Guyana times 17 january 2018

Education Ministry facilitates “mock exams” for NGSA students P11

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Issue No. 3453

PRICE

PwC blacklisting

WHAT'S INSIDE:

NICIL Chair admits no due diligence on bidders was conducted

Constitutional challenge

P7 CCJ case management set for next month

…denies prior knowledge Page 3 of probe

Legal action to be taken on sale of fake products – GA-FDD warns

AFC defends P9 poor ministerial performance in coalition

Porkknocker admits to killing brother

Page 12

Page 7

$80 vat included

…admits party lost touch with “common issues”

Shooting incident

Mayor admits P10 need for overhaul of City Constabulary …Lance Corporal remains in Police custody

Charity hospital’s dental department in deplorable state P9

Region 8 flooding

Page 5

More than 100 students of the Lusignan Primary School benefited from a donation of school supplies made by Tanks-A-Lot Inc in collabration with ExxonMobil (Guyana) on Tuesday. In photo are: ExxonMobil Communications Advisor Nicholas Yearwood (back row centre), and President of Tanks-A-Lot Inc, AJ Cannata (back row right) along with other officials and some of the students

Pomeroon execution

Weapons, ammunition, narcotics found on …deceased’s wife scene in custody

Page 11

ExxonMobil, Tanks-A-Lot donate school supplies to Lusignan Primary

Arif Bulkan to be sworn in as Appeal Page 5 Judge

$85.4M award to replace washed-away P2 bridges

Brooklyn man gets 41 years for killing P12 Guyanese teen

2 News

wednesDAY, january 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parking Meters

Special statutory meeting today to discuss way forward

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he possibility of paid parking being reintroduced under a new system in the City of Georgetown may be soon realised now that the Parking Meter Renegotiating Committee has submitted its final report on the controversial project to the City’s Mayor. Additionally, the Mayor called a special statutory meeting to discuss the recommendations of the report.

Mayor Patricia Chase Green said the Committee’s Chairman, Councillor Akeem Peter presented the report to her on Monday.

“I am now in the process of looking at it to see what adjustments were being made and recommendations and so on. Tomorrow (today), we have a special meeting convened with all Councillors to look at it and determine if there is still any more adjustments to be done or if we agree with what the renegotiating team

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green

would have dealt with,” she informed.

She added that the renegotiating Committee would have met with all the parties involved more than once and thanked the members for their time. She said the Councillors would now have

to debate the findings of the report and come to a consensus in relation to the parking meters.

The Mayor said because of the protests and the subsequent suspension of the controversial contract, both the City and the Company, Smart City Solutions, would have suffered major financial setbacks. She added that the contract is still valid and as such, there is a great sense of urgency to address the issue.

“It is a loss to the City Council and it is a loss to them also because they would have invested all of their monies to import all those machines so they had staff. They had to lay off in excess of 70-80 people and so it is a loss to both sides,” she added.

She also noted that the city needs parking meters.

“I can tell you that I have recognised that the whole country would have recognised and the drivers

would have recognised that the parking meter is a good project,” Chase Green added.

Contract

The M&CC had entered into a contract with Smart City Solutions Inc on May 13, 2016, for parking meters to be implemented in Georgetown. However, the M&CC was forced to renegotiate the contract after citizens protested the implementation of the project.

After weeks of protest, City Hall bowed to citizens’ pressure and sought to renegotiate the contact. However, citizens called for a total abandonment of the project.

The Renegotiating Committee was chaired by Councillor Peter and consisted of Councillors Noelle Chow-Chee (VC), Oscar Clark, Jameel Rasul, James Samuels, Heston Bostwick and Ivor Henry. Two members of the public also sat on the committee – Civil

The final report submitted by the Parking Meter Renegotiation Committee

Engineer Owen Godfrey Edwards and Accountant Robin Hunte.

The Renegotiation Committee was tasked with engaging Smart City Solution with a view to renegotiating the terms of the agreement entered into between the parties and more specifically to seek to take into account the concerns raised and addressed in the reports of the Special

Committee in relation to costs, fines, enforcement, profit-sharing, areas, times and other factors identified in relation to the project and any other relevant actions as the Committee may, in its discretion, determine or as may be suggested by the general council. Upon completion of the negotiation period, the new committee would have to prepare a report.

Region 8 flooding

$85.4M award to replace washed-away bridges

Flashback: This resident removing his belongings from his flooded house

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he Communities Ministry has awarded four contracts totalling over $85.4 million for the construction of new heavy-duty greenheart bridges in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). The new bridges will replace the ones that were washed away during the heavy flooding in the region during May-June 2016.

J&R General Construction Service received two contracts for the construction of bridges at Yawong and Maiparu, while Handel Garnett Construction Firm and Salim Yusuf Contracting Services would construct bridges at Kawa and Tusenen respectively.

During the May-June rainy season, unprecedented heavy rainfall caused major

flooding in the region. The communities most-affected included Kaibarupai, Sand Hill, Chenapau and Waipa.

The water rose as high as 15 feet in some places, and approximately 10 houses were washed away and more than 20 destroyed by water. The flooding also inundated hundreds of acres of farmlands, resulting in residents batting to get back on their feet eve today.

Kaibarupai was reportedly one of the hardest hit areas since the flash-flooding caused landslides which lead to the overtopping of the Ireng River, destroying everything in its path.

The Civil Defence Commission assisted the communities but was heavily criticised for their slothful response as Guyana’s Disaster Management Unit.

news

PwC blacklisting

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, January 17 – a night retraction at 04:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Thursday, January 18 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 17 –16:35h-18:05h and Thursday, January 18 – 05:00h-06:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

NICIL Chair admits no due diligence on bidders was conducted …denies prior knowledge of probe

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy showers can be expected in the morning, while lighter showers are expected in the afternoon. Thundery showers are expected to return in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 04:40h and 16:51h reaching maximum heights of 2.48 metres and 2.61 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:27h and 22:51h reaching minimum heights of 0.73 metre and 0.60 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, january 13, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

01 05 13 14 15 19 12 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

tuesday, January 16, 2018

DAILY MILLIONS 02 06 16 17 18 LUCKY 3 3 2 1 Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

01 02

06 07

8

9

9

Evening Draw

14 15 17

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

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wednesDAY, january 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NICIL Chairman, Dr Maurice Odle

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he revelation that PricewaterhouseCoopers, Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) asset valuator, has been under investigation by Indian authorities for fraud has come as a surprise for many, including those at the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

When contacted by this publication, NICIL Chairman, Dr Maurice Odle affirmed that he had no prior knowledge of the probe into the firm that lead to a two-year ban and a fine from Indian regulators.

“It’s difficult to find an international company that has been operating throughout the world that has not been accused of some transgression at some point in time,” the NICIL Chairman stated.

According to Odle, however, Special Purpose Unit (SPU) head Colvin HeathLondon should have done due diligence on all the companies who bid for the contract. Guyana Times made contact with Heath-London, who declined to comment on the company’s blacklist. He did, however, note that a statement would be issued on the matter. Up to press time, this had not been done.

When contacted, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder also declined to comment. He insisted that PwC and the SPU fell under the auspices of NICIL and thus, the Finance Ministry. This is despite the fact that the company will be valuating GuySuCo, one of the biggest agencies under the Agriculture Ministry when budget allocations are considered.

Blacklist

According to a report originating from international news agency Reuters, the company was handed the two-year ban last week for allegedly overstating earnings and assets for Indian Software Company, Satyam Computer Services.

The report states that PricewaterhouseCoopers was the audit firm at the time the more than $1 billion fraud occurred. It was the founder of the company,

Head of the Special Purpose Unit, Colvin Heath-London

Ramalinga Raju, who blew the whistle on the fraud in 2009, costing shareholders billions and shaking the industry.

Nor is that all… Besides the ban, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has handed down an order for Pricewaterhouse Bangalore and two of its former partners to pay 131 million rupees or US$2 million, plus interest, in forfeited funds.

This must be done within 45 days, with the ban taking effect on March 31.

In its defence, Pricewaterhouse is quoted as saying it will appeal the regulator’s decision in court.

It has defended itself by affirming that there was no “intentional” wrongdoing in the fraud at Satyam.

Government has long made known its plans to close the Enmore and Rose Hall sugar estates, sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory, reduce the annual production of sugar, and take on the responsibility of managing the

drainage and irrigation services offered by GuySuCo. GuySuCo, which was saddled with billions of dollars in debt, is currently engaged in divesting its assets to get cash to meet its operational and other expenses. At the same time, Government is forging ahead with downsizing the industry, citing the economic feasibility of the sector. At present, the SPU is in charge of this process.

That Unit was first announced by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, when he presented a Policy Paper to the National Assembly on the future of the sugar industry. It was allocated some $130 million “to provide for the establishment of a Special Purpose Unit to manage the reform of the sugar industry.”

In July, the Government had presented a supplementary request to tap the national coffers. The National Assembly has since approved the monies for the Unit, which is based at the Kingston Headquarters of NICIL. At the time monies were being approved for the Special Purpose Unit,

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had said Government was unclear as to what it is looking to rake in from the sale of the GuySuCo’s assets since they still need to be properly evaluated.

As such, some $60 million was approved to hire an accounting firm, in this case PricewaterhouseCoopers, in order to lead the divestment process. After tendering, PwC was chosen ahead of several other companies to do updated valuations of GuySuCo’s assets. As of Monday, the company has already commenced its work.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, january 17, 2018

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

Is social cohesion really a priority?

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he coalition Government must be commended for establishing the Ministry of Social Cohesion just after it took the reins of government in 2015. That action demonstrated a will to definitively transform intention from weary rhetoric into more tangible derivatives for the realisation of the elusive mandate. While the challenges, complexities and sensitivities for such a realisation are indisputable, many, including some pessimists, harboured expectations for genuine inclusiveness to aid in carving the path to social cohesion.

Such expectations would not have been unrealistic for, by and large, Guyanese want peaceful cohabitation. Despite historical challenges, the people of this multi-faceted society have generally coexisted peacefully. This in no way negates the fact that there are deep-rooted suspicions which can and have catalysed discord, sometimes with tragic outcomes. Maybe therein lies the justification, not that one was necessarily needed, to burst the ceiling of rhetoric to catapult into a meaningful and honest process.

There was enough from our history that would have demanded the need for uncompromising policies to foster unity. There was enough in reports from previous attempts through harmonyseeking conferences and workshops to shape those policies for all.

There appeared to be enough goodwill when the Administration changed in 2015 to build on those previous efforts. Unfortunately, the Government squandered those opportunities for meaningful engagements by its own actions.

It relentlessly embarked on a cleansing process to rid the Public Service of persons perceived to be associated with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration. In many instances, it did not matter whether those persons were skilled and vital to continuity of government. It was an exercise to create reality from perception.

Those actions did not take into consideration the razor-thin and controversial electoral margin that realised the change in administration. That consideration should have been paramount, especially at that time when division in this multi-ethnic nation was no longer a perception.

A proverbial line was drawn by party colours and the election results causing the new government to commence its tenure under some level of illegitimacy by half of the electorate. That should have been fundamental to the new guiding principles of the social cohesion policies which now had a home in the form of its Ministry.

Instead, what followed was countrywide outcry of witch-hunts and discrimination as those who appeared to be targeted were predominantly from one ethnic group. Many were fired with some charged and humiliated while around the same time, 2000 Indigenous Guyanese lost their jobs in what was described as “economic genocide” against those citizens.

Ironically, this occurred while the Social Cohesion Ministry was established for the first time in the country’s history. It did and still questions the impact or lack thereof of that Ministry. The country now appeared to be far more polarised in recent times. This seems to be compounded by the public promotion of the ruling party’s colour even on State entities.

That, along with what appears to be reluctance on the Government’s behalf to not constitute the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), even though the identified members have been democratically selected, continues to scuttle the process to realise social cohesion.

While the notion of deliberateness has not been dismissed, the question of why is bewildering in the context of the provision of budgetary resources to the Social Cohesion Ministry. Also, the question of what it has achieved through the utilisation of taxpayers’ money seems unavoidable.

How then can the path to social cohesion be redrafted and possibly achieved? While genuineness must be absolute, smaller efforts would have to be encouraged and supported. Recently, a prominent cultural organisation hosted an ethnic relations forum, which, while not overwhelmingly attended, saw meaningful engagement among stakeholders from various concerned groups. While uncertain of its requested participation, noticeably absent was the Social Cohesion Ministry.

Evident among the gathering was the common passion for social harmony, the need for inclusivity in the process for its realisation, the need for such fora and for its expansion countrywide. If that can be taken as a sample, as small as it might have been, then it clearly represents an encouraging mindset of a people who yearn for sustainable and improved peaceful cohabitation. We should not be surprised at this for often the wishes of the people are forced into the background by the chess game of political convenience.

It is no secret that the Social Cohesion Ministry has been accused of being a glorified version of the former Ministry of National Mobilisation, which reportedly executed decisions of the party as against the mandate of public office. In other words, a vote-getting operation funded by the taxpayers.

This brings the following questions to the fore: Is the issue a current priority given the initial hype? Is this something that the hierarchy really wants? Maybe it should not be left for them to decide. The interested groups should explore mechanisms to sustain efforts and force the priority. After all, it’s the masses that are affected and not the few in authority.

Domestic Airways Director Orlando Charles, and his wife, Komaldevi Charles (centre) stand at the certification presentation ceremony along with key post stakeholders of the company. From the left they are: Security Superintendent Ivelaw McNaughten, Administrative Manager Kerran Jugmohan, Chief Pilot Randy Liverpool, Flight Operation Superintendent Vickie Williams and Maintenance Coordinator Mavendra Chand

Absence of UG Council Dear Editor, As a former Registrar and a former Member of Council, University of Guyana, I paid keen attention to the University’s unions’ letter to the press: “The Government has not yet appointed a University Council”. I share their concern with regard to the delay in appointing the Council.

A particular statement: “the life of the last Council expired on 12th July, 2017,

and as a result, the governance of the university has since then been vested in its Vice Chancellor” gained my attention and is of concern to me. I am not sure as to whether the union is referring to what has actually occurred or to their perception of what occurs in such a circumstance. What I am certain about is that there is no provision for the Vice Chancellor to step into the void in the absence of

a council. It is therefore a grave mistaken perception if the union perceives that such a provision exists. It is even worse, if the Vice Chancellor has actually assumed the powers of the Council. In either circumstance, clarity is required and if the latter pertains cessation and rectification are also required. It is my sincere hope that the appointment of the Council predates the publication

of this letter and that this grave matter of the probable mistaken perception and/or misdeed is dealt with as a matter of urgency.

The citadel of the tutelage of good governance has got to be the exemplar of good governance, if the proclaimed renaissance is what it purports to be, inter alia.

Sincerely, Vincent Alexander

Foot-in-the-mouth episodes Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) finds it necessary to bring clarity to several assertions made by Prime Minister (PM) Moses Nagamootoo in his column titled “Sugar and Politricks” which was published on January 14, 2018.

Having read the PM’s column, from all appearances it seems Nagamootoo did not heed our sincere advice to have his columns factchecked before they are sent to press in order to avoid any embarrassment to him or his office. If it is indeed that his columns are benefiting from such an examination, it seems that the job was not thoroughly done.

PM Nagamootoo says his Government has nothing to gain from any sugar worker being laid off. But while the PM writes with great concern, we see his statements translated into hardly any action. If we go by the situation that is playing out at Wales, for instance, the PM’s words offer little, if any, comfort to the hundreds who have been sent home and facing a miserable and difficulty-filled life.

The PM then goes and attempts to twist the truth regarding GAWU’s court action with respect to the Wales workers. Nagamootoo, like a hoarse singer, belting out the same tune over and over,

seeks ashamedly to find sordid cover for denial of severance pay to the approximately 100 workers of Wales for several months. This now very much overused red-herring has lost its luster and our Union has, on several occasions, corrected the PM’s misguided innuendos. But just to clear the air of misinformation, our Union’s approach to the Courts became necessary after the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) refused to abide by the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA) regarding its decision to make workers of Wales redundant. The court approved our request on May 9, 2017, though the concerned workers severance was due on April 23, 2017. As the dates attest, our court action was not in the way of paying the workers their due payments, but the PM unashamedly seeks to use it as a mask for the GuySuCo’s – and possibly the Government’s – decision to punish the workers.

Nagamootoo then writes saying our Union is demanding that the workers be paid their severance payments now. It seems, from our perspective, that the PM may need to have his eyes checked, as that has always been our demand. Then the PM says that “[n]either the Termination of Employment

and Severance Pay Act (TESPA), nor the collective labour agreement stipulates a date by which such payments ought to be made…”.

We wish to point the PM, to Section 21(1) of TESPA. We believe it may be edifying for him.

The PM goes on writing that $500 million was budgeted for severance.

This is strange, as the PM’s Cabinet and AFC colleague, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, after our Union publicly disclosed that GuySuCo hadn’t the monies to meet the workers severance payment.

The PM says some 500 workers were engaged in certain re-training. But just mere days prior to Nagamootoo’s column, he read a message in the National Assembly from President David Granger which said in reference to re-training that “…over 100 of them [workers] signalling their willingness to be retrained”. Tisk tisk PM Nagamootoo, do you see how important fact checking is.

These foot in the mouth episodes could be avoided.

Mr Nagamootoo then serenades us about recent training done by the Business Ministry or small business loans. If the PM’s figures are correct, given the obvious inaccuracies contained in his column, we must ask: how many sugar workers benefited? The PM

also touts investments that his Government supposedly garnered, we ask again: how many sugar workers were employed as we see the cement factory along the Berbice River which Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan said would have been a major employer of displaced sugar workers closed and some 100 employees sent into the unemployed world.

We recognise the PM is trying tirelessly to free himself and Government from the sad situation that grips thousands in the sugar belt. While the PM speaks about Politricks, it is the Administration of which he is a top member that is engaged in trickery, deception and duplicity. How else can Nagamootoo move from saying to GINA on November 28, 2015 that “There should be no discussion or debate regarding the importance of the sugar industry to Guyana’s economy… in fact we have said this on a number of occasions, that this Government sees sugar as too big to fail” to now supporting openly and blaringly decisions to close down estates and put people out of work and into a life of impoverishment.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary, GAWU

wednesDAY, january 17, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

Arif Bulkan to be sworn ExxonMobil, Tanks-A-Lot donate school supplies to Lusignan Primary in as Appeal Judge

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uyana will have a new acting Appeal Court Judge in the person of Attorney, Dr Arif Bulkan.

Bulkan is expected to officially be sworn-in by President David Granger today at State House, according to the Ministry of the Presidency. Bulkan is the nephew of Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan.

He is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine with specialisation in constitutional law and Caribbean human rights law, among others.

Previously he served as Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Law from 2013 to 2016.

He also co-founded the

Dr Arif Bulkan

Faculty of Law UWI Rights Advocacy Project at the Cave Hill campus, which is a

group of law professors who engage in litigation and advocacy aimed at promoting human rights.

He is the recipient of the 2017 Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence in Public and Civic contributions.

Bulkan practiced law in Guyana (1990-2004) and also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Transparency Institute Guyana Incorporated, a local chapter of Transparency International from 2011 to 2015.

He received his legal education from the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University in Canada, University College London in the UK, and the UWI.

President of Tanks-A-Lot Inc, AJ Cannata distributing school bags on Tuesday at the Lusignan Primary School

Killing of ex-boyfriend’s mother

Eyewitness places accused soldier at the scene – Police Superintendent testifies

Murder accused: Abiola Jacobs

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ays after Marcelle Collymore, the daughter of murdered housewife Donna Taylor testified that the accused Abiola Jacobs and her mother had a fight on the day of her mother’s demise, Police Superintendent Joel David confirmed that the accused informed him that she spoke with Taylor on the day of her death. The Policeman gave this evidence as he testified at the High Court before Justice James BovellDrakes on Tuesday where he also noted that the survivor of the attack; Samantha Sabbatt placed Jacobs at the scene of the January 31, 2014 ordeal at Agricola, Greater Georgetown.

Former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Private Abiola Jacobs is currently on trial for allegedly murdering 55-year-old Taylor, who was the mother of her estranged boyfriend, Bertum Taylor Jr. The murdered housewife was found lying on her back with her hands behind her and her shirt wrapped around her neck.

During Superintendent David’s testimony on Tuesday, he recalled that he charged Jacobs, who told him that after speaking with Donna Taylor ear-

lier in the day, she went home at about 18:00h where she was with her mother and son. David added that Jacobs informed him it was her friend “Boogie” who told her that something had happened to Taylor, claiming that she later was accompanied by her mother to Taylor’s home where she learnt the woman was murdered.

The Police witness added that he noticed injuries on Samantha Sabbatt, Taylor’s overseas-based friend who was staying in the upper flat. David added that a confrontation was held between Sabbatt and Jacobs in his presence, where Sabbatt recalled hearing a banging on the bedroom door. The 12-member jury heard that a male voice then called out “Open, open!” and that she witnessed the defendant, Jacobs peeping through the lattice work. As a result, Sabbatt escaped through a bedroom window into the verandah, where she fell to the ground, according to the recollection of the senior Police rank.

Also testifying on Tuesday was Police Corporal Melanie Hale, who told the court that on February 1, 2014, at 06:50h, she went to Taylor’s address where she arrested Jacobs and escorted her to the Ruimveldt Police Station. She noted that on February 4, 2014, Jacobs was charged with the murder and was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on the following day.

Under cross-examination

by Defence Counsel Adrian Thompson, Corporal Hale denied suggestions that several persons were present at the time she arrested Jacobs at the Taylors’ residence. The Policewoman

maintained that she never met Jacobs’ mother at the Taylors. The lawyer suggested that the witness was fabricating her entire story which the Police Corporal outright denied.

Later on, the jury was excused, and proceedings were held in voir dire (trial within a trial) after Thompson raised certain objections to prosecution’s line of questioning. State Counsels Lisa Cave and Mandell Moore are presenting with the prosecution’s case which continues before Justice BovellDrakes.

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ore than 100 students of the Lusignan Primary School benefited from a donation made by an Americanbased company and contractor of ExxonMobil (Guyana) on Tuesday.

Tanks-A-Lot Inc has been the sole distributor of oil and gas tanks to ExxonMobil for a number of years.

According to President of the company AJ Cannata, the company in itself is thankful to work with Guyana and therefore saw it fitting to give back to the youths of the community.

“We appreciate the opportunity to work with the community… and as a result we want to give back to these students. We chose

the Lusignan Primary because one of our employees, Jai Kissoon, attended this very school and as such we would want to make an impact in these children’s lives,” Cannata said.

E x x o n M o b i l Communications Advisor, Nickolas Yearwood noted that ExxonMobil is very pleased with this initiative and hopes other companies will come on board.

“ExxonMobil Guyana is very proud to work with contractors like Tanks-ALot who chose to give back to the Guyanese communities and we are very happy to participate in this activity and we welcome these initiatives.”

Tanks-A-Lot Inc was formed in May 1995 for the

purposes of serving the offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico.

The company has evolved to become a leading provider of Cargo Carrying Units in the Gulf of Mexico and abroad with a diverse fleet and dedicated staff that can provide units for any material handling application in the offshore environment.

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wednesDAY, january 17, 2018

Page

By Debbie Pincus, MS LMHC

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Stop reacting – and start responding

hy is it important to be thoughtful rather than over react to your child this year, and every year moving forward?

Responding is a way of slowing down, staying calm and answering someone thoughtfully rather than letting that knee-jerk reaction kick in. One way to do this is by realising you have control over your emotions. Between an action and your reaction, you have the space to decide how it’s best to think, feel and respond. You have a choice. You are never fully at the mercy of someone else’s behaviour. So if your young child is rolling around on the floor because she doesn’t want to get dressed, don’t start rolling with her.

Instead, p a u s e a n d think of an effec-

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

tive response.

Perhaps you’ll decide to put your headphones on while she rolls and screams and works through her feelings. Or, maybe you’ll decide to provide her with a choice: “You can choose which outfit to wear. After you put it on, we’ll go to your friend’s house.

Which one do you choose?” Or, if your teenage daughter is slamming doors and rolling her eyes, don’t slam and roll with her. Instead you can very quietly ask her what’s upsetting her. Or you can avoid engaging with her until she’s worked off her steam.

Once you hit that “pause” button and choose an effective response based on your sound principles rather than a knee-jerk reaction, you are in charge of yourself and your relationships. When you’re in charge of yourself, you won’t need to try to control your child or anyone else, for that matter. By managing yourself instead of your child –by stepping out of his box and into your own – you will have given him the emotional space to learn to be in charge of himself. And he will be calm enough to think for himself and solve problems with more maturity.

Say these 5 things and have a calmer year with your children…

Here are five things to say to yourself that will help you stay calm with your children—and will help to contribute to a calmer and more peaceful year.

“I am not my child and my child is not me. He can behave one way and I am free to choose how I will behave, no matter how chooses to act.”

“I can use my own parenting values to guide me when

my emotions get triggered. I am fully responsible to manage my own behaviour. My children cannot ‘make’ me lose it.”

“I am responsible and in charge of how this year goes. I am not in control of how anyone else behaves or thinks, but I am fully in charge of how I behave and think.”

“It’s not possible to ‘control’ others and try to get them to be how I want them to be, so I can feel like a successful parent. If I do, my children will most likely fight back in their own way.

I can instead work to shape myself.”

(Usually children follow our lead.)

“I can work on appreciating my children for who they are and ‘worry’ less about them.” (They will more likely come to appreciate themselves and feel less anxious about who they are when you can do this.)

Once untangled, you will be calm and emotionally separate enough to guide your child. You can then hold him accountable by providing consequences if he hasn’t followed the rules or hasn’t done what was expected of him. Do it matter-of-factly rather than with too much emotion. Disengage if your child has lost control of himself. Once he is calm, you can discuss with him other options for solving a problem, rather than screaming, yelling and trying to hold others hostage. He will learn that certain behaviours are not effective because he simply does not get what he wants when he behaves in those negative ways. And you can show him better options through your own self-control and through problem-solving discussions. From your calm separateness you will be able to guide your child to better behaviour and a more peaceful year. (Excerpt from empowering.com)

Haiti: A country that did not bring suffering upon itself

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et’s end this myth for good. The people of Haiti do not deserve to suffer – regardless if they practice Voodoo. I am pretty sure most of us know this, yet we here in Guyana cling to this explanation, I think, because we are trying to rationalise why they suffer so much in comparison to us.

We want to believe the world is fair, and that people get what they deserve, so on some level, we are trying to find a reason to blame Haitians for what has happened to them. Some of us try to appear more “rational”, saying Haitians are poor simply Ashley Anthony because they are lazy, but this could not be further from the truth.

Those of us who did Caribbean History in school would have had to read about how Haiti fell into the state of poverty it currently is. Whenever we speak of Haiti, in the same breath, we say “the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere”, but we never say “the first Black Republic”, or “the first country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery”. The Haitian Revolution, followed shortly after the French Revolution in 1789. The Revolution, which saw the passing of the rights of man and the citizen, brought up the question of how these rights would be applied in Haiti, and in 1791, uprisings began.

However Haiti’s struggle to independence, was just that: a struggle. Following the uprising, there was a gruelling battle between Haitians and the forces of the French and other European allies, which lasted for a good part of 12 years.

After this war, on January 1, 1804, Haiti was officially declared independent. However, the war had emaciated the country, destroying infrastructure and plantations. If this wasn’t enough, in order to become diplomatically recognised by the French, the country was forced to pay an exorbitant sum of reparations (150 million francs), which it simply could not afford.

Consequently, it took out enormous loans with extremely high rates of interest from American, German and French banks to repay reparations. These rates of interest translated to Haiti being deep in debt even after finally paying off the initial reparations in 1947. The country began spending about 80 per cent of its budget on debt repayment by 1900. This does not even begin to cover the following periods of political instability and the 12 years of US occupation (after fear that Haiti would default on its debts). And then after we finish that, we have to talk about the corruption of Haiti’s own Presidents.

And then finally, we get to the issue of natural disasters.

The point of the story is that Haiti’s problems are not caused by the virtue of the people living in Haiti today.

Although History is not the only factor, it is a huge one, most time ignored in casual conversation. Why have I chosen to talk about this? Trump’s comments of course! If you haven’t been paying attention, the President of the United States made degrading comments of the country as well of other African nations. He is even reported to have said that the US should be taking more people in from places such as Norway. Now I understand people are trying to defend the comment saying that the President referred to the country, but not the people from the country, and that the people had to know that their countries are “sh*tholes” since they wanted to leave so badly.

Yet, my question is, if the country is not a reflection of the person, then on what grounds would the President have to say that they should take PEOPLE from other countries?

It is clear that he does not have respect for the people of those countries, and that he is perhaps guilty of blaming the people for a situation that they cannot control. Haiti is not suffering because Haitians are lazy and unproductive, but because of numerous other reasons. The countless Haitians who migrate and become productive members of the US society prove this. Is Trump to say that he would prefer a Norwegian immigrant to a Haitian or African immigrant if they were both equally contributive to American society? Sounds a bit more racist when put it that way, doesn’t it?

Don’t be a part of the problem. Don’t be a voice that denounces the people of Haiti. Read about the country, its culture and perhaps most importantly, its struggle. Learn to see Haiti as more than just some conversational trope used to describe poverty, and correct people who blame Haitians for the suffering that they face. It is not their fault.

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wednesDAY, january 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Legal action to be taken on sale of fake products – GA-FDD warns

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he Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) will be moving to take legal actions against persons/businesses who are selling fake products on the local market.

GA-FDD head Marlon Cole, gave the warning on Tuesday after reports surfaced that a Bourda, Georgetown grocery store had sold a woman fake powered milk.

Reports are the customer returned the milk to a store and informed the employees that the milk was not authentic and that she could not risk feeding it to

her children.

The customer examined the product; it was dented and had a label printed in a foreign language.

Speaking with this publication, Cole said besides the regular inspections his department conducts, the GA-FDD has to act based upon complaints. He said once a formal complaint is lodged, an investigation will be launched.

Speaking directly about the fake milk, Cole said, “We would have to make a determination, particularly as to the source of such milk…There are legal repercussions in terms of some-

one selling milk (or any consumable) that is fake... That is knowingly or deliberately selling a product not up to standard.”

“Currently,” he continued, “The period between January and March we make stops and visit (business places) for licensing purposes by our officers, public health officers and sanitary inspectors.”

He affirmed that customers have the right to seek refunds on their purchases if it does not reach the legal standard. That being said, Cole noted that such matters must be thoroughly examined because of instances

Constitutional challenge

CCJ case management set for next month

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he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will soon be setting dates to hear the Guyana Government’s appeal on the constitutional challenge case.

The CCJ will hold a case management conference on February 6, 2018, at which the dates will be set after the court would have consulted with attorneys on both sides, in order to determine a date.

Hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:00h in the Trinidad-based court and will be done via audio-visual recording, according to information posted on the CCJ website.

The decision to refer the matter to the CCJ was presided over by acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Appellate Judge Dawn Gregory and High Court Judge Rishi Persaud.

Former Speaker Raphael Trotman and Attorney General Basil Williams were named as the respondents in the original court action, which was filed by Cedrick Richardson in the High Court.

Justice Carl Singh, then acting Chancellor, had argued in the Appeal Court ruling that a decision on the term-limit rested with the people via a referendum and not the National Assembly.

He had sought to impress the point that people should choose whom they “please to govern them” and noted that this is essential to all other rights.

During the February decision, Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh was

supported by Justice of Appeal, BS Roy in upholding Justice Chang’s decision.

Chief Justice (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who also sat on the panel, gave a dissenting judgement.

The former CJ’s ruling was based on a constitutional challenge, filed on behalf of Georgetown resident, Cedric Richardson in February 2014.

He had argued that Act 17 of 2001, which was passed by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly, unconstitutionally curtailed and restricted his sovereign and democratic right and freedom as a qualified elector to elect a former President as the Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Richardson contended that the limit was unconstitutional and illegal.

He also wanted the court to determine whether the amendment with a referendum should not have been held, instead of the two-thirds majority in the National Assembly having the powers to decide to limit the number of terms.

After several months in the court, the former CJ ruled in favour of Richardson’s argument, but the decision did not sit well

with Attorney General Basil Williams who had immediately indicated an intention to appeal.

The other restrictions were to also declare unqualified to run for the presidency, citizens of Guyana not resident in Guyana on Nomination Day; citizens of Guyana resident in Guyana on Nomination Day but who have not been continuously resident in Guyana for seven years prior to that date, and citizens of Guyana by registration.

In his Appeal, Williams had argued that Justice Chang “erred and misdirected himself in the law” in ruling that the National Assembly which passed Act No. 17 of 2001 is unconstitutional and of no effect as it failed to comply with Article164 (2)(a) of the Constitution.

The Attorney General said he believed Justice Chang also erred in ruling that the Act in question, in substance and effect, diminishes the democratic right of the electorate in electing a person of their own choice as President.

Williams also posited that Chang erred in law in not satisfying himself that the court has jurisdiction to grant the reliefs sought.

In an affidavit in support of the notice of application for leave to appeal to the CCJ, drawn up by Attorney Roysdale Forde, former Speaker Trotman contends that the majority of judges erred in law in several instances and as such.

Trotman is looking to have the CCJ set aside or reverse the decision that was originally upheld by the Court of Appeal.

A picture of the “fake” milk at the centre of the issue

where claims made have no merit.

Part II, section 6 of the Food and Drugs Act states “Any person who labels, packages, treats, processes, sells or advertises any food in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character, value, quantity, composition, merit or safety is guilty of an offence.”

Part seven also reinforces this message, stating that “Where a standard has been

prescribed for a food, any person who labels, packages, sells or advertises any article in such a manner that it is likely to be mistaken for such food, is, unless the article complies with the prescribed standard, guilty of an offence.”

The GA-FDD is the regulatory body enforcing these laws and ensuring that consumable goods including drugs, food and beverages meet international standards and requirements. It also bears the responsibility for ensuring that goods are healthy for human consumption.

The Department also ensures that when these items are imported they are screened, and pass the mark set for local standards before being released to the market for sale. It is not the first time the agency would have encountered fake milk or other fake products.

It was only last year that the Department had cause to refuse entry to these shores some 2000 cases of tuna.

According to reports, the containers were labelled “BUIWICK” instead of “BRUNSWICK” and the exact address of the manufacturer in the country of origin was not stated.

The actions were taken by the Department after they were informed by an inspector’s report of the issue.

The Department refused the cartons on the basis of the section six of the Food and Drugs Act previously quoted.

At the time, it was reported that the Department would be notifying the regulatory agency of the People’s Republic of China on their findings and action, because official documentation with attestation were used to facilitate the shipment of the falsely labelled tuna to Guyana.

Consumers were also being warned to always take a second look at labels, to ensure the ‘country of origin’ and the exact name and address of manufacturers are clearly stated.

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wednesDAY, january 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Miner slapped with robbery Low expectations… under arms charges

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miner was slapped with three counts of robbery under arms on Tuesday and made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Nigel Wellington, 35, of Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD) denied that on December 20,

2017, at Well Road, North Ruimveldt, while in the company of others and armed with a gun, he robbed Vanessa Albert of $570,000 worth of items, including two televisions.

The second charge alleged that he on the same day and at the same loca-

tion, robbed Ezekiel London of his laptop and iPhones valued $150,000.

Additionally, the final charge stated that he on January 4, 2018 at North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he robbed Simona Hopkinson of items valuing $184,000.

According to the Police

Prosecutor, none of the items were recovered. She objected to bail being granted, revealing that the accused will soon be charged with sexual assault in another matter against him.

As such, he was remanded to prison and will return to court on January 26.

WBD man charged for robbing US-based Guyanese

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man of Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was on Tuesday charged for robbing a USbased Guyanese of a gold chain valued over $500,000.

Devon Holder, 32, of Lot 9 3rd Street, Onderneeming, denied that on January 9, 2018, at Stabroek Market

area, he robbed Rafeek Mohammed of a gold chain valued $530,000.

According to Police Prosecutor Devon Goodman, when the suspect was captured, he reportedly told Police that he would take them to the location where the stolen chain was but subsequently took them on a

wild goose chase.

However, it was also revealed that CCTV footage showed Holder stealing the item.

As such, bail was objected to base on these special reasons and also based on the nature and penalty that this crime attracts.

Holder however denied

that he stole the item and revealed that the Virtual Complainant (VC) told the Police in his presence that he was not the robber.

Bail was denied by Magistrate Annette Singh and the 32-year-old man was remanded to prison. The case continues on February 19.

Barber charged for aiding narco trafficking

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barber was on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged for aiding the trafficking of 178 grams

of cocaine.

Jose Jacobs, of Lot 1814 Unity Place, Festival City, Georgetown, denied that between November 1-21, 2017, in Georgetown, he aided persons to traffic narcotics.

According to the man’s attorney, his client was entrusted by his cousin to pick up a money transfer of which he was unaware was linked to narcotics trafficking.

As such, he asked that

Jacobs be granted his pre-trial liberty at a reasonable sum.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield had no objection to bail being granted, however, he requested that the 32-year-old man report to the narcotics branch located at Eve Leary every Friday.

Bail was granted in the sum of $200,000. The case will continue on January 31.

Teen remanded for snatching phone

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17-year-old was on Tuesday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh charged for snatching a cellphone.

Akeem Grandville, of Georgetown, denied that he snatched a cellphone belonging to Avinash Rackbar at Water Street, Georgetown.

According to Police Prosecutor Devon Goodman, the teen snatched the phone from the hands of the Virtual Complainant while they were both commuting in the same minibus. According to the Prosecutor, after snatching the phone, the teen exited the bus.

However, the Virtual Complainant (VC) pursued him and caught him and handed him over to the Police.

Magistrate Singh denied bail and remanded Grandville to prison. He will return to court on February 19.

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…of AFC aphael Trotman is the leader of the AFC. He’s always seen himself as THE leader. Remember his refusal to move aside in 2011 for Ramjattan?

Anyhow, he beat out Ramjattan at the last AFC party elections – so he can speak authoritatively on matters AFC. And on some other matters, too! Remember the “Nassau Accord” he signed off on with PNC leader David Granger – just before the 2015 elections?

Responding to the observations of several political commentators that the AFC has fulfilled Ramjattan’s pre-coalition prediction that the AFC will become “dead meat” if it coalesces with the PNC, Trotman opined he’s “satisfied” with the party’s performance!! Well, of course he is!! He’s been the architect of most of that “performance”!! What else does anyone expect him to say??

Apart from him whistling in the dark, what else could make him give such a cockeyed assessment? Well, he’s obviously set a very low bar for himself and his party.

Your Eyewitness knows being West Indian and all that, and Trotman should know while such a low bar may be good for doing the LIMBO, it ain’t going to do anything for political survival in Guyana!!

The biggest hope Guyanese had for their country’s turnaround was to get a fair share of the oil that Exxon discovered just BEFORE the 2015 elections. Given responsibility for natural resources, Trotman was blown out of the water by Exxon’s lawyers when he headed the renegotiation of the oil contract. He gave away our inheritance for a mess of pottage. Guyana is now the laughing stock in the oil fraternity – for giving away its wealth and ensuring that we’ll remain as the shithole just above Haiti in the Western Hemisphere.

Then there’s the disastrous coalition Government’s intervention in the sugar industry. The AFC had inveigled more than the expected number of sugar workers in Berbice away from the PPP – to put the PNC/APNU over the tape by a nose. So how could Trotman be ‘satisfied” when he just admitted his party agreed that – apart from firing 5000 Berbician cane cutters – it’s OK for only half their severance monies be paid, a month late??

Does he remember that’s exactly the number of votes separating the PPP from his coalition?

But looks like Trotman, like Fidel Castro, is of the longue duree school since he claims he “relies on history and not critics”. Castro, of course, famously thundered to the UN General Assembly: “History will absolve me!!”

Trotman can take the long-term view since he knows on which side his bread is buttered – and it ain’t from the AFC side!! He’s returned home.

Ramjattan and Nagamootoo should worry about the smell of “dead meat”! …on GuySuCo’s valuation Well…well…well. The Government made a big to do about getting an “international accounting firm” – Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) – to valuate GuySuCo’s four closed estates… in preparation for selling them off. The effect they wanted to create, of course, is to suggest everything will be above board and hunky dory on their sell-off – since presumably “international” accounting firms” are purer than Caesar’s wife!!

The local ones they know very well – having hired most of them to conduct audits to PROVE the PPP had “siphoned off billions and billions” from the Treasury.

Is it because no PPP member’s been jailed to date the reason why the Government now went foreign?

Anyhow, it’s clear the Government forgot about the role Arthur Andersen – one of the BIG FIVE in the US then – played in the US$100 billion fraud by Enron!

Foreign accounting firms are also human – and possibly venal. PwC was just banned in India for their role in the billion dollar Satyam scandal.

So why should we believe GuySuCo won’t be given away like our oil? …on City Council Another poor citizen wrote to complain about the Mayor and Town Clerk’s “jet set” life style – combined with their willingness to tax the citizens of Georgetown for the said excesses.

Seems “hope” beats eternal…

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

9 AFC defends poor ministerial performance in coalition News

wednesDAY, january 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

…admits party lost touch with “common issues”

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fter facing heavy criticism for its submissive position towards the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the Alliance For Change (AFC) said that it remained a strong member of the coalition Government and would continue to work to ensure that its views were taken on board.

Trotman also defended the poor performance of AFC Ministers within the coalition Government, asserting that while the party was “not perfect”, it has utilised its 12 seats in Parliament to make a sig-

AFC Leader Raphael Trotman

nificant impact and continues to do so on a daily basis.

“I just mentioned an array of Ministries that the AFC has been blessed with having oversight of…Public Telecommunications – I am in awe at what the Minister (Cathy Hughes) has done.

I’m in awe of the work (Agriculture Minister Noel) Holder has done against the odds at GuySuCo (Guyana Sugar Corporation) and with rice…Ministry of Business is doing things, (Public Infrastructure) Minister (David) Patterson I mean nobody could say that he has not performed,” he told the media.

However, despite this

praise, the performance of most of the AFC Ministers has been generally poor according to critics and independent analysts.

Under David Patterson’s leadership, the Public Infrastructure Ministry has seen a slow implementation rate of its projects with the expenditure of millions of dollars without key checks and balances being followed, especially in relation to the questionable D’Urban Park Project.

While one of the largest prison riots and fires occurred under Public Security Minister Khemraj

Charity hospital’s dental department in deplorable state

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esidents living in the north of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), particularly in the Pomeroon areas, continue to face tremendous economic hardship accessing public oral health services owing to the condition of the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital’s dental department, which is currently out of operation.

The department’s unsanitary conditions have forced staff to send patients to Suddie and Anna Regina dental departments.

Residents related that they have to travel long hours and when they reach Suddie, they were often sent away.

“When we reach Suddie, we are told that they already reached the amount of patients for the day and as such, we have to come back, I travelled from as far as Wakapao in the Pomeroon River to do an extraction and that is what I was told,” a resident told Guyana Times.

Other residents related that they have to incur additional expenses to venture to the Anna Regina Health Centre to access dental services. This poses an extra burden on persons’ pocketbooks.

In March 2017, the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital’s dental department was closed as a result of bat and ant

The current condition of the Charity Oscar Joseph dental department

infestations. The matter was discussed at the last statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in detail.

Head of the Region Two RDC, Devanand Ramdatt said he was not aware that Suddie’s dental department has a “cut off” on the numbers of persons it treated, but he would investigate.

Ramdatt said he was, however, concerned about the way a particular contractor was carrying out his job

at the Charity facility. He noted that a contract was awarded for works to be done at Suddie and Charity hospitals, but the contractor was moving at a snail’s pace. Ramdatt further said on account of the slothfulness of the contractor, the dental department at the Charity hospital remained out of operation. He stated that the works at the hospitals needed to be sped up so that services could be made available to the people. (Indrawattie Natram)

Ramjattan’s watch, along with other major scandals.

And as stated by the parliamentary opposition most recently, while there has been a decline in some serious crimes, overall crime continues to rise.

Critics have also highlighted that Business Minister Dominic Gaskin has not managed to attract any sizeable Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Guyana since assuming the post. While his Ministry has been pushing for the creation of cottage industries, there have been no business projects launched under the current Government that would help to create employment opportunities.

Further, as it relates to Holder, the current Agriculture Minister, several critics have called for his resignation in light of his handling of the downsizing of the sugar industry. Holder was the first to announce plans by the coalition Government to close down sugar estates and fire sugar workers.

In Holder’s defence, Trotman said, “We are not saying that we are perfect.

We are far from being perfect. But we could say with what we have been given, we have done much. And, of

course, there is room for improvement and we will work towards improving ourselves.”

Aside from that, the AFC leader admitted that his party has lost touch with the common issues, becoming too involved in governmental matters and hence a little side-tracked from their duties.

“In terms of self-analysis, or maybe some self-criticism, we’ve become bogged down with governmental matters and fighting to just get our agendas through… and we have lost touch a bit with the common issues, but no one could say that we haven’t pushed the IT agenda, telecommunications agenda, or business agenda or resources or infrastructure or agriculture or Indigenous affairs,” Trotman said.

The fact that the AFC has not been able to successfully push for constitutional reform, a platform on which the party campaigned, some pundits believe, has seriously damaged its credibility and influence within the coalition. Critics said also that the party’s lack of understanding of its support base would ultimately be its downfall and the only way to maintain its credibility would be to resign.

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wednesDAY, january 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Shooting incident

Mayor admits need for overhaul of City Constabulary …Lance Corporal remains in Police custody

Dead Meat. Again

eorgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green said that the recent shooting incident involving a Lance Corporal of the City Constabulary proved that there should be a greater sense of urgency to have the city police department restructured and to have staffers trained to execute their duties more professionally.

“This has brought more than one issue to light and there is a greater need now, more than ever before, to have the constabulary – if not restructured – to have training at all levels. The Town Clerk has started the process of calling and writing to the national Police for training, so we are onboard together to ensure that all our Ranks are properly trained,” the Mayor noted.

On Sunday, a City Constabulary Lance Corporal shot 34-year-old Marlon Fredericks of Tiger Bay, Georgetown as he allegedly tried to escape from lawful custody. Following the incident, eyewitnesses noted that the shooting could have been avoided had the Lance Corporal pursued the weakened man rather than shoot him.

atiricus was on cloud nine!! Someone less particular might say he was in pig’s heaven – since he was smiling like the cat that just swallowed the canary! It was a new year…and, as he mused to himself – it was going to be a new beginning. He’d thought so before, but had been brought back to earth by the fellas at the Back Street Bar. This time they wouldn’t be able to mess with his head.

“Eh! Eh! Sato, ole fr’en’,” said Bungi ,as Satiricus eased into his seat and downed his waiting beer in one practiced gurgle. “Like yuh win Latto, or somet’ing?”

“Naaah!” smiled Satiricus as he signalled for another beer. “Better than that! In fact, so much better, the drinks are on me!!”

“Well, this I have to hear,” said Hari. “So you going to share the good news with us, or what?”

“Don’t you fellas read the papers?” Satiricus wanted to know.

“Me read dat yuh KFC party seh dem ‘gree fuh na pay dem cane-cutta dem sev’rance!” said Cappo with some heat.

“It’s the same half-empty cup you fellas always seeing!” smiled Satiricus. “Didn’t you see our leader Trotty say our KFC will be going alone at the LGE?” “Me read da,” said Bungi. “But me na bin t’ing yuh guh wan’ fuh ta’k ‘bout dat schupid idea!!”

“What you mean, “stupid idea”?” demanded Satiricus.

“Alyuh always blaming my KFC for mixing up with Pee-an’See. Now we can start being free!”

“An’ dat is why it schupid,” said Cappo. “Who yuh t’ink gun vote fuh KFC now afta all wha alyu guvmnent do?”

“Budday!” exclaimed Hari. “It’s like you rape a woman and you think she’ll give you lodging!! Why would anyone vote for the KFC??”

“Well, they voted for us before!” said Satiricus not so effusively as before.

“Dis time na lang time!” smiled Bungi “When alyu na even get waan pa-cent, lemme see wha’ Pee and See gun do?”

“Drap de dead meat in de garbage!” chuckled Cappo.

Satiricus fell quiet.

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Killed: Marlon Fredericks

The relatives of the dead man have since indicated that they would be pursuing legal action against the Constabulary since they believe that Fredericks was murdered.

Mayor Chase Green said that the Lance Corporal remained in Police custody assisting with investigations.

“The investigations are being done by the national Police and until that report is submitted to us, there is not much that I can say. We at the City Constabulary Department will do everything to try to bring closure to this matter, so I have to

wait on the Police; whatever decision they would have made, we would have to abide by that decision,” Chase Green explained.

She said that following the surfacing of videos which showed Fredericks being assaulted by a Joint Services rank, she enquired as to the identity of the rank and was informed that he was not enlisted with the city police department.

She added that the Constabulary rank, who was injured during the altercation on Saturday when Fredericks was apprehended, was currently on sick leave.

“I will say that every individual in custody portrays certain characteristics and behaviour pattern; as to the assessment, I am not certain if the officers on duty can assess it. We were informed that he is a drug addict and what we have now is just as how you have officers trained for domestic violence, we will now see the need to have persons trained to deal with persons of unsound mind or addicts who are in our custody. It’s something that has to be ongoing at every level,” Chase Green

explained when asked about provisions to deal with mentally challenged persons in custody.

Fredericks, who is said to be mentally unstable, was wanted by the City Constabulary for simple larceny and was spotted on Saturday in the vicinity of Robb and King Streets, Georgetown. He was taken into custody following a drama-filled chase which resulted in him being assaulted by the Joint Services rank.

The following day, Fredericks was shot about 13:15h outside the City Constabulary Bourda Outpost. Reports are that the now dead man allegedly forced his way outside the lock-ups when it was opened to let out another prisoner who needed to use the toilet. A struggle reportedly ensued between the victim and the Lance Corporal who tried to restrain him, and in the process, Fredericks ran out of the Outpost and was fatally shot once in the lower back by the Lance Corporal, who was armed with a service pistol. A post-mortem examination has since confirmed his death was the result of a gunshot wound.

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wednesDAY, january 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pomeroon execution

Weapons, ammunition, narcotics found on scene

…deceased’s wife in custody

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s investigations continue into the execution-style killing of two men at Lower Pomeroon River in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), investigators late Monday evening found weapons, ammunition and a quantity of narcotics that are assumed to be related to the crime.

One 9mm pistol and magazine, one .38 revolver, 16 live 12-gauge cartridges, 21 live .38 rounds, .32 rounds, two 9mm spent shells and 51 1\2 grams of cannabis were found. These items were recovered in close proximity to where the incident

occurred at Grant Stelling, Lower Pomeroon. The Police had deployed a high-level investigative team to the area to assist with investigations.

Up to press time, two persons were in custody, including Cilicia Williams, the wife of Ambrose Baharally.

Baharally, called “Jadge” of Grant Stelling Hope and 23-year-old Martin Goddete of Friendship, Canal Lower, Pomeroon River were said to be imbibing when they were shot to the head by two men known to them about 15:30h.

Williams, a mother of six, told Police that Goddete

visited their home around 09:30h and after some time, her husband and him began to drink “High Wine” on a culvert by the river.

The widow further divulged to Police that around 15:10h on Sunday, she saw the suspects drive up in a boat and they subsequently shook her husband’s and his friend’s hands. She said the group of men were having a conversation and were in high spirits. Williams added that she then left the men and went to tend to her children when she heard two loud bangs and then discovered her husband and his

Education Ministry facilitates “mock exams” for NGSA students

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s the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) draws near, the Education Ministry is striving to ensure that students have a sense of familiarity when sitting the exams, which are slated for March 28 and 29.

The mock (trial) exams commenced on Tuesday at primary schools throughout the country with the sitting of Mathematics Papers One and Two. Speaking about the familiarisation project, Director of the National Centre for Education Research Development (NCERD), Jennifer Cumberbatch on Tuesday said that this approach was necessary to ensure that students acquaint themselves with the examination. She is also of the opinion that this approach will augur well for the continued improvement of grades among the nation’s Grade Six pupils.

The Director is confident that the NGSA grades will

Students of Winfer Gardens Primary School sitting the mock exams

continue to improve. She based this assessment on the improvement already made in the Mathematics pass rate, owing to the intervention of the current administration.

The objective of the mock exams is to identify and correct weaknesses that students may have. In light of this, the mock exam test scripts and scores will be forwarded to the Regional

Education Offices, then to the central ministry.

Cumberbatch stated that the Ministry will have enough time to “pick apart the results”, so that weak points could be identified and improved.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , Cumberbatch said that evaluators would continue to visit schools to offer support and such an approach should not be seen as a disciplinary one.

Items that were found near the Pomeroon crime scene

friend falling to the ground.

The gunmen reportedly headed east on the river immediately after the act.

However, contrary to the widow’s report, a farmer, who is a witness in the case, told Police that he did not see any men in a boat as the woman had said. His story was quite different from that of Williams. He reported that he heard a third gun-

shot after the two men fell to the ground.

Meanwhile, Police continue to comb the Pomeroon River in an effort to find leads that may solve the case.

Baharally was a father of six while Goddete lived with his parents. The mother of Goddete had told media operatives that she just wanted her son’s soul to rest in

peace and would leave everything in the Almighty’s hands. She said she was not aware that her son had any old grievances with anyone at no time and recalled he left to spend the day with Baharally.

Police from G Division are currently hunting for one suspect called “Wood” from Shell Beach, Essequibo.

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Brooklyn man gets 41 years for killing Guyanese teen

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he Brooklyn Court on Tuesday sentenced a 26-year-old man to spend the next 41 years in prison for the murder of a 16-year-old Guyanese girl, Shemel Mercurius.

The sentence was handed down to Taariq Stephens,

of East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, who was charged with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child by Justice Deborah Dowling, who said that she would not show any mercy to

the accused.

He shot and killed Mercurius in the presence of her three-year-old niece when he pushed his way into a sixth-floor apartment at 1406 Brooklyn Avenue in East Flatbush, while carrying a .40 calibre submachine rifle.

Tariq Stephens

The shooting stemmed from Mercurius shunning advances made to her by Stephens.

The then injured young woman reportedly told Police upon their arrival at the scene the first name of the man who shot her.

Unfortunately, she died 90 minutes after the shooting as she was being treated at the Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn.

Surveillance footage showed the accused with the rifle outside her door, and

then forcing his way into the apartment after she rebuffed him. He reportedly turned himself into Police two days after the incident.

District Attorney Eric Gonsalves made the announcement of the outcome of the matter to the New York Daily. “This defendant will now spend many years behind bars for the callous killing of an innocent teenage girl who was taken from her loved ones far too early, and for undoubtedly traumatising the toddler she was babysitting. Nothing can bring Shemel back to her devastated family, but I hope that today’s sentence will afford them a small measure of solace,” Gonsalves said.

According to Mercurius’s aunt, Latoya Mercurius Pryce, “Words cannot express the abyss that is now in our hearts since our beloved gem has been taken from us. No one should ever have to receive such a call. No one should have to wash blood

Shemel Mercurius

from their three-year-old traumatised baby as he frantically tries but [is] unable to express himself.”

Stephens and Shemel, an Edward R Murrow High School student, knew each other for a couple weeks before he barged into the apartment where the high schooler was babysitting her young cousin on May 31, 2016.

Before migrating to the United States, Mercurius lived with her mother at Blygezigt, Georgetown. (New York

daily News)

Pork-knocker admits to killing brother

J

ust over four years after his sibling’s death, Neville France admitted that he killed his own brother, Richard France, on December 12, 2013 at Falls Top, North West District, Essequibo.

The 42-year-old man pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when he was arraigned before High Court Judge, Justice Navindra Singh on Monday.

His sentencing was, however, deferred to February 5, 2018 after his lawyer, Siand Dhurjon applied for a probation report to be presented to the court.

Self-confessed sibling killer, Neville France

According to evidence that was provided by Police, the self-confessed killer and his brother resided in the

same house with their father.

On the day in question, the brothers were imbibing at a neighbour, when an argument ensued. Later the day, it was reported that Richard France returned home and was sitting on a bench outside when he was confronted by his brother and another argument erupted.

Further evidence provided by Police stated that when Richard France attempted to walk away, his brother stabbed him to the left side of his upper back. He then collapsed and died. State Counsel Mandell Moore presented the prosecution’s case.

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Ramsammy’s Ruminations Ramjattan is in charge of 2 questionable contracts right now

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wo contracts under the supervision of the Public Security Minister right now are poster children for corruption in Guyana. The first is a contract to construct a prison building in Mazaruni for $3.5 billion, a contract awarded to the highest bidder. The second contract is a sole-sourced contract that I suspect will be a Dr Leslie Ramsammy spectacularly large contract; one that will be many billions more than Mazaruni for the reconstruction of the Camp Street Prison. These examples, unfortunately, capture the corruption orgy that has swallowed up the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC). Political commentators and some media houses mostly have allowed these questionable deals to go largely unexamined. We commend the PPP Opposition for trying to bring these obviously questionable deals to the public's attention.

Everyday there is yet another example of a questionable or corrupt deal that comes to the attention of the public.

Everyday another preposterous excuse is made for another corrupt Government transaction. Sometimes, there is an example of a relatively small contract in a Government agency, in a municipality or in a regional Government.

For example, we learnt recently of a $15 million bulldozer that was delivered to the Region Six Regional Democratic Council (RDC). The bulldozer turned out to be an obsolete model which was given a paint job and for which the REO of Region Six paid promptly, without the knowledge of the RDC Chairman. While many of these smaller contracts have not attracted much attention, there are large ones that each day come to the fore. Here are two examples: First, the Public Security Ministry awarded a contract for the construction of a new building as part of the Mazaruni prisons. The contract was awarded to a Trinidadian company at a cost of $3.5 billion, the highest bidder. There were four other well-established contractors, Basso Construction Company, BK International, Courtney Benn, with bids approximately $1 billion below this Trinidadian contractor. Yet the APNU/ AFC chose the highest bidder. Why were the local contractors who bid at least $1 billion less not considered? The country needs an explanation. At a time when the Government claims it cannot afford to pay sugar workers their severance payment which they are legally obligated to pay, how come APNU/AFC can afford to spend so much more money when qualified bidders offered to do the same work for $1 billion less? Now one of the local company is challenging the award in court.

The second example is the contract to build the prison at Camp Street. The Public Security Ministry has admitted that the contract is being awarded to an international company from the US and the company was sole-sourced because, according to him, no local company has the know-how to build a prison. This is after 20 local companies responded to an earlier tender which was mysteriously and secretly cancelled. Of course, this is a bogus excuse because whether we are looking for a local or an international company an open bidding process is required. Anytime, there is a solesourcing done secretly, something rotten is below the surface.

The stench from the Minister's explanation is suffocating.

Judging from the contract size of the Mazaruni Prison, the Camp Street construction will be a massive contract, a cost that will exceed the EXXON signing bonus. How could they even contemplate a secret, sole-sourced contract that will cost taxpayers far, far more than $5 billion?

APNU/AFC made many promises during the election campaign in 2015. One of the many promises they made is that all Government contracts will adhere to strict international standards of transparency and accountability.

Khemraj Ramjattan was one of the loudest and most persistent voices railing against the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government with the APNU/AFC mantra of corruption they alleged the PPP was responsible for. Ramjattan was one of the most belligerent voices promising that in Government APNU/AFC will never utilise sole-sourcing in Government procurement and that all Government contracts will result from wide and open advertisement, open tendering and fair award of contracts. The problem is that now APNU/AFC in Government has forgotten these promises or has dumped international standards for transparency and accountability into the garbage. Khemraj Ramjattan as one of the most persistent and passionate voices in making the promise to the Guyanese people that APNU/AFC would be accountable is himself in charge of some of the most spectacular questionable deals in Guyana. The question is where is SOCU and SARA?

Estates closure challenge

Appeal against CJ’s denial deferred to January 24

N

early two months after acting Chief Justice Roxane George ruled against an application to quash Government’s move to close the East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) challenge against the ruling came up at the Appeal Court on Monday.

However, the matter was deferred to January 24 when counsel for the parties appeared at the nation’s highest court.

Guyana Times understands that Appellate Justices Rishi Persaud, Gregory Barnes and Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards are presiding over the case.

The unions brought the case at the Appeal Court based on the contention

Rose Hall Estate

that the acting Chief Justice “erred” in denying the application. The original injunction in the High Court had noted that not enough consultations were held by Government with the affected parties.

The majority of the Rose Hall and East Demerara Estate workers were let go by December 29, 2017. It was in May 2017 that Government announced plans to close the Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates, sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory, re-

duce the annual production of sugar, and take on the responsibility of managing the drainage and irrigation services offered by GuySuCo. These decisions were, however, met with union and community-sanctioned protests, which saw many workers and affected residents taking to the streets to highlight the negative impact the closures would have on workers and the economy as a whole.

The Private Sector, civil society and other inter-

est groups have long decried the closures of estates, with many saying that the country’s overall economy and the economies of villages would be impacted as a whole. The social strain on families was also noted as a major possible setback as in many instances, multiple members of the same household, including some husbands and wives, are employed within the sugar industry. The Wales Estate was closed in December 2016.

2018 Soca Monarch launched “Sasha Melody” Hamid, Brandon Harding, Colwin “Lil Colwin” Blair, Colwyn “Soca Colwyn” Abrams, Delon “Soca Del” Azore, Diana Chapman, Jonathan “Lil Red” King, Keron “Norek Mas” Sam, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, Quacy “Avalanche” Coates, Roger “Young Bill Rogers” Hinds, Roshauna Fraser, Samantha Grant, Shellon “Fluffy” Gally and Stanton “Cardiac” Lewis.

Minister with responsibility for culture, Dr George Norton

A

fter a two-year hiatus, the 2018 Carib Soca Monarch was launched at the Department of Culture, Education Ministry.

The competition, which is slated for February 10 and 17, will see 15 performers competing for the grand prize of $1.5 million.

At the press conference on Monday, Minister with responsibility for culture, Dr George Norton highlighted that the competition will now be under the purview of the Central Mash Committee.

Minister Norton also stated that music is the bloodline of the Mashramani festival and urged local deejays and promoters to get involved in the publicising of the competition’s music.

Competition Coordinator, Nigel Worrell, noted they received a total of 18 entries which was fine-tuned to a total of 15 semi-finalists. Those semi-finalists are Alisha

These 15 contestants will be heading to the mining town of Linden on February 10 for the semi-final leg of the competition, where five contestants will be eliminated. Then the remaining 10 will head to D’Urban Park in Georgetown to compete for the grand prize on February 17. They will be judged on lyrics, melody, rendition, diction and musical arrangement.

The first prize winner will receive $1.5 million, 2nd prize $700,000; 3rd prize $500,000 and 4th prize $400,000. The Ministry is seeking to collaborate with a local telephone company to implement a People’s Choice Award which will see the winner receiving one hundred thousand dollars. The eleven newcomers will all be vying for the US$1000 prize of Best New Comer.

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wednesDAY, january 17, 2018

Regional

Rogue ex-Policeman, six others Pope, in Chile, expresses “pain and shame” over Church sex abuse scandal die in Venezuela forces raid

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P

ope Francis expressed “pain and shame” on Tuesday over a sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church in Chile, seeking forgiveness for a crisis that has scarred its credibility and left many faithful sceptical of reform.

Francis spoke as the number of Catholic churches that have been attacked in the country in the past week rose to eight, both in the capital and in southern regions that are home to Indigenous people.

Police in riot gear dispersed some 200 demonstrators trying to make their way to a park where the pope said Mass for some 400,000 people after making his remarks about abuse.

“Here I feel bound to express my pain and shame at the irreparable damage caused to children by some ministers of the Church,” he said in the presidential palace, drawing sustained applause, including from President Michelle Bachelet

Pope Francis arrives to lead a mass at the O’Higgins Park in Santiago, Chile, January 16, 2018

and diplomats.

“I am one with my brother bishops, for it is right to ask for forgiveness and make every effort to support the victims, even as we commit ourselves to ensuring that such things do not happen again,” he said.

Catholics have been upset with Francis’s appointment in 2015 of Bishop Juan Barros to head the small diocese of Osorno in south-cen-

tral Chile.

Barros, who attended Tuesday’s Mass, has been accused of protecting his former mentor, Father Fernando Karadima, who was found guilty in a Vatican investigation in 2011 of abusing teenage boys over many years. Karadima has denied the allegations, and Barros said he was unaware of any wrongdoing. (Excerpt from

ogue Venezuelan helicopter pilot Oscar Perez was killed in a Police operation on Monday along with six other anti-government militants, the Interior Minister said on Tuesday, spurring Opposition complaints of human rights violations.

Perez, a photogenic former Police Officer who once starred in an action film, last year used a hijacked helicopter to attack Government buildings and stole weapons from a military base in what he called a rebellion against President Nicolás Maduro.

He appeared with a bloody face in nearly a dozen Instagram videos early on Monday, saying he was surrounded by authorities shooting at him with grenade launchers even though he was promising to surrender.

Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said seven “terrorists”, including Perez, were killed in the operation outside Caracas along with two Police Officers involved in the raid.

A view shows police vehicles in a street during a shootout between security forces and rogue Venezuelan helicopter pilot Oscar Perez (inset), in Caracas, Venezuela January 15, 2018

“In the face of an attack that put the lives of security officials at risk, the attacking group was neutralised using established protocols, with the unfortunate result of seven dead terrorists,” Reverol said in a televised broadcast. Perez rose to fame in June after allegedly hijacking a police helicopter, flying over Caracas’ centre and firing shots at and lobbing grenades on the Interior Ministry

and the Supreme Court. He claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was to fight what he said was a tyrannical government. He went into hiding afterward, but frequently appeared in videos that circulated on social media calling for resistance to Maduro. The Government described him as a “fanatic, extremist terrorist” and had been carrying out a manhunt for him since last June. (Excerpt from Reuters)

2 girls die as fire guts Barbados’ largest Public Sector union children’s home in Jamaica to follow through on strike threat

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he National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) has announced it will embark on a public sector strike, following the failure of the Freundel Stuart-led Administration to respond to its pay concerns by Monday.

The largest Public Sector union in Barbados had issued an ultimatum to the Government to address its issues or there would be industrial action.

Speaking to the media after NUPW executives met with shop stewards Monday evening, union president Akanni McDowall said he was disappointed with

Government’s lack of response, while emphasising that the NUPW was prepared to fight to the bitter end for pay increases for its members.

“We would have given the Government an ultimatum to conclude salary negotiations by January 15…

We also told them that if they did not do so we would go full on into industrial action. Unfortunately, the Government has chosen not to respond, so, therefore, the union is left with no choice but to take industrial action,” he said, though stopping just short of announcing precisely when the planned protests would

Reuters)

begin and how widespread the action would be.

The NUPW boss did say, however, that all options were on the table. He also stressed that the time for talk was over and it would take much more than an invitation to get them to return to the negotiation table with Government.

“All gloves are off. The mandate from the [NUPW’s executive] council and the general membership was that the Government must conclude negotiations by today, so we are prepared to do whatever is necessary to conclude salary negotiations,” he said. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

UWI honours 1st Vice Chancellor

T

Sir Arthur Lewis

he University of the West Indies (UWI) has declared January 23, 2018, “W Arthur Lewis Day”, in honour of its first Vice Chancellor.

As UWI celebrates its 70th anniversary, its Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies

(SALISES) will commemorate the work of Sir Arthur, and celebrate 70 years of research contributions to economic policy and process in the Caribbean.

Sir Arthur, a St Lucianborn economist, was a Nobel Prize Laureate (1979) as well as a former President of

the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). His legacy surrounds pioneering research in economic growth and development—particularly involving developing countries.

Although the institute named in his honour was established in August 1999, its origins stem from 1948 when the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) was founded. ISER later merged with the Consortium Graduate School of Social Sciences (CGSSS) in 1985 and was later renamed after Lewis.

W Arthur Lewis Day will see a series of events hosted across the University’s Cave Hill, Mona and St Augustine campuses, including forums to discuss the current relevance of Lewis’ work amid the economic challenges facing the Region. (Caribbean360)

T

wo girls – aged 12 and 16 – died Monday night in an inferno that razed a children’s home in Jamaica’s capital.

The fire broke out at the privately-run Walker’s Place of Safety in Kingston around 23:00h, according to Police, killing two of the 36 residents.

“The loss is quite devastating as two children died in the fire. Steps are being taken to contact the parents and to start counselling for them,” State Minister for Education,

Youth and Information Floyd Green said Tuesday morning.

He said the other 34 children and staff at the home have been temporarily relocated to a nearby church, and counselling is being provided for them.

“The priority now is to guide them through this difficult time and ensure that we get the essential items that they need. We have already started to get critical supplies, such as medication for those children who are ill. We are

moving now to find a suitable location, so that we can move the children and ensure that they are more comfortable,” Green said.

He added that investigations have been launched to determine the cause of the blaze at the facility which serves as a transitional residence for children who have been abandoned or removed from their homes because of unstable conditions.

(Caribbean360)

Not welcome! Regional Pan-Africanists vow to protest any Trump visit to the Caribbean

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egional Pan-Africanists and socialist groups have served notice that they will protest any attempt

by US President Donald Trump to visit the Caribbean, following offensive comments he reportedly made about Haiti, Africa and El Salvador.

In a strongly worded declaration issued on behalf of the people of the Caribbean over the weekend, the groups said Trump is not welcomed in the region.

“We, the undersigned representatives of the sovereign people of the Caribbean, hereby declare that President Donald Trump of the United States of America is persona

non grata in our Caribbean Region,” stated the declaration prepared by “PanAfricanist and socialist popular forces of Barbados” and endorsed by scores of organisations from across the region.

“We further declare that as a persona non grata, President Donald Trump is not welcome in any territory of the Caribbean; and we hereby confirm that we – the Caribbean people – will petition our Governments, vehemently protest against any Trump visit, and engage in popular demonstrations designed to prevent President Donald Trump’s entry into

any portion of the sovereign territory of our Caribbean region.”

Trump reportedly referred to Haiti, El Salvador and African nations as “shithole countries” during a White House meeting with lawmakers on immigration reform last Thursday, when he questioned why he should accept immigrants from those places, rather than from countries like Norway.

The Pan-Africanists contend that any insult or attack that is directed at the African continent or at Haiti is intrinsically an insult and attack that is directed at all Caribbean people as well.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Colombia: Motorway bridge collapses killing 9 workers

A

motorway bridge under construction in Colombia has collapsed, killing at least nine workers and injuring five others. The bridge in Chirajara was to be part of a highway connecting the capital, Bogotá, with the city of Villavicencio.

Photos from the scene show a large part of the 450 metres-long bridge lying in the ravine below.

Transport Minister Germán Cardona spoke of a "tragedy" and said the cause of the collapse would be investigated. Construction officials said that fortunate-

ly not many workers were on the bridge at the time of the collapse as staff were receiving a safety briefing. The bridge is part of an ambitious programme to improve the route leading from Bogotá to the eastern plains by turning parts of it into a dual carriageway. (Excerpt from BBC News)

wednesDAY, january 17, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Shackled siblings found in California home, parents charged

A

California couple have been arrested after Police found their 13 children allegedly held captive at home, some "shackled to their beds with chains and padlocks".

David Allen Turpin, 57, and Louise Anna Turpin, 49, were held on charges of torture and child endangerment.

The couple's children

– aged two to 29 – lived in Perris, 59 miles (95 kilometres) south-east of Los Angeles.

Officers were alerted by one of the victims, a 17-yearold girl.

The girl – who appeared to be "only 10 years old and slightly emaciated" – on Sunday managed to escape and call the emergency number using a mo-

David Allen Turpin, 57, and Louise Anna Turpin, 49

The Turpin family during the couple's renewal of their vows [David-Louise Turpin/Facebook]

bile phone found inside the house, the Riverside Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

Police Officers later found "several children shackled to their beds with chains and padlocks in dark and foul-smelling surroundings". The Officers were "shocked" to discover that seven of them were actually adults aged between 18 and 29.

"The victims appeared to be malnourished and very dirty," the Police said.

They are now being treated in local hospitals. The head of one of the hospitals, Mark Uffer, told Reuters news agency: "It's actually heartbreaking for the staff and it's unbelievable what you see." The parents are now being held in jail with bail set at US$9 million each. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US-led meeting says sanctions pressure on North Korea must be maintained

S

anctions pressure must be maintained on North Korea to force it to abandon its nuclear weapons programme and the world should not be fooled by its current charm offensive in engaging South Korea, participants at a

17

20-nation meeting on North Korea said on Tuesday.

“We must increase the costs of the regime’s behaviour to the point that North Korea must come to the table for credible negotiations,” US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told

the one-day meeting in Vancouver. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has refused to give up development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States in spite of increasingly severe sanctions imposed by the United Nations

Security Council. Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kono said the world should not be naive about North Korea’s “charm offensive” in engaging in talks with South Korea ahead of next month’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Japan issues false alarm over missile launch, days after Hawaii alert gaffe

T

he mistake took place at a tense time in the region following North Korea’s largest nuclear test to date in September and its claim in November that it had successfully tested a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach all of the US mainland.

Pyongyang regularly threatens to destroy Japan and the United States.

But there were no immediate reports of panic or other disruptions following the NHK report. A similar gaffe caused panic in the US state

of Hawaii at the weekend.

NHK’s 6.55 pm (0955 GMT) alert on its web site said: “North Korea appears to have launched a missile...

The Government urges people to take shelter inside buildings or underground.”

The same alert was sent to mobile phone users of NHK’s online news distribution service.

In five minutes, the broadcaster put out another message on the website correcting itself and said no government warning, called “J-alert”, had been issued.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Top Kosovo Serb politician shot dead

A

prominent Kosovo Serb politician, Oliver Ivanovic, has been shot dead outside his party offices in the Serb-run north of Mitrovica.

Ivanovic, seen as a moderate Kosovo Serb leader, was shot four times in the chest and died later in hospital, his lawyer Nebojsa Vlajic said.

Serbian Government negotiators walked out of EUmediated talks with Kosovo

Albanians in Brussels after the news.

Kosovo remains ethnically divided since unilaterally splitting from Serbia.

Mitrovica – in northern Kosovo – is split, with the south run by Kosovo Albanians.

Serbia has reacted furiously to the news of Ivanovic's violent murder, calling it an attack on the entire nation. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Qatari royal's detention in UAE confirmed India ends Government subsidies for Hajj pilgrimage by his family

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he Indian Government has announced the end of a decades-long policy of giving subsidy to thousands of Muslims heading to the holy city of Mecca to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

India's Minister for Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, said on Tuesday that the move was part of "a policy to empower minorities with dignity and without appeasement".

"Hajj subsidy funds will be used for the educational empowerment of girls and women from minority com-

For years, India has given subsidies to poor Muslims in India to go on the Hajj pilgrimage [File: Ahmad Masood/Reuters]

munities," he told reporters in Delhi.

The decision followed a

2012 ruling by the country's Supreme Court, which had directed the Government to

(Excerpt from Reuters)

gradually reduce the subsidy and abolish it by 2022.

The move was welcomed by many Muslim groups in the country.

Starting in 1954, the Indian Government has for decades offered subsidies amounting to billions of rupees to poor Muslims wanting to perform Hajj. In 2016, the sum was about US$75 million, down from about US$100 million in 2013, according to official data.

Muslim pilgrims were given the subsidy through concessionary airline fares.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

T

he family of a Qatari royal family member who says he is being held as "a prisoner" in the United Arab Emirates has confirmed his arbitrary detention, according to a Dohabased human rights group.

The National Human Rights Committee in Qatar (NHRC) said in a statement on Tuesday that it received a complaint from Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Thani's family about his restriction of movement by the Emirati authorities.

"The National Human Rights Committee in the State of Qatar affirms the il-

legality of this measure and its violation of all international and regional human rights conventions, instruments and understandings," the statement said.

"It holds the Emirati authorities responsible for the safety and security of this Qatari citizen and demands his immediate release."

The group also called on the international community and NGOs to intervene and ensure the safety and release of Sheikh Abdullah, as well as hold the Emirati authorities responsible for the violation. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

Experts doubt Emirati claim Qatar intercepted aircraft

A

nalysts have expressed scepticism at a claim by the United Arab Emirates that Qatari fighter jets had intercepted Emirati passenger planes.

On Monday, Emirati State media said two civilian airliners bound for Bahrain were intercepted

by Qatar, citing the country's General Civil Aviation

Authority (GCAA).

Qatar strongly rejected the claims, describing them as a "systematic attack" by the UAE to draw attention away from its own violations

of Qatari airspace.

Last week, Doha filed a complaint to the UN Security Council over two alleged instances of Emirati military aircraft entering

Qatari airspace.

Aviation analyst Alex Macheras said that if Monday's incident had taken place as described, he would expect the airlines

involved to come forward, a formal complaint to be made to international bodies and passengers on board the flights to have shared pictures. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Rohingya refugees to return within 2 years T he United Nations has raised concerns over the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees, who fled a military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine

State, within the next two years as agreed upon by Bangladesh and Myanmar.

As part of a repatriation deal signed by the two Asian neighbours in November

last year, Bangladesh and Myanmar officials at a joint meeting in Naypyidaw on Tuesday agreed on plans to facilitate the return of those displaced since August.

"Much work remains to be done in the context of the Rohingya refugee situation to ensure that any potential returns are voluntary, that they occur in conditions of safe-

ty and dignity, and that they are sustainable," said Caroline Gluck, senior public information officer for UNHCR, the UN refugee agency.

"The protection of the

Rohingya refugees must be guaranteed both in Bangladesh and upon their return to Myanmar," she told Al Jazeera in an emailed response. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

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wednesDAY, january 17, 2018

ARCHIE

Don’t accept help unless ARIES you know what’s expected of (March 21- you in return. Someone will April 19) have a change of heart and let you down. Get the skinny before you make a commitment.

Partnerships will work TAURUS well for you. Collaborate with (April 20- someone to come up with a May 20) plan that can help you advance. Control your emotions when dealing with personal matters.

dilbert

Personal improvements GEMINI will build your confidence (May 21and give you a greater sense June 20) of what you have to offer. Love and romance will change how or where you live.

Intelligence will be required CANCER when dealing with personal (June 21- money, health or legal matters.

July 22) Take a pass if someone urges you to take a shortcut or to let someone else handle your affairs.

Peanuts

Emotions will surface if LEO you can’t come to terms with (July 23- what others want. Don’t be Aug. 22) afraid to do your own thing, cut your overhead and lower stress.

An energetic schedule VIRGO will be illuminating. Try new (Aug. 23things and challenge your Sept. 22) strength, courage and discipline. Stay focused and you will make a difference.

Romance is encouraged.

Calvin and Hobbes

Take on a physical chalLIBRA (Sept. 23- lenge and re-evaluate your Oct. 23) feelings and domestic situation. A change may be necessary, but first you must come up with a strategy.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Don’t let an emotional reSCORPIO sponse you receive deter you (Oct. 24from following your heart.

Nov. 22) You must live life your way if you want to find peace and happiness.

Keep your thoughts seSAGITTARIUS cret.

Saying or revealing (Nov. 23something prematurely will Dec. 21) put you in an awkward position. Speak the truth or say nothing at all.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

An innovative idea can CAPRICORN give a presentation some (Dec. 22needed pizazz. Welcome inJan. 19) put and be ready to collaborate with people just as eager to try something new.

Trusting

someone

with

AQUARIUS your money or possessions will (Jan. 20- lead to disappointment. Do Feb. 19) your research and be willing to walk away from a deal that poses many unanswered questions.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Take care of personal PISCES (Feb. 20- money matters and docuMarch 20) ments that need to be dealt with before tax time. Being fully prepared will lead to savings and greater opportunities.

wednesDAY, january 17, 2018

19

GBBC, MCG Inc/ "Sangre Malo- Bad Blood"

International boxers touch down …opening bell just 3 days away

Hall the overseas fighters have begun arriving for the international card.

The six-bout card that is jointly promoted by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control and Next Gen Global Marketing under the name, Sangre Malo which is Spanish for `Bad Blood’ promises Elton Dharry has arrived in Guyana ahead of his fight nothing but fistic with Jesus Garcia on Saturday’s "Sangre Malo" Card fury.

Local fighters ith just three days to go – Dexter `De Kid’ Marques, Dexter before “Sangre Malo” at `Cobra’ Gonsalves and Elton `The the Cliff Anderson Sports Bully’ Dharry – will oppose their

W

counterparts from Venezuela, while Shawn Corbin (Guyana) faces Trinidad and Tobago’s Sheldon Lawrence.

Two Barbadian fighters – Anderson Emmanuel and Keithland King – will face off with Guyana’s James Moore and Anson Green, respectively.

Both Gonsalves and Marques concluded glovework earlier than normal on Monday; the reason being to avoid any injuries that might result from glove work.

Amateur champion Steve Allicock and Orin Bancroft are the duo’s sparring partners and they have both been doing eight to 10 rounds of glove work since that segment of their preparations began.

The main supporting bout on

the card will feature Corbin facing Lawrence in a 12-round contest for the World Boxing Council’s Fecabox light heavyweight title.

Corbin is making a return to the ring after losing to England’s Nathen Clevery in 2014 for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title. He has won 15 of his 22 professional fights and lost five with two draws.

Lawrence has won 10 fights (eight by K.O’s) and lost one. He won his last four bouts.

United States -based Guyanese, Elton Dharry, who is the current CABOFE and Inter-Continental bantamweight champion will take on Jesus Garcia of Venezuela in an eight round contest.

Dharry arrived in Guyana on early Tuesday while the

Venezuelans were also scheduled to touch down later on the same day.

The fighters are scheduled to meet with Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sport, Dr George Norton today as well.

Heavyweight debutants Moore (Guyana) and Emmanuel (Barbados) will face-off in a fourround contest.

Guyana’s Anson Green and Barbados’ King will clash in a fourround junior middleweight contest also.

Fight fans are reminded to get their tickets early as the promoter, Aleem Hussain, has predicted a sold out arena come Saturday night.

South Africa eyeing series win

…India 35-3 chasing 287

D

ebutant Lungi Ngidi took the key wicket of India captain Virat Kohli as South Africa closed in on victory in the second

resume on the final day, trying to find a way to score runs against a fired-up home seam attack getting plenty of assistance from the pitch.

loosener the batsman carved straight to Keshav Maharaj at point.

Murali Vijay (nine) was the first batsman to fall, bowled by Kagiso Rabada from another ball that kept low.

Debutant Lungi Ngidi was on fire during the last hour on day four (BCCI Photo)

test with the tourists reeling at 35 for three on a misbehaving wicket at the close on day four on Tuesday.

India are chasing 287 for victory to square the threematch series, but that looks a long way off on a wicket providing extreme variable bounce.

Cheteshwar Pujara (11) and Parthiv Patel (five) will

Kohli, who scored a brilliant 153 in the first innings, would have been key to India’s plans in the run chase, but he was trapped lbw for five by an excellent delivery from Ngidi that came back into him sharply and kept low.

Ngidi, 21, had earlier bagged the wicket of opener Lokesh Rahul for four with his first delivery of the day, a

India had worked their way back into the test by bowling South Africa out for 258 in their second innings.

Starting the day on 90 for two, AB de Villiers (80) and Dean Elgar (61) put on 141 for the third wicket, a potentially match-winning partnership.

But De Villiers was one of three wickets for the excellent Mohammed Shami (4-49)

in the morning, followed by Elgar and Quinton de Kock (12).

Ishant Sharma (2-40) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-70) wrapped up the innings, despite a battling 48 from home

captain Faf du Plessis.

The International Cricket Council also announced on Tuesday that they had fined Kohli 25 percent of his match fee and handed him one demerit point for an incident the

previous day.

He was sanctioned for repeatedly complaining to umpire Michael Gough about a damp ball after a rain delay and aggressively throwing the ball to the floor. (Reuters)

SCOREBOARD

South Africa 1st innings 335 India 1st innings (Overnight 183-5) M Vijay c Kock b Maharaj 46 L Rahul c&b Morne Morkel 10 C Pujara run out Ngidi 0 V Kohli c de Villiers b Morkel 153 R Sharma lbw Rabada 10 P Patel c de Kock b Ngidi 19 HH Pandya run out (Philander) 15 R Ashwin c du Plessis b Philander 38 Mohammed Shami c Amla b Morkel 1 I Sharma c Markram b Morkel 3 JJ Bumrah not out 0 Extras (b-8, lb-1, nb-1, w-2) 12 Total (All out; 92.1 Overs) 307 Fall of wickets: 1-28 (KL Rahul, 9.3 ov), 2-28 (CA Pujara, 9.4 ov), 3-107 (M Vijay, 36.5 ov), 4-132 (RG Sharma, 45.5 ov), 5-164 (PA Patel, 53.4 ov), 6-209 (HH Pandya, 67.1 ov), 7-280 (R Ashwin, 81.3 ov), 8-281 (Mohammed Shami, 82.6 ov), 9-306 (I Sharma, 90.4 ov), 10-307 (V Kohli, 92.1 ov) Bowling Maharaj 20-1-67-1, Morkel 22.15-60-4 W-1, nb-1), Philander 16-3-46-1, Rabada 20-1-74-1, L Ngidi 14-2-51-1 (w-1) South Africa 2nd Innings (Overnight 90-2) AK Markram lbw b Bumrah D Elgar c Rahul b Mohammed Shami HM Amla lbw b Bumrah AB de Villiers c †Patel b Mohammed Shami F du Plessis* c & b Bumrah Q de Kock† c †Patel b Mohammed Shami

1 61 1 80 48 12

VD Philander c Vijay b I Sharma 26 KA Maharaj c †Patel b I Sharma 6 K Rabada c Kohli b Mohammed Shami 4 M Morkel not out 10 L Ngidi c Vijay b Ashwin 1 Extras (b-2, lb-5, w-1) 8 Total (All out; 91.3 Overs) 258 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (AK Markram, 1.2 ov), 2-3 (HM Amla, 5.3 ov), 3-144 (AB de Villiers, 41.1 ov), 4-151 (D Elgar, 45.5 ov), 5-163 (Q de Kock, 47.4 ov), 6-209 (VD Philander, 73.4 ov), 7-215 (KA Maharaj, 75.6 ov), 8-245 (K Rabada, 87.2 ov), 9-245 (F du Plessis, 88.4 ov), 10-258 (L Ngidi, 91.3 ov) Bowling Ashwin 29.3-6-78-1, Bumrah 20-370-3 (w-1), Sharma 17-3-40-2, Mohammed Shami 16-3-49-4, H Pandya 9-1-14-0 India 2nd Innings (target: 287 runs) M Vijay b Rabada 9 KL Rahul c Maharaj b Ngidi 4 CA Pujara not out 11 V Kohli* lbw b Ngidi 5 PA Patel† not out 5 Extras (b-1) 1 Total (For 3 wickets; 23 Overs) 35 Yet to bat: RG Sharma, HH Pandya, R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, I Sharma, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-11 (M Vijay, 7.5 ov), 2-16 (KL Rahul, 11.1 ov), 3-26 (V Kohli, 15.6 ov) Bowling Philander 6-3-6-0, Rabada 5-2-9-1, Ngidi 6-2-14-2, Morkel 5-3-4-0, Maharaj 1-0-1-0 Position: India require another 252 runs with 7 wickets remaining

20

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wednesDAY, january 17, 2018

ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2018

“All to play for” – Holder …Captains express delight ahead of qualifiers to

Jason Holder

C

aptains of different sides have expressed their excitement and enthusiasm as they gear up to battle it out for the two remaining places in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 by going face to face in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe from 4-25 March.

Windies captain Jason Holder, whose ninthranked side is top seeded in the tournament, admitted it will be a challenging tournament but his side was geared up to qualify for the World Cup. "We see this as a very important tournament. We all know the magnitude and importance of this event as we look to qualify for the World Cup in the United Kingdom next year,” said the 26-yearold, who has played 70 ODIs in a five-year international career.

“It will be a challenge and we sat down and have formulated plans as to how best to approach the tournament.

“It will be short and we will treat every match as a must-win game — with three teams from each group moving into the Super Sixes, and the top two moving to the final — thereby earning a spot at the World Cup, there is all to play for," Holder concluded.

Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai, whose 11thranked side is seeded second, remarked: “We are very much looking forward

t h e ICC C r i c k e t World Cup Qualifier 2018 in Zimbabwe.

The team has been involved in preparations for this highly important event over the past six months by taking part in a number of training camps with specific focus on fitness and drills. We are hopeful that the boys will perform to their best in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.

“Although the playing conditions in Zimbabwe are different, but since we have played against Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe, this will be helpful in terms of familiarity with the pitches in Harare and Bulawayo.

“We have played well in Zimbabwe previously and our aim is to repeat that and play positive cricket against the opponents in order to qualify for t h e ICC Cricket W o r d Cup 2019.”

Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer, whose 10th-ranked side is seeded third, commented: “It means so much to

m e , o u r t e a m a n d

Zimbabweans in general that such a huge event will be taking place in our small but cricket-crazy country.

There is already a buzz around Zimbabwe over the qualifiers and we cannot wait to have the participating teams here and for the tournament to start.

“Zimbabwe have a great chance of qualifying, especially at home. But we are aware the tournament will have many good teams and even the Associate sides can be very dangerous on their day. This means the tournament will be very tough, but if we play to our full potential I do not see an issue with us qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. In short, a thrilling tournament is on the cards.”

Ireland captain William Porterfield, who will be bidding to play in his fourth ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, stated: “It’s going to be a really hard-fought tournament with nearly all the sides in with a genuine chance of qualification.

There are certainly no 'gimmees' in the competition. It’s a pity there are only two places up for grabs.

“We are working hard in the build up to Zimbabwe.

We’re currently in the middle of a tri-series with the UAE and Scotland, and we’ll have training camps in Spain and South Africa, where we have further matches planned before going to Zimbabwe.

“We’ve got a good record against the Windies, beating them in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, so we’ll take confidence from that.

The Netherlands have got some big players back in recent times, so they'll be tough, while PNG are improving all the time.

“We will be at full

Kingdom in 2019 and our fourth straight World Cup.” Netherlands’ captain Peter Borren, who has been at the helm since 2010, opined: “For the first time in World Cup history, four Test playing nations will be pitted against the Associate sides to earn the right to appear at the World Cup. I can’t wait to see our team, our players, go up against some of the best players in the world. What an opportunity for individuals and more importantly our team, to succeed at the highest level.

“The ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier promises to be a brilliant competition.

It’s always a great feeling to be involved in the biggest events on the ICC cricket calendar.

“We are now the 13thranked ODI side, earned through three years of hard work. This will be our chance to show to the world that we want to be more than just the 13th team, what better stage for us to shine.

“The team earned themselves a well-deserved break after the ICC World Cricket League Championship series in Dubai. It had been a long season for most of the squad, dating back to the Desert T20 in January, I think people forget how important a break from the game is. All the lads have returned refreshed and ready to go.

“Training in winter in Europe is not exactly ideal but we are getting the work in, we will then head to Tuks in Pretoria for a really good pre-tour to finish off our work, which will include matches against Ireland, Scotland and Hong Kong. By the time we get to Zimbabwe, I have no doubt the boys will be ready.”

Papua New Guinea captain Assad Vala, whose side is in Group A along with the Windies, Ireland, the Netherlands

and the winners of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2, said: “I’m looking forward to playing against these oppositions and getting the opportunity to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

“It means a lot for us to be playing in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers. We have worked really hard and given ourselves an opportunity to achieve something special as a group. I’m confident that if we play our best cricket and to our full potential, we will give ourselves a good opportunity to win games and qualify.

“Training has been tough post the ICC World Cricket League Championship as will be heading to a really important tournament. We are working really hard and trying to prepare as best as we can to give ourselves the best opportunity at the qualifiers. It will be a great feeling to be able to qualify for the World Cup as it’s every cricketer’s dream to play against the best players in the World Cup.”

The tournament started in 1979 and was known as the ICC Trophy until 2005 F o u r Test sides, Bangladesh ( 1 9 9 7 ) , Ireland

strength for the competition, so hopefully if we play to our strengths we'll make it through to the United

William Porterfield

t h e

ICC World Cup Qualifier

Graeme Cremer

(2009), Sri Lanka (1979), and Zimbabwe (1982, 1986 and 1990), have previously won the tournament. Other winners are the Netherlands (2001), Scotland (2005 and 2014) and the United Arab Emirates (1994) The Netherlands and Papua New Guinea are the only sides who have featured in all tournaments since 1979 For the 2018 event, the Windies, Ireland, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea and winners of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 make up Group A, while Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Scotland, Hong Kong and runners-up of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 form Group B. Each side will play the other teams in their group once with the top three from the groups progressing to the Super Six stage.

The teams each play three Super Six matches against the sides they did not meet in the group stage.

All points won in the groups will be carried over to the Super Six stage apart from those gained against the bottom two from each group.

The finalists will both progress to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, whilst the Netherlands (ICC World Cricket League Championship winners) and the three highest finishing associate Members will earn ODI status for the next four years till 2022.

Asghar Stanikzai

sports

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GUYANA TIMES 223-7230 EXT: 55

White not only has to worry about black’s defense but also the counter attack that the Sicilian Defense

presents. White tends to have the advantage on the king side while black will usually look to attack on the queen side.

For those chess players that play against the 1.e4 opening quite often, the Sicilian Defense is an opening that you Jessica Clementson should spend quite allows for a b5 push from a bit of time studying.

There are many variations black, starting the attack on and they each are designed the queen side.

White has many for specific types of players.

The Najdorf Variation in different ways to respond the Sicilian Defense is the to the Najdorf and over the most popular line and has years new ideas and lines been favorited by some of have come about that have the greatest chess minds changed the way players that have ever played the respond to the Najdorf game. It is aggressive and Variation.

The Sicilian Defense is yet positional at times. It truly has something for the most popular defense every type of player and is for black against the e4 important for every chess push from white. The Dragon Variation is the most player to learn and study. aggressive and sharpest line that black has in the Siclian Defense.

White has many options that he can respond with.

The most common is the Yugoslav Attack but this is a double edge sword. White will castle on the queen side, black will castle on the king side and both will have very Black plays an innocent sharp options to attack their looking move with 5…a6, opponents king. This is one however this is far from of Magnus Carlsen’s favorite innocent. Black defends the lines and has had much very powerful b4 square, success playing as black, restricting the play of the opening up the defense two knights and the light white has on the queen side. squared bishop. This also

Malik concussed after blow to head P

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Eventually the c-pawn of black is usually exchanged, opening the semi-open c file for black to bring his queen or rook to and add pressure to the queen side attack.

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he Sicilian Defense is the most popular defense against white’s opening 1.e4 and is used extensively at top level play. It is a very aggressive defense and immediately stakes claim at the center, denying white the double pawns on e4 and d4. Many chess champions actually prefer to start with 1.d4 because of how well the Sicilian Defense plays against 1.e4.

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akistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik suffered concussion after being hit on the head by the ball during the one-day international defeat by New Zealand.

The 35-year-old was not wearing a helmet while batting when he was struck

by Colin Munro's throw in Hamilton.

Shoaib faced four more balls before being dismissed for six. He did not field as the hosts won by five wickets.

"After getting out he was reassessed and was showing delayed concussion signs," Pakistan physio Vib Singh said.

"He is doing well and is resting."

Shoaib was returning to his crease after deciding against a quick single when Munro's throw from point

A helmet-less Shoaib Malik was hit to the back of the head by a Colin Munro throw (Getty Images)

struck him on the back of his head.

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said after the match: "He's concussed. He's not great at the moment."

Colin de Grandhomme made an unbeaten 74 and Henry Nicholls 52 not out as

New Zealand recovered from 154-5 to reach a target of 263 with 4.1 overs to spare at Seddon Park.

New Zealand lead 4-0 lead in the five-match series, which concludes in Wellington on Friday. (BBC

Sport)

22

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wednesDAY, january 17, 2018

CWI/Digicel 4-Day Championships 2017-18…

Ramdin confident Red Force can end dismal season well – team on momentum hunt ahead of Super50

Denesh Ramdin

By

T

Clifton Ross

rinidad and Tobago Red Force Captain, Denesh Ramdin wants his team to finish the 2017-18 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Digicel Regional Four-Day Championships with a win against defending champions Guyana Jaguars when the final

round bowls off on Thursday at Providence.

The Jaguars recently retained their title with two matches in hand, making their run as champions four consecutive seasons long to be labelled as the most dominant side since the introduction of the Professional Cricket League (PCL).

Ramdin told Guyana Times Sport on Tuesday during the Red Force’s practice session at Providence that he was backing his team, despite them sitting in the last spot after nine rounds.

He believed that once they play good cricket they can steal some of the Champs momentum and that itself will be used as fuel going forward.

“They (Guyana) have played some good cricket over the years and with their experience they went out again this year and won the title. It’s difficult to catch them, obviously they have already gone with the title but we can take some pride by coming out and playing well over the next four days,” explained the skipper.

It will be an uphill task versus the hosts as Ramdin’s men have been terribly under the weather this season, dangling in last place with just two wins from nine rounds but the wicket-keeper stressed that despite them not playing well, it was critical to use the lessons learnt while gathering as much momentum as possible

Denesh Ramdin and his Red Force teammates during Tuesday's session at Providence

ahead of the limited overs tournament.

“It will be tough to beat them because throughout the season we have been playing some poor cricket but after the last game we had a good talk with the guys, so hopefully we can make a change-around ahead of the Super50 tournament because a little momentum will be good for us,” said Ramdin.

Playing Guyana in Guyana is always tasking for the opposition but with the scintillating form the locals have been in since October when the competition bowled off, the 32 year-old was critical of his players not converting their starts but cautioned that they will need to tighten up versus the champs.

“As I said we want some momentum going into the 50 overs it’s going to be good for us to bat well here (Providence). It’s difficult to get started on this wicket, the guys need to carry on because 30’s and

40’s need to be converted into hundreds because it’s (Jaguars) a good unit, very competitive so we have to play really good cricket to beat them,” he admitted.

A veteran of 74 Tests and 139 ODI’s for the West Indies, the former international skipper with 702 runs under his belt in this season to date, has been among the best with the bat. Averaging well over 60 with three hundreds to his name, the veteran wicket-keeper said channeling his experience and playing smart cricket was the key to his success season.

“I’ve been spending time at the crease with my experiences coming back at this level, batting a lot of balls, putting away the bad deliveries while trying to form partnerships with the younger guys and helping them through tough situations. I think guys are giving away their wickets too easy, but it can only get better when these guys

carry on and make big centuries.”

With not much to gain, except some much-needed momentum, Ramdin said he urged the youngsters to be more attentive going forward, adding that he wants to see round 10 culminate with either a win or exceptional individual performances.

“I want the younger players to accept the challenge which is important and I want a few of them to stand up. It’s a good opposition to get some runs against, if we get two centuries it will be nice for us to help build the momentum heading into the Super50,” ended the skipper.

The Red Force will now be seeking to put an end to the Jaguars unbeaten run and wrap up the 4-Dayers with a win come this Thursday, when the two familiar rivals collide at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence from 09:30h.

Leonora stadium ready for increased traffic – Williams

T

he National Track and Field Centre (NTFC) at Leonora, West Coast Demerara saw a number of activities in 2017 being run off with flying colours; those events included the historic South American U-20 Championships and for the first time the National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships.

The 2018 season, which is expected to bring increased traffic om the track, just got under way with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) holding their first developmental meet on Sunday.

Guyana Times Sport recently caught up with Operations manager of the facility, Trevor Williams and he revealed that he and his team are prepared to deal with the

numerous events slated to be run off at the NTFC. The AAG’s 2018 calendar of activities is heavily laden; at least six international “Grand Prix” meets are slated for the year along with the annual Aliann Pompey Invitational. The National Schools Championships will be sure to return to the venue as well; in addition the facility also serves as a venue for the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Elite league.

With such a packed year looming ahead, Williams noted; “we are fully aware of the numerous events that are planned for 2018 and we (NTFC staff) are fully prepared for those events. It is not a matter of us being prepared alone but the organisers of those events

also have to play their part, ensure that their logistics are in order and everything runs smoothly in a timely manner.”

Not only is Williams and company at the NTFC prepared for the year ahead but he is also planning some major upgrades to the facility.

Two warm up areas are going to be constructed in the first half of the year at the facility; those areas will be two 200-metre synthetic track curves on opposite shoulders of the compound.

The lack of such areas in the past was highlighted especially at the South American U-20 Championships last year where the absence of warm up areas was a hindrance.

This has led Williams to further develop the facility in an effort to ensure that the facility remains up to standards and able to host meets of international quality.

Operations manager of the National Track and Field Centre, Trevor Williams

wednesDAY, january 17, 2018

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guyanatimesgy.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League

Almost US$100M spent in 2017

– increased spending projected for 6th edition

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced the tournament’s economic impact across the region. The fifth edition in 2017, which took place between August 4 and September 9, created a total economic impact of US$ 95,122,465 across six nations in the Caribbean and in the USA. This figure has been arrived at by using organizer spend, visitor spend and media value and was calculated for Hero CPL by world-renowned researchers, SMG Insight.

In addition to that economic impact figure the Hero CPL directly involved 2710 local personnel in the seven countries where the tournament took place and filled 33,503 hotel rooms during the 2017 event. The amount of money that was spent by visitors who came to watch Hero CPL matches has increased 161% since 2014.

The value for the seven tournament locations in

terms of media exposure was US$ 22,890,940. The global audience for the tournament has increased 12% compared to those that watched the

event in 2016.

The Hero CPL spent US$ 12,690,910 across the seven tournament locations. This organiser spend represents

an 84% increase from what was invested for the tournament in 2014 and the amount of money that the Hero CPL spends across the

region continues to increase year-on-year.

Speaking about the report from SMG Insight the Hero CPL Chief Executive Officer, Damien O’Donohoe, said: “This is a really strong set of economic impact results for the region and we are delighted with how we continue to grow as a tournament. We are hugely proud of how much the Hero CPL puts back into the countries that we visit and we are very grateful to the governments and fans that help us make that happen. While 2017 has been fantastic we are firmly committed to increasing our economic impact in 2018.”

In terms of the share of the pie, Guyana hosted four preliminary matches in mid-August and raked in more than US$14,000,000 while Trinidad and Tobago’s economy was bumped up by a whopping US$23.6M. However, the twin island republic hosted nine matches in all comprising five preliminary matches at the histor-

CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe

ic Queen’s Park Oval in Portof-Spain and the finals week with four matches including the championship match taking place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times Sport, Chief Operating Officer of CPL Pete Russell said that in 2018 there is a strong possibility that five matches involving local franchise the Guyana Amazon Warriors will be played in Guyana in two phases; three at the start of the six-team tournament and two towards the back-end.

In terms of revenue, this equates to a bigger cut of the earnings in the next season including more job creation and more hotel rooms being occupied and for perhaps for longer.

The sixth edition of the tournament which is dubbed as “the biggest party in sport” will bowl off early in August with the first match set for Providence. Hosts Trinbago Knight Riders are the defending champions.

MEETS GOLF …as Sonia Noel hosts golf tourney

By Clifton Ross

L

International fashion designer, Guyanese Sonia Noel found her love for golf overseas

ocal fashion guru and Lusignan Golf Club’s (LGC) newest member; Sonia Noel said she wants to usher in the next generation of female golfers with a first ever Women’s open tournament set tentatively for March 2018.

Noel was recently given full member status along with four others who were inducted last Saturday when LGC and Trophy Stall held their first tournament of 2018, which was heavily attended by some of the country’s best golfers.

Speaking of her desire to embrace golf, Noel added that she first got into the sport when she was overseas and the love for golf remained with her until she decided to pursuit her new found passion.

She noted that the event will be the catalyst behind the growth of women in sports; more so golf as a women’s competition was never held before. As such, Noel confirmed that in a few weeks the LGC will be hold-

ing its first Tea Party and mini-putt competition for the ladies.

She said that with the reception golf has been getting over the years, especially under the next executive body it was important to jump onboard and help to get more women involved.

“That’s how I started in New York, a friend of mine introduced me and I got addicted the first day. I’m looking forward to working along with Aleem [Hussain, LGC President] because I love his vision which is to get more women membership in the club and for us to have more innovated and creative events,” said Noel.

The brainchild behind Guyana Fashion Weekend, said her idea for hosting a women’s tournament stemmed from a fashion show she once held in St Lucia dubbed “Style on the Green,” which married the theme of golf and fashion.

With the Lusignan course under rehabilitation, the new executive arms have confirmed their plans

to turn the relatively ordinary club into a 5-Star Golf and Country Club, by the end of 2018.

Noel believed that such plans will not only create room for more room for the sport’s expansion but more facets of society will jump onboard the finished product which is expected to be the multi-complex venue which houses sport, fashion, weddings, parties among other events.

Although she did not confirm the particulars, the fashion designer said the upcoming Women’s event is expected to break new ground while she expects the LGC’s female application list to be overflowing upon conclusion of the event.

At the official disclosure which was done following Saturday’s tournament, the members of the LGC, mostly men were very supportive of Noel’s plans to get women on par with the men. The members erupted with joy over the confirmation that for the first time a women’s tourney will highlight the year of events for the Club.

A

Leg spinning has played a major role in Afghanistan’s recent success

fghanistan will play their inaugural Test between June 14 and 18 in Bengaluru against India. The announcement was made after officials from both the BCCI and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) met in Delhi on Tuesday. Never before has a Test match been played in India in the month of June.

In December last year, the Indian board agreed to host Afghanistan’s debut Test. The match will be played one year after Afghanistan were inducted as a Full Member by the ICC - along with Ireland - in June 2017.

Despite being a country with a history of conflict, Afghanistan have taken impressive strides across all levels in world cricket. They qualified to play their first-ever ODI World Cup in 2015 and are likely to be a strong contender at the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers in March. Although the national players have training bases overseas - in Delhi and the UAE - the ACB, with help from the ICC, has initiated development programmes at the grass-roots level over the past decade.

Afghanistan will be the fourth team to play their maiden Test against India, following Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. (ESPN Cricinfo)

WEDNESDAY, january 17, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League Pg 23

Almost US$100M spent in 2017

– increased spending projected for 6th edition

Leonora stadium ready Pg 22

for increased traffic – Williams The National Track and Field Centre (NTFC) is bracing for the extended season as athletics is set to take off to new heights

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