Guyana Times 01-October-2019

P2

Importance of NIS must not be overlooked – FITUG Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4063

THE BEACON OF TRUTH Tuesday, OCTOber 1, 2019

Proclamation issued for General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020 See story on page 10

GECOM reverses order forcing voters to verify registration

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

PPP demands full disclosure of Auditor General's P7 Report

Berbice fisherman found dead in P7 canal

Page 3

…over 600,000 persons on Preliminary List of Voters

P8 “Great reduction” in drug smuggling at airports – CANU …says use of synthetic drugs prevalent

See stories on pages 9 & 11

Teen robbed after exiting P8 taxi

Floodwaters in Region 5 continue to rise …flood victims fearful of future high tides …urged to take precautions as more overtopping expected

Bandits shoot Essequibo Coast businesswoman during robbery Page 10

GPL warns against affixing posters on P12 utility poles

2 NEWS

tuesday, october 1, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Importance of NIS must not be overlooked – FITUG T he National Insurance Scheme (NIS) represents an important pillar of support during the time of need and retirement for the working class, since it has assisted in providing sustenance during difficult times, and, therefore, the importance of the NIS must not be overlooked.

This is according to the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), which on Monday commended NIS on 50 years of service.

FITUG noted that NIS represents and provides support during the time of need for past or present workers, since it has provided some degree of comfort to workers during their golden years.

FITUG elaborated that NIS’ Golden Anniversary comes at a time when the trade union movement commemorates the centennial anniversary of the nation’s first trade union organisation and it is a remarkable achievement as the nation has the distinction of establishing the first workers’ organisation in the then British Colonial Empire.

“We draw this reference to point out that the call for the establishment of a Scheme similar to the NIS emanated from the trade union movement. History has recorded that at the first conference of Regional

Trade Union Leaders held in January 1926 at the Public Building, leaders of the movement called on their respective Governments to establish social security schemes. Indeed, it is to the credit of the movement and the forward-thinking outlook of leaders that today we commemorate the Scheme’s golden jubilee.”

It was also revealed that the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has faced challenges and difficulties since the recent actuarial report does not paint a blissful picture.

FITUG stressed that

NIS building

it is most depressing and causes a great deal of worry and anxiety since the actuaries have recommended several painful measures which need to be considered against the contemporary context of Guyana. The Federation had expressed its views on the suggestions proffered, pointing out that they are not in the interest of the Guyanese working people who stand to be deleteriously affected.

It was noted that the NIS remains, practically, the only contributory pension scheme for a large number of Guyanese and,

therefore, the long-term survival and sustenance of the Scheme is not a question. There must be an unequivocal statement for its continuance, and all measures to ensure such possibilities should not be disregarded but pursued.

On Tuesday last NIS unveiled a commemorative stamp to mark its 50 years of service to the citizens of Guyana during a simple ceremony at the Umana Yana, where the agency’s long-standing service to Guyana and the significance of its existence for the past years were praised.

from the drug trade, which supports the fact that it is necessary to curb its prevalence, is the distortion of an economy. This in turn results in potential investors refusing to do business in the country since they will opine that such a country is “a drug territory”.

He also pointed out that the drug trade also has a direct negative culturally impact on citizens of any country and especially on the youths, since they observe persons involved living lavish lifestyles and sometimes want to live such a life when they get older.

“Our young people seeing that become very sug-

gestible and they then want to live that lifestyle and then the principles of a good society where wealth must be accumulated as a matter because of working; you have all of that being toppled over, capsized for the purpose of getting so much money on doing a drug run.”

According to Ramjattan, drug-related crimes also spawn a variety of other criminalities, one of which is the crime of Trafficking In Persons (TIP). As such, he reiterated the need to ensure that law enforcement officials continue to put dents into the drug trade business here in Guyana.

CANU ranks to be trained to detect drug trends

…benefit from other specialised training

S

cores of ranks attached to the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) will benefit from the agency’s annual staff training programme over a five-day period that will expose them to in-depth training in specialised areas.

Training will be facilitated in the areas of drug trends, leadership and professionalism, interviewing techniques, search techniques, immigration operation and examination of documents, forensic awareness, customs operations, and examination of documents.

At the opening ceremony

of CANU’s annual training, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan stated that this activity was very timely and relevant in the work of law enforcement officials and the areas that they would be intensely focusing on are essential in the fight against drugs.

“It is very significant at this time when we have the trade in narcotics in the Region and internationally and some say at its highest point. It is reaching over the trillion-dollar level internationally… I would want whenever the tutors and the mentors and the lecturers come, you (CANU

ranks) ensure that you take it all in for purposes of understanding so that you can be that little soldier in that larger war or battle for purposes of ensuring that we have a better day in relation to this scourge of our society called drugs,” he told the gathering at the opening ceremony.

He expounded on the negative effects that narco-trafficking and the narco trade have on a country’s development as well as the detrimental results that affect average citizens.

According to the Public Security Minister, another negativity that results

news

3

tuesday, october 1, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, October 1 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, October 2 – 05:00h– 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, October 1 – 05:45h-07:15h and Wednesday, October 2 – 06:30h– 08:00h.

GECOM reverses order forcing voters to verify registration …over 600,000 persons on Preliminary List of Voters

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals will be interrupted by thundery showers until mid-afternoon. Clear skies are expected in the evening followed by partly cloudy conditions. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South Easterly to North-North Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:06h and 18:19h reaching maximum heights of 2.84 metres and 2.85 metres.

Low Tide: 11:56h reaching a minimum height of 0.44 metre.

saturday, SEPTEMBER 28, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

05 10 11

15 17 27

FREE TICKET

19 Bonus Ball

MONday, SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 DAILY MILLIONS

03 08 10 11 16 LUCKY 3

6

2

3

3

Afternoon Draw

6

3

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03

05

08

13

PAY DAY

08 11 12 13 14

17 19

21 SUPER PAY DAY

05 08 09 13 16

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

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

A

fter an avalanche of criticism came its way, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Monday reversed its new criteria for all registered voters to visit offices during the upcoming Claims and Objections period to verify their registration.

The announcement was made by GECOM’s Opposition-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj, via social media. According to Gunraj, no registered person is required to visit any registration office to confirm their registration.

“I just received a copy of a ‘corrected’ order from the Chief Elections Officer regarding the upcoming Claims and Objections exercise. I am happy to report that the imposition of the requirement for persons already registered to visit registration offices has been removed,” Gunraj announced Monday afternoon.

“As it is, no registered person is required to visit any registration office to confirm their registration. As it relates to the increase in the period earmarked for Claims and Objections...this has been partially changed. This will hopefully be fixed in due course, as it does not reflect a Commission decision.”

GECOM’s reversal of the much-criticised order came just hours after Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who is vying for the prime ministerial candidacy of the coalition, claimed he saw “nothing wrong” with the offending order. At the time, Ramjattan was being interviewed on the sidelines of an event.

“GECOM has at its head a very senior judicial luminary in Claudette Singh.

And a lot of people are saying (the order) should not have been done, it is subverting certain judicial decisions and so on. I do not think so at all.

It is verification,” Ramjattan, a lawyer by profession, who apparently is not au fait with the law, said.

A perusal of the new order itself shows that it retained the sections stating it was applicable to all persons who attained the age of 18 and those who appeared

on the register and wished to make changes to their details. However, the provision making it mandatory for voters to visit GECOM offices in their areas was removed.

In a gazetted order dated September 26 and subsequent press release, GECOM had informed that every person whose name appeared on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) must visit the registration office in their respective area with an Identification (ID) card for verification.

It claimed that this step is necessary to be included on the Official List of Electors (OLE). This means that every citizen desirous of voting must participate in this exercise, even though their names may already be on the voters’ list.

According to the law, a Claims and Objections period is only for persons seeking to make a claim to be included on the list or make objections to their voter’s information, such as to change their address.

However, the release read, “During this exercise, every person whose name appear on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) must visit the Registration office in their respective area with their National Identification Card to verify their registration record in order to be included in the Official List of Electors (OLE).”

Soon after the appearance of the order, Oppositionnominated Commissioners called an emergency press conference on Friday, where they slammed this imposition, noting that it was nev-

Part of the new order that was circulated to the Commission

er discussed during their meetings.

According to Commissioner Gunraj, this ‘hogwash’ attempt was another version of House-toHouse Registration.

“This was never a decision taken by the Commission, either in whole or in part. In fact, it was not even a discussion that was had at the Commission-level. This can only be seen as an attempt to foist another version of House-to-House Registration on the citizens of this country … I would want to label it, and I am being very char-

itable when I say this – mischievous at best. But it is not surprising,” he pointed out.

GECOM had also announced that the countrywide exercise will be conducted at all Registration Offices countrywide and will conclude on November 18.

However, persons have until November 11 to make a claim to be included on the list if they are a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, naturalisation or registration, 18 years or older or will attain the age of 18 by December 31, 2019.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, october 1, 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

Breast cancer awareness

E

ach year, October is designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Just being a woman is the biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer. In a published article, United States-based Oncology Surgeon, Dr Theophilus Lewis pointed out that all women were at risk for breast cancer, since the risks associated with developing the disease were not controllable.

This worrying pronouncement was made during a seminar some time ago at the National Library which was spearheaded by US-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Organisation for Social and Health Advancement in Guyana (OSHAG).

Most notably, it was revealed that age and family history were among the biggest risk factors for developing the disease. According to the surgeon, while the incidence of a young woman developing the disease in her 30s is very small – 0.4 per cent, he is currently treating five patients, all under 30 years, for the disease. A rather unusual occurrence, according to the oncologist.

This grabs the attention, since the focus on breast cancer usually starts when a woman turns 40; it was explained too that after this age, the incidence of developing breast cancer doubles, going from 0.4 to 1.46. With each passing decade, the risk factor increases, hence, age is one of the primary risk factors for breast cancer.

One of the other important points highlighted was that estrogen is a driver for breast cancer and what this means is that once a woman has a long exposure to estrogen, which is not interrupted by pregnancies, then the risk factor for developing breast cancer becomes greater.

Estrogen can be defined as a female steroid hormone that is produced by the ovaries and, in lesser amounts, by the adrenal cortex, placenta, and male testes. Estrogen helps control and guide sexual development, including the physical changes associated with puberty.

This risk is especially pronounced in women who have menstruated very early (9 or 10 years old) and who menstruate into their 50s, and would have been exposed to estrogen for many years. If, however, the years of exposure are broken up by pregnancies, this increased risk is considerably reduced, Dr Lewis said, even as he pointed out that a pregnancy is regarded as a protective period.

It was also explained that a woman who conceives and gives birth after the age of 34 or 35 will likely lose the protection from estrogen by that age, and will also be at high risk of developing cancer.

It is not usual for young women to develop breast cancer at a young age; when a woman is young, estrogen is stored in fat cells. The more obese a woman is, the more fat she is likely to be able to store. But although a woman stops making estrogen when she is older and begins menopause, the estrogen already stored in the fat makes them more at risk for developing cancer.

For this reason, Dr Lewis noted that developing breast cancer is not necessarily impacted by what you eat, but the amount of estrogen you are able to store. Other risk factors include family history.

Women with close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease. If you’ve had one first-degree female relative (sister, mother, daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk is doubled.

Among the other risk factors, research suggests that women with low levels of Vitamin D have a higher risk of breast cancer. Vitamin D may play a role in controlling normal breast cell growth and may be able to stop breast cancer cells from growing.

Every woman wants to know what she can do to lower her risk of breast cancer. Some of the factors associated with breast cancer – being a woman, your age, and your genetics, for example – cannot be changed. Other factors – being overweight, lack of exercise, smoking cigarettes, and eating unhealthy food – can be changed by making choices.

By choosing the healthiest lifestyle options possible, you can empower yourself and make sure your breast cancer risk is as low as possible.

Students at the Education Ministry’s Exposition at D’Urban Park on Monday

An open letter to Caricom leaders Dear Editor, On the evening of December 21, 2018, the National Assembly of Guyana successfully passed a No-Confidence Motion against the David Granger Government. The Government moved to seek judicial review right up to the Caribbean Court of Justice, Guyana’s apex court. The CCJ on June 18 ruled that the motion was validly passed and the Government stood resigned. It subsequently issued consequential orders, which include that General and Regional Elections must be held no later than September 18, 2019.

The CCJ’s ruling has been ignored by the APNU/ AFC coalition and Guyana has now slipped into unconstitutional rule since September 18, 2019.

The CCJ is a creature of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and one would expect its decisions, if not adhered to, will be condemned by all right-thinking lead-

ers in the Caribbean, whether individually or collectively. However, it is a crying shame that Caricom, either through its Secretary General or the Conference of Heads of Government has been disappointingly silent on this constitutional crisis which can have significant implications on Guyana’s future and political stability in the region.

Caricom didn’t even see the need to publicly welcome the proposed March 2, 2020, date for elections and state if it will send an observation mission or if it will provide the necessary support to GECOM to ensure the elections are free and fair or free from fear.

It is an embarrassment that Caricom, of which Guyana is a founding member state and where the Caricom Secretariat has been in a coma on the Guyana situation, even as the United States of America, the European Union, Britain, the Commonwealth Secretary General and the

Organisation of American States (OAS), as well as the local business, legal and religious fraternities all saw the need to issue public calls for immediate elections in Guyana so that the country can return to constitutional rule.

Editor, with what I outlined, it is now mind-boggling that Caricom has been silent on the litany of constitutional violations by the David Granger-led APNU/ AFC since December 21, 2018.

Why the silence, despite a promise from the Secretary General of Caricom, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, that the community was awaiting the judicial outcome before making public statements?

I want to ask the SG as well as the Chairman of Caricom and the individual Heads of Government the following questions; 1. Why has Caricom not discussed the political situation in Guyana at its past Heads of Government meet-

ing?

2. Why has Caricom not yet convened an emergency meeting of Heads to discuss the political crisis in Guyana?

3. Why has Caricom not sought to make known its position on the unconstitutional rule in Guyana?

4. What exactly is Caricom’s position on the current situation in Guyana?

Editor, I believe that this regional body has now proven to the people of Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean that it is a useless talk shop.

I, therefore, call publicly on the SG of Caricom, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, the Chairman of Caricom, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and all regional Heads to immediately make known their position on the unconstitutional rule in Guyana. Your silence can be construed as support for an emerging dictatorship in Guyana.

Yours respectfully, Edward Layne

National Assembly died on September 18, 2019

Dear Editor, The life of the National Assembly ended on September 18, 2019, as a result of the non-extension of its life by a twothirds vote as required by the Constitution for such extended period as determined by the National Assembly.

Given the passage of the no-confidence vote in the Government on December 21, 2018, notwithstanding the frivolous appeal challenges in court on the validity of the no-confidence vote, the no-confidence vote was affirmed by the

Chief Justice in the High Court earlier, and by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on June 18, 2019, when the 90-day clock started to tick again for the life of the Government until September 18, 2019. These 90 days between June 18 and September 18, 2019, provided more than adequate time for President Granger and the Leader of the Opposition to confer in good faith consultations and negotiate a mutually agreed solution to avoid this constitutional crisis in the national interest.

There was no con-

stitutional extension by September 18, 2019. As a consequence, the National Assembly, the Cabinet, Offices of the Speaker and Leader of the Opposition are constitutionally dead and cannot be resurrected. The survivor is the caretaker President to proclaim a date for election and dissolve the National Assembly, but since the National Assembly is dead, there is no need for any dissolution.

The constitutionally dead National Assembly cannot be called and convened into session on October 10, 2019 The 90 days also between

June 18 and September 18, 2019, was a reasonable constitutional time limit for GECOM to conduct the elections. In fact, the notice for elections was given since December 21, 2018, when the No-Confidence Motion was passed by the National Assembly.

We now have to endure the shame of this constitutional crisis until free and fair elections are held and a new Government is elected, and this should be before December 21, 2019.

Yours faithfully, Joshua Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, october 1, 2019

5

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

Misinformation, false promises by Govt affecting Guyana Dear Editor, The old saying goes “no news is good news” – it even gives us hope. In our present situation in Guyana, false news and information is dangerous and alarming on the other hand. This now illegal Government has been on the path of false promises, false and malicious information and lies from the day that they took office to date – and it keeps getting worse. Aside from the ill governance and massive corruption within the Administration, the information that is released from Government officials and agencies alike are all ninety per cent false. It has come to the point that one cannot take for granted anything at all that is said on behalf of the Government by the press or their officials. All Governments worldwide, of course, always have television, radio and other me-

dia that reflect, let’s say, the “positive” side of things for them. In contrast, the opposing party/s have their source of information broadcast which is usually very critical of the ruling party.

Any smart person would listen objectively to both sides because the truth is always somewhere in the middle.

Now, aside from day-today news and with serious reference to vital information, we expect almost identical language from both sides regarding press releases, addresses and proclamations that will be used by the citizens as guidance.

It is absolutely important to be credible and this Government dangerously fails in this area. Citizens are now totally relying on the Opposition for accurate and reliable news in order to guide us. That is a total shame on the Government’s part. The Chronicle news-

paper takes printing misinformation to new dimensions and thus takes the prize. Most of the headlines are so incredibly false and stupid that it is just a waste of printing paper in my opinion and as everyone knows, this newspaper is the major mouthpiece of the Government.

Take the recent case of the House-to-House Registration process from start to finish; almost every headline in the Chronicle was misleading, almost every announcement by then President Granger and his Administration was misleading. The only way to get accurate information on what to do was via Mr Jagdeo’s weekly press conferences and other interviews and programmes by the PPP Administration. If I had listened to the other side, I would have totally wasted my time bothering

to register when it was not necessary at all and I am a person who hates to waste time on things.The PPP fought for and succeeded so far in protecting our constitutional right to vote.

Now recently (about a week ago) Mr Granger croaked and mumbled around regarding a date for elections. Moments afterwards, headlines screamed like sirens...only to retract like screeching brakes shortly after because closer inspection of what was said by the President left us all in doubt. Thankfully, after the PPP voiced annoyance at his ambiguous announcement and the international communities chimed in, he was forced to give us a definite date for elections (I won’t bother to repeat it, let’s hope it prevails). Now all is well right?? Absolutely no way!

The “official” gazette published the duration for the

Claims and Objections period..and just as we suspected, it was erroneous...they ummm, miscalculated the days “accidentally”, adding two additional weeks!

I think that was corrected, but don’t be too happy just yet. Mr Aubrey Norton also announced a few days ago on NCN that people need to check that their names are on the list and report to the nearest GECOM office to verify same, otherwise they would not be able to vote! he added that we must also ensure that “phantoms” who were added to the list by the PPP are removed! That man is a hideous liar. In the same breath, he is making a last-minute attempt to misinform the public again by saying that we all need to verify with GECOM although our names appear on the PLE. Mr Norton, you and your Government are the ones who were try-

ing to use the House-toHouse Registration process to “deregister” legitimate voters. Shame on you all (again). GECOM never discussed removing legitimate voters from the list once their names are already there. We are, however, patiently awaiting Mr Jagdeo’s press conference to hear his opinion on that matter.

These outreaches that the illegal Government continues to make at the expense of taxpayers is another headache. Look at that picture of a muddy road to Lethem being replaced by that of a photoshopped finished road and the heading that said “promise kept”!

What promise? the road has not been built as yet!

All that this Administration can do is peddle false information.

Sincerely, Shane Lindie

Sugar industry has retrogressed rather than progressed under

“good life” Govt Dear Editor, The GAWU would like to make reference to an article appearing in the September 24 edition of Guyana Chronicle where Minister of Finance Winston Jordan promised workers in the public sector a pay rise this year. The Chronicle quoted Minister Jordan as saying “[p]ublic servants will get a salary increase this year and a bigger increase in 2020…”

For the beleaguered public servants, hardpressed by the circumstances of contemporary life in Guyana, the promised increase must have been welcome news.

How much the increase will be able to alleviate the difficulties of life that public servants find themselves in is an entirely different question altogether.

The Minister is also reported to have said that the specific increase would be a product of collective bargaining between the Administration and the GPSU. However, we saw only recently the GPSU President, Mr Patrick Yarde, questioning the sincerity of the Administration’s commitment to collective bargaining. It also did not escape our attention too that

the Minister did not hesitate to say that if the ongoing discussions “…do not come to a decisive conclusion, the Administration… will pay something”. It goes to show that a tiger can never lose its stripes.

From the article, our Union also noticed that the Minister said the Government was concerned about “…providing a viable, livable wage…” But while the Minister speaks about giving employees in the State sector a pay rise, a move we do not oppose, he and his colleagues, in the now questionable Government, have decided, without any remorse, it

seems, not to give the workers of the State-owned sugar sector a raise in pay since they took office.

Today, the nation’s sugar workers, the GAWU must reiterate, are essentially working for 2014 pay though times and circumstances have changed dramatically since then. We need not remind the nation of the several measures implemented by the APNU/ AFC that have heightened the cost-of-living. We need not remind too that under the coalition Administration, long-standing benefits and other conditions of work enjoyed by sugar workers were simply ignored or suspend-

All Guyanese need to be decisive for our future

Dear Editor, It was with great amusement that I read a letter in a section of the media on September 30, 2019, titled “We have to come together and pray for Guyana”.

Editor, I have no issues with a person having a religion or any belief but I do have a problem when anyone suggests that the only way to make things better is to pray. I ask the author of the letter, why pray? The victims of war-torn countries offer the sincerest prayer for peace and it is never granted. The citizens of poor countries with extreme poverty offer the sincerest of prayers for something to eat at the end of the day. The child with cancer prays every day to be able to have a normal childhood and be free of cancer. The abused victim prays every day that their spouse will turn around and see the love that they – the victim – feels, the potential they – the abuser – have and the opportunity for happiness that lies ahead. The sad truth is that none of these prayers is answered until

they themselves take action and take control of the life they are given.

As citizens of Guyana, we need to stop praying and hoping and start taking action for a better country. We need to start holding political leaders accountable. We need to show respect for those who disagree with us and stop taking things personally. We need to start taking more interest in the laws of the country and how inadequate and antiquated many of them are. We need

to take more interest with how the oil and gas companies are trying to rob us and are getting away with it and more importantly, we need to open our minds and let go of the thoughts of old. If we want to make life better for those who live in this beautiful land, we have to want change, instead of hoping for it.

I understand that it

may feel like an ordinary Guyanese man or woman cannot change the current status quo, but with organised groups, you can. I urge all Guyanese to be decisive for our future and for the future of the country, years after we are gone. We need to make Guyana, Guyanese.

Sincerely, Amir Khan

ed altogether. It was, for the GAWU, not surprising, though saddening, to see that between 2014 and 2017, sugar workers were taking home some $284,000 less per annum. That is nearly $24,000 less per month or $6000 per week. Given the situation nowadays, it is neither hard nor difficult to imagine what that has done to the well-being of the sugar workers and their families.

So today, while the Minister boasts about a living wage, a concept our nation should embrace, he forgets, unashamedly, that during his time as a national leader, he and his colleagues, by their actions, have pushed workers near to or beyond the poverty line. He fails to

mention that they have been treated like step-children not deserving of equal treatment and pay.

Today, the promises heard about 20 per cent increase that was shouted out by nowaday Government officials during the 2015 elections campaign rings hollow. Today, they and their families are forced to pinch every dollar as they struggle daily to make their ends meet. Today, the workers of the sugar industry have retrogressed rather than progressed under the “good life” Government.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

6

TuesDAY, OCTOber 1, 2019

Page

Foundation

A Try to solve the problem

After you’re calm and you have support from adults and friends, it’s time to get down to business. You need to figure out what the problem is. Even if you can’t solve all of it, maybe you can begin by solving a piece of it.

Be positive – most stress is temporary

It may not seem like it when you’re in the middle a stressful situation, but stress does go away, often when you figure out the problem and start working on solving it.

These five steps aren’t magic – and you might have to do some steps more

E

verybody gets stressed from time to time. Different people feel stress in different ways.

Some ways of dealing with stress – like screaming, hitting someone, or punching a wall – don’t solve much. But other ways, like talking to someone you trust, can start you on the road to solving your problem or at least feeling better.

Try taking these five steps the next time you are stressed:

Get support

When you need help, reach out to the people who care about you. Talk to a trusted adult, such as a par-

ent, other relative, a school counsellor, or a coach. And don’t forget about your friends. They might be worried about the same test or have had similar problems, such as dealing with a divorce or the death of a beloved pet.

Don’t freak out!

It’s easy to let your feelings go wild when you’re upset. Notice your feelings, and name them – for example, “I am so angry!” And say or think about why you feel that way. Then, find a way to calm down and get past the upset feelings and find a way to express them. Do breathing exercises, listen

to music, write in a journal, play with a pet, go for a walk or a bike ride, or do whatever helps you shift to a better mood.

Don’t take it out on yourself

Sometimes when kids are stressed and upset, they take it out on themselves.

Oh, dear, that’s not a good idea. Remember that there are always people to help you. Don’t take it out on yourself. Be kind to yourself and ask for the helping hand or pat on the back that you need – and deserve – to get you through the tough situation you’re facing.

Do breathing exercises, listen to music, write in a journal, play with a pet, go for a walk or a bike ride, or do whatever helps you shift to a better mood. than once, but they do work. And if you can stay positive as you make your way through a tough time, you’ll help yourself feel better even faster. Ah . . . it feels so good when the stress is gone! (kidshealth.org)

Why a photo scavenger hunt?

n outdoor photo scavenger hunt brings the expression, “Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.” to life. Searching for a list of clues will cause children to look at nature a little more closely and discover things they may have never noticed before.

Photography is a way to capture bits and pieces of someone’s life – things that matter to them, the people around them or things that they find beautiful or interesting. And what could be more beautiful than nature?

People love to share photos online.

You will need

Digital camera or camera phone—one for each player or team Scavenger hunt list (see below) Pen or pencil Watch or timer Laptop, iPad or other device for viewing photos Prize or snack for winning player/team (optional)

Preparation time

About 30 minutes to make scavenger hunt lists

Activity time

15-30 minutes for the hunt 30 minutes for viewing photos

How to have a photo scavenger hunt

You can have an outdoor photo scavenger hunt almost anywhere—a park, the beach, a hiking trail or campground, an empty field or even your own backyard.

The object of the game is to be the first to find and photograph the most items on a list within a given time.

When creating your list, make sure the difficulty level is age-appropriate so the participants will not feel discouraged by items that are too hard for them to find.

You can give two points for things that are extra-hard to find such as a cloud shaped like an object, ants carrying their food, a tadpole, reflection of a sunset on water, etc.

Include a few difficult or unusual items on the list— take a picture of the strangest thing you see, take a picture of something common that you think no one will recognise, etc.

Nature is all around us, even below our feet.

Include photos of things that are small or close up on your list.

Look above eye level. Include things that are high up or at a distance.

Create a tally sheet for keeping score. This would be handy especially if you have a large number of participants.

Once you’re at your chosen place, distribute a camera and a list to each participant or team.

Before starting the game, make the rules and expectations clear to everyone participating.

To keep everyone safe, you may want to remind them to use the buddy system or set boundaries for the game (“stay between this road and those trees”, or “stay where you can see me and I can see you”).

Remember good light makes a difference in photos. Make sure that the subject you’re taking is properly lit. If it’s too dark, it won’t show well when photographed.

Use flash if needed.

(Excerpted from mykidsadventures.com)

news

7

tuesday, october 1, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP demands full disclosure of Auditor General’s Report W

ith the Auditor General’s report for 2018 being handed over amid political uncertainty regarding sittings of the National Assembly, Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members are urging that the parliamentary Opposition’s absence not be used as an excuse to duck the report.

The report was handed over on Monday by Auditor General Deodat Sharma, to Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland. In handing over the report, Sharma had urged the Speaker to ensure that it was laid in the National Assembly as soon as possible.

Afterwards, Member of Parliament (MP) Juan

PPP/C MP and PAC member Juan Edghill

Edghill reiterated that the People’s Progressive Party will not be returning to

Parliament. However, he stressed the need to have the report released to MPs and the media, whether the Opposition is in Parliament or not.

“In the absence of a sitting of the National Assembly and where we in the parliamentary Opposition do not envisage any sittings that we will participate in, because in our view the Parliament has expired, we would like to ensure that this report is not ducked and hidden for the next five months, where the country will be kept in suspense as to its contents.”

“You are aware that over the years, the parliamentary Opposition has been indicating matters of serious concern as it relates to

Berbice fisherman found dead in canal

A

45-year-old man of Number 67 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was on Friday evening found dead in a canal at Number 66 Village Corentyne, Berbice.

Dead is 45-yearold Kenneth Craig, also called “Buttin” of Lot 206A Number 67 Village Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Reports are Craig was seen by colleagues in the water at Number 66 Village but suddenly disappeared beneath the murky water.

An alarm was raised by his colleagues.

It is believed that Craig was at the time trying to fix one of the scores of fish-

Dead: Kenneth Craig

ing boats in the stream. His body was found floating in

the stream a few hours later.

After it was reported that Craig went under the water, a search party was formed and a cast net was placed across the stream at the Number 66 bridge and shortly after, the body was found floating.

However, as a result of the extremely high tide, it took a few hours before the search party, which included family members, was able to go into the water to retrieve the body.

Police are investigating.

Craig was described as a very friendly and helpful individual. He leaves to mourn three children.

corruption, maladministration, mismanagement and misuse of public funds in a number of sectors,” Edghill said.

Here he cited the D’Urban Park Project, for which millions could not be accounted for. Funding for the D’Urban Park Project has always been a contentious issue, with money from the Lotto Fund being used by the APNU/AFC Government for the project.

In his 2015 report, the AG had listed some $36.5 million in Lotto Funds being used for rehabilitative works. As a consequence, Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman, Irfaan Ali had previously requested that further probing be done by the Auditor General. Ali had stated that these requests were in relation to follow-ups from the findings that had been included in the AG’s 2015 Report.

In his 2015 report, the Auditor General had said that following checks on the accounts, it was found that while Government transferred $1 billion of the Lotto money to the Consolidated Fund in 2015, it held onto just over half a billion dollars to remain under the control of the Ministry of the Presidency and it spent $305 million on various activities.

But the audit into the D’Urban Park Project has always been hindered by a

Auditor General Deodat Sharma (left) as he hands over his report to Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland

lack of access to pertinent information, with the Audit Office being forced to write to the Public Infrastructure Ministry requesting documents.

Current illegal spending

Edghill’s view was also expressed by fellow Public Accounts Committee member and parliamentarian, Nigel Dharamlall.

Additionally, Dharamlall noted that the Auditor General could monitor illegal spending on a current basis.

“In terms of 2019, we are in a year of unconstitutional rule, by the Granger Government. And we feel the Audit Office should pay keen attention. We

have said that we would not return to Parliament to extend the life of the Government, because that would give life to their illegitimate rule.”

“So all of their spending beyond March 21 would be considered illegal. And we expect the audit report would in some way address the concerns of the Opposition and the Public Accounts Committee and the general public at large,” Dharamlall said.

President David Granger, during an address to the nation last week, had announced that Parliament would reconvene on October 10. It will be without the Opposition, however, as they have staunchly ref

8 news

tuesday, october 1, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Great reduction” in drug smuggling at airports – CANU …says use of synthetic drugs prevalent

G

uyana has made significant improvements in the fight against narco-trafficking and narco-trade related crimes.

This is according to Deputy Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Lesley Ramlall, who on Monday said that for 2019, efforts by the agency as well as the other counter-narcotics agencies in Guyana have been successful in stemming the flow of narcotics.

Speaking at a training session for CANU officers, Ramlall said that, “not only have we seen a reduc-

tion in the flow of narcotics but also a great reduction in the amount of persons attempting to smuggle narcotics through our airports especially during the JulyAugust period. The decreasing number of Guyanese being arrested at the more popular airports overseas, the arrest of a well-known trafficker and two of his associates in the last quarter of 2018 through extensive collaboration with regional and international partners, and the 2019 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report commending Guyana for the efforts, are clear indications that our efforts are

Teen robbed after exiting taxi

A

19-year-old was robbed on her way to work on Monday, after exiting a taxi at the Vreed-en-Hoop junction on the West Coast of Demerara.

According to information received, the incident occurred at about 07:20h.

Audriana Stoll told Guyana Times that she boarded a taxi from Versailles, West Bank Demerara (WBD), and stopped off at the junction to board a bus en route to the WCD. However, she was approached by a man, who held a knife at her as he

demanded her phone and money. She explained that the man was dressed in a black hoodie shirt with a bandana around his face.

After making his demands, she handed over $4500 and a Samsung phone, valued at $89,000.

“I had the change that I collect from the taxi and I just hand he that. Then he was like ‘and what happen to the phone’ and that’s when I hand over the phone from my pocket and the earphone that was with it and everything,” Stoll recalled.

However, she recalled seeing him run off to a car.

Deputy Head of CANU, Lesley Ramlall

beginning to pay dividends.”

Synthetic drugs

However, he pointed out that the use of synthetic drugs has become a prevalent issue, and that plans must be put in place to address this problem which not only affects Guyana but many other countries, regionally and internationally.

“We must be cautious of this since over the last eight years the amount of cocaine flowing through the Caribbean region has more than quadrupled increasing from thirty-five metric tons in 2010 to 184 metric tons in 2018….the use of synthetic drugs is now a new but rapidly expanding phenomena within our region and so it leaves us to ponder what should our approach to such a trend be….we also saw an increase in the use of synthetic drugs particularly ecstasy in our beautiful country.”

He explained that in light of the prevalence of synthetic drugs over the past year in Guyana, there is greater need for inter-agency collaboration to ensure that the younger generation does not suffer the ill effects of these illegal substances.

CANU, he added, will continue working to reduce the flow of narcotics through the seizure, prosecution of traffickers and the forfeiture of their assets. “We will also endeavour to work closer with all stakeholders especially agencies such as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to aid in money laundering investigations. We strive to improve the capacity and capabilities of the Unit especially in the areas of information gathering and significantly work towards improving our level of cooperation through intelligence sharing and operational tasking with our local, regional and international counterparts.”

CANU’s Deputy Head further stated that the Unit’s commitment will be fortified by demonstrating an aggressive and robust posture towards narco-traffickers and their associates.

He reiterated that CANU will continue to “take the fight in order to dismantle the activities of narco-trafficking and its related crimes” and focus heavily on eventually ending the profits out of the crime of narco-trafficking.

“However, it is also imperative that we be reminded that we are living in a global village; a global village where borders no longer exist, a global village where crimes are no longer confined to one country or where law enforcement activities are confined to one country. As such it is necessary that we continue to work even closer to ensure that the transnational activities of narco-trafficking and its related crimes are defeated through our efforts and the support of our Government,” he added.

Wash bay owner slapped with ganja trafficking Attorney Gilhuys further charge stated that at the time of the

A

wash bay owner was on Monday hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was charged for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Jose Singh of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), appeared before Faith McGusty and denied the charge which stated that on September 27, 2019, at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, he had in his possession 53 grams of marijuana.

The 23-year-old man was represented by Attorney Gordon Gilhuys, who in a bail application informed the court that the substance was found at his client’s wash bay in a hammock where several persons were traversing.

search, his client was nowhere close to the hammock.

The prosecution is contending that on the day in question ranks from the Linden Police Station were carrying out a raid when they observed the defendant acting in a suspicious manner.

According to the prosecution’s case, upon seeing the officers, the defendant dropped a bag he was carrying and attempted to flee. The court heard that Singh was apprehended and the bag he dropped was retrieved and the cannabis was discovered.

The Magistrate, after listening to the facts, released Singh on $60,000 bail. The case will continue on October 16 at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Time and tide…

C

…and Granger’s arrogance anute, of the ancient Saxon kings of England (such as it was then) was so arrogant (in one telling of the tale) that “he set his throne by the sea shore and commanded the incoming tide to halt and not wet his feet and robes. Yet continuing to rise as usual, the tide dashed over his feet and legs without respect to his royal person.” Leaping backwards, he announced: ‘Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings, for there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws.’” He then hung his gold crown on a crucifix, and never wore it again “to the honour of God the almighty King”.

The tides that are “topping” and breaching our sea walls are creating havoc for our poor countrymen who have to live with the prospects of being inundated by water for weeks. But perhaps it is an omen to David Granger, who often boasts about being a “God- fearing” man. The signs of a Canute-like arrogance were always lurking there under the fatuous, Alfred E Neuman-grin he affects. But he hid it well with his staged outings to Churches and delivering written speeches to friendly audiences.

Over the last week, however, the veneer of sanctimoniousness has been wiped clean from his face as he has been hit by the tsunami of criticisms over his “breaching of the Constitution”, which dwarfed the Atlantic spring tide. Guyanese have been able to see his true nature – the arrogance that made him call out the riot police against peaceful protesters at the Pegasus. The arrogance to also cuss out the US, UK and EU Ambassadors for making the same observation.

He warned the protesters that they will “not get away with it”! Get away with what? Peaceful protest against a Constitution-busting caretaker president is now forbidden??

Well, for Canute-Granger it is. But he didn’t realise that the times are “a changin’”. Granger remembers that back in the day, Burnham used to browbeat the then US Ambassador Delmar R Carlson and he thinks he can do the same. But Lyndon B Johnson, who Burnham went horseback riding with at the former’s Texas ranch, is no longer in the White House. And the present occupant doesn’t take kindly to his plenipotentiaries being dressed down by leaders of sh*thole countries!!

Granger just tore up his “get to stay on the throne” card. He can run but he can’t hide from the tide of his fate. Doesn’t matter when elections come, Granger will never again wear his gold crown.

Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. …and Government ads The SN has revealed that over the past month, the ads from the DPI – headed by Nagamootoo’s handmaiden, Imran Khan – have been slashed precipitously. But what else is new?? Why should anyone expect anything different?? The released figures that show this newspaper had always been receiving “crumbs” from the Government’s ad table – even as the others were living high off the hog. Why? Well, because this paper always told it as it is, when it came to the Government’s antidemocratic nature. Never pussy-footing on that score!!

The poet John Donne has sound words for the media in Guyana, when it comes to relations with the PNC Government: “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. … any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

Granger’s and the PNC’s true nature is being revealed: the mark of the dictator. …and the PNC’s PM candidate It was reported that Ramjattan “strongly believes” he’ll be PM candidate in the new PNC coalition that’ll face the PPP at the polls. And this belief is based on what?

The AFC’s showing at the LGE??

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

news

9

tuesday, october 1, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Floodwaters in Region 5 continue to rise

F

loodwaters continued to rise in villages at Mahaica and Mahaicony in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) for the third consecutive day on Monday.

The water has also destroyed over 300 acres of rice and left scores of sheep, goats and cattle dead. Hundreds of poultry have already died as a result of the flood.

According to one poultry farmer, hundreds of meat birds died and had to be dumped. In Glazier’s Lust, Mahaica, several empty bird pens with water settled on the floor were all that was visible.

Another farmer, Nalinie Gayapersaud, said that she has lost over 100 of her ducks and other livestock.

She said only 18 of her 47 sheep remain alive along with six of her 32 goats.

“Me use to sell duck and is so ah throwing them out, ten, fifteen, twenty. Ah leff with eight duck and ah had seventy-five.”

Gayapersaud said she also lost geese and other birds.

Meanwhile, Deonarine Mathana, a cattle farmer of Broom Hall, Mahaicony, explained that many of his cattle have either been lost or have died. He explained that the savannah is flooded with

several feet of water and he was only able to rescue some of the animals.

Another farmer, Rayaz Dorie, told this publication that a number of his sheep and goats have died as a result of the floodwaters. He explained that many of the animals were pregnant. One head of cattle is missing and he has nowhere to put the remaining two. The animals are forced to stand by the roadside as their owner watches, hoping that the water will recede before the animals get too hungry.

Other poultry farmers in the affected areas told Guyana Times that they are running out of space to put the birds and may soon give up.

On Monday farmers were selling chicken at half the normal price.

“We just have to try to get something from them before we lose everything. And the people that buy from us they making styles because they know that we desperate,” one farmer said.

However, it is the rice farmers who were hardest hit.

Vija Persaud, who cultivates 60 acres of rice, was not in tears. The rice is there but he cannot reap it and will never be able to. He will still

have to pay for the rental of the land and needs money to pay back the bank.

According to Persaud, following the collapse of the sea defence at Dantzig on Friday night, he made contact with a contractor and got his entire field impoldered with the hope of preventing the water from coming in.

The $4 million he spent was in vain as the water rose above the impoldered area.

In addition to that, he had already spent almost $5 million on his rice crop which he was about to reap.

“I can’t do anything with it. If it was not saltwater and the water came off quickly enough, I might have been able to. I will not be

able to use this land for the next three years or so until the salt wash out of it. The Government need to give us some relief. I need help because I have money for the bank which I borrowed for this crop… Now I lost it and can’t plant it again.”

Another rice farmer, Kasarnauth Doodnauth, walked though rice which was covered with the floodwaters up to his waist and sighed.

Doodnauth explained that he rented the land on which he cultivated the 70 acres of rice. “The rent is still due,” he

said.

Meanwhile, General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRBD), Nisan Hussain was on the ground on Monday to assess the situation.

He told Guyana Times that the Board was at the time collecting data and will soon be in a position to produce a report of the effects on the floods in the MahaicaMahaicony area.

In the residential area, the village hardest hit is Highdam, where several villagers were forced to spend the night on the street on Sunday and then face the hot sun watching their neighbours and livestock sharing the street.

Anika Bickoon, who has been living there for the past four years, was also on the street when this publication visited.

She recalled that on Sunday she found a centipede and a snake swimming in her house.

About eighteen inches of water was in her house and according to the woman, on Sunday morning the wave came rushing into her home, having no regards for the sandbags which she had placed at her doors.

She was only catering for one foot of water.

Electrical appliances, furniture and other items along with foodstuff were damaged.

Her kitchen garden has also been destroyed. The little livestock she had were scattered and many were nowhere to be seen.

Her story was no different from others on the street.

Bickoon’s only advantage

after three days.

“It is over one year the Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal had been talking about this, when the water come now, everybody get flood and the Government get time with nobody. The only person who come here is the Opposition Leader, Dr Bharat Jagdeo,” he revealed.

is that she was able to remove some of her furniture in time and so she had somewhere to sit but still had to take the sun.

Collis McGarrel said he was out on Sunday when the floods came and when he returned, he had to paddle through several feet of water to get to his home. Inside his house, five feet of water awaited him.

“I just had to leave everything and come out here on the street.”

Several persons complained that officials from Government had not visited them. However, governmental party representatives visited some of the affected areas. At Highdam, the residents blocked the road and demanded that either the President or senior members of the Government visit them.

The situation was quickly brought under control.

Karrenranim Tony of Zeeland, Mahaicony, noted that no Government Minister visited the affected residents

The Regional Chairman expressed regret but told residents that his hands were tied and he has been getting some assistance from several agencies but not from the relevant Ministries including the Mahaica Mahaicony AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA).

The further erosion of the sea dam at Dantzig has caused flooding in Mahaicony.

Both the residential and the farming communities are being affected as a result of the breach which opened on Friday night.

The Regional Chairman blamed the intensity of damage to the sea dam on poor management by MMA-ADA of the sluice at Mahaica.

According to Ramphal, over one year ago he brought to the attention of the MMAADA, the threats and dangers to livelihoods and implored the agency to pay urgent attention to the fragile sea defence. (Andrew Carmichael)

10 news Proclamation issued for General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020 A tuesday, ocotber 1, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

fter much pressure by the international community, civil society and the Opposition in Guyana, caretaker President David Granger has issued two proclamations for the holding of General and Regional Elections on Monday, March 2, 2020.

In a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency on Monday evening, it was stated that “the President, by the power vested in him by Article 61 of the Constitution of Guyana to, by proclamation, appoint the day for an election under Article 60 (2) appoints 2nd March 2020 as the day on which an election of members of the National Assembly shall be held.”

The Constitution at Article 61 states: “An election of members of the National Assembly under Article 60 (2) shall be held on such day within three months after every dissolution of Parliament as the President shall appoint by proclamation.”

According to the release, similarly, Granger has proclaimed March 2, 2020, “the same day as appointed under Article 61 of the Constitution for the holding of elections of members of the National Assembly, as the day on which elections of members of the Regional Democratic Councils shall be held”.

Article 73 (2) of the Constitution states: “Elections of members

Caretaker Granger

President

David

of Regional Democratic Councils shall be held and the councils shall be dissolved at such times as, subject to paragraph (3), the President may appoint by

proclamation.”

On September 25, in his address to the nation, Granger had announced that after discussions with Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, the earliest possible date for the holding of General and Regional Elections would be March 2, 2020.

Granger’s proclamation comes as pressure mounted on the caretaker coalition Government from the international community, the Organisation of American States (OAS) being the latest organisation calling for the issuance of a proclamation for the hosting of General and Regional Elections in Guyana next year.

After almost a year of procrastination following his Government’s defeat in

a No-Confidence Motion, President Granger last week announced the March 2, 2020 date for elections.

It was only on Monday last that the Commonwealth urged the President to call elections immediately.

Similar calls also came from the United States, British and European Union diplomatic representatives.

Given the political situation that existed in Guyana, the silence of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has been described as disgraceful by former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy.

On Monday, Dr Ramsammy said that one of the most frequently asked questions in Guyana today was why Caricom was missing in action and silent as a doorknob.

The notable silence did not go down well with the former Minister, who add-

ed that Caricom officials were not really missing in action as they could be seen jetting around the world, showing up everywhere, talking about democracy everywhere except in Guyana, caring nothing whatsoever that democracy was dead in Guyana.

He added that it was “shameful” that Caricom was begging the United Nations to intervene to stop certain nations interfering with Venezuela’s sovereignty, but had not said a word at the UN or in Guyana about the egregious violations of the Constitution in Guyana.

In a rare utterance on the coalition Government’s conduct, Secretary General Irwin LaRocque had said a few months back that Caricom was keeping a close eye on proceedings in Guyana.

Bandits shoot Essequibo Coast businesswoman during robbery

T

hree armed bandits on Monday evening invaded Manzoor Mohammed General Store, in Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Reports are the incident occurred at about 20:15h.

While details are sketchy, this newspaper was told that the woman who was shot is the daughter of the late Manzoor Mohammed.

She was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital.

This newspaper was told that the business place was robbed about five weeks ago.

One businessman told Guyana Times that the business community lost all confidence in the police in the region and are presently conducting discussions with

other businesses to get a vehicle and private security to conduct patrols.

Meanwhile, the police have since launched an investigation.

news

11

tuesday, october 1, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Aftermath of flooding

Flood victims fearful of future high tides …persons still cleaning, assessing damage …urged to take precautions as more overtopping expected

Prevention for future overtopping

S

andbags and other barriers secured the doors of houses along the West Coast of Demerara which were battered from flooding this weekend as normalcy is yet to return to the lives of many affected persons.

As a matter of fact, the frequency of overtopping due to high tides has stirred fear among communities. As more high spring tides are expected, many are dreading how they will handle the situation.

The waters were calmly receding on Monday when Guyana Times visited several areas, but many expressed that this would be short-lived, signalling that another high tide was upon them. At about 05:18h in the afternoon, they were warned that another flooding would occur.

Those communities affected include Blankenburg, Hague, Den Amstel, Fellowship, Cornelia Ida, Anna Catherina, and Uitvlugt Oceanview. Since Saturday morning, the tides have been unforgiving to these coastal areas.

This is the second major inundation to hit the communities in just over one year. Last March, breaches in the sea defence resulted in persons being relocated to shelters after their homes were severely flooded.

Monday saw villagers on a cleanup spree, scrubbing and washing their yards that were stained with the ocean water. On other premises, furniture and oth-

er items stood outside to be dried.

However, a mother of six, Jacqueline Henry said her biggest concern was that her children did not make it to school due to the situation. Many of their clothes and furniture in the bottom flat of their house was soaked from the overtopping Atlantic waves.

“For the first day, we had it in-

thing and put them in order.”

Meanwhile, Sankar Mangra said his livestock and plants suffered from the floodwaters. He stated that they are still awaiting compensation from last year’s flooding as little relief was provided this time around.

“The first one was more serious. The whole thing break down and nobody didn’t come to look we. Them just promise and promise and nothing. The people who had the flood and danger didn’t get nothing. This time was two days and two night and nobody really didn’t come round. They just bring soap powder and bleach and we already use all out done,” the man recalled.

While the water had retreated from his home, they were yet to clean the surroundings.

This publication also caught up with Azeem Syad, who was con-

Drainage works being undertaken after the incident

They continue to blame the poor drainage system – a problem which fails to irrigate properties during such unfortunate events.

In one area at Uitvlugt, some excavation works were done for pipes to be installed. But residents have positively expressed that this will not control the issue entirely.

Precautions

One resident cleaning the mosque after the floodwaters receded

side. Most of my children school stuff damage. Only the big ones them gone to school because I couldn’t find everything this morning,” Henry said.

She recalled the March 2018 flooding, stating, “Last year, everything was gone. Everything.

Me didn’t had nothing that save from last year. As soon as we hear the water coming, we put up every-

structing a concrete barricade to stop any future floodwaters from entering.

“Everything damage up.

Nobody come to do nothing. Look at this place. We just do some mason work just to block the water,” the affected man relayed.

Many persons have assessed their losses to be in the millions.

During this time, the Public Health Ministry sent out a warning, urging persons to stay out of the water and keep food items safe. Water-borne diseases can be contracted through contact with these waters.

The notice warned, “Direct contact with floodwaters can expose you to several germs that can lead to any of these diseases. Keep children especially out of the water as they are most at risk of contracting diseases. Avoid swimming in canals and trenches. During the rainy season and floods, these become contaminated by both human and animal faeces and can make you sick.”

Protective gear should be used along with regular washing of feet after exiting the waters. If necessary, Vaseline or oil can be applied to form a barrier to protect from

the dirty water.

Adding to that, water poses as breeding grounds for mosquitoes which spread Zika, dengue and chikungunya virus. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly with clean water to prevent contamination.

Instructions were given to turn off the main electrical outlet as well as equipment.

“Protect against electric shock by turning off the main electrical switch and unplug all appliances and move them to safe areas of your homes if your home is at threat of flooding. If you suspect electrical wiring have been damaged in your home, turn off the main and have it checked by a qualified electrician before turning on back the power.”

For any injuries, the West Demerara Regional Hospital, Leonora Hospital and other regional and district hospitals’ outpatient departments are all fully operational.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry has said that there were no breaches in the defence structure but they are monitoring the situation. Officials predict that the spring tide will be in effect until October 2. (Rupa Seenaraine)

12 news

tuesday, october 1, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Public servants should become familiar GPL warns against with Indigenous languages – Granger affixing posters on utility poles I n order to facilitate effective communication between the coastland and hinterland citizens while at the same time helping to preserve ancient languages, it is recommended that public servants become familiar with the various Indigenous languages that exist within the country.

This recommendation was made by caretaker President David Granger, who delivered the feature address on Saturday at the St Cuthbert’s Mission (or Pakuri) Heritage celebrations.

Granger was at the time commenting on the village’s efforts to preserve the native languages, particularly that of the Arawaks, when he highlighted the importance of public servants learning those languages “I spoke to the Toshao, and she advised me about the efforts being made to preserve and continue the important language. And it is something that I’ve emphasised that when pub-

Caretaker President David Granger

lic servants go into the hinterland, go into Indigenous communities, they must be able to communicate,” he added.

But while Granger did not state how public servants should go about acquiring such knowledge directly, he anticipated favourable outcomes for the village’s Indigenous language project.

“I insisted that all public servants serving in the hin-

terland must able to if not converse but be able to send greetings or ask questions in the nine languages of the Indigenous people so I expect in months to come we will hear more about this language project in this village of Pakuri,” he told the gathering.

The United Nations (UN) has since recognised that despite the immense value of languages, many of them that exist not only

in Guyana but around the world continue to disappear at an alarming rate.

Considering this fact, the UN has declared 2019 as the year of Indigenous languages, as it seeks to raise awareness not only to benefit those speaking the languages but also for those who recognise the contributions they make to the world’s cultural diversity.

Some of the Amerindian languages spoken by a minority of the population include that of the Macushi, Akawaio, WaiWai, Arawak, Wapishana, Patamona, Warrau, Carib, and Arecuna.

So far, efforts to preserve these local languages in Guyana have resulted in Government inviting applications for employment and contracts being published in the Indigenous languages, together with interior radio stations carrying broadcasts in the Indigenous languages and the Education Ministry focusing on introducing these languages in the schooling system.

T

he Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has cautioned the general public that it is illegal and dangerous to place signage on the company’s utility poles.

On Monday GPL asked the general public to desist from affixing signage to the company’s poles, adding that the practice is illegal and dangerous. According to the company, the practice is a safety and health hazard for both the company’s technicians (field staff) and private citizens.

It added that accord-

ing to Section 5.4 of GPL’s Standard Terms and Conditions (STC) for Electric Services, “Customers shall not place any structure that would interfere with the proper and safe operation of or access to the company’s facilities…”

Additionally, private contractors and/or Government agencies executing infrastructural works within close proximity (approximately 20 feet) of GPL’s network are required to notify the company within 72 hours prior to commencing work, so that the actions deemed necessary to facilitate the safe execution of work can be determined and undertaken.

“GPL will not be liable for any injury and/or loss that may result from the improper use of its poles or injury and/or loss that may result from unauthorised work within close proximity of its network,” the company warned.

13 Reforming education system not an empty promise – caretaker President News

tuesday, october 1, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

A scene from the expo

A

rguing that his promise to reform education is not an empty promise, caretaker President David Granger on Monday declared that much of the oil money that will be taken from the Natural Resources Fund to develop Guyana will go into education.

Granger was at the time

giving an address at the launch of the Education Exposition at D’Urban Park.

According to Granger, Government intends to use much of the oil revenue it will get on education.

He noted that every Guyanese child will be educated at all three levels nursery, primary and sec-

ondary, at State expense.

“Where will the money come from? Well we’re exploring the possibility of increasing petroleum production after 2020. And part of that money is going to go into a Natural Resource Fund.”

“But a lot of it is going to go into public education… we’re trying to ensure that the education system, re-

ANSA McAL, Cancer Foundation partner to fight against cancer

gardless of how everything else is doing, is also going to make Guyanese children more equal, wherever they live,” the President said, adding that these were not empty promises.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Nicolette Henry spoke of the use of technology to bridge gaps in the education system. She also noted the potential the exposition has to showcase Guyana’s education sector.

Last year the Education Expo had to be cancelled as a result of ongoing negoti-

This exhibition, which showcases a bauxite mining pit, was constructed by students of the Linden Technical Institute (Photo

by Jarryl Bryan)

ations at the time with the Guyana Teachers’ Union.

This is a model of the surface conveyor belt system employed at Aurora Gold Mine’s mills (Photo by Jarryl Bryan)

…as Breast Cancer Awareness Month observed

Founder of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Bibi Saeedah Akhtar Hassan and Business Unit Head for P&G products, Padma Kunjbeharry display Pantene products

A

NSA McAL Trading Limited (AMTL) and the Guyana Cancer Foundation, on Monday partnered with each other to launch the Pantene promotion under the theme, “Growing stronger with Pantene”.

The promotion will coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which begins today.

The collaboration aims to generate funds from the sale of Pantene products

from which a total of $150 from every bottle sold will be donated to the Guyana Cancer Foundation.

During a press conference at the company’s Beterverwagting Boardroom, Managing Director of AMTL, Troy Cadogan reiterated support and enthusiasm to continue ANSA McAL’s long fight against cancer, as he urged persons to buy the hair care product that might save a life.

Cadogan also noted that his organisation will be part of more activities during the month of October to show the company’s support towards the fight against cancer, especially breast cancer, which is most dominant in Guyana.

Meanwhile, President and Founder of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Bibi Saeedah Akhtar Hassan expressed gratitude for the partnership, effort and contributions while noting that the fight against cancer is made a little easier with companies such as ANSA McAL giving generous donations.

The Pantene hair products can be found at all participating locations that include Bounty Supermarket outlets (Regent and Water Streets, Grove and Kitty), Massy Stores (Providence), Jaigobin Supermarket, N&S Mattai’s and DSL Cash and Carry outlets (Sheriff Street, Ruimveldt and Diamond).

Moreover, the monies donated will go to screening and testing individuals who may exhibit signs of the deadly disease. So far, the Cancer Institute of Guyana Inc has recorded some 110 breast cancer cases diagnosed for the first half of 2019, as such these organisations are raising awareness to save multiple lives of both women and men.

As a result of this, organisations in the Private Sector are being urged to join the fight against the disease by donating monies which goes towards mammograms, ultrasounds and Pap smears.

At the time, the planning officers were engaged with

A model of one of the gold mining pits at Aurora, split open to display the veins of gold under the earth’s surface (Photo by Jarryl Bryan)

the GTU and the teachers’ salary woes.

It was explained at the time that because of these negotiations, organisers of the exposition were unable to make the necessary plans for the exposition, which was dubbed the signature event for Education Month.

This year around, there were over 68 booths showcasing various institutions and what courses they have to offer. Some of the participants included the Government Technical Institute (GTI) and Aurora Gold Mine. Touring the booths and soaking up knowledge were children from approximately 100 schools from across Guyana.

14 news

tuesday, october 1, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Bahamas to deport undocumented migrants living in shelters

T

he Bahamas Government says it will deport undocumented migrants who survived the passage of Hurricane Dorian on September 1 and are now living in shelters.

Immigration Minister, Elsworth Johnson, says the shelters will not be used “to circumvent the law.

“If you're in a shelter and you're undocumented and you're not here in the right way, you're still subject to deportation and the enforcement of the immigration laws,” Johnson told The Nassau Guardian newspaper.

“Most certainly, those shelters will not be used as a mechanism to circumvent the law. The government of The Bahamas fully appreciates that we are a country of laws. We're governed by the rule of law.

“There's an Immigration

Act and the Immigration Act is in full effect and the director [of immigration] understands that he must enforce it,” he added.

The Category 5 storm, with winds in excess of 180 miles slammed into The Bahamas killing at least 56 people and causing widespread destruction mainly on Grand Bahama and Abacos islands.

The government-appointed coordinator of hurricane relief efforts in Abaco, Algernon Cargill, also warned undocumented migrants against any plans of returning to Abacos Islands.

“If you don't have a purpose of being in Abaco, like to rebuild or relatives and you don't have any legal status to be in The Bahamas, you should not go to Abaco.

“For example, there are rumours that Haitians are returning to Abaco, correct?

So they have no legal status

to return to Abaco, so why are they returning to Abaco?

So, when we say, 'shouldn't go back', we're actually referring to that group of people.”

“They have no status or no reason to be there. You can't tell Bahamians not to go to Abaco. But if persons who are illegally in The Bahamas, they should

not be traveling to Abaco,” Cargill added.

Soon after the hurricane swept through the archipelago, Johnson had announced that the government would not carry out immigration exercises at shelters for hurricane victims.

“Having regard that we're now facing a human-

Stranded 'drug runners' use cocaine raft to stay afloat after boat sinks

T

hree suspected drug traffickers were found off the coast of Colombia using packages of cocaine to stay afloat after their boat sank.

Bizarre scenes filmed in the Pacific Ocean, 30 nautical miles off the coast of Tumaco, western Colombia, shows the men desperately trying to stay above water.

Members of the Colombian Navy spotted the three men bobbing in the sea and rescuers were called.

Video taken by emergency services shows the men clinging onto packages of what was later confirmed to

Rescuers spot the three men, along with the packages, in the water

be cocaine.

The men used the parcels to stay afloat before they are eventually thrown a life ring.

The trio were pulled from the water and given medical attention as they had been

floating for at least three hours, according to reports.

It has been reported their boat sunk after being hit by a wave.

Authorities have reportedly confirmed the packag-

es contained 1.2 tonnes of cocaine.

The three men were reportedly arrested and "placed at the disposition of the corresponding authorities to be prosecuted for the trafficking, fabrication and handling of narcotics”.

It is unclear if they have been charged.

Reports state one person who was on the boat was not rescued in the operation and the navy are continuing to search for them.

The Colombian Navy has reportedly seized 163 tonnes of cocaine so far this year. (UK Mirror)

CAL announces layaway flights

C

aribbean Airlines (CAL) has announced a new promotion called Caribbean Layaway, an interest-free layaway plan, which allows passengers travelling within a two to six month period, the opportunity to pay for their flights on a phased basis.

It means passengers can now hold a reservation with a 25 per cent deposit.

Customers would have to pay the balance at a later specified date.

The airline announced the promotion on its website today.

The option applies to all flights originating in Guyana to all CAL destinations and all flights originating in Trinidad to New York.

The airline said it would continue to add routes to this offer.

The offer is not available on the company's website, but can be accessed at ticket offices in Port of Spain and Guyana. (T&T Newday)

itarian crisis, the government is taking the decision that those immigration policies or enforcement measures be suspended forthwith in the affected areas – that's the Abacos and Freeport, Grand Bahama,” he said then.

But he told the newspaper that migrants who have no legal right to be in country face deportation regardless of where they are in the Bahamas.

“Now, I would like to say that the hurricane has now gone, and so, immigration officials are no longer being utilized to rescue persons or in a humanitarian way and so to the extent that anybody would find themselves anywhere in The Bahamas, in-

cluding Freeport and Abaco and they're undocumented and they're found, they will be apprehended and the law will take its course.”

Johnson said he has instructed the director and immigration officers “to protect the borders of country to enforce the immigration laws without “fear, favour or ill will.”

The newspaper reported that among the areas most impacted by Hurricane Dorian were shantytowns on Abaco, home to a significant migrant population and that thousands of people were evacuated from Abaco and Grand Bahama after the storm. Many of them are now in New Providence in shelters. (CMC)

OAS asked for release of Venezuelans in T&T

T

he commissioner of the Organisation of American States for the Venezuelan migrant and refugee crisis, David Smolansky, asked the TT government to release people being detained in that country over migration issues.

This was disclosed during Smolansky's stay at the General Assembly of the United Nations, held last week in New York.

Through a press release, he said he sent the TT government the formal request for the release of Venezuelans who are in local prisons for arriving in this country or establish themselves illegally.

In July, Smolansky questioned the statements of the Prime Minister, who said undocumented Venezuelans would be deported.

He saidVenezuelans do not leave their country voluntarily, but are driven to do so by widespread violence, human rights violations, the humanitarian crisis, and the collapse in the economy and basic services, which leads them even to risk their lives to flee.

Hence he urged the TT authorities to free Venezuelans who are detained without having committed crimes, and who are not deported.

He recalled that "for many years Venezuela received hundreds of Trinidadians who also fled from the lack of opportunities, and many were able to get a job and establish their families in Venezuela."

In addition, he asked for the co-operation of the Netherlands to initiate a registration process for at least 40,000 refugees in Aruba and Curacao.

He also said a million migrants from Venezuela will have the opportunity to receive a vaccination card. This will be called the Unified Vaccination Card, will be signed by ten countries and will enter into force in October. It will be for children (including newborns) and adults, and will be available in three languages.

That measure was agreed last month in Cúcuta,Colombia, by health officials from the US, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Canada, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Peru and Paraguay.

The official explained that this effort may be the beginning of other social work to be implemented in the region. The card will allow recipients to have the vaccinations they require.

(T&T Newsday)

news

15

tuesday, october 1, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

China to mark 70 years of communism with massive show of force

C

hina will celebrate seven decades of communist rule on Tuesday with a display of power through central Beijing, showing off goose-stepping troops, new missiles and floats celebrating the country’s technological prowess.

The event is the country’s most important of the year as China looks to project an image of confidence in the face of mounting challenges, including nearly four months of anti-government protests in the territory of Hong Kong and a bitter trade war with the United States that has weighed on its economy.

President Xi Jinping will give a speech - broadcast live around the country - and then review a massed military parade, with 15,000 troops marching through part of Tiananmen Square, as jet fighters scream overhead. Xi, whose military modernization program has rattled nerves around the region, will likely descend from a podium on the Gate of Heavenly Peace to inspect

Soldiers of People's Liberation Army (PLA) march in formation past Tiananmen Square during a rehearsal before a military parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of People's Republic of China, on its National Day in Beijing, China, October 1, 2019

the ranks, though exact details have been kept under wraps ahead of time.

Xi remains broadly popular in China for his aggressive campaign against corruption and for propelling what is now the world’s second-biggest economy to the forefront of global politics.

But the Communist Party remains nervous about its grip on power and international standing.

The capital has been locked down for the parade.

Police have told residents

whose houses look onto the parade route not to look out their windows.

There will be a civilian parade too, of students, model workers, ethnic minorities and even a few foreigners, walking alongside or traveling in floats celebrating China’s achievements, officials said last week.

Once the show is over, 70,000 doves will be released to symbolize peace, according to state media.

In the evening, fireworks will light up Beijing.

Moroccan Journalist jailed on abortion charges

A

Moroccan Journalist has been sentenced to a year in prison for premarital sex and having an abortion, in a case activists say is part of a crackdown on critical reporters.

Hajar Raissouni was arrested with her fiancé as they left a gynaecologist's clinic in the capital Rabat in August.

The 28-year-old denied the charges, saying she had sought treatment for internal bleeding.

Ms Raissouni works for an independent newspaper critical of the authorities.

A Journalist at the Akhbar Al-Yaoum daily, she denounced the case against her as a "political trial", saying she had been questioned by police about her family and her writing.

Wearing a black veil covering her head, Ms Raissouni appeared calm on arrival at the courtroom in Rabat. She and her fiancé, a Sudanese national, denied that an abortion had taken place.

"We're shocked by this verdict," her lawyer, Abdelmoula El Marouri, told the Reuters news agency, saying that all the medical and legal evidence should have led to an acquittal. He said he would appeal against the verdict.

The prosecutor in the case said the circumstances of the journalist's arrest had nothing to do with her work as a journalist, and that the clinic she had visited was under police surveillance on suspicion of carrying out illegal abortions.

The court sentenced her fiancé to a year in prison and her doctor to two years.

The doctor's assistant and a

Activists with posters of the Journalist held a protest outside the tribunal last month

nurse at the clinic were also found guilty but were given suspended sentences.

Ahmed Benchemsi, regional director for Human Rights Watch, described the

verdict as a "black day for freedom in Morocco", calling it "a blatant injustice, a flagrant violation of human rights, and a frontal attack on individual freedoms." (BBC)

Xi faces mounting challenges, notably in Hong Kong, where more largescale protests are expected on Tuesday. Police there have warned of “very serious violent attack”.

Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam is in Beijing for the anniversary celebrations.

Another challenge is Chinese-claimed Taiwan, a free-wheeling democracy with little interest in being run by Beijing and which holds presidential elections

The event is the country’s most important of the year

in January.

There are also restive minorities in Tibet and heavily Muslim Xinjiang, where China has faced internation-

al opprobrium for detaining up to one million ethnic Uighurs in what China calls a de-radicalization scheme.

(Reurters)

Family feuds over Mexican singer's 'missing' body

A

s millions of fans continue to mourn the death of celebrated Mexican singer José José, his eldest children say they do not know where his body is.

They say they have visited the funeral home in Miami where they expected his body to be, but did not see it or find a death certificate.

They accuse their half-sister, Sarita, and her mother of hiding the body.

The singer, known as the” Prince of Song”, died on Saturday. He had sold more than 100 million albums.

José Joél and Marysol Sosa Noreña – his children by one of his three wives – say when they arrived on Sunday at the funeral home where they thought his wake would be held, they were told their father's body was not there, AFP news agency reports.

"At this point in time, we don't know where his remains are, we have the right to see the body. We want to

Celebrated José José

Mexican

singer

know if José José, our father, has died," José Joél is quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.

José Joél posted a message for his sister Sara on Twitter (in Spanish), asking her to get in touch and to let him and his sister know where their father's body was.

They went to the Police Station in Cutler Bay, Florida, to file a report on his missing remains, AFP reports.

"If I don't see my dad's body, I can't believe anything. Nothing," Marysol Sosa Noreña told Journalists outside the station.

They have also called on Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard to intervene.

A spokesman for Sarita and her mother now say bluntly that the singer's body has not been put at the disposition of his two older children.

Sarita, who has the rights to her father's songs, has said a burial is being planned and there will be memorials in Mexico and the US. Last year, the singer's two eldest children had accused their half-sister of kidnapping their father when she and her mother took him to the US for cancer treatment.

The crooner, whose real name was José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz, died at a hospital outside Miami following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

16

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, october 1, 2019

Regional

Venezuela's Maduro says Trump merits “a thousand impeachments” V enezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, under fire all year to quit from the United States and its allies, exulted on Monday in the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump, though he did not expect the White House to let up against him.

Trump is under fire over his request to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for an investigation into Joe Biden, a leading Democratic candidate to challenge him in the 2020 US presidential election.

“I wasn’t surprised, because that’s what Donald Trump does every day against Venezuela,” said Maduro, whom Trump and dozens of other nations in the West and around Latin America have said rigged a 2018 election and is thus a usurper.

The leftist Venezuelan

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro gestures as he speaks during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela, September 30, 2019

leader accused Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of bombarding foreign leaders and officials with calls threatening to withdraw aid and block

loans as part of their campaign to topple him.

“Donald Trump should have a thousand impeachments against him for the thousand calls and thou-

sand acts of extortion he has carried out against Governments to harm Venezuela,” Maduro added at a news conference in Caracas.

Some analysts believe the impeachment inquiry may distract Trump from foreign policy priorities, including leading international efforts against Maduro.

But the Venezuelan leader did not share that view.

“What is going to change towards Venezuela?

Nothing. Because that is the policy of the empire,” Maduro said.

“They believe Latin America and the Caribbean is their backyard and belongs to them ... If they checked all (Trump’s) calls in the last year, they would find enough evidence to prove the abuse of power against noble Venezuela.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

New protest hits Haiti, calls continue for President Moise to resign

T

ensions remain high in Haiti as people take to the streets to demand that President Jovenel Moise resign.

Al Jazeera said the demonstrators are angered by what they say is his mishan-

dling of the economy, and chronic food and fuel shortages.

The Associated Press reported on Monday that thousands set fires and chanted calls for Haiti's President to resign as the Opposition

tried to increase pressure for him to leave office.

Schools, businesses and Government offices were closed as protesters gathered chanting, "Down with Jovenel!"

Opposition leaders and

supporters say they are angry about public corruption, spiralling inflation and a dwindling supply of gasoline that has forced many gas stations in the capital to close. Suppliers have demanded that the cashstrapped Government pay them more than US$100 million owed, the AP reported.

Indigenous Bolivians demand action over fires

President Evo Morales has welcomed international aid, but has stopped short of declaring a national emergency

A

bout 200 Bolivians, most of them members of an Indigenous group from the Chiquitanía region, are taking part in a protest march to demand more action be taken to stop fires that have ravaged their area.

They are urging President Evo Morales to declare a national emergency, after blazes destroyed large areas of forest as well as ranch land and farms, leaving many people destitute.

President Morales has welcomed international aid, but has stopped short of declaring a national emergency.

Earlier this month, a Russian military plane capable of dropping large amounts of water on the fires, arrived in Bolivia, and firefighters from Argentina have also been helping with the firefighting efforts.

The worst-affected area is Chiquitanía, where

the Non-Governmental Organisation Friends of Nature Foundation (FAN) estimates that 2.9 million hectares have been burnt.

Most of those taking part in the protest march are Chiquitanos.

They set off from San Ignacio de Velasco, a ranching hub, earlier this month and have been sleeping in makeshift camps along the way.

The protesters say that if a national emergency was declared, more aid would reach their areas.

"For us, the Chiquitanos, it's painful because we are not going to have anything left," protester Tomás Candia told Reuters news agency.

"That is why we are calling on the world (for help), for the Government to declare a national disaster, to call for help for Indigenous peoples, for territories and for protected areas," he said.

T&T: Ceremony held at hospital as ailing nun gets national award from President Peru's Congress

A

full investiture ceremony was done in a ward in the Scarborough General Hospital in Tobago, where President Paula-Mae Weekes presented Dr Sister Phyllis Wharfe with the Medal of Merit (Gold).

When the National Awards were presented on Republic Day, Dr Wharfe was absent. She received the award in recognition of her decades of service in education and the empowerment of women. But she was extremely ill and unable to make the journey from Tobago.

Lifetime of service: President Paula-Mae Weekes pins the Medal of Merit (Gold) on the garment of Dr Sister Phyllis Wharfe last Friday at the Scarborough General Hospital in Tobago (Photo courtesy

Office of The President)

According to President's House, when told of the gravity of Dr Wharfe’s medical state and of her desire to receive the award in person, President Weekes decided to present Dr Wharfe with her award in hospital.

Last Friday, with her sister, a friend, and a nurse as witnesses, a full investiture was conducted where the Aide-de-Camp announced the award, the recipient’s bio was read out and the medal was, at Dr Wharfe's request, pinned to her garment by President Weekes. (Excerpt from

Trinidad Newsday)

Jamaicans rally at UN against mining in Cockpit Country

F

or a second time last week, Jamaicans in New York rallied outside the headquarters of the United Nations (UN), to highlight growing opposition within the Diaspora against mining in the Cockpit Country.

As they did during the first demonstration last Monday, the protesters

gathered as Prime Minister Andrew Holness spoke during the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.

They later took their protest outside the Jamaican consulate on Third Avenue in Manhattan and to The Kimberly Hotel, where Holness was believed to have been staying.

Decked in the national

colours — black, green and gold, the placard-bearing group said they were concerned about possible damage to the water and ecological systems of the area.

Addressing Friday's demonstration, Irwin Clare, prominent Diaspora advocate, described the Cockpit Country as a “pristine area which must be preserved”.

He acknowledged that

bauxite “has been good for Jamaica”, but insisted that a “serious look needs to be taken at the aftermath of the mining process”.

Clare welcomed plans outlined by Prime Minister Holness in his UN address that three million trees are to be planted in Jamaica over the next three years to help combat climate change adversities. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

(Excerpt from BBC News)

defies Vizcarra's shutdown threat by holding key vote

P

eru’s Oppositionrun Congress defied President Martin Vizcarra’s threat to close it by electing the first of up to six new leading court justices in a raucous vote on Monday, bringing the nation to the brink of a constitutional crisis.

On the eve of the vote, Vizcarra said he would shutter Congress if lawmakers went forward with the appointments, calling it an illegitimate attempt to capture the Constitutional Tribunal (TC), the likely referee in any legal dispute on an escalating political crisis.

Some proposed nominees have come under fire for their links to Judges ensnared in several back-toback graft probes that have discredited the country’s institutions in recent years.

The power struggle threatens to hobble governance and could trigger unrest in a country that has

seen increased political volatility in recent years. Some lawmakers have vowed to physically resist any attempt to send them home.

The Opposition party that controls Congress – led by jailed former presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori – says Vizcarra cannot override Congress’ constitutional authority to name new members of the TC. “Close Congress, we’re not afraid,” Congressman Gilbert Violeta said in a debate marked by shouting, fist-pounding and a brief attempt to shut out Vizcarra’s Prime Minister.

Despite Prime Minister Salvador del Solar’s last-minute appeal to heed Vizcarra’s calls, lawmakers elected one new nominee to the TC, Gonzalo Ortiz de Zevallos, a relative of the President of Congress with no judicial experience listed on his LinkedIn profile. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, october 1, 2019

Around the World

Trump impeachment: Lawyer Rudy Giuliani subpoenaed for documents D emocrats have demanded records from President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, in the next step of an effort that could remove Trump from office.

Giuliani has admitted to asking Ukraine to investigate corruption allegations – widely debunked –- against former Vice President Joe Biden.

Lawmakers issued a subpoena for those communication records from Giuliani.

A phone call between President Donald Trump and the President of Ukraine was flagged by a whistleblower.

A rough transcript emerged last week of that call between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The transcript shows the US President urged him to investigate the discredited allegations against Biden, a 2020 Democratic frontrunner, and his son.

The call is now at the centre of an impeachment inquiry by Democrats – an effort that could see Trump expelled from office, but doing so would require members of his Republican party to turn against him.

Three Chairmen of key House of Representatives Committees – Intelligence, Foreign Affairs and Oversight – sent the subpoena notice to Giuliani on

BBC News)

Monday. “We are on the verge of extreme danger.”

Police said they arrested a total of 157 people, including 67 students, after a chaotic weekend in which tear gas and water cannon were fired at protesters who set fires and threw petrol bombs. Eight Police Officers were injured, they said.

Authorities are eager to avoid scenes that could embarrass the central government in Beijing

on the eve of the anniversary after months of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests. Police said several major roads will be closed near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where a flag-raising ceremony is scheduled to take place.

Authorities on Monday rejected a permit for a march planned for today from Victoria Park in the bustling tourist district of Causeway Bay to Chater

Road, next to Government headquarters, on security grounds. Demonstrations are expected across Hong Kong regardless.

Admiralty, Wan Chai, and Prince Edward metro stations will be closed, Mass Transit Railway (MTR) said on Monday. The airport-bound express train will only stop at the central Hong Kong station, and only people with air tickets will be allowed entry to the terminal. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Rudy Giuliani

Monday.

The subpoena was expected, as Democrats had earlier said they wanted to question Giuliani, a central figure in the saga.

On the phone call, r Trump asked the Ukrainian President to coordinate with his lawyer on any inquiry into Biden and son Hunter.

During a September 19 appearance on CNN, Giuliani confirmed he asked Ukraine to "look into the allegations that related to my client, which tangentially involved Joe Biden in a massive bribery scheme". (Excerpt from

Hong Kong braces for “violent attack” on sensitive Chinese anniversary – Police

H

ong Kong authorities are preparing for a day of chaos on the city’s streets today, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and metro stations and malls will close ahead of protests that they fear could turn violent.

There will be a “very serious violent attack”, the chief superintendent of the Police’s public relations branch, Tse Chun-chung, told a news conference on

315 billion-tonne iceberg breaks off Antarctica

T

he Amery Ice Shelf in Antarctica has just produced its biggest iceberg in more than 50 years.

The calved block covers 1636 square kilometres in area – a little smaller than Scotland's Isle of Skye –and is called D28.

The scale of the berg means it will have to be monitored and tracked because it could in future pose a hazard to shipping.

Not since the early 1960s has Amery calved a bigger iceberg. That was a whopping 9000 sq km in area.

Amery is the third largest ice shelf in Antarctica, and is a key drainage chan-

The European Union's Sentinel-1 satellite system captured these before and after images

nel for the east of the continent.

The shelf is essentially the floating extension of a

number of glaciers that flow off the land into the sea.

Losing bergs to the ocean is how these ice streams main-

tain equilibrium, balancing the input of snow upstream.

So, scientists knew this calving event was coming.

What's interesting is that much attention in the area had actually been focused just to the east of the section that has now broken away.

This is a segment of Amery that has affectionately become known as "Loose Tooth" because of its resemblance in satellite images to the dentition of a small child. Both ice areas had shared the same rift system.

But although wobbly, Loose Tooth is still attached. It's D28 that's been extracted. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh: More than 100 dead in fresh India flood chaos

Officials have said the area received an unexpected amount of rain

M

ore than 100 people have died owing to flooding caused by heavy rains in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, officials have said.

Dramatic images of the impact of floodwaters on urban life have been coming out of the affected areas.

Railway traffic, vehicular movement, healthcare services, schools and power supply have been disrupted in both states, officials said.

An Uttar Pradesh Government report said 93 people have died since Thursday.

In eastern Uttar Pradesh, flooding caused officials to relocate more

I

"Nobody possesses the weapons necessary to deal their adversary a fatal blow.

Chaos and destruction will hit the region in its entirety," he said.

Abdul Hadi emphasised the importance of resolving the long-running conflict in Yemen as a prelude to achieving regional peace.

A coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in Yemen in March 2015 after Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sanaa, driv-

ing out the internationally-recognised Government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, thrust millions to the brink of famine, and spawned what the United Nations has called "the world's worst humanitarian crisis".

Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's Government forces, has long accused Iran of backing the Houthis and supplying them with weapons. Tehran says it supports

the rebels diplomatically and politically, but denies providing them with military aid.

Meanwhile, tensions between Saudi Arabia's ally – the United States – and Iran have escalated since US President Donald Trump's decision last year to withdraw Washington from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and reimpose crippling sanctions as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

than 500 prisoners from the Ballia district jail to other prisons after water entered three buildings.

The Additional District Magistrate told reporters that officials were awaiting permission to move all of the prison's 850 inmates.

The death toll in Bihar is 29, according to the state disaster management authority. The impact on its main city, Patna, has been grabbing headlines.

Satellite images from September 20 and September 29 show the extent of the flooding as the Ganges River overflowed owing to the torrential rains in the region. (Excerpt from BBC News)

British PM denies groping allegations as party conference opens

B

ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson denied on Monday that he had inappropriately touched a female journalist 20 years ago, and said the public were more interested in hearing about his plans for public services.

As Johnson prepares to lead the United Kingdom out of the European Union on October 31, his past relations with several women have come under scrutiny.

The allegations overshadowed the Conservative Party’s annual conference which opened on Sunday.

Charlotte Edwardes, a columnist, wrote in The Sunday Times that Johnson had groped her at a lunch in 1999 when he was editor of The Spectator magazine.

Asked in a television interview if he had inappropriately touched her thigh as she reported, Johnson said: “No”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Twin Somali attacks hit US special forces base, Italian convoy

Italian and Somali security forces near armoured vehicles at the scene of the attack against the Italian military convoy

Iraqi PM Abdul Mahdi says Riyadh S wants to avoid war with Iran raqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi says he believes Saudi Arabia is looking to de-escalate tensions with its regional arch foe, Iran, adding that it is in everybody's interest to prevent further war in the region.

Abdul Mahdi made the comments in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, excerpts of which aired on Monday, days after he visited the Kingdom where he held talks with King Salman.

17

omali insurgents on Monday mounted an ambitious attack on a base where US special forces train Somali commandos, while an Italian military convoy was hit in a separate blast in the capital Mogadishu.

No casualties were reported in either attack, US and Italian officials said.

Twin vehicle-borne bombs at the Baledogle base, where Somali forces and Ugandan peacekeepers are also housed, were followed by small arms fire, a security source and Somali Police said.

“Two suicide car bombs ... tried to attack Baledogle

airport, but they detonated outside the airport gate,” Police Major Abdullahi Nur told Reuters.

The al Qaeda-linked group al Shabaab said it carried out the attack.

Baledogle is about 100 kilometres (60 miles) west of Mogadishu. Insurgents attacked the base in February using mortars, but caused no casualties.

“The security forces stopped this ultimately failed attack due to their alertness and swift response, not allowing the attackers to breach the outer defensive perimeters of the base,” the US Embassy said in a statement. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TuesDAY, OCTOber 1, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Don’t worry about what others plan to do. Follow the path that makes the most sense to you. Promises that someone makes should not be trusted.

Don’t try to cash in on what someone else is doing. If you look for your own path to follow, you will end up much further ahead. Set the standard and become a leader.

Change things around at home to accommodate a project you want to start. If you use your imagination, you will come up with a way to keep someone’s complaints to a minimum.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Personal improvements will not go unnoticed. Don’t let someone’s jealousy get in your way. Be proud and use your accomplishments to further your goals. Romance is on the rise.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Get out and mingle, network and find out what everyone else is doing. Your interest will improve your popularity and help you implement a positive lifestyle change.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

Don’t pass up an opportunity. If you take too long to make a decision, you will lose the momentum you need to carry off your plans properly. Trust your instincts.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Make a point to use your skills and charm to your advantage. When faced with opposition, a friendly nudge will encourage positive change. Choose harmony over conflict.

Change may be on your mind, but first put an end to situations that are detrimental to achieving your goal. Embrace the future with optimism.

SAGITTARIUS Offer suggestions, pitch (Nov. 23in and help, and be a good Dec. 21) listener, but don’t share personal information that could be used to meddle in your affairs. Choose not to reconnect with your past.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

An unexpected change will turn out better than anticipated. Have faith in the people you love and use your insight and personal skills to bring everyone together.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Your financial state will be important when it comes to stress management. Put some of your old money-saving techniques to work and see how quickly you turn things around.

Don’t let someone trick you into something that could be costly or damaging to your reputation. Take the high road, do things by the book and be helpful.

tuesday, october 1, 2019

19

Sri Lanka 2019 tour to Pakistan…

Pakistan crush Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI encounter Babar Azam ton, Usman Shinwari 5-for produce result

B

abar Azam struck an imperious first century on home soil to lead Pakistan to an imposing total, before Usman Shinwari and company had Sri Lanka five down inside 11 overs to essentially seal a comfortable victory for Pakistan.

Sri Lanka fought in patches, most notably through the record sixth-wicket stand worth 177 between Shehan Jayasuriya and Dasun Shanaka, but they had lost too much ground in the rest of the match for even that partnership to mean anything.

Chasing 306, they were all out for 238 in the 47th over, with Shinwari finishing with figures of 5 for 51, and Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz delivering cheap overs while each taking a wicket.

It was Babar's 115 off 105 balls, though, that had set the game up for Pakistan; his 111-run partnership with Haris Sohail forming the centrepiece of their innings.

It was the 11th century of Babar's ODI career, his third against Sri Lanka, and third of his last 11 innings, with four half-centuries and two scores of over 40 having been hit through that period as well.

That he's a blinding limited-overs talent has been known for some years now, but in the last few months, Babar has suggested he is coming into a new, more-consistent period in his career.

During the course of this innings, he crossed 1000 runs for this calendar year, in which he averages 62.41 after 19 innings. And on a flat surface, his batting always seemed effortless.

Babar thumped his eleventh ball past mid-on to collect his first boundary, before launching Wanindu Hasaranga over the midwicket boundary next over. His striking became more and more regal as the innings wore on, and in between the boundaries, the singles and twos were effortlessly collected.

He got to 50 with a sumptuous cover drive off the 55th delivery he faced, and then he raised the tempo. His most productive over was the 34th of the innings, when he hit leg-spinner Hasaranga for two sixes over long-on. The hundred was brought up with a boundary as well, a cut shot to backward point boundary off the 97th ball he faced.

He holed out in the death to become one of four Pakistan batsmen to fall between the 40th and 49th overs; but he -- along with Haris and Fakhar Zaman, who had earlier struck a fifty and been involved in a 73-run opening stand -- had provided Pakistan with an outstanding platform.

Iftikhar Ahmed, playing his first ODI since 2015, did the most to

capitalise on the top order's work, hitting 32 not out off 20 balls, as Pakistan reaped 72 in their last seven overs.

Sri Lanka's collapse was so dramatic that at one stage they seemed at risk of being dismissed for less than 78, their previous lowest score against Pakistan. The chase had begun promisingly enough, with an elegantly cover-driven first-ball four from Danushka Gunathilaka, but when Shinwari seamed one through the gate of Sadeera Samarawickrama in the fourth over, and Gunathilaka was out miscuing Amir to mid-on soon after that, they were already in despair at 22 for 2.

It got a lot worse very quickly. The score was still on 22 when Avishka Fernando spooned Shinwari to mid-on to be out for a seven-ball duck, and when new batsman Lahiru Thirimanne insideedged a ball that nipped back to have him caught behind later in that same Shinwari over. Oshada Fernando at least got himself off the mark, but that's all he did before he missed a straightening Imad Wasim delivery and was rapped on the pad in front of the stumps.

At 28 for 5, the chase seemed buried, but Jayasuriya and Shanaka produced an excavation act that was steady but never particularly slow, with both being busy batsmen. The risk-free singles and twos came first, before eventually they felt confident enough to venture occasional boundaries, as both batsmen took a liking to the leg-spin of Shadab Khan in particular.

When Shanaka walloped two fours and a six in the space of three Shinwari deliveries in the 28th over, it seemed as if the pair were ready to begin making a concerted effort to bring down the required rate, which had crept up to well over eight by this point; but that was not the path they chose. They continued to build slowly, only occasionally hitting out to keep the required rate in single figures.

They were not helped by one of the stadium's light towers, which failed on two separate occasions just as the partnership seemed to be gaining some real momentum. Perhaps it wouldn't have mattered either way, though. Despite the pair's valiant efforts, they were still some distance from giving Pakistan a real scare.

In the end, both batsmen fell in quick succession: Jayasuriya spurning a maiden international hundred when he edged Shinwari behind on 96; Shanaka for 68 early in the following over, with Sri Lanka still 101 runs short of the target. Hasaranga struck some late boundaries, but Pakistan had long sewn up the match. (Excerpt from Cricinfo)

Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal ꟷ Aubameyang earns Gunners a draw

M

anchester United and Arsenal played out a 1-1 Premier League draw that does little for either side's hopes of earning Champions League qualification by finishing in the top four.

Scott McTominay's first-half strike put United in front at a wet Old Trafford on Monday, but Arsenal struck back 13 minutes into the second period through the prolific Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Thereafter, a low-quality match saw few chances to snatch all three points; McTominay having the best opportunity to win the game but failing to convert a United corner, while Marcus Rashford's free-kick was saved by Bernd Leno in added time.

In driving Manchester rain, it took until the 29th minute - the longest wait in the league this season - for the game's first shot, Leno saving easily from Andreas Pereira's low drive.

The match slowly opened up, with Nicolas Pepe testing David de Gea at his near post, the goalkeeper then making a fine double save to deny Bukayo Saka and Matteo Guendouzi.

United struck moments before halftime, McTominay lashing home a stunning 20-yard strike for his first Old Trafford goal, after Daniel James and Marcus Rashford had led a rapid break.

Arsenal hit back in the 58th minute,

as VAR correctly overruled a terrible offside decision from the linesman after Axel Tuanzebe gave the ball away in a bad position.

Bukayo Saka seized Tuanzebe's loose pass and fed Aubameyang, who stole through to beat De Gea with a clever chipped finish for his seventh Premier League goal of the season.

Paul Pogba bent a shot just wide as United tried to respond, then McTominay should have restored their lead from an Ashley Young corner, but he planted a free header well over the crossbar.

United looked likelier to win it late on, but Leno brilliantly saved from Rashford before De Gea had to deny substitute Reiss Nelson at the death.

What does it mean? Champions League return a long way away.

The fact that this game was being played on a Monday, 24 hours before Manchester City and Tottenham would be in Champions League action, was likely not lost on fans of United and Arsenal. Judging from this display, returning to Europe's elite any time soon is improbable for both teams, although the draw leaves Arsenal in fourth, with United three points back, in 10th place.

Star in the making Alexandre Lacazette's ankle injury

provided a chance for Saka to shine, and the 18-year-old is taking it with both hands.

He has been directly involved in four goals in his four appearances in all competitions this season, and has earned praise from Cesc Fabregas on Twitter, the former Arsenal star writing: "Saka is a player. 18 years old showing great maturity."

Feeding the narrative McTominay's rocket looked destined for the top corner as soon as it left his right boot, but Arsenal's new official club captain Granit Xhaka arguably could have blocked it. Replays appeared to show Xhaka ducked his head away from the ball's flight, instead of getting in the way.

It is tempting to speculate whether Patrick Vieira or Tony Adams, two Gunners greats who wore the armband in more successful times for Arsenal, would have risked a bloody nose and stopped the shot.

What's next Both teams are in Europa League action on Thursday, with Arsenal hosting Standard Liege while United are away to Eredivisie outfit AZ. In the Premier League at the weekend, it is Newcastle United away for the Red Devils and Arsenal are at home to Bournemouth. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan Innings (50 overs maximum) Fakhar Zaman c Udana b de Silva 54 Imam-ul-Haq lbw b de Silva 31 Babar Azam c de Silva b Kumara

115 Haris Sohail run out (†Samarawickrama/Pradeep) 40 Sarfaraz Ahmed (c) † run out (Thirimanne)

8 32 Iftikhar Ahmed not out Imad Wasim c BOP Fernando b 12 Udana Wahab Riaz run out (de Silva/ Pradeep)

2 Extras 11 (lb 8, nb 1, w 2) TOTAL 305/7 (50 Overs, RR: 6.1) Did not bat: Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Usman Shinwari Fall of wickets: 1-73 (Imam-ulHaq, 14.4 ov), 2-104 (Fakhar Zaman, 20.5 ov), 3-215 (Haris Sohail, 39.2 ov), 4-242 (Sarfaraz Ahmed, 43.6 ov), 5-261 (Babar Azam, 45.5 ov), 6-278 (Imad Wasim, 48.3 ov), 7-305 (Wahab Riaz, 49.6 ov) BOWLING O M R W GSNFG Jayasuriya 10 1 48 0 9 0 59 0 N Pradeep I Udana 9 0 60 1 CBRLS Kumara 10 0 59 1 MD Gunathilaka 2 0 8 0 PWH de Silva 10 0 63 2 Sri Lanka Innings (target: 306 runs from 50 overs) MD Gunathilaka c Imad Wasim b

14 Mohammad Amir S Samarawickrama † b Usman 6 Shinwari WIA Fernando c Fakhar Zaman b Usman Shinwari 0 BOP Fernando lbw b Imad Wasim 1 HDRL Thirimanne (c) c †Sarfaraz Ahmed b Usman Shinwari 0 GSNFG Jayasuriya c †Sarfaraz Ahmed b Usman Shinwari 96 MD Shanaka c Fakhar Zaman b Shadab Khan 68 PWH de Silva c Iftikhar Ahmed b Shadab Khan 30 I Udana c †Sarfaraz Ahmed b Usman Shinwari 1 CBRLS Kumara lbw b Wahab Riaz 1 N Pradeep not out 0 Extras 21 (b 1, lb 15, w 5) TOTAL 238 all out (46.5 Overs, RR: 5.08) Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Sadeera Samarawickrama, 3.6 ov), 2-22 (Danushka Gunathilaka, 6.1 ov), 3-22 (Avishka Fernando, 7.3 ov), 4-22 (Lahiru Thirimanne, 7.6 ov), 5-28 (Oshada Fernando, 10.1 ov), 6-205 (Shehan Jayasuriya, 40.5 ov), 7-205 (Dasun Shanaka, 41.1 ov), 8-211 (Isuru Udana, 42.5 ov), 9-232 (Lahiru Kumara, 45.6 ov), 10-238 (Wanindu Hasaranga, 46.5 ov) BOWLING O M R W Mohammad Amir 7 1 21 1 Usman Shinwari 10 1 51 5 Imad Wasim 7 1 38 1 Wahab Riaz 9 0 27 1 Shadab Khan 9.5 0 76 2 Iftikhar Ahmed 4 1 9 0

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesday, october 1, 2019

Hero CPL to host Women’s T10 matches T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and Cricket West Indies (CWI) are partnering to host two T10 matches ahead of the Men’s semi-final and final.

The best Women cricketers from across the Caribbean will be playing in the NLCB Challenge on October 10 at 3pm, and in the Courts Invitational on October 12 at 12:30pm.

CPL is indeed thankful for the continued support of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and of Prime Minister Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley through the Sport and Culture Fund. His invaluable contributions to these games have highlighted his passion and commitment towards the development of women and sports.

Honourable Minister Shamfa Cudjoe has said: “The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs is pleased to partner with the CPL for the upcoming Women’s T-10 Cricket.

This partnership is in keeping with the Ministry’s Pink Reign Campaign, which promotes women and girls in sport. We will continue to facilitate the growth and development of sport in Trinidad and Tobago by creating opportunities and providing the necessary support towards the achievement of total participation.

“These matches represent a brilliant opportunity for the region’s top women cricketers to showcase their talents in the shorter format of the game, and we hope the NLCB Challenge and the Courts invitational are forerunners to a sustainable women’s league in the future. We are delighted that CNC3

will show the games live in the Caribbean, with Sportsmax broadcasting live to the rest of the Caribbean. YouTube will carry the games live to the rest of the world.”

Johnny Grave, CWI CEO, said: “Improving the opportunities for women and girls to get involved in cricket is one of our

fortunes for Bowling action Mixed Jamaica, T&T declared legal athletes ahead of ꟷ after Loughborough tests

W

est Indies opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite has been found to have a legal bowling action.

Brathwaite, who has taken 18 Test wickets in 58 matches with his part-time off-spin, was reported during the Windies’ recent 2-0 home Test series defeat by India.

Assessed in Loughborough on September 14, the amount of elbow extension for all of Brathwaite’s deliveries was found to be within the 15-degree level permitted.

Brathwaite, 26, made his Test debut in 2011, and has scored eight centuries. Six of his 18 Test wickets came in a remarkable spell of 6-29 against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2015. Two years later, his action was reported after the first Test against England at Edgbaston, but another independent assessment at Loughborough less than a fortnight later has found his action to be legitimate.

(Excerpted from BBC Sport)

200m semi-finals

T

rinidad and Tobago’s Kamaria Durant was the only athlete from that twin-island republic to make the semi-finals of the Women’s 200 metre event, after a day of mixed fortunes for the Caribbean.

Antonique Strachan of the Bahamas qualified for the final, after winning heat one in 22.86 seconds to finish ahead of Durant (23.08) and Jamaica’s Sashalee Forbes (23.15).

Jamaica’s biggest hope for a gold medal, 100-metre fourth-place finisher Elaine Thompson, was not a winner, but looked comfortable enough in qualifying second in 22.61 seconds. The United States’ Brittany Brown, with a personal best of 22.33, won that heat.

However, all eyes have been o n B r i t a i n ’ s Dina Asher-

Smith. She placed second in the 100 metre event on Sunday, but is a much better 200-metre runner; and with a personal best of 21.89, she is favoured to take this event.

She looked very good in qualifying, winning her heat in 22.32 seconds by easily outdoing the United States’ Dezerea Bryant (22.56) and the season’s best 22.57 from the Bahamas’ Tynia Gaither.

Unfortunately for Jamaica, Schillonie CalvertPowell, running in heat six, found the going too tough, and faded to 23.52 to occupy seventh place.

Also out from the Caribbean is T&T’s Mauricia Prieto, who finished sixth in heat 2 with a time of 23.33 seconds. (Sportsmax)

top strategic priorities, and we are delighted that the CPL and Government of Trinidad and Tobago have come together with us to ensure that Women’s cricket gets a chance to be involved in the Hero CPL for the first time.

“These two exhibition games will be highly competitive, and will hopefully inspire more young girls in the Caribbean to get involved in our sport”.

Hero CPL would also like to thank our sponsor partners, the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) and Courts, who will support both the matches and the teams; and also our production partner, Sunset and Vine, who will again be offering their worldclass coverage.”

Pete Russell, COO of Hero CPL, said: “Hero CPL is always looking for ways to innovate and give more chances for fans to enjoy world-class cricket. These T10 matches with the best women cricketers from across the Caribbean are just the latest example of our tournament pushing to be more inclusive and forward- thinking.

“We are delighted to be providing the chance for these players to be part of our event, and would like to thank MYSA, CWI, NLCB and Courts for helping us to make this happen.” (CPLT20.COM)

Ireland to play West Indies in 6-match series in January 2020

W

est Indies have announced fixture dates and venues for a six-match white-ball series against Ireland in January 2020. That series would involve three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20I games.

It will be the first time Ireland and West Indies play in a full three-match series in both ODI and T20I games, and the matches would take place in Barbados, Grenada and St Kitts.

The Windies won, in Ireland in May, two ODI meetings between the sides, played as part of an ODI tri-series also involving Bangladesh.

This upcoming Ireland tour to the Caribbean will start with two day-night ODI matches on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th January at Kensington Oval in Barbados, before concluding with a day game at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada on Sunday 12 January.

Grenada then hosts the first T20 International on Wednesday 12 January, before the teams fly to St. Kitts with back-to-back day-night games to conclude the series on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 January. (Excerpted from BBC Sport)

Elaine Thompson of Jamaica, in a women’s 200-metre heat at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar

Kraigg Brathwaite has best bowling figures of 6-29 against Sri Lanka, recorded in 2015

Ireland lost two ODIs against the West Indies in May

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, october 1, 2019

Everest Cricket Club Tennis Court refurbishing project…

CLASSIFIED ADS Educational Electronic Course. Starting 1st October. Small class. Register early.

Abdul Electronics. TEL. 226-6551/ 687-9992. Message or WhatsApp.

LAND FOR SALE TRANSPORTED HOUSELOTS SARAH JOANNA EAST BANK DEMERARA # 673-9231 / 216-4063/ 685-5476 Lot 294 Dartmout, Essequibo. cContact Hensford Josiah on: 630-3611, 664-5972, 690-9659.

Transported Land: 11.6 Acres. Lot 15 Public Road.No. 2 Village, West Coast Berbice, 5mins away from Berbice River Bridge.contact no.

648-7109.

spirituality & ASTROLOGY Are you having trouble with Health, Money/Love Life and Domestic Problems. Removal of Obstacles of any kind. Then I can help. Call / WhatsApp : 671-8919.

TO LET 1 House to Rent at lot 5 Best Road, Best village. Contact number: 668-6755 (Nevile) FOR RENT BY OWNER. 8000 sq ft of warehouse/office space on the BV (Beterverwagting) Public Rd, East Coast Demerara.

Multiple air-conditioned offices. USD $4500 NEGOTIABLE. Call or Whatsapp 592-610-6580

VACANCIES Part time Sales Person – 226-3858 Female live in Domestic wanted to work in Trinidad.Must be single between the ages of 25-38.Meals and Accommodation is provided.

WhatsApp or call for more info.tel:1 868 386 5302,1 868 386 4621.

Office Assistant: Proficient in Excel, Minimum of 2 years’ experience, Knowledge of NIS/PAYE/PAYROLL, 5 subjects C.X.C, Good Oral and Written communication skills. Must be willing to assist in other areas.

Apply to MIMA Decor, 8 Sheriff Street Subryanville / mimadecor2@ gmail.com/ 226-0176.

NOT RECEIVING YOUR DAILY & SUNDAY

COPIES OF THE

GUYANA TIMES

21

Support received from New India Assurance, Assuria ꟷ Nadir optimistic for October 15 start of activities

By Timothy Jaikarran

I

n a simple ceremony held at the Everest Cricket Club on Camp Road, New India Assurance and Assuria Insurance companies collectively donated the sum of $200,000 towards refurbishing of the Everest Cricket Club’s tennis courts.

President of this club, Manzoor Nadir, then declared: “We see the need to re-establish the lawn tennis programme at Everest.

We are not only a table club, but in our constitution, embedded in it, is a lawn tennis committee. Significant will be the installation of lights -- solar lights, so people can have the facilities available to them at nights.

“We intend to make Everest a major lawn ten-

nis venue. The International Lawn tennis Associaiton will recognize clubs that have a minimum of two courts.

These two cheques will go towards repainting, provision of lights, and meshing the fence. With what we have from these two companies, it is sufficient to give us the necessary start for October 15, 2019.

“The entire cost of the court and practice facility has been estimated at one million dollars.”

Representing New India Assurance Company at this ceremony was Branch Manager Selma Rahaman, who declared herself excited to be on board, as it is with great pleasure that New India can be on board such an initiative, which would promote sports in Guyana.

She noted that, as a tennis player herself, the availability of tennis courts, especially in the nights, can be a factor.

With a new court expected to be in place soon, the club can plan to host tournaments at regular intervals, she said.

Speaking on behalf of Assuria Insurance Company was Anthony Niranjan, Supervisor of the Motor Department. He said, “Assuria Insurance Company is happy to be a part of the rehabilitation of the lawn tennis court. Also, we will further contribute towards the development of the facility, as sporting will now be taken to another level at the Everest Cricket Club.”

Everest Club President

Admin Assistant Christin Norton receiving a cheque from Assuria Insurance Company’s Motor Supervisor Anthony Niranjan

Nadir noted that work on the project would commence immediately, as the solar lights would be in the coun-

try by tomorrow and the club is optimistic about its October 15 start.

Guyana Karate Federation concludes 2019 Zeeburg senior National Karate Championships demolish MMZ

I

t was a day filled with lots of action as hundreds of karateka’s battled for top honours in their respective divisions at The Guyana Karate Federation 2019 Senior National Karate Championships held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Sunday.

In the individual events coming out on top in the Female 14-17 Years – Kata were Jessica Callender and Aliyah Seeram in first and second positions respectively while in the Female 14-17 Years – Kumite emerging victorious were Jinell Abraham, Gabriella Khan and Jessica Callender.

In the Male 14-17 Years – Kata the top players were Shakeem Walcott, John Mcgrath and Michael Hing, in the Male 14-17 Years - Kumite -68 Kg the top performers were Shakeem Walcott, Luke Seabra and Shamar Francis while in the Male 14-17 Years -

Future Youths

W

Kumite 68+ Kg the champions were Andes Roberts,

John McGrath and Michael Hing.

ith the West Demerara Cricket Association’s (WDCA’s) Beacons 50-Over competition set to restart in October, after a break occasioned by intermittent showers, the Zeeburg Cricket Club got off to a winning note in a 25-over affair against MMZ Future Youths at the MeterMeer-Zorg ground.

MMZ won the toss and put Zeeburg in to bat first on a slightly damp wicket. Having previously dominated many of the competitions held on the West Coast of Demerara, many expected Zeeburg to post a mammoth total. They instead were bowled out for 166 in 24.5 overs.

From inception of the match, Zeeburg suffered a minicollapse, losing vital wickets at key moments and failing to hold partnerships together.

However, the valiant efforts of Mark Jeffers (36), Ronaldo Renee (30) and Jamal Gomes (24) lifted them to 166.

Bowling for MMZ Future

Youths were Sheldon Alexander, with 2 for 21; and Dexter George, with 2 for 45.

Needing 166 runs to win from 160 balls, MMZ were revelling in their fortunate circumstance, considering that they had time to play themselves in and chase the small total.

Their openers came to the crease and got things off to a moderate start during the ‘powerplay’ overs, but failed to carry on, Mark Jeffers coming into the attack and tormenting the MMZ batsmen.

MMZ could not hold together any partnership, as the bowling of Jeffers and Damion Alleyne dented their hopes of attaining a victory over Zeeburg.

Ultimately, MMZ were bowled out for 50 in 18.3 overs.

Top scoring for MMZ were Sheldon Alexander with 10, and Jermain Maxwell with 18. No other batsman could contribute any worthwhile score, as Mark Jeffers snared 5-11 and Damion Alleyne picked up 3-17.

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55 Some of the students pose with their medals

Mark Jeffers was adjudged Man of the Match

22

tuesday, october 1, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Limacol Football Tournament…

Santos Under-20, Pele FC storm into semis Story and photos by Jemima Holmes

F

ootball fans were treated to two exhilarating encounters on Sunday evening as the first half of the Limacol Football tournament’s quarterfinal stage. When the dust settled, Santos FC Under 20 and Pele Fc sealed their appearance in the semifinal.

McPherson pushed the scores to 2-1 in Buxton’s favour but Jermine Padmore levelled the scores three minutes later.

For a third time that night, Buxton took the lead in the 75th by way of Major’s second goal but Santos Under 20 went into over drive, to ensure that Buxton could not equalize again.

Rondel Peters added the

“My contribution was something good towards the team cause at a point in time, we thought we were done after the penalty was scored on us. And then the captain himself said, we have much time we can do this, so I decided to lift my game and lift the team as well,” he explained.

“Well after we found ourselves down, we decided to

The Santos Under-20 goalscorers: Orin Moore, Jermine Padmore, Rondel Peters, Raymond Bandhu and Marcus Wilson

Pele FC and GT Panthers fought to the death for a win

Santos FC Under 20 pulled of an entertaining come from behind win in the first fixture of the night, to crush Buxton Stars semifinal dreams.

Out if the East Coast outfit, Jumali Major was the first player to find the back of the net in the 8th. Santos’ Orin Moore equalized in the 17th. In the 34th, Shemar

third in the 82nd, followed by a brace from Raymond Bandhu in the 84th and 90th. Marcus Wilson placed the cherry on top with one last goal for Santos’ 6-3 victory.

Raymond Bandhu, who put the game out of Buxton Star’s spoke with this newscast about his contribution to the crucial win.

Brusches Basketball Foundation Classic to be played for Under-18 title ...2019 tournament concentrated on future, says "Fatman" Brusche

T

he Brusches Basketball Foundation’s biennial tournament will this year promote the youths by staging a classic basketball championship for Under-18 players through the club levels from teams chosen around Guyana.

This move is not only aimed berthing new talent for the sport, but will especially seek to have the involvement of a new breed of players, according to organizer Cloyde ‘Fatman’ Brusche of the basketball foundation, which principally is played in honour of the three brothers: Mike, Clifton and James, who now reside in the United States of America but find the time to help promote the sport they still love back in Guyana.

Over the past six editions, the competition involved the Division One players, but ‘Fatman’ Brusche said the sport has suffered from a lack of competition, especially in Linden, and this will help bring awareness of the game among the youths.

He said the knockout tournament will commence on Saturday October 26 and end on Saturday November 2 at the Mecca for the spirt in Linden, the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

Clubs have, for the first time, been selected to participate from all over Guyana, including from Linden, Georgetown, Berbice, Kwakwani, Bartica and the East Coast. Clubs will pocket cash and prizes totalling $600,000.

The clubs are Plaisance Guardians, Pepsi Sonics, Rose Hall Jammers, Bartica Wranglers, Junior Kings, Kwakwani Ballers, Pacesetters, and Victory Valley Royals.

lift our game and start play pressure football, it’s either we win or we lose and we came out successful,” Bandhu went on to say.

Meanwhile, Captain Marcus Wilson, highlighted focus as one of the key areas that the team needs to work on going into the semifinal.

“Most of the players just getting carried away when

the coach talk to them; their minds are going far away from the game. So from training we know we got to focus and we got to try to keep the ball more. They’re getting carried away from the crowd and when the coach talk they’re getting vexed, so we have to correct that for the semifinal and stick to our plan,” Wilson highlighted.

The second game of the evening was another nail biting one as Pele Fc and GT Panthers matched strides and goals.

Daniel Gibson netted the first goal in the 17th and

Dorwin George found the back of the net in the 46th to give Pele a 2-0 advantage. However, just when it seemed as though Pele would take the game easily, Sherrol Daniels and Leon Roberts out foxed the goal keeper in the 84th and 91st for a 2-2 game at the end of regulation time.

Extra time came and went without a deciding goal, leaving the game’s result up to the penalty shootout. There, Pele FC proved to be the more accurate team, connecting 4 penalties for the victory.

Pele will face Santos in

the semifinal on Saturday October 5.

Meanwhile Riddim Squad will take on Mahaica Determinators and Fruta Conquerors Under 20 will face off with Timehri Panthers in the other two quarterfinal games tomorrow evening.

The New GPC sponsored tournament is supported by WJ Enterprise, who are the sole distributors of Croxley Papers. The winners of this year’s tournament will receive $400,000 while second place pockets $200,000.

Third and fourth place will walk away with $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

Griffith, Jacobs looking to make an impact against Warriors

Story and Photos by Jemima Holmes

C

ome Thursday evening at the National Stadium, Providence, two Guyanese cricketers will be suiting up, but not for the local franchise, the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Guyana Times Sport caught up with Jamaica Tallawahs’ Steven Jacobs and Trevon Griffith, who shared their expectations for Thursday’s match.

This will not be the first time that Steven Jacobs and Trevon Griffith have donned the Jamaica colours in Guyana; however, should the explosive pair be named in the playing XI for the game against the Guyana Amazon Warriors on Thursday October 3, they will be looking to bring home a win for Jamaica.

“Providing that I’m in the eleven… This is the Jamaica Tallawahs last game for the season, so I would want to make a lasting impression, ‘cause they say that you’re as good as your last game. So I just want to come out and perform to the best of my ability, and hopefully help Tallawahs win

that game, once I’m playing,” Jacobs shared.

“Well, obviously, if given the opportunity again, I’m just looking to get into the game. If given the opportunity to bat, I’m just looking to play a good part and do what is asked of me (by) the coach,” Griffith explained.

To make it merrier, it will be the Jamaica Tallawahs’ final game before finishing their 2019 season, hence the team is looking to go out with a bang.

While Griffith and Jacobs play contrasting roles as an opening batsman and bowler respectively, one thing that they have in common is the belief that T20 is an unpredictable format of the gentleman’s game.

“It’s T20, so anything can happen. Twenty overs a side, once we do the basic things right -- which is batting, bowling, fielding -- I think we have a good chance, because we have a good team,” the opening batsman noted.

“It’s going to be difficult to beat them at home too, but I think T20 is a very fast-paced game and it’s about who plays better on the night. We have a very explosive team, Glenn

Philips, Chris Gayle who can take away the game at any point in time,” Jacobs stated.

With fingers crossed, the only thing left is for Jamaica to jot the names Griffith and Jacobs down on their playing XI, then Guyanese can witness the brilliance of local talent from both sides playing.

The two Guyanese in the

Jamaican outfit are looking to put on a show, not only for Providence, but for the Jamaicans watching from the comfort of their homes.

“So I think (it can happen) once we put together a good team; and we’d want to leave with something for the fans back in Jamaica,” the bowler expressed.

Steven Jacobs tests his bat in the nets during Tallawahs’ practice session

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, october 1, 2019

23

Peerless Warriors seal top spot with 8th straight win G

uyana Amazon Warriors have extended their perfect 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign to eight wins from eight matches with a 19-run win over defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders at the Queen’s Park Oval, despite Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo briefly threatening to pull off an outrageous heist.

The Knight Riders appeared dead and buried at 91/4, with just six overs remaining and still needing 95 more to overhaul the Warriors’ 185/6; then Pollard and Bravo went on a ferocious six-hitting spree that almost dragged out of the fire the unlikeliest of wins for TKR. They came up short, though, when Keemo Paul bowled the 19th over and only singles came from the last five balls; easing the Warriors’ fraying nerves, before Tahir bowled Pollard after he had scored a sensational 71 from 38 balls and there were three balls to go while the TKR still needed 21 to at least finish the contest.

The winning margin of 19 runs also highlighted the significance of Romario Shepherd’s late cameo with the bat in the Warriors’ innings.

H e smashed 32* from 13, with two sixes and a four to finish it off, as 25 came from Chris Jordan’s closing over.

Shimron Hetmyer

Paul’s nerveless 19th over was ultimately key, and across the 40 overs of the match, the Warriors were deserving winners.

A 98-run second-wicket stand between Chandrapaul Hemraj and Shimron Hetmyer coupled with Shepherd’s late fireworks lifted the Warriors to their commanding total.

After the early loss of Brandon King, falling straight after taking Khary Pierre for 10 runs in two balls to start the third over, Hemraj took stock and then took charge.

Only 35/1 was on the board after the

Chris Green was the star with the ball

With the Warriors recording yet another

win, t h e y have now guaranteed themselves top spot in the regular season with two games to spare, while the Knight Riders still have work to do to secure their own place in the top two and the safety net of a place in Qualifier 1.

One win from their two remaining games will do it for the Warriors.

Having muscled their way to 185/6 despite a troubling mid-innings wobble, the Warriors then strangled

the Knight Riders’ top order through their battery of spinners.

Chris Green once again led the way, bowling his four overs off the reel at the top of the innings, and removing the dangerous Colin Munro and Lendl Simmons while returning figures of 2/18.

Imran Tahir did for Mark Deyal, and Shoaib Malik had Denesh Ramdin caught in the deep off a slogsweep to leave TKR reeling at 53/4.

Not even Pollard could rescue the Knight Riders from there, although he gave it a real crack. He shared a swashbuckling 125-run stand with Bravo, who himself cleared the ropes six times in a 46-ball 58 not out, but the required rate continued to climb throughout the partnership – even when 57 runs were plundered in four overs, from the 15th to the 18th.

powerplay, but the boundaries started to flow – for Hemraj in particular, who smashed four Hero Maximums and reached a 34-ball half-century with back-toback fours off Jordan.

When Hemraj was caught behind off a wide Javon Searles yorker for 66, Hetmyer exploded into life in thrilling yet -- sadly for the Warriors -- all too brief fash-

A

s the G u y a n a A m a z o n Warriors return home for their two final preliminary matches in the ongoing Hero Caribbean Premier League, patrons are reminded to pick up their tickets so that they may be part of the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ at Providence.

Table leaders Amazon Warriors will take on for-

mer two-time champions Jamaica Tallawahs on Thursday October 3 from 18:00h, then will turn their attention to defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders the day after from 20:00h as they seek to extend their lead on the points table ahead of the play-offs.

Tickets are available at the Central Ticket Office at Lot 238 Camp and Quamina streets, Georgetown, where the Amazon Warriors merchandise and souvenir store can also be found.

Tickets can be obtained from 08:00h to 17:00h until match days.

GAW Innings BA King c Pollard b Pierre 12 C Hemraj c †Ramdin b Scantlebury-Searles 66 SO Hetmyer c Pierre b Scantlebury-Searles 48 N Pooran † c Jordan b Scantlebury-Searles 3 Shoaib Malik (c) c Scantlebury0 Searles b Ali Khan SE Rutherford c Neesham b Jordan

1 R Shepherd not out 32 KMA Paul not out 12 Extras 11 (nb 1, w 10) TOTAL 185/6 (20 Overs, RR: 9.25) Did not bat: CJ Green, B Laughlin, Imran Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Brandon King, 2.3 ov), 2-111 (Chandrapaul Hemraj, 13.4 ov), 3-119 (Nicholas Pooran, 15.1 ov), 4-136 (Shimron Hetmyer, 15.6 ov), 5-137 (Shoaib Malik, 16.3 ov), 6-143 (Sherfane Rutherford, 17.1 ov) BOWLING O M R W K Pierre 3 0 24 1 Ali Khan 4 0 23 1 CJ Jordan 4 0 49 1 M Deyal 2 0 15 0 JPR Scantlebury-Searles 3 0 39 3 KA Pollard 3 0 25 0

JDS Neesham 10 1 0 0 • Trinbago Knight Riders Innings (target: 186 runs from 20 overs) LMP Simmons c †Pooran b Green 16 M Deyal c †Pooran b Imran Tahir 10 2 C Munro c Paul b Green DM Bravo not out 58 D Ramdin † c Hetmyer b Shoaib Malik 4 KA Pollard (c) b Imran Tahir 71 JDS Neesham not out 1 Extras 4 (lb 1, w 3) TOTAL 166/5 (20 Overs, RR: 8.3) Yet to bat: JPR ScantleburySearles, K Pierre, Ali Khan, CJ Jordan Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Mark Deyal, 1.4 ov), 2-25 (Colin Munro, 2.6 ov), 3-39 (Lendl Simmons, 6.2 ov), 4-53 (Denesh Ramdin, 8.5 ov), 5-165 (Kieron Pollard, 19.4 ov) BOWLING O M R W CJ Green 4 0 18 2 Imran Tahir 3 0 32 2 B Laughlin 4 0 34 0 Shoaib Malik 1 0 9 1 R Shepherd 4 0 33 0 KMA Paul 4 0 39 0

ion.

nings threatened to subside at that point in the face of some fine bowling from Ali Khan (1/23) in particular.

From 111/1 and 136/3, the Warriors found themselves 143/6 when Malik and Sherfane Rutherford fell to catches in the deep, having added just a single between them.

But Shepherd ensured the Warriors would get not just past 160, but also 180.

He flayed a couple of early boundaries through the offside, but it was the two Hero Maximums and one-bounce four with which he finished the innings – 25 in all coming from Jordan’s closing over – that would ultimately take the Warriors out of Pollard and the Knight Riders’ reach.

Searles’ next over started with the wicket of Nicholas Pooran and ended with that of Hetmyer, slicing to Pierre at deep point.

In between came 17 runs, as Hetmyer flayed two fours and a gorgeous six carved high and handsome over backward point.

The failed attempt to repeat the move saw Hetmyer depart the scene, furious with himself and two short of a half-century.

The Warriors’ inChandrapaul Hemraj continued his good season

Ramdhani cops silver in 1st Canadian tournament

Patrons urged to grab remaining CPL tickets G …as table-topping Amazon Warriors return home

SCOREBOARD

uyanese badminton sensation Priyanna Ramdhani commenced her time in Canada with a bang, copping a silver medal in the Yonex Alberta Junior Circuit (AJC) Airdrie Junior Under-19 competition.

Hosted from September 27 to 29 in Airdire, Alberta Canada, this tournament saw the 17-year-old reaching the final in her first competition since accepting a scholarship at the Olds College and Broncos Badminton team.

In that highly anticipated final, the Guyanese, whose only hurdle was the cold conditions, lost to Gao Badminton Club’s Tia Clark 12-21, 20-21.

Before the final,

Ramdhani had a spotless run in the preliminary round. In the Group ‘B’ playoff, she defeated Roya Mehri of the Gao Badminton Tao Club 21-10, 21-5, and Chole Crump of Edison Badminton Centre 21-8, 21-6.

Moving into the semifinal, Priyanna overcame Glencoe Club’s Emilia Hayland 21-9, 21-6 to make her way into the final. The 17-year-old is again expected to test her skills this weekend in the Yonex Alberta Seris #1 Sunridge. She will hit the courts for the Ladies Singles, Ladies doubles with Mary Smith, and Mixed Doubles with her older brother Narayan Ramdhani.

The tournament which will run from October 4-6 in Calgary Alberta.

Priyanna Ramdhani displays her silver medal

tuesday, october 1, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Patrons urged to grab Peerless Warriors seal top remaining CPL tickets spot with 8th straight win …as table-topping Amazon Warriors return home Page 23

Page 23

Limacol Football Tournament…

POINTS TABLE

2019

Page 22

Santos Under-20, Pele FC storm into semis

TEAM

M

Guyana

Amazon Warriors

W

L

T

N/R PT

NRR

8 8

0

0

0

16

1.598

St Kitts and

Nevis Patriots

10 5

5

0

0

10

-0.155

Trinbago

Knight Riders

8

4

3

0

1

9

0.095

Barbados

Tridents

9

4

5

0

0

8

0.558

St Lucia

Zouks

10

3

6

0

1

7

-0.74

Jamaica Tallawahs

9

2

7

0

0

4

-1.205

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.