Guyana Times - Wednesnday, January 9, 2019

P13

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Pages 3 and 9

Issue No. 3799

THE BEACON OF TRUTH Wednesday, January 9, 2019

PRICE

Jagdeo, Granger to meet today on election preparations, other issues

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Car slams into Bagotstown house for 8th P2 time

…civil society bodies concerned about political situation …Christopher Ram petitions court to have Govt resign

Medical leave of GECOM Chair extended

Driver in New Year’s Day fatal accident gets bail P8

Father gets 14-year jail term for P8 killing son

Pages 7 and 11

...extension is ploy to delay elections – PPP Commissioners

MoPI invites bids for sea defence P13 works in 6 regions

Page 12

MovieTowne hosts career fair, opening likely for February Police issue Unarmed men wanted escape with bulletins for money safe men already from NIS office in custody Page 7

Page 12

P10 CANU collaborates with DEA in “Operation Tale Horse” …aims to strengthen investigation, prosecution of narcotics cases

2 news

wednesdAY, January 9, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Car slams into Bagotstown house for 8th time M otorcar PPP 2360, driven by 18-year-old Tyrese Souvenir, ended up in the home of Faizal Razack located at Lot 35 Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. This is the 8th time a motor vehicle has crashed into the house.

The teenage driver of Essequibo Street, Lamaha Springs, reportedly told Police that at the time of the accident, the road was slippery and as such he lost control of the vehicle which slammed into the house.

The house was partially damaged while the vehicle is beyond repair.

The badly damaged car that crashed into the Bagotstown house

At the scene, Razack told media operatives that he was awakened by the impact and

a loud explosion. As he got out of bed, he saw the motorcar in his yard. At the time,

he saw public spirited citizens – who were passing at the time and who witnessed

the accident – rushing to the aid of the four occupants of the mangled car. They were rescued and taken to a hospital where they were treated and released.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver but there were no traces of alcohol in his system. He is being questioned by Police as they continue their investigations.

Razack stated that while his house is insured, he is concerned for his family’s safety since they are in grave danger every time a vehicle crashes into their home.

“The last time a car

slammed into the house, the insurance gave me back $300,000 but that could have barely do to repair. The place that was damaged… you still have other expenses,” he added. Stating that this is the 8th time a motor vehicle has crashed into his home, he is calling on drivers to be more careful when negotiating the turn.

In addition, he is recommending that a “speed hump” be placed on the roadway in the vicinity of his house; a call he thought would not be possible due to the major road. The first car crashed into the Razack’s property in 2011.

Police destroy 9000 cannabis plants, 300kg dried ganja

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olice ranks in E Division (LindenKwakwani) on Tuesday conducted a narcotics eradication exercise at 10 Miles, Millie’s Hideout, Upper Demerara, during which several fields of can-

ling nine acres with an estimated 9000 cannabis plants.

The plants ranged from two feet to eight feet in height.

They also discovered 300 kilos of dried ganja and two nurseries containing 6500 seedlings.

Seven camps contain-

nabis were destroyed.

The exercise, which was conducted between 07:00h and 16:00h, was a joint effort between Police, Community Policing Groups and Rural Constables.

During the exercise, ranks discovered several fields total-

ing groceries, kitchen utensils, clothing, beds, hammocks and foodstuff were also found. The fields were reportedly destroyed by fire. Divisional Commander Linden Lord said no one was arrested as investigations continue.

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wednesdAY, January 9, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 9 – 05:00h-06:30h and Thursday, January 10 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 9 – 06:00h-07:30h and Thursday, January 10 – 06:30h-08:00h.

Jagdeo, Granger to meet today on election preparations, other issues – civil society bodies concerned about political situation citizen, Compton Herbert Reid, seeking to reverse the Government’s loss of the no-confidence vote and also seeking an extension of the 90-day stipulated time in which elections are constitutionally due when a no-confidence motion is passed.

The main contention in Reid’s case is one Government has previously cited, which is that

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected to prevail throughout the day, while clear to partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening, with overall temperatures ranging between 20 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

Party has rejected.

Government has also embraced an argument that the no-confidence vote was not passed by a majority when 33 out of 65 Members of Parliament voted in favour of it. The original proponent of the 34 vote argument is Attorney Nigel Hughes, a former Alliance For Change Chairman and the husband of sit-

High Tide: 07:00h and 19:14h reaching maximum heights of 2.43 metres and 2.51 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:34h and 12:48h reaching minimum heights of 0.68 metre and 0.79 metre respectively.

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President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo are expected to meet today

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n December 21, 2018, the No-confidence Motion brought by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo brought down the entire Government by a 33 to 32 vote majority. Today, President David Granger will come face to face with Jagdeo for their first meeting since that historic event.

Their meeting, which will take place at the Ministry of the Presidency at 11:00h, is expected to address a number of concerns, including not only how we act in the 90 days period and preparation for elections in compliance with the Constitution of Guyana but also given that all the parties have constituencies, to start exploring post-elections possibilities of working together in the interest of Guyana and its citizens.

However, clause 7 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Even though less than 90 days remain in which elections must be held, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has made no significant moves towards preparing for holding elections.

There has been no word on the necessary appointments of polling day staff that must be made, or the observer groups that must be brought on board. Parties must also be registered and Proportional Representation lists submitted. There has been no word on this, though several new political parties have sprung up across the country.

For its part, GECOM has said President David Granger must initiate these moves by writing to the Commission proposing a date for elections. In the

meantime, statutory meetings have been postponed until GECOM Chairman James Patterson returns to take command of his ship.

He has, in turn, had his medical leave extended to recover from a recent illness.

Goodwill

The meeting of the two leaders also comes against the backdrop of complaints from Jagdeo that the coalition’s actions following the no-confidence vote have marred the goodwill between their respective parties.

These actions include Government reneging on its promises to respect the no-confidence vote results; results that have been upheld by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, who was approached by the Government to overturn the vote but refused.

Instead, a court case has been filed by a private

The meeting will take place at the Ministry of the Presidency

Charrandas Persaud, the former Government parliamentarian who made the motion’s passage possible with his vote, was ineligible to vote because of his dual citizenship.

But since the vote, coalition politicians have gone so far as to throw accusations of bribery at the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), accusations that did not come with evidence and which the

ting Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes.

Hughes told State media that half of 65 is 32.5 but when rounded to the nearest whole number this would be 33 as there is no half member. Since this statement, this formula has been adopted by some and ridiculed by others. It formed the basis of Government’s ultimately rejected case to the Speaker.

Turn to page 11

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wednesdAY, January 9, 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 President can end the charade

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oday has the potential of becoming a very significant day in the nation’s history. An extremely important meeting is scheduled between the President and the Leader of the Opposition; the first since the No-confidence Motion brought against the Government was voted upon and carried in the National Assembly.

The immediate process such a successful motion triggers, as enshrined in the Constitution, is yet to be implemented by the Government. Instead, it has sought recourse in the courts to have the motion squashed after failing to have the Speaker reverse his ruling. Legal experts have since raised concerns over the jurisdiction of the courts in such matters given that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and is pellucid on the requisite process.

The meeting in question comes almost three weeks after the motion was carried and the President’s subsequent public announcement that his Government will adhere to the constitutional process. To date, there has been no sign of any attempt to uphold the Constitution as stated with fresh elections mandated within three months.

After the absurd theory that 34 and not 33 is the “new” majority mooted by a staunch Government supporter, large sums have and continue to be spent on a public relations campaign by the Administration to condition minds for acceptance. Leading officials are seen pushing this ludicrousness argument even as the Speaker upheld that 33 votes carried the motion and the President’s announcement to abide.

Those looking at the Government’s efforts of using the media at the expense of taxpayers to convince of flawed Mathematics and an imposed unconstitutionality, cannot be oblivious of the desperation that exudes. Surely they cannot avoid feeling a sense of embarrassment to watch elected officials who are learned men and women clutch at straws to hold on to power. That embarrassment has not escaped the country as the world watches.

If the argument of 34 being the majority is absurd, then the other of dual citizenship bringing doubts of illegality of the vote, is even worse. To put into perspective, the Government is arguing that the vote by former Member of Parliament (MP), Charrandas Persaud, may not be valid due to his dual citizenship. From what has been reported, Persaud may have attained that status before becoming an MP. More so, it’s the said Government that placed him in Parliament to represent it. In other words, they put him there, more than likely knowing his status, and are now complaining.

If, by their argument, his vote on the No-confidence Motion is invalid, then the obvious question is, how could all of his previous votes, including the majority of one needed to pass five budgets, be valid. This adds fodder to the embarrassment brought upon the country despite the unambiguous related articles in the Constitution. One former Caribbean leader has voiced concern over the impact the current impasse can have beyond the shores of Guyana, not the least, internal.

The court case and public pronouncements by officials, including a Vice President who boldly proclaimed that the Government will not resign, can only be interpreted as desperate measures not only to hold on to power, but to totally disregard the Constitution.

This is where the Head of State is expected to intervene to avoid a contravention of the nation’s supreme law in its interest and that of the people. There have been calls from society for him to do just that.

At a brunch held a few days ago, the President is reported to have urged the media corps to honour their obligation to social responsibility, for them to be professional and practice selfregulation. He even posited that those who do not conform to the value and standards must be sanctioned by their peers.

That is most interesting, for as he makes known his expectations of the media, his Government is still to honour its obligation to social responsibility with regard to upholding the Constitution following the successful passage of the No-confidence Motion, it is still to be professional subsequent to the vote and some officials are not practicing self-regulation as evident from their public utterances.

Just as how he can urge the media, he can rein in his subjects and swiftly bring to an end the charade his Government is currently engaged in. In doing so, he will not only appear professional, but will demonstrate unambiguously that he is the President for all and not just for the parties within his coalition. That is the expectation of the nation that wants the Constitution to be respected.

That is why the meeting today becomes significant. If he were to do what is dictated by the Constitution, he would be sending a strong message of disagreement with his subordinates in an act of statesmanship to safeguard democracy, the interest of the country and Guyanese. If he were to do otherwise, he would not only officially join the ongoing charade, but would inflict a telling blow to democracy and the rule of law. Guyana and the rest of the world eagerly wait on how significant the day would be.

Located at Lot 65-67 High Street, Kingston, Georgetown is the building known as Red House. Red House is also known as Kamana Court and is commonly referred to as the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) which is currently housed at the location. The building is a 19th Century colonial structure. The edifice housed the colonial secretaries from 1925-1953. One of its former residents was Sir Eustace Woolford, a Speaker of the Legislature of British Guiana (Deopaul Samwaru photo)

Khashoggi trial: UN human rights office questions fairness of Saudi murder hearing

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he trial of 11 men accused of murdering the Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which started in the kingdom on Thursday, has been slammed by the United Nations.

The UN’s human rights office said it had no way of assessing the fairness of the trial – in which five of the suspects are facing the death penalty.

Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani called for an independent investigation into the killing and demanded “international involvement”.

The US has also piled on the pressure, with a senior official saying Saudi Arabia’s investigation still lacks full credibility and accountability.

Khashoggi – a Washington Post columnist who was critical of the current Saudi leadership – was killed while visiting the country’s embassy in Istanbul last October.

The 59-year-old was living in self-imposed exile in the US at the time.

Leaked intelligence reports suggest he was tortured – including having his fingers cut off – before

he was killed. His body was said to have been dissolved in acid.

The slaying caused revulsion around the world as Turkish investigators revealed a team of 15 Saudis had been flown into Istanbul for 24 hours with the apparent intention of killing Khashoggi during a prearranged appointment at the embassy.

Moments after he died one of the men was recorded phoning a number in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and saying: “The thing is done, it’s done.” After changing its response to the incident several times, the Saudi government eventually

said the killing had been a “rogue” operation.

It denied the kingdom’s de fact ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had ordered the murder.

The CIA has since said it is highly unlikely the killing could have happened without him being aware of it.

Following the UN’s assessment of the trial on Friday, US officials expressed their own doubts about its plausibility.

“I don’t think, from our point of view, that the narrative emerging from the Saudis throughout the legal process has yet hit that threshold of credibility and accountability,” an official

told journalists.

Rights groups have also called for an independent investigation into the killing.

“Given the possible involvement of Saudi authorities in Khashoggi’s murder and the lack of independence of Saudi Arabia’s criminal justice system, the impartiality of any investigation and trial would be in question,” Samah Hadid, a Middle East Director at Amnesty International, said on Thursday last. “This is why a UN-led and independent investigation is needed into the murder.” (independent.co.uk)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesdAY, January 9, 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

“Context is king” – this adage is markedly One-seat majority toppled the PPP Government in 2015 relevant at this time in Guyana Dear Editor, The controversy regarding ex-Member of Parliament, Charrandas Persaud’s (CP) dual citizenship has elicited heated arguments on many fronts because of what is written in the Constitution of Guyana. The MP’s “allegiance” is cause for concern because of his dual citizenship since Section 155 (1) of the Constitution states: “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who –– (a) is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

According to the Government of Canada’s website, one becomes a citizen of Canada by taking an oath and affirms the following: “I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second Queen of Canada her heirs and successors and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.” In examining Section 155 (1) of the Constitution, CP does not flaunt the tenets of that section of the Constitution since he does not acknowledge “allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

The (official) Canada website clarifies and illu-

minates that oath by underscoring, “In Canada, we profess our loyalty to a person who represents all Canadians and not to a document such as a constitution, a banner such as a flag, or a geopolitical entity such as a country. In our constitutional monarchy, these elements are encompassed by the Sovereign (Queen or King). It is a remarkably simple yet powerful principle: Canada is personified by the Sovereign just as the Sovereign is personified by Canada.” The person who makes that citizenship declaration, therefore, does not contravene the Guyana Constitution if he or she wishes to stand in the capacity as an MP. It must be noted that in the US, new citizens pledge allegiance to the Constitution and laws of the US, but they are also required to renounce their allegiance to any foreign or previous entities. This condition is not the case of new Canadians.

I became a Canadian citizen more than 40 years ago. Like most Canadians, I have never thought Queen Elizabeth as anything more than a figurehead.

Therefore, if one examines the literal and figurative meanings of the two entities (Section 155 (1) of the Guyana Constitution, and the oath taken by new Canadians), a Guyanese

who holds dual citizenship with Canada is still eligible to become a Member of Parliament in Guyana.

According to a recent newspaper editorial, more than 38 per cent of the Members of Parliament in Guyana have dual citizenship. If the court rules that CP’s dual citizenship makes him ineligible to sit as an MP, the authorities would have no choice but dissolve Parliament since what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

It is ironic and ludicrous that the Government is claiming that CP’s vote was negligible and inconsequential because of dual citizenship, while at the same time replacing him with Barbara Pilgrim, who is allegedly a US citizen!

One must examine the context in a thicker layer.

In a small country such as Guyana that has suffered from a brain drain and is desperate for qualified and experienced personnel, it would send shivers to the diaspora about wanting to return and help develop the country.

The CP dual citizenship question is a no-brainer; Guyanese who have dual Canadian citizenship should be allowed a parliamentary seat.

Yours truly, Dr Devanand Bhagwan

Dear Editor, When a vote of no-confidence by the coalition partners with a one-seat majority toppled the PPP/C Government in 2015 there was instant concession to the Constitutional provisions, which led to the coalition attaining administrative office through an election that was challenged by the PPP/C, which is currently in opposition. However, that election petition, three and a half years after, has been held in abeyance; thus what the PPP/C leaders and supporters consider to be a de facto Government continued to administer the affairs of state, until Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo initiated a no-confidence motion against the coalition Government.

What transpired thereafter in the National Assembly of Guyana on December 21, 2018, is well-documented and need not be rehashed here in detail. Suffice it to say that a conscience vote by a Government MP, Mr Charandas Persaud, toppled the coalition Government, which the President, Prime Minister and other Government officials immediately conceded; as well as admitting that the coalition Government has now been reduced to a caretaker Government until elections

Government had “legally” seated Charrandas in Parliament Dear Editor, The coalition Government is now making the questionable claim that parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud was not qualified to be elected to the National Assembly because of his Canadian citizenship. Yet the coali-

tion Government had “legally” seated Mr Persaud in Parliament, included him in the tally that gave the Government its one-seat majority, had included his votes in the count of “yes” on bills that in fact became laws – all the while knowingly perpetu-

Majority in the National Assembly revisited Dear Editor, The composition of the National Assembly is 65. It is generally accepted that majority is more than 50 per cent of 65 unless otherwise specifically defined in the Constitution of Guyana.

Calculating 50 per cent of 65 gives a result of 32.5.

This is a theoretical number establishing the boundary for determining what number will constitute a majority. It is not a number to be tagged to any member of the National Assembly. The number 33 is greater than the theoretical number 32.5 (50 per cent). Therefore, the number 33 represents the majority.

Calculating mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation from a set of num-

bers are all theoretical values that are used to analyse data that is presented.

They are theoretical constructs and must be treated as such.

To suggest that 32.5 should be rounded up to 33 and then add 1 to produce the magical number 34 as the majority is grossly misleading. This is intellectual dishonesty. Further, it is a disservice to the education of our people. This is part of the challenges that mathematics teachers in the country have to confront on a daily basis in the classrooms – misconceptions, misconceptions, and more!!

Regards, Mohandatt Goolsarran

ating a constitutional illegality! The implications of this admission are staggering.

Does this not render any parliamentary decision in which Mr Persaud participated null and void? Does this not make the entire legal structure that declared Mr Persaud legally and properly seated as a parliamentarian culpable of perpetuating a fraud on the Guyanese people?

If Mr Persaud was properly and legally seated,

then his “yes” vote is valid, and the Government lost. If he was not, then the Government is guilty of perpetuating a fraud of colossal proportions on the Guyanese people. If Persaud had voted “no”, would not his vote have been considered valid and the Government triumphant?

Sincerely, Wilbert M Stephenson

are held three months thereafter.

However, true to form, they back-pedaled and what followed was a hilarious attempt to perpetuate their illegal Government through various configurations, one example of such is an astounding and absurd mathematical calculation on what constitutes a majority in a 65-seat Parliament that has made Guyana’s Parliament the laughingstock of the world.

Subsequently, after the Speaker, who almost always concedes to coalition members of Parliament, to the aggravation of PPP/C members, wisely refused to review his ruling on the passing of the no-confidence motion they have taken their contention to the court; with their initial arguments on majority issues, but also with the specious submission that Mr Persaud has a dual (Canadian/Guyana) citizenship, which invalidates his vote on the no-confidence motion.

Editor, as we approach an early national and regional election, my areas of priority as a Member of Parliament have been firmly focused on young people and indigenous people. Over the last three and a half years, from my perspective as an Indigenous Member of Parliament, I have seen the neglect by the APNU+AFC Government of both young and indigenous people of Guyana. How can anyone forget the discriminatory action against Guyana’s indigenous youths as well as

their dependents when 1972 Community Service Officers for indigenous communities were immediately dismissed by the APNU+AFC coalition Government upon assumption to office in May, 2015.

Subsequently indigenous peoples’ development as well as national development all went on a downward trajectory, plummeting to a dynamic that inhibited growth of any kind in any sector. Examples are the Amerindian Land Titling, mining GRIF, Hinterland ICT programme. What a sad irony that the deceptive promises of the “good life” now lies spent and impotent with the masses downtrodden and beaten by the daily struggle to survive.

As an Indigenous citizen, it is the fervent hope that all Guyanese youths, inclusive of the Indigenous youths, are ready to go to the polls, and cast their votes against the oppressive APNU+AFC. The APNU+AFC Government has done absolutely nothing for the youths of Guyana. The APNU+AFC Government has done nothing for indigenous people of Guyana. They have neglected all of us, taken us for granted, and let us down while focusing on their personal advancement either through legal or corrupt means. It is time for the youths to take their future in their own hands and move forward with the successive PPP/C. Alister Charlie PPP/C MP Region Nine

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Foundation

What is cheating?

heating is when a person misleads, deceives, or acts dishonestly on purpose. For kids, cheating may happen at school, at home, or while playing a sport. If a baseball team is for kids who are eight or younger, it’s cheating for a nine-year-old to play on the team and hit home run after home run.

At school, in addition to cheating on a test, a kid might cheat by stealing someone else’s idea for a science project or by copying a book report off the Internet and turning it in as if it’s his or her original work. Copying someone else’s words or work and saying they’re yours is a type of cheating called plagiarism (say: PLAY-juh-rih-zem).

How do people cheat?

Cheating can happen in a lot of different ways, like: * Sneaking answers to a test * Breaking the rules of a game or contest * Pretending something is yours when it isn’t When people cheat, it’s not fair to other people, like the kids who studied for the test or who were the true winners of a game or contest.

It’s tempting to cheat because it makes difficult things seem easy, like getting all the right answers on the test.

But it doesn’t solve the problem of not knowing the material and it won’t help on the next test — unless the person cheats again.

Sometimes it may seem like cheaters have it all figured out. They can watch TV instead of studying for the spelling test. But other people lose respect for cheaters and think less of them. The cheaters themselves may feel bad because they know they are not really earning that good grade. And, if they get caught cheating, they will be in trouble at school, and maybe at home too.

Why do kids cheat?

Some kids cheat because they’re busy or lazy and they want to get good grades without spending the time studying. Other kids might feel like they can’t pass the test without cheating. Even when there seems to be a “good reason” for cheating, cheating isn’t a good idea.

If you were sick or upset about something the night before and couldn’t study, it would be better to talk with the teacher about this. And if you don’t have enough time to study for a test because of swim practice, you need to talk with your parents about how to balance swimming and school.

A kid who thinks cheating is the only way to pass a test needs to talk with the teacher and his or her parents so they can find some solutions together. Talking about these problems and working them out will feel better than cheating.

What can happen if kids cheat?

Many kids feel tempted to cheat once in a while. Most resist and do the work instead. Some kids cheat once and feel so bad that they never do it again. Others get caught and decide it isn’t worth it. Unfortunately, some kids start cheating and feel like they can’t stop.

Kids who cheat may feel worried about getting caught.

Whether they are caught or not, these kids may feel guilty, or embarrassed, or ashamed – or all three. Even if the cheater feels fine or doesn’t get caught, that doesn’t mean it’s OK. If you see someone cheating, or if someone asks to copy your work, you can tell a teacher or another grown-up.

Kids who get caught cheating might be given a “zero” score on the assignment, be sent to the principal’s office, and have their parents contacted. Worse than the bad grade may be the feeling of having disappointed other people, like parents and teachers. A parent may worry that you are not an honest person and a teacher might watch you more closely the next time you’re taking a test.

Cheaters cheat themselves in a way because they don’t make an honest attempt to learn as much as they can. For instance, if you cheat your way through spelling tests, you won’t learn how to spell. That can catch up with you when you get older! And adults who cheat — at work, sports, or in their relationships — get into serious trouble, far more serious than a bad grade on a spelling test.

Making a comeback

There are plenty of reasons why a kid shouldn’t cheat, but some kids have already cheated. If that’s you, it’s never too late to stop cheating. Cheating can become a habit, but like other bad habits, a kid can always decide to act better and make better choices. It might help to talk the problem over with a parent, teacher, or counsellor. Choosing to play fair and be honest again can help a kid feel relieved and proud.

There’s an old saying that cheaters never win and winners never cheat. This may sound confusing because sometimes it seems like cheaters do win – at least for the moment. But kids who don’t cheat are true winners because, when they win, they do it fair and square. (kidshealth.org)

By Wendy Wisner

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his past Tuesday, I watched my son compete in his school spelling bee. Let me tell you: Watching 15 fourth- and fifth-graders stand on stage in front of a packed auditorium spelling words like “quash” and “marionette” is a nail-biting, super-stressful experience.

My son ended up coming in first place, and while I was extremely proud of him for winning, it wasn’t the moment he stood in front of the school and correctly spelled “catastrophe” that got me all choked up.

Instead, it was the kindness he showed to all the kids who got out before him, slapping them high-fives and giving them a warm thumbs-up. There was one student who shed a few tears on stage, and my son squeezed her arm, then whispered consoling words in her ear.

I’m not really one to brag about my parenting, but in that moment, I thought to myself, I guess I did something right.

We all want our kids to be successful, to grow up to be thriving, contributing members of society. And we all want them to be happy and healthy. But how do we get them there? What do we emphasize? Our kids are born totally open. We mould them. And we need to choose carefully what values we instil in them.

For me, above all else, I want my kids to be kind. I want them to see beyond their own self-interests and reach out if they see anyone suffering. I want them to know empathy and compassion. Not only that, but I also want them to practice those things in their daily lives.

Being kind isn’t a sacrifice – a goodness reserved solely for the recipient. Kindness goes both ways. It’s good for others, but it’s also good for our kids. In fact, there are numerous studies showing that kindness actually makes our kids healthier, both emotionally and physically. (scarymom.com) To be continued

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wednesdAY, January 9, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Medical leave of GECOM Chair extended – statutory meeting postponed until his return

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uyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson, has had his medical leave extended, even as the three-month deadline mandated by the Constitution for elections after a successful no-confidence vote approaches and preparations are at a standstill.

Patterson, who is recovering after being hospitalised last month, was expected to return to GECOM on Tuesday to host a statutory meeting. On Tuesday, the Commission revealed that Patterson did not return as scheduled and in fact received an extension of his medical leave.

According to a statement, Patterson is recovering but has been advised by his doctors to take additional rest to ensure full recovery. The statement added that, “the Chairman will provide further updates on his resumption.”

Contacted on Tuesday, GECOM Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward revealed that the statutory meeting will be postponed until Patterson returns. She also said that GECOM has to wait on the executive before beginning its election preparations.

GECOM Chairman Retired Justice James Patterson

“There’s a procedure to be followed for GECOM to conduct an election. First of all, the executive arm needs to write to GECOM indicating a date for election.

So when the letter comes to the Chairman that is deliberated at the level of the Commission to say, well we agree, this is the time we can work with and this is the time we cannot work with.”

“Based on that confirmation and that deliberation, that is where GECOM kicks in to say elections will be held in this time and we need to roll out our operations,” Ward further explained.

She noted that since they have gotten word or have

not been written to by the Executive, in the current circumstances, legal proceedings have in fact been filed by the Government against the no-confidence vote.

Meanwhile, there are reports that Patterson’s leave has been extended by two weeks. His absence comes at a time when Government, having fallen to a no-confidence vote on December 21, 2018, has to call elections within 90 days from that date.

The No-confidence Motion brought by the parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) – against the Government succeeded when Charrandas Persaud, a former Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian, broke rank and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

A total of 10 MPs had previously debated the motion, but when a vote of division was called, Persaud’s vote changed the numbers to 33 versus his colleagues’ 32 votes against the motion.

While Persaud’s former coalition colleagues have complained about being betrayed by the vote, the parliamentary Opposition has thrown its support behind the MP’s right to vote in whichever direction his con-

Unarmed men escape with money safe from NIS office

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The National Insurance Scheme, Melanie Damishana, ECD branch

hree unarmed men in the wee hours of Tuesday bound and gagged two security guards attached to the National Insurance Scheme branch at Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD) after which they broke into the building to remove a safe containing $600,000.

Based on reports received, the perpetrators accosted two female guards about 01:30h and took them to the back of the building where they were relieved of their service revolvers. After collecting the guns, the men reportedly emptied them of bullets and returned them to the guards.

The men then entered

the building and made off with the metal safe containing the money.

The guards managed to untie themselves and raised an alarm. The Police were summoned to the scene and an investigation was launched. The Police have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.

GECOM PRO Yolanda Warde

science lead him. Persaud has since left the country.

With the Government’s defeat, the next steps are spelt out in the Constitution of Guyana. Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states:

“The Cabinet, including the President, shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Meanwhile, clause 7 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Government has gone from promising to respect

the vote to denying the vote’s validity on grounds that include an argument that 34 should have been a majority vote in 65. A court case has been filed seeking, among other things, a stay of the elections pending a ruling.

Meanwhile, a meeting has been scheduled between President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo for today.

One of the issues expected to be raised is GECOM and its readiness for elections.

Jagdeo has already warned that if elections are not facilitated within 90 days and there is no parliamentary agreement to extend this time, Guyana will have in place an unconstitutional Government.

8 news

wednesdAY, January 9, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Father gets 14-year jail term for killing son

Amarnauth Chand, called "Desmond", escorted by Police

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marnauth Chand, called "Desmond" of Narine Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Tuesday sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singh for unlawfully killing his own son, Mahesh Chand on September 29, 2016.

The teary-eyed man, who was represented by Attorneyat-Law Keoma Griffith, pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when Prosecutor Abigail Gibbs had

originally presented a murder indictment against him at the opening of the Demerara Criminal Assizes at the High Court in Georgetown.

The 49-year-old man, who asked for mercy, killed his son over a $300 argument.

According to the facts presented to the court, the accused and his wife were involved in an argument and his now dead son intervened.

Chand accused his son of always taking his mother’s side and armed himself with a cutlass which he used to chop

his son in the abdomen and chest.

A post-mortem examination gave the son’s cause of death as perforation to the heart due to stab wound. The court heard that the gruesome killing was witnessed by the accused ’s daughter.

Chand accepted the State’s facts and professed that he was influenced to make his decision. In his address to the court, Chand in tears said he was supposed to be at home with his wife and four children, but could not because of his son’s death.

He said he was sorry for what happened, especially for his remaining children.

The mother of the dead man had related to Guyana Times in 2016 that on the night in question, the accused returned home around 23:00h and began verbally abusing her over $300, which he had given her earlier to purchase groceries.

After his son intervened,

Still going strong…

Deceased: Mahesh Chand

he was chopped and subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed from his injuries. After committing the act, Chand had reportedly fled the scene, but was later apprehended. Justice Singh encouraged the offender to take anger management courses.

No family member was present at Tuesday’s sentencing.

Driver in New Year’s Day fatal accident received bail

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he driver of motor car PNN 7862 on Tuesday made an appearance at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court where he was slapped with a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The defendant, Lakeram Puran pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on

January 1, 2019 at Coldingen Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he drove motor vehicle PNN 7862 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Rodwell Emanuel James.

Reports stated that on the day in question, James was at-

tempting to cross the road when the motor car struck him. As a result, the driver of the car lost control and slammed into a utility pole.

Both the defendant and the victim received injuries and were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state.

The driver was later discharged while 22-year-old James, formerly of Lot 1315 Bachelor’s Adventure, ECD, died while receiving medical attention.

Magistrate Fabayo Azore granted Puran bail in the sum of $350,000. The matter is set to continue on February 21, 2019.

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…PNC’s Aapan Jhaat hile “voting for your own” is a constant in every divided society – be it along religious, cultural, race, colour, ethnicity, whatever – in Guyana, the phenomenon got an “Indian” tag, “aapan jhaat” even though the imperative was created by Forbes Burnham.

An African Guyanese, he broke off from the multiracial PPP and used his standing in his community to persuade them to vote for his faction. And that’s the way it’s been ever since – vote for your own!

This came out loud and clear over the weekend in a very poignant message from prominent businessman Terrence Campbell, who announced he’d quit the NGO RISE and the nascent political party New United Guyana (NUG).Why? Aapan Jhaat!! Declaring he’d voted for PNC/ APNU all his life and supported causes in their AfricanGuyanese constituencies, he became convinced that because of their missteps since 2015, they were going to lose the next election. He threw his hat into the ring to “prevent a PPP victory” and force constitutional change via RISE and NUG. And that’s the way the PNC is…not even the gentlest of criticism from “their own” is brooked, much less joining up with “others”!! We learnt this when David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis had their columns in the Chronic abruptly yanked when they dared suggest the coalition could’ve done some things differently! So what if the Chronic’s the STATE paper? When your party is the PARAMOUNT party, it’ll take no lip – even from friends!

But the no-confidence vote shook the PNC to the core.

Its carefully crafted strategy to project a more benign image under David Granger was taken to a new level when they actually buried the PNC brand in the bowels of APNU. Then came the masterstroke: inveigling the AFC into a coalition to pip the PPP. They were in power by the tiniest of margins – 1 seat – but once ensconced, the PNC just couldn’t help itself: their genes took over.

While Burnham took four years to defang his coalition partner, the UF, Granger did it within a month! He gave AFC’s Nagamootoo none of the promised “increased PM powers” but a salary raise and six outriders muzzled his mouth!! And since then, it’s been vintage PNC by Granger who promised to “fulfil the legacy” of his mentor Burnham! But even this didn’t satisfy the die-hard PNCites, who suspected Granger might be building a parallel structure by placing ex-Disciplined Forces personnel in every Government department.

It’s the die-hards who came out swinging at Campbell for his “betrayal”. They’ve drawn a line in the sand and will use whatever means necessary to prevent the democratic return of the PPP to office.

Whither Granger?? …on voodoo Mathematics!

Just when your Eyewitness thought it was safe to venture back into the no-confidence arena, up came the PNC and filed another motion (you REALLY think a “private citizen” filed the other one??!!) based on the voodoo Mathematics that in a finite set of 65 discrete elements, the subset of 33 isn’t greater than 32!! As this paper pointed out – but the irony will be lost on the PNC! - imagine a Government, which is in office with a 33seat majority, demanding the court RULE that “winning” actually needs 34 seats!!

Will they resign if the court does so rule?? But we know what’s going on here, don’t we? The PNC’s just playing for time. Surely they don’t think the Judiciary will be less straight up that the Speaker? Your Eyewitness can just see the Judge demanding that Basil Williams, on behalf of the Government, demonstrate exactly how he can arrive at “half-bodies”!!

Even if he dissects one, he’ll have to do a Dr Frankenstein not to be charged with murder!!

…with Mash Seems the PNC are hedging their bets on elections in three months. Norton came out and announced that Mash is ON! In fact, it’ll be BIGGER AND BETTER!!

A free campaign “jump up” for the PNC – from G/ Town, to NA to Linden?!!

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

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9

wednesdAY, January 9, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Christopher Ram petitions court to have Govt resign ...provides certified copy of no-confidence resolution

C

harted Accountant and Attorney Christopher Ram has filed legal proceedings in the High Court to validate the recently passed no-confidence motion and have Government comply with constitutional provisions to demit office and call elections no later than March of this year.

This latest writ comes as Government continues to hold fast to its 34 majority argument as one of its justifications for not calling elections.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Ram, who filed the proceedings on Tuesday, is asking the court to declare that the President and the Cabinet resign in keeping with article 106 (6) of Guyana’s Constitution.

With Attorney General Basil Williams and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo as the named respondents; Ram wants the December 21, 2018 No-confidence Motion declared by the court as properly valid and lawfully passed adding that Article 106 (6) requires Government to resign with “all conve-

Charted Accountant and Attorney Christopher Ram

Instant Security Service guards not paid for 5 fortnights

S

ecurity guards attached to Instant Security Service in New Amsterdam are alleging that they have not been paid for the past five fortnights.

The guards claim that it was on October 31, 2018 that they were last paid. As a result, the security officers had no money for Christmas but made no fuss over the situation since late payment has become a regular occurrence.

On Tuesday, the aggrieved officers turned up at Republic Bank, New Amsterdam Branch and once again found that their payments were not in their accounts.

Five fortnights have gone by and they are told that the matter is being dealt with at the head office in Georgetown. However, getting to Georgetown from New Amsterdam is another challenge for the guards.

“It cost $3,000. I can’t afford to spend that money just to get this issue resolved,” one guard explained

The employees outside Scotiabank where they hold official meetings

them.

Kenneth Kanhai, 63, who has been with the service for the past three years says he is paid at a rate of $214 per hour and calculates what is owed to him to be $42,840 per fortnight.

“The situation is affecting all of the guards and when it affects me it affects out family; it is a chain reaction because if you don’t have the money in time, the children have to go to school and you have to pay your

salaries, they are told that they will get it, “Next week” or “they can’t talk now.”

Rajmuni Brijbiilas is pleading with management to make payments available as soon as possible.

She claimed that she was being underpaid and was asked not to tell the other guards.

Finally, she could not keep it in any longer and confided in her colleagues but soon after she started to receive payments at a lower rate.

She told this publica-

The security officers outside of Republic Bank after a visit to check on their salaries

The office at Pitt Street New Amsterdam is closed and Guyana Times understands that the security service has been evicted for none payment of rental.

Instant Security Service has contractual obligations with Scotia Bank, Churches Chicken, Hand in Hand, the Forestry Department and Modern Optical. The security officers claim that in excess of $200,000 is owed to

bills you will have to borrow.

How will your money reach to fill that next hole? You will be digging to fill all the time”, he added.

Jane Williams, another aggrieved employee who has 14 years of service says late payment of salaries has been the order of the day since 2015.

According to her, whenever they contact the head office inquiring about their

tion that they would have to go to meet the Regional Supervisor on the road in front of Scotia bank to receive duties for the following day.

“One day duty you get and you have to go till 7 o’clock in the nigh to collect it and is only for the next day and then you having to go again the next day…”

The guards are frustrated and are contemplating

leaving the job but if they were to do that they will not be paid.

In an invited comment, Operational Manager of Instant Security Ian Charles said he does not think it is so long the guards were not paid.

According to him it might be between three to four fortnights. However, he could not say for sure since the information was with the finance department.

He explained that the Company had been experiencing some difficulties which have all be ironed out and the accounts department is in the process of preparing the salaries for the guards which is expected to be in their respective accounts at the end of the week.

However, Charles could not say whether the guards will be paid all of the monies owed to them.

nient speed”.

The case further asks the court to declare that Government should remain in office until after the elected President takes the oath of office following elections in 90 days or an extended period as agreed by two-thirds of the National Assembly as 106 (7) requires.

Ram’s legal argument makes it clear that elections must be held no later than March 21 and he is further seeking the court to declare that the proceedings he filed be dealt with some urgency.

His grounds of appeal seeking relief under the Constitution state Government was defeated with 33 votes against 32; that Government should resign if defeated on a confidence vote; that 18 days have passed and Government has given no indication to resign nor has fixed a date for national and regional elections.

Further, the Cabinet’s failure to resign with all convenient speed and to fix an elections date could lead to uncertainty and constitutional crisis if neither of those occur in keeping with the Constitution by March 21, 2019, Ram argues.

As part of the evidence to support his case, he provided a certified copy of the no-confidence as provided by Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs. The attorney filed his writ through fellow Attorney Kamal Ramkarran who heads the Guyana Bar Association – a body which has already publically supported the validity of no-confidence motion.

It was only Monday that Government through Attorney General Basil Williams filed a case in the High Court to put on hold the enforcement of the no-confidence resolution.

At the same time, Williams also applied for a conservatory order to allow for the Government to continue in office while the matter is being heard.

C o n s e q u e n t l y , Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had made an application in the High Court to become a party to the proceedings brought by private citizen, Compton Reid, who is challenging the validity of the vote of now expelled Member of Parliament (MP) Charrandas Persaud on the grounds that he false-

Attorney General Basil Williams

ly declared that he was a Guyanese citizen.

Jagdeo in his application argues that the case put forward by Reid is aimed at nullifying the No-confidence Motion and to prevent the law from taking its course through the provisions outlined in the Constitution.

He also pointed to political issues that could have “far-reaching implications for national democracy, peace, order and good governance in Guyana.” As such, he feels that by filling legal action, it will help to diminish a possibility of this ever occurring again.

Jagdeo’s consolidation into those proceedings will come up on January 15.

He is however expected to meet with President David Granger today, ahead of the court case.

In the fixed date application filed by Williams, which is another matter related to the confidence vote, the Attorney General sought relief under the Constitution by way of petitioning the court to rule on whether the Speaker’s decision on the December 21, 2018 motion was indeed carried by a majority of all elected members and whether or not the count of 33 to 32 breakdown means it was validly passed.

This is in direct opposition to what Ram wants to have the court declare.

In the Attorney General’s petition, he argued that the current total elected members of the National Assembly are 65 members and the majority of members legally prescribed by Article 106 (6) of the Constitution is tantamount to an absolute majority that legally requires a vote of 34 or more.

This matter will also be heard on January 15.

10 news

wednesdAY, January 9, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

CANU collaborates with DEA Govt finalising 1st phase of in “Operation Tale Horse” ECD road expansion

…aims to strengthen investigation, prosecution of narcotics cases

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he US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has collaborated with the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) to conduct several training programmes intended to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of narcotics cases here in Guyana.

According to Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Head Michael Atherly, “Operation Tale Horse” commenced in July 2018 and was expected to run until the end of 2019.

Atherly mentioned that NANA, along with sister agency CANU, has joined forces with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to take advantage of the training.

“NANA is coordinating joint operations between several drug enforcement units, and we have several serials down in this year that we plan to implement the operation. We will continue joint operations between those three agencies.”

Under “Operation Tale Horse”, the authorities will be cooperating to reduce illicit trafficking, advance public safety and security, and promote social justice.

“We have got constant collaboration with the DEA on a regular basis – routinely we have collaborations with them – the last operation we had was conducted at the CJIA [Cheddi Jagan International Airport] recently. A similar one was also conducted in last year at the Ogle Airport also,”

CANU Head Michael Atherly

the CANU Head said.

Further, he underscored that “Operation Tale Horse” was over and above the regular routine operations that the Police, CANU and the GRA carry out. It, according to the CANU Head, is a joint operation coordinated by NANA. Atherly is optimistic that these operations will lead to further training in other counternarcotic specialties, such as digital forensics, case development, and court and legal skills.

Moreover, Atherly mentioned that over a threeyear period, the DEA has been able to see lots of developments throughout the law enforcement agency.

One of those developments that he spoke of was the arrest of Guyanese hotelier Shervington Lovell, aka “Big Head”, who was nabbed in Jamaica in November. He was wanted for narcotics trafficking and was extradited to the

US where he faced additional charges.

Lovell’s arrest was as a result of collaboration between the DEA Office and local law enforcement agencies such as the GPF and CANU. “There is collaboration with the American authorities and CANU in terms of positive seizure and confiscation of assets here in Guyana. I think Jamaica is doing the same – but these things can’t be done until the case is completed and he is found guilty; his trial is still pending.”

“SOCU (Special Organised Crime Unit) has been doing searches on the various properties to ascertain what is there on the properties and if they can get further information,” Atherly noted.

In December last, while positing that a lot more work needs to be done, former United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, lauded efforts by drug enforcement agencies, both local and foreign, towards trying to put a dent in the illegal narcotics trade in Guyana.

Situated on the South American continent with strong ties to the Caribbean Region, Guyana has long been identified as a transshipment point for major drug trafficking activities.

Ambassador Holloway had asserted that it was too early to gauge the success of the DEA in Guyana, but noted that more positive results could be expected in the coming years.

(Yanalla Dalrymple)

– awaiting feasibility study for Ogle bypass road

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ith the arrival of the New Year, there have been some concerns expressed about various public infrastructure works.

According to a senior official in the Public Infrastructure Ministry, these projects are in varying stages of completion.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Work Services Group Head Geoffrey Vaughn gave an update on the four-lane East Coast expansion as he noted that works are still concentrated on the four-lane expansion from Better Hope to Annandale “We are now trying to complete the first phase, which is between Better Hope and Annandale,” Vaughn noted.

The US$50.2 million East Coast road expansion project has two components.

One features a four-lane expansion of the road from Better Hope to Annandale and the other caters for an upgrade to the existing twolane road from Annandale to Belfield.

Guyana had received a US$45.3 million concessional loan from the China EXIM (Export-Import) Bank to finance the road project, and that agreement was signed in January last year.

Initially, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had tried to secure financing for the road expansion project, but the money was not readily available.

Hence, the then administration decided to use local funds for preliminary works while it awaited the release of funds from the Chinese to complete the works. The preliminary works for the four-lane upgrade were com-

The ECD road expansion

pleted at the end of 2014.

With the China EXIM Bank putting up most of the finances for the road expansion, Guyana had awarded the contract to China Railway First Group for some US$42.7 million. The Chinese construction company reportedly put in the lowest bid of US$46.994 million.

The PPP/C Administration had stated that it is saving some $2.8 billion by giving the contract to China Railway First Group.

Upon completion of the widening and improvement of the East Coast Demerara Highway, citizens travelling along the East Coast will benefit from reduced travel time and less traffic congestion. Apart from the road being expanded, the project includes improved drainage for the East Coast, which is usually susceptible to floods.

Ogle bypass

Meanwhile, there is another project that will have a profound effect on Guyana’s infrastructure. This is the Ogle Bypass road, which when completed will connect the East Coast directly with the East Bank.

Vaughn spoke on this project as well and noted that the feasibility study is

due in March. According to Vaughn, all preparations for the construction phase will follow once that is completed.

“The Ogle bypass road, the Ministry at this present time is awaiting the final copy of the Feasibility study… and design. That should be in by March,” the WSG head informed this publication.

When he presented the budget last year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan revealed that the projected cost of the East Coast/ East Bank road linkage project (Ogle bypass) had jumped from US$50 million to US$120 million. He noted that Government will approach its bilateral partner, in this case the ExportImport Bank of India, for more funds.

This EBD-ECD bypass project is expected to be 26 kilometres of road constructed, linking two of the country’s main thoroughfares.

This new road link will also be connected to key communities in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara. Those include Diamond, Mocha, Eccles – all on the East Bank – and Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown.

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wednesdAY, January 9, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Extension of GECOM Chair illness a ploy designed to delay elections – PPP Commissioners say in joint statement

Bibi Shadick

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hile acknowledging that any illness of the Guyana Elections Chairman (GECOM), retired Justice James Patterson is regrettable, Commissioners representing the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) claim it is a ploy designed to delay the holding

of elections.

In a joint statement, the Commissioners – Bibi Shadick, Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn – therefore urged that GECOM be alert to its duty and responsibilities as mandated by the Constitution and that no action be undertaken to subvert these intentionally. “…we do wish him a speedy and a full recovery, we cannot be unmindful of a possible situation existing where the said extension of illness is a ploy designed to delay the holding of General and Regional Elections within the constitutionally determined 90-day timeframe consequent on the previously referenced Resolution of the National Assembly,” the Commissioners stated.

The Commissioners further stated that the holding of meetings of the Sub-

Jagdeo, Granger to...

Promises

Both President Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had previously promised to abide by the constitutional provisions a no-confidence vote mandates. With the Government suddenly backtracking on its words and going to the courts in a bid to stave off early elections, Jagdeo had this to say at recent press conference.

“After the lofty words of the Prime Minister and the President and the commitment to engage on a way forward, we’ve seen the Government retreat into its usual tools, which is wild accusations and confrontation.

These are tools that they know very well how to use.”

“And of course, fake news and propaganda to mobilise people, particularly in the [A Partnership for National Unity] APNU base, into believing that they were robbed; having failed to mobilise people to come out in defence of the Government in front the National Assembly,” Jagdeo had also said.

The Opposition Leader had also expressed his belief that Granger, who travelled to Cuba for medical treatment soon after the no-confidence vote, could not have been unaware of his Government’s subsequent attempts to overturn the ruling.

“I think that the President has to bear responsibility for this. We have already expressed our concern for his illness. And he has already received our best wishes. But he is still the head of state.” “(President Granger) issued a statement before he left, talking about moving forward, respecting the Constitution and a commitment to engagement. His minions and I believe with his approval, have now gone in a totally different direction. So the President has to bear responsibility for this,” the former President had added.

While Granger has not di-

From page 3

rectly addressed the switch, Attorney General Basil Williams has defended the President. When asked at a recent press conference about the Government ‘switching its mouth’ after promising to respect the results of the no-confidence vote, Williams admitted that President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said what they had to say at that time to “keep the peace.”

Civil society

Ahead of the meeting, a number of prominent civil society organisations had a meeting of their own on Tuesday. There, the groups expressed deep concern over the state of Guyana’s political affairs at this time.

In a statement issued to the media following Tuesday’s meeting, the body said it welcomes the meeting between the Head of State and former President to iron out matters relating to the country’s well-being.

The statement pointed out that “Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana establishes our Government as an inclusive democracy… for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision making process of the State.” It is because of this, the organizations noted, that they are anticipating that their voices be heard at this time of the country’s history.

The meeting saw representatives from the Transparency Institute of Guyana, Guyana Trade Union Congress, Guyana Public Service Union, Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana, RISE Guyana, Guyana Bar Association, Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Citizens’ Initiative, Guyana Agricultural Workers Union, Red Thread, Roman Catholic Church, Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana and the Private Sector Commission.

Sase Gunraj

Committees of GECOM should resume discussing, determining and guiding GECOM’s actions and schedules necessary for the holding of elections in the constitutionally mandated 90-day timeframe.

This activity, according to them, will demonstrate that the GECOM is alert to its duty and responsibilities to be the nation as mandated by the Constitution.

The commissioners have

also called on civil society and the international community to take note and be vigilant with respect to the unfolding situation at GECOM, especially as it relates to a possible delay.

On Tuesday, Patterson, circulated an agenda for the Wednesday, January 8, statutory meeting of GECOM slated for 13:00h. The Opposition Commissioners said they responded to the proposed agenda sent by the Chairman, requesting the inclusion of ‘GECOM Preparations for Elections’ as a priority issue for consideration at the said meeting.

“The natural and obvious inclusion of this agenda item was expected as a consequence of the resolution on the no-confidence motion of December 21, 2018 in the National Assembly,” they added. However, less than three hours before the meeting the announcement was made that the Chairman was unwell and that his

Robeson Benn

medical leave had been extended.

“A later GECOM Media Advisory stated inter alia; “…his medical leave has been extended following a visit to his doctor on January 7, 2019”. It is passing strange that this information was not passed on to all Commissioners on January 7, 2019,” the Commissioners observed.

Patterson has not been at work since November 30, 2018, and there is no clear indication as to when

he could return, as a timeframe for the extended sick leave has not been provided. The last meeting of Commissioners was held on November 27, 2018.

Following his appointment as GECOM chair, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has noted with concern that Patterson might not be best suited for the post given his seniority. But President David Granger had argued that Patterson who was at the time of his appointment in 2017, 84-year-old, is ‘fit and proper’ for the post, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana.

In October 2018, the PPP filed leave to appeal the October 19, 2018 decision of acting Chancellor Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and fellow Appellate Court Justices Dawn Gregory and Justice Rishi Persaud that effectively declared Patterson’s appointment constitutional. The matter is now before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

12 news

wednesdAY, January 9, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

MovieTowne hosts career fair, opening likely for February pening, things are moving, there is still a lot of work yes but we don’t expect to open fully everything and then of course the situation with your Government and the vote of no-confidence.

You really don’t know what time frame, if there is going to be an election, and then we’re going to have to make a change if it’s in the middle of, I think March, so those things are still up in the air for us”.

According to Chin, should elections be held in March, the business could launch a week or two after.

The Chairman explained that while an election process can be good, it can also be bad and may not necessarily be the right environment for the launch of MovieTowne as it hopes to bring joy and excitement.

Job hunters now beginning to pour into MovieTowne

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he Chairman of MovieTowne, who on Tuesday hosted a job fair which attracted just under 1000 youths, said the opening of the massive theatre and entertainment centre will be dependent on the outcome of the ongoing no-confidence court battle.

At the job fair which was hosted at MovieTowne’s Turkeyen location, Chairman Derek Chin said although he plans on opening for business in February, he is skeptical of doing so at a time when Guyana is likely to head into General Elections in March.

Employment opportunities

In fact, he said the opening may be postponed if elections are announced for March in keeping with the

Constitution of Guyana.

The Chairman said, “We are looking at February (because) things are hap-

On the note of joy and excitement, the atmosphere was nothing less on Tuesday at MovieTowne as just under a 1000 young people showed up in pursuit of a ca-

MovieTowne Chairman Derek Chin

reer there.

The businessman stated “MovieTowne alone, just the MovieTowne operations is usually about 100 to 110 people so between those two businesses you’re talking probably about just under 200 people and that doesn’t include maintenance and security and stuff like that.

When the full project is open, we can estimate certainly over 1000 persons will have gainful employ-

ment here”.

He added that other Guyanese businesses will also benefit from the investment such as chicken farms and even smaller businesses.

On the note of hiring staff, the entrepreneur was keen to note that not just anyone looking for a job will be employed as the establishment centre hopes to have the best customer care service.

He reminded that the job fair continues today, with on the spot interviews.

On Tuesday persons were interviewed for managerial, accounting, maintenance and security positions. Concessionaires, food servers, cashiers, ushers, guest assistants and crew members are still be hunted by the major business.

Besides the eight movie screens, persons will also have access to the family casino, children’s arcade and spas among other major attractions.

The over US$50 million project is likely to be opened on February 21.

Police issue wanted bulletins for men already in custody

P

olice on Monday issued wanted bulletins for two men even though they had been in custody for more that 72-hours.

According to the police wanted bulletin, 28-year-old Yougendra Jeenarine of Lot 439 Bush Lot, Corentyne, Berbice and his 32-yearold accomplice, Kelvin Shivgobin of Belvedere, Corentyne, Berbice, are wanted in connection with the murder of two brothers: Harricharran and Premcharran Samaroo, both of Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, on December 31, 2018.

Attorney-at-law Chandra Sohan said one of the men was arrested since Thursday and the other on Friday.

“I am representing Yougendra Jeenarine and the police arrested him on Thursday. Right now I am trying to find out why he is still in custody,” Sohan told Guyana Times on Tuesday evening.

He said Jeenarine was arrested and initially taken to the Whim Police Station but was taken to Central Police Station on Friday.

However, later in the day he was taken to the Reliance Police station.

“I went there on Friday to see him and on Saturday

they took him to the Sisters Police station I went there to see him and he told me that he was beaten and I made a request for him to be taken to see a doctor and they took him to the New Amsterdam Hospital. I was there with him till into the night and then I left him there,” Sohan explained.

The Attorney further pointed out that the police have his client in custody beyond the allotted 72-hour detention period.

“His constitutional rights have been breached and I have asked the police why this is so but they said to me that they have an order granted by a Judge to extend his stay in custody. I have asked them to show me that order but they can’t find it to show it to me. I don’t think that they would have gotten a Judge on Sunday morning to sign that document.”

Meanwhile, the Attorney said Shivgobin is not his client but his relatives have been in contact with him.

He informed this publication that a request was made to the police on Tuesday to have him taken to see a doctor after allegations that he received injuries while in custody. This, he noted was not done up to Tuesday evening.

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wednesdAY, January 9, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

The Medical Diagnostic Centre receives GNBS certification

Head of the Certification Department of the GNBS, Al Donavon Fraser handing over the GYS 170 Certificate to Geeta Sirpaul, Medical Technologist in the presence of other staff at the medical centre

T

he Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Tuesday certified that the Medical Diagnostic Centre/ Clinic and Pharmacy is capable of oper-

ating in compliance with the GNBS. Head of the Certification Department of the GNBS, Al Donavon Fraser handed over the GYS 170 Certificate to

Medical Technologist Geeta Sirpaul in the presence of other staff at the medical center.

At a simple ceremony at the laboratory, which is located at Lot 39 Brickdam,

Stabroek, Georgetown, Fraser noted that he was pleased that the Bureau is able to certify yet another laboratory.

According to him, in order to maintain recognition, the GNBS re-evaluates all certified laboratories periodically to ensure continued compliance with the standard.

Laboratories may also be required to participate in relevant proficiency testing programs between reassessments as a further demonstration of performance.

Nevertheless, he also congratulated the Board and Staff of the clinic for their hard work and commitment to the process which led to the certification of the medical facility.

The GNBS Head further indicated that implementing quality requires team effort and recognition of the need for quality Meanwhile, Chairman of the Laboratory, Dr Leslie Persaud expressed appreciation to the GNBS Team for its support and guidance over the last nine months which led to the remarkable achievement.

Persaud stated that the Laboratory welcomes the certification, which was long awaited.

“I am very proud of our certification, this was all made possible by the hard working staff of the clinic. Our laboratory has been upgraded from what is was in the year 2000.

So we are encouraging the public to come in and check us out”, Persaud stated.

The Medical Diagnostic Centre/ Clinic and Pharmacy provides critical healthcare services to patients and this certification guarantees the assurance of reliable test results.

The laboratory is the 14th to be certified to the GYS 170 Standard under the GNBS Laboratory Certification Programme.

The Medical Diagnostic Centre was established by Dr Persaud in 2000 consisting of a walk in clinic, medical laboratory, x-ray facilities, pharmacy and ECG.

MoPI invites bids for sea defence works in 6 regions

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midst controversy over whether or not Government should be passing new bills in Parliament and inviting new projects, the Public Infrastructure Ministry recently invited bids to upgrade sea and river defence structures in six administrative regions in Guyana.

The Ministry, in an advertisement, said that it was accepting invitations for the bid for the upgrading of structures in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The Public Infrastructure Ministry pointed out that works will be done in 25 different lots of which one bid can be submitted for a single lot or for multiple lots of the project.

“Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures, specified in the Procurement Act 2003 and is open to all bidders, subject to provisions of Section III (Eligible Countries) of this document. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Chief Sea & River Defence Officer, Work Services Group at Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown

and inspect the Bidding Documents at the same address between the normal working hours from January 8, 2019 to January 31, 2019,” the Ministry stated in a release.

The major project will come up at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on January 31, 2019.

A few of the areas which will be bid on by major contractors include maintenance works to the concrete structures at Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two; maintenance works to the earthen embankment from Andrews to Cozier, Essequibo Coast, Region Three; maintenance works to the river embankment along the Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two; maintenance works to the river embankment along the Upper Pomeroon River, Region Two and Timber Revetment River Defence Works along the Supenaam River in Region Two as well.

Boulder face protection works will also be conducted in Regions Two and Three along the Essequibo Coast and Wakenaam Island respectively.

Maintenance works are also scheduled for the earthen embankment in Wakenaam and Leguan along with

Boulder face protection works in Leguan.

Meanwhile, gabion mattress river defence works are expected for Region Three along with concrete river defence works.

In Region Four, the nation’s most populated region, the Ministry said concrete river defence works at Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) as well as concrete repair works to existing structures between Melanie and Paradise, ECD, are expected.

During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) last year, Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Kevin Samad stressed the importance of sea and river defense, as most of Guyana’s population reside in communities that lie below sea level.

Samad noted that over the years, it has been a challenge to maintain or preserve the mangrove vegetation. It is especially challenging with the advent of various illegal activities such as cattle rearing and the cutting of mangroves for various reasons.

Nevertheless, “we are aware of the impacts of climate change and sea level rise and we have factored in sea level rise in our designs of all coastal and riverine structures,” the Sea and River

Defence Officer explained.

It has been argued that since the Government col-

lapsed with the recent passage of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018,

no project should be initiated unless it is of utmost importance.

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wednesdAY, January 9, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

New REO assures transparency, accountability will be restored

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ewly-elected Regional Executive Officer of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Dennis Jaikarran at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) statutory meeting on Tuesday said that he would make drastic changes to ensure that transparency, accountability, professionalism, and respect returned to the Region.

While addressing the

New Region Two REO Dennis Jaikarran

meeting, Jaikarran said that he was willing to work with the Council and would be open to all as the Region developed.

On this note, he stated that the delay of payments, especially to contractors and suppliers, would be corrected. As such, he added that corruption would not be tolerated and all boards would have to function with professionalism and respect.

On other matters, Jaikarran informed the RDC that he would not be

living in the house provided by the State, but preferred to live at his home in Lima Housing Scheme and he would be paying all his bills. He further stated that he would not need security at his home.

In addition, the REO promised to advertise all contracts in the newspapers and to make the tendering process more open and transparent.

“Region Two has the potential to be self-sufficient, but with good planning, coopera-

tion and good management; the Region can take care of itself,” Jaikarran stated.

Region Two is mainly a rice-farming district, but with the coconut industry now blooming, farmers, especially those in the Pomeroon, are returning to planting coconuts.

With the vision of the new REO and cooperation from all stakeholders, residents believe that Pomeroon-Supenaam could become a leading Region in the country.

Linden Mayor heads to Arizona – for final planning session on establishment of women’s shelter

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inden Mayor Waneka Arrindell has departed Guyana for Arizona, United States, to attend the final planning conference for the establishment of a women’s shelter and two community centres in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Arrindell left Guyana on Monday for the discussion, which will be centred on the plans for construction of the facilities.

Last year, the Mayor had announced that the US Armed Forces Southern Command (New Horizons) will be pursuing the initiative in collaboration with the Guyana Government. The engineers were expected to commence construction in January as part of “Exercise New Horizon 2019”.

Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell

The women’s shelter is expected to cater for abused women seeking assistance while the community centres are to be built at Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie and Blueberry Hill, Wismar.

Both will have recreational spaces for the young people in the various communities.

The Mayor had attended a similar meeting in Arizona last May, which saw discussion on land acquisition and design of the buildings.

As part of community development initiatives, Arrindell, through the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC), is also currently seeking twinning opportunities with Stonecrest, Georgia and Newark, New Jersey and visited both towns in September 2018.

While she recently noted that there has been no official response on these plans, she will head to Newark for a follow-up prior to her return to Guyana.

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wednesdAY, January 9, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Berbice youngsters benefit from Diamond, Uitvlugt, Sheet Anchor Water Police Community Group Project Treatment Plants for November completion

Construction of sedimentation tank at Uitvlugt

A section of the audience

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) ‘B’ Division has announced that during 2018, close to one thousand youths residing in the Ancient County and on the West Coast of Berbice, benefited from community youth empowerment and skills enhancement groups it since its establishment in 2015.

Community Relations Officer (CRO) for ‘B’ Division, Inspector Margarett Grosvenor told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday, that the project is one which falls under

Further, the CRO said, “when all groups meet weekly there is a group interaction, which is done with the aim of creating a healthy social environment. The discussions also aid in their interpersonal skills. We also managed to reach out to the community in different forms demonstrating that the police are not only about apprehending violators of the law, but also work at preventing persons from becoming potential offenders and responding to social concerns and issues as far as practicable.”

Grosvenor said group

Inspector Margarett Grosvenor lectures youths in Berbice

the Community Relations Department and is focused mainly on providing youths from ages 8 to 21 years, with essential training in several disciplined areas.

According to her, thus far, there are approximately 17 groups of youths established throughout Region Six and three in West Coast Berbice (WCB), benefiting close to 1,000 youngsters already.

The Community Relations Officer disclosed that the group members were exposed to courses, in Information Technology (IT), auto repairs, welding and fabrication, cosmetology, hairdressing and cake decoration. They also benefited from subjects such as workforce enhancement, environmental and crime prevention activities. According to the Inspector, these programmes are focused on channelling the energies and attention of the youths in a positive direction.

members were engaged in several cops and faith intervention activities, by providing counselling and empathizing with families who were victims of robbery, disaster, life’s misfortune or any situation that unfortunately resulted in a loss of life.

“Ever since we launched, success has been evident, especially in the area of our social Crime Protection Programme and Initiatives,” the officer opined.

It was also highlighted that participants were fortunate to have received lectures on drug abuse reduction education (DARE) and other social issues and were tasked to engage several schools on the various topics.

The CRO has since indicated that they are more intriguing plans for 2019, but those will be announced as soon as the other stations submit their programme to the Divisional Head

Quarters.

The move by the police in Berbice to implement such an initiative is highly praised by residents and Inspector Grosvenor emphasized that it’s the effort of the Community Relations Department to foster a better relationship with the communities and citizens.

H

undreds of residents residing in Sheet Anchor, East Coast Berbice, Diamond, East Bank Demerara and Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara will benefit from improved access to potable water supply, with the completion of three new water treatment plants by November this year.

Managing Director of The Guyana Water Inc (GWI), Dr Richard Van

West-Charles told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that major works have advanced the projects which are on schedule for a November 2019 completion date.

The new water treatment plant being constructed at Uitvlugt will serve residents from Cornelia Ida to De Kinderen, supplying 10 million litres of treated water per day once completed.

Diamond’s new water

treatment plant will service some 23,266 people from Herstelling to Great Diamond with 12 million litres of treated water per day.

The water treatment plants are components of a larger project for which a more than $6 billion (US$31.6 million) loan was signed in 2014 by the Government of Guyana and the IDB for a Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Improvement Programme.

The four components of the overall project are the construction of new water treatment plants at Sheet Anchor, Diamond and Uitvlugt and rehabilitation and expansion of the Shelter Belt water treatment plant; reducing non-revenue water loss through metering and establishment of district meter zones in the programme areas; institutional strengthening of GWI and conversion of existing pit latrines to septic tanks for 1,000 beneficiaries.

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wednesdAY, January 9, 2019

Regional

US sanctions Venezuelan TV magnate Cuba to expand facilities for foreign trade for alleged currency deals

C

T

he Trump Administration imposed sanctions Tuesday on a Venezuelan media magnate close to President Nicolás Maduro’s Government for allegedly being the ringleader of a graft network that stole US$2.4 billion from state coffers through corrupt currency deals.

The action by the US Treasury Department gives Raul Gorrin and his business partner Gustavo Perdomo one year to divest their shares in Globovision, Venezuela’s largest private broadcaster. Globovision is among 24 companies and entities whose US bank accounts will be frozen and barred from doing business in the US. “Venezuelan regime insiders have plundered billions of dollars from Venezuela while the Venezuelan people suffer… The United States remains committed to holding accountable those responsible for Venezuela’s tragic decline, and will continue to use diplomatic and economic tools to support the Venezuelan people’s efforts to restore their democracy,” Treasury Secretary Steven T Mnuchin said.

Prosecutors in Miami indicted Gorrin

In this October 3, 2003 file photo, an employee at Globovision, a 24hour television news channel, works behind a glass reading “News” with Globovision’s logo “G” at the channel’s headquarters in Caracas, Venezuela

last year on charges of paying millions in bribes to senior officials in Venezuela’s treasury for contracts to buy dollars at the highly distorted official exchange rate. He then would allegedly resell the hard currency on the black market, turning a huge profit almost overnight.

The actions against Gorrin come as international pressure is building on Maduro, who is preparing to be sworn in Thursday for a second, six-year term considered illegitimate by the U.S. and more than a dozen regional governments. (Excerpt from The Washington Post)

uba will develop an integrated digital platform this year in order to facilitate foreign trade operations, which will be linked to the simplification of procedures for the export and import of goods.

The Single Window of Foreign Trade (VUCE by its Spanish acronym) will provide information and will allow managing, through electronic means, the required approvals for the entry and exit of the products.

According to Vivian Herrera, an official in the ministry of foreign trade and foreign investment, the implementation of VUCE will go through several phases due to its complexity and should be fully operational by the end of 2019.

The establishment of the window, she added, responds to the commitment to trade facilitation contracted by the Cuban gov-

ernment before the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and has the technical assistance of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD).

This will mean an important step forward, as until now only the electronic single window systems at the General Customs Office and the one at the Mariel Special Development Zone were operating, Herrera said.

Streamlining foreign trade operations is essential for Cuba given its economy, with a high dependence on external links, which includes the acquisition of essential items such as fuel and food.

According to the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, more than 3000 foreign companies participate in these transactions, and the purpose is to continue diversifying the market for exports and imports. (Caribbean News Now)

Hollywood icon to receive award at film festival in Barbados

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ward-winning Hollywood actress Sigourney Weaver will receive an award at the third annual Barbados Independent Film Festival (BIFF) this weekend.

The ‘Cinema Under the Stars’ tribute to the American actress at the awards on Saturday will feature the presentation of the Founders Award as an Icon in the Performing Arts to her, and a screening of her personally selected film, A Map of the World.

A conversation and reception with Weaver will follow.

“BIFF showcases the work of exceptional storytellers whose films embody the Festival’s overarching themes of celebrating resilience and humankind’s ca-

pacity to overcome adversity. No one better represents these themes than Ms Weaver, who by her exceptional range of talent, unforgettable roles and trailblazing career continues to break down barriers for generations of smart, leading female actors to follow,” a BIFF statement said.

“Ms Weaver’s thriving career continues to inspire us all as she puts out one brilliant performance after another. She is a true and important icon of our time.”

Weaver’s career has spanned decades, encompassing several of the highest grossing films of all time such as Avatar, the Aliens films, Ghostbusters; as well as multiple prestigious awards and critically acclaimed successes. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

Guatemala expels UN-backed anti-corruption commission

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uatemala has said it is withdrawing from a UN-backed anti-corruption commission which has been investigating the country’s President Jimmy Morales.

Guatemalan Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel said on Monday that the UN body had 24 hours to leave the country. She said Morales would continue the fight against corruption, but that there had been a misunderstanding about the investigations into his affairs.

Elected three years ago, Morales initially supported the UN commission.

The mandate of the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) has helped prosecutors bring cas-

es against dozens of senior officials and executives.

However, when Morales became the subject of its investigations, the President said he would review its mandate. His comments were criticised and led to street protests against official corruption and demonstrations demanding his resignation.

During a meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday, Jovel announced that the CICIG mandate, a United Nations body created in 2006 and designed to strengthen the country’s rule of law, would be ending.

Guterres responded in a statement, saying that he “strongly rejects” the decision, adding that the Government must abide by the international deal. (BBC News)

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guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Trump makes case for wall in TV Rahaf al-Qunun: Saudi woman pleads for asylum address; Democrats to respond

U

S President Donald Trump made a case for a wall on the border with Mexico in a televised address on Tuesday.

The address comes on the 18th day of a partial government shutdown centred on Trump's demand for more than US$5 billion in wall funding, a request Democrats vehemently oppose. A rebuttal by top Democrats, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, will follow the address.

"This is a humanitarian crisis. A crisis of the heart and a crisis of the soul," Trump told Americans. "This is a choice between right and wrong; between justice and injustice."

Earlier on Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence said the Administration believes the shutdown can be solved "through the legislative pro-

cess".

Despite several attempts at talks, Trump, his fellow Republicans and Democrats have so far failed to come to a deal on the funding.

The partial shutdown, which began December 22, affects some 800,000 federal workers in nine departments and several agencies.

Employees have either been furloughed or required to work without pay.

The shutdown has also strained the immigration system, worsening backlogs in courts and complicating hiring for employers.

Trump's remarks on Tuesday evening will also aim to shore up support among Republicans, who are wary of potential backlash from the public as the shutdown drags on. Pence was scheduled to meet

A

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters outside the White House [Jim Watson/AFP] [Daylife]

Republicans before Trump's speech.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll, released on Tuesday, found that a growing proportion of Americans blame Trump

for the shutdown, though Republicans mostly support his refusal to approve a budget without taxpayer dollars for the US-Mexico border.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

n 18-year-old Saudi woman who fled her family at the weekend has reiterated her plea for asylum in Canada, the United States, Australia or the UK. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun refused to board a flight from Bangkok to Kuwait on Monday and barricaded herself into her airport hotel room.

She said she feared her family would kill her for renouncing Islam. She is now staying at a Thai government shelter while the UN refugee agency assesses her case.

Her father and brother have arrived but she is refusing to see them. Renunciation of Islam, known as apostasy, is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia. Thai immigration officials had initially said she should return to Kuwait.

In another development, Mohammed al-Qunun said

her passport had been returned. A Saudi diplomat had reportedly seized it when she flew into Thailand from Kuwait on Saturday.

She has told the BBC that she is fine, and hoping to be granted asylum in a third country. She captured the attention of social media users around the world by live-tweeting every twist and turn in her story. Her brand new Twitter account attracted 50,000 followers in a day and a half. Her father is the governor of al-Sulaimi, a town in the northern Saudi province of Hail.

Human Rights Watch and other campaign groups have expressed grave concerns for Mohammed al-Qunun. She had travelled to Thailand for a connecting flight to Australia, where she originally hoped to seek asylum. (Excerpt from BBC News)

May defeated in Parliament, EU puts Iran intelligence unit and 2 staff MPs create new obstacle to on terrorism list, freezes assets no-deal Brexit T

B

British Prime Minister Theresa May

ritish Prime Minister Theresa May’s government suffered a defeat in parliament on Tuesday when MPs who oppose leaving the European Union without an accord won a vote on creating a new obstacle to a no-deal Brexit.

The 303 to 296 defeat means that the government needs explicit parliamentary approval to leave the EU without a deal before it can use certain powers relating to taxation law. May’s office had earlier played down the technical impact of defeat.

The defeat highlights May’s weak position as leader of a minority Government, a divided party, and a critical parliament just days before she is due to hold a pivotal vote on whether to approve the Brexit deal she has negotiated with the EU. With less than three months until Britain leaves the EU, May is struggling to win approval for her Brexit deal.

A no-deal exit is the default scenario if May’s deal is rejected, and the prospect of possible supply chain disruption, medicine shortage

and blocked ports has in recent weeks pushed companies and the government to ramp up contingency planning.

UK’s Brexit vote planned for January 15, no plans to delay EU exit

Britain plans to hold a vote in Parliament on the Government’s deal to leave the European Union on January 15, Prime Minister Theresa May’s spokesman said on Tuesday after a meeting of senior ministers.

May again told her Cabinet it was not Government policy to delay Brexit by extending the so-called Article 50 notice, the spokesman said, adding the idea may have been discussed by EU officials but not by British officials.

“Subject to parliament approving a business motion, the debate will be opened tomorrow ... The prime minister said that she would close the debate next Tuesday, which is January 15, when the vote will take place,” her spokesman told reporters. (Excerpts from Reuters)

he European Union on Tuesday agreed to place a unit of the Iranian Intelligence ministry and two of its staff on the EU terrorist list for planning assassinations in Europe, the Danish Foreign Ministry and EU diplomats said.

The decision, which freezes financial assets in the bloc belonging to the unit and the two individuals, comes after Denmark said last year it suspected an Iranian Government intelligence service of carrying out an assassination plot on its soil.

France has said there was no doubt the Iranian Intelligence Ministry was behind a failed attack in Paris.

Iran has denied any in-

Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen speaks during a news conference in Copenhagen

volvement in the alleged plots, saying the accusations were intended to damage EU-Iran relations. “EU just agreed to enact sanctions against an Iranian Intelligence Service for

its assassination plots on European soil. Strong signal from the EU that we will not accept such behaviour in Europe,” Denmark’s Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen said on Twitter.

The decision was taken without debate at an unrelated meeting of Europe ministers in Brussels and the asset freeze comes into effect on Wednesday, EU officials said.

The Danish Foreign Ministry named the two employees as the deputy minister and director general of intelligence, Saeid Hashemi Moghadam, and Assadollah Asadi, a Vienna-based diplomat. Their names are set to appear officially in the EU’s Official Journal on Wednesday.

The move follows efforts

by Denmark and France to marshal a EU-wide response to the accusations of the Iranian attack plots in France and Denmark late last year. (Excerpt from MSN)

"Major" irregularities with DR Children "still being tortured to confess Congo vote count – poll observers to Isis links" by Kurdish security forces

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n observer mission to Democratic Republic of Congo’s presidential election said it had witnessed 52 “major” irregularities in the 101 vote-counting centres it observed, including people tampering with results.

There are 179 counting centres currently tallying the vote across Congo.

The report released on Tuesday by Congo-based SYMOCEL said 16 per cent of vote counting centres it had observed relied on tallies transmitted by voting machines instead of hand-counted tallies as required by law.

It also said 92 per cent of the vote-counting centres it had observed did not post vote tally sheets outside as required by law.

Meanwhile, an Opposition party said its

leader was the “presumed winner” of the December 30, 2018 poll adding that Felix Tshisekedi has had contact with departing President Joseph Kabila “to prepare a peaceful and civilized transfer of power”.

Kabila adviser Kikaya Bin Karubi, however, on Tuesday denied any such contact.

The statements by UDPS party secretary-general Jean-Marc Kabund appeared to go against electoral regulations that say only Congo’s electoral commission can announce election results.

The UDPS also warned that the commission could be delaying the announcement of the December 30 election results in a bid to manipulate the outcome.

The electoral commission on Sunday delayed it indefinitely. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

K

urdish security forces in Erbil are continuing to torture children to confess their involvement with Islamic State, according to allegations in a report released by Human Rights Watch.

According to the organisation, which first raised the alarm about the mistreatment of child detainees by Kurdish security forces nearly two years ago, it has collected claims of the continued regular use of beatings and electric shocks to extract confessions, often prior to trials lasting a handful of minutes.

The boys interviewed by the group allege the abuse took place in a detention centre in the Iraqi Kurdistan city in 2017 and 2018, where they were being held without access to a lawyer and without being permitted to read the confessions they say security officers wrote and

forced them to sign.

The report, published on Tuesday, is based on interviews late last year with 20 boys, aged between 14 and 17, who have been either charged or convicted because of their alleged affiliation with Isis and are being held at the Women and Children’s Reformatory in Erbil.

The group also interviewed three boys who had recently been released. At the time of the visit by HRW researchers, 63 children were being held at the facility for alleged terrorism-related offences, including 43 who had been convicted.

Sixteen of the 23 children who were interviewed said that security officers known as Asayish officers had beaten them with plastic pipes, electric cables or rods, while three others said the officers had used electric shocks.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

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wednesdAY, January 9, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Look for opportunities, but don’t believe everything someone tells you. If a project or product interests you, do some serious research and see where it takes you.

CANCER

If you feel the urge to do something, look into it. Take a unique step in a new direction and invite someone you know and trust to join you.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

Soak up knowledge, information and experience.

You will gain insight and confidence through the connections you make and the information you gather.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Think about how best to use your time and skills to benefit yourself and others.

Keep your plans secret until you have eliminated any flaws.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Get moving. You’ll have the energy and wherewithal to make changes you’ve long been contemplating. Stop spinning your wheels and take the plunge. Romance is highlighted.

Group endeavors will be good for you. The information you pick up and the people you meet will open your eyes to what’s available. A networking event is favored.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Tread carefully when dealing with home, family and domestic concerns. You can’t put a price on love, but loyalty and honesty will go part and parcel with keeping the peace.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Attending a reunion or getting together with someone you haven’t seen in a long time will spark memories and lead to plans. A unique change at home will give you a boost.

SUDOKU

Change begins within.

SAGITTARIUS Do your best to offer love (Nov. 23- and compassion to friends Dec. 21) and family, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you.

Romance is in the stars.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

Keep an open mind when CAPRICORN dealing with others, but (Dec. 22- don’t let anyone take you for Jan. 19) granted. Offer suggestions, your services or your time, but not cash. Focus on helping yourself.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

It’s OK to change your mind. As long as you are honest about your thoughts and plans, you should feel no guilt for following your own path.

Cover your bases when helping others. Don’t be gullible. Pay attention to the root of a problem and focus on how best to make a difference.

wednesdAY, January 9, 2019

19

IPL 2019 to be played entirely in India, will begin on March 23 T

he 2019 edition of the IPL will take place entirely in India, and will start on March 23, the BCCI said on Tuesday. The venue had been the subject of speculation given that the dates clash with the general elections, which are expected to take place in April-May. However, a BCCI release said the date and venue had been decided on by the Committee of Administrators after discussions with federal and state officials.

It is likely that the full IPL schedule will be out in early February. In addition to the home bases of the eight franchises, around four to six additional grounds have been shortlisted as back-up. Once the Election Commission of India announces the final dates for the polls, the IPL will consider if any of these venues would need changing.

Although the IPL has not announced the date for the final, it is likely to be

between May 12 and 15.

As per norm the defending champion gets the rights to host the tournament opener and the final. So Chennai will get both those key matches. More clarity

on the situation is expected once the poll dates in the city are made public.

ESPNcricinfo understands that the information has been passed on to, and received by, the franchises.

Tough debut for Gayle but Riders thrash Comilla

W

indies batting star Chris Gayle had a tough debut for Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) team Rangpur Riders on Tuesday, despite a comprehensive win over Comilla Victorians at Sher-eBangla National Cricket Stadium.

The 39-year-old batting talisman had missed out on taking part in the team’s opening match against Chittagong Vikings after delays in acquiring a

No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket West Indies (CWI).

The opener, the champion team’s top run-scorer last campaign, had a forgettable debut facing five balls before being caught

by Anamul Haque off the bowling of Abu Hider. The total posted by Comilla had, however, never been a challenging one as only Shahid Afridi provided any resistance when the team was all out for 63.

Riders then chased down

the target scoring 67 runs in 12 overs losing only the wicket of batting sensation Gayle. Rilee Rossouw and Mehedi Marul remained unbeaten on 20 and 36 respectively. Hider took the lone wicket conceding 11 runs.

Gayle had managed to make an impact in the field for the team after catching Afridi off the bowling of Nazmul Islam. Rangpur will play their next match against Dhaka Dynamites on January 11. (Sportsmax)

In a press release the BCCI said that decision to conduct the tournament in India was "based on the preliminary discussions with the appropriate central and state agencies

/ authorities". A detailed schedule, the BCCI said, "will be finalised in consultation with the appropriate authorities", after which the Committee of Administrators will have a

"detailed discussion" with all the stakeholders.

In 2009 and 2014 the last two seasons that clashed with general elections - the IPL had been moved to South Africa and the UAE (first half of the season) respectively. This time, too, the IPL had been proactive about keeping alternate plan in place. The first priority was always to keep the entire tournament in India but South Africa and the UAE were again shortlisted as alternate venues. Before the auction, held on December 18, the IPL briefed the franchises about the various plans it had chalked out in case the tournament had to be moved out of the country.

The biggest challenge for the franchises next season is that the IPL will end a couple of weeks before the World Cup begins on May 30 in England. As a result, the availability of overseas players towards the tailend of the season is a bit unclear. (ESPNcricinfo)

Bayern Munich raise offer for Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi to £35M B

ayern Munich have increased their offer for Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi to £35 million.

A bid worth £30 million plus add-ons for the England youth forward was rejected, prompting Bayern to return with a deal they feel matches Chelsea’s valuation.

Hudson-Odoi, 18, has refused to discuss a new contract with Chelsea, having been offered a five-year deal last summer. It is understood he is keen to establish himself as a first-team player at a time when his former England Under-17 teammates Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson have benefited from moves to Germany.

On Monday Maurizio Sarri urged Hudson-Odoi to stay. “I don’t think a move to Germany would be good for him,” the Chelsea manager said. “He is an English player, he is very

young and I think he has a very good future here; with the England team and with Chelsea. I think he is a very important player.

“He is ready for the Premier League. Of course we have very important players in the s a m e posi-

Callum HudsonOdoi has refused to discuss a new contract with Chelsea after turning down the club’s offer last summer

tion and I can play with only two wingers. Three is difficult. But he is ready.

Some times he will be on the bench but I think I can start to consider him on the same level as Willian a n d Pedro.”

(BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesdAY, January 9, 2019

3 Berbicians in Windies Stoke City manager Women’s training camp – BCB congratulates trio

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he Berbician trio of Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi and Sheneta Grimmond were selected to participate in the West Indies women’s training camp, ahead of their tour against Pakistan.

On Tuesday last, Campbelle, Gajnabi, and Grimmond departed for Antigua, where they will prepare for the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals. After suffering a defeat in the semi-final of the Women’s World T20 tournament, West Indies Women will begin their 2019 campaign with three T20Is and three ODIs. The schedule for Windies Women’s tour in Dubai will be released later this week.

Campbelle was the only Guyanese player that featured in the Women’s World T20 tournament while Grimmond was ruled out due to injury. Meanwhile, Gajnabi is a familiar face in the training camps, having participated in the 2018 training camp prior to the historic International Cricket Council (ICC) Standalone Women’s World T20 tournament.

Campbelle, who is approaching her 10th year representing West Indies, is likely for selection to

travel to Dubai and play a strong Pakistan team. She has 74 ODI matches beneath her belt and 88 T20Is. Campbelle, who is also an occasional wicketkeeper, has one international century to her name and is seen as an important member in the Windies Women’s squad.

Gajnabi and Grimmond, who is also a Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club player like Campbelle, have been performing well at the regional level. Grimmond, in particular, announced herself in the women’s Regional Super50 tournament with her off-spin and her aggressive batting.

Gajnabi has been dominating the junior female tournaments and had been a performer in the senior female regional tournaments. She bowls medium pace and she is also a useful batter. The Hilbert Fosterl e d

Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) wished the trio the best on their selection for the Windies camp.

The likes of Stafanie Taylor and Hayley Matthews will not join the training

camp in Antigua until further notice. Windies Captain Taylor is presently playing in the Big Bash

Shemaine Campbelle

League i n Australia, representing the Sydney Thunder Women’s team. Presently, Matthews, who was selected for the Big Bash, sustained an injury that she is recovering from in Barbados. (Brandon Corlette)

Shabika Gajnabi

Europe name Irishman as 2020 Ryder Cup Captain P

adraig Harrington will captain Europe when they defend the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in the US in 2020.

The Irishman, 47, was a vice-captain when Europe won the trophy back under the leadership of Thomas Bjorn in France in September.

Harrington played in six successive Ryder Cups from 1999 and was on the winning team on four occasions.

"I've won three majors in my career but taking the Ryder Cup captaincy is a different level," he said.

"I want to find an edge to get the players to perform to best of their abilities and hopefully get a win.

"I'm really conscious that I have to find the edge and add to it. It's going to take a great deal of my time over the next two years to do it."

Players including Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose backed Harrington to lead Europe at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin.

Harrington, who won the Open Championship in 2007 and 2008 and the US PGA Championship in

2008, has experience of the course, although he missed the cut when the PGA Championship was played there in 2010 and 2015.

The likes of former world number ones Luke Donald and Lee Westwood were mooted as potential captains, though Westwood who was also a vice-captain under Bjorn - has indicated a preference for taking the role on at the 2022 event in Rome.

"It seems to be a natural progression and it feels like the right time in my career," added Harrington. "But just because it seems like the right time I didn't think I should just come in and do it. I thought long and hard about it.

"It's possibly easier to be Ryder Cup captain at home, but I realise it was good timing in my career and probably the best chance for the team in an international setting,

going to the US having me as captain at this time.

"I have the support of the players, then it really came down to whether I wanted to be in the hat.

"I'm putting it on the line - we know when you're a successful Ryder Cup captain it's great and a losing captain - it's his fault."

Harrington, who is currently recovering from a broken wrist, becomes the second man from the Republic of Ireland to take on the captaincy, following Paul

sacked after less than 8 months G

ary Rowett has been sacked by Championship side Stoke City after less than eight months in charge.

Rowett, 44, was appointed in May following the club's relegation from the Premier League.

The Potters were one of the pre-season favourites to win promotion, but they are 14th in the second tier, having won just eight of their 26 league fixtures.

Ex-Stoke midfielder Rory Delap, one of Rowett's coaching staff, will help take temporary charge of the first team.

He will be assisted by Kevin Russell and Andy Quy. A club statement said Stoke hope to make an appointment "as swiftly as possible" as they look for their third manager in a year.

After Tony Pulis' second spell at Stoke lasted seven seasons and his replacement Mark Hughes was in charge for four and a half years, Paul Lambert was at the helm for only 15 games and Rowett was manager for 29 matches in all competitions.

Rowett, who left fellow Championship club Derby County in the summer, had described mounting speculation over his future as "noise" after seeing his side have to come from behind to take Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie with League One Shrewsbury Town to a replay.

Stoke have lost three of their past 18 games and are eight points off the play-off places.

However, there has been increasing pressure on the former Birmingham City boss, with an expensively-assembled squad failing to deliver the expected push for an immediate return to the top flight.

Some supporters have been critical of the team's style of play and a "Rowett out" banner was displayed during their 2-0 home defeat against Bristol City on 1 January.

Rowett began his managerial career in League Two at Burton before taking over as manager of Championship side Birmingham City in 2014.

He was sacked in December 2016 with the team seventh, but three months later he was named manager of Derby, where he won 26 of his 60 matches in charge and took the club to last season's play-offs.

F o r m e r Manchester United and Everton boss David Moyes was linked with the Stoke job last week. (BBC Sport)

McGinley in 2014.

After winning the trophy under McGinley, Europe were well beaten 1711 under the captaincy of Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke the last time it was contested in the US in 2016.

But a resounding 17½10½ success under Bjorn secured a seventh success for Europe in the last nine Ryder Cup events.

The US are yet to name their next captain, with 1992 Masters champion Fred Couples and Steve Stricker - who was born in Wisconsin - among the leading candidates. (BBC Sport)

I'm the right man to lead Europe at Ryder Cup – Padraig Harrington

Since relegation, the Gary Rowettside has won only eight of 26 league fixtures in the second tier

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Teams await fate in 2019 CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield Draw – Fruta Conquerors FC among 13 teams

T

hirteen teams from around the Caribbean will be eagerly anticipating the results of the 2019 Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield Draw this Friday at Concacaf Headquarters in Miami, Florida.

The competition for amateur Caribbean clubs will take place April 5-15 at the Ergilio Hato Stadium and Dr. Antoine Maduro Stadium in Willemstad, Curacao.

By virtue of their championship-winning domestic seasons in 2017/18, the following teams qualified for the 2019 CCCS. The 13 teams will be drawn into four groups and upon the completion of round-robin play, the group winners and runners-up will advance to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal winners will automatically qualify to the semifinals, and the victorious teams from the semis will partici-

Contact our

Circulation Department on Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

Martinique’s Club Franciscain gather for a team photo before facing Nicaragua’s Walter Ferretti in the second leg of the Scotiabank CONCACAF League Round of 16

pate in the championship final The winner of the 2019 Concacaf Caribbean Shield, provided it fulfills the Concacaf Regional Club Licensing criteria, will have the opportunity to face the fourth-place finisher of the 2019 Flow

Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship in a playoff match to determine the fourth Caribbean representative in the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf League.

In the inaugural edition of the Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield, Club

Franciscain of Martinique was crowned champion with a 2-1 victory over Suriname’s Inter Moengotapoe.

The Martinique club continued its outstanding 2018 international season by edging Trinidad and Tobago’s Central FC 2-1 in the playoff to secure a spot in its first-ev-

er Scotiabank Concacaf League, where it eventually fell to Nicaraguan side Walter Ferretti in penalties.

Hoppers FC (Antigua & Barbuda), Dakota FC (Aruba), Weymouth Wales (Barbados), SV Real Rincon (Bonaire), Scholars International Sports Club (Cayman Islands), Santiago de Cuba (Cuba), Jong Holland (Curacao), Fruta Conquerors Football (Guyana), Club Sportif Moulien (Guadeloupe), Club Franciscain (Martinique), Platinum Football Club (Saint Lucia), Rams Village Superstars (Saint Kitts & Nevis) and SV Robinhood (Suriname).

An official draw to sort the participating teams into four groups will take place on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 11:00 AM ET, at Concacaf Headquarters in Miami. Fans will be able to follow all the action through Concacaf GO. (CONCACAF)

Dembele set for £11M Beijing Guoan move T

ottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele is on the brink of completing an £11m move to Chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan.

The Belgium international, 31, is out of contract in the summer and has not played for Spurs since injuring his ankle against Wolves in November.

Chairman Daniel Levy is keen to trim players from manager Mauricio Pochettino's squad.

Striker Vincent Janssen is also likely to leave during the January window.

Dembele has made 243 Premier League appearances in total, scoring 12 goals and making 12 assists, having joined Spurs after two seasons at Fulham in 2012.

He has 80 caps for Belgium and was part of the squad that finished third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Netherlands international Janssen, 24, has scored just two goals in 28 Premier League appearances since joining from AZ Alkmaar in 2016 and spent last season on loan at Turkish club Fenerbahce. (BBC Sport)

Mousa Dembele has made 10 Premier League appearances for Spurs this season

Pujara’s best overseas tally vaults him to No 3 in Test rankings

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21

heteshwar Pujara's tally of 521 runs in the four Tests in Australia, his best-ever returns on an overseas tour, has vaulted him to third spot in the ICC rankings for Test batsmen. His runs were crucial in India's historic 2-1 series win that extended their run at the top of the team standings, while Australia remained fifth despite losing a point.

Pujara struck his overseas best of 193 in the drawn fourth Test in Sydney, to follow centuries in Adelaide and Melbourne, and was named Player of the Series.

Elsewhere, Rishabh Pant, who also brought up his best Test score of 159 not

out in Sydney, was another big gainer, jumping 21 spots to vault into the top 20. No Indian wicketkeeper has been ranked higher in the batting rankings than Pant, who now sits at No. 17.

Pant's aggregate of 673 points are the highest-ever by an Indian wicketkeeper.

MS Dhoni, who retired from Tests in December 2014, held the previous highest rating points (662), and his highest ranking was No. 19. Pant was India's second-highest run scorer in the series with 350 runs. In addition, he also collected 20 dismissals.

In the first Test in Adelaide, Pant took 11 catches to equal the world record

for most catches by a wicketkeeper in a Test. He eclipsed the all-time India record of 10 catches by Wriddhiman Saha, and drew level with England wicketkeeper Jack Russell and South Africa's AB de Villiers.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja gained one place to be listed fifth among bowlers, even as he surpassed West Indies captain Jason Holder to climb to second place among all-rounders.

Jadeja played only the final two Tests, picking seven wickets in addition to a counter-attacking half-century in Sydney.

A few South Africa players also moved up the rankings table, having

taken an unassailable lead in the three-match series, with victories in the first two Tests in Centurion and Cape Town.

Opening batsman Aiden Markram moved back into the top 10 after scoring 78 in South Africa' eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the Cape Town Test.

He slotted in at No. 10, while Cheteshwar Pujara

team-mate Temba Bavuma moved into the top 30 for the first time.

Among the bowlers, Vernon Philander h a s gained

o n e position to reach third place while Duanne Olivier, who picked 16 wickets in two Tests, continued his surge to move up to 32nd place from 36th.(CRICINFO)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesdAY, January 9, 2019

Major strides for hockey in 2018, says Fernandes …2019 looks packed and promising

By Jemima Holmes

W

ith the year just beginning, many would think that sporting associations/ federations would be unsure of what lies ahead for the upcoming months. However, the same assumption cannot be applied to the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) as the Board has already set its sights on what it would like to accomplish in 2019.

In reflecting on 2018, GHB President Phillip Fernandes noted that the fraternity was able to make great strides towards its goal of ultimately improving hockey from the junior level. Bearing in mind that its focus was set on players ranging from ages 12 to 19, the Board was able to host t its usual Smalta/ iCool Under-14 schools competition and then got into the Solo Under-19 tournament soon after. According to Fernandes, these competitions have created great interest in clubs. which have responded by strengthening their junior programmes.

“As a result of this focus, we currently have more players in this age range than we ever had in the past and are, therefore, in good position to field stronger teams for junior international competition in the years to come,” the GHB President stated.

On the senior level, much emphasis in the early part of 2018 was placed on Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games preparations, an international tournament that bore bittersweet results for the hockey fraternity.

For the first time in Guyana’s history, both male and female Guyanese teams were able to

Guyana Hockey Board President Phillip Fernandes

qualify for the Games. In Barranquilla, Colombia, the women did not have a strong showing, finishing seventh of eight teams. On the other hand, the men had better luck, barely missing the podium positions as they finished fourth out of eight teams. With those finishes, Guyana failed to qualify for the Pan American Games in 2019, but according to the GHB head, the fraternity would now regroup and focus on the junior national teams and the qualification tournaments for the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Cup, which is a World Cup qualifier.

Assessing both the senior and junior levels as compared to the previous year, Fernandes had many positives to take away.

“I think the quality of our junior hockey has been improving and this has had a positive impact on the senior leagues also. The senior players face additional pressure of the better juniors who are now vying for spots on the senior teams. This makes for better club training programmes and height-

ened enthusiasm and desire to improve among our players,” he noted.

On the flip side, he stated, “Our first local division competitions were adversely affected by the preparation of our men and women for the CAC Games in July, but the Bounty Paper Towels developmental league saw the emergence of new talent.

This resulted in a stronger Second-Division league than the previous year.”

Overall, the GHB Head sees juniors’ development as the “brightest spark” for hockey, owing to the number of junior players increasing significantly to a point where there are now a few hundred in the sport.

“Apart from sheer numbers, our local clubs tested their junior sides overseas by competing in the Paragon Indoor Hockey Championships in Trinidad.

Both the St Joseph High School boys and the GCC Bingo Spartans girls of Guyana won their respective Under-16 divisions. These were big achievements for Guyana, as Trinidad is the regional leaders in indoor hockey and, therefore, provide the toughest competition close by,” Fernandes stated.

Aside from junior development, the success of Guyana’s local teams in sweeping the recently-concluded Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Festival was the most rewarding aspects of the year.

“It showed that the quality of hockey in Guyana is improving. We are hopeful that these efforts will begin to produce even better international results in the coming four-year cycle.”

Looking ahead

With 2019 in focus, the GHB is said to have ambitious programmes set out.

Listing a number of the programmes that the Board has planned, Fernandes disclosed that the local league schedule is filled, beginning with the Bounty/Antonio’s Grill One Day competition in January. This will feature players of all levels from 14 years and over. The Smalta/ iCool Under-14 schools competition will begin shortly after along with the men and women First-Division leagues, while the Under-20 and Second-Division competitions will follow those before the programme shifts to indoor hockey for the latter part of the year.

On the international calendar, they have already begun junior preparations by sending an Under-21 boys’ selection to Trinidad to compete in dual indoor hockey competitions. The Supernova team ended in fourth position in their first completed tournament.

Meanwhile, the senior men and women indoor hockey selections will then visit

Toronto, Canada in March for what is sure to be an action-packed tournament.

As the year winds down, the senior men’s and women’s teams are hoping to compete in the PAHF Challenge, but the host country and dates are yet to be set. As such, budgetary constraints could be the biggest hurdle.

The junior teams, in the meantime, may need to compete in a qualifier for the 2020 Junior Pan American Championships if more than 12 nations apply to participate.

“This could mean a heavy financial obligation for the Federation, but it would be a shame if, given the recent junior success, our junior teams lost the opportunity to compete in 2020 for lack of funds,” Fernandes explained.

On the topic of function and support from Government and the Private Sector, Fernandes stated, “We would always like for more funds to be allocated for teams representing Guyana to participate internationally in all sport disciplines. Our young peo-

ple work hard and put in a tremendous effort and a lot of time preparing for competition and the distraction of having to raise their own funds and the uncertainty of whether the target will be met are factors that the athletes of many other nations do not have.”

However, the GHB President is aware that these entities are often approached for sponsorship by various disciplines; as such, he explained that the onus was sometimes upon the fraternity to invent creative ways to achieve their goals.

“I feel that there are several companies trying to play their part in supporting our young athletes, but this alone is insufficient for success, as success requires frequent competition. We constantly examine our programmes and try to find creative ways to add value to sponsors of our competitions and teams,” he said.

With the schedule filled and players ready to compete at all levels, it is hard to fathom what new heights hockey in Guyana will rise to in 2019.

2018-2019 Regional 4-Day Tournament…

Untouchable Jaguars top of mountain after 3 rounds – Hodge, Permaul top respective charts

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he dominant Guyana Jaguars, who are fresh from a memorable victory against a Test player-studded Barbados Pride team, have the highest points after three rounds.

Guyana Jaguars topped the Regional 4-Day table with 58.4 points, winning all three

matches. After suffering a defeat at the hands of Guyana Jaguars, Leeward Hurricanes won their remaining two matches. The Hurricanes have 43.6 points in second position after three rounds.

The Kirk Edwards-led Windward Volcanoes have 38.2 points in their three

matches, recording two victories and suffering a defeat from the Guyana Jaguars. The Volcanoes, like the Hurricanes, have recovered after a mauling from the Jaguars. Windward Volcanoes will have the opportunity for revenge against the Guyana Jaguars when they meet on Thursday, January 10,

2019 at the National Stadium, Providence, Guyana.

After suffering a comprehensive defeat against the Guyana Jaguars, Barbados Pride have slumped to fourth in the points standings. The Shamarh Brooks-led Pride, who have been critically assessed from a poor performance against the Jaguars, have 29.8 points recording a consolation win and suffering two defeats.

Trinidad and Tobago started their campaign on the wrong note suffering two defeats in as many matches. The Imran Khan-led team are ranked fifth in the points standings with 10.2 points. In their match against Jamaica Scorpions, they will want to correct their mistakes from the first two rounds. A jaded Jamaica team are at the bottom of the team standings with 9.8 points.

In the batting stats, af-

ter three rounds, Leeward Hurricanes opening batsman Montcin Hodge is the leading run-getter with 327 runs.

The left-handed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force opener, Jeremy Solozano is second on the charts with 236 runs.

Both Hodge and Solozano registered centuries playing for their respective teams thus far.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Carter has continued to score half-centuries, but has failed to convert his starts into meaningful centuries. The elegant Carter, who is knocking on the selectors’ door hard with good regional performances, has 216 runs playing for the Barbados Pride.

Veteran left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has continued to dominate the regional level, capturing wickets of quality regional batsmen. The Albion Cricket Club player has 20 wickets after fin-

ishing the Pride clash with an eight-wicket match haul, bowling some 60 overs. A suspended Windward Volcanoes off-spinner, Shane Shillingford has 17 wickets in the two matches he played while Alzarri Joseph is the leading fast bowler. Joseph, who is fighting his way back to earn West Indies selection in the upcoming England tour, has 15 wickets for the Leeward Hurricanes.

The matches scheduled for the fourth round that is scheduled to bowl off on January 10, 2019 are: Jamaica Scorpions v Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Sabina Park and Guyana Jaguars v Windward Volcanoes at Providence Stadium, Guyana. The Guyana Jaguars match will commence at 09:30h while the Jamaica Scorpions fixture is scheduled for 10:00h Eastern Caribbean time. (Brandon Corlette)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesdAY, January 9, 2019

GVF to focus on schools, more international games for 2019

– men’s tourney in Argentina, females in Brazil

By Clifton Ross

G

uyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) President Levi Nedd said plans were in place to get his players in the best form ahead of the Beach Volleyball Olympic Qualifiers in Argentina while plans to spike off a referee’s course were also on the cards.

Nedd told Guyana Times Sport that he was thrilled with how 2019 got underway last Sunday with the GVF’s first-ever beach tourney held at the Marriott beachfront.

“It was excellent (Sunday’s tournament), we had a great turnout by players and officials and the environment was beautiful for outdoor volleyball. We had a good tournament and the players were fantastic, but, unfortunately, bad light stopped our finals, but in all, it was a good day for us.”

Among the players selected for March’s Argentina trip are the national pair of Ian Bagot and Quacy Matheson along with Juan Velazquez and Vance Harding.

The female contingent from Guyana will be represented

by Candacy

GVF President Levi Nedd

Mentore and Philana Sampson, who will seek to lay the foundation for the males as they play the first tourney set for April, in Brazil.

The GVF President said another area of emphasis will be that of the males and females who will be preparing for February’s French Guiana Invitational tournament.

Nedd hinted that the referee course was an important area of concern as the world body – the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has mandated that referees be properly equipped.

The GVF boss said that the course would be a refresher for some and for others a new path, but explained that it was important to have everyone well qualified, as the referees have one of the most important roles in a match and thus should be properly trained and packaged correctly.

Upon his ascending to the presidency, Nedd winged out to Mexico during the latter part of 2018 with hopes of putting Guyana on the map.

Nedd said during his trip he reignited relationships with ex-players and coaches, some of whom are ranked members within the FIVB, and they have pledged their support in helping Guyana to reach volleyball supremacy.

The GVF Competitions Committee, headed by Dwayne Scott, also gained praise from the President, who thanked Scott and his team from making Sunday’s tournament as huge success and hoped for continuity in the future.

Nedd further pointed out that 2019 would see the GVF going hard on its plan to bring the sport into schools. Since 2018, the initiative had been created by Nedd when he was just a national coach to help spread volleyball in the school system; however, with him now being president of the GVF, he said that plans would be set to get the project going forward, but help from the respective Government Ministries was needed.

According to Nedd, the FIVB has also weighed in on the significance of getting volleyball into the local school system and has backed the initiative with its slogan, which is “Act Now”. The GVF is also set to confirm the fixtures for the referees training seminar in the near future.

23

Hero CPL hits 200 million viewers for 2018 tournament CPL 2018 had multiple sold-out attendance across the region

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has continued its fantastic growth during the 2018 season with combined broadcast and digital viewership of over 200 million for the first time in the tournament’s history.

This represents the sixth successive season that the tournament has seen yearon-year growth in viewership numbers.

The largest audience share was in India where

combined viewership on Star and Hotstar was at over 70 million. The next largest market was the Caribbean where there was a total viewership figure of just over 50 million for the tournament that took place between August 8 and September 16 2018.

There was huge growth of viewing figures for the tournament in the United Kingdom and the USA. In the UK, there was a more than 200 per cent increase

in viewing numbers with the tournament broadcast on Sky Sports for the first time. In the USA, viewing figures increased by more than 20 per cent to reach almost two million.

There was also a further increase in the digital viewership for the tournament, with 44 per cent of the total audience coming through various digital channels, which is testament to the innovative nature of the Hero CPL’s online offerings

and a creative use of social media.

Damien O’Donohoe, the Chief Executive Officer of Hero CPL, said: “To pass the 200 million viewership milestones, and to have a sixth successive year of increased viewership, shows where our tournament sits on the global stage. We continue to showcase the best that the Caribbean has to offer, and we can’t wait for 2019 to carry on this upwards trajectory.”

Paresar, Jhaman among stars at GKC grading exam

The karatekas of Berbice

K

aratekas Amit Kumar Paresar and Krishna Jhaman were among the star fighters at the recent Guyana Karate College (GKC) grading examinations for its Springlands Dojo in the Ancient County of Berbice.

The GKC and the Radha Krishna Foundation kicked

off classes last September under the experienced eye of 7th Dan Shihan Jeffrey Wong as well as veteran instructors Aliya Wong and Otto Harris.

Paresar, Jhaman and Gavendra Mohabir were the top students while Lavesh Mohabir and Charran Singh made a huge leap from 10th

Kyu to 6th Kyu. Also moving from 10th Kyu to 7th Kyu were Teena Persaud, Padminie Devi Dhup, Inderlal Singh, Kamala Devi Huran, Ashmini Prasa, Leeza Prasad, and Priya and Davie Tulsi.

Sensei Wong offers martial arts training to the Berbice residents with an

extensive curriculum including traditional karate and self-defence. The Foundation also provides scholarships to students to attend the University of Guyana and executes a monthly medical outreach programme to provide medical services to the general public.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero CPL hit 200 million viewers for 2018 tournament Page 23

Teams await fate in 2019 CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield Draw – Fruta Conquerors FC among 13 teams

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