Guyana Times 27 September 2019.

Girls in Tech to host 1st mentor engagement

P12 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4059

THE BEACON OF TRUTH friday, september 27, 2019

PRICE

Elections will be held on March 2, 2020 – caretaker President

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Republic Bank “disappointed” plans to buy Scotiabank in Guyana not approved P11

See story on page 9

...even if Opposition refuses to attend Parliament next month

Jagdeo concerned Granger will “flipflop” on election date

See story on page 3

Reliance Settlement P2 temple broken into, robbed …3rd time in 2 weeks

…reaffirms no return to Parliament, says it is unnecessary

Schoolgirl robbed on P9 way home from school Son who beat mother with rolling pin P8 fined $30,000

Students of the Cyril Potter College of Education perform a cultural dance during the handing over of $50 million worth of science equipment to the institution on Thursday. The donation was made possible through the People's Republic of China (See story on page 13)

UB’s President Page conferred 13 as Honorary Fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning

2532 cases of child abuse recorded between January and August 2019 – CCPA Page 10

2 dismissed P7 NFMU employees receive compensation after 20 years – probe reveals “managerial indecency” root of wrongful dismissals

2 NEWS

friday, september 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Reliance Settlement temple Schoolgirls treated for mass hysteria broken into, robbed

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…3rd time in 2 weeks

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he Reliance Settlement Mandir, located in East Canje, Berbice was broken into on Tuesday evening and several pieces of sound equipment were removed.

The discovery was made on Wednesday when devotees showed up to conduct routine activities and cleaning. They immediately noticed that the south-facing door was ajar.

Among the missing items were a music system connected to an amplifier, microphones and electrical cables. The losses were pegged at over $450,000.

A report was filed and the Police are continuing their investigations.

This robbery comes less than one week after the Reliance Veda Centre, which is housed in the same compound, was broken into for the second time in two weeks.

Last Sunday, a cultural programme was facilitated at the Centre. Organisers left the premises late into the night and did not notice any suspicious activities. The following morning, however, it was discovered that the building was broken into and ransacked.

The Reliance Settlement Sanatan Mandir

An assessment showed that no major items were taken since all valuables were removed after the previous incident. However, persons at the Centre indicated that no action was taken to apprehend the sus-

pects.

Meanwhile, they are calling for assistance to replace the items, which are important in the conducting of services.

ore than 20 female students of the Dora Secondary School have been diagnosed with mass hysteria after they were transferred from the Long Creek Health Centre, Linden-Soesdyke Highway to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) on Wednesday.

The diagnosis was given by the Hospital’s resident psychiatrist, Dr Sandra ArangurenGilart on Wednesday after she treated the students. Two of the girls were subsequently admitted, but were later discharged.

Based on reports received, a group of schoolgirls between the ages of 12 and 15 reportedly began experiencing strange symptoms on the school’s premises on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, four other girls reportedly returned to the health facility with the same symptoms, and were treated and sent away.

Visits were later made by health officials to the school to determine what was causing the

strange illness. According to reports, the canteen and water supply were inspected, but nothing was out of the ordinary.

It was reported that as the officials were about to leave, the first five girls, along with four others, began experiencing the same symptoms and were rushed to the health facility.

About 15 minutes after arriving at the health centre, another group of girls were said to have arrived with similar symptoms. Without hesitation, the girls were transported to the LHC for observation.

While some had blamed the extremely hot weather for the symptoms, the hospital’s resident psychiatrist diagnosed the girls with mass hysteria.

Mass hysteria is also described as a “conversion disorder”, in which a person has physiological symptoms affecting the nervous system in the absence of a physical cause of illness which may appear in reaction to psychological distress.

news

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friday, september 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 27 – 03:30h – 05:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Saturday, September 28 – 04:00h – 05:30h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, September 27 – 15:30h – 17:00h and Saturday, September 28 – 16:10h – 17:40h.

Jagdeo concerned Granger will “flip-flop” on election date …reaffirms no return to Parliament, says it is unnecessary

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine with a short period of thundery showers throughout the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 03:16h and 15:42h reaching maximum heights of 2.71 metres and 2.76 metres.

Low Tide: 09:14h and 21:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.45 metre and 0.43 metre.

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President David Granger Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

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n light of President David Granger’s announcement that March 2, 2020 is the date set for the hosting of General and Regional Elections, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed concerns that he might flip-flop on his words.

At a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo said he will take the President’s word for granted, unless a proclamation is made as mandated by the Constitution of Guyana.

“We would not believe this until we see a signed proclamation that this will be the date for elections, because he has flip-flopped so many times. You will never know if this is his final position,” Jagdeo said.

He indicated that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is disappointed with the date that was announced by the President but they will have to work towards this timeframe.

“If this is as close as we can get to a definitive date and it is actually so, we are disappointed but we’ll have to work towards that date,” the Opposition Leader expressed.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo affirmed that the President’s address to the nation on Wednesday evening misled the media and failed to state a definitive date, despite promises to do so.

“Having to announce a clear date for elections was all he was required to do on that night. He left us wondering what he actually said. This was the same President who was saying ‘I’m so anxious to have elections. I want to comply with the Constitution.’ And then last night, he did not actually name a date. I think he caused panic in the entire media community”.

Unnecessary

However, the Opposition Leader rejects claims made by the Government that the Opposition needs to return to Parliament before it can be dissolved.

It is a requirement of the President to issue a proclamation to dissolve Parliament when an election is impending. However, Government is seeking to ex-

tend its life by ordering the parliamentary Opposition to return to Parliament.

The former Head of State clarified that an extension of Government’s life is unnecessary, since it is not linked to any decisions that should be taken to facilitate the polls. Moreover, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) would have bestowed the coalition administration with a caretaker status, indicating that its main function is to host elections.

“He sought to link the date with the return of the parliamentary Opposition to Parliament to extend the life of his Government…Therein, are several fallacies. One, there is no link to the extension of his government, which has been illegal since March 21. He never sought that extension before,” the Opposition Leader noted.

He further stated that “Secondly, the extension is wholly unnecessary for him to discharge the caretaker responsibility that had been accorded to him by the

CCJ. Because a caretaker Government is only vested with one responsibility, that is, holding elections and having the authority to do all the things necessary with the holding of elections. By virtue of being caretaker, he can proclaim the date and he can dissolve the Parliament”.

According to Jagdeo, Government is looking at the extension as a legal footing for activities which are not authorised under a caretaker administration. He had previously shared his position during a recent radio show.

“We believe the real reason for all of this … they want they want legal coverage for all the criminal acts of theft and transfer of resources that they have committed because they believe if we extend the life of the Government, there will be no prosecution. There can’t be prosecution,” he signalled.

No return

Meanwhile, in this regard, he reaffirmed that

there is a zero per cent chance of the PPP returning to the National Assembly.

“We have no intention of going to Parliament to extend the life of his government. Absolutely none.

No intention whatsoever,” Jagdeo positioned.

In his address on Wednesday night, the President blamed the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) again, stating that the extension of a period beyond three months for the holding of an election is related to the body’s readiness to hold the elections.

“The Government of Guyana must, as a consequence, return to the National Assembly to request an extension. The National Assembly reconvenes on 10th October 2019.

The President is required to both dissolve Parliament as provided for in the Constitution at Article 70 (2) and the ten Regional Democratic Councils as provided for in the Constitution at Article 73 (2),” he was quoted as saying.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, september 27, 2019

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

EPA and noise nuisance T

he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this year said that it received a 35% increase in complaints of noise pollution when figures for this year thus far are compared to 2018. By any stretch of the imagination, that is a substantial increase. That’s reflective of what may be deemed an ineffective approach to curb this societal menace.

Over time, there have been numerous complaints, and gauging from some who pleaded their cases in the media, this scourge continues unabated. Interestingly, the Director of the EPA is reported to have stated that many people stopped complaining given their perception of not getting a response. For many, it is not a perception; in reality, their complaints are ignored.

Despite the pain, suffering and gross inconvenience many are forced to endure, the Director must be commended for bringing officially into the public domain, that seeming lack of a response even though branded as a perception.

He has elevated, through the influence of his office, what many believe and experienced. In doing so, he may have deliberately brought some level of pressure upon those, including his officers and the Police, who are entrusted to enforce the laws.

Too often, when complaints are called in to Police stations and when the call is actually answered, the response is either permission has been granted until midnight, in some cases 02:00h, or they will “check on it”. Very often, the latter was a means of consoling and never really materialised. Part of the problem basically lies in the former: permission.

Many have argued over the criteria used to allow a few to inconvenience residents within the village or villages. Among those affected in every instance, are babies, children preparing for school or examinations, the elderly and the sick. Medical experts have documented the serious effects on people who are exposed to high decibels of sound and especially how telling it is on an ongoing basis.

The inconsiderate bombarding of others with loud music by bar operators and bar-b-que promoters has seemingly become an unfortunate fixture within many villages. Village Days are often promoted without the consent of villagers. To make matters worse, there are reports of alleged collusion with the Police and the operators/ promoters thereby facilitating this hazard.

Having expended much effort for intervention and having been unsuccessful, wary residents are naturally forced to stop complaining.

Some may posit that’s how it’s designed, deliberately, to allow the flow of believed benefits from the alleged collusion.

How else can one explain established and makeshift bars that are brazenly polluting with noise, operating unhindered? How else can one explain that the approved midnight timeline is actually 03:00h or 04:00h? How else can one explain the glaring lack of meaningful intervention in all those instances? That, in many ways, sums up the plight of the affected residents and the magnitude of the problem.

It’s worthy to note, and maybe even ironic, that the EPA’s Director’s comments referenced, were made when he addressed a noise management training for Police officers. The Public Security Minister reportedly took the opportunity at the training to highlight the prevalence of noise pollution and alluded to victims not following through after reports are made, ie, a reluctance to appear in court.

Aside from alleged collusion, therein probably lies the biggest hindrance to curb the endemic noise crisis. Maybe there is need to relook the legal requirements in the context that if the Police were to independently, promptly and professionally respond to complaints, verify it and take a statement from the complainant, the need for an actual presence could become redundant.

While an argument can credibly be made that such a proposal can encourage collusion at another level, possibility for legal resolution could increase. This considers that the Police are equipped with testers to check the level of noise and that the Minister reportedly said it may be better to enforce the law by taking away the equipment of those caught in the act. Any justification of the latter seemingly negates the presence of a complainant in court— same as the testers.

What remains very worrying, is that despite the utterances of the EPA and the Minister, some establishments which are not soundproofed, even within the City, continue to unleash a torrent of noise pollution on residents craving for relief.

Reportedly, many, if not all of these establishments appear to have strong connections which allow them to operate untouched. In these instances, complaints will be ignored at the expense of the health and wellbeing of the affected residents. That causes the rhetoric from the authorities to be rendered as useless It cannot be just about soundproofing. Many cases, like music carts, bar-b-ques, limes, vehicles and small village shops are a big part of the problem which is seemingly compounded by a reluctance to enforce the law allegedly on the grounds of self-interest. That probably explains the 35% increase in complaints as against a decrease which should be the primary goal.

The Soyuz MS-15 spacecraft carrying the crew formed of Jessica Meir of the US, Oleg Skripochka of Russia and Hazzaa Ali Almansoori of the United Arab Emirates blasts off to the International Space Station from the launchpad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan (Reuters/Shamil Zhumatov)

Dictatorship once again….

Dear Editor, It is common knowledge that a country’s Constitution is the supreme law of the land which every President, Prime Minister, Minister of Government and Member of Parliament have sworn to uphold, and it is sacrosanct and must be unreservedly respected at all times. This is so since it lays out the procedure for the establishment of laws and the administration of the country; it is the bed rock of the Government and it zealously protects the rights of the citizens of the country and limits the Government through a series of checks and balances.

Any government which operates above the Constitution will be stepping into the realm of a dictatorship.

Unfortunately, never in the history of Guyana has a President and its Government treated our Constitution with such grave and blatant disdain, disrespect and contempt as if it’s a set of rules on a washroom’s wall! Imagine such contemptuousness and scornfulness emanating from a man whom some claimed was anointed by some higher being to rule Guyana. Yet, every time he speaks and he assures the people that he will respect the Constitution, he then did his trademark ‘about turn’.

This has been happening since his illegal and unilateral appointment of Patterson as the GECOM’s Chairman but became more pronounced after the NCM on December 21, 2018. Imagine, it took the CCJ to point out this illegality, yet he was adamant that he was legally correct. Since then, he has intentionally trampled on the Constitution and the CCJ’s ruling whilst repeating his vacuous rhetoric about respecting the Constitution and

the rule of law.

The indisputable characteristics of a dictator!

Guyanese have still not forgotten the Burnham’s dictatorship and now his disciple wants to unleash the same on this nation. Guyanese had seen 23 years of democratic rule and enormous socio-economic development and will never tolerate any form of dictatorship again.

Not only Guyanese saw this. In March this year, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Nikiko Tanaka, made a strong statement which should have been heeded by Granger with great alacrity when he pronounced that, “recent political developments triggered by the no-confidence vote in the National Assembly are a test for Guyana’s strength and integrity with regard to the effectiveness of the rule of law and governance”.

This coalition Government has miserably failed that ‘test’.

Moreover, it was since March as well that the US Ambassador, HE Sarah-Ann Lynch, spoke about the need for free and fair elections and the EU since February this year spoke about the need for constitutional compliance and respect for the rule of law as the corollary to free and fair elections. Undoubtedly, these people saw a certain ominous trend emerging and were subtly guiding the coalition.

Unfortunately, they did ignore the inherent warning.

Then, the diplomacy was dropped by the United States, the UK and the EU after the surpassing of the September 18 deadline! They unequivocally stated in a joint statement that, “ the Government is in breach of the Constitution following its failure to adhere to the decisions of the Caribbean Court of Justice

(CCJ) on June 18 and its subsequent orders”.

This was followed by a statement by the Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, Baroness Patricia Scotland, who called for the restoration of constitutional rule and brought to fore the fact that General Elections in Guyana is now constitutionally overdue. Other local bodies such as FITUG, the Bar Association, IAC, GCCI, AmCham, CIOG, and the Zadok Ministers Fellowship among others reiterate this clarion call for Granger to respect the Constitution and set a date for the General and Regional Elections.

Additionally and above all, the Guyanese people have demanded through nationwide protests and demonstrations that Granger and his caretaker Government respect our Constitution and the CCJ’s rulings. All of these would have seemed to bore dividends.

Granger had finally agreed to address the date for elections after consultation with his ‘Cabinet’ and a meeting with the Chairman of GECOM. He claimed on Wednesday morning that he was seeking more information before he moves to dissolve Parliament. But the euphoria was short lived! I was sure that this was just another in his interminable series of vacillations to avoid elections for as long as possible regardless of who says what!

This was exactly what he did on Wednesday when he addressed the Guyanese nation and dropped the bombshell!

He said that, “I am pleased to announce that…the earliest date for the holding of General and Regional Elections will be Monday, 2nd March, 2020”.

His outright lies, half-truths

and wholesale deceit have once again exposed the hallmarks of a true dictator! Now he has attached another senseless condition to his ‘election date setting’ charade. He now demands that the Opposition extends the life of Parliament and by extension, his illegal Government, so that he could legalise his illegalities perpetuated so far. He is still in gross violation of the CCJ’s rulings and our Constitution, yet again he denies!

Granger needs to understand that he must respect the intelligence of the Guyanese populace. We are not fools and he cannot continue to hold this nation hostage by his nonsensical semantics in his inane quest for absolute power. Indeed, the meandered legal process travelled by the Granger’s Administration are indeed ‘frivolous and aimed at delaying the consequences of the No-Confidence Motion’.

No other interpretation is possible! His Government has lost and he must accept that to preserve whatever shred of dignity he has remaining.

This political hopscotching by Granger to extend his Government’s life will continue as the condemnation locally and internationally gains momentum which will finally result in economic sanctions against Guyana.

Unfortunately, again the Guyanese people will suffer.

History has a way of repeating itself, but this time, the ejection process will be faster than in 1992 when the PNC had to accede to free and fair elections in fear of the international economic guillotine!

There is still time to avoid an economic crisis Mr Granger!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

guyanatimesgy.com

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

The PPP has a stark choice before it

Dear Editor, Two hundred and seventy-eight days after the successful passage of the No-Confidence Motion, outof-time caretaker President David Granger has once again made a temporising statement; Granger has dangled the ‘carrot’ of an election date in the hope that the People’s Progressive Party will return to Parliament on October 10, 2019 and extend the life of his as-of-now illegal administration.

The PPP has a stark choice before it: principle versus expediency. I am firmly on the side of the principled stand taken by the PPP. We may not get the “earliest possible date of 2nd March, 2020” but that is the cost of abiding by the principle of rule of law. Granger knows that there is no need for life of Parliament to be extended, save and except to make the actions of himself and his administration legal retroactively. When Granger said “Guyanese, we are on the right path to preserve our precious parliamentary democracy”, he had no idea how right he was, the PPP must be commended for not jumping at the carrot and granting suc-

cour to a usurper and a slew of corrupt actions.

Granger will still face pressure to announce a date for constitutionally due General and Regional Elections from the People’s Progressive Party at every turn. Inevitably, that date will be announced, then, cue the lights, cameras, action and of course, the plethora of political parties entering the fray.

Conspicuously absent on the front lines during this period when the Constitution of our nation is being trampled by David Granger and his cohorts, these parties— comprised of armchair activists— will ask citizens to vote for them. Their big marketing point is the promise to represent the ‘middle’; their main weakness is that they represent small groups of hustlers who hope/aim to enrich themselves by becoming power brokers in the event no party gains a clear majority.

These parties lack the capacity to govern, nor do they, from all evidence available, want that responsibility.

What they want is the power of being the weight that tips the scale, kingmakers on every decision. They lack

principle or guiding morality; much like Granger and his APNU/AFC, they simply sell inexperience as a positive rather than the clear negative it represents.

A vote for these wannabe ‘power-brokers’ is a vote for corruption, for though they may sell themselves as idealists with ‘power-sharing’ ‘shared-governance’ ‘Constitution reform’ and/ or ‘ethnic balance’ as their platform, many have never read the Constitution or have knowledge of the documents 192 amendments made under the PPP. One new group of opportunists has taken to a ‘Whisper-by-WhatsApp’ campaign to sell the idea of a completely new Constitution. The obstinacy and disrespect shown by the current executive are used as the excuse for offering this as a viable course of action. It is akin to throwing your shoe away after stepping in dog excrement, an act available to the unthinking rich, the constituent that group hopes to attract.

Granger’s administration also made a play with false promises to attract voters, including the ludicrous claim that a paved road

from Linden to Lethem was a “promise kept”. Granger’s cabal bought itself an extra year by delaying a constitutionally due election in an attempt to convince the electorate of its viability, the hope was that they could shower the populace with gifts and goodies; it is a stunning indictment of APNU/AFC incompetence that they have failed even in this scheme.

David Granger has only himself to blame for his status as a usurper; he willingly perpetuated a farce on the citizens of Guyana and cannot be granted reprieve or succour that an extension of life provides. Granger knew where the ‘red line’ was and boldly crossed it, he must make his way back under his own steam for what little redemption (if any) awaits.

The PPP holds the line against the siren song of the usurper, and must demonstrate that no matter what the cost, the principles enshrined in our Constitution must never be discarded for gains afforded by expedient actions.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Citizens’ enshrined right to protest Dear Editor, I wish to make it pellucid to the nation, to our Government of the day, and to the Opposition that I have no political priority in my life. If I am speaking for the Government, then it is because I am a fair commentator, and if I am speaking on behalf of the Opposition of the Country, then I am also speaking as a fair commentator.

I read with disappointment, a recent article, “Democratic right to protest denied in Region 1 as Police bar citizens from Granger’s ‘Cabinet’ campaigning,” published in Guyana Times, Saturday, September 21, 2019 edition. I cannot help but proclaim my utter disagreement with the Government of the day and the Guyana Police force, for which I always have maximum respect, but it is wrong for them to deny people the right to protest.

The Government cannot interfere with the rights of its citizens to picket just because it disagrees with the picketers’ views. They cannot make the conclusive decision that these views might be of a nuisance to them.

Instead, they must take reasonable steps to enable citizens to protest and to protect participants in peaceful demonstrations from disruption by others. In simpler terminology, they have the right to prevent violence, they have the right to arrest people if they break the law, but they have no right to prevent these kinds of ex-

pression that is enshrined in the vagaries of democracy.

Government of Guyana, how shameful it is that even at this time, after being so long in power, that you are unable to preserve the rights of the people of this magnificent country? How dare our law enforcement officers violate this right through means intended to thwart free public expression?

Political leaders, President of the State, I earnestly remind you that you have got to remember that people have a right to peaceful protest; otherwise it means that democracy is being hijacked by the powers.

It is as if the Government and the Guyana Police Force believe that they have a veto power over all speech.

At the end of the day, dear Government, we are citizens! Not subjects! We are employers of Government, Opposition and political institutions, and we the people can hire and fire at will.

(And for stating this, a group I call the Shadow Cabinet of the current Government tried to destroy me over the last few years and my business, but respectfully, I will never relent. Success is not dependent on the power of a few individuals but on the blessings of God Almighty and the power of birth.)

I can reflect very well in the days of the PPP/C being in power, His Excellency David Arthur Granger himself was leading picketing exercises against the Minister of Home Affairs, and several other places as well. No one

ever tried to stop them from exercising their democratic right to picket. And I stood there admiring democracy in action. I politely raised my hand to them.

If I may remind you, the right to protest is vital for a democracy. And when this democratic right of ours is suppressed, it becomes disadvantageous, thus creat-

ing unfavourable situations.

The intention is not to create chaos, but to express the plight of the people to the state, and that the issues of the citizens of this great country are heard by the Government.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr Roshan Khan

The Govt of Norway has an obligation to clarify this matter Dear Editor, I have seen reports in the media emanating from the Department of Public Information, which purports that the Norwegian Government recently granted approval for the release of US$50M to David Granger’s unconstitutional government as the final payment from the US$250M Climate and Forest Partnership agreement signed in November 2009 between then President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Norway’s Minister of the Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim.

This recent announcement, if accurate, raises a number of concerns.

Firstly, the European Union, of which Norway is a member state, issued a joint statement with the United States and Britain (ABE) last week, calling for the restoration of constitutional rule in Guyana and the immediate naming of a date for long overdue General and Regional Elections.

The ABE went on to state: “This situation comes at great cost to the people of Guyana. The prevailing political uncertainty undermines Guyanese institutions, compromises economic opportunities and delays development across all areas including infrastructure, education, health, and social services. It also hinders our

ability to support Guyana’s development needs”.

I therefore question whether indeed Norway has transferred the $50M to Granger’s unconstitutional government and on what basis?

Editor, secondly, based on the 2009 Forest partnership pact, when Guyana achieved the set criteria in the agreement, funds are then transferred to the World Bank as the Trustee of the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) and it is only after the projects submitted by Guyana are approved by the Norway and Guyana government then the funds are released to the country. With this in mind, it is strange that the Government is claiming to have received the funds after the unconstitutional Minister of State of Guyana and Norway’s Minister for Climate and Environment, Mr Ola Elvestuen met on Monday in New York.

Has Norway deviated from the initial mode of transfer, or is it a case where the APNU/AFC is pulling another stunt to mislead the Guyanese people into believing it still enjoys international support?

I believe the Government of Norway has an obligation to clarify this matter.

Yours respectfully, Erin Northe

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Warning signs of suicide

veryone feels sad, depressed, or angry sometimes – especially when dealing with the pressures of school, friends, and family. But some people may feel sadness or hopelessness that just won’t go away, and even small problems may seem like too much to handle.

Depression can affect many areas of a person’s life and outlook. Someone who has very intense feelings of depression, emotional pain, or irritability may begin to think about suicide.

You may have heard that people who talk about suicide won’t actually go through with it. That’s not true. People who talk about suicide may be likely to try it.

Other warning signs that someone may be thinking of suicide include:

Foundation

friends or family and losing the desire to go out having no desire to take part in favourite activities having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits engaging in self-destructive behaviour (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or driving too fast, for example) As a friend, you may also know if the person is going through some tough times. Sometimes, a specific event, stress, or crisis — like a relationship breaking up or a death in the family — can trigger suicidal behaviour in someone who is already feeling depressed and showing the warning signs listed above.

What you can do

Ask

If you have a friend who is talking about suicide

asks them out of concern and care.

Some people (both teens and adults) are reluctant to ask teens if they have been thinking about suicide or hurting themselves. That’s because they’re afraid that, by asking, they may plant the idea of suicide. This is not true. It is always a good thing to ask.

Starting the conversation with someone you think may be considering suicide helps in many ways.

First, it allows you to get help for the person. Second, just talking about it may help the person to feel less alone, less isolated, and more cared about and understood – the opposite of the feelings that may have led to suicidal thinking to begin with. Third, talking may provide a chance to consider that there may be another solution.

Asking someone if he or she is having thoughts about suicide can be difficult. Sometimes it helps to let your friend know why you are asking. For instance, you might say, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been talking a lot about wanting to be dead. Have you been having thoughts about trying to kill yourself?”

Listen

talking about suicide or death in general talking about “going away” talking about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty pulling away from

or showing other warning signs, don’t wait to see if he or she starts to feel better.

Talk about it. Most of the time, people who are considering suicide are willing to discuss it if someone

Listen to your friend without judging and offer reassurance that you’re there and you care. If you think your friend is in immediate danger, stay close – make sure he or she isn’t left alone.

Tell

Even if you’re sworn

to secrecy and you feel like you’ll be betraying your friend if you tell,

– especially if they felt they could have interpreted their friend’s actions

you should still get help.

Share your concerns with an adult you trust as soon as possible. You can also call Guyana Inter Agency Suicide Prevention Helpline telephone numbers (+592) 223-0001, 2230009, 600-7896, 623-4444; email: guyagency@yahoo. com; Twitter: guyanaagency; WhatsApp: +592600-7896, 592- 623-4444; Facebook: Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Help Line.

The important thing is to notify a responsible adult. Although it may be tempting to try to help your friend on your own, it’s always safest to get help.

and words better. Others say they feel angry with the person for doing something so selfish. Still others say they feel nothing at

After suicide

Sometimes even if you get help and adults intervene, a friend or classmate may attempt or die by suicide. When this happens, it’s common to have many different emotions. Some teens say they feel guilty

all – they are too filled with grief to process their emotions.

When someone attempts suicide, those who know that person may feel afraid or uncomfortable about talking to him or her. Try to overcome these feelings of discomfort – this is a time when someone absolutely needs to feel connected to others.

If you are having difficulty dealing with a friend or classmate’s suicide, it’s best to talk to an adult you trust. Feeling grief after a friend dies by suicide is normal. But if that sadness begins to interfere with your everyday life, it’s a sign that you may need to speak with someone about your feelings. (kidshealth.org)

T

eens can be vulnerable to harsh, judgmental environments where they don’t feel they can be themselves.

They may suppress their true character to avoid censure from their peers, and it’s for this reason that it’s important for teens to identify their core values and identify who they think they are – and to write those things down.

This activity allows teens to visualise their core values through collage.

Here’s how to teach this activity:

Set out magazines, newspaper, scrapbook paper, and other art materials to allow students to form into a collage; Ask participants what words they live by. Asking teens what words they live by can be a revealing exercise. Offer a personal example of what words you personally live by. Ask each teen what motto they live by. If they do not know what

their personal motto is – that is ok. Have a wide variety of quotes available printed on paper and cut into strips. Ask each member of the group to create a collage that represents their “words to live by” quote; Have them represent their worldviews in the collage and use their quotes in the art. The final results can be discussed in a group setting. Because it is important for teens to define themselves, often their quotes might reflect a negative or subversive world view. All views can be discussed in the group. (positivepsychology.com)

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friday, september 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

President’s “tentative” electoral date deemed another charade, latest ploy ... APNU/AFC Govt continues to disrespect the country’s Constitution – FITUG

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ess than 24 hours after President David Granger announced that March 2, 2020 is the earliest date that National and Regional elections can be held, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), stated that “constitutional dark clouds” continue to hover over Guyana as his announcement did not comply with the country’s Constitution.

“Rather, we dismayingly saw, a perpetuation of the charades that the Coalition has been engaged in over the last nine months. The President’s intimation of a tentative electoral date is practically an unheard-of phenomenon and is now the latest ploy dispatched by the Administration as it continues its disrespectful attitude towards the Constitution.

We recognize too that the President is seeking Parliamentary support regarding extending the life of his Government”, the Union stated in a release to the me-

dia.

It stated that the “undoubted late acceptance of this reality” is definitely a clear admission by the President that his administration stands on weak legal grounds, if any at all.

“Even its moral authority to govern is now in question, the President’s sentiments, of course, contradict what the he and other Coalition officials have said previously on the matter. In his address, President Granger drew attention to the upcoming Golden Jubilee of Republicanism as a rationale for announcing his possible electoral date. While the Jubilee is indeed a proud moment for our nation and all Guyanese, it, undoubtedly, will be overshadowed by the utter and blatant contempt for the rule of law and our fledgling democracy.”

According to the Union, it appears that the Government is unfazed by the genuine and germane criticisms that has been levelled at it, and that the ac-

tions of the President in relation to announcing a fixed date for elections to be held as early as possible are blatant disregard and disrespect of the country’s Constitution.

“It seems, that the Granger-led Coalition Government is prepared, at all costs and consequences, to continue to squat and usurp Executive power though it has legitimately lost its right to govern.

The continued denial of the Guyanese people inalienable right of franchise, a struggle that was ignited by the Trade Union movement, is disheartening and a step in the wrong direction. Today, the peace-loving and democratic forces must again retrieve our nation from undemocratic and illegal rule.”

Meanwhile, the

Association of Concerned Guyanese-USA (ACG-USA) is calling on the President to pronounce on a date for elections now, without any further delays.

In an issued statement by the association, it stated that the legal time frame that President Granger enjoyed as Head of State in Guyana from 2015 is now up.

“He and his cohorts are now illegally occupying the offices of the government, since the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is ready but he continues to disregard the Constitution and continues to refuse to set a date for the elections.

It is not a choice; it is required by the Constitution of Guyana. Set the date now. The ACG-USA joins with the ABE countries and

other democratic forces and demand an immediate announcement on the date for the elections.”

The ACG-USA stated that it condemns “the delaying tactics of the illegal regime” and call upon other democratic nations and organisations to join with it in the demanding an immediate statement on the date for the elections.

On Wednesday evening, almost a year of procrastination after his Government’s defeat to a No-Confidence Motion has finally resulted in caretaker President David Granger announcing March 2, 2020, as the “earliest possible” date for elections.

Granger also noted that there will be a return to the National Assembly in order to seek an extension of time

for his government in office.

Blaming the Elections Commission again, the President said that the extension of a period beyond three months for the holding of an election is related to the GECOM’s readiness to hold the elections.

“The Government of Guyana must, as a consequence, return to the National Assembly to request an extension. The National Assembly reconvenes on 10th October 2019.

The President is required to both dissolve Parliament as provided for in the Constitution at Article 70 (2) and the ten Regional Democratic Councils as provided for in the Constitution at Article 73 (2),” Granger also said in his address.

Following an address to the nation by the caretaker President, the PPP said that the illegal President ended yet another address to the nation with the Guyanese people being no clearer than they were before.

2 dismissed NFMU employees receive compensation after 20 years – probe reveals “managerial indecency” root of wrongful dismissals

By Kristen Macklingam

T

wo former employees of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) that were dismissed some 20 years ago recently received their benefits after investigations revealed that the duo was wrongfully dismissed.

This was revealed on Thursday by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Labour Department and the Public Telecommunications Ministry that collaborated to probe the age-old dismissal.

Consultant at the Social Protection Ministry, and advisor to the subject Minister there, Francis Carryl, told reporters that this matter was handled in the “normal course of business” by the Labour Department at his Ministry and that regardless of the date that complaints are filed, they will be investigated.

“Because of the historical

Consultant at the Social Protection Ministry, Francis Carryl

nature 20 years ago of this case, there are some things that were involved that one would not want to talk about, very serious issues.

What we are concerned with is the injustices which were inflicted on these men they were really corrected. No matter how long it takes, as long as the Ministry of Social Protection is concerned, and

once we are involved…we will ensure that any and every injustice is overturned because we operate on the philosophy that every act of injustice has a shelf life”.

He stated that he was a co-author of the report on this investigation into the dismissal of two senior managers at the NFMU in 1998, Keith Griffith and Robert Ross, whose services were terminated under “questionable circumstances”.

Carryl pointed out that the two Ministries investigated the complaints which required the examination of available historical records which were more than a decade old, and interviewed relevant personnel, some of whom were already retired. After an in-depth investigation, no evidence was unearthed to justify or substantiate the actions taken against these employees.

He also added that managerial indecency was at root of the dismissal of those two men.

“The Ministry of Social Protection, in pursuit of justice, concluded that a grave wrong had been done to the two men and therefore submitted that the dismissal should not be allowed to stand. The recommended course of action is compensation, and that recommendation has been endorsed by the Attorney General’s Chambers. Thus, the Ministry of Social Protection is delighted to announce that the recommendation has been implemented”.

According to the Consultant, the matter

was independently probed and last month (August), Griffith and Ross each received a settlement which they were satisfied with and legal documents were inked in this regard.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary at the Public Telecommunications Ministry, Derrick Cummings, stated that the duo has received what they are entitled to despite the matter occurring 20 to 21 years ago.

He noted that one of the two men is presently not enjoying “very good health”

and that the Ministry wanted to ensure that this matter was completed in a timely manner so that both former NFMU employees could have the justice they deserved.

Additionally, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Public Service, Karen Vansluytman-Corbin, who had been the Acting Chief Labour Officer when the probe commenced some three to four years ago, expressed satisfaction that Griffith and Ross received what is rightfully theirs.

8 news

friday, september 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man gets 8 years for 2017 murder

Dead: Vishram Mohabir

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he man, who was found guilty of the August 2017 “Back to School” party murder at Williamsburg, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), was on Wednesday jailed for eight years as a result of his involvement in the crime.

Forty-seven-year-old Paul Ivor Thom received the sentence from Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry during the Berbice Assizes.

Thom was found guilty for unlawfully killing 19-year-old Vishram Mohabir, called “Ajai”, of

Williamsburg, Corentyne on August 27, 2017 at the HighGrade wash bay along the Williamsburg Public Road.

During the incident, 16-year-old Kunal Singh was also stabbed. During the trial, Thom told the court that his actions were in self-defence.

In an unsworn statement, he had stated that he was at the “Back to School” party when he was attacked by the Singh brothers. He told the court that the men were armed with missiles.

Thom related that he had a knife and defended himself. Another one of the Singh’s brothers was also injured during the incident.

Mohabir was reportedly stabbed twice. In addition, during the trial, the prosecution called 12 witnesses, including four Police officers, the dead man’s mother and brother who was injured during the incident, and an eyewitness.

Dr Vivekanand Brijmohan, who conducted the autopsy, gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage.

Thom was found guilty on the lesser count of manslaughter three weeks ago,

Eye-pass…

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Murder accused: Paul Ivor Thom

but the court was awaiting a probation report sentencing.

Probation Officer Maisie Shepherd in presenting the report related that members of his community described Thom as a friendly and respectful person but claimed that he was referred to as “junkie” because of the shabby way he dressed and did odd jobs around the community.

The report also said that the deceased’s mother,

Devika Ramjass, referred to Thom as quiet and easy-going. However, she said she wanted justice for her son’s death and noted that none of Thom’s relatives reached out to her since the incident.

Asked if he had anything to say, Thom told the court that he was sorry. He was given six years for killing Mohabir and an additional two for wounding Singh.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

Son who beat mother with rolling pin fined $30,000

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33-year-old man, who assaulted his mother with a rolling pin, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday after he was charged for the offence.

Terry Clement of D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty and pleaded guilty to both charges.

The first charge stated that on September 22, 2019, at D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, he unlawfully assaulted Norma Jack.

It was further alleged that on the same day and location, he made use of threatening language towards his mother.

The unrepresented man in his address to the court stated that, “I love my mom bad and I would do anything

for my mom but she does take advantage of me because I don’t have any brother or sister”.

The man added, “A man nearly kill me and he give me $500,000 to settle the matter, and I give her the money to keep and she ain’t want give me my money that’s why I fly in a passion and picked up the rolling pin and beat her”.

The Virtual Complainant (VC) who was present in court stated, “The morning I was preparing for church and he wake up and started cussing me. He asked me for $500 and I told him I don’t

have”.

The woman continued by saying that her son followed her around the house and ran into the kitchen where he armed himself with the rolling pin and started to beat her.

The mother further added that man went to the door and told her that he is not leaving the house until she presented him with the money.

Nevertheless, the woman reported the matter and the defendant was arrested.

The Magistrate instituted a $30,000 fine or one month imprisonment.

…by Granger fter playing ducks-and-drakes with his unencumbered constitutional responsibility to proclaim an election date and prorogue Parliament (Art 61), the Caretaker President Granger coyly teased that he would finally do so last night. He didn’t; which shouldn’t have surprised anybody, since it’s now clear that prevarication is second nature to him. Think of it: When has Granger ever kept his word? An officer and a gentleman he’s not. No wonder Hoyte bypassed him for Joe Singh!!

But this is when the faecal matter collides with the oscillatory rotating device, and it’s gonna hit everyone in this country in the face, including supporters of Granger and the PNC. In the blogsphere, the latter are chuckling that “Granger got Jagdeo”! It would appear they see this vitiation of the Constitution as a schoolyard prank played by Granger on Jagdeo. But it’s not!

Your Eyewitness will once again remind all and sundry that Granger’s continued constitutional transgressions are cutting the limb on the tree of democracy on which we’re very precariously perched. Granger’s mentor, Burnham, showed us that the edifice of a dictatorship isn’t built in the stealth of the night, but brick by brick in broad daylight.

And he could do so because his supporters excused every transgressive brick, because “you can’t let THEM get into office!” Sounds familiar??

But the rigging – also seen as a joke by his supporters – started Guyana on the moral slippery slope that eventually consumed us all.

Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and once a government knows it can get away with rigging, it doesn’t even need supporters; they’re all expendable. Let it not be forgotten that, by 1992, when democracy was finally restored, a Household Income and Expenditure Survey earlier in the year showed that Guyana had a poverty rate of 43%!! But, more pertinently, African Guyanese had a greater poverty rate than Indian Guyanese.

Granger and crew have “convinced” their supporters that the NCM was an “act of treachery”, and not a principled action inserted into parliamentary democratic constitutions to insist that governments retain the legitimacy of the peoples’ support via their representatives. So all is excused!

Never mind that, in 2014, the AFC and APNU were moving an NCM when Ramotar prorogued Parliament to stymie them. Unless PNC supporters wake up, “too late shall be the cry” after elections, if the PNC is allowed to rig them. And this has to be the reason why they’re fighting a rearguard action to delay elections.

What Granger’s doing in not proclaiming an election date is trying to lure the PPP back into the National Assembly to clean up his faecal matter.

This not just eye-pass by Granger!! …once again Granger is fond of the word “vulgarian”. He first used it to describe the PPP’s interruption of his “throne speech” in the National Assembly some time ago. And he used it again when his speech at the Pegasus was interrupted by some PPP members. Now, a “vulgarian” is “an unrefined person, especially one with newly acquired power or wealth.” So who’s the vulgarian in Guyana today?

After 23 years in the wilderness, Granger, at the head of the PNC, acceded to “newly acquired power and wealth” through the support of the AFC. What was Granger doing?

Burnishing his journalistic credentials with his “Guyana Review”, wherein he moulded the ideology imparted by Burnham into a neo-liberal milieu.

Becoming President with all the “pelf and power” has clearly gone to his head. Who but a vulgarian would stiff the fella who pushed him over the line and who was promised to be a PM with clout?? And then tell the man the promise wasn’t “constitutionally fit and proper”!!

But going on to violate every constitutional stipulation in the book that had to do with holding free and fair elections!! …stopped in its tracks!!

The English Supreme Court overturned Boris Johnson’s prorogation because his rationale conflicted with the raison d’etre of Parliament – to scrutinise the actions of the Executive.

And our CCJ didn’t want to instruct OUR politicians explicitly!! Connivance!!

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

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friday, september 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Elections will be held on March 2, 2020 – caretaker President – even if Opposition refuses to attend Parliament next month

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resident David Granger has formally announced and confirmed that elections will be held in Guyana on March 2, 2020 whether or not the Opposition party returns to Parliament to extend the life of the APNU/AFC coalition government.

Much criticism came following his declaration on Wednesday of March 2, 2020 being the “earliest possible” elections date in the country, with several sections of society in an uproar that the President’s statement did not give a definitive date for elections.

However, the Head of State told reporters on Thursday that the choice of words in his broadcast on Wednesday was “conditional”.

“Elections will be held on March 2, that was the advice I received. I did not want to use a perhaps more

definitive term because I expected that in terms of the Constitution, we would have to go to Parliament. If the Opposition does not go to Parliament well, we will abide with what I said last night, elections will be held on March 2… that is as definitive as I can get”.

During his address to the nation on Wednesday, the President pointed out that he met with the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Retired Justice Claudette Singh, about the plans for the electoral process and was notified that GECOM has a work schedule that it will be following.

“These schedules have to be designed and approved by the Commission itself and I expect that once the Commission has given that final approval, the other requirements would be met.

That is to say, we have Claims

and Objections, we have to have nominations. There are certain statutory requirements in the preparation for elections, so I was quite guarded in my remarks but I was giving the Commission the opportunity to publicise its own work schedule. It is not my duty and my intention to micromanage the pro-

cess or to say things, which the Commission could implement, but what I said last night (Wednesday) was quite accurate, that both the Commission and the Cabinet have considered the information that is available and elections will be held on March 2nd, 2020,” President Granger added.

The frightened teen handed over her backpack which contained her valuables, including money and her cellphone.

The attacker then quickly made good his escape before an alarm could be sounded. The matter has since been reported to the Police, who are said to be investigating.

Only recently, two University of Guyana students were robbed at gunpoint at the UG minibus park.

It was reported in other sections of the media

that two suspects, one of them wielding a knife –attacked the students.

One of the young ladies was relieved of her earrings, cellphone, money, and other valuables. Her spectacles were damaged during the attack. The other student, a male, was struck to the face and also robbed of his valuables.

That matter has also been reported to the Police and has been under investigation.

In July of this year, yet another UG student was robbed at gunpoint by a trio of bandits. The

student was reportedly robbed of his valuables which included two cellphones valued $145,000, along with US$115.

One person has since been arrested and charged for the incident.

President David Granger

Schoolgirl robbed on way home from school

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student attached to a school on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) was attacked and robbed on Monday evening while making her way home from school.

According to a report, the student had just exited a minibus in Stewartville, WCD, at approximately 21:00h when she was attacked.

The young woman relayed that the perpetrator accosted and choked her from behind before demanding that she hand over her valuables.

In June, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that the No-Confidence Motion against the coalition government was validly passed in the National Assembly on the evening of December 21, 2019.

According to the CCJ, the Constitution of Guyana clearly states that the Government must resign when it loses to a NoConfidence Motion.

Handing down the decision was CCJ President Justice Adrian Justice Saunders, who read a summary of the final judgement.

Justice Saunders said that the Court found that 33, and not 34 as the Government and supporters have argued, was the majority the Opposition needed out of 65 Members of Parliament (MPs) to pass the motion.

“The CCJ decided that the requirement for “a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly”, referred to a majority of the total number of votes or seats in the Assembly, irrespective of the number of members who actually vote”.

In determining that majority, he added, the Court was of the opinion that the “half plus one rule was not applicable”. Justice Saunders informed the courtroom and viewing public that the majority was clearly at least 33

votes.

The CCJ also rejected arguments that former Alliance for Change (AFC) MP Charrandas Persaud was constrained from voting against his list, a major plank of the State’s case.

Justice Saunders noted that nothing in the Constitution prevents a crossover vote and as such, his vote was and still is valid. The NoConfidence Motion, the CCJ decided, was validly passed.

Meanwhile, Justice Saunders informed that CCJ Judge Maureen RagnauthLee had made the observation in her concurring judgement that the Constitution has to be clear regarding Persaud being prevented from voting against his list.

She did not believe, as the Government argued, that such a provision was implicit.

On the matter of Persaud’s dual citizenship, Justice Saunders noted that the Court had decided that had the Government really wanted Persaud out of the National Assembly on those grounds, it would have challenged his presence on the candidate list and eligibility to enter the National Assembly long before the vote – in fact, within a month of the coalition’s victory in 2015.

10 news 2532 cases of child abuse recorded between January and August 2019 – CCPA C friday, september 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

hild Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) Director Ann Greene on Thursday disclosed that a total of 2532 cases of child abuse were recorded in Guyana between January and August 2019.

She added that with a head count of 2380 children, the CCPA has to find alternative care for 102 children. These comments came during the opening of the Children Centre in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

However, Greene stated that “the policy is that children are only to be removed from their families and placed in institution-

al care as a last resort since institutional care, although a life saver for many children, has shown to cause a range of problems for children. Consequently, when children are placed in institutions, every effort must be made to get them out before they become institutionalised”, Greene stated.

She stated that in light of this phenomenon, institutional care should last for the shortest time possible.

The CCPA Director further stated that currently, efforts are being made to return children from institutions to their biological families.

Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) Director Ann Greene

“At present, there are 175 children in the foster and kinship care programme and the families receive monthly cash disbursements. The prevention of separation of children from their parents and dis-institutionalisation of children are priority programmes of the Ministry of Social Protection through the CCPA”.

Just a few weeks ago, the CCPA conducted a training exercise with parents to prevent child abuse, in recognition of the high levels of abuse in hinterland areas.

The Agency said sessions were conducted in two communities within Region

One (Barima-Waini) in collaboration with the schools’ Welfare Department and other stakeholders.

On the other hand, another session was also facilitated in Agricola, Greater Georgetown. That training was conducted with support from Sol Guyana.

The CCPA Director had previously said that there remained a gap between what the law required and the innate culture of some communities as she was speaking on the attempts of the Agency to address child sexual abuse in communities within the interior regions.

“We have found that Region One [Barima-Waini] and Region Seven [CuyuniMazaruni] would stand out in cases of sexual abuse against children. If we look at the particular regions, we have a gap between the law and the culture in those areas. That means that there’s the law that says sexual activity at age 16, but in some culture groups, there’s a younger age,” Greene told this newspaper in an invited comment.

She said the law works for all children and that is what the Agency has been doing over time. (Kristen Macklingam)

Guyanese health practitioners to be trained in treatment of AMR ….as triangular agreement on AMR detection, surveillance implemented

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n order to strengthen national and regional detection and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Government of Argentina, the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAH0/ WHO) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have partnered to train medical professionals in 14 Caricom countries in order to fight against this public health problem.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR or AR) is the ability of a microbe or microorganism to resist the effects of medication that could successfully

treat the microbe.

The detection and controlling of AMR is a crucial issue for human and animal health, as well as survival, particularly in developing countries such as those in the Caribbean. By not taking the necessary precautions, new diseases can develop which current medicines cannot fight, and can later result in “super microbes” (microbes that are extensively drug resistant (XDR) or totally drug-resistant (TDR), being expanded globally.

As such, the three aforementioned bodies have partnered to provide instruments

Argentina Ambassador to Guyana, Felipe Alejandro Gardella; representative of Public Health Ministry, Dr Quacy Grant; PAHO representative, Dr Paul Edwards, and Caricom representative Helen Royers

and expertise to 14 Caricom countries to curb this major health problem that is also

considered to be a developmental issue, given its huge economic impact.

The objective for the 2-year project was disclosed

by Argentina’s Ambassador to Guyana, Felipe Alejandro Gardella during a brief press conference on Wednesday at the Argentina Embassy.

“Within this framework, the Argentine Government, The Pan-American Health Organisation and the Caribbean Community subscribed a pledge last year to

implement a two-year triangular project which aims at providing instruments and capacities for the detection and integrated surveillance for human and animal, antibiotic resistance in 14 Caribbean countries which is a very important issues of human, animal health and crops, and for our survival,” he noted.

As a result, Guyanese doctors, nurses and medics are expected to benefit from a two-day training session,

which will equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to treat AMR. Some of the areas to be covered include: conducting high quality testing for the detection of AMR, collate and analysing AMR laboratory data, and use of laboratory results to monitor trends and improve prescribing practices These sessions will be facilitated by Dr Genera Romero Thomas of the Argentine Administration of Health Laboratories and Institutes, along with Dr Carlos Malbran, between September 25 and 27.

Additionally, it is expected to have the availability of information among health professionals strengthened. A Caribbean data base (WHONET) will be created in pursuit if collecting and systemising data. The training sessions will also include training of the medical staff in the use of WHONET and the application of laboratory standardised procedures.

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friday, september 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jagdeo says caretaker Govt abusing powers to instruct GPF

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he caretaker coalition administration has been allegedly influencing the operation and management of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) through political interference to achieve some of their objectives.

This was according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday, stating that officials of the Force would have indicated their dissatisfaction with the Government’s actions and ‘heavy-handed’ methods. This, he noted, occurs on a daily basis.

“We have a lot of intelligence that is coming from the Police Force at the senior level, as well as junior level. People are totally dissatisfied with the Government and it is not just the Police but the other Joint Services…They’re very unhappy about the Government’s heavy-handed methods in interfering with Police’s placements, promotion etc; their political interference with the operational management of the Police Force. This takes

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

place on a daily basis,” said Jagdeo.

On Tuesday, it was chaos in the capital city after all roads leading to the Ministry of the Presidency were blocked off by the Police Force – which said it was instructed to do so to prevent any protests against the Government.

Dozens of officers and barricades cordoned off the area, affecting hundreds of commuters who were forced to detour.

“The Office of the

President is being cordoned off due to anticipated protest action by whatever political party or nongovernmental organisation,” a Police source informed Guyana Times.

The Police Force would have set up road blocks along Vlissengen Road between North Road and Homestretch Avenue, South Road between Oronoque and Vlissengen Road, Charlotte Street between Oronoque St and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and Regent Road between Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

While no protest actions were planned, the Police source said the roads were blocked “just in case”.

Customarily, during protests against the Government, persons would assemble on Vlissengen Road outside of the Ministry of the Presidency.

It was unclear why instructions would be given to the GPF to restrict citizens from exercising their democratic right to freedom of expression. The blocking off of

Roads around the Ministry of the Presidency being blocked off by the GPF

the roads ignited the ire of many road users who took to social media, complaining bitterly about how the alleged abuse of authority had inconvenienced them.

Commenting on the incident, the Opposition Leader expressed, “It is a trage-

Republic Bank “disappointed” plans to buy Scotiabank in Guyana not approved

Republic Bank CEO Nigel Baptiste

R

epublic Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nigel Baptiste has expressed disappointment over the fact that the financial institution’s plans to acquire Scotiabank’s assets in Guyana were not approved by authorities.

“While this development is disappointing, we do not dwell on disappointment,” he is quoted as saying in an arti-

cle published by Trinidadian media entity Newsday.

“As a group, we remain fully engaged and committed to supporting the nation of Guyana through our operations there, as well as toward ensuring the success of all activities for which we have received the requisite regulatory approvals, under the proposed BNS acquisition,” he further stated.

Guyana’s Central Bank recently denied Republic Bank Guyana’s application to buy out the Bank of Nova Scotia’s operations in Guyana.

Last November, Republic Bank had announced its interest in acquiring the Canadian multinational bank’s operations in several countries, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This is following

Scotiabank’s decision to leave these Caribbean nations.

At the time, the local financial authorities were not informed of the decision.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had expressed concerns that the sale might result in Republic Bank owning more than 50 per cent of the total banking assets in Guyana.

In denying the application, Central Bank Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga said decision makers took into consideration concerns about concentration and competition which would have negative impacts on the country’s fi-

nancial system.

The Finance Ministry had revealed that Republic Bank’s share of the banking system assets in Guyana stood at 35.4 per cent and its deposits, 36.8 per cent. The purchase of Scotiabank’s operations would have seen that figure grow to 51 per cent.

Nonetheless, the Republic Bank CEO said: “We appreciate the Bank of Guyana’s acknowledgement of the value of our longstanding role in the development of Guyana’s financial landscape and our continued contribution to the financial sector.”

dy when you have to bring out all of these Police from their families, put them in line just to protect one man who doesn’t respect our Constitution and disadvantage thousands of citizens”.

Jagdeo shared that the Government has been pushing the GPF to take actions during protests. He recalled Saturday night’s peaceful candlelight vigil outside of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where President David Granger was delivering a feature address. There, he claimed that while some Police officers would have heeded instructions, others decided to take a professional stance.

This incident resulted in the Police riot squad being called out to standoff with peaceful protests, and the blocking off of the road, causing a major traffic build-up during the evening rush hour.

The protesters, comprising of civil society and supporters of the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), expressed con-

cerns about the legitimacy of the current Government.

The protesters were also calling on the Head of State to announce a date for elections.

“They’ve been pushing the Police to take action. They have to correct this embarrassment…Even that night, some of the people who had the political instructions were trying to escalate things and then there were some other Police who stood up, the professional ones,” he indicated.

The current coalition Government has been recognised by the international community and other local organisations as operating outside of international standards of democracy – following its failure to hold elections in accordance with the country’s Constitution.

Jagdeo has stated that the protest actions will be kept under review after the President issues a proclamation on the elections date. However, the possibility will remain open.

12 news

friday, september 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Girls in Tech to host 1st 110 breast cancer cases diagnosed for 1st half of 2019 mentor engagement

Cancer Institute Medical Outreach Director, Dr Syed Ghazi and Oncologist and Medical Director, Dr Sayan Chakraborty

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or the years 2015 to 2018, the Cancer Institute of Guyana (CIG), a non-profit organization, has documented the diagnosis and treatment of over 1000 persons, including men and women in Guyana, with cancer, specifically of the breast.

While for the year 2019 just over 100 women were diagnosed with breast cancer so far and they were being treated, this number is expected to increase as the cancer institute seeks to raise more awareness.

These statistics were presented by Oncologist and Medical Director of the Institute, Dr Sayan Chakraborty during a press briefing on Thursday, at the Institute’s building located in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) compound.

“In 2015, there was about 267 patients who were treated ... almost every year; in 2017, we saw a spike, there were 300 patients who were treated at the Cancer Institute through radiation therapy. The trend is always 266, 267, gradually creeping up, sometimes it’s been going down, so we cannot ignore this situation which we are dealing with,” he stated.

Dr Chakraborty emphasised the fact that men could also be victims of breast cancer, but, according to him, there is usually a misconception behind this.

“It’s a misconception that breast cancer can only happen in ladies. Breast cancer – a very small percentage – is found in men. So, it’s not that breast cancer is exclusive to women; it is not so, but it can also be found in men,” the doctor said.

For this reason, the Institute has collaborated with the Oasis Premium water company to host its annual breast cancer awareness walk, on October 20 under the theme “We walk as one”.

But even as this is so, Cancer Institute Medical Outreach Director, Dr Syed Ghazi stressed the importance of bringing awareness to the various forms of cancer which account for the deaths of about 120,000 women yearly.

“So, why is it important to make people aware of what’s going on? It is important because if you know, in South America, it is like 400,000 new cases every year of women and men together – 120,000 women die every year, 96,000 of those women died with breast cancer and the other 36,000 die from cervical cancer,” Dr Ghazi noted.

In addition, the Institute will be offering mammograms, ultrasounds and Pap smears at a discounted price as a mean of encouraging both men and women who experience cancer symptoms to get checked. Other private institutions are being encouraged to make financial contributions so that this service can be made available to every Guyanese.

Breast cancer is one form of cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, and fluid coming from the nipple, a newly-inverted nipple, or a red or scaly patch of skin. Both young and older women are being advised to get screened if these signs become visible.

T

he Girls in Tech’s local chapter will be hosting its first-ever mentor/mentee engagement on October 10, bringing together students and professionals in the technology field.

The event will be held at the Education Lecture Theatre of the University of Guyana (UG), bridging the gap between local and global programmes to Guyana’s female tech students, enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and professionals.

Girls in Tech is a global non-profit that works to put an end to gender inequality in high-tech industries and start-up enterprises. According to the organisation, the programme “focuses on the education and empowerment of women in technology and entrepreneurship. Offered for university and professional women, the goal of the programme is to identify and solve the obstacles keeping mentees from achieving their professional goals. As a result, the programme is customised to each participant and her goals.”

This meeting will be celebrated under the banner: “Coffee and Code”.

The main objective is geared at cus-

tomising a goal for each mentee which also circles around career development. They will be paired to have regular meetings and the programme will then utilise an extensive vetting process that ensures they match mentors and mentees optimally. The event may be directed at girls, but men are welcomed to be mentors.

At the meet-up, attendees will get the chance to hear from an outstanding woman in technology, the challenges she faced or faces, and how she navigates them.

Girls in Tech, headquartered in San Francisco, USA, was founded in 2007. The Girls in Tech global community is 60 chapters strong with an impact of more than 100,000 members in 36 countries. As a result, events and programming in each chapter vary to fit the unique needs of each community.

Their mission is “to support women with the access and community they need to succeed in tech by educating and empowering women who are passionate about technology and entrepreneurship in technical industries”.

News

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friday, september 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

UB’s President conferred as Honorary Fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning

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The nine recipients of the Honorary Fellowship from several parts of the Commonwealth

the President of Belize’s national university, the University of Belize – was awarded this distinction based on his long and distinguished service to the advancement of quality higher education in the Commonwealth, particularly for his contributions in

the area of agro-innovation and agribusiness within the Caribbean, administrative leadership and for his ability to increase student access to higher education, as in the citation given by COL. The Board of Trustees, senior management team, students, faculty and staff

of the University of Belize congratulated Professor Sankat on this remarkable achievement and for his commitment to education and the pursuit of innovation driven by applied research, for the social and economic transformation of the Caribbean.

President David Granger; Education Minister Nicolette Henry; Chief Education Officer Olato Sam; Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun; Chen Xilai, Deputy Chief of the Chinese Embassy and others look on at a demonstration at the handing-over event on Friday

will see the improved training of teachers at the college, was procured over time and on Thursday handed over at the Turkeyen Campus, Greater Georgetown.

Speaking at the event, President Granger said that it is important that teachers are educated in an environment that is conducive for academic achievement.

“Unless teachers are trained properly, student’s education will be substandard. The quality of education in any society is relat-

ed directly to the quality of its teachers, poorly trained teachers inevitability will produce poorly preforming students. I think certain decisions, like improving teachers training at CPCE, which I did because I want teachers to be comfortably accommodated, comfortable in their studies, committed to the teaching service and to be educated in a conducive environment,” Granger said to the gathering of teachers.

Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat received the Honorary Fellowship from Professor Asha Kanwar, President of COL

n September 11, 2019, the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) conferred the President of University of Belize (UB), Professor Emeritus

COL, an intergovernmental organisation, was created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to promote the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources, and technologies within Commonwealth countries.

It designates its Honorary Fellows by their outstanding contributions to education in areas such as: leadership and service, published work, mentorship, innovation, improving access to quality education and promoting learning for sustainable development.

Professor Emeritus Sankat, who has served the Caribbean for the past 41 years – beginning as a fulltime academic, Principal and Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and currently is

Clement Sankat with the title of Honorary Fellow during an awards ceremony held at the Ninth Pan-Commonwealth Forum (PCF9) in Edinburgh, Scotland.

China donates $50M in science equipment to CPCE

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s Government endeavours to produce 21st century teachers in Guyana, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) on Thursday received a hefty donation of some $50M worth of science equipment donated by the People’s Republic of China.

The gesture was birthed during a conversation President David Granger had with China’s Ambassador to Guyana Cui Jianchun in 2017.

The equipment, which

Turn to page 15

14 news

friday, september 27, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

East Canje youth group hosts Ramleela – the story of Shri Ram

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he Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation, an East Canje-based youth-centric body, hosted its long-awaited show Ramleela – the Story of Shri Ram in Music, Drama and Dance.

Over 500 patrons from across Guyana converged at the Reliance VEDA Centre on September 21, 2019 and on September 22 to witness the magnificent, colourful, theatrical adven-

Scenes from the Ramleela event

ture extracts from Baal and Ayodhya Kaands of the Ramcharitamanas.

Amongst the objectives of this show, was to bridge the gap of cultural knowledge and youths of today’s society with the assurance of preserving this treasured art within the realm of dignity and the Hindu culture.

At the Gala Opening, President of the Organisation, Pandit Deodat Persaud remind-

ed all that Ramleela, since its introduction to Guyana, has been celebrated uninterruptedly, but over the last decade, there has been a decline in celebrations; hence, the need for resuscitation efforts.

He noted that Ramleela is multi-disciplinary festival exploring religious, cultural and social landscapes combined with contemporary understandings.

He urged that Ramleela

be promoted on a national scale since it has the potentials of becoming a major international event in Guyana, and this can serve as an impetus to the tourism industry, since countries like India, Trinidad, Suriname, Fiji, Mauritius and New Zealand are all involved in such on a national level.

Pamela Nauth, representing the Minster of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton,

commended the group for involving the youths in the community in such production.

She emphasised that by allowing youths to use their creative talents, arts and performances helps youth develop a sense identity, independence, discipline, and self-worth. They, in turn, will have a positive influence on society. She recognised these acts bring social cohesion to our society

as it allows for understanding of each other’s culture.

The Ramleela show forms part of a series of initiatives held to revive an appreciation for this form of art.

Ramleela has been declared a world living heritage by UNESCO in 2005.

Only a few countries have preserved an abundance of groups participating in this art form.

Playland at National Park closed for maintenance

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he Playland Fun Park situated at the National Park at Thomas Lands, Georgetown is currently closed to the public until further notice.

The Protected Areas Commission on Tuesday, September 17, posted an announcement of the tempo-

rary closure of the Playland Fun Park for maintenance and repairs of the facilities.

The Fun Park is one of the listed fun parks in Georgetown which fall under the Protected Areas Commission— an arm within the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

The Fun Park’s existence dates back to 1997 according to archives from the Guyana National Library. This Fun Park was then rehabilitated by the Inner-Wheel Club of Georgetown back in 2013, with special provisions in place for children and persons with disabilities.

The Fun Park consisted of a range of playground equipment and areas for children, similar to those at the New Amsterdam Special Needs School.

These play objects were aimed at bringing joy, laughter and space to play and express themselves to one of

the most vulnerable groups in society.

Guyana Times reached out to the Protected Areas Commission for some information but they were unable to provide further information concerning the closure, proposed upgrades and funding of the play park.

At the moment, there are no other parks in Georgetown that cater to needs of children with disabilities. As a result, parents, guardians and children are left uncertain of what and when to expect the accessibility of the play park.

news

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friday, september 27, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 5 REO walks out of RDC meeting MB Sandaka commences operation – Chairman says actions hinder development in Region between Guyana and Suriname to use money which would have been realised for savings in the Region’s Budget.

So, when our meetings are broken up, we cannot get those things done,” Ramphal explained.

He said the Burma Road is in a deplorable state and that more than 700 farmers use on a daily basis.

The Chairman did not stop short in mentioning

Regional Executive Officer Ovid Morrison walking out of the RDC meeting

R

egion Five (MahaicaBerbice) Chairman Vickchand Ramphal says the Region has been placed on the back burner as a result of the actions of Regional Executive Officer David Morrison.

The Chairman made this comment at a press conference after the REO walked out of a recent RDC meeting forcing it to end abruptly.

The REO walkout was in protest over the order in which the agenda was taking. Over the past three years, only a few successful monthly meetings were held.

Between January and July 2015, the coalition had refused to sit under the chairmanship of Ramphal, saying an apology is needed from him for not attending a function in the Region at which President David Granger was the guest of honour.

On August 1, while delivering an Emancipation Day speech at Ithaca, the President said there was no need for an apology, and asked the two sides to work together.

The truce only lasted for five months as the REO then called for the Regional Chairman to apologise to him after the Chairman said he wanted to launch an investigation into some allegations involving a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman and Vice Chairman.

During the last meeting of 2015, the coalition had promised residents a News Year gift and sit-in meetings. However, that promise lasted for two meetings.

Since then, several issues have been put forward

by the REO but he refused to preside as Clerk of the Council, which will legally allow the RDC to meet.

Among the issues put forward by the REO was the presence of a reporter who had been highlighting his incompetence and his riche to act as Clerk of Council outside of the RDC. Meanwhile, following the last RDC meeting, Ramphal said there are many burning issues affecting the lives of residents of Region 5 which cannot be addressed because the RDC has not been having successful meetings.

“Some of these issues are the farm to market roads especially in the MahaiconyMahaica area. We have two Branch Roads that are in a deplorable state. Rice harvesting has commenced and farmers are finding it difficult to traverse there because of huge pot holes and depressions, secondly, we have the Mahaicony Branch Road which is in a further deplorable state. At some places we can say that is it impossible for farmers to traverse those areas and get their trucks in and out”.

According to the Chairman, over the past three years, the administration had asked for funds to be allocated in the Regional budget to have both those roads maintained, but those projects were cut when the National Budget was presented.

The Mahaicony Branch Road is another major access road for farmers in the Region.

“If we had a successful meeting at the Council, we could have mandated the Regional Executive Officer, who is the Clerk of Council

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal

that community streets throughout the Region have been falling apart while other facilities in the region are in a deplorable state.

Ramphal said those issues cannot be addressed because one Regional official believes he can control taxpayer’s money.

“Someone who is perceived to be highly corrupt in Region Five has been spending taxpayer’s money without any proper scrutiny”.

Ramphal blames Morrison for the RDC not being able to a successful meeting during 2018, saying that he has been using the coalition’s Councillors in order to achieve his objective.

With no meetings, there is room for corruption, the Chairman said.

Residents of the region are suffering. Ramphal said he wants to see much more done to benefit residents across the Region equally.

Sadly, this is not being done.

He told the media that several projects are being undertaken by the Regional Administration. However, some of those projects are not benefiting any resident of the Region. One such project is the Region’s model farm.

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he MB Sandaka has commenced operations between Guyana and Suriname on Thursday according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson.

The Minister told Guyana Times that the first sail has commenced and will last for a period of 123 days.

“We will access the response of the travelling public to find out if the one sailing per day is okay and if we need to make adjustments, so it came as a result of a one-day intense discussion with my Surinamese counterpart”.

Patterson added that during the discussion with his Surinamese counterpart, it was revealed that both sides were facing similar issues and therefore, systems will be put in place for the continuation of the ferry service.

The MV Canawaima will be back in service from October 16, 2019, so therefore, the MB Sandaka will be operating on Guyana’s expense. “I have an agreement with my Surinamese counterpart that if the MV Canawaima is not in full operation on the date set, then the expense will be shared

The MB Sandaka

equally for the operation of the MB Sandaka,” according to Minster Patterson.

The ferry, which will be working on a rotational basis between Guyana and Suriname, will be inspected by a joint team of engineers, who will be carrying out a full inspection on October 2, 2019. The two countries have also agreed to address all issues facing the ferry service, not only mechanical but also hospitality.

On May 27, the Management of the GuyanaSuriname Ferry Service, through the Department of Public Information (DPI), had announced the suspension of operations from that day until further notice. Terminal Manager Gale

Culley-Greene had told DPI that the Canawaima Ferry had been experiencing mechanical difficulties for some time and a decision was taken to have the vessel assessed and repaired.

Government had expressed concern at the inconvenience to travellers while saying that this country had been funding most of the maintenance over the years. It had also noted that the vessel’s engine “had been limping for some time and [the ferry] was being towed by a tug” during its trips between the two countries.

The suspension of the ferry service caused soaring traffic across the “backtrack” route on the Corentyne River border utilising speedboats.

China donates $50M...

He noted that the primary mission out of the event was to ensure that the training of teachers is at an exceptionally high standard to enable the college to graduate teachers who are capable of providing service of an exceptional quality to the public education system.

Further, the President said that teachers of today must be geared to train the generation of tomorrow and they must be prepared for the important role in educating students to become citizens of the 21st century.

“The teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is being given priority. It will allow the entire country to develop a more technologically competent workforce essential to the establishment of this digital state of which I speak. It demands the re-orientation of the ed-

ucation system with placing greater emphasis on technology,” the President remarked.

Also delivering remarks, Education Minister Nicolette Henry noted that education is a strong area of cooperation between Guyana and China, thanking the Chinese Government for continually providing scholarships and training opportunities to strengthen capacity.

“For developing countries, if we intend to develop, we have to start with education. And so focusing on science is becoming more and more imperative, as science is creating wonders each and every day.

Improving value and support systems here at CPCE should allow both lecturers and students to have an improved learning experience. The benefits of this will gradually be filtered

from page 13

into our school systems as the quality of teachers is the most significant school based of students outcome,” Henry said.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Cui Jianchun noted that it was President David Granger’s focus on education that made the gift of the science equipment to CPCE a reality.

Jiachun revealed China’s intention to continue to support the development of education in Guyana.

“China will continue its assistance and support within the capacity to Guyana’s development and stands ready to work with Guyana to upgrade our relations to a new level,” the Ambassador assured.

For the period of 20172019, China has donated over US $230,000 to education in Guyana.

friDAY, september 27, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

ꟷ Pageant billed for Saturday evening

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he National Cultural Centre (NCC) is the place to be this Saturday evening as 10 Amerindian beauties take to the stage to compete for the title of Miss Indigenous Heritage 2019.

The delegates are Esther Marslowe (Region One); Shauna Fredericks (Region Two); Natalia Patterson (Region Three); AnnMera Simon (Region Four); Rosetta Fredericks (Region Five); Varshnie Herman (Region Six); Jeline DaSilva

(Region Seven); Katie Williams (Region Eight); Luana Allicock (Region Nine) and Shevon Williams (Region 10).

The delegates were officially introduced to the public on Saturday last at the Everest Cricket Club Ground during the Indigenous Heritage Day of Sport.

The beauties are presently making sure that everything is in order for the big night. Their elaborate gowns and

Annmera Simon

Esther Marslowe

Natalia Patterson

Rosetta Federicks

more so, their traditional outfits are always eye-catching.

Most of the delegates are also making sure that their talent pieces are well-rehearsed so that come Pageant night, they can impress the judges with hopes of getting the nod.

The Pageant will commence with the opening dance and introduction.

The other segments will include talent, a question-and-answer segment on their

Jelena DaSilva

platforms, evening wear, traditional wear and most importantly, the final question. The final question will be asked after the final five delegates are announced.

As of this evening, the NCC is being prepped for one of the most anticipated events that will draw the curtains down on a long month of activities to celebrate Guyana’s Indigenous people. The crowned queen will have an opportunity

Katie Williams

to showcase her community and Indigenous people as a whole.

Apart from the prizes, the queen will have bragging rights and attend events organised by the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry.

Tickets for the Pageant cost $2500, $2000 and $1500 and are available at the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry and the National Cultural Centre’s box office.

Launa Allicock

Shauna Federicks

I Shevon Williams

Varshnie Herman

n a few hours, Party Boss WR Reaz will be celebrating his ‘100th’ Birth Anniversary and to observe the milestone, Team MMR has planned a grand birthday bash.

In fact, the birthday bash is for all the Libra people who will be celebrating their birthday this weekend.

The event is titled “Libra Celebrations” and it will be held at Guyana’s premier nightspot, Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown on Saturday evening.

On the night of the grand affair, there will be cake and Bacardi shots, and the birthday boy has planned to do a live performance.

In addition, some of the most versatile

DJs will take to the console during the evening and will undoubtedly set the club on fire with some of the best hits from all genres of music ranging from Chutney and Filmi to Soca and Dancehall.

These DJs include DJ Chyld, DJ Blaxbee, DJ Ryan out of Pulse Entertainment, Selector Andy and Selector Chino. It will be a night of frolic and excitement as there are several planned surprises for patrons.

Those who are Libra and are celebrating their birthdays will be admitted free before 21:00h after which they will have to pay at the gate. Come celebrate with WR Reaz as he celebrates his birthday. This is one party you do not want to miss.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, september 27, 2019

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ine beautiful, intelligent young ladies will vie for the crown at the inaugural Miss Skeldon Heritage Resort Pageant, which will be staged at the Skeldon Heritage Resort (formerly the Skeldon Sugar Estate) on October 5, 2019.

This event will see the young ladies competing in four categories: intelligence, talent, resort wear, and evening wear as they compete for the crown and several attractive prizes. The theme of the pageant is “Diversity” and this theme was fuelled by the fact that the contestants are from diverse backgrounds.

The young ladies who hail from communities in and around Skeldon have all expressed confidence that they would do well, and sparks are set to fly among two sisters who are competing head to head in the pageant.

Pageant coordinator Linden Murray, who is the mastermind behind the initiative, said that it was over a year ago that he conceptualised the event and he felt confident that if executed, the response would be very good. He explained that after being entrusted with the management of the Resort, he decided to use

Chovesha Tahal

Felicia Reece

Lalita Laljit

Latisha Boyce

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the Pageant as a marquee event.

Murray disclosed that when a call was made for contestants the organisers were very heartened by the response they received.

However, some of the prospective delegates were unable to go further owing to the limited sponsorship opportunities in the area.

The contestants include Chovesha Tahal, 22, a television presenter and marketing agent at Channel 19 TV station; Renee France, 15, who hails from the Amerindian community of Siparuta, and Ishieka Nowrang, 18, currently employed as a cashier at Muchies Fast Food outlet.

Competing as well are 15-year-old India Laljit, who is currently a student at Skeldon Line Path Secondary School; Lalita Laljit, who is the younger sister of Indira and 19-year-old Natoya Rawlins, who is considered one of the two veterans among the contestants owing to the fact that she has contested six pageants already, winning three.

Atasha Pantlitz, 19, is the other veteran, who like Rawlins

Chovesha Tahal

uyana’s representative to Miss Global International 2019, which is themed “Uniting the World Through Beauty and Tourism”, is multilingual beauty Tracy Amanda Smith. The competition is being held in Jamaica between September 25 and 29, 2019.

The Miss Global International Pageant began in 2004 and to date is the first and only international beauty competition to be hosted in Jamaica.

Smith is currently enrolled at the University of the West Indies – St. Augustine Campus pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a Specialisation in Oil, Gas, and Energy Management. She’s a former student of St Rose’s High School, the University of Guyana and KDI School of Public Policy in South Korea where she received her degree in Public Policy (Regional, International and Sustainable Development).

Presently, she works as a Project Analyst at the United Nations Development Programme JCCCP Guyana. Smith was a contestant in the Miss World Guyana 2018 competition, where she was adjudged first runner-up and emerged as the Beauty with a Purpose winner.

She believes she possesses the capabilities to make

17

has competed in six pageants. Despite only winning two crowns, she is very confident of taking home the inaugural Miss Skeldon Heritage Resort Pageant crown.

Latisha Boyce, 19, who is eagerly awaiting competition night to showcase her stuff, is currently pursuing studies in her quest to become a human resources officer. That aside, in the line-up also is 16-year-old Felicia Reece, a Fifth Form student at Skeldon Line Path Secondary, where she will be writing seven subjects at next year’s CSEC exams.

Meanwhile, the young ladies are being taken through their paces by popular pageant trainer Simeon Burnett, who is also a television host of the popular Channel 19 programme in Berbice, “Music Mix”.

Tickets for the pageant are already on sale at a cost of $1000; music for the event would be provided by Uprising Sound Systems. It was disclosed that a number of popular artistes and performers will also grace the stage and Berbicians, near and far, are guaranteed an exciting experience, come pageant night.

India Laljit

Ishieka Nowrang

Natoya Rawlins

Renee France

Guyana proud and thus, she seeks locals’ support for this opportunity to give Guyana its best representation on the international stage.

The competition offers tours of various attractions and courtesy calls on various leaders of government and business.

It also allows the contestants to promote her countries and local businesses on an international platform. This platform also allows Smith to promote the work of talented Guyanese artists or entrepreneurs through an auction where a worthy item will be up for grabs to raise funds for the children of the Jamaican Association for the Deaf.

This charity is headed by a former Miss Global International Queen, Mrs Kimberly Marriot Blake. The Miss Global Organisation hopes to also build tourism in Jamaica and create a long-lasting link between countries through tourism.

The competition is supported with kind endorsements from Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen; Prime Minister Andrew Holness; former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and the Jamaica Tourist Board. The reigning queen is Miss Guyana Cynthia Dookie. (Missosology)

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, september 27, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

Question what you are doing and what you want to achieve. Discuss your plans with someone you trust to give you straight answers.

A move or lifestyle change should be considered.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Someone with more experience will offer a new perspective regarding a situation you face. A change is heading your way.

Preparation will make the transition smoother.

(March 21April 19)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Refuse to let your emotions take charge. Use your intelligence and charm to outmaneuver anyone trying to manipulate you. Don’t expect to be told the truth if someone wants something from you.

Plan your actions with care. If you’re observant, you’ll recognize how best to react to someone giving you mixed messages. Protect your reputation and possessions.

Do your own thing. Don’t feel obligated to help someone else get ahead when you should be concentrating on your success. A personal encounter will spark your interest. Romance is on the rise.

Let your creativity lead the way. Whether dealing with a relationship or socializing with peers, your articulate way of expressing yourself will prompt others to support your efforts.

When faced with negativity, look for the positive side and keep moving forward. Overcoming obstacles will encourage strength and help you gain respect and a better position.

You can change someone’s life by reaching out and offering help. If you do a good deed today, an unexpected reward will be yours.

A lifestyle change is heading your way.

Finish what you start to SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23avoid being reprimanded. If Dec. 21) you make a promise, honor it, and if you discuss other people, be sure you are honest. Protect your reputation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

A challenge should be looked at carefully before you get involved. You might be better off putting your energy into personal gains instead of empty posturing.

Keep going until you get what you want. Putting your intellect to work for you and testing your physical attributes will lead to new opportunities.

A partnership should be based on trust, honesty and shared goals. Before you get involved with anyone, be sure your intentions and motives coincide. Avoid taking on too much.

friday, september 27, 2019

Spanish Federation fines Barcelona £265 for Griezmann ‘approach’

Ben Stokes: England all-rounder 1 of 4 nominated for Players' Player of the Year

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Antoine Griezmann scored 133 goals in 256 appearances for Atletico Madrid

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arcelona have been fined only 300 euros (£265) by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for their approach to Antoine Griezmann while he was at La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid.

Spanish champions Barcelona signed Griezmann after paying his 120m-euro (£107m) buyout clause on 1 July.

But the federation said Barca broke its rules by negotiating with Griezmann without Atletico's permission.

Atletico believed his buyout clause should have been 200m euros (£179m).

They claimed that Barca began talking to the player in March, when that was the size of his buyout clause.

His cost then dropped to 120m euros at the start of July, which was when he signed for Barca, but Atletico claimed the "commitment of the player and Barcelona was closed" prior to the clause reducing.

The player was absolved of any responsibility by the federation.

The RFEF's statement read: "Taking into

account the economic capacity of the club and the amount of the fine, this committee is aware that the payment of 300 euros, beyond its merely symbolic character, will not damage the sanctioned club and, probably, will not persuade other clubs in the same situation in the future to adjust their conduct to the regulations."

However, the RFEF determined that was "not a sufficient reason" to impose a onematch closure of the Nou Camp - its only other possible sanction - which it says is reserved for "infractions of a different nature".

Griezmann - who had announced in May he would leave the Madrid side - signed a five-year deal with Barca, which includes an 800m euro (£717m) release clause, to become the world's sixth most expensive signing.

Following the move, Atletico released a statement in which they expressed their "strongest repulsion for the behaviour of both, especially Barcelona".

The Madrid club previously reported Barcelona to Fifa over an alleged illegal approach for Griezmann in December 2017. (BBC Sport)

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ngland all-rounder Ben Stokes is one of four players nominated for the Players' Player of the Year by the Professional Cricketers' Association.

Stokes helped England win the men's World Cup for the first time before starring in the Ashes.

Essex spinner Simon Harmer, Gloucestershire all-rounder Ryan Higgins and Warwickshire batsman Dom Sibley are also nominated.

The winner will be announced in London on Wednesday, 2 October.

Stokes, 28, is looking to become the sixth person to win the PCA Players' Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year, having won the latter in 2013.

He scored an unbeaten 84 in the World Cup final to help beat New Zealand at Lord's in a Super Over, and was

then England's star performer with the bat in the Ashes, scoring 441 runs, including a match-winning 135 not out in his side's stunning one-wicket win at Headingley.

South African Harmer, 30, helped Essex to victory in the T20 Blast and could add the County Championship title on Thursday.

Zimbabwe-born Higgins, 24, has played a key part as Gloucestershire secured promotion back to Division One of the County Championship for the first time since 2005.

Sibley, 24, has been called up to the England Test squad for this winter's tour of New Zealand after a prolific season for the Bears, scoring 1,324 Championship

runs at at average of 69.68 prior to their final game of the season against Yorkshire.

The former Surrey opener has also been nominated for the Young Player of the Year, alongside Somerset's Tom Banton,

Gloucestershire's James Bracey and fellow England call-up Zak Crawley, of Kent.

Spinner Sophie Ecclestone, all-rounder Katherine Brunt and batter Amy Jones are nominated for the Women's Player of the Summer, with Ecclestone looking to win the award for the second successive year. (BBC Sport)

20

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friday, september 27, 2019

CPL 2019 Match #24…

Struggling Zouks take on broken Tallawahs in desperate tussle for a win A fter suffering a moraleshattering defeat at the hands of the Guyana Amazon Warriors in their previous match, the Darren

this season, and have each recorded just two wins in eight matches. They thus each desperately need to win this match, hence this encounter

Jamaica Tallawahs

Sammy-led St. Lucia Zouks will host the out-of-form Chadwick Walton-led Jamaica Tallawahs in match number 24 of the Caribbean Premier League 2019, to be played today.

Either team has suffered from a poor run of form

promises much entertainment for spectators and heartbreak for the fans.

When these two sides first met in this year’s CPL tournament, the Zouks had recorded a 7-wicket win, with Rahkeem Cornwall emerging

their hero. The Zouks will both hope and expect that he would repeat his heroics. Moreover, their bowling department has the potent Fawad Ahmed, who is certainly a bowler to watch.

On the other hand, the Tallawahs will both hope and expect that Chris Gayle would record a memorable knock in this encounter, and that the dangerous Oshane Thomas would discomfit the Zouks batsmen with his pace bowling.

Team composition St Lucia Zouks: Darren Sammy (C), John Campbell, Obed McCoy, Kesrick Williams, Andre Fletcher (WK), Thisara Perera, Rahkeem Cornwall, Roland Cato, Jeavor Royal, Andre McCarthy, Chris Barnwell, Keddy Lesporis, Fawad Ahmed, Najibullah Zadran and Krishmar Santokie.

Jamaica Tallawahs: Chris Gayle, Chadwick Walton (C), Rovman Powell, Zahir Khan, Oshane Thomas, Glenn Phillips, George Worker, Amad Butt, Chris Lamont, Steven Jacobs, Imran Khan, Andre Russell, Xavier Marshall, Shamae Springer, Ramaal Lewis, Derval

Briana Williams reprimanded, free to compete

…will run 100m at World Championships, says Boldon

T

he independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel has issued Jamaican teen star Briana Williams a reprimand without any period of ineligibility in a ruling handed down at about 12:24h today Jamaica Time.

The Panel has, however, recommended that the World U-18 100M and 200M champion undergo another education programme on the anti-doping rules the next time the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission holds another workshop.

Williams, 17, tested positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide at the Jamaica National Championships in June, after she finished third in the 100M in what was a World U18 record of 10.94s.

The disciplinary hearing began on Monday, September 23, and concluded on Tuesday, September 24, without the panel announcing when they would issue a ruling on whether Williams would face any sanction.

Boldon Speaks

If allowed to, Briana Williams will compete in the 100M at the 2019 I A A F World

Championships Doha, according to her coach, Ato Boldon. He was speaking with Sportsmax.TV on Thursday in the wake of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel’s decision to reprimand the 17-year-old i n

sprinter without any period of ineligibility.

She had returned an adverse finding for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide after competing in the 100M final at the Jamaica National Championships on June 21.

However, after presenting her case to the JADP earlier this week, the panel returned their verdict shortly after midday on Thursday.

“She will run the 100. If the relay becomes political, I will gladly pull her. I’ll gladly fight for her down the road, but she’s fought enough for one year,” said Boldon, who also expressed relief and gratitude at the ruling. “(I am) grateful that the panel did its job in considering the scientific evidence and expert testimony that it heard. (I am) relieved for Briana, who has shown amazing resilience at her age.

I just spoke to her, and she was crying happy tears,” he said.

However, now beg i n s a race against time to get her to Doha in time to compete in the Women’s 100M, set to get underway in Doha on Saturday morning (Jamaica time). It is unclear when she would leave Jamaica for Doha.

Boldon said he had not yet spoken with Dr Warren Blake, President of the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) about if and when, Williams, who was provisionally selected for Jamaica’s team, would leave for Doha.

That decision would also depend on whether there is an appeal against the ruling from the World Anti-Doping Agency or the IAAF. (Sportsmax) Jamaican sprinter Brianna Williams

Green and Javelle Glenn.

Scenarios The best call for the St Lucia Zouks is chasing a total, as they have a confident batting side.

Their perfect scenario, should they win the toss, would be to field first. That way, they can restrict the Tallawahs from recording a commanding score, which would allow their batsmen to chase down an easy total.

The best strategy for the Jamaica Tallawahs, should they be asked to bat first, is to put a great amount of runs on the board, and challenge the Zouks to go for it.

St Lucia Zouks

West Indies Under-19 Rising Stars training camp…

Coach West satisfied with progress after camp …18-man squad to be selected for next stage of preparation for ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup …Under-19 players to train with Super50 teams

G

raeme West, Under-19 Coach and Cricket West Indies (CWI) High Performance Manager, is satisfied with the progress shown by the West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 players who have completed their September 1323 camp over the weekend in Antigua.

This ten-day camp, next stage of preparation for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa in January 2020, concluded with two practice games in which Windward Islands opener Kimani Melius scored two centuries, bringing his first class exposure to the fore.

“The practice games were opportunities for the players to put into practice the game strategy for 50 Over Cricket that was discussed and rehearsed throughout the camp. It was pleasing to see players heading in the right direction across all skill sets and phases of the game,” West told CWI Media.

Kimani Melius’s two centuries stood out alongside Mbeki Joseph’s 130 in the second game, after making 51 in Game One, and there were half centuries for Leonardo Julien, Kevlon Anderson and Nyeem Young.

West added, “The bowlers were consistent, and showed a greater understanding of bowling in the final overs, compared to the trial games in St Vincent. I am sure they have all benefited from working with former West Indies fast bowlers (Sir) Curtly Ambrose and Kenny Benjamin, who provided their experience and expertise throughout the camp.”

West elaborated on the support players got from these legends, other CWI coaches, and President Ricky Skerritt under this new administration.

“Director of Cricket (DoC), Jimmy

CWI President Richard “Ricky” Skerritt in conversation with the players

Adams, led the fielding skills sessions, and Under-15 Coach Steve Liburd provided additional support. The Science and Medical team also played a huge part, providing a great package of support to the squad over the 10 days, with the fitness testing results providing a further source of encouragement,” he said.

He continued, “The camp needed to be high in intensity, with a lot of ground to cover.

Morning and afternoon practice was a regular occurrence, in some testing conditions with temperatures up in the nineties, but it was encouraging to see the players come through and (remain) keen to keep developing.

“It’s been very important for all persons involved to have the (CWI) President taking a keen interest in the squad’s progress. his presence on Sunday made it very clear to the players that CWI is keen to invest in them because they are the future of West Indies cricket,” he said.

President Skerritt, further, said: “From what I have personally observed, these West Indies Rising Stars are not just talented, but are also keen to learn. With continued investment from CWI and their territorial boards, West Indies fans can expect to see at least a

few of these youngsters making real waves on the regional and global stages sooner, rather than later.”

Following the camp, an 18man squad will be selected for the next stages of the preparation for the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Many of the players will benefit from being part of training camps for the various franchise teams in November’s upcoming Colonial Medical Insurance Super 50 Cup. “The majority of players have either finished or chosen to take a break from their studies for the next twelve months, and can concentrate all their efforts towards their cricket.

These players will train alongside their respective regional teams preparing for the upcoming Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup”, he said.

Those still at school will be fully supported with technical and physical training programmes outside of school hours, West explained. “This is a great opportunity for the young players to work alongside the professionals in preparation for white ball cricket. I’m very grateful to the franchise coaches that have indicated they will involve the Under-19 players and provide full access to all of the resources available to the fulltime playing staff,” Skerritt said.

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21

KKUSC,TMT Global Inc conclude cricket camp T

he Kwakwani United Sports Club (KKUSC) and TMT Global Inc. concluded last Friday, September 21, their cricket camp which had commenced on Monday 16 September, 2019.

It was the first cricket camp ever held in Kwakwani, Region 10, and more than 40 children between the ages of six and 18 years old participated in the week of activity which were held at the Sir Frank Worrell ground.

The camp had focused on teaching basic skills in cricket, like batting, bowling, fielding and wicketkeeping; besides exposing participants to motivational speeches on discipline, team work, the importance of education, etc.

The camp concluded on Friday with a game and a small presentation ceremony held immediately after the game. Trophies were presented to outstanding individuals who had distinguished themselves in four specific categories: most promising batsman, bowler, wicketkeeper, and female cricketer.

Arren Van Lewin was awarded most promising bowler. Jalade Trim, who happens to be a national footballer, was awarded most promising female. Koyl Joseph was awarded best wicketkeeper and Cordell Hoyte was awarded most promising batsman.

Refreshments donated by Banks DIH Ltd and Double Deuce Snackette were also served to all participants.

Sports Consultant of TMT Global Inc, camp coordinator Anthony D’Andrade, was pleased with the interest and enthusiasm shown by the participants.

D’Andrade, one of the two coaches for the camp, had been visiting the area since February, as cricket coach and coordinator of the Kwakwani Sports Programme.

Invited guest coach was West Indies female cricketer Tremayne Smartt. She was surprised at the level of talent on display for a community that hasn’t had any organised cricket or coaching structure for a number of years. She thus encouraged the youngsters to continue working on their game, and to remain focused and disciplined.

The full group of this camp’s participants and Coaches pose with a benefactor

President of the club, Mrs. Kinesha Stewart, express a desire to continue hosting similar activities for other sporting disciplines, while Chairman of the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Mrs Elsie McPherson, reiterated the importance of discipline in sports, and encourage the participants to stay in school and aim to be the best they can be in life.

KKUSC and TMT Global Inc are working together

BCB’s 80th anniversary celebrations…

Grimmond and Gajnabi honoured ꟷ for joining BCB pantheon of international cricketers

B

erbice has produced numerous players who have represented the Caribbean at the Under-15 and Under-19 levels, and have played in ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams, ODI and 20/20 teams, and in Test and female cricket teams.

This has been the case since 1948, when John Trim of the Port Mourant Cricket Club became the first Berbician to play Test Cricket.

This rich tradition continued during September 2019, when Sheneta Grimmond and Shabika Gajnabi, a duo of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, made their international debut for the West Indies against Australia in the One Day International and 20/20 series.

During its 80th Anniversary Celebrations, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) surprised this duo by honouring them for being the sixth and seventh female Berbician players to play international cricket.

Nineteen-year-old Gajnabi has been playing cricket for close to a decade, having been taught the game at a very young age by her brother, who had utilised the Chesney Ground located just in front of her home to so do. She later joined the only female cricket team in Guyana -at the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS -- and developed her skill under the guidance of senior players Shemaine Campbelle and Erva Giddings.

Gajnabi bowls right-hand medium-pace, and is a solid middle order batter, having captained Berbice and Guyana at the Under-19 level.

Grimmond, who bowls

off-spin and is a hard-hitting batter, played for her school, Central Corentyne Secondary School, before joining the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS. Like Gajnabi, she learnt the intricacies of the game by playing with her male counterparts at the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, and by benefiting from impartations of the vast experience of Campbelle and Giddings.

BCB President Alex Foster has congratulated the pair on their making their international debut, noting in his congratulations that the entire county is very proud of them.

Foster, also Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, has said that the county’s investment in female cricket has been a huge success. He informed that Candacy Atkins was the first female to play for the West Indies; while Shemaine Campbelle, Tremayne Smartt, Erva Giddings, Subrina Munroe, Shabika Gajnabi and Sheneta Grimmond have followed in her footsteps.

Foster has urged these players to remain focused and humble, and to work harder every day to further improve their skills.

He warned them that sometimes making the team is easier than reserving a place in the team, which he said is more difficult as performance is what then counts.

He has, however, committed the BCB to assisting every female cricketer to fulfil her full potential on and off the cricket field.

Earlier in the proceedings, the BCB had handed over cricket gear to two Under-13 female players, Tricia Hardat and Darshie Subramanie. These debutants also each received a framed certificate, medals, trophies, souvenir anniversary cups and prizes.

Shabika Gajnabi

to increase youth participation in sports in the community. The next planned activity is a week-long football camp which would be held immediately after school athletics activities during this term.

The cricket camp was preceded by a basketball clinic held in August by Youth Basketball Guyana.

KKUSC and TMT Global Inc. hereby extend sincere thanks to Banks DIH Ltd and Double Deuce Snackette for their contribution towards the camp.

West Berbice cricket

A gentleman’s game, or the tarnishing of a game’s reputation?

C

ricket, known over time as the universal language, is a game that unites everyone. It is a game that has to be played with great respect and discipline on and off the field; and fairness in its adjudication is required at all times.

However, on the West Coast of Berbice, a cricket issue has been brewing which, if left uninvestigated, can have detrimental effects on the game.

In a match played between No.5 Cricket Club and their Cotton Tree counterparts, No.5 emerged victorious, but the results were protested because a particular player on that team was not from Berbice, but from Catherine in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, two minutes’ travel from the Abary Bridge that separates the counties of (West) Berbice and (East) Demerara.

In a sit-down with this publication, a source who desires to remain anonymous disclosed, “Several persons in this (#5WCB) club have played with us in Trinidad; namely Estraido, Nurse, Bailey and Bobb. The West Berbice Cricket Board is now asking for us to send a written request (if we want) to participate in Berbice competitions, after (holding) a meeting last night.

“It is quite unfair, as the Bush Lot (WCB) team consists of players from Fairfield (Mahaicony) and other clubs that are not part of Berbice, but yet these players still continue to play. However, (there are) persons playing with other clubs from two and five villages away from (mine), (playing) for the likes of Bush Lot, Paradise (WCB) etc.”

This source has opined that there is a certain level of bias being shown towards the No.5 Team, as there are on that team players who have played with that club for the past 3 years and no issue had ever arisen. However, come 2019, out of the blue, there is an issue barring certain players from the No.5 Team from playing in Berbice competitions.

This source is alleging that certain big-name players from Georgetown play for East Berbice teams; players such as Carmichael, Barrington, Barnwell and Jacobs -- all prominent Demerara players.

It is even alleged that teams have paid umpires to ‘sell’ matches, and even teams and players at times.

“Young Warriors CC and Blairmont CC (both from B/ce) have players leaving to go in town to play cricket. Why is that a problem?

In East Berbice, the BCB President only having a one-sided face on the current issue at hand, thus we are calling for a new president.

“This is what you get when you help players go to Trinidad & Barbados to play cricket from Guyana, and the BCB and (its) President react differently. It is made to look as if Guyanese who play cricket and live in Trinidad cannot come back home to help and give back to smaller clubs; and because you are two or three villages away from West Berbice, (over the) Abary Bridge, you can't play for a West Berbice team.” the source noted.

With such an issue now arising, it begs the question: What really is going in cricket on the West Coast of Berbice?

22

friday, september 27, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

CWI/GCB Kiddy Cricket to bowl off on October 15 …Kiddy Cricket handbook to be incorporated into schools’ curriculum Story and Photos by Jemima Holmes

I

n a matter of weeks, students from more than 215 primary schools across Guyana will have opportunity to display their cricketing skills when the Guyana Cricket Board/Cricket West Indies (GCB/CWI) 2019 Kiddy Cricket competition commences on October 14.

The launching of this tournament at an event hosted at the GCB office on Regent Road was also used to unveil the CWI Academic Handbooks, which cater to students and coaches and incorporate the basics of cricket into the core subjects that are taught in schools, namely Mathematics, English Language, Social Studies and Science.

Speaking on the upcoming Kiddy tournament, GCB treasurer Anand Kalladeen detail some of the physical aspects that the game can enhance in young children.

“The competition seeks to build on our past efforts and stimulate interest in the game among primary school students, while simultaneously helping them to develop their motor skills, flexibility, agility and

cardiovascular fitness,” Kalladeen said.

He took opportunity to praise the Education Ministry for jumping on board with circulation of the CWI Academic handbook, which it is expected would be used in schools.

“The GCB/CWI applaud the Ministry of Education for embracing the initiative to have cricket-related materials used in classrooms as a supplemental to their curriculum materials,” he declared.

On behalf of the Education Ministry, Allied Arts Administrator Lorraine Barker King spoke to the quality of the handbook, put together with effort from UNICEF, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and CWI. “It’s a good tool in the sense that we see the integration. That is, we have all the core subjects: maths, science and social studies, and these are being done through the medium of cricket. So children can see the whole progression, because we do not like to teach things in isolation. At least we are able to see everything coming out, so our children will be able to understand the core subjects and the game of cricket,” Barker-King ex-

T

he University of Guyana Cricket Team, UG Trojans, departed local shores this morning to participate in the 2nd Cyril Bonar Memorial T/20 Cricket Competition, to be held at the DR Snelle Park in Paramaribo, Suriname

GCB Treasurer Anand Kalladeen

als will be distributed to Guyanese schools, and will be used not only to teach the game, but also as an aid for the cricket aspect of the CSEC syllabus.

In preparation for the Kiddy Cricket tournament, 20 Kiddies kits were presented to the Allied Arts Department, while the schools which were present at the event received kits as well.

Hero CPL, iCare partner in recycling initiative

ꟷ for cricket in Suriname

By Timothy Jaikarran

plained.

Meanwhile, Child Care and Protection Agency’s Orette Francois applauded the GCB, CWI, and Education Ministry for creating a safe spec in which children can learn the sport.

“The CCPA applauds the Guyana Cricket Board, Cricket West Indies and their partners for their continued investment in youth, especially in seeking to ensure that cricket is taught to children in a manner that is free from abuse,” Francois said.

Like Ms. Barker-King, National Sports Commission’s Technical Development Officer Seon Erskine highlighted the quality of the handbook and challenged other sporting disciplines to emulate the production.

“As a living testimony of sport and what sport can do for your career, I’m saying these young ones are on the right part to developing, even if it’s just this one sport for now.

And we’re truly hoping that other sports would take on this role and try to have their discipline being engulfed into a package like this,” he urged.

Four hundred of these academic manu-

between September 27, 28 and 30.

Coach of the Trojans side, Kenroy Joseph, is optimistic about his side’s performance. The matches will be played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 09:30h to 19:00h daily, and admission is without charge.

Among the participating teams are defending champions Spartan CC out of Suriname; UG Trojans, Guyana Eagles CC, Satro CC, and Rising Stars CC, all out of Guyana.

The Trojans will have a score to settle with the defending champions Spartans, after making it all the way to the finals, only to suffer defeat at the hands of the Surinamese side. The new squad selected includes the likes of top-notch players such as Omesh Danram, who will lead the side; Ershad Alli, who will open the batting; Linden Austin, who is ever-consistent; and Devon Paul, a wizard with the ball, among other players.

Speaking with <<Guyana Times Sport>>, coach Kenroy Joseph said the side is focused and prepared mentally and the weather has been favourable, so the side has been able to have practice sessions, unlike what had obtained last year. He added that everyone has been briefed, thus everyone knows the role they have to play.

Many teams will contest the tournament, especially defending champions Spartans, which consists of national Guyanese and Surinamese players, one such player being Guyanese all-rounder Kellon Carmichael, who enjoyed three successful seasons in England playing county cricket.

Joseph believes Carmichael is the player to watch, as he possesses the potential to pose a threat, and the Spartans should also not be taken lightly.

The 14-man Trojans squad are: Omesh Danram(C), Devon Paul, Ershad Alli, Yakini Favourite, Nicholas Bollers, Akeem Methland, Dwayne Dodson, Godfrey Thakurdin, Wendell Parks, Mahendra Persaud, Dwain Dick and Linden Austin.

Omesh Danram will be captaining the Trojans

The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is partnering with the Environmental Management Authority’s (EMA) iCARE recycling initiative in a project to take effect at the semi-final and final games of this year’s CPL tournament, to be held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

At these games, which take place on October 10th and 12th, there will be recycling bins provided for patrons to responsibly dispose of their beverage containers (plastic and glass bottles, aluminum cans, drink cartons).

The Hero CPL takes seriously its responsibility to reduce the tournament’s environmental impact, and there is a big push at these games to make it effortless to responsibly dispose of recyclable beverage containers.

The EMA iCARE team will also be present at the games to give patrons advice on how they can help with Trinidad & Tobago’s recycling efforts once they return to their

homes and offices. They will also inform as many people as possible about the benefits and positive impact of recycling.

Pete Russell, COO of the Hero CPL, has said: “We want to make sure that we are doing all we can, as a tournament, to ensure that the waste generated at our games is recycled, and we warmly welcome the EMA’s iCARE project to these matches at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The efforts that the EMA are putting into both education on recycling and to make it as easy as possible for people to do so are so important.”

Hayden Romano, EMA’s Managing Director, has endorsed the partnership with CPL. He adds that: “The EMA focuses on fostering responsible environmental behaviours through impetus and infrastructure. The Authority continues to encourage all citizens and organizations to implement sustainable consumption and production practices at their offices and homes. Join us as we do our part to confront the impacts of climate change.”

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, september 27, 2019

CPL 2019…

23

Duminy, Walsh star as Tridents decimate TKR

A

truly sensational display of sustained hitting from JP Duminy and a ridiculously good bowling effort from Hayden Walsh Jr allowed Barbados Tridents to

Riders came up well short in their pursuit of the Tridents’ 192/5.

The Tridents had been given a solid platform by openers Johnson Charles and

Celebration time for Holder and his Tridents team Johnson Charles and Jonathan Carter scored half-centuries

finally end their eight-match losing home run in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in fine style: a 63-run defeat of defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR).

Duminy scored the fastest ever Hero CPL half-century, before Walsh Jr took three wickets in four balls on his way to the first five-wicket haul of the season, as the Knight

Jonathan Carter, both men passing 50 in a first-wicket stand worth 110, but they took almost 14 overs to get those runs, and when both openers and then Alex Hales all fell in quick succession, the Tridents innings appeared to be falling apart.

But Duminy had other ideas. He blasted his way to 65 from just 20 balls – his 50

coming up in a Hero CPL record of just 15 – to propel his team to a winning total.

Perhaps the most astonishing element of Duminy’s innings is that he had only 3 to his name after the first five balls he faced.

From that moment he faced 15 further deliveries.

The 15th dismissed him. The second was bunted down the ground for a scampered two.

The final balls of the 18th and

Player of the Match JP Duminy was explosive for Tridents during the fastest CPL fifty

Fruta Conquerors dismember Buxton Stars in 8-1 thriller Story

T

and

Photos

by

Jemima Holmes

he youthful Fruta Conquerors’ Under-20 football team last evening thrashed Buxton Stars FC as they romped to their third win in the Limacol Football tournament.

They now join Santos FC Under-20 as the only teams to secure full points during the round robin stage of this tournament.

Having already been in position to comfortably advance to the quarterfinal stage, this Under-20 outfit refused to spare the Buxton Stars, instead executing a complete onslaught at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Initially, the East Coast Buxton Stars were able to match strides with the Georgetown outfit; but after 20 minutes of play, it was clear that Fruta Conquerors had the Buxton Stars in the cross-hairs of their gun turrets, and it was only a matter of time before the lambs were slaughtered to satisfy the wolves.

The first Fruta goal came in the 29th minute and off the boots of Ryan Hackett. Thereafter, captain Nicholas Mc Arthur

fired his shot in the 35th minute, and just before the half ended, Mc Arthur again found the back of the net for a 3-0 score.

Not content with the spoils, the Under-20 team added five more goals to their total in the second segment as they went on a blitzkrieg. Hackett netted his second goal four minutes into the half, and then came a short break in Fruta’s scoring.

A penalty was awarded to Buxton Stars, making way for their consolation goal, which was taken cleanly by Jumali Major. But with the scores at 4-1, Wayne Baker netted back-to-back goals in two successive minutes (73rd, 74th), and Diarra Thomas later

Hayden Walsh picked the first five-wicket haul this season in CPL (CPL/Getty Images)

started his own contribution to the Tridents’ success, as he bowled Denesh Ramdin for 11 from 14 balls.

Pollard, Neesham and Seekkuge all fell in his second over, to leave the Knight Riders reeling at 83/7 and out of the contest, while Walsh Jr had the amazing figures of 2-0-4-4.

Darren Bravo took a four and a six off the leg-spinner to slightly dent those figures, but Walsh Jr was not to be denied for long. He teased Bravo into a miscue outside off-stump to secure his fifth wicket and spark wild celebrations around the Kensington Oval.

For all Walsh Jr’s brilliance, it was still fitting that the final word should go to Duminy, and sure enough, he finished off a remarkable night’s work by dismissing Khary Pierre and Ali Khan to wrap up a thumping win that lifts the Tridents above St Lucia Zouks into the final playoff spot.

The Knight Riders remain second, despite having now gone three matches without a victory, after winning their first four.(CPL)

SCOREBOARD

A glimpse of the action in the Fruta Conquerors vs Buxton Stars match

The encounter between GT Panthers and Pouderoyen was a hardfought battle

19th overs w e r e deliberately knocked away for singles to retain the strike.

The other 11 were sent to or over the boundary.

There weren’t many mishits in there: short balls, full balls, slower balls all got the same treatment. The seven sixes all cleared the boundary with something to spare.

Ali Khan’s third over went for 24 – his three-over spell c o s t him 51 in all; James Neesham’s only over cost 25.

In all, 76 came from the last five overs of the innings as the innings was brought dramatically back to life after the disappointment of the three quick wickets.

Carter’s half-century, his first in the Hero CPL, will certainly not live as long in the memory as Duminy’s; but having been promoted up the order, with his 46ball 51 he did the job asked of him in providing a base from which his team-mates could launch.

Charles was more fluent in his 58 from 39, striking the ball crisply and collecting eight fours.

But ultimately, this was an innings about one man, even if he was only actually batting for around a quarter of it.

And he wasn’t finished.

The Knight Riders had made a lightning start to their chase of 193 for victory, despite losing openers Lendl Simmons and Sunil Narine to Harry Gurney and Jason Holder respectively.

Colin Munro had flown to 23 from 12 when a rare miscue sent the ball high into the sky, but over the backpedalling Holder at mid-off. While everyone else watched to see

whether Holder could get back for a catch, Duminy screeched fully 40 yards around the boundary edge before diving and coming up with the ball to complete a stunning catch.

Walsh Jr then

added his name to the score sheet in the 84th, even as Captain Mc Arthur returned three minutes before the final whistle blew to complete his hat trick and seal the 8-1 victory.

The first encounter of the night had seen GT Panthers securing their second win of the tournament by needling a hapless Pouderoyen side.

Vincent Thomas found the back of the net early for GT Panthers, giving them the advantage in the 13th minute.

Thereafter, Pouderoyen struggled to find the back of the net in order to equalize, but the game ended at 1-0 in GT Panther’s favour, giving them the green light into the quarterfinals.

The New GPC-sponsored Limacol action will continue tomorrow evening at the same venue with Timehri Panthers taking on Black Pearl at 19:00hrs and Riddim Squad going headon in a collision with Beacons FC at 21:00hrs.

The winners of the fourth edition of this tournament will receive $400,000, while second-place pockets $200,000. Third and fourth places will walk away with $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

Tridents Innings J Charles † c Pollard b Pierre 58 JL Carter c Munro b Narine 51 JP Duminy c Narine b Pollard 65 AD Hales c Munro b Pierre 1 AR Nurse not out 5 JO Holder (c) c Pierre b Pollard 0 RA Reifer not out 6 Extras 6 (w 6) TOTAL 192/5 (20 Overs, RR: 9.6) Did not bat: JP Greaves, RS Primus, HR Walsh, HF Gurney Fall of wickets: 1-110 (Jonathan Carter, 13.5 ov), 2-113 (Johnson Charles, 14.1 ov), 3-116 (Alex Hales, 14.6 ov), 4-184 (JeanPaul Duminy, 19.2 ov), 5-185 (Jason Holder, 19.3 ov) BOWLING O M R W K Pierre 4 0 24 2 Ali Khan 3 0 51 0 A Phillip 1 0 6 0 SP Narine 4 1 19 1 S Prasanna 3 0 29 0 KA Pollard 4 0 38 2 JDS Neesham 1 0 25 0 TKR Innings SP Narine b Holder 19 LMP Simmons c Walsh b Gurney

11 C Munro c Duminy b Reifer 23 D Ramdin † b Walsh 11 DM Bravo c sub (LS Boucher) b Walsh 28 KA Pollard (c) c Holder b Walsh 3 JDS Neesham c Nurse b Walsh 0 S Prasanna c Hales b Walsh 0 K Pierre c & b Duminy 5 A Phillip not out 1 Ali Khan not out 8 Extras 20 (b 8, lb 2, w 10) TOTAL 129/9 (17.2 Overs, RR: 7.37) Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Sunil Narine, 2.1 ov), 2-44 (Lendl Simmons, 3.3 ov), 3-69 (Colin Munro, 6.5 ov), 4-75 (Denesh Ramdin, 8.3 ov), 5-82 (Kieron Pollard, 10.2 ov), 6-82 (James Neesham, 10.3 ov), 7-82 (Seekkuge Prasanna, 10.5 ov), 8-113 (Darren Bravo, 14.4 ov), 9-116 (Khary Pierre, 15.4 ov) BOWLING O M R W JO Holder 4 0 38 1 RS Primus 1 0 13 0 HF Gurney 3 0 16 1 JP Duminy 2.3 0 24 1 RA Reifer 3 0 9 1 HR Walsh 4 0 19 5

friday, september 27, 2019

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

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Page 23

CPL 2019…

Fruta Conquerors dismember Buxton Stars in 8-1 thriller

Duminy, Walsh star as Tridents decimate TKR

Page 23

CWI/GCB Kiddy Cricket to bowl off on October 15 …Kiddy Cricket handbook to be incorporated into schools’ curriculum

Page 22

Several students who preparing for the Kiddy Cricket competition take a photo opportunity with GCB’s Anand Sanasie, Anand Kalladeen, Allied Arts’ Larraine Barker-King and others

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