankrupt, broken, and poverty-stricken. This distorted narrative, total fabrication and lies, salutes the Goebellian theory that a lie told often with a straight face becomes the truth.

The truth is very different, as verified by many academic studies and reports from the World Bank, IDB and other international sources. The PPP inherited in 1992 a highly indebted poor country (HIPC), with a poverty rate of 67%, a poorlydeveloped, dangerously dilapidated infrastructure, with health and education, housing and sanitation among the worst in the world. Access to utilities like water, electricity, and telephone were among the worst for developing countries anywhere. In 1992, Guyana was ranked among the most indebted countries in the world, with a debt of US $2.1B, more than 900% of its GDP. By 1992, 28 years after independence, Guyana was bankrupt and worse-off than it was in 1964, pre-independence. Guyana in 1992 was the very definition of what US President Trump today calls “s...hole” countries.

The PPP inherited an economy in shambles in 1992. Guyana averaged minus 2.2% growth between 1981 to 1991, Gross National Product (GNP) per capita declined from $US350 in 1964 to US$290 by 1992, moving from among Caricom’s best in 1964 to among the worse in 1992; the population living below poverty line was 67% (Clive Thomas claimed 88%); inflation averaged close to 100%; lending rates of the commercial banks was 35% and the principal exchange rate moved from $2.00 in 1964 to $125 by 1992; fiscal deficit represented 66.2 per cent of GDP in 1992; the external debt of the country increased to US$2.1B by 1992, more than 900% of GDP; the physical infrastructure was in disrepair and essential consumables in short supply. Sugar, rice, bauxite, and gold – the staples of the economy— were all declining. Public servant salaries by 1992 had declined to about $US25 per month.

Old-age pension was about $1US per month and only some people were eligible. The PPP inherited a bankrupt, basket-case country in 1992.

Between 1992 and 2015, the PPP transformed Guyana. Let the facts speak: in the social sector - health, education, water, housing, sanitation, social security, sports, culture, youth – the PPP allocated close to 40% of the budget by 2001 to the social sector, compared to less than 7% in 1992. The impact was dramatic. Poverty rates were reduced from more than 67% in 1990 to below 28% by 2015, with severe poverty reduced from about 30% to below 18%. The UN in 2014 awarded Guyana with a gold medal for eliminating hunger before the MDG deadline of 2015. Life expectancy increased from about 60 in 1992 to 70 by 2015. More than 75,000 new homes were constructed between 1992 and 2015, with more than 120,000 new house lots created. Potable water access, about 30% in 1992, reached almost 90%, among the highest in developing countries by 2015.

Electricity access doubled in the period between 1992 and 2015, mainly because generation capacity doubled. Maternal mortality was reduced from more than 80 deaths to about 12 and child mortality from more than 2,500 children to less than 200 per year between 1991 and 2015. Secondary school access improved from about 33% (1992) to almost 100% by 2015, and Guyanese children routinely topped Caricom.

The infrastructure totally changed, with hundreds of miles of new and vastly improved existing roads, including four-lane highways. The Berbice River Bridge, a more stable Demerara River bridge, new ferry boats changed transportation realities in Guyana.

Guyana’s first stadium hosted world cup cricket, our first Olympicsize aquatic centre hosts international swimming and Guyana’s first athletic stadium provides international standards training.

Guyana’s first convention centre stand alongside a spanking new Caricom headquarters. Shopping malls sprouted everywhere.

A new University of Guyana campus in Berbice and technical institutes around the country provide more access to tertiary and technical education. There are new schools and hospitals in every region of the country. Truly, the PPP transformed Guyana, the story very different from Granger’s and APNU/AFC’s fake narrative. The tragedy, however, is that the gains Guyana made in moving from a highly indebted, poor, low-income country in 1992 to a fast-developing middle-income country by 2015 is now in jeopardy because of APNU/AFC. That is why the people have lost confidence in Granger and his reincarnated PNC (APNU/AFC).

I

of Inquiry (CoI) conducted into City Hall last year, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is now on a path to improve the services offered by the City Constabulary Department.

This was taken into consideration after a number of complaints have surfaced in relation to the safety of persons traversing and operating within the capital city.

It is against this backdrop that the City Council on Monday passed a NoConfidence Motion against Chief Constable of the Department, Andrew Foo to have him dismissed from the position as Head of the Constabulary Department.

The motion was moved

by Constituency Councillor Denroy Tudor during the City Council’s statutory meeting held at City Hall.

Tudor noted that the motion was aimed at changing what he described as “lack of management” presently dominating the security department, and has been the cause of poor work outputted by the officers. According to him, with the motion passed, the Constabulary Department can now act with efficiency and serve the nation’s citizens well.

“We have seen what has transpired within this wonderful Council as it relates to the City Constabulary.

This laissez-faire understanding or lack of management coming at the level of the City Constabulary has transferred to most of those officers. So we want to ensure that we change that… with this motion passed, persons cannot only just feel the presence of the City Constabulary working in efficiency for the residents of Georgetown but certainly understand the role of the City Constabulary” Tudor explained.

Furthermore, the Councillor disclosed that a recommendation made at a recent committee meeting to have a security plan drafted fell on deaf ears, and this had led to the numerous complaints from vendors and residents in relation to the safety of the environment.

“No security plan was put in place for Russell square, and we had residents, vendors there that have been complaining tirelessly as it relates to these issues. We are trying to ensure that our vendors can move comfortably, we are trying to ensure that our residents that traverse the Stabroek Square can be able to move without any cause of fear and apprehension…. this motion is aimed at ensuring that we see a change within this Council,” he asserted.

In 2018, Foo was summoned before the CoI led

by Justice Cecil Kennard (ret’d), and it was later re-

contained conflicting statements. It was then stated in the report that Foo lacks credibility, integrity, competence, and should be dismissed.

In the previous year, City Hall’s Legal Affairs and Security Committee had recommended that the Chief Constable along with the ASP, Virjanand Gafur, the supervisor of investigations, be sent on 14 days leave for serious neglect of duty in relation to their roles in investigating sexual assault involving a minor at the City

Confidence Motion being passed. The motion was carried by 19 council members, two voted against it and three abstained.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Eketa Edwards, who pointed out that Foo has failed to effectively carry out his role.

“The Chief Constable has failed to put effective systems in place, it is evident that it is a management problem and the city Department is not being managed effectively…the Department should be deliv-

Chief Constable of the City Constabulary Department, Andrew Foo

ering high-quality policing services deterring crime by engaging in effective partnerships.” Edwards posited.

Guyana records...

Decriminalising suicide

With calls mounting for the Government to decriminalise attempted suicide, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence committed to reviewing the laws which criminalise the act.

While delivering the feature address at Tuesday’s event, she said, “Our suicide attempts are our target for intervention…let me assure all of you that I will seek to have the repeal of Chapter 8:01 96 of the laws of Guyana which criminalises attempted suicide”.

Back in July, British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn renewed calls in support for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide, as he shared the belief that it is not a criminal offence, but rather a cry for assistance.

He stated that suicide was removed from the list of criminal offences in England and Wales since 1961 and such actions should follow through for Guyana as well because it eliminates the stigma for surviving family members.

“Suicide here in Guyana needs to be decriminalised.

It needs to be taken off the criminal statute. It is no way a criminal offence…

It was decriminalised in England and Wales in 1961 with the appropriately named Suicide Act. What that fundamentally means is not only is the stigma removed from surviving family members, but also those who try and fail are no longer prosecuted…If you do, here in Guyana, you are and this we believe is fundamen-

from page 12

tally wrong. Trying to commit suicide is a clear statement of a need for help,” the High Commissioner shared.

This year, World Suicide Prevention Day was observed under the theme “Working together to prevent suicides”.

To commemorate the day in Guyana, a sensitisation walk was held throughout a few city streets. In attendance were hundreds of representatives from religious organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), students, MoPH officials and civil society decked out in yellow t-shirts and caps.

While dancing to tunes played by a steel pan group they shouted, “No more suicide, life is precious, we must live it!”

16

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, september 11, 2019

Regional

Bolivian wildfires destroy 2M hectares of forest

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olivian wildfires wildfires like this,” he said. cy declaration, insisting have destroyed two High temperatures and it would help channel fire million hectares (almost five million acres) of forest and grassland since August, according to officials.

Almost half of the losses are in “protected” areas, known for high biodiversity.

Scientists at the College of Biologists in La Paz estimate that regeneration of the local ecosystem will take about 300 years.

The Government is under pressure to declare a national emergency.

Defence Minister Javier In Bolivia, the Chiquitanía – a transition zone between the Amazon Zavaleta blamed people for and the Gran Chaco lowlands – is the worst hit starting the fires, calling strong winds also stoked fighting efforts and interthem “saboteurs” who are the flames over the week- national aid. playing a “macabre game”. end.

The fires began in May and “We put out the fires and Civic groups in Santa Cruz intensified in August, while there are people behind – the worst-affected region blazes also raged in neighus that are starting them – have imposed a Tuesday bouring Brazil. again… We cannot control deadline for the emergen- In Bolivia, the Chiquitanía

– a transition zone between the Amazon and the Gran Chaco lowlands – is the worst hit.

On Monday, Amnesty International sent a letter to the government, asking President Evo Morales to suspend his July decree, which authorised “controlled burning” in the affected areas to help farmers create bigger plots for crops.

María José Veramendi Villa, South America researcher for Amnesty International, said: “Brazil is not the only country suffering from the terrible forest fires in the Amazon ...

Instead of making contradictory and baseless public declarations, Bolivian authorities must scientifically and independently investigate the origin of this serious crisis”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Venezuelan military conducts drills on Colombian border to “intercept invasion”

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enezuela’s armed forces carried out military drills along the Colombian border on Tuesday which it said were to prepare to intercept a foreign invasion, though neighbouring countries have not threatened to do so.

The armed forces’ Strategic Operational Commander, Remigio Ceballos, said 150,000 troops were conducting activities “related to security, exploration and the interception of any invasion of Venezuelan territory”.

“It’s an operation to guarantee the defence,” Ceballos said, speaking to reporters at an airport by the city of La Fria in the border state of

Members of the National Guard take part in a military exercise in Garcia Hevia Airport in La Fria, Venezuela [Photo by: REUTERS/ Carlos Eduardo Ramirez]

Tachira. The exercises are expected to continue for several weeks.

Antigua: Former Ambassador’s daughter murdered

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aitu Goodwin, daughter of Antigua and Barbuda’s former Ambassador to Cuba, Bruce Goodwin, has lost her life as a result of an alleged domestic dispute.

On Sunday, Taitu Goodwin was stabbed and killed in her apartment in Anguilla, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend.

Her father, who is also a founding member of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), was completely distraught while in conversation with OBSERVER media, and explained that he and his family are shattered by the news.

He further disclosed that his 27-year-old daughter was allegedly being harassed by her ex-boyfriend and he somehow got into her apartment where he brutally murdered her with a knife.

Other unconfirmed reports state that the alleged perpetrator attempted to bury her body in sand around 04:00h

on Sunday.

Taitu Goodwin is an Antiguan by birth, and a recent LLM graduate of Lyon Catholic University and St John’s University. She was reportedly well versed in international commercial law and regulations.

Just a few months ago, she completed her studies and began her practice as a trade and investment officer with the government of Anguilla in the Ministry of Finance.

Taitu Goodwin was also the 2012 Miss Anguilla winner.

Meanwhile, Baldwin ‘Spliff’ Anthony, another father who not long ago also lost his daughter as a result of an alleged violent domestic incident, is extending condolences to Bruce Goodwin.

Anthony experienced a similar heart-breaking tragedy when his daughter, Carissa Chandler, was fatally shot in late May of this year allegedly by her live-in boyfriend, Tedson Knowles.

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly warned of an invasion

from Colombia, coordinated by the US government, but there is no evidence one is forthcoming.

The US Government has said it wants to resolve Venezuela’s crisis peacefully, either via negotiations or by forcing Maduro out of power through the use of crippling sanctions.

Most western nations consider Maduro illegitimate after he secured a second term last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. The United States instead recognises as Venezuela’s rightful Headof-State Opposition Leader Juan Guaido, who Maduro claims is fomenting a coup.

(Reuters)

Argentina’s Fernandez, front-runner for President, walks tightrope between markets and votes

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ernandez de Kirchner and the stumbling free-market reforms of incumbent Mauricio Macri.

Whichever way he leans lies danger, with markets ready to pounce on any hint that he would follow Kirchner’s example as a debt defaulter and voters ready to punish anyone who agrees with Macri’s orthodoxy, which has led the economy to ruin.

“He is in a difficult position,” said Martin Vauthier, an economist at the consultancy Eco Go. “He has to deliver messages that in many respects are contradictory.”

Argentina’s peso ARS=RASL was flat on Tuesday at about 56 per U.S. dollar as investors looked for clues about Fernandez’s policies as the Oct. 27 presidential election approaches.

Capital controls have stanched the bleeding of reserves triggered by Fernandez’s unexpectedly severe beating of business-friendly incumbent Macri in the August primary election, a vote that all but

guaranteed Fernandez will be sworn in as Argentina’s next leader in December.

But the situation remains fragile, with Argentine stocks, bonds and the peso subject to wild swings depending on the signals to be sent by Fernandez in coming weeks.

“The government and the central bank have managed to calm the situation, but I think it is temporary because there is a lot of uncertainty about what will happen after October,” said Juan Pablo Fuentes, an economist with Moody’s Analytics.

“The market takes it for granted that Fernandez is going to win, but nobody knows what measure he will take.”

The peso lost about a quarter of its value last month. It has regained some ground in September after the government announced limits on access to and international transfers of dollars, the preferred currency for Argentines nervous about the precariousness of Latin America’s No. 3 economy.

Paraguay: Bones dug up in ‘house of dictator’ to be tested for DNA

Forensic experts will carry out tests on bones found in a house believed to have been the summer retreat of former Paraguayan military ruler Gen Alfredo Stroessner.

Squatters came across the bones when they occupied the property near the city of Ciudad del Este last week.

Gen Stroessner ruled Paraguay from 1954 to 1989.

During his rule, 459 people were killed or disappeared, according to the commission for historical memory.

Gen Stroessner was deposed in a coup in 1989 carried out by another general, Andrés Rodríguez. After being ousted from power, he took refuge in Brazil, where he died in 2006.

Rogelio Goiburú, who heads the commission, says that the remains were found on

Wednesday by squatters who were searching the property for buried treasure after they had heard it belonged to the Stroessner family.

The bones were found under a bathroom and are thought to have belonged to four people.

Goiburú, whose own father disappeared under Gen Stroessner’s regime, said that he had in the past heard reports about the property and its possible use as a torture centre, which prompted some to dub it “the house of horrors”.

“There were reports that shouts and cries could be heard coming from that house [during the time of military rule], people begging for their lives, and that there may be many bodies buried there”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Mexico says will focus on arms smuggling at US meeting on migrant flows

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exico said it would press the United States to halt arms smuggling across its border with Mexico at a pivotal meeting in Washington on Tuesday called to review progress in efforts to curb a recent surge in Central American migrant flows.

Following threats by US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on all its goods, Mexico on June 7 pledged to take a series of steps to contain migrants, and the two governments agreed to review that effort after 90 days.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard led the delegation meeting US officials in Washington on Tuesday afternoon. He said on Twitter that while the Trump administration would focus on migration in the talks, curbing illicit arms flows south would be Mexico’s priority.

The meeting, which started

at 14:30h EDT, was led on the US side by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-inlaw and a senior adviser, according to a White House official.

Successive Mexican governments have argued that illicit arms sales and gun-running from the United States into Mexico have fuelled turf wars between drug gangs and clashes with security forces, exacerbating social problems and adding to migratory pressures.

More than 200,000 people have been killed in gang-fuelled violence, and over 40,000 have disappeared since former President Felipe Calderon sent in the armed forces to tackle Mexico’s powerful drug cartels at the end of 2006. (Excerpt

A six-month-old girl was shot and killed and two teenagers shot and injured by heavily armed gunmen who went berserk in the gritty Norwood community of St James Saturday night.

The deceased has been identified as Tira Thompson of Hollywood, Hendon Norwood, in the violence-torn western parish.

Reports are that about 20:20h, patrons were at a Wi-Fi bar in Hollywood, Hendon Norwood, when men armed with rifles and handguns, alighted from a motor car. They opened fire, sending patrons scrambling for cover.

Before leaving the scene, the shooters reportedly fired gunshots which went

through the window of a nearby house and hit the toddler who was asleep in bed.

After the shooting, two teenaged boys aged, 16 and 14 were also discovered suffering from gunshot wounds.

The three were taken to hospital where the infant was pronounced dead and the teenagers admitted.

Their conditions are not immediately known.

Traumatised members of the community were tightlipped when the Jamaica Observer team visited the area yesterday.

One resident, however, argued that the incident would not have occurred if members of the Jamaica Defence Force were still located in the area. (Excerpt from

from Reuters)

Jamaica: 6-month-old girl shot dead in St James

Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, september 11, 2019

17

Around the World

Hong Kong protesters boo Chinese anthem, More than 30 killed in mass stampede at as leader warns against interference

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nti-Government protests that have roiled Hong Kong for more than three months spread to the sports field on Tuesday, as many local fans defied Chinese law to boo the country’s national anthem ahead of a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran.

The latest sign of unrest in the former British colony followed another weekend of sometimes violent clashes, in which Police firing tear gas in cat-and-mouse skirmishes with protesters who at times smashed windows and started fires in the streets.

Earlier on Tuesday, the city’s Beijing-backed leader, Carrie Lam, had warned against foreign in-

terference in Hong Kong’s affairs, adding that an escalation of violence could

der a “one country, two systems” formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed

Soccer fans hold signs in support of anti-Government protesters at a football World Cup qualifier match between Hong Kong and Iran, at Hong Kong Stadium, China September 10, 2019

not solve social issues in the Asian financial hub.

Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 un-

on the mainland. But many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is steadily eroding that autonomy.

Weeks of protests over a now withdrawn extradition bill have evolved into a broader backlash against the Government and greater calls for democracy.

At Hong Kong’s main stadium on Tuesday night, a sizeable contingent of the crowd of more than 10,000 football fans jeered and held up “boo” signs as China’s anthem played before the game, while others chanted “Revolution of our time” and “Liberate Hong Kong”. Disrespecting the national anthem is an offence in China.

Other fans sang “Glory to Hong Kong,” a song that has become a rallying cry for more democratic freedoms in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

Iraqi Shia shrine

M

ore than 30 killed in mass stampede at Iraqi Shia shrine A walkway collapsed and set off a mass stampede in the Iraqi city of Karbala as thousands of Shia Muslims marked one of the most solemn holy days of the year.

At least 31 people were

Mohammad’s grandson.

He was killed in the year 680 in what would become Karbala by the forces of the Caliph Yazid in a major event that helped solidify the divide between what would become Islam’s Sunni and Shia branches.

People in Iran, Pakistan,

(Excerpt from Reuters)

India, Nepal open South Asia’s first cross-border oil pipeline

T

he leaders of India and Nepal have inaugurated South Asia’s first cross-country oil pipeline, allowing the Himalayan nation of Nepal to receive an uninterrupted supply of oil from its large southern neighbour.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart, Khadga Prasad Oli, hit the switch simultaneously on Tuesday from their offices in New Delhi and Kathmandu to open the 69-kilometre pipeline, which will bring gasoline, diesel fuel and kerosene across the border to Nepal.

The two leaders hailed the pipeline as another step

Khadga Prasad Oli has invited Narendra Modi to Nepal, the Indian Prime Minister last visited in 2018 [Adnan Abidi/Reuters]

in the friendship between the two countries.

“This is the first cross-border petroleum pipeline in South Asia, which has also been completed in a record time,” Modi said,

Boris Johnson tells Parliament: You can tie my hands, but I will not delay Brexit

P

rime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday he would not request an extension to Brexit, hours after a law came into force demanding that he delay Britain’s departure from the European Union until 2020 unless he can strike a divorce deal.

For the second time in a week, lawmakers then rejected Johnson’s request to try to break the deadlock through an early national election.

With the future of Brexit mired in uncertainty, Parliament was suspended until October 14, sparking tense scenes in the House of Commons where Opposition lawmakers held signs reading “silenced” and yelled “shame on you” at Johnson’s ruling Conservatives.

EU leaders have repeatedly said they have not received specific proposals ahead of an EU summit on

October 17 and 18, at which Johnson says he hopes he can secure a deal.

“This Government will press on with negotiating a deal, while preparing to leave without one,” Johnson told Parliament after the result of the vote on an early election.

“I will go to that crucial summit on October the 17th and no matter how many devices this Parliament invents to tie my hands, I will strive to get an agreement in the national interest ...

This Government will not delay Brexit any further.”

The bill seeking to block a no-deal exit, passed into law on Monday when it received assent from Queen Elizabeth, will force Johnson to seek a threemonth extension to the October 31 deadline unless Parliament has either approved a deal or consented by October 19 to leave without one. (Excerpt from Reuters)

adding that it was finished in almost half the expected time.

Modi said that with this pipeline two million metric tonnes of clean petroleum products will be available to

the people of Nepal at very affordable rates.

Oli announced on Tuesday that the Government would reduce the price of gasoline and diesel by two rupees ($0.023).

Modi and Oli have made efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries. Oli invited Modi to visit Nepal during Tuesday’s ceremony, and Modi accepted. The Indian Prime Minister last visited Nepal in 2018.

“This will, without any doubt, enhance interconnectedness and interdependence between our two countries,” Oli said. “It is one of the best examples of connectivity in terms of trade and transit and infrastructure.”

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Shia Muslims mark the holy day of Ashura in the Iraqi city of Karbala

killed and about 100 were injured, officials said on Tuesday. At least 10 among the wounded pilgrims were in a critical condition.

It was the deadliest stampede in recent history during Ashoura commemorations, when hundreds of thousands of people converge on the city, about 80km south of Baghdad, for the occasion every year.

The deadly rush began when part of a walkway collapsed during a procession, causing mass panic among worshippers.

Shia pilgrims converge on Karbala annually to commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, Prophet

Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, and Lebanon also marked the day with rallies, prayers and self-flagellation.

“Today is arguably the most important day for Shias here in Iraq,” said Al Jazeera’s Charles Stratford, reporting from Karbala.

“We spoke to members of the holy shrine authority earlier and they said more than three million visitors were in the city today for this event. Basically, people fell over as they went round the tomb of Hussein, and the sheer number of people has resulted in many people being crushed.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Rwanda agrees deal to take in hundreds Trump fires John of African migrants Bolton as national

R

wanda has agreed to take in hundreds of African migrants who are currently being held in Libyan detention centres.

A joint agreement between the Government, the UN refugee agency (UNHRC) and the African Union (AU) was announced on Tuesday.

An initial group of 500 people will be evacuated by aeroplane to Rwanda in the coming weeks, a statement said.

That group, which includes children and vulnerable young people, is mainly made up of refugees from the Horn of Africa.

Thousands of migrants head to Libya each year to try and make the dangerous crossing over the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.

Those who fail are of-

ten held in detention centres. According to the UN, about 4700 people urgently need to be moved to safety from these centres where conditions are said to be dire.

Rwanda first made an offer to give refuge to the migrants in November 2017. It came after CNN released video that showed men in Libya being auctioned off as slaves.

Options for the migrants, many of whom come from Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan, would be worked out by the UNHCR once they arrived in Rwanda, the statement said.

“While some may benefit from resettlement to third countries, others will be helped to return to countries where asylum had previously been granted, or to return to their home countries if it is safe to do so,” it said. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

security adviser

U

S President Donald Trump on Tuesday forced out John Bolton, his hawkish national security adviser with whom he had significant disagreements on Iran, Afghanistan and a cascade of other global challenges.

The two men offered opposing accounts on Bolton’s less than friendly departure, a leave-taking example of what had been a fractious relationship almost from the start.

“I informed John Bolton last night that his services are no longer needed at the White House. I disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions, as did others in the Administration,” Trump tweeted.

Bolton, however, said in a tweet that he had offered his resignation on Monday night and Trump said, “let’s talk about it tomorrow”.

The departure comes at a trying moment for the Trump Administration on the world stage, weeks before the United Nations General Assembly and as the President faces pressing decisions on a host of foreign policy issues.

In recent months, tensions have risen between Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over influence in the President’s orbit and how to manage the President’s desire to negotiate with some of the world’s most unsavoury actors.

Bolton, a leading foreign policy hawk, was widely known to have pressed the President for a harder line on issues such as North Korea. Also a chief architect of Trump’s strong stance on Iran, Bolton had advocated a tougher approach on Russia and Afghanistan. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, september 11, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

Checking out new possibilities will boost your morale. You’ll have to see for yourself if you want to make a move. Don’t rely on someone else’s interpretation of a place or situation.

Look, see and do. As long as you do your due diligence, you can turn your objective into a reality.

Communication, travel and romance are in your best interest.

Position yourself to work hard and get things done. Refuse to let anyone sidetrack you or tempt you to get involved in something you shouldn’t have anything to do with.

Do things your way.

Your unique nature will attract interest from someone you’ve been trying to get to know better. Home improvements and intimate relationships are favored.

Making a change based on your emotions will not solve a problem or improve a situation. Do something relaxing. Distancing yourself from a quandary will help you gain perspective.

Be part of the solution, not the problem. Consider making changes that will promote better relationships and more valuable opportunities. A proactive approach to life, love and prosperity is essential.

Don’t let someone new waltz into your life and take charge. Rely on friends who have never disappointed you. Good advice will save you from making a costly mistake.

Embrace change. Don’t let someone use emotional tactics to hold you back.

Relationships should be supportive, not restrictive.

Evaluate your current position and make appropriate changes. Romance is on the rise.

Keeping an open mind doesn’t mean that you must always do as someone asks.

Listen to suggestions, but do what feels right and suits your current needs.

If you keep plugging away, you will make a difference. Protect yourself against people who are trying to take advantage of you financially. If you offer suggestions, not cash, you will avoid a loss.

An opportunity is only worth looking at if it’s something you want in the first place. Don’t feel bad taking a pass when the benefit is for someone other than you.

Listen, observe and gathPISCES er.

Consider what you need (Feb. 20March 20) and what you don’t. You’ll ease stress if you give away the things you no longer require. Romance is in the stars.

wednesday, september 11, 2019

19

Andrew Strauss: "Exceptional" former England Captain receives knighthood NA United, Cougars F NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 BFA League…

clinch wins

England hit back for 5 – 3 win against Kosovo

Hitmen of the Cougars FC: Shaquan Adams (left), Keiron Hamilton, Shamul Clements, Ashnie Henry and Okife Patoir

S

econd-half doubles from Keiron Hamilton and Ashnie Henry propelled Cougars Football Club to a solid 7-0 win over Arsenal Football Club as play in the Berbice Football Association’s (BFA’s) leg of the GFFNAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 Intra Association League resumed on Saturday last at the Esplanade Park in New Amsterdam after a lengthy break.

That break, a result of the prolonged rainy season, did nothing to diminish the expertise of the young Cougars, who mauled the hapless Arsenal side. Keiron Hamilton hit the target in the 48th and 52nd minutes for his two goals, while teammate Ashnie Henry did likewise in

ormer England captain Andrew Strauss has treated for terminal cancer, and went on to been described as “an exceptional person” launch a foundation in her name after her death after receiving a knighthood in ex-Prime in December 2018 Minister Theresa May’s resignation honours list.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison added: Strauss, 42, led England to two Ashes wins, “Andrew was invited to shape the future as well as the number one Test ranking, in his 50 strategy of the men’s international teams - in Tests as captain. part to enable an environment that would see Ex-England coach Andy Flower, in charge England as live contenders for the World Cup in during Strauss’ time as captain, also paid tribute 2019, an aim they so thrillingly delivered to his former skipper. on just a few short months ago.

“I cannot think of a man more worthy of “It was with the same class and the honour,” Flower said. courage that he and his family set “As a player he was tough and resilient, up the Ruth Strauss Foundation as a captain he balanced a firm hand to raise money and awareness and moral compass with a compassion just a few months after losing and empathy that meant he was loved Ruth to a rare form of cancer. and respected in the dressing room by his “Aside from his achievements players and the staff.” on and off the pitch, Andrew Another former England is widely regarded as captain, Geoffrey Boycott, also an exceptional received a knighthood. person in our Strauss scored 7,037 runs game and this at an average of 40.91 in 100 wonderful England Tests and joined the accolade England and Wales Cricket will be Board (ECB) as England’s celebrated director of cricket after his around the retirement from all forms c r i c ke t i n g of cricket in 2012. world.” (BBC Sport) He left the role last year to support his wife Andrew Strauss Ruth, who was being

the 60th and 74th minutes for his double.

Shaquan Adams had opened the Cougars’ account in the 23rd minute, before Shamul Clements got into the goal-scoring act in the 41st minute. Okife Patoir administered the coup de grace in the 77th minute.

There should have -- from 13:00hrs -- been a clash between New Amsterdam United and Monedderlust of West Berbice, but the latter-named lads turned up for that match-up two hours late, by which time the match had already been awarded to New Amsterdam United.

The action in this league will continue over the upcoming weekend at this same venue.

E

ngland’s relentless march towards Euro 2020 continued with a thrilling 5 – 3 victory over Kosovo, who scored after just 34 seconds.

However, a shoddy defensive display and the fearless approach of their opponents meant this turned into a night of concern for manager Gareth Southgate.

The result leaves England top of Group A with a 100% winning record after four games, while the Czech Republic moved into second place with a 3-0 win over Montenegro.

Kosovo arrived in Southampton on a 15-match unbeaten run and with confidence lifted by victory over the Czechs on Saturday and when Michael Keane’s error gifted Valon

Berisha a goal inside the first minute they briefly contemplated a huge upset.

It did not last long as rampant England, inspired by the magnificent Raheem Sterling, responded ruthlessly with five goals inside the first 45 minutes.

Keane swiftly made amends to set up Sterling to head home after a corner then Manchester City’s unstoppable attacker set up captain Harry Kane for his 26th goal in 41 England appearances.

England extended their lead when Mergim Vojvoda turned Jadon Sancho’s cross into his own net before Borussia Dortmund’s 19-year-old got his first two goals for England, both expertly provided by Sterling.(BBC Sport)

Argentina, Spain romp into World Cup last 4 A

Spain’s Ricky Rubio in action with Poland’s Damian Kulig (Reuters/Aly Song)

rgentina steamrolled into the basketball World Cup semi-finals with a spectacular 97-87 win over Serbia, who were among the tournament favourites, and were joined by 2006 champions Spain who overpowered surprise package Poland 90-78 on Tuesday.

The Argentines will lock horns with either holders United States or France, who meet in Wednesday’s opening quarter-final, while the Spaniards will take on the winners of the Australia v Czech Republic clash.

Playmaker Facundo Campazzo sank 18 points and racked up 12 assists while evergreen 39-year old centre Luis Scola scored 20 points as Argentina picked Serbia apart with

a barrage of fast breaks and lethal long-range shooting.

Argentina nailed nine three-pointers in the opening half and kept piercing Serbia’s defense inside the arc as Campazzo drove past his markers almost at will and dished out passes like confetti.

A Marko Guduric three-pointer briefly gave Serbia a 70-68 lead early in the fourth quarter but Argentina roared back with a 14-3 run which put the game beyond their rivals’ reach.

Patricio Garino netted 15 points for the winners, Gabriel Deck added 13 and Luca Vildoza chipped in with 11, while Bogdan Bogdanovic scored a game-high 21 for Serbia.

Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic carried Serbia’s first-half effort with 14 points but netted only two after the break, having spent too many minutes on the court as his replacements failed to make any impact.

Serbia coach Aleksandar Djordjevic, who won the 1998 World Cup with the former Yugoslavia as a player, heaped praise on the Argentines and conceded that Serbia’s billing as one of the tournament favourites had been counterproductive.

Meanwhile, Spain, who brushed Serbia aside 81-69 in their final second group stage match, were made to work hard by a battling Polish side but their deep roster made the difference. (Reuters)

20

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wednesday, september 11, 2019

BCB, Let’s Bet Sports 20/20 Tournament bowls off on Sunday T

he long-postponed Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and Let’s Bet Sports 20/20 Cricket Tournament would bowl off across Berbice on Sunday September 16, 2019. The tournament was scheduled to start in June, 2019 but was postponed due to the long rainy season, which lasted until late August. The BCB, three weeks ago, gave all clubs in Berbice adequate notice to get their grounds in order and to start practice, so that they can be match ready.

The Let’s Bet Sports Tournament would involve the hosting of four different tournaments for teams in four zones: Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam/ Canje and West Berbice. Each Zone would have its individual champion, who would then go on to play in a separate tournament to determine the overall Berbice Second Division 20/20 Champion.

BCB Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu has said that close to eighty teams would participate in the tournament, with Upper Corentyne having the most teams:25. Clubs would be allowed a maximum of three First Division Players who are not debarred.

Among the debarred players are Veerasammy Permaul, Devandra Bishoo, Jonathan Foo, Romario Shepherd, Eon Hooper, Keon Joseph, Gajanand Singh, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Sinclair, Joshua Ramsammy, Gudakesh Motie and David Latchana.

All matches would start at 13:00 hours, Naidu said, and teams that turn up late would lose their rights to the toss, while walkovers would be granted halfhour after the scheduled start of a match. Due to the nature of sponsorship, players under the age of

Albion 8) Tamarind Root Cricket Club vs Fyrish Road Cricket Club @ Hampshire 9) Fyrish Cricket Club vs Kildonan Cricket Club @ Fyrish 10) Port Mourant Cricket Club vs Ramnarine Memorial Cricket Club @ Port Mourant 11) Whim National Cricket Club vs Jai Hind Cricket Club @ Jai Hind

Zone ‘D’ Upper Corentyne:

Tucber Park will have two teams in the tournament

18 years would not be allowed to participate.

Among the teams that would be playing in the different Zones are Blairmont Community Centre, Rose Hall Canje, D’Edward, Cotton Tree Die Hard, Police Sports Club, Edinburgh, No. 19, Young Warriors, Albion Community Centre, Chesney, Fyrish, Rose Hall Town, Whim, Ramnarine Memorial, No. 43, Scottsburg, No. 72 Cut and Load, Dukestown, No. 72 All Stars, and Crabwood Creek All Family.

The fixtures for the opening rounds are: Zone ‘A’ West Berbice:

1) Blairmont Com Centre Cricket Club vs Bath Sports Club @ Bath 2) D’Edward Cricket Club vs Blairmont Remnants Cricket Club @ D’Edward 3) Cotton Tree Die Hard Cricket Club vs No. 5 Monedderlust

Cricket Club @ Cotton Tree 4) Bush Lot United vs Achievers Cricket Club @ Bush Lot 5) Hopetown Cricket Club vs Paradise Challengers @ Paradise 6) Bush Lot Rising Star BYE

Zone ‘B’ New Amsterdam/Canje:

1) Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club vs Kendall’s Union Sports Star @ Canje 2) Young Warriors ‘A’ Cricket Club vs Kendall’s Union Cricket Club @ No. 19 3) Betsy Ground Cricket Club vs Mental Hospital Cricket Club @ Mental Hospital 4) Young Warriors ‘B’ Cricket Club vs Tucber Park ‘B’ Cricket Club @ Cumberland 5) Tucber Park ‘A’ Cricket Club vs East Bank Blazers Cricket Club @ East Bank 6) Edinburgh Warriors Cricket Club vs Police Sports Club @

Edinburgh 7) Flying Star Cricket Club vs Goed Bananen Land @ Flying Star.

8) Mt Sinai Cricket Club vs Guymine Cricket club @ Mt. Sinai

Zone ‘C’ Lower Corentyne:

1) Chesney Cricket Club vs No. 1 Road Cricket Club @ Chesney 2) Courtland Cricket Club vs Topoo Cricket Club @ Topoo 3) Albion Open Cricket Team vs Nigg Intruder Cricket Club @ 4) Belvedere United Cricket Club vs Kilcoy Cricket Club @ Kilcoy 5) RHT Bakewell ‘A’ Cricket Club vs UG Elites Cricket Club @ Area ‘H’ 6) Rose Hall Town Tigers vs Tain Block 4 Cricket Club @ Tain 7) Albion Community Centre vs Big Star Cricket Club @

1) Crabwood Creek Sports Club vs No. 52 Survival Cricket Club @ Crabwood Creek 2) Bomb Squad Cricket Club vs No. 43 Scorpions Cricket Club @ No. 43 3) All Family Cricket Club vs No. 70 M.Y.O Cricket Club @ No. 70 M.Y.O 4) Yakusari Horizon Cricket Club vs Yakusari Carib Cricket Club @ Yakusari 5) Dukestown Cricket Club vs No. 68 Darkeners Cricket Club @ No. 60.

6) Radha Krishna Academy vs No. 64 Fighting Marines Cricket Club @ No. 64 7) Scottsburg United Cricket Club vs No. 69 Vikings Cricket Club @ No. 69 8) No. 66 Giants Cricket Club vs No. 48 Challengers Cricket Club @ No. 48 9) No. 69 Red Rose Cricket Club vs No. 70 Spartan Cricket Club @ Red Rose 10) Skeldon Titans Cricket Club vs No. 70 Young Blood Cricket Club @ Skeldon 11) No. 71 Sports Club vs No. 68 Turn Team @ No. 68 12) No. 73 Young Warriors vs No. 72 All Stars Cricket Club @ 13) No. 72 Cut and Load Cricket Team BYE.

GCA, NBS 2nd Division 40-Over competition officially launched – Harper praises NBS for continued support to cricket

T

he eighth edition of the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA’s) and New Building Society (NBS) 40Over Second Division competition was officially launched yesterday at the New Building Society’s premises at Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown.

This competition, to be played with coloured clothing and white balls, will involve 15 teams in the Georgetown area battling for supremacy in two zones (eight teams in Zone A and seven teams in Zone B).

At the simple ceremony that launched this tournament, GCA President Roger Harper praised the NBS and the sponsorship it provides for playing a significant role in the players’ development.

“Fifteen players who were involved in the 2018/19 edition of the NBS tournament represented Guyana at the various levels”, Harper disclosed.

Six of those players went on to represent the West Indies at youth level, namely: Joshua Persaud, Mavindra Dindyal, Ronaldo AliMohamed, Sachin Singh, Ashmead Nedd and Raymond Perez, he added.

Harper declared that, without any doubt, this tournament has benefited the more than 170 GCA players involved. The Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) are the defending champions in this very competitive tournament, w h i l e Everest Cricket Club are the runners-up team.

According to Shawn Massiah, Chairman of the GCA Competitions Committee, the most a team may gather from a complete game is 20 points: 10 points are guaranteed for a win; five are guaranteed for scoring in excess of 200 runs, and five for taking all ten wickets in a match.

Teams in ‘Zone A’ are as follows:

Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO), University of Guyana, Third Class, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Diplomats, Gandhi Youth

Organisation (GYO), Malteenoes, and the GCC. ‘Zone B’ teams are: Sophia, Police, Everest, Ace Warriors, Transport, Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and GNIC. The semifinals and final game of

this tournament will be played under lights.

at the international stage, the GCA has taken the initiative to address free hit via front foot and waist height, and field-setting.

Massiah added that emphasis is being placed on fast bowlers in that 16 overs of fast-bowling must feature in each game.

The NBS has declared itself happy to support this tournament, and has promised to continue assisting in the development of players. That entity has further disclosed that it would be sponsoring another cricket tournament in Berbice, and is currently discussing with representatives of the BCB and the GCA the hosting of a T20 competition that would feag ceivin Harper re presentative r e ture the top two Berbice g o R sident NBS re GCA Pre ip cheque from teams and the top two h sponsors Georgetown teams. That would be after completion of the 40Massiah, who also over competition. thanked the NBS for their support, The NBS has also officially recexplained that this tournament has ognised the sports journalist who borne fruit with the likes of Guyana has provided the best coverage for Amazon Warriors players Sherfane its 2018/19 season. Local journalRutherford and Chandrapaul ist Romario Samaroo has received Hemraj being its proud products. a special award in this regard.

With cricket continuing its changes (Brandon Corlette)

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wednesday, september 11, 2019

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Outdoor hockey returns this weekend Division U20 BOYS 2ND D WOMEN 2ND D MEN U20 BOYS U20 GIRLS 2ND D MEN

Saturday’s fixtures:

Team GCC Pitbulls GBTI GCC GCC The Sequel SHC Samurai Saints YMCA OF Aces

vs V V V V V V

Team YMCA OF Generals YMCA OF Wild Cats Hikers Cadets YMCA OF Ballerz GCC Her-ricanes YMCA OF Rusty

interruption owing to extended inclement weather.

The tournament, which caters Sunday’s fixtures: to over 15 local teams, will bully off Division Team vs Team on Saturday, and give players, both 2ND D MEN Hikers Cadets V YMCA OF Rusty young and old, opportunity to sharp2ND D MEN YMCA OF Aces V SHC Savages en their skills.

2ND D MEN SHC Shockwave V YMCA OF Rusty After Round 1 was completed earU20 BOYS SHC Samurai V GCC Pitbulls lier this year, SHC Savages currentU20 GIRLS YMCA OF Bellas V Saints ly sit at the top of the Second Division 2ND D MEN GCC The Sequel V Bounty GCC table with four wins from six games.

GCC The Sequel also has 4 wins, but ockey action will return to the Saint is second to SHC Savages based on goal differStanislaus ground on Carifesta Avenue ence.

The current third place team on the lineup this weekend, when the Solo Drinks is YMCA Old Fort Aces, who also have wins, but Under-20 and Bounty Paper Towels Second Division Outdoor Leagues are held, after a lengthy their distinction lies in goal difference.

Meanwhile on the female side, Saints lead the

H

21 Hockey action is expected to return in a matter of days

women’s Second Division with three wins from three games. GBTI GCC is second place with two wins, and Bingo GCC Spartans complete the top three.

Over in the Under-20 Division, YMCA Old Fort Ballerz are sitting pretty at the top of the table with three wins from four games played. Also on three wins are the GCC Pitbulls. SHC Samurai follow close behind with two wins from their 4 games.

The female Division sees Bingo GCC Spartans leading the pack with an unblemished tournament thus far. Saints sit in the second position with two wins, while GCC Her-ricanes occupy the third position.

After months of just Indoor action, high quality play is expected when the tournament reconvenes on Saturday afternoon.

High praise for Jamaica’s history-making, trophy-winning ice hockey team

J

amaica’s history-making ice hockey team has come in for praise after shocking Colombia on Sunday to win the 2019 Amerigol LATAM Cup at the Florida Panthers Ice Den. Jamaica defeated the Colombians 3-2 in a shootout in the tournament that included teams from Venezuela, Mexico, Chile, Brazil and Argentina.

“Jamaica continues to show the rest of the world how good we can be in sports which are not traditional to us and I really want our senior men’s ice hockey team to know how proud we are of what they have accomplished on the ice,” said Jamaica’s Sports Minister Olivia Grange.

Jamaica’s Consul General to

Miami Oliver Mair was equally impressed.

“When I made the announcement that Jamaica was going to play in hockey everybody was, like, ‘Who? Jamaica?’ I mean, the bobsled thing happened years ago but ice hockey, this is a surprise,” Mair said.

Jamaica’s team is comprised mainly of players who have Jamaica lineage living and playing hockey in North American; players like Jaden Lindo who was a sixth-round National Hockey League draft pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2014.

“It feels unbelievable, we just made history,” Lindo said.

“This is something that Jamaica is never going to forget.” (Sportsmax)

The victorious Jamaican Ice hockey squad

Iranian soccer fan "Blue Girl" dies after setting herself on fire A

female Iranian soccer fan who set herself on fire last week after being arrested for sneaking into a stadium dressed as a man has died from her injuries, causing widespread outrage.

The semi-official Shafaqna news agency said the woman - dubbed “Blue Girl” online for her favorite team Esteghlal’s colors - died at hospital on Monday after her self-immolation outside a court where she feared being jailed for six months.

Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men’s teams are playing since just after the 1979 Islamic revolution, though foreign women have been allowed limited access.

“What happened to Sahar Khodayari is heartbreaking,” Philip Luther, Amnesty International’s Middle East research and advocacy director, said in a statement among many expressions of dismay over the fate of Khodayari, who was about 30-years-old.

“Her only ‘crime’ was being a woman in a country where wom-

Fans of Iran’s Esteghlal cheer as they hold their national flag during their AFC Champions League soccer match playoff against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittifaq, in Tehran February 18, 2012

en face discrimination that is entrenched in law and plays out in the most horrific ways imaginable in every area of their lives, even sports,” Luther said .

“Our heart bleeds for Sahar”

Iran rejects Western criticism of

its human rights record as politically motivated and based on a lack of understanding of its Islamic laws.

Soccer’s governing body FIFA, which has been pressuring Iran over the ban, regretted the “tragedy” of Khodayari’s death.

“FIFA convey our condolences to

the family and friends of Sahar and reiterate our calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure the freedom and safety of any women engaged in this legitimate fight to end the stadium ban for women in Iran,” it added in a statement.

Italian club Roma spoke up in solidarity with Khodayari. “#ASRoma is yellow & red but today our heart bleeds blue for Sahar Khodayari. The beautiful game is meant to unite us, not divide us,” it tweeted. “Now it’s time for everyone in Iran to be allowed to enjoy football matches together. RIP #BlueGirl.”

After FIFA asked for a timeline, an Iranian Sports Ministry official said in August that women fans would be allowed to attend a men’s soccer World Cub qualifying match in October.

Some called for FIFA to take a tougher line. “@FIFAcom. Let’s see if you have the guts just for once to stand against women’s rights violation in Iran,” wrote one person with the Twitter handle @IranLionness. (Reuters)

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wednesday, september 11, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

History rewritten in Warner Park run fest – Gayle’s ton in vain as Tallawahs suffer 4-wicket defeat to Patriots

I

Chris Gayle registered the first century of the Hero CPL 2019 season, but it was in vain

n a display of clean ball striking at Warner Park in St Kitts & Nevis, the Patriots completed the second highest run-chase in T20I history to record a 4-wicket win over an enterprising Jamaica Tallawahs team.

A total of 37 sixes were scored in this extraordinary match between two exceptional teams, the joint highest in a T20I game.

The Warner Park ground is preferred by boundary-hitting batsmen, so when St Kitts and Nevis Patriots asked the visiting Jamaica Tallawahs to bat first, Chris Gayle and his men gracefully accepted the opportunity to light up the venue, in the process scoring 241-4 in 20 overs.

It was a record-breaking feat in which Gayle not only recorded his fourth Caribbean Premier League (CPL) century, but the Tallawahs posted the highest score in T20I history. The highest partnership record also tumbled when Gayle and Chadwick Walton recorded 162 for the second wicket.

The onslaught began when Gayle, the self-proclaimed Universe Boss, recorded 17 runs off a Fabian Allen over.

At no point did he ease on the accelerator, despite losing his partner Glenn Phillips for eight with the score on 37-1 in four overs.

That was when the GayleWalton show began, with Carlos Brathwaite and his boys coming under the rod of correction as the big Jamaicans ruthlessly wielded their willows. Walton reached fifty in 25 balls, while Gayle achieved that landmark in 38.

The Universe Boss then took things to another level as he rocketed to his century in 54 balls, flicking one through midwicket for a couple while Walton continued to play the perfect nursemaid’s role.

But as Walton tried to match Gayle stroke for stroke, he fell for a brilliant 36-ball 73, which included eight towering sixes and three fours.

Allen, a victim of the Gayle onslaught in the first over, returned in his final over and removed Gayle for a 62-ball 116, which included 10 sixes and seven fours.

Andre Russell then added the finishing touches with his 8-ball 15 as the Tallawahs ended their innings on a formidable 241-4 in 20 overs.

Patriots began their response with a bang, adding 89 runs in the ‘power play’ overs. Evin Lewis blasted a quick-fire 53 from 18 balls, which included six maximums and three fours.

Devon Thomas, who had a brilliant showing in the second match, continued his rich vein of form.

Thus, at the halfway stage, Patriots

Chadwick Walton feature in the record CPL second wicket partnership with Chris Gayle

Those wickets, however, did not halt the Patriots’ progress, as Test batsman Shamarh Brooks and Windies white-ball player Allen added 50 to the score in a flash.

Having blasted 27 from 15 balls, Brooks was removed by Russell in the 19th over; but with 15 runs required off 11 balls, Allen

SCOREBOARD

were in firm control with 133-1 in 10 overs.

Tallawahs tasted success at the end of 12 overs, when the score was 161-2 and when Laurie Evans departed for 41 scored from 20 balls. That period was a good session for Oshane Thomas, who was not his usual expensive self.

He quickly removed Brathwaite for a duck, and Jason Mohamed followed, to leave the score at 177-5 in 14 overs.

Banks DIH’s Rainforest Waters 11-Stage Cycling set for Saturday

Jamaica Tallawahs Innings (20 overs maximum) CH Gayle c Brathwaite b Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 GD Phillips † c Brathwaite b Joseph . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 CAK Walton c Brathwaite b Joseph . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 AD Russell c Brathwaite b Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 R Powell (c) not out . . . . . 1 SK Springer not out . . . . 6 Extras (lb 6, nb 1, w 15) 22 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 12.05) 241-4 Did not bat: GH Worker, SA Jacobs, JE Taylor, C Lamont, O Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Glenn Phillips, 3.6 ov), 2-199 (Chadwick Walton, 17.1 ov), 3-228 (Chris Gayle, 19.1 ov), 4-234 (Andre Russell, 19.4 ov) BOWLING: FA Allen (2-0-302), AS Joseph (4-0-39-2), RR Emrit (4-0-44-0), CR Brathwaite (4-0-42-0), DC Drakes (4-0-470), Usama Mir (2-0-33-0)

Cycling action at the National Park

S

2018 Champion. Paul De Nobrega and Christopher Griffith, both products of Team Evolution; and Team Coco’s Jamual John, will be looking to continue their great form. However, Briton John of We Stand United and Andrew Hicks, who was in top form in last month’s race in Esequibo, are set to ride in this event.

Alanzo Ambrose of Team Alanis has been building up his form, and will no doubt be aiming for the title, along with the Arokium Memorial winner Michael Anthony and Berbice lads Balram Narine and Curtis Dey, among others.

With the feature race set as the final event, fans will see the younger riders taking part in BMX 6-9, 9-12 and 12-14 competition in addition to the Mountain Bike racers and Veterans. Known veterans Junior Niles, Ian Jackson, Lennox Jackman, Leer Nunes and Paul Choo-Wee-Nam will also be on show. According to race organizer Hassan Mohammed, there will be a special surprise for a young outstanding rider.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Innings DC Thomas † c †Phillips b Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . 71 E Lewis c †Phillips b Russell 53 LJ Evans c Russell b Thomas 41 FA Allen not out . . . . . . 37 CR Brathwaite (c) c Russell b Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . 0 JN Mohammed c †Phillips b Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . 0 SSJ Brooks b Russell . . . . 27 Usama Mir not out . . . . . 0 Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 11) 13 TOTAL (18.5 Overs, RR: 12.84) 242-6 Did not bat: DC Drakes, RR Emrit, AS Joseph Fall of wickets: 1-85 (Evin Lewis, 5.3 ov), 2-161 (Laurie Evans, 11.6 ov), 3-176 (Devon Thomas, 13.1 ov), 4-177 (Carlos Brathwaite, 13.3 ov), 5-177 (Jason Mohammed, 13.6 ov), 6-227 (Shamarh Brooks, 18.1 ov) BOWLING: JE Taylor (3-0-360), SA Jacobs (2-0-30-0), O Thomas (4-0-53-4), AD Russell (3.5-0-54-2), C Lamont (3-032-0), SK Springer (3-0-36-0)

Cooper replaces Knight in Windies ODI team

B

ome of Guyana’s top cyclists will be competing in the second edition of the Banks DIH’s Rainforest Waters 11-Stage Cycle Meet on Saturday September 14 at the National Park.

This race marks the return of cycling at the National Park after a few weeks’ break, and is expected to be run on the inner circuit of the Park.

This event is slated to commence at 9:00 hours, and will feature a 35-lap School Boys and Invitational Race as the highlight of the exciting programme.

Walter Grant-Stuart is the

took matters into his own hands and smashed Russell for a six and two fours to complete a recordbreaking chase and win the game for the Patriots.

Patriots will play Barbados Tridents today, Wednesday September 11, from 18:00h local time.

ritney Cooper has been named

by Cricket West Indies (CWI) Interim Selection Panel to the West Indies Women team, as the replacement for Kycia Knight for the final match of the Colonial Medical Insurance One Day International Series against Australia Women.

Kycia suffered a lower back injury during the opening overs of the first ODI at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

After examining the scans done on Kycia, the CWI Medical Panel has ruled her out the remainder of the series. Britney joined the team in Antigua on Monday in preparation for the final match at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds on Thursday.

Tickets are priced at US$4/EC$10.00 EC in Antigua or US$5/BD$10 for Barbados to make it affordable for fans to come out and rally behind the West Indies Women. Tickets are available to buy online via the Buy Tickets button on www.windiescricket. com . Local box offices at the stadia will be open from September 3 in Antigua and in Barbados from September 12.

FULL SQUAD: Stafanie Taylor (Captain), Anisa Mohammed, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Shamilia Connell, Stacy Ann King, Natasha McLean, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Reniece Boyce, Karishma Britney Cooper Ramharack, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond. (CWI)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, september 11, 2019

Hero CPL 2019…

23

Immediate impact: Hemraj, Shepherd top CPL charts after 3 rounds

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW), having won all three of the first matches played at home, have an additional reason to celebrate: After three rounds in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), their batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj is the leading run-scorer in the tournament, while their bowler Romario Shepherd tops the bowling charts.

From a Guyanese perspective, it is certainly a plus that local players have thus far had immediate impact on the matches.

The GAW touched down in St Kitts & Nevis on Monday last, and will begin their away matches against the Carlos Brathwaite-led St Kitts & Nevis Patriots team on Saturday, September 14, from 20:00h.

The GAW have registered wins against the St Lucia Zouks, the Patriots, and the Barbados Tridents.

Although those wins came from complete team efforts, some players stood

By Jemima Holmes

T

he script for the Golden Jaguars on Monday evening at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora, WCD read the same as in times past: The Reggae Boys of Jamaica again trashed the Golden Jags by four goals to nothing, drilling holes in the Jaguars’ net with impunity as they dominated the competition.

But despite their dismal performance in this CONCACAF Nations League match, Interim Head Coach of the Guyana senior national men’s team, Marcio Maximo, remained confident that the Jags can bounce back. He noted that the Jags will take this loss as a lesson going forward, and will work on being better for the remaining Nations League encounters.

“About the team: I think that you (they) pay (paid) a big price in our first half (of play); second half, we fixed our mistakes, (made) tactical adjustments, and second half they came better! It’s a good lesson for us. Jamaica is a good team; of course we are, as well. In the meantime,

out in those three matches. Guyanese opener Hemraj leads the charts in the tourment with 116 averaging and strik128.8. He achieved

Chandrapaul Hemraj

because it’s a long time away -- I’m not a magician, football doesn’t have magic; you take lessons from each game -- so next game we’ll be better,” the Interim Head Coach explained.

Probed about the exclusion of Torell Ondaan, Maximo disclosed that the focus has been on giving more

run n a runs, 38.66 ing at a l s o h i s highest T20 score of

63.

Sitting in fourth position on the batting charts is the hard-hitting Shimron Hetmyer, who has so far scored 103 runs; while GAW marquee player Nicholas Pooran is finding his groove this season with 61 unbeaten runs in his last innings. Captain Shoaib Malik (58) and Sherfane Rutherford (42) have also shown form with the bat in these first three matches.

Newly recruited West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard has also led his team, the Trinbago Knight Riders, to a good start in their first three matches.

He has scored 106 runs, and is second to Hemraj, who has 116 to his credit. Trinbago’s Dinesh Ramdin is in third position with 104 runs.

Shepherd, Shadab rule bowling charts

In the bowling department, local speedster Romario Shepherd has seven wickets to his name, with career best statistics of 4-13.

This robust right-arm bowler continues to show consistency in major tournaments, and is closer to his maiden West Indies’ call-up. Scores in the first three matches have been relatively high, but Shepherd Romario Shepherd has been bowling on a different planet, so to speak, with this as they lead the points’ charts with six an extraordinary economy rate of 5.34. points at a supreme net run rate of 1.263.

World number three bowler in T20I crickDefending champions Trinbago Knight et, Shadab Khan, has shown how valuable Riders, although in second position in the he is to the GAW in the first three matches. points’ standings, have also recorded six He will, unfortunately, not participate fur- points and have also won their first three ther in this Hero CPL tournament because matches at home. The essential difference of commitments to his native Pakistan. He between these teams is that this Pollard-led had an immediate impact for his GAW team Knight Riders team have a net run rate of when he picked up a wicket off the very first 0.886. ball he bowled in the tournament. He has GAW and Knight Riders are the only taken seven wickets, and shares the leading teams with wins in the Hero CPL 2019 bowler’s spot with Romario Shepherd and tourney thus far (excluding matches after Jimmy Neesham in the first three rounds of September 8). After the third round, Patriots matches. and Zouks have each recorded two losses in Khan played for the Trinbago Knight two matches, while the Jamaica Tallawahs Riders in the 2018 season. He took 3-16, and the Barbados Tridents have each played and had shown his athleticism by pulling off one match and lost. some stunning catches.

In 2018, after the first three matches played, the GAW had won two, and lost the one against the Tridents. This season, howPoints standings after round 3 Net run rate has been an important fac- ever, they are off to the perfect start. tor in T20 cricket. The GAW are cognisant of

you have to do it, and so we give more chances to them. I don’t talk about private players, I’ll talk about the team,” he shared.

What went down at Leonora?

The Reggae Boys completely outclassed the local side in their 4-0 encounter.

The match could even have

A snippet of Monday evening’s game

Interim Golden Jags Head Coach Marcio Maximo

local players the opportunity to develop.

“First of all, it’s our new policy to give more chances to local players. I think that our local football needs to develop. It’s one chance that

ended with a larger margin of defeat for the Jags.

The home team had opted for a starting XI that comprised Akel Clarke, Kevin Layne, Matthew Briggs, Clive Nobrega, Samuel Cox,

Sheldon Holder, Keanu Marsh Brown, Kelsey Benjamin, Daniel Wilson, Liam Gordon and Neil Danns. Inexplicably, the ever consistent Torell Ondaan had been omitted.

The Jamaicans meant business from the start, and attempted to score from the earliest possible opportunity. Charging forward from his defensive position in the 14th minute, Elvis Powell took a shot from just outside the box, and sunk it!

He tried at the goal again in the 26th minute, and found goalkeeper Akel Clarke

scrambling to find his footing. Thus he connected for his second goal, putting Jamaica 2-nil ahead.

Being truly Jamaica’s man of the hour, Powell created the assist which led Dever Orgill to find the back of the net in the 44th minute, pushing the halftime score to 3-0.

When play resumed, the Jags had a tighter defense, but not tight enough to prevent the mighty Jamaicans from scoring again, as Orgill secured his second goal in the 54th minute of play.

In the latter moments of the game, the Jags increased

their possession and attempts at the goal, but the superb Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake kept the score at 4-nil.

Guyana currently sit at number two in Group C, League B, just above Antigua and Barbuda on goal difference. Antigua and Barbuda recorded their first win on Monday night when they defeated Aruba 2-1. Jamaica lead the group on both points and goal difference.

Guyana will play their next Nations League game on October 11: against Antigua and Barbuda.

wednesday, september 11, 2019

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

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Hero CPL 2019…

Immediate impact: Hemraj, Shepherd top CPL charts after 3 rounds History rewritten in Warner Park run fest Page 23

Page 22

Evin Lewis

– Gayle’s ton in vain as Tallawahs suffer 4-wicket defeat to Patriots

Devon Thomas

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